Features

Feature Story MPCBF List

Mt. Pleasant Craft Beer Festival celebrates 10 years

10 years and more than $245,000 in community support later, the Mt. Pleasant Jaycees’s annual craft beer festivals bring community members and visitors together in downtown Mt. Pleasant. Learn the history of the event and enjoy a photo essay of this year’s 10th annual Mt. Pleasant Craft Beer Festival. 

Feature Story For Arts Sake List

For Arts Sake celebrates three years in downtown Mt. Pleasant

This summer, For Arts Sake celebrates three years of being an artistic destination in downtown Mt. Pleasant. Enjoy this Q&A with the owner, Megan Bair, to discover more about their journey and offerings—plus, how they’re going to celebrate their third anniversary.

Longform Lunchtime at Oehrli Elementary School in Montague, Mich.

Michigan's free school meals yield high returns for student health and academic success

Michigan has become one of eight states to make free school meals available to all, creating notable benefits for students' health.

In The News MP Beer Fest List

Elevate your June with community events in Mt. Pleasant

Explore many Mt. Pleasant June events, from paint-filled pavements to wine-paired dinners. Don't miss out on the vibrant community celebrations and exciting new experiences!

Feature Story Hannah Martin List

Meet Hannah Martin: Empowering community through passionate advocacy

As part of Epicenter’s Emerging Leaders series, Hannah Martin, a passionate advocate for Mt Pleasant, utilizes her influence to foster community connections and address local challenges, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and engagement for a thriving community.

Feature Story Bryant Kids List

Multigenerational family farms in mid Michigan create a special legacy for everyone involved

Multigenerational family farms across central Michigan embody a tradition of hard work and familial bonds—with stories ranging from Bryant Family Farm's diverse agricultural endeavors to Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm's festive reindeer herding, and Doodles Sugarbush's sweet maple syrup goods. Despite their differing specialties, these families share a deep-rooted commitment to their businesses and the joy of working together, creating enduring legacies and cherished memories.

Feature Story Buckleys List

50 years of paddling experiences on the Chippewa RiverThanks to Buckley’s Mountainside Canoes

Nestled along Mt. Pleasant's Chippewa River, Buckley's Mountainside Canoes has been a hub for outdoor enthusiasts for decades. Founded by John and Donna Buckley, their passion for paddling and community engagement has shaped a legacy now carried forward by current owner Liz Busch. Their 50th season celebration highlights a journey of adventure, environmental stewardship, and community bonding that defines Buckley's as more than just a canoe livery.

Partner Content AAoM Kids List

When it comes to autism and mental health, stigma and discrimination play a huge role

Being autistic does not mean a person cannot experience good mental health. However, studies have shown that 78% of autistic children have at least one mental health condition. Stigma and discrimination are often a contributing factor.

Feature Story Mumford Prize List

Meet the top three nominees for this year’s Mumford Prize for GoodFeaturing Kim West, Phil Maxwell, and Jim Holton

An annual accolade which celebrates community members who are “doing good” in central Michigan communities is “The Good Prize.” From restaurateur Jim Holton's quiet benevolence to teacher Phil Maxwell's impactful classroom initiatives, and advocate Kim West's dedication to supporting families, each of the “Top 3” nominees for this year’s selection exemplify selflessness and community spirit. Through their stories, witness the transformative power of individuals making an extraordinary difference.

Longform Robert Sheehan  and colleague, Valerie Jamerson, take a look at the new Tool Kit.

Social Work Career Promotion Tool Kit shares benefits and pathways to rewarding careers

The toolkit is designed to enhance recruitment and promote social work career opportunities across the state. It includes sample language for websites, emails, and social media posts as well as recommended language for various professionals, including high school guidance counselors, college academic advisors, and behavioral health providers. There are also photographic materials for outreach usage.   

In The News United Way List

Community Foundation and United Way host supply drives to support area moms, kids and families

Throughout May in Isabella County, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation and United Way are partnering for supply collection drives to aid families. The drives gather items such as hygiene products and baby supplies, as well as accept donations. Discover all that’s involved in the difference-making drives.

In The News Red-Dress-List

100 red dresses call attention to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Movement

Over 100 red dresses are displayed across Mt. Pleasant, drawing attention to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Movement. Hosted at 10 sites, including museums and libraries, the exhibition aims to raise awareness. An event on May 16 at Broadway Park will feature speakers and personal stories. Community organizations, including the Zonta Club of Mt. Pleasant, are supporting the initiative, with plans for future annual events.

In The News Horseshoe List

Spring into action: Your ultimate guide to May events in Isabella County

Discover May’s must-attend events in Isabella County. From Mother’s Day celebrations to community fundraisers, explore a diverse lineup of activities throughout the month. Don’t miss out—click here to plan your May adventures!

Feature Story Eagle Release List

Exploring Isabella Cat Clinic's wildlife rehabilitation efforts

The Isabella Cat Clinic in Mt. Pleasant, known for its feline care services, also operates the Isabella Feline Adoption & Wildlife Center, a non-profit founded by Dr. Catherine Lindstrand over two decades ago. Collaborating with Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources, the clinic rehabilitates various wildlife species, from birds and rabbits to bald eagles and fox kits. With a dedicated staff and donation-based funding, the clinic's efforts exemplify a commitment to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.

Feature Story Macker-List

Gus Macker kicks off 50th season with tournament at Central Michigan University

Gus Macker Basketball hosted their first Michigan outdoor tournament of the year with 752 players competing at Central Michigan University on April 27 and 28, 2024. This year marks the 50th season of the Gus Macker tournament.

Longform Vibrant Futures

Early Education Community of Practice brings unified message to state focus on early childhood care

The Community of Practice has expanded to 30+ Michigan organizations focused on early childhood. Members have access to a variety of resources and experts and are able to provide solutions and mobilize quickly.  

Partner Content Accommodations can help create a successful visit.

Simple accommodations can eliminate barriers to health care

Because equal and quality access to care is so important, making sure medical practices improve access and accommodations for people with autism is a crucial goal of the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM).

Feature Story Danny-McQuarters-List

Meet Danny McQuarters Jr.: A catalyst for community change

As part of Epicenter’s Emerging Leaders series, dive into the inspiring journey of Danny McQuarters Jr., whose passion for diversity and inclusion drives transformative initiatives—from Club Create to community events—shaping a more cohesive Mt. Pleasant.

Special Report Special report graphic

Special report: How can Michigan fix a guardianship system that fails some kids and older adults?

Guardianship is designed to protect those who can't care for themselves, but it doesn't always work that way. Advocates are pursuing a variety of solutions to improve the system.

Longform Shelby Coolbaugh, administrative assistant for the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (MLTCOP), and Salli Pung, state long term care omubdsman for MLTCOP.

Michigan ombudsman program advocates for residents in long-term care facilities

The Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program improves quality of care and quality of life for people living in nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care homes.