Features

Feature Story Mary George, owner of The Suites at 2929

New self-care salon experience enters Mt. Pleasant with a unique business modelThe Suites at 2929 is expected to open June 1

One of the salon industry’s fastest growing areas–salon suites–is coming soon to Mt. Pleasant. Owner, Mary George, describes The Suites at 2929 as a place for beauty and self-care industry professionals in the mid-Michigan region to own their own “mini salons” – an opportunity for entrepreneurship and for the Mt. Pleasant community to experience multiple self-care options all under one roof.

Partner Content The Greater Flint Health Coalition’s work in gardens grew out of its SNAP-Ed direct education programming like Fresh Conversations and Rec-Connect™, pictured here at Burton Senior Activity Center.

Gardens growing change in Flint

The Greater Flint Health Coalition delivers nutrition and physical activity education with SNAP-Ed direct education programming to residents, including senior citizens, across Flint and Genesee County. 

Feature Story Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce 2023 Awards Banquet - Citizen of the Year

Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce Honors Community Leaders

The Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their 66th Annual Awards Banquet March 4, recognizing community individuals, leaders, and businesses. We talk with the Citizen of the Year, Rising Star, Large and Small Business awardees on their honors.

Partner Content MyMichigan Health Signage

Where to go for careAmidst long hospital wait times, patients are urged to seek appropriate avenues for care

Do you know when you should call your primary care provider versus when to go to Urgent Care versus when to go to the Emergency Department? Many Urgent Cares and Emergency Departments across the country are experiencing long wait times, partially due to patients incorrectly seeking care at these medical facilities. In this article, professionals at MyMichigan Health discuss the strain this puts on the healthcare system and how patients can better use the facilities and tools available to them to receive more timely care.

Feature Story UW PITCH-ER THIS! Competition 2

United Way of Gratiot and Isabella Counties Funds Big Ideas at 8th Annual PITCH-ER THIS! Competition

The United Way of Gratiot and Isabella Counties hosted the 8th annual PITCH-ER THIS! contest Saturday, February 25, 2023 in the Central Michigan University College of Medicine Auditorium. PITCH-ER THIS! is a youth-development competition designed to give local students an opportunity to make a big impact on their community, with funds allowing the United Way of Gratiot and Isabella Counties to support three ideas pitched by local students.

Feature Story Morey Courts entrance 2

2023 is set to be a record-breaking year for Morey Courts

With almost 40 weekends already booked, Morey Courts Recreation Center is on track for 2023 to be a record-breaking year. Facility director, Amy Bunting, shares with Epicenter her vision for 2023 and what they’re building at Morey Courts.

Feature Story Karin Jenson 2

Resident’s new roots and passion for the Mt. Pleasant area aids local conservation efforts

Recently relocated to Mt. Pleasant, tech executive Karin Jenson has set down roots where the Chippewa River meets the Coldwater River. She’s renovating her home and property by paying close attention to local conservation. Discover more about Jenson’s efforts and dedication to bringing awareness to conservation efforts alongside the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy.

Feature Story Photo of Manuela Powidayko, City of Mt. Pleasant

Former NYC city planner brings talent and passion for growth to the City of Mt. Pleasant

The City of Mt. Pleasant has welcomed a new director of planning and community development with experience working in New York City’s Department of City Planning. Manuela Powidayko was living in Mt. Pleasant while working remotely in that position, falling in love with our town. So much she decided not only to stay but put her talents towards positively impacting our city’s growth in her new role.

Feature Story 2023 Mt. Pleasant Polar Plunge 9

2023 Special Olympics Michigan Polar Plunge in Mt. Pleasant helps cross $1 million in funds raised

Freezin’ for a reason, the Mt. Pleasant community gathered to participate and support Special Olympics Michigan at the 2023 Polar Plunge event Saturday, Feb. 11. Learn more about this event and see all the plungers in this photo essay.

