Features

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

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.

Longform A number of financial incentives for post-secondary education help those interested in an early education career.

Michigan looks to create a better career path for early childhood educators

Improved career pathways, state incentives, and improved wages are essential to recruiting and retaining the early education workforce needed for the PreK for All roll-out.

Longform Participants at Ypsilanti PreK for All listening session.

PreK for All listening sessions gather feedback from parents, childcare providers, and educators

PreK for All listening sessions in Michigan's 10 prosperity regions gather feedback from parents, childcare providers, and educators.

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.

Development News Union Township Fitness Court 2023

Union Township introduces new outdoor fitness court at McDonald Park

A new open-air wellness center and fitness court can be found at McDonald Park. Adorned with local artwork, and supported by a workout app, the outdoor Fitness Court® is designed for solo or group fitness, free of charge.

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.

Partner Content AAoM held a back-to-school event at Corner Health in Ypsilanti on Aug. 16.

Health and wellness are the building blocks for a successful school yearAAoM helps little Michiganders with autism be prepared.

Prioritizing children’s health and wellness is the first step toward ensuring they are prepared for a successful school year and able to fully participate in learning.