Stories

Second Wave - MichiganEconomic Development

Michigan Communities Tackle Housing Crisis with Zoning Reform and Collaboration

Jaishree DrepaulWednesday, August 27, 2025
Outdated zoning ordinances can limit housing development. However, the efforts of community organizations to make zoning more inclusive, and recent legislative initiatives aimed at increasing housing density and diversity, could be a gamechanger.
Feature Story MPMS WEB Program Epicenter - Mount PleasantKids and Education

WEB builds confidence in middle school as students support students

Courtney JeromeWednesday, August 27, 2025
Starting middle school can be intimidating, but Mt. Pleasant Middle School’s “Where Everybody Belongs” (WEB) program helps ease the transition. With 45 eighth graders serving as mentors for 242 new sixth graders, WEB fosters confidence, belonging, and leadership.
Feature Story downtownhoughton UPword - UPArts and Culture

Celebrating the U.P. on 906 Day

Paula McCambridgeWednesday, August 27, 2025
The annual celebration of all things U.P. occurs on Sept. 6, a nod to the region's distinctive area code. 906 Day celebrates the U.P.'s cherished way of life, close-knit communities, natural beauty and more. 
Longform Uproot Market & Eatery Southwest MichiganEntrepreneurship

From seed to storefront: Battle Creek's first food co-op to open in September

Jane ParikhWednesday, August 27, 2025
Uproot Market and Eatery, Battle Creek’s first community-owned food co-op, is set to open this fall, aiming to provide fresh, local, and affordable food to underserved neighborhoods while fostering community ownership and food equity.
Longform STOCKBRIDGE HOUSING PLANS A WAY HOME Southwest MichiganBuilding Communities

City of Kalamazoo unveils possibilities for housing development in Edison neighborhood

Mark WedelWednesday, August 27, 2025
The City of Kalamazoo has put together conceptual plans that would encourage143 to 200 homes on the nearly 15-acre lot that was once home to the former Health and Human Services building. Soon, the Edison Neighborhood will be weighing in on the idea.
Feature Story Sanilac County CMH CEO Wilbert Morris presents iPad to Sanilac County Sheriff Paul Rich UPword - UPHealthy Communities

Meeting rural Michiganders' mental health care needs

Estelle SlootmakerWednesday, August 27, 2025
Michigan’s rural residents face different challenges when accessing mental health care than residents of urban areas. Transportation issues, loneliness, and limited group therapy options can compound their mental health needs. To address these challenges, community mental health (CMH) agencies innovate community-based solutions that meet their populations where they are at.   
UPword - UP

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians has committed $200,000 to Rx Kids

Brice BurgeWednesday, August 27, 2025
“The Sault Tribe is proud to stand behind the Rx Kids program because it provides real, immediate relief for families when they need it most,” said Austin Lowes, who is chairman of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
UPword - UP

Lac Vieux Desert Band Continues Economic Development Momentum in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Source: Tribal Business News
UPword - UP

Michigan Tech opens new residence hall to address campus housing demand

Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Source: myupnow.com
Feature Story KENA Southwest MichiganCommunity Development

Meet the man who wants to make Kalamazoo's Eastside thrive — for everyone

Al JonesWednesday, August 27, 2025
With a bold vision for housing rehab, local business revival, and food access, Arturo Puckerin is leading a grassroots movement to restore and revitalize Kalamazoo’s Eastside. As new director of the Kalamazoo Eastside Neighborhood Association, he's turning vacant lots into opportunity and making sure long-time residents aren’t left behind as the city grows.
Feature Story Wildlife Rehabilitator Southwest MichiganSustainability

Answering the cry: A Kalamazoo rehabilitator’s journey of love, loss, and saving wildlife

Mike WenningerTuesday, August 26, 2025
“We need to start thinking of wildlife, particularly urban wildlife, as native, indigenous to the land that we developed.  As such, we need to learn how to coexist in a way that we don’t feel like they’re encroaching on us, but rather that we’re encroaching on their habitat."
Feature Story Bronson Battle Creek Hospital Southwest MichiganHealthy Communities

Delivering change: Bronson Battle Creek Hospital slashes C-Section rates for safer births

Jane ParikhTuesday, August 26, 2025
Bronson Battle Creek Hospital has been recognized for significantly reducing its cesarean section rate—placing it among Michigan’s top hospitals—through targeted initiatives aimed at improving maternal care and addressing health disparities.
Feature Story Matthew Verley drops off his son Lil' Matt at child care. Second Wave - MichiganKids and Education

Access to affordable, reliable child care as vital for dads as moms

Estelle SlootmakerTuesday, August 26, 2025
People often think of child care as a women's or a mother's issue. However, access to affordable, reliable, high quality child care equally benefits fathers. 
Feature Story Michigan single moms scaled Pikes Peak with I Climb For Her—a symbol of resilience and rising together, step by step. The LakeshoreHealthy Communities

Holland single moms conquer Colorado peak, finding strength through community

Shandra MartinezMonday, August 25, 2025
Michigan single mothers scaled Pikes Peak, proving their resilience. The “I Climb For Her” expedition symbolizes overcoming challenges together, step by step.
Feature Story Among events taking place on Labor Day (Sept. 1) throughout the Lakeshore are the White Lake Community Walk (pictured), bridge walks in Grand Haven and Saugatuck-Douglas, and a truck parade from Zeeland to Holland. The LakeshoreArts and Culture

September things to do: Labor Day events, car shows, an international fest, and a kiteboarding event

Melody WilsonMonday, August 25, 2025
From a historic Civil War battle reenactment to a Hispanic Heritage Festival, there’s something for everyone this month, no matter where you live along the Lakeshore. 
Feature Story R. Aimee Chipman, owner of Bluestocking Bookshop, envisions it as more than just a bookstore. The LakeshoreEntrepreneurship

Bluestocking Bookshop expands with inclusive space for community growth

Shandra MartinezMonday, August 25, 2025
The independent, LGBTQIA+ and woman-owned Bluestocking Bookshop in Holland reopens with a larger, accessible space designed for connection.
Feature Story Pictured from left to right: Saugatuck Township Treasurer Jon Helmrich, Saugatuck Township Trustee Brenda Marcy, Saugatuck Township Manager Daniel DeFranco, and Maryjo Lemanski, founder of the Saugatuck Douglas Fennville Arts Initiative. The LakeshoreArts and Culture

Saugatuck Township’s first public art seen as ‘start of something bigger’

The Lakeshore StaffMonday, August 25, 2025
A bold new sculpture in Saugatuck Township blends safety, art, and vision, marking the community’s commitment to beauty and innovation.
Development News Nikki Storey, right, is stepping down as president of the Marine Trades Institute. UPword - UP

Marine Trades Institue welcomes new leadership

UPword StaffSunday, August 24, 2025
"Nikki has been the driving force behind the school's success. Her vision and energy have shaped the institute into what it is today -- a thriving center for workforce development," said Joseph D. Reid, chairman of the board of the Marine Trades Institute.
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