Author

Courtney Jerome

With 15 years of professional media experience, Courtney Jerome has found a passion for storytelling and showcasing our region in a positive light. She's written stories for television broadcasts, numerous magazines, and digital publications. In addition, she owns a boutique creative marketing agency that focuses on social media, photo, and video storytelling for small businesses across Michigan and the country — courtneyjeromemedia.com. Contact Courtney, the managing editor of Epicenter, at editor@epicentermtpleasant.com.

Courtney Jerome's Latest Articles

From local classrooms to college credit: Mid Michigan College’s program gets national nod

By Courtney Jerome

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Kids and Education

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July 17, 2025

Mid Michigan College has once again earned national recognition for its commitment to educational quality. As the first public institution in Michigan to receive NACEP accreditation for its concurrent enrollment program, the college has now secured continued accreditation into 2032. This program allows high school students across nine counties to earn college credit while still in high school—taught by their own instructors, in familiar classrooms.

Answer: This Alma grad is about to be on “Jeopardy!”

By Courtney Jerome

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In The News

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July 10, 2025

Pete Johnston, an Alma native and 2007 Alma College graduate, is set to appear on the iconic quiz show Jeopardy! on Tuesday, July 15. Inspired by years of family trivia nights, a high school Quiz Bowl run, and Alma College’s liberal arts approach, Johnston shares what it felt like to stand on stage—and how host, Ken Jennings, helped calm the nerves.

From Chickens to Commerce: How Renaissance students hatched a business plan

By Courtney Jerome

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Kids and Education

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June 26, 2025

What began as a hands-on classroom experiment at Renaissance Public School Academy quickly evolved into a thriving student-led venture. Blending agricultural learning with entrepreneurship, students are hatching chickens, harvesting produce, and managing retail sales at the Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market. But the most remarkable growth may be what’s happening behind the scenes. With community partners stepping in to support and guide them, these young innovators are proving that with the right environment, big ideas can grow from humble beginnings.

Mt. Pleasant Police launches new security camera database to speed investigations

By Courtney Jerome

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Technology and Innovation

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June 12, 2025

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s new voluntary security camera database has already attracted 45 participants in its first month. By allowing investigators to quickly identify available footage when incidents occur, the program aims to save critical time during active investigations. Residents and businesses can opt in at any time and retain full control over their footage.

Four Suns Farm opens for its first full summer season in Mt. Pleasant

By Courtney Jerome

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Entrepreneurship

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June 5, 2025

Created with intention and rooted in family values, Four Suns Farm opens to the Mt. Pleasant community this summer. Offering yoga, workshops, lavender products, and peaceful experiences in nature, Tom and Stephanie Olver have cultivated more than just crops—they’ve created a space for connection. Learn about the family’s inspiration, upcoming events, and how this new local destination is growing something meaningful for all.

Blossoms, Bridges, and River Views: Where to hit the trails this spring in Mt. Pleasant

By Courtney Jerome

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Community Development

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May 15, 2025

Mt. Pleasant is home to some of mid Michigan’s most scenic trail systems, perfect for spring recreation. This seasonal roundup features top picks from staff at the City of Mt. Pleasant and Isabella County Parks & Recreation—including routes with wildflower views, river crossings, and family-friendly amenities.

Stitches, Sponsors & Saturday’s Games: Baseball season is officially in full swing

By Courtney Jerome

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Community Development

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April 25, 2025

Little League season kicks off in Mt. Pleasant with a player parade, community games, and a brand-new turf project led by a local high schooler. Discover how volunteers, sponsors, and youth athletes are teaming up to make this season one to remember.

Cheers to Change: Inside the “shift” at Shifties Taproom for National Beer Day

By Courtney Jerome

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General

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April 7, 2025

In honor of National Beer Day, Epicenter catches up with Erich Focht, general manager at Summit Smokehouse, to learn about the evolution of Shifties Taproom. Once an exclusive space for Mug Club members, Shifties is now open to the public and aims to recreate the welcoming community vibe of the original Mountain Town Tap Room—with craft beer, laid-back lounge vibes, and plans for future distilling and new summer brews on the way.

Inside Soolicious Cake Art Studio: Passion, precision, and the perfect buttercream

By Courtney Jerome

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Entrepreneurship

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March 20, 2025

At Soolicious Cake Art Studio, pastry chef Soo Bradley combines skill, passion, and high-quality ingredients to create custom cakes and baked goods that elevate special occasions. After training at Le Cordon Bleu Australia and spending over a decade as a pastry chef, Bradley opened her own storefront in Mt. Pleasant in 2023—quickly becoming a beloved destination for handcrafted desserts.

Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates annual awards recipients

By Courtney Jerome

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Community Development

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March 6, 2025

26 individuals and organizations were recognized across various award categories at the 68th Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet, reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to fostering leadership, business growth, and community service in Isabella County.