Features

Partner Content Kevin Totty and friends

The many hats of Kevin Totty

A pillar in the Blue Water Area, Kevin Totty is wholeheartedly committed to his life's mission of bringing people together and fostering positive change across the community.

Longform A Meals on Wheels Western Michigan volunteer makes a delivery.

Inflation, aging population, and loss of COVID funding impact Michigan Meals on Wheels programs

Many Meals on Wheels providers report that challenges have arisen as their client lists continue to grow thanks to an aging population, even as pandemic relief funding dries up.

Longform The MALPH staff: Jodie Shaver, Vickie Johnson, Edward Witherspoon, Gwen Tithoff, and Norm Hess.

Michigan Association for Local Public Health helps build health across the state

Michigan Association for Local Public Health advocates for policies, initiatives, and collaborations that build health across the state and individually through trainings and workforce assistance.

Feature Story NAMI Blue Water Area now serves St. Clair County.

New St. Clair County NAMI affiliate helps people in Blue Water area

In November 2023,  NAMI Blue Water Area Michigan in St. Clair County joined the 600 other local NAMI affiliates across the country. 

Feature Story Boys in preschool

Why preschoolers living with autism benefit from early education

 Early childhood education presents a golden opportunity to set up  children living with autism for academic success.

Longform Melanie Brim, former president and CEO of the Michigan Health Council.

How can Michigan solve its growing health care workforce shortage?Nonprofit Journal Project

One study found that nearly all of the 36 Michigan health care occupations it analyzed are projecting workforce shortages between now and 2032. What can be done?

Feature Story Jordan Scheidecker, Disability Resources Specialist at St. Clair County Community College (SC4) and Head Coach of the college’s wheelchair basketball team, rallies the players during halftime.

St. Clair County Community College leads the way with new adaptive sports program

Open to students and community members alike, St. Clair County Community College’s new wheelchair basketball adaptive sports program is working to promote more inclusivity in the region, bringing together basketball enthusiasts of all abilities.

Feature Story Michelle Welsh, owner of Sparked with Purpose Permanent Jewelry.

Breast cancer survivor’s diagnosis sparks creative new venture

Blue Water Area resident and entrepreneur Michelle Welsh credits her health diagnosis as the catalyst for creating her permanent jewelry business, Sparked with Purpose, which helps support those battling cancer.

Longform Scooby Doo, where are you? With Sanilac County CMH!.

Mental health outreach reduces stigma and raises awareness of services

Like many CMHs, St. Clair County Community Mental Health and Sanilac County Community Mental Health work to stay visible in the community with outreach efforts. 

Partner Content Self Care

Embracing mental health every day: A fresh start beyond New Year’s resolutions

Each day offers a new opportunity to prioritize one’s mental health. St. Clair County Community College emphasizes the importance of practicing self-compassion and offers a variety of ideas and habits designed to promote mental wellness.

Feature Story Located on Huron Avenue in Port Huron, the Ladies of the Maccabees Building was home to Port Huron Junior College until 1957.

100 years of education: The history of St. Clair County Community College

In 2023, St. Clair County Community College (SC4) commemorated its centennial anniversary. Explore a highlight of the college’s history as we take a look at SC4 throughout the years.

Feature Story The Everso Marine Restorations, Inc. team.

Wood’nt do anything else

With family legacies steeped in a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and vintage watercraft, three Blue Water Area residents share their connections and shared mission for preserving wooden boats.

Partner Content Walter plays euchre at the St. Clair County Council on Aging where dozens of community members have gathered to play together.

As research shows impact of loneliness, local organizations work together to keep seniors connected

Mental health can have a significant impact on physical health, and the same holds true of the effects of loneliness. Learn how local organizations such as St. Clair County Community Mental Health and St. Clair County Council on Aging are working together to address senior loneliness and increase engagement within the elderly community.

Feature Story Rachael Johnsick, owner of Lake House in Fort Gratiot.

A journey of solace and art inspires local entrepreneur’s new business, Lake House

Blue Water Area resident Rachael Johnsick never imagined that her passion for gathering lakeside treasures would evolve into her latest venture opening a new storefront in Fort Gratiot spotlighting her and other local artists’ unique creations.

Feature Story A child explores the D.B. Harrington during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Wrigley Hall on Nov. 21, 2023.

It’s been a ride: DB Harrington locomotive unveiled at Wrigley Hall following years-long restoration

Having endured a long journey to its new home, the historic D.B. Harrington locomotive speaks to us today of days gone by. Explore the preservation efforts and how this iconic part of the Thumb’s history came to its new space in downtown Port Huron.

Feature Story Owner Amy Schmidt (back) poses for a photo with Nicole Jaqueline Pauly and Bill Schmidt.

Lexington couple launches Your Mom’s House, a new food truck specializing in gluten-free fare

A Lexington couple has transformed their experience with food allergies into an opportunity to help other Blue Water Area residents facing similar challenges with their new food truck, Your Mom’s House.

Feature Story Lexington Village Square during one of the summer's Pub Patio Parties.

Village of Lexington implements new social district boosting downtown entertainment offerings

The Village of Lexington has recently established a downtown social district creating a new avenue for gathering and entertainment in the waterfront community.

Longform Medical debt

As Oakland County pays off 80,000 residents' doctor bills, how can Michigan solve medical debt?

Oakland County's debt relief initiative highlights the overwhelming burden of medical debt for countless others in Michigan and beyond.

Feature Story Several of the speakers from the 2023 Hispanic American Heritage Celebration held by St. Clair County Community College. (From top left) Irma López, Eunice Castillo, Jesus Castillo Jr., and Iris Santillano.

Meet the speakers: A look back at SC4’s Hispanic American Heritage Celebration

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, St. Clair County Community College organized its second annual Hispanic American Heritage Celebration, a vibrant event that served as a platform for panelists from the local community to discuss the unique challenges and successes within the Hispanic and Latino communities.

Longform Alison Hirschel, director and managing attorney for the Michigan Elder Justice Initiative.

Michigan works to continue residents' lifesaving health coverage after post-pandemic Medicaid cuts

When the federal public health emergency for COVID-19 expired in May 2023, over 500,000 Michiganders stood to lose their Medicaid health insurance coverage. But the state is working to help residents maintain coverage.