Features

Feature Story Luke Taylor

Disc golf’s rising star: Isabella County’s Luke Taylor eyes the top

Luke Taylor, an 18-year-old from Isabella County and Sacred Heart Academy graduate, is turning heads in the professional disc golf world. Skipping collegiate competition, Taylor is one of few athletes to go straight from high school to the pros, where he currently ranks 27th in the Disc Golf Pro Tour’s world rankings. This season, Taylor tied for fourth at the Professional Disc Golf World Championships—a career-defining achievement that’s pushing him to set even higher goals.

Feature Story Vietnam Memorial

Island Park’s Vietnam Memorial: A community effort to remember Michigan's heroes

As Veterans Day approaches, Mt. Pleasant’s Michigan Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Island Park stands as a solemn tribute to the state’s fallen, missing, and captured service members. Dedicated on July 15, 1990, this memorial includes 16 plaques listing the names of 2,705 Michigan casualties, MIAs, and POWs, alongside a flag gallery, footbridge, and an information booth.

Feature Story Owl List

Don’t miss out on Mt. Pleasant’s November events—workshops, festivals, and holiday fun

November in Mt. Pleasant brings a variety of community activities to enjoy, no matter the weather. This month’s events range from gardening workshops and live poetry readings to seasonal festivals and Small Business Saturday shopping downtown. Highlights include the Dahlia Digging and Storing workshop at FlowerBird Farm & Garden, Michigan Poet Laureate Nandi Comer’s reading, the kid-friendly Pumpkin Palooza Fall Festival, and the annual Parade of Trees.

Feature Story MyMichigan List

Investing in community health: MyMichigan Medical Center’s $3M renovation and MRI upgrade

MyMichigan Health is investing over $3 million in upgrades to the MyMichigan Medical Center in Mt. Pleasant to improve healthcare access and patient experience. Plans include a $2.3 million state-of-the-art MRI for superior imaging and diagnostics, plus $860,000 in renovations to expand outpatient services and enhance facility layout.

In The News Reynolds List Image

Reynolds Golden Finds is Mt. Pleasant’s latest destination for deals

A new Mt. Pleasant discount store offers overstocked items from major retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart. Owners Angie and Trent Reynolds bring over 65 years of combined managerial and customer service experience to the business, promising customers a full shopping experience at discounted prices

Longform Jae Gerhart, manager of farm programs for Trinity Health Ann Arbor, at The Farm at Trinity Health in Ypsilanti. The Farm offers a produce prescription program for those who struggle to afford healthy food.

Medicaid funding could expand and sustain Michigan's produce prescription programs

Michigan is seeking approval for a new funding structure that could use Medicaid dollars to pay for programs that offer "prescriptions" for free fresh fruits and vegetables.

Longform “By working with our community and fostering dialogue about gun safety, we believe we can reduce firearm injuries and build a safer future for all.” Deanna Price

How public health focuses on gun safety and reducing firearm violence

Michigan's public health experts are working to address firearm accidents and violence through community partnerships and education programs. 

In The News Deadwood Forest List

Deadwood Grove Haunted Forest continues annual community tradition this October

Mid Michigan College's Harrison Campus transforms its public trails into the Deadwood Grove Haunted Forest each October, offering a spooky experience organized by students from Phi Theta Kappa. Running on select evenings, the event promises thrills and fun for the community.

Partner Content KFL List Image

Seven years of solar power pays off for Krapohl FordLED lights and other sustainability efforts work well, too

The Krapohl Ford and Lincoln dealership in Mt. Pleasant has embraced sustainability through several eco-friendly initiatives, beginning with the installation of solar panels. Discover their commitment to environmental stewardship, both through energy savings and responsible waste management.

Feature Story MP Mural List

From pitch to paint: Young creators unveil vibrant downtown Mt. Pleasant mural

Sacred Heart students Claire Campbell and Olivia Harding were winners of the United Way of Gratiot & Isabella County's annual PITCH-ER THIS! competition this past winter. Their winning idea, centered around the power of public art, has recently come to life in downtown Mt. Pleasant with the unveiling of a vibrant mural—celebrating the city’s landmarks and culture, plus aims to draw foot traffic, foster community pride, and improve mental well-being.

Longform Nurses like District Health Department #10’s Becky Gossman RN are only one facet of the future public health workforce.

Redefining public health in Michigan: A vision for a post-pandemic future

The Michigan Association for Local Public Health is advocating for a transformative vision of public health, one that accounts for the complexities of today’s diverse communities and the ever-evolving landscape of health needs. 

Feature Story Community mental health agencies from all over the state came to the 2024 rally to show support for their clients and friends and to advocate for a stronger mental health system.

20th 'Walk a Mile in My Shoes' rally promotes public mental health care

Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) Walk a Mile in My Shoes Rally congregates advocates from across Michigan to support public behavioral health care. 

Feature Story Emerging Leaders

“Mid Michigan 40 Under 40” 2024 class announced by MMDC and Greater Gratiot Development, Inc.

Discover the winners of the 2024 “Top 40 Under 40” awards, celebrating young professionals within Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella and Osceola counties, hosted by MMDC and Greater Gratiot Development Inc.

Feature Story 2018 CMU Homecoming Court

CMU celebrates a century of school spirit and alumni pride on its 100th homecoming anniversary

This year, Central Michigan University celebrates 100 years of its Homecoming tradition, which began in 1924. The centennial Homecoming will honor a rich history of alumni reconnecting with their alma mater. From its humble beginnings to becoming the largest alumni event annually, CMU’s Homecoming remains a cherished celebration of school spirit, community, and legacy.

Feature Story Isabella Bank CS Day

Banking on service: Inside Isabella Bank’s annual community volunteer day

Since 2018, Isabella Bank has held its annual Compassion into Action event, a day-long company-wide community service initiative that allows all employees to volunteer across seven counties in mid-Michigan. The event, which takes place every October on Columbus Day, enables staff to participate in meaningful projects with local nonprofits.

Feature Story Mental Health List

New mental health support group reminds Isabella County residents they’re not alone

As an expansion of NAMI Midland County a new local support group provides mental health support, resources, and counseling for residents in Isabella County. The grassroots organization is made up of volunteer peers with lived experiences and perspectives to help remind folks that they’re not alone in their struggles.

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.