Features

Feature Story The Morey Foundation Logo

Investing in today and tomorrow: The Morey Foundation's enduring commitment to Isabella County

The Morey Foundation has been positively impacting the Isabella County community since the late nineties with projects such as the Morey Cancer Center, Morey Courts, and Morey FlexTech High School, amongst others. Currently, their efforts are focused on a new Morey Gymnastics Center with a goal of providing new area programming based on community feedback.   

Feature Story Kiwanis Club of Mt Pleasant

Kiwanis Club of Mt. Pleasant celebrates 90 years with a Dolly Parton Imagination Library Walk-a-Thon

This September, the Kiwanis Club of Mt. Pleasant is celebrating 90 years of providing services to youth in our community. One of the many ways they’re celebrating includes a Dolly Parton Walk-a-Thon Sept. 18-22. Learn more about the impact The Kiwanis Club has throughout Isabella and Gratiot counties.

Feature Story The passing of MI SB0227 would improve mental health care ofr Michigan's children.

Community mental health agencies want more options for helping Michigan's children

Michigan's community mental health agencies address children’s mental health care but need legislative change to do it better.

Feature Story Kash Meisheri, Summit Smokehouse

Summit Smokehouse & Tap Room raises the bar for crafting connections in Mt. PleasantPatio revamp. Menu makeover. Shifties Taproom celebrates Mug Club members

Summit Smokehouse & Tap Room opened a new Shifties Mug Club Taproom, released a revamped menu, and has spruced up their outdoor patio seating. We talked with Summit’s Kash Meisheri about the changes to the Mt. Pleasant restaurant… And what’s next.

Feature Story Isabella Bank graphic

Isabella Bank celebrates 120 years of community roots

Isabella Bank has been serving communities across the central Michigan region for 120 years. Jerome Schwind has been a part of the organization since 1999. Currently, Schwind serves as the Bank president and is set to take on the role of CEO in January. We spoke with him to discover more about Isabella Bank’s community roots, connections, and their plans to commemorate the organization’s 120-year anniversary.

Feature Story United Way of Gratiot and Isabella Counties Stuff the Bus initiative, elementary school

United Way’s Stuff the Bus campaign supports area teachers’ back-to-school prep

Thanks to the annual United Way of Gratiot & Isabella Counties Stuff the Bus campaign, this year over 500 elementary classrooms throughout Isabella and Gratiot counties will be receiving gift cards over the next two weeks, along with a goody bag for their classrooms that includes basic supplies such as scissors or crayons.

Feature Story Ambridge Workforce Solutions ribbon cutting

New consulting firm brings leadership and human resource solutions to Mt. PleasantQ&A with Ambridge Workforce Solutions’ Dr. Liz Boyd and Kathleen Bracken

A new consulting firm in Mt. Pleasant aims to empower employees and leaders with knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of today’s workplace. By delivering evidence-based educational solutions, Ambridge Workforce Solutions equips organizations with the most up-to-date and scientifically supported information.

Feature Story Aerial view of The Bird Bar and Grill 90th Anniversary Celebration

A party 90 years in the making: The Bird Bar and Grill celebrates anniversary

The Bird Bar and Grill hosted a party 90 years in the making Saturday, July 29, 2023. Epicenter photojournalist Dan Gaken was there to capture it all. Learn more about the history of downtown Mt. Pleasant’s beloved bar and recap the celebration in this photo essay.

Feature Story Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College Main Campus sign

Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College incorporates traditional cultural values with higher education

A former Mid Michigan College building in Mt. Pleasant is being transformed into an updated campus for Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College—a public community college which incorporates traditional cultural values with higher education.

Feature Story Lisa Benic

Nostalgia meets modern at renovated movie theater in ClareQ&A with Ideal Theater’s Lisa Benic

Aiming to amplify the Ideal Theater’s authentic architecture with accessibility and modernization—paired with passion to keep movie-going traditions alive—three sisters turned their renovation ideas into reality. Discover more about the history, renovations, and charm of Clare’s Ideal Theater in this Q&A with Lisa Benic.

