Features

Feature Story Courtesy Isabella County Soup Kitchen

Local organizations provide impactful resources to Mt. Pleasant population experiencing homelessness

While November is National Homelessness Awareness Month, Mt. Pleasant area nonprofits and organizations make it their mission year-round to help uplift and provide impactful resources to the population experiencing homelessness. Learn more about the resources available from Isabella County Restoration House, United Way, and the Isabella County Soup Kitchen.

Feature Story CMU MHOF List

Central Michigan University’s new Media Hall of Fame inducts six

Central Michigan University has long been a national leader in marketing, public relations, and media. That tradition was celebrated Saturday, November 4th as CMU hosted the Media Hall of Fame Gala and Awards Ceremony—where many inductees recalled impactful memories they made during their time in Mt. Pleasant.

Feature Story CMU Counseling

CMU Counseling Program receives Midwest innovation awardProfessor Dr. Allison Arnekrans’s first-hand experience

The CMU Counseling Program received national recognition recently as recipients of ACES North Central Region’s Innovative Counselor Education Program Award, representing their innovative approaches to counseling. Discover more about the program and free counseling services for the community from Epicenter guest writer, Dr. Allison Arnekrans.

Feature Story LWV List Image

League of Women Voters of the Mt. Pleasant Area provides helpful resources to local residents

Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Looking for unbiased education about who is on the ballot? The League of Women Voters of the Mt. Pleasant Area provides a solution.  

In The News Ginger Cookies

Early season holiday events happening throughout Mt. Pleasant

Some say it’s never too early in the season to get in the holiday spirit! Don’t miss these fun autumn events in Mt. Pleasant that gear up to the festive season all November long.

Partner Content ASC 1 List

MyMichigan Health Ambulatory Surgery Center offers state-of-the-art care for outpatient procedures

Thanks to advancements in technology, most surgeries can now be safely done in an outpatient setting, often at a lower cost to the patient. For the past six years, the Ambulatory Surgery Center at MyMichigan Mt. Pleasant has offered local residents a convenient, affordable option for same-day surgery close to home.

Feature Story Kevin Fischer, executive director, NAMI Michigan

NAMI Michigan's Kevin Fischer, "Michigan’s CMHs are the front door"

MI Mental Health recently had a chance to talk with Kevin Fischer, executive director, NAMI Michigan, about the important role that community mental health agencies play in Michiganders’ mental health.  

Longform Angela Gabridge, MiGen executive director, co-chaired a coalition that requested Michigan state funding for LGBTQ+ health.

Michigan addresses LGBTQ+ health disparities with historic $10 million budget allotment

A new allotment in the state budget will directly support the work of community-based organizations that are already providing health-related services to LGBTQ+ Michiganders.

Development News CMURC logo

CMURC Mt. Pleasant undergoing major renovations this fall

The CMURC entrepreneurial ecosystem in Mt. Pleasant will escalate soon, as the remodeling of the RC coworking space and business accelerator begins this November, closing the facility starting October 31 with a goal of reopening summer 2024.

Feature Story Victoria Kukla Headshot

Sustainable stationary goods support environmental and mental health causesQ&A with Byway Press owner, Victoria Kukla

Byway Press is known for its eco-friendly art products that connect with Great Lakes scenery and nostalgia—all while supporting sustainability and mental health causes. Learn more about this Mt. Pleasant-based business in a Q&A with its owner, Victoria Kukla. 

Feature Story Wendy Groll presenting her keynote speech during the Look Who's Talking luncheon Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023.

Look Who’s Talking event welcomes Wendy Groll for the Women’s Initiative 20th anniversary luncheon

The Women’s Initiative Fund has been providing important services and programs to the women and girls of Isabella County for 20 years. Their annual “Look Who’s Talking” luncheon fundraiser took place Wednesday, October 11, welcoming Wendy Groll of Handley & Associates to speak on how attendees can use their “powers for good.”

Longform Eric Lupher, president of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan.

Michigan organizations work to improve poor health outcomes through "path to a prosperous future"

A group of Michigan political, health care, community, and foundation leaders are working together on a project that aims to coordinate sustained investments in Michiganders' health.

Feature Story Emerging Leaders

“Top 40 Under 40” 2023 inaugural class announced by MMDC and Greater Gratiot Development, Inc.

Discover the winners of the inaugural “Top 40 Under 40” 2023 awards, celebrating young professionals within Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella and Osceola counties, hosted by MMDC and Greater Gratiot Development Inc.

Longform Emily Miller, Crime Victims Legal Assistance Project managing attorney.

Scams rob Michigan elders of millions, but health providers and nonprofits offer help

Michigan organizations that provide health care and other services for older adults are working to reduce the impact of scams through education and legislative help.

Feature Story MMC Logo

Mid Michigan College launches new agriculture program for studentsQ&A with Richard Smith Ed.D., associate dean of off-campus instruction

Mid Michigan College launched a new agriculture program this semester. Discover more about the program and how it’ll benefit the rural Michigan economy, students, and area farmers.

Feature Story Mitch Reetz

Bringing Nashville live-music vibes to Mt. Pleasant: Meet local cover artist Mitch Reetz

If you think you’re hearing live music by country star Eric Church in Mt. Pleasant—think again. While he sure can mimic the musician, local talent Mitch Reetz has a voice and vibe all of his own, and he shares it across beloved mid-Michigan venues. Learn more about this singer and guitarist who covers country and other genres.

Longform Home-based early childhood educators are essential to Michigan's childcare and preschool landscape.

Home-based early childhood educators weigh in on PreK for All

A common concern about PreK for All that came up during listening sessions was the role of home-based childcare and early education providers.

Feature Story Early Education Matters,

Pre-K para Todos mejorará a largo plazo la salud, la educación y los resultados sociales de los niño

Cuando se trata de educación, el Kids Count Data Book (Libro de datos sobre el recuento de niños) de 2023 sitúa a Michigan en el puesto 42 de los 50 estados. Una de las muchas maneras en que el estado está trabajando para mejorar la calidad y la equidad en la educación es mediante el avance de Pre-K gratuito para todos.

Development News falllist

Isabella County fall activities bring fun for the whole family this season

Isabella County has plenty to offer this fall season, with events catering to the spooky and the sweet. From autumn art shows and flavorful fall food, to Halloween events for the whole family, there’s a lot for you to explore this season. For more information on these fall events in Mt. Pleasant and the surrounding area by clicking here.

Feature Story Teal Ribbon

Communities across Michigan tie teal ribbons, spreading awareness of ovarian cancer with MIOCA

Have you seen teal ribbons tied in bows along lamp posts in Michigan downtowns recently? Each September during National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, cities throughout Michigan tie teal ribbons to raise awareness of ovarian cancer. This year, groups of volunteers in over 60 cities and 14 campuses are participating in the Tie Michigan Teal campaign. Discover more about the initiative