Isabella Bank completes major downtown Mt. Pleasant remodel
Isabella Bank has reopened its newly renovated main office in downtown Mt. Pleasant, unveiling a modern, customer-focused interior after nine months of construction.
Courtney's Latest Articles
Mother-daughter team is shaking up downtown with the Mount Pleasant Soda Lounge
After opening their first location in Farwell this summer, a mother-daughter team has quickly expanded with their new Mount Pleasant Soda Lounge—serving creative sodas, ice creams, and now food—bringing a fresh spark downtown.
How StoryWalk brings books to life outdoors
Whether through children’s tales, Braille features, or QR-linked ASL resources, the StoryWalk initiative opens doors to literacy and provides a creative way for the community to connect with stories outside.
Aging in place with dignity
PACE Central Michigan is helping seniors stay in their homes longer with dignity. By combining medical, social, and daily living support under one coordinated system, their programs reduce stress for families while improving care.
WEB builds confidence in middle school as students support students
Starting middle school can be intimidating, but Mt. Pleasant Middle School’s “Where Everybody Belongs” (WEB) program helps ease the transition. With 45 eighth graders serving as mentors for 242 new sixth graders, WEB fosters confidence, belonging, and leadership.
Joe Hertler’s CMU beginnings lead back to Main Street:
From CMU open mic nights to major festival stages, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers return to Mt. Pleasant Aug. 14 with their signature high-energy blend of rock, soul, funk, and pop for the Max & Emily’s Summer Concert Series.
Launching a legacy on the Chippewa River
Nearly three decades ago, Mike Anderson launched a side venture that turned into a beloved summer staple in Mt. Pleasant: Chippewa River Outfitters. Now in its 29th season, the rental business provides kayaks, canoes, tubes—and unforgettable memories—for families, CMU alumni, and visitors alike. From full-service float trips to moonlight paddles and rustic camping experiences, learn how Anderson's passion for outdoor fun and community connection continues to ripple through the region.
Small Town, Big Market: Wildflower & Wren returns to downtown Clare
Wildflower & Wren Markets is bringing its “Small Town USA Market” back to downtown Clare for the third year on Sunday, August 10, 2025. Featuring nearly 40 local vendors offering vintage goods, boutique items, handmade products, and farm-fresh favorites, the event draws hundreds of visitors and boosts the local economy. Held at the historic Johnston Elevator, the one-day market will also feature food trucks, live music, and community spirit—all organized by Clare local Lacey Badelt.
From local classrooms to college credit: Mid Michigan College’s program gets national nod
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!”
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.
