Stories

Feature Story The marina site on the Belle River in Marine City is highlighted in red.

New marina in Marine City aims to boost tourism and downtown economy

The result of a multi-year collaborative effort with more developments still on the horizon, Marine City’s new marina is working to boost tourism in the coastal community.

Feature Story Bell Telephone building incorporated Dutch architectural influences some 65 years after Holland was settled by Dutch immigrants.

Housing America — housing styles that stand the test of time

Some places in the world have a singular residential architecture style, but Holland is home to a variety of design. Former city planner Dale Wyngarden explores the different styles and their history here.

Feature Story The cuteness factor prompted one couple to purchase a calf.

Cow cuddling? It's a thing at this northern Michigan dairy farm

Looking to earn money while waiting for permits to sell their food products, Jackie and Henk De Vor opened up their northern Michigan farm to a Dutch wellness practice called koe knuffelen, which translates to cow cuddling. Customers can cuddle with the cows during designated times during the week. 

Feature Story Courtesy of Dan King, Hastings Community Development director

Hastings spruces up its downtown

Hastings, a small city in southwestern Michigan, is sprucing up its downtown. The city has begun a $3 million Downtown Streetscape Project, which will improve streets and sidewalks and add a host of amenities, including new lights, outside dining areas, new flower beds, new flower pots, and hanging baskets.

Feature Story Harrison is a city of more than 2,000 residents in Clare County.

Redevelopment Ready: Harrison and AlleganBoth communities hope hotel projects spur development

Communities across Michigan are tapping a state toolkit to help them create a streamlined approach to development and a clear vision for their future. The Michigan Municipal League is helping, preparing communities like Harrison and Allegan for development projects.

Feature Story Inside the restaurant, the Negaunee Bazaar offers merchandise and imported delicacies.

Buono! Strega Nonna's Italian fare enchants diners in Negaunee

With a love for snow and affection for her hometown, 34-year-old Rachael Grossman returned to her roots to open an Italian bar -- Strega Nonna. She's winning over foodies and visitors with her authentic cuisine and also creating a destination in Negaunee's downtown.

Feature Story Sharnese Marshall (top row, center), CEO of The Konnection, with Durfee Elementary-Middle School Konnection Klub members

Fighting school absenteeism in Detroit with resources, relationship building and experiencesQ&A with Sharnese Marshall: Nonprofit Journal Project

Some students in Detroit are struggling in school due to high absenteeism and a lack of basic necessities and school resources. The Konnection is bridging the gap so students can achieve academic success.

Longform Youth Climate Strike

Voices of Youth: Kalamazoo students wage Climate Strike to demand end of fossil fuel use

Kalamazoo students waged a Youth Climate Strike to end the use of fossil fuels on Friday, Sept. 15 with nearly 150 youth and concerned adults attending the protest. The protest was organized by Ardea Youth Climate Action Coalition to express their frustration with the current powers-that-be and their inability to take decisive action.

Feature Story Bewitching Peddlers

Bewitching Peddlers to cast their art spell in Calhoun County

A group of artists from around the country take their Halloween art as seriously as the collectors who travel far and wide to purchase it. A Battle Creek Halloween artist, the creator of coveted dolls, has organized the highly-curated Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween show for those who seek unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Development News “While significant, this is only a part of the support we provide through our renewable energy program and additional projects are on the way,” says U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins.

Michigan agricultural producers, rural small businesses win $2.1M in renewable energy grants

“While significant, this is only a part of the support we provide through our renewable energy program and additional projects are on the way,” says U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins.

Development News Warmbier Christmas list

Santa Claus has already come to town for two Bay County businesses

Warmbier Farms and Begick Nursery & Garden Center give the gift of holiday décor to the community every year, transforming their businesses into something merry and bright. 

Development News A nearly century-old butcher block from the now-shuttered Michigan Maple Block Company in Petoskey.

Workforce housing development gets funding support in Petoskey, with perhaps more to come

The announced redevelopment of a Petoskey industrial site into more than 200 units of affordable workforce housing was one of several projects to receive brownfield redevelopment funding from EGLE in these past several weeks.

Keweenaw Plaidurday aims to beat 2019 Ontario Record

Time to wear your plaid. Visit Keweenaw aims to break the world record for the most people in a Plaidurday photo. Yes, it's a real thing. Plaidurday has been around since 2011 and occurs on the first Friday in October.

Longform Michael Williams, president and CEO of Orchards Children's Services, a child and family services agency with locations in Genesee, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.

Michigan's foster children face mental health challenges – but these agencies set them up to succeed

All foster children experience some form of trauma, but Michigan's child and family service agencies are working to provide the mental health services foster kids desperately need.

Development News falllist

Isabella County fall activities bring fun for the whole family this season

Isabella County has plenty to offer this fall season, with events catering to the spooky and the sweet. From autumn art shows and flavorful fall food, to Halloween events for the whole family, there’s a lot for you to explore this season. For more information on these fall events in Mt. Pleasant and the surrounding area by clicking here.

Development News The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Midland Center for the Arts fall season offers entertainment and education for all ages

 Midland Center for the Arts is kicking off fall programming with educational and entertaining options for all ages. Symphony performances, concerts, community theatre, science, education, art workshops, and more are included in the lineup.