Dr. Rehab (Ruby) Alhajjar is the founder of FlowShield-Nano and holds a doctorate in biological sciences, specializing in water microbiology and nanotechnology, from Michigan Technological University.

Houghton entrepreneur develops real-time monitoring of water contaminants

A Houghton startup has developed a prototype of a monitoring device that can test for contaminants in water and beverages in real time.   

Beyond books: Rural libraries expand services to meet community needs

Many libraries in rural Michigan have expanded their services in recent years to offer everything from prom dress rentals to costume swaps to seeds for spring planting. 

Meresa Salisbury attends the Baldwin Senior Expo earlier this year.
Disability Network West Michigan’s new Lake County office brings support to rural residents

Disability Network West Michigan’s Lake County office empowers individuals with disabilities, providing essential resources and personalized support while fostering independence.

Downtown Zeeland shown at dusk.
Downtown Zeeland sees record $30M investment in transformative year

Downtown Zeeland celebrates a record $30 million investment in 2024, a year highlighted by major developments, thriving businesses, and community milestones.

"We have loved being a part of the downtown and we are so grateful to be a small part of the overall concept that is being developed in our community," says Kim Hemker, Executive Director of BCCADSV.
A small town café with a big mission wins grant that helps them ‘grow and create partnerships’

"We have loved being a part of the downtown and we are so grateful to be a small part of the overall concept that is being developed in our community," says Kim Hemker, executive director of Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

Michigan's only venomous snake: The eastern massasauga rattlesnake.
Conservation projects at Camp Grayling to focus on this endangered Michigan rattlesnake

“Camp Grayling has a rich history of taking a proactive approach to ecosystem management," says Matt Kleitch, natural resource specialist for Camp Grayling.

Robert Sheehan
Michigan’s community mental health agencies will do even more good work in 2025

Federal dollars, state initiatives, community partnerships, and a normalization of seeking and receiving behavioral health care have positioned Michigan’s community mental health agencies to do even more good work in 2025.

Rebel Dogs has a distinctly Detroit approach to ethical animal advocacy
Rebels with a cause: How Rebel Dogs has changed the animal advocacy landscape in Detroit

Rebel Dogs was started by a couple of engaged citizens who wanted to alleviate the suffering of stray dogs. Today, it’s a comprehensive dog-rescue operation that helps Detroit pet owners on multiple levels.

"We live here, we work here and we care about you and your family."
A New Vision for Public Health in Michigan

Michigan has stepped forward with a comprehensive Public Health Call to Action, a set of recommendations crafted by the Michigan Public Health Advisory Council (MPHAC) to guide the state’s journey toward a more equitable and resilient health system. 

Alma author’s life-on-the-farm lessons find way into debut children’s Christmas book

Life on the farm wasn’t always easy, but it certainly was memorable for Janet Defever, who grew up on the family dairy farm in Alma. The experience brought life lessons about gifts, second chances, and forgiveness she will never forget. Today, she shares these lessons in her debut children’s book, “Second Chance Christmas.”  

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