Stories

Longform NEOMED

NEOMED launches dental program to improve statewide oral health access

NEOMED's new Bitonte College of Dentistry will embed dental students in Ohio communities to improve access and address shortages in rural and urban oral health care.  

Feature Story City leaders created the Holland Ambassador Academy to educate residents and build a pipeline of future civic leaders.

Holland Ambassador Academy inspires residents to lead and get involved

A hands-on city program helps Holland residents learn how government works and encourages them to take active roles in their community.  

Feature Story The Gentex Block Party is a free, family-friendly celebration packed with games, giveaways, food, and live music.

Gentex brings community together with street performers, block party

The Gentex Block Party, a free family event with games, giveaways, food, and music, will be held Aug. 14 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Holland Civic Center Place.

Feature Story Battle Creek Community Foundation CEO

Battle Creek Community Foundation takes annual report to the streets with Block Party

The Battle Creek Community Foundation is hosting its second annual Block Party on August 20 to share its annual report, celebrate community progress, and gather input from residents to shape future initiatives.

Feature Story Hope Clinic student volunteer Anika Baldawa.

Ypsi clinic provides free health care and supportive environment for low-income residents

In this installment of our Voices of Youth series, student writer Shruti Attili digs into the work of Ypsilanti's Hope Clinic.

Feature Story Football Camp

High schools huddle up with Police Athletic League to kick off Kalamazoo Youth Football Camp

Kalamazoo’s Youth Football Camp brought together local high schools, the Police Athletic League, and families for a free, skills-based event aimed at teaching kids the fundamentals of football, building community unity, and keeping youth active and engaged.

Feature Story Hot air balloons have become a staple of River Days

Midland shines during River Days 2025 with four days of sun, fun, and community connection

River Days 2025 brought four days of perfect weather, hot air balloons, fireworks, music, and family activities to downtown Midland and Chippewassee Park, drawing strong community turnout.

Feature Story Coming this fall: Girlfriends Getaway Weekend debuts Nov. 14–16 in downtown Muskegon!

Girlfriends Getaway brings fun, shopping, and support to Muskegon

New weekend event features local makers, activities, and supports Every Woman’s Place through community partnerships, shopping, and cultural experiences.

Feature Story Mateo Savedra.

Port Huron’s Urban Pioneer Program helps first-time home buyers plant roots

The Urban Pioneer Program in Port Huron is helping first-time, low- to moderate-income homebuyers become homeowners through $10,000 in down payment assistance and housing education. 

Feature Story Adopt-A-Road volunteers cleaning up between 19 Mile and Hayes and Trainer.

Sterling Heights’ Inspiring Green Initiative revamps roadside cleanups and builds community

Sterling Heights’ Inspiring Green initiative is transforming the city’s former Adopt-A-Road program into a more sustainable, community-driven effort that combines volunteer cleanups with business sponsorships to reforest and beautify local roadways.

Feature Story Left to Right: Reign Winston and Amya White.

Detroit youth feel the impacts of climate change, and they’re talking about it

Detroit is one of the most impacted cities by rising temperatures. Youth are speaking up about the impacts they face when it comes to climate change, and Green Living Science is helping kids pave the way to a more sustainable future.

Feature Story A rendering of winter activities at the proposed 285-acre recreation park.

Saving Sugar Loaf: Leelanau Conservancy unveils ambitious recreation plan for former ski resort

The Leelanau Conservancy has big plans for the long-dormant ski resort property, transforming the 285-acre site into a year-round public recreation area.

Feature Story whitepinetrail

Complete: The last stretch of the White Pine Trail is paved

The last section of the popular White Pine Trail has been paved. The trail is now the third longest paved trail in the United States. 

Development News “Majestic Riverview Park will not only enhance the entrance to Cheboygan’s downtown, but it will also create a welcoming site for river activity viewing,” says Connie Rieger, Majestic River Park Development Volunteer.

Once site to a historic pavilion, empty lot to be activated as pocket park in downtown Cheboygan

“Majestic Riverview Park will not only enhance the entrance to Cheboygan’s downtown, but it will also create a welcoming site for river activity viewing,” says Connie Rieger, Majestic River Park Development Volunteer.

Feature Story Logistic Planning Officer Josh Theisen and Officer Chris Leonard at The Pixie.

Feel the beat. Catch a laugh. Shop the market. August has it all.

From concerts and comedy nights to foam parties and festivals, August is packed with opportunities to enjoy the final stretch of summer. Whether you're looking to relax with live music, compete in an artists battle, support local businesses at a market, or give back through events like Coneys for a Cause—there’s something for everyone in Isabella and Gratiot counties. Check out this month’s can’t-miss happenings across the Mt. Pleasant area.

Feature Story Stewardship Series continues this summer and fall with two additional all-ages workshops. 

Little Forks Stewardship Series builds momentum for Nelson Woods Nature Preserve

Little Forks Conservancy’s free 2025 Stewardship Series offers hands-on workshops at local preserves, teaching conservation skills from insect habitats to invasive species control and native seed collection.