Features

Partner Content Boy in classroom

Blueprint for school funding would ensure equitable resources in special education

The MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint would ensure that Michigan adequately and equitably funds public special education in Michigan. 

Feature Story All Gods Children teacher

No-cost pre-k for all Michigan 4-year-olds enrolling for 2025-26 school year

QA with Jeffrey Capizzano, Policy Equity Group, on the implementation of Pre-K for All no-cost preschool for Michigan 4-year-olds.

Feature Story Deerfield List Image

Blossoms, Bridges, and River Views: Where to hit the trails this spring in Mt. Pleasant

Mt. Pleasant is home to some of mid Michigan’s most scenic trail systems, perfect for spring recreation. This seasonal roundup features top picks from staff at the City of Mt. Pleasant and Isabella County Parks & Recreation—including routes with wildflower views, river crossings, and family-friendly amenities.

Feature Story Lions Club

Serving with Purpose: Lions Club continues its legacy in Mt. Pleasant

For over 75 years, the Mt. Pleasant Lions Club has been a steady force in the community, supporting more than 25 local organizations. From hosting its recent 70th annual Chicken BBQ to providing meals at the homeless shelter and funding youth athletics, the Lions Club remains committed to its mission of service—locally and beyond.

Longform Lauren LaPine

Medicaid cuts would destabilize mental health care: How Michigan is responding

Proposed Medicaid funding cuts would dismantle critical services, especially for residents facing poverty, mental illness, or substance use disorders — and reduce access to mental health services for all.

In The News MPCAF Give Local 2025

Give Local Isabella 2025: Matching funds and new prizes build momentum for May 6

Give Local Isabella returns on May 6, inviting the Mt. Pleasant community to rally for 24 hours of giving in support of local nonprofits and initiatives. With $45,000 in matching funds, new prizes, and in-person celebrations at Max & Emily’s and Pleasant City Coffee, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation aims to spark generosity and deepen community connections during this annual fundraising event.

Feature Story Beth Binder List Image

Emerging leader Beth Binder helps shape mid Michigan’s future workforce through accessible education

Beth Binder, a CMU alumni and 40 Under 40 awardee, is helping shape the future of mid Michigan through her work as Director of Admissions at Mid Michigan College. Focused on breaking down barriers to education, Binder’s efforts are making it easier for local students to pursue degrees, build career pathways, and stay rooted in the community they call home.

Feature Story Stock Spring

Your guide to May events in Mt. Pleasant, Isabella, and Gratiot Counties

From local fundraisers and family festivals to wildflower walks and Mother's Day brunch, May 2025 is filled with opportunities to connect and celebrate in Mt. Pleasant, Isabella County, and Gratiot County. This month’s events offer something for everyone.

Feature Story Pickens Field List

Stitches, Sponsors & Saturday's Games: Baseball season is officially in full swing

Little League season kicks off in Mt. Pleasant with a player parade, community games, and a brand-new turf project led by a local high schooler. Discover how volunteers, sponsors, and youth athletes are teaming up to make this season one to remember.

Longform SMALLBrush-Mentone

Indiana nonprofit’s oral health program reaches 39 states

McMillen Health’s Brush program equips families and educators with easy-to-understand oral health tools, transforming access in underserved communities.

Partner Content AAoM NAT Conference vendors include autistic artists and entrepreneurs.

Beyond awareness, autism acceptance affirms neurodiversity and improves lives

The Autism Alliance of Michigan and other advocates for autistic people are working hard to move from raising autism awareness to fostering autism acceptance. 

Feature Story Downtown Drugs

Heart, hospitality, and a side of nostalgia at Downtown Drugs Soda Shoppe

At Downtown Drugs in Mt. Pleasant, the charm of an old-fashioned soda counter meets the warmth of community connection. Guided by longtime local Agnes McDonald, the Soda Shoppe is more than a lunch spot—it’s a place filled with friendly faces, homemade comfort food, and small acts of kindness.

Longform Summit Pointe Youth Services staff, from left, Matt Jones, Beth Decker, Sam Stover, Melissa DeDie, a

Community mental health and child welfare collaborate to care for Michigan’s vulnerable children

Michigan’s community mental health (CMH) agencies are the lead in providing mental health care for children in the child welfare system.

Feature Story Jordan Ensing 40U40

Promoting Mt. Pleasant: How Jordan Ensing Is championing community connection through tourism

A CMU alum, 40 Under 40 awardee, and passionate advocate for the area, Jordan Ensing is using her role at the CVB to foster connections, empower frontline workers, and ensure Mt. Pleasant’s welcoming spirit reaches both residents and visitors alike.

Feature Story "... at least 17 children at any time are boarding in an emergency department across the state.”

Michigan's hospitals and improved pediatric behavioral health care

The Michigan Health and Hospital Association addresses pediatric behavioral health care with data, advocacy, and grant funding of member hospital programs. 

Feature Story Shifties Taproom

Cheers to Change: Inside the “shift” at Shifties Taproom for National Beer DayLocated within Mt. Pleasant’s Summit Smokehouse

 In honor of National Beer Day, Epicenter catches up with Erich Focht, general manager at Summit Smokehouse, to learn about the evolution of Shifties Taproom. Once an exclusive space for Mug Club members, Shifties is now open to the public and aims to recreate the welcoming community vibe of the original Mountain Town Tap Room—with craft beer, laid-back lounge vibes, and plans for future distilling and new summer brews on the way.

Feature Story Stock Spring

Mt. Pleasant April 2025 Events Guide: Festivals, food, fundraisers & spring fun

From film festivals and cookie decorating classes to bourbon fundraisers, brunches, and maple syrup celebrations, April 2025 is blooming with local Mt. Pleasant events. Whether you're into arts and culture, supporting community causes, or just looking for a reason to get out and enjoy the season, this event roundup has something for everyone. 

Longform Jessica Rickert

Breaking Barriers: Dr. Jessica Rickert inspires native dentists

Jessica Rickert, DDS, the first American Indian female dentist, advocates for oral health equity and inspires Native youth through mentorship and representation.

Feature Story Soolicious Studio

Inside Soolicious Cake Art Studio: Passion, precision, and the perfect buttercreamLe Cordon Bleu-educated pastry chef opens Mt. Pleasant cake studio

At Soolicious Cake Art Studio, pastry chef Soo Bradley combines skill, passion, and high-quality ingredients to create custom cakes and baked goods that elevate special occasions. After training at Le Cordon Bleu Australia and spending over a decade as a pastry chef, Bradley opened her own storefront in Mt. Pleasant in 2023—quickly becoming a beloved destination for handcrafted desserts.

Feature Story Tim Otteman, chair of the Department of Recreation, Parks & Leisure Services Administration and professor, promoting the upcoming Finch Fieldhouse 75th Anniversary Celebration.

Finch Fieldhouse Turns 75: CMU honors a campus icon with history, memories, and innovation

For 75 years, Finch Fieldhouse has been a cornerstone of Central Michigan University, evolving from an athletic facility into a multi-purpose hub for academics, recreation, and community events. An upcoming free event invites alumni and the public to reflect on Finch’s impact and celebrate its future as a vital part of CMU’s campus.