Stories

Feature Story Herrick District Library’s next Maker-in-Residence will be civic engagement artist Sara Alsum-Wassenaar.

New maker creating geodomes at Herrick District Library

Herrick District Library's next Maker-in-Residence Sara Alsum-Wassenaar, who considers herself a “hacker-designer” as well as an artist, will be crafting a 3D model of a joint for geodesic domes that will be available for anyone to 3D print at the library.

Feature Story The Warm Friend shown in 1968.

The Warm Friend Tavern — 300 years in the making and the man who built it

Former Holland City Manager Terry Hoffmeyer remembers The Warm Friend before it was The Warm Friend.  

Feature Story Gregory Hall reaquired his beloved Virture Cider and is returning the brand to its independent roots.

Virtue Cider’s Next Chapter: Gregory Hall brings the brand back to Allegan County roots

Virtue Cider founder Gregory Hall reacquired the Fennville brand, blending old-world techniques with local heritage to craft sustainable, creative ciders.

Feature Story “Friendsgiving dinner” with a group of teen participants in One Michigan’s CALM program

‘Our kids are very stressed’: Program boosts immigrant youth mental healthNonprofit Journal Project

The threat of losing relatives to deportation compounds mental health stresses for immigrant teens. A youth-designed program uses conversation and community to help.

Feature Story Janelle Smith (seated) and Kate Litwin

Cross-sector partnerships key to prosperity in downtown HowellNonprofit Journal Project Feature

A bustling downtown Howell – including a fanciful outdoor play space – has been built from strong partnerships.  

Feature Story New Port Huron Mayor Anita Ashford.

Port Huron makes history with election of first African-American mayor, Anita R. Ashford

Anita Ashford reflects on her journey from community volunteer to historic mayor, vowing to continue her legacy of service and leadership in Port Huron.

Feature Story Urban Paws Pet Spa offers specialized grooming care for all pets.

Pets get pampered at Urban Paws Pet Spa

Jenny Wagar, owner of Urban Paws Pet Spa in Marysville, has created a one-of-a-kind, stress-free environment for pets' grooming and spa experiences. The facility features specialized equipment and dedicated one-on-one care throughout the process.

Partner Content Patti Manley.

Disaster Response Fund Reaches $100,000

A new year-end gift from a donor-advised fund has pushed the Disaster Response Fund for St. Clair County to the $100,000 level. The Community Foundation of St. Clair County launched the fund a year ago in response to growing natural and man-made disasters around the country.

Feature Story Healthy House for Women

Beyond the Headlines in 2024: Journalists reflect on stories that impacted them

A look back at the stories of 2024 through the eyes of your Southwest Michigan Second Wave writers.

Feature Story Women's Giving Group

Women in Albion and Marshall make an impact through collective giving groups

Collective giving groups, especially among women, continue to rise in popularity. We introduce you to two such Southwest Michigan groups to find out how they were formed and why they are thriving.

Feature Story Dreamers Ball

Dreamers Ball in Battle Creek celebrates MLK's legacy while building for the futureAnd BIPOC Battle Creek Endowment Collaborative pilot launches

“MLK Day is probably one of the most celebrated holidays among those who are into any form of justice and in our community. We have not always had a communitywide celebration of Dr. King and so we felt it was good to leverage the unity around the ideas of Dr. King to host our event in the form of a Dreamers Ball to remember his vision."

Feature Story Tom Daldin and Jim Edelman are the long-time hosts of Under the Radar Michigan, airing on PBS.

The duo behind Under the Radar Michigan

For more than a decade, the duo of Tom and Jim have been traveling Michigan, sharing the stories of people and places -- the hidden gems of the Great Lakes State.

Feature Story Camille's Prime List

January 2025 events and happenings in Mt. Pleasant

January in central Michigan offers a variety of community events and experiences, from creative workshops and family activities to opportunities for reflection and celebration. Highlights include a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. peace march, CMU basketball, a birding presentation, and a five-course comfort food and wine pairing dinner.

Feature Story MMI community living support staff member Nick Wojciechowski.

Nick Wojciechowski is building community and breaking barriers at MMI

Nick Wojciechowski, a community living support staff member at Mid-Michigan Industries (MMI), has spent over a decade empowering individuals with diverse needs in central Michigan. Known for his patience, kindness, and dedication, Wojciechowski helps his clients integrate into the community through activities, skill-building, and companionship. His story reflects MMI’s mission of fostering connection, breaking barriers, and embracing abilities to create a more inclusive world.

In The News MyMichigan Alma

High marks for maternity: MyMichigan Alma earns national recognition

MyMichigan Medical Center Alma has earned the prestigious 2025 High Performing hospital designation for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report, recognizing its quality and safety for mothers and newborns.

Innovation News Sandy Temple

Passion, care, and community: Meet Sandy Temple

At Riverside Place, Sandy Temple’s passion for people shines through in a caring community that offers seniors support, activities, and connection.

Innovation News The City Forest chalet is a warm place to gather on a winter day.

Midland’s winter escapes: Beat the January Blues with outdoor fun

Explore Midland’s winter charm with outdoor skating at Emerson Park, scenic canopy walks, snowshoe trails, and a bustling downtown offering cozy dining and seasonal events.

In The News MACF logo

Midland Area Community Foundation awards over $100,000 to strengthen community

The Midland Area Community Foundation awarded seven grants totaling $108,000 in the fourth quarter to strengthen programming, reflecting trust-based philanthropy in Midland County.

Development News Purtell's list image

Purtell’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Shoppe serves up homemade goodness for 100 years

Purtell’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Shoppe opened in 1925 as a dairy. Over the last century, Purtell’s has evolved. Today, the menu includes scratch-made soups, pies, and abundant comfort foods.  

Development News Restoration efforts at the historic Cheboygan Front Range Lighthouse have been bolstered through a grant program from the Historical Society of Michigan.

Rural Michigan's history organizations represent well in annual grant contest for museums and more

“Preserving and interpreting history begins at the local level,” says Executive Director and CEO Larry Wagenaar.