Feature Story Downtown Mt. Pleasant aerial list

Mt. Pleasant: A place to call homeDiscover real estate tips and trends for the Mt. Pleasant housing market

From budget-friendly duplexes to sprawling historic colonials and riverfront oases, those in the know say Mt. Pleasant has something to offer almost every buyer on the market this year. Check out Mt. Pleasant’s hottest residential neighborhoods in 2023, along with tips for homebuyers.

Feature Story Actors Carol Sizer and Bill Klein rehearse "Memory of a Dance," a play about dementia commissioned by the Southwest Michigan-based Region IV Area Agency on Aging to spread community awareness of the experiences of people living with dementia.

PODCAST: Building more dementia-friendly communities

Many people living with dementia don't feel valued or respected in their communities. But some activists in Michigan are working to change that by creating dementia-friendly communities, where the general public better understands dementia and people living with dementia have more opportunities to engage in public life.

Feature Story Matheus Souza Profile List

Google. Carnegie. Mortal Kombat. Mt. Pleasant.Musician Matheus Souza is no stranger to a variety of stages

A Mt. Pleasant resident has made a name for himself in the video game music industry. He has recorded violin for well-known video games such as Mortal Kombat, Tomb Raider, and Final Fantasy. Plus, he’s performed at Carnegie Hall. Check out this profile on Matheus Souza.

Feature Story Michigan Mare mobile bar, Shepherd MI

Isabella County’s first rentable horse trailer mobile bar serves events throughout Michigan

The newest inventory addition to Something Borrowed Event Rental in Shepherd is a remodeled horse trailer that doubles as a mobile bar and photo backdrop. Complete with electricity and running water, the Michigan Mare is the first mobile bar rental of its kind in Isabella County.

Feature Story Dr. Hank Paulson is a neurologist at University of Michigan Health and director of the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center.

PODCAST: Inside the rapidly expanding field of dementia research

One of the most frustrating and scary things about dementia is that we still know breathtakingly little about it. But the medical community in Michigan, as in the rest of the U.S., is currently working at unprecedented speed to change that.

Feature Story Chippewa River, Spring May 2023

Summer 2023 in Mt. Pleasant is filled with ample activities and events

Searching for your next thrilling adventure in Mt. Pleasant and Isabella County? Look no further, Epicenter's summer bucket list will help you make unforgettable memories! From outdoor activities to upcoming community events—let this list inspire your next adventure!

Feature Story Saline resident Jim Mangi is a care partner to his wife, Kathleen, who has Alzheimer's disease.

PODCAST: Building support for dementia caregiving challenges

Becoming a caregiver to a person living with dementia is a challenging process. We talked with Michigan caregivers about their struggles, their successes, and the resources and support they need to do their vital work.

Feature Story Since being diagnosed with dementia, Monica Downer (center, being interviewed) has become an activist for awareness of her disease.

PODCAST: Dementia disparities in communities of color

Dementia is challenging for everyone, but it takes a particularly heavy toll in communities of color. Here's how people living with dementia, researchers, and activists are working to change that in Michigan.

Feature Story STIR Craft Cocktails & Modern Kitchen door exterior

Local culinary legends create a “stir” at Mt. Pleasant restaurant

International Nights from the Yin Yang Chefs at STIR Craft Cocktails & Modern Kitchen have returned! Hear from Chef Cindy Walz about their tradition that brings tastes from around the world to Mt. Pleasant, featuring local produce and meats. Plus, discover her advice on healthy meal planning.

Feature Story Cyndy Hund, pictured here with her husband Mike, quit her job due to her dementia symptoms – but it still took her another four years to get a diagnosis.

PODCAST: No more "diagnose and adios": Rethinking dementia diagnosis

Getting a dementia diagnosis can be a challenging, years-long process. Here's how Michiganders living with dementia and those who care for them are working to change that.