Feature Story Michigan State University

Resources after a shooting: How to help adolescents, talk to media, navigate trauma

We aren't alone in grappling with how to talk to loved ones about mass shootings and gun violence, sadly, but there are resources to help. We've compiled a list of guides, many from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, that can assist with navigating tough conversations at this time.

Feature Story Ice Hockey Stock

Brittany Knopp’s history-making head coach role with Mid-Michigan Raptors hockey team

Creating a legacy on and off the ice, Brittany Knopp is the first female prep boys varsity hockey coach in the state of Michigan – and she’s coaching right here in Mt. Pleasant. Learn more about Knopp making Michigan hockey history.

Feature Story Nicole Frost, Isabella County administrator/controller

Q&A with Isabella County administrator/controller, Nicole Frost

In this Q&A with Isabella County administrator/controller, Nicole Frost, discover an update on the new sheriff’s office and correctional facility being built in Union Township, and her hopes for what the building left behind may become. Plus, the area could potentially have more curbside recycling pickup. Regionally, Isabella County could become a hub for recycling, and have a big statewide impact. Learn more about what’s in the works to make this happen.

Feature Story Michigan Potash & Salt Company facility rendering

New potash mining facility: Creating an economic impact on Evart and surrounding region

What could be the first potash mine in the state of Michigan, and one of the largest union-supported economic development projects in the country, Evart Township is one step closer to being home to a brand-new potash (potassium chloride) and salt production plant and processing facility – creating well over one thousand jobs in the area, along with local, statewide, and international impact.

Feature Story Eastman kids and grandkids hamming it up for the camera.

Foster care fosters hope for Michigan’s most vulnerable children

Michigan's community mental health agencies, CMHs, provide mental health care for the roughly 10,000 children in Michigan’s foster care system. Here is how Genesee Health Systems and Sanilac County CMH are working hard to help foster children in their counties thrive.

Feature Story GreenTree Interior

GreenTree Co-op celebrates 1-year in new location, continuing tradition of community-building

It’s been just over a year since GreenTree Co-op Market moved into their new location downtown. Let’s celebrate with a recap of their successes and forecast the future with solutions they’re providing the Mt. Pleasant community.

Feature Story Call line staff working in the team room at Summit Pointe’s First Step Urgent Care.

Community mental health agency call lines connect Michiganders with local crisis care

A call to a local community mental health crisis line can sometimes be more direct and offer services that may not be available when calling 988 or MiCAL.

Feature Story Broadway Theatre VHS Night 2022

VHS Night: Downtown’s Broadway Theatre celebrates nostalgia and nerdiness with film series

Broadway Theatre’s VHS Night welcomes tapeheads and lovers of retro video formats for an exclusive lineup of cult classics shown in the VHS format. Films from “Scream” to “Gremlins” to “The Thing” and “Miami Connection” draw in nostalgia for all ages in the Theatre’s series.

Feature Story Helm Ad

Issue Media Group launches new publication ‘The Helm’’ serving Greater Sandusky Region

Issue Media Group is excited to announce the company’s latest online news platform – The Helm Sandusky. This publication will tell the stories of investment, innovation, entrepreneurship, and individuals that are shaping the Greater Sandusky Ohio region.

Feature Story Robert Sheehan, executive director of the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan

Here’s good news for Michiganders’ mental health: Community mental health delivers cutting-edge care

Michigan's community mental health agencies lead the nation in innovation, serve all 83 counties, and help Michiganders of all ages access the mental health supports they need.

Feature Story Ginger Kaufman, Owner of Ginger's Cookie Jar in Mt. Pleasant

Owner of Ginger's Cookie Jar spreads her love of cookies to aspiring bakers at Mid Michigan College

“I’ve made 363 cookies so far this week and I’m not done yet!” shares Ginger Kaufman before her December Royal Icing Cookie Class at Mid Michigan College’s Lifelong Learning program. Discover more about Kaufman and how she helps dozens of aspiring bakers every month learn how to frost beautiful cookies.