Stories

Feature Story Dillon Barr works with students in a classroom, teaching them about how to find to find their path. The Keel - Port HuronArts and Culture

Port Huron author turns imagination into reality

Riley ConnellFriday, April 26, 2024
Dillon Barr, a Port Huron-based author, uses his passion for comic books to inspire imagination in kids worldwide.  
Feature Story On the right, Bill Bundy at the old Colony Bar in Port Huron between 1958 - 1961. On the left, Bill Bundy rehearsing at the Port Huron Senior Center for the talent show in February 2024. The Keel - Port HuronArts and Culture

The music goes on for Bill Bundy

John LuskThursday, April 25, 2024
Member of the Port Huron Senior Center, Bill Bundy has played guitar in the Blue Water area since he was 15. 
Longform Rev. Monique French Southwest MichiganCommunity Development

Battle Creek's Washington Heights reaching new heights with affordable housing stock

Jane ParikhThursday, April 25, 2024
“We have demonstrated that we’ll do what we say we’re going to do. Some of the barriers we’ve had to overcome we’ve looked at as opportunities. These new homes will be an opportunity for residents to create generational wealth and go from renter-ship to homeownership.”
Feature Story Gilmore Southwest MichiganArts and Culture

Review: Opening night at The Gilmore an edge-of-the-seat, genre-hopping, triple ovation-al affair

Mark WedelThursday, April 25, 2024
Formerly an arts and culture reviewer for a daily newspaper, SW Second Wave's Mark Wedel revisits his roots to take in The Gilmore International Piano Festival's opening night — a magical 'amusement park ride' that was 'full of surprises.'
Feature Story African Community Kalamazoo Southwest MichiganCommunity Development

Faith communities and others help refugees feel at home in Kalamazoo

Zinta AistarsThursday, April 25, 2024
"We are praying to open an African restaurant, plant a garden, open a barber shop," says Pastor Johsua Kibezi, director of the African Community Kalamazoo. "Our future goal is to offer 55 jobs for refugees. I cannot give up on this work or my people will suffer. In my heart, I know I must help.”
Feature Story Robin Beasley Southwest MichiganKids and Education

BC's Early Childhood Education poised to flourish — and save a church at the same time

Jane ParikhThursday, April 25, 2024
“The preschool is one of the most important and vital options at the church. It has a waiting list that continues to expand. One possible future option is that Garden of Dreams would expand to occupy more of our building or an additional childcare center could come in here.”
Feature Story groundedrv Rural Innovation ExchangeTechnology and Innovation

Keep an eye on these outdoor rec startups

Jennifer Donovan | RIX StaffThursday, April 25, 2024
Outdoor recreation is big business -- in Michigan and across the country. And advances in technology and good old ingenuity are changing the landscape of outdoor recreation. Check out these startups and see if you don't want to get back outdoors and explore nature. 
Feature Story Nicole Lee Southwest MichiganArts and Culture

Imagine Art N Lee provides creative space for budding and experienced artists at Crossroads Mall

Maya JamesThursday, April 25, 2024
"It won't paint itself, Love," reads a mural at Imagine Art N Lee, a fully stocked art experience and retail space at Crossroads Mall. Owner Nicole Lee, passionate about art, healing, and social justice, envisioned a nurturing, creative space welcoming to all.
Feature Story Financial Literacy Southwest MichiganKids and Education

Voices of Youth: Financial literacy required for Michigan students by 2028Olivet students get early start

Sophia PellThursday, April 25, 2024
Student debt, living expenses, credit card interest. Many students graduate from high school with little or no financial understanding. By 2028, all Michigan high schoolers will be required to take a financial literacy course. Ahead of the pack, Olivet High School plans to implement the requirement next year.
Longform Metric Marketing founder and CEO Hannah McNaughton. Rural Innovation Exchange

Positive culture helps Saline marketing firm climb Inc. list of fastest-growing Midwest companies

Sarah RiggThursday, April 25, 2024
Metric Marketing has grown from a one-woman company to have a staff of about 40, and it's doubled revenue nearly every year since it launched. Here's how it happened.
Rural Innovation Exchange

Annual Small Town and Rural Development Conference is next week in Thompsonville

RIX StaffThursday, April 25, 2024
The annual Small Town and Rural Development Conference takes place April 29-May 1 at the Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville.
Development News Downtown Rogers City. “Murals on Main will be an incredible source of inspiration and beauty in Rogers City,” says MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz. Rural Innovation ExchangeArts and Culture

Inspired by Jackson's success, Rogers City looks to create downtown mural festival

MJ GalbraithThursday, April 25, 2024
“Murals on Main will be an incredible source of inspiration and beauty in Rogers City,” says MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz.
Development News A nearly century-old butcher block from the now-shuttered Michigan Maple Block Company in Petoskey. Rural Innovation ExchangeCommunity Development

Redevelopment of Petoskey's historic Michigan Maple Block building gets financial boost from state

MJ GalbraithThursday, April 25, 2024
“This project converts a vacant, blighted industrial site along the Bear River to much needed housing for Petoskey and Emmet County," says Petoskey City Manager Shane Horn.
Rural Innovation Exchange

Amazon is coming to townInside the e-commerce giant's arrival in Gaylord

Thursday, April 25, 2024
Source: The Northern Express
Rural Innovation Exchange

‘Rural Folks Are Anti-Environmentalism’ and Other Lies

Thursday, April 25, 2024
Source: The Daily Yonder
Feature Story Inside one of the greenhouses at Griskie Farms Rural Innovation Exchange

Griskie Farms continuing the small farm legacy in challenging times

Leslie CieplechowiczThursday, April 25, 2024
Being a farmer isn't easy. Laura Rzanca of Griskie Farms explains the history behind the family business and the challenges of being a farmer today. 
Feature Story Entering its second summer of construction, downtown Zeeland is working with customers and shop owners to make sure downtown shopping and dining is still "The Main Thing." Rural Innovation Exchange

Supporting local businesses — even during construction — is the Main Thing in Zeeland

Andrea GoodellThursday, April 25, 2024
Zeeland is encouraging customers to make continuing to support their favorite downtown businesses during construction "The Main Thing" with an awareness campaign that highlights how to navigate construction and why it's important.
Feature Story housingconstruction Rural Innovation ExchangeEconomic Development

First-ever rural-focused Real Estate Development Boot Camp aimed at emerging housing developers

Rosemary ParkerThursday, April 25, 2024
Looking to encourage emerging developers to build new housing in the state's rural communities, the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan is launching its first-ever Real Estate Development Boot Camp.
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