Stories

Feature Story Two boys fish during ODC’s “Best of Summer” event at Lake Hills Elementary.

Spring Lake program expands summer learning with $618K MiLEAP grant

MiLEAP’s $618K investment helps Outdoor Discovery Center double sites, expand summer programs, and prevent learning loss for West Michigan students.

Feature Story Carla Flanders of CMF Marketing & Events has been selected for a 2025 Comcast RISE grant.

Comcast supports growth with 100 grants for West Michigan entrepreneurs

Now in its fifth year, Comcast RISE delivers $160 million nationwide, including 100 new grant packages in Grand Rapids and Muskegon.

In The News Kinderbells

Kinderbells brings music, art, and community to Mt. Pleasant

Kinderbells, a five-foot-tall, interactive music sculpture now installed in Nelson Park. Created by Traverse City artist Tom Kaufmann, Kinderbells invites visitors to play, reflect, and celebrate community.

Feature Story Sanilac County CMH CEO Wilbert Morris presents iPad to Sanilac County Sheriff Paul Rich

Meeting rural Michiganders' mental health care needs

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 like Sanilac County Community Mental Health innovate community-based solutions that meet their populations where they are at.   

Feature Story Redlum Farm Preserve offers 20 acres with biking courses, a kids’ balance track, walking trails, a pond, and restored habitats..

Redlum Farm Preserve opens, expands biking options in Holland

Redlum Farm Preserve opened in August, connecting northside parks with trails, offering beginner-friendly biking, and drawing more than 500 people.

Feature Story WKKF Fellowship

Devon Wilson elevates Battle Creek’s food justice work through national WKKF fellowship

“I’ve been on this mission to create access to healthy food and nutrient-dense food, and why people should care. The Community Leadership Network was a great place to hone my skills and be a better leader."

Feature Story  Held in Grand Rapids, the Pleasant Peninsula Mural Festival features artists from across the country.

Grand Rapids mural festival blends art, ecology, and creative mentorship

KCAD students and alumni join national artists to create murals spotlighting endangered species during Grand Rapids' Pleasant Peninsula Mural Festival.

Feature Story Scholarship recipients James Friggins (left) and Nia Theune (right) with Fund Advisor, Dorothy A. Johnson (center).

Ice cream social celebrates scholarships, bright futures for area students

Grand Haven’s annual ice cream social honors 229 scholarship recipients, highlighting community support, student achievement, and investment in education’s future.

Feature Story Gentex employees donated nearly 600 pounds of cereal to support Community Action House in combating food insecurity.

Gentex cereal drive helps families as food costs climb

Gentex employees collected nearly 600 pounds of cereal, joining community partners to help Community Action House fight rising food insecurity.

Feature Story Hudsonville Ice Cream will invest $40 million to expand its Holland headquarters and add 40 jobs.

Hudsonville Ice Cream invests $40M, expands Holland plant, adds jobs

Hudsonville Ice Cream’s $40 million Holland expansion adds 44 high-wage jobs, strengthening West Michigan’s food industry through public-private collaboration.

Feature Story hillsdalehospital

Hillsdale Hospital launches Rural Health Strong campaign

Hillsdale Hospital has launched Rural Health Strong, a communications and advocacy campaign to promote the value of rural health and encourage the nation to take action toward preserving it.  

Feature Story swimsmartracinewinsconsin

U.P. tech company makes beaches safer

A Michigan Tech grad's automated SwimSmart safety system is being used along beaches in Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia and beyond, using lights to warn swimmers of dangerous water conditions.

In The News Pleasant City Coffee

Pleasant City Coffee mixes Up Michigan-made flavor with new cocktail line

Pleasant City Coffee is partnering with another Michigan small business to debut a new cocktail line at their downtown location—kicking things off with a tasting event.

In The News MPS Awards
In The News Morey and LaDuke

From Crepes to Community: Meet Brandon Morey

Brandon Morey’s journey from a hot dog trailer to three thriving Midland businesses reflects his passion for food, family, and transforming community spaces.

Longform  Lynda Gregorini

Childhood exam motivates dental hygienist who cares for rural kids

Inspired by a school nurse, Lynda Gregorini now provides dental care and career mentoring to students in rural Michigan schools.