Features

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One year strong: Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing celebrates growth and new entertainment offerings

This week marks the first anniversary of Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing in Mt. Pleasant, and Epicenter caught up with owner Julia Becker to discuss the business's impressive growth. Becker shares the new activities and offerings available, showing how Valhalla has quickly become a staple for entertainment in the community.

Feature Story Young girl meets Santa at the Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration

December 2024 in Mt. Pleasant: Holiday magic, festive fun, and year-end celebrations

Get ready for a December to remember in Mt. Pleasant! From crafting wreaths and bouquets to visits with Santa, the Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration, and thrilling New Year’s Eve parties, there’s something for everyone this season. Whether you’re shopping, crafting, enjoying live performances, or celebrating with friends, these events promise to make your holidays bright.

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Shopping small in downtown Mt. Pleasant this holiday season

This holiday shopping season, Mt. Pleasant's small businesses invite you to make a big impact by shopping local. With special discounts, events, and unique holiday offerings during Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, local shops are ready to help you find thoughtful gifts while supporting the local economy. Discover why shopping small is a big deal for Mt. Pleasant’s community this holiday season.

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Explore non-credit and non-traditional classes with Mid Michigan College’s Lifelong Learning series

Mid Michigan College’s Lifelong Learning series invites residents to learn new skills with their nontraditional, non-credit class lineup. Attendees can learn cookie decorating, soapmaking, cooking skills, dog training tips, yoga, and more within the series.

Longform The students currently taking U-M School of Public Health course, Chatgpt/AI and Public Health.

Public health and AI: Great potential and a need for ethical policies

When applying AI to public health, great potentials exist for swifter, nimbler care and pin-pointed personalization. Its use also could exacerbate biases and the misuse of private information.  

Partner Content Elisabeth Berry and James D'Arcy

Legacy Society will sustain Autism Alliance of Michigan’s work for decades to come

AAoM is establishing its Legacy Society to recognize donors today for gifts that will provide dollars in perpetuity.

Feature Story Central Michigan University

Class in session: Attracting, supporting, and retaining educators

Being a teacher is a tough job, but statewide grants, funding, student loan repayment programs and other incentives and resources aim to make it more appealing. Local school districts, universities and colleges are also partnering together to make transitioning from one classroom to the next a bit more doable.

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Volunteer matchmaking made easyUnited Way's volunteer platform bridges community with mid-Michigan nonprofits

As the holiday season increases demand, United Way of Gratiot & Isabella Counties’ online volunteer platform simplifies connecting local nonprofits with community members eager to help. Since launching in 2022, over 2,600 volunteers have filled more than 3,000 positions, with the platform enabling nonprofits to post needs and community members to sign up with ease.

Feature Story Luke Taylor

Disc golf’s rising star: Isabella County’s Luke Taylor eyes the top

Luke Taylor, an 18-year-old from Isabella County and Sacred Heart Academy graduate, is turning heads in the professional disc golf world. Skipping collegiate competition, Taylor is one of few athletes to go straight from high school to the pros, where he currently ranks 27th in the Disc Golf Pro Tour’s world rankings. This season, Taylor tied for fourth at the Professional Disc Golf World Championships—a career-defining achievement that’s pushing him to set even higher goals.

Feature Story Vietnam Memorial

Island Park’s Vietnam Memorial: A community effort to remember Michigan's heroes

As Veterans Day approaches, Mt. Pleasant’s Michigan Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Island Park stands as a solemn tribute to the state’s fallen, missing, and captured service members. Dedicated on July 15, 1990, this memorial includes 16 plaques listing the names of 2,705 Michigan casualties, MIAs, and POWs, alongside a flag gallery, footbridge, and an information booth.

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Don’t miss out on Mt. Pleasant’s November events—workshops, festivals, and holiday fun

November in Mt. Pleasant brings a variety of community activities to enjoy, no matter the weather. This month’s events range from gardening workshops and live poetry readings to seasonal festivals and Small Business Saturday shopping downtown. Highlights include the Dahlia Digging and Storing workshop at FlowerBird Farm & Garden, Michigan Poet Laureate Nandi Comer’s reading, the kid-friendly Pumpkin Palooza Fall Festival, and the annual Parade of Trees.

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Investing in community health: MyMichigan Medical Center’s $3M renovation and MRI upgrade

MyMichigan Health is investing over $3 million in upgrades to the MyMichigan Medical Center in Mt. Pleasant to improve healthcare access and patient experience. Plans include a $2.3 million state-of-the-art MRI for superior imaging and diagnostics, plus $860,000 in renovations to expand outpatient services and enhance facility layout.

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Reynolds Golden Finds is Mt. Pleasant’s latest destination for deals

A new Mt. Pleasant discount store offers overstocked items from major retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart. Owners Angie and Trent Reynolds bring over 65 years of combined managerial and customer service experience to the business, promising customers a full shopping experience at discounted prices

Longform Jae Gerhart, manager of farm programs for Trinity Health Ann Arbor, at The Farm at Trinity Health in Ypsilanti. The Farm offers a produce prescription program for those who struggle to afford healthy food.

Medicaid funding could expand and sustain Michigan's produce prescription programs

Michigan is seeking approval for a new funding structure that could use Medicaid dollars to pay for programs that offer "prescriptions" for free fresh fruits and vegetables.

Longform “By working with our community and fostering dialogue about gun safety, we believe we can reduce firearm injuries and build a safer future for all.” Deanna Price

How public health focuses on gun safety and reducing firearm violence

Michigan's public health experts are working to address firearm accidents and violence through community partnerships and education programs. 

In The News Deadwood Forest List

Deadwood Grove Haunted Forest continues annual community tradition this October

Mid Michigan College's Harrison Campus transforms its public trails into the Deadwood Grove Haunted Forest each October, offering a spooky experience organized by students from Phi Theta Kappa. Running on select evenings, the event promises thrills and fun for the community.

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Seven years of solar power pays off for Krapohl FordLED lights and other sustainability efforts work well, too

The Krapohl Ford and Lincoln dealership in Mt. Pleasant has embraced sustainability through several eco-friendly initiatives, beginning with the installation of solar panels. Discover their commitment to environmental stewardship, both through energy savings and responsible waste management.

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From pitch to paint: Young creators unveil vibrant downtown Mt. Pleasant mural

Sacred Heart students Claire Campbell and Olivia Harding were winners of the United Way of Gratiot & Isabella County's annual PITCH-ER THIS! competition this past winter. Their winning idea, centered around the power of public art, has recently come to life in downtown Mt. Pleasant with the unveiling of a vibrant mural—celebrating the city’s landmarks and culture, plus aims to draw foot traffic, foster community pride, and improve mental well-being.

Longform Nurses like District Health Department #10’s Becky Gossman RN are only one facet of the future public health workforce.

Redefining public health in Michigan: A vision for a post-pandemic future

The Michigan Association for Local Public Health is advocating for a transformative vision of public health, one that accounts for the complexities of today’s diverse communities and the ever-evolving landscape of health needs. 

Feature Story Community mental health agencies from all over the state came to the 2024 rally to show support for their clients and friends and to advocate for a stronger mental health system.

20th 'Walk a Mile in My Shoes' rally promotes public mental health care

Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) Walk a Mile in My Shoes Rally congregates advocates from across Michigan to support public behavioral health care.