Features

Feature Story Project RED List

Annual elementary student field trip focuses on agricultureStudents from Isabella County participate in Project R.E.D.

Nearly 450 mid-Michigan fourth graders participated in Project R.E.D. hosted by the Michigan Farm Bureau at Bryant Family Farm. The event featured 13 stations of hands-on learning about agriculture, from farm safety to drone technology. Local volunteers and experts helped students explore farming, livestock, and career opportunities in agriculture, highlighting its importance in daily life.

Feature Story Mini City co-owners Priscilla Fift (left) and Kayla Boyd (right).

Mini City celebrates one year of play, learning, and inclusion

As Mini City celebrates its first year of providing an imaginative and inclusive space for children in downtown Mt. Pleasant, we check in with the co-owners to learn more about their 12 themed rooms that resemble everyday businesses—where kids can explore, role-play, and learn.

Feature Story Glow 5k

Get active and support local organizations with five Fall 5Ks nearby Mt. Pleasant

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or simply joining for the experience, there are five 5K events in Mt. Pleasant, Alma, and Clare this Fall. Don glow-in-the-dark gear, bring your pup, give back to area organizations, or celebrate Homecoming — discover the region’s racing options.

Feature Story CMM List

Rolling Into a New Chapter: Central Michigan Mayhem’s Season Begins

When Pepper Near became an empty-nester at 41, she sought a new challenge and found it in roller derby. Though she’d hardly skated before, Pepper joined Central Michigan Mayhem and quickly progressed to a rostered player. She and teammate Sarah Vandemark share how the sport’s inclusivity, camaraderie, and physical intensity have kept them both involved.

Feature Story D Banagis List

Meet Dylan Banagis: A leader in building conversations and community in Mt. Pleasant

Dylan Banagis, founder of Life Unplugged in Mt. Pleasant, saw a need for intentional public conversations and offline connections. In 2024, he opened his brick-and-mortar store downtown, offering a welcoming space for people to unwind, connect, and enjoy a positive environment. Discover Banagis’s belief in the growth of downtown, while he strives to make it a vibrant hub of activity and connection, in Epicenter’s Top 40 Under 40 Emerging Leaders series.

Feature Story PCC Pumpkins

Your guide to October 2024 events in Mt. Pleasant and Isabella County

This October, Mt. Pleasant and Isabella County are brimming with autumn excitement, offering something for everyone. From local farmers' markets to craft fairs and food drives, the season brings a range of activities that highlight community connection and fall fun. Get ready to mark your calendar!

Partner Content Parents indicated that needed services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and paraprofessional support were inadequate.

Survey activates education advocacy for Michigan children with disabilities

Special Education Experience (SEE) survey results revealed that needed improvements in special education that the state identified in 2014 have not been made.  

Longform Joe Volpe, program manager at Ferndale's Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center.

Mental health takes heavy toll on Michigan's LGBTQ youth

Mental health is a major challenge for Michigan youth in general, but the problem is even greater for the state's LGBTQ youth.

In The News MPPS Summer Food Distribution

MPPS ensures no child goes hungry, serving over 82,000 free meals this summer

Mt. Pleasant Public Schools provided over 82,000 free meals through its Summer Food Service Program, ensuring students and their families had access to nutritious food during the summer months. MPPS remains committed to preventing hunger and supporting students' well-being throughout the school year.

In The News Art from our Park

Art and outdoors unite at Deerfield Park

Co-hosted by Isabella County Parks & Recreation and Art Reach of Mid Michigan, the Art From Our Park free community event aims to foster collaboration between artists and the community, offering a space to celebrate creativity in the great outdoors.

Longform Elizabeth Agius

Michigan organizations, universities, and agencies growing the public health workforce

Michigan, as well as the rest of the world, is going through a health care workforce shortage. The Michigan Health Council’s (MHC) Michigan Health Care Workforce Index projects that nearly all 36 health care occupations will experience workforce shortages between now and 2033.

Longform GHS Urgent Care

Funding gap threatens care for Michiganders utilizing community mental health

Michigan’s community mental health agencies face deep revenue gaps this year — a projected $93 million.

Feature Story Cancer Walk List

Into the Light cancer walk raises $35K for Isabella County cancer patients

The Community Cancer Services of Isabella County exists to make the lives of those living with cancer a little bit easier. Each year, they host a variety of events and raise money to help provide financial support to individuals and the families of local cancer patients.

Feature Story On Aug. 29, 2024 the Baymont by Wyndham team wore Game Day t-shirts in support of the CMU Chippewas

A t-shirt campaign unites Mt. Pleasant: The story behind the ‘Game Day’ shirts

The Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (MPACVB) is in its third year of boosting community spirit around Central Michigan University home football games with its “Game Day” campaign. We spoke with Jordan Ensing at the MPACVB, who shared the origins of the campaign, how it brings together local businesses, and their plans to expand it to other CMU sports. The effort aims to foster community pride and strengthen local ties through shared support for the CMU Chippewas.

Feature Story Hoover List Image

Farming, family, and the future: Inside the lives of mid Michigan's next agricultural leaders

Ashleigh Bryant, Tyrel Hoover, and Kenny Daniels, three young Michiganders raised around agriculture, are continuing their family farming traditions. Through programs like Future Farmers of America (FFA), they found their way back to agriculture, fostering their growth and connection to their roots.

Longform Danielle Atkinson, founder and national director of Mothering Justice, has been instrumental in advocating for paid leave in Michigan.

Paid sick leave and family leave are moving forward in Michigan. Here's what's next.

For more than a decade, Michigan advocacy groups and some legislators have been working to expand paid leave from work for Michiganders – and this year, their efforts are paying off in two major ways.

Feature Story CMDHD 5k List

Celebrate September with festivals, nature walks, & community events throughout mid Michigan

This September, the mid Michigan region is brimming with exciting events—from music festivals and mushroom hunts to candidate meet-and-greets and family-friendly activities. Discover the top local happenings to mark on your calendar and enjoy the last warm days of the season.

Feature Story Sister City Program List

Mt. Pleasant sister city program encourages connections and cultural exchange with Okaya, Japan

Each year the Mt. Pleasant Area International Relations Council (MPARC) raises funds to help local area high school students spend almost two weeks in Mt. Pleasant’s sister city, Okaya, Japan. The cultural experiences and relationships they build are priceless, says Keith Tollenaere, the board president for the MPARC.

Feature Story MMC MP Campus List

Michigan expands tuition-free access to community colleges, boosting higher education equality

The Michigan Reconnect Scholarship program is now open to students as young as 21. The goal of the scholarship is to increase the percentage of Michigan adults with postsecondary education to 60% by 2030.

Feature Story Alysha Pasquali, list

From CEO to Stay-at-Home Mom: Alysha Pasquali's New Chapter in Mt. Pleasant

Named as one of Isabella County’s Top 40 Under 40 recipients this past year, we continue our Emerging Leaders series—this time highlighting Mt. Pleasant’s Alysha Pasquali. Pasquali, former CEO of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, has recently transitioned to being a stay-at-home mother, a decision that reflects her deep commitment to family and community. Her story underscores the profound impact that character and personal choices can have on a community, proving that meaningful contributions aren't limited to professional roles.