Stories

Partner Content Puffer Reds owner Eric Williams has seen a significant boost in sales since creating an online store for his Ypsilanti-based business.

Small business 101: How to use e-commerce to help your business succeed

For many entrepreneurs, selling online is not only good business, but necessary business. 

Feature Story A performance of asses.masses.

asses.masses brings nearly 8-hour interactive amalgam of theater and video game to Ann Arbor

Co-creator Milton Lim describes asses.masses as an "epic about a herd of donkeys that are trying to get their jobs back."

Innovation News Ann Arbor logo

Ann Arbor announces discounts and rebates for electric lawn care gear

The goal is to help lower the cost of transitioning from gas to electric lawn care equipment in accordance with a new Ann Arbor ordinance that will prohibit gas-powered leaf blowers in 2028.

Innovation News Participants in the 2022 SummerWorks program.

Summer employment program for Washtenaw County youth returns for 10th year

The SummerWorks program, which offers paid internships for people ages 16-24, is seeking local employers to host interns this summer.

Innovation News A flyer for the "Stepping Stones to Food Entrepreneurship" series.

Ypsi nonprofit to host free series on food entrepreneurship

The hybrid in-person and virtual series will run from 5-7 p.m. on the second or third Wednesday of each month through July. 

Innovation News Attendees at the inaugural National Farm Stop Conference, held last year in Ann Arbor.

National farm stop conference returns to Ann Arbor for second year

Local food leaders from across the U.S. will gather at Washtenaw Community College from March 2-4 for a conference exploring the rapid growth and future of the innovative "farm stop" retail model.

Feature Story Mark Witte chats with OnPoint staff: from left,  Andre Pierre, Jr., chief administrative officer; Kelly Dingman, accounting supervisor, and Sarah Lumbert, general accountant.

OnPoint: The many professional roles within mental health care

Michigan’s community mental health agencies need more psychiatrists, psychologists, and master’s level social workers, but they also need bachelor’s level social workers, administrative staff,  peer support specialists, accountants, and direct care workers — roles that require no college degree or degrees in areas not relating directly to mental health. 

Feature Story Mark Witte chats with OnPoint staff: from left,  Andre Pierre, Jr., chief administrative officer; Kelly Dingman, accounting supervisor, and Sarah Lumbert, general accountant.

OnPoint: The many professional roles within mental health care

Michigan’s community mental health agencies need more psychiatrists, psychologists, and master’s level social workers, but they also need bachelor’s level social workers, administrative staff,  peer support specialists, accountants, and direct care workers — roles that require no college degree or degrees in areas not relating directly to mental health. 

Feature Story Mark Witte chats with OnPoint staff: from left,  Andre Pierre, Jr., chief administrative officer; Kelly Dingman, accounting supervisor, and Sarah Lumbert, general accountant.

OnPoint: The many professional roles within mental health care

Michigan’s community mental health agencies need more psychiatrists, psychologists, and master’s level social workers, but they also need bachelor’s level social workers, administrative staff,  peer support specialists, accountants, and direct care workers — roles that require no college degree or degrees in areas not relating directly to mental health. 

Feature Story Boozy's, Hazel Park

PHOTOS: Inside the new Hazel Park eatery

A new bar and grill in the heart of Hazel Park is the brainchild of Rick Fandakly and Marvin Putrus. Busy weekends find the bar serving up pub favorites like sliders, tacos, flatbreads, and sharables. Spinach and artichoke dip, anyone?

Longform Sean Wolski at his home in Royal Oak. Wolski was inspired to advocate for more housing in Oakland County after struggling to buy a house himself.

From zoning reform to fair market rent, what policies would ease Oakland County's housing crisis?

We talked to homeowners, nonprofit leaders, and government officials about what local, state, and federal policy changes would help address the county's housing shortage and boost affordability.

Feature Story Keeping warm by the fire, attendees roast smore's.

Taste the burn at Chilly Fest 2025

In downtown Port Huron, the annual Chilly Fest took place this year on Feb. 7-8. Various fun activities, from live music to a penguin race, were held and participants came from all over the state.   

Feature Story Renee Thompson with Disability Advocates of Kent County makes adjustments to the new walker being loaned to Ronny Richardson through DAKC's Occupational Therapy Equipment Loan Closet.

Finding belonging through empowerment: One journey with Disability Advocates of Kent County

For Ronny Richardson, Disability Advocates of Kent County's Occupational Therapy Equipment Loan Closet didn't merely provide him with needed medical equipment; they extended personalized support to empower him and help him fully participate in his community. 

Feature Story Sandra March has a new home that will bring financial independence and the ability to enjoy a few simple luxuries.

Affordable housing in Spring Lake brings stability for seniors and families

The $16.4 million project will serve individuals and families earning between 30% and 80% of Ottawa County’s median income. 

Feature Story The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area has awarded City on a HIll Ministries a two-year $55,000 grant to help deliver comprehensive mental health care for individuals from low-income households.

Community foundation grants support mental health services

CFHZ distributes $145,000 in grants to local nonprofits working to increase the availability of mental health services 

Feature Story Sarah Leach

Veteran journalist leads nonprofit news network in Ottawa County

Veteran journalist Sarah Leach leads Ottawa News Network, a nonprofit news outlet dedicated to local coverage and civic engagement in Ottawa County.

Feature Story The Henderson family pose with gifts before they are wrapped for the Community Action of Allegan Holiday Giving program.

Paying it forward: A former recipient gives back to support Allegan families

A successful fundraiser provided gifts to families and seniors, inspiring Allegan Pizza Hut’s manager to expand community support year-round.