From Pews to Pints: Why some rural Michigan churches are reopening as breweries
The desire to keep existing churches and historical buildings intact has motivated and inspired a number of Michigan’s 400 licensed brewery owners.
Dawn's Latest Articles
Beyond the Paycheck: How rural employers build legacies and save small towns
Many jobs in rural communities are filled through word-of-mouth rather than advertising or recruiting. That’s one reason it’s important for an employer to have a positive reputation throughout the region.
MSU Extension programs help patients manage diabetes
The Diabetes PATH (Personal Action Towards Health) program is a self-management workshop that explores a variety of tools to manage diabetes.
Crowdfunding helps public projects across rural Michigan
A crowdfunding platform for civic-minded projects has helped dozens of communities across Michigan.
Traverse City area women use estate planning to set up endowment fund for animal welfare
Two Traverse City area woman worked with the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation to set up their estates to fund a permanent animal welfare endowment. Beginning in September, animal rescue organizations can apply for funds to cover services like spaying and neutering, emergency and life-saving veterinarian surgeries, trap-neuter-release programs, foster program assistance, and education.
4-H art exchange program connects rural Michigan students with their peers in China and beyond
For more than three decades, school children across Michigan have been exchanging their artwork with students in China and elsewhere. Thanks to the Michigan 4-H China Project, students don't have to travel across the globe to gain cultural awareness.
Bridging the gap between farms and food producers
A pair of Michigan dairy farmers are helping other farmers embrace regenerative agriculture, which focuses on restoring and improving the health of the land. Regenerative Connections also helps farmers connect with food producers and share strategies for success.
