Features

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.

In The News Fireworks stock list

Fourth of July firework safety and City ordinance reminders

As we approach the 4th of July holiday in Mt. Pleasant, the City of Mt. Pleasant is reminding residents of firework safety and ordinances within the city limits. Discover when and where to discharge consumer fireworks this weekend.

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.

Feature Story Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport courtesy car back 1

Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport courtesy vehicle increases business throughout the area

A police car from the City’s fleet has been redesigned and repurposed to provide transportation for visiting flight crews and pilots throughout town from the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport–significantly raising awareness of the airport and its amenities for commercial and private pilots. Learn more.

Feature Story Julia Becker, Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing Coming Soon

Indoor axe throwing and corn hole entertainment venue coming this fall to Mt. Pleasant

Get ready to unleash your inner Viking! Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing is coming this fall to Mt. Pleasant, offering axe-throwing adrenaline activities as well as corn hole and arcade games.

Feature Story SOH Podcast Ep 1

PODCAST: Dementia is not a death sentence

As we kick off the second season of the Michigan's State of Health podcast, we'll introduce you to some of the Michiganders who are working to reframe dementia – including people who are living with dementia themselves.

In The News LGBTQ+ flags, pride, stock

Celebrate Pride Month in Isabella County with June Pride events

Celebrate Pride Month in Isabella County this June by joining Great Lakes Bay Pride and regional partners in these 2023 family friendly festivities.

Development News Mt. Pleasant Craft Beer Fest 2022 2

Annual Mt. Pleasant Craft Beer Festival returns in 2023 with new additions

The annual Mt. Pleasant Craft Beer Festival returns in 2023 on June 10, with atmosphere favorites plus some new additions–including non-alcoholic beers, local wine, and a revamped VIP area–with proceeds going to local nonprofits and community organizations.

Feature Story Alysha Pasquali, list

Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation has a lot to celebrateQ&A with MPACF CEO/COO, Alysha Pasquali

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation has had an exciting few months, from welcoming a new CEO/COO, raising almost $80,000 during Give Local Isabella, and awarding 114 scholarships to local youth. This Q&A with MPACF’s Alysha Pasquali dives into the past few months at the Foundation—and what’s next.

Feature Story Enterprise Tax Solutions, door sign square

Mt. Pleasant company showcases unique tax services, talent, and workplace culture

Enterprise Tax Solutions is a Mt. Pleasant-based global technology company that has seen big growth in the past few years. Discover more about eTax’s growth, how they continuously bring new talent to the area, and the uniqueness of the technology they provide for global clients from Mt. Pleasant.

In The News Renaissance Academy Odyssey of the Mind World Finals 2023_2

Renaissance Academy students compete at Odyssey of the Mind World Finals competition

Six students from Renaissance Public School Academy competed at the annual Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, where over 800 teams from around the world gathered to showcase their creative problem-solving skills. Learn more about the experience.

In The News Chippewa River, Spring May 2023

Sea lampreys treated in Chippewa River by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administered lampricides into the Chippewa River in a coordinated effort to reduce sea lamprey numbers this past week. Discover more about the species of fish and how it impacts recreation on the river and the Great Lakes.

Development News Gil Starks, Gilbert and Kay Starks Family Trust

Chippewa Watershed Conservancy acquires 25th nature preserveEight-acre parcel named Starks Preserve

Dubbed “a pollinator paradise” by Chippewa Watershed Conservancy executive director, Mike LeValley, the newest nature preserve acquired by the CWC is Starks Preserve—a milestone for the conservancy—as it’s their 25th nature preserve being protected.

Feature Story Angie Evans

Meet Angie Evans: Community pillar. Volunteer maven. And 2023’s The Good Prize recipient.

Recently awarded with 2023’s The Good Prize from United Way, Angie Evans has easily become a household name in Mt. Pleasant. We hear her on the radio, see her volunteering with numerous organizations across town, and benefit from the passion she gives to growing our community.

Partner Content A Farmers Market Food Navigator assists shoppers at the Muskegon Farmers Market.

Michigan Fitness Foundation connects families to farmers and fresh, locally grown food

Michigan Fitness Foundation has been working with Michigan farmers and farmers market managers to reduce barriers to accessing fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for families on tight budgets. 

Development News Paint & Skate event 2023

Paint and Skate event brings a splash of color to Island Park

Island Park’s skatepark received a refresh with a Paint and Skate event hosted by For Arts Sake, sponsored by the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Feature Story SPIN e-scooters, University Bovee Center CMU

E-scooters bring a new mode of transportation to Mt. Pleasant and CMU

E-scooters have arrived in Mt. Pleasant just in time for spring. These new, rentable, motorized scooters provide an additional source of transportation throughout the city limits and CMU’s campus. Learn more about this new source of micro-mobility.