Features

Feature Story Meridian Park List

Skate, sled, snowshoe, and more: Embrace winter in Mt. Pleasant

When winter brings freezing temperatures, Mt. Pleasant transforms into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. From ice skating at Island Park and sledding at Deerfield Nature Park to ice fishing at Herrick Recreation Area and hiking along the Chippewa River at Meridian County Park, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season. This guide highlights some outdoor winter activity options, thanks to the efforts of Isabella County Parks & Recreation and the City of Mt. Pleasant.

Feature Story Alma College Arts List Image

Building on 139 years: Alma College inspires excellence in the arts and beyond

Founded in 1885 with a vision for academic excellence, Alma College has grown from a small community institution into a nationally recognized liberal arts college known for its innovative teaching and engaged learning. Alma College remains a vital part of the local and academic community, staying true to its founders' vision while preparing students for meaningful futures.

Feature Story Sleepy Dog List Image

Sleepy Dog Books launches Foundation to address literacy, hosts inaugural fundraising Gala event

Local bookstore, Sleepy Dog Books, has launched a Foundation to further help address literacy and put books in the homes of more children and families. They’re also hosting their inaugural fundraising Golden Gala event to help raise money for their book vending machines, literacy packs, mobile book trailer, and additional community programming.

Feature Story Refound Glory List Image

Refound Glory expands repurposed furniture and home decor business to a new Mt. Pleasant storefront

Jennifer and Dwane Reid, owners of Refound Glory, recently expanded their home-based business into a commercial storefront located at 3965 E. River Road in Mt. Pleasant. Specializing in repurposed furniture and unique home décor, the boutique features handmade crafts from 17 local vendors alongside their own custom creations.

Feature Story Brittany Smith List

Turning passion into action: Brittany Smith’s community impact

Brittany Smith exemplifies leadership through service and connection. After discovering her passion for helping others in the restoration industry, Smith expanded her influence by organizing the Mt. Pleasant First Responder 5K and actively volunteering with local groups like the Jaycees and Rotary. Meet this 40 Under 40 awardee in Epicenter’s Emerging Leaders series.

Feature Story Two Rivers List

Karin S. Jenson brings global AI expertise to mid-Michigan businesses

Two Rivers AI Consulting, founded by Karin S. Jenson in Mt. Pleasant, aims to empower small and mid-sized businesses in central Michigan by making artificial intelligence accessible and practical. With over a decade of experience working with global AI leaders, Jenson is passionate about ensuring local businesses embrace technology to solve problems and enhance operations.

Feature Story The Urban Collaboratory’s work includes a focus on community water systems and health impacts related to contaminants like microplastics and PFAS.

Public health focus on the built environment improves health for Michiganders

Public health and infrastructure go hand in hand, as organizations across Michigan work to address the built environment's critical role in shaping health outcomes.

Feature Story Camille's Prime List

January 2025 events and happenings in Mt. Pleasant

January in central Michigan offers a variety of community events and experiences, from creative workshops and family activities to opportunities for reflection and celebration. Highlights include a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. peace march, CMU basketball, a birding presentation, and a five-course comfort food and wine pairing dinner.

Feature Story MMI community living support staff member Nick Wojciechowski.

Nick Wojciechowski is building community and breaking barriers at MMI

Nick Wojciechowski, a community living support staff member at Mid-Michigan Industries (MMI), has spent over a decade empowering individuals with diverse needs in central Michigan. Known for his patience, kindness, and dedication, Wojciechowski helps his clients integrate into the community through activities, skill-building, and companionship. His story reflects MMI’s mission of fostering connection, breaking barriers, and embracing abilities to create a more inclusive world.

In The News MyMichigan Alma

High marks for maternity: MyMichigan Alma earns national recognition

MyMichigan Medical Center Alma has earned the prestigious 2025 High Performing hospital designation for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report, recognizing its quality and safety for mothers and newborns.

Partner Content Autism can be a very isolating. AAoM shares and hosts events that are relevant to the autism community.

Welcome Kit helps Michiganders navigate autism resources and support

AAoM Welcome Kits provide a broad yet concise overview of AAoM’s roster of services. Available in two versions — one for families raising autistic children and autistic adults and another for professionals serving the autistic clients — Welcome Kits extend a warm handshake that welcomes them to AAoM’s services.

Feature Story Three Oaks

More than Massage: The transformative mission of Three Oaks Therapeutics

Transformative. Accessible. Inclusive. Those three key words encompass the mission of downtown Mt. Pleasant’s Three Oaks Therapeutics. Co-owners Marin and James Wood share their approach to wellness through their small business, ensuring all clients feel comfortable and cared for. 

Feature Story Anna Reetz Feature

For her family, for all families: Anna Reetz’s work in community health

Anna Reetz’s journey in Isabella County exemplifies the power of combining professional purpose with personal passion. As a mother and community health advocate, Reetz works tirelessly to improve lives through harm reduction programming and substance misuse prevention. Read this profile about 40 Under 40 awardee Anna Reetz, whose goal to improve her community means not only creating a better place for her own family, but ensuring all families have the chance to succeed.

Feature Story H4H List Image

Thriftmas shopping: A budget-friendly way to spread Christmas cheer

With the holiday season upon us, more people are turning to thrift stores for unique gifts and festive home decorations. The Mt. Pleasant area has several local thrift shops for shoppers to scour for deals—during the holidays and year-round. Here’s a rundown of where to go, what to buy, and how to get the best deals. If you’re new to shopping resale, a few tips to find thrifted gifts for everyone on your list are also included.

Feature Story "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. 

Feature Story 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.

Partner Content Holiday List Stock

3 new mindsets to help you rest and recharge this holiday season

In today’s “go, go, go” and “bigger is better” culture, it can be difficult to find time to rest during any season, but it can be even more challenging during the holidays. Behavioral Health Therapists at MyMichigan Health are encouraging the public to think of rest as productive and adopt new mindsets to avoid burnout this holiday season.

Feature Story Holiday Lights List

Deck the Streets: A guide to the season’s most festive homes in Mt. Pleasant

Experience the holiday magic lighting up our community this season! From antique sleighs to whimsical gnomes, local homes are shining bright with creative and elaborate Christmas decorations. We’ve rounded up some of the most stunning displays, including a festive walkway and heirloom-filled designs that honor family traditions.

Longform The program reduced postpartum depression by 50% among participants.

MSU public health researchers seek to expand successful preventive postpartum depression program

ROSE program trains expectant mothers on how roles and relationships change postpartum and teaches assertiveness skills so expectant mothers can ask for the support they need.

Feature Story Karma Cat List

Giving back in Mt. Pleasant this holiday seasonIt’s the time of year when the spirit of giving is more palpable than ever.

Mt. Pleasant embodies the holiday spirit through community collaboration and acts of kindness. Local residents work together to address needs and support others through a variety of meaningful efforts. Whether it’s feeding families, providing shelter, assisting with animal care, or bringing joy to children, there are numerous opportunities to make a difference.