Stories

Feature Story Oak Park Event Hub Group

Oak Park is reaching new heights with event hub construction

Oak Park officials recently broke ground on a community event hub. The new facility, part of a parks and recreation plan dubbed Elevate Oak Park, is slated to include a band shell, a farmers' market space, a commercial kitchen, and room for year-round events.

Partner Content Marysville Fire Department.

Marysville Community Fund celebrates 10 years of impact

The Marysville Community Fund is celebrating 10 years of community impact this year with another round of grants available to Marysville nonprofits and organizations.

Feature Story The 2024 Ann Arbor Art Fair.

Culinary art gallery, kids' art collecting club among new attractions at 2025 Ann Arbor Art Fair

The Ann Arbor Art Fair, returning July 17-19, will span 30 downtown blocks with nearly 1,000 artists and new interactive experiences for all ages.

Feature Story bearcreekcherries

Innovative farming: Bear Creek Organic Farm promotes sustainable, local agriculture

The name says it all: Bear Creek Organic Farm. Located outside Petoskey, Bear Creek Organic Farm roots its purpose in connecting environmental stewardship and community by delivering the purest products possible from farm to table.

Feature Story compostcenter

TC entrepreneur converts trash to treasure, a bucket at a time

A grant to empower women entrepreneurs will enable Carter's Compost, a unique composting operation in Traverse City, to upgrade its operations and improve educational materials and community outreach.

In The News Jeopardy Alma College

Answer: This Alma grad is about to be on “Jeopardy!”

Pete Johnston, an Alma native and 2007 Alma College graduate, is set to appear on the iconic quiz show Jeopardy! on Tuesday, July 15. Inspired by years of family trivia nights, a high school Quiz Bowl run, and Alma College’s liberal arts approach, Johnston shares what it felt like to stand on stage—and how host, Ken Jennings, helped calm the nerves.

In The News Pride 2025

Hundreds Gather in Saginaw for Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival

Great Lakes Bay Pride marked the finale of a month-long effort to create space, share stories, and support LGBTQ+ individuals across the region.

Development News bikes

Hancock pursues new bike park and trailhead

“The end result of this project will tie together and showcase the existing park amenities of the Hancock Beach and Campground with an expanse of outdoor space available for trail-based recreation and ecotourism, thus creating a sustainable recreation asset for both locals and visitors to enjoy," said Ian Helman, Hancock Trails Club board member.

Feature Story Scott Holzinger

A new chapter for Midland County: Sheriff Scott Holzinger leads with heart and vision

Midland County’s new Sheriff Scott Holzinger emphasizes integrity, community-focused leadership, staff wellness, youth outreach, and honoring his family legacy while strengthening county ties and resources.

Feature Story A couple stands in the dining area of a staged CLT home at 2080 Union, highlighting the space.

Dwelling Place expands affordable homeownership through Community Land Trust

Dwelling Place’s Community Land Trust program creates lasting affordable homeownership opportunities across West Michigan for working families and single-income households.

Feature Story A new grant program in Muskegon Heights is helping commercial property owners upgrade storefronts and revitalize the city’s core.

Facade grant program launches to boost Muskegon Heights downtown renewal

New grant supports storefront upgrades in Muskegon Heights’ core, encouraging private investment alongside public revitalization efforts.

Development News Ferndale bikelanes on Livernois could soon connect with the Nine Mile Road Greenway Corridor project.

Multi-city Nine Mile Road greenway among 11 transportation projects to win TAP grants

"These 11 projects show both the need our region has for high-quality, well-maintained walking and biking infrastructure as well as the commitment our communities have to ensuring quality of life for residents and visitors," says Amy O'Leary, executive director of SEMCOG.

Development News The historic 1887 home of John and Margaret Ruby in Sterling Heights.

Property values keep rising in Sterling Heights and especially in these two categories

“There are many factors that go into strong property values like market conditions and economy, but quality of life is key, and that’s where Sterling Heights stands out among other communities,” says Mayor Michael C. Taylor.

Feature Story Tommy Prine.

Tommy Prine, son of folk legend John Prine, to perform in Ann Arbor

We chatted with Prine about his new EP, the big and small ways his life changed since his first album was released in 2023, and how his understanding of his late father has deepened as his own musical career has progressed.

Longform Chocolate Croissants at B-Cubed Bakery.

3 Ypsi bakeries have opened in the past 2 years, and owners see "room for all of us to thrive"

Three new locally-owned bakeries have opened recently in Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, all emphasizing local ingredients, community involvement, and networking with other small business owners.

Longform Kick Back & Breathe

Kick Back and Breathe series brings fresh air and urgency to Kalamazoo’s air quality conversation

“Kick Back and Breathe,” a free monthly event by the Institute of Public Scholarship, explores how air pollution impacts Black and Brown communities. Using data from local air monitors, the series empowers residents to understand their air and push for cleaner, healthier neighborhoods.