November is Important

As you know this is a critical election at the National level, but it is also very important right here in Isabella County and especially in Union Township.

Voters in our township have already indicated with their votes in the primary that they want a change. There are many candidates on the ballot whom favor working together with other local officials to identify areas of cooperation that would benefit our township’s quality of life and the amenities we enjoy.

Take a good look at all of the new candidates who are running with the hope of improving local government in our area. In every case, you will find that they are qualified or more qualified than the incumbents.

This is the first time in 40 years that so many Democrats have stepped forward to run for local offices. They all agree that change is needed. Those candidates are committed to making a difference. Now go vote...declare yourself.

Mt Pleasant MI Area Unified

There is a growing interest among community leaders in the greater Mt Pleasant MI area to work together for the benefit of all area citizens. Looking at the list of new comers whom will have their names on the upcoming August primary for township, county and city ballots, I believe we have a lot of excitement and change to look forward to.

The excitement will come from the campaign discourse and debates between candidates. The exchange of ideas that results will provide an opportunity for all concerned citizens to take a moment or two to consider the topics and come to a conclusion as to where they stand.

Change will result when the newcomers are elected. The change will be positive, I am sure. We will see a more effective, efficient and responsive government. A more unified community will result.

Keep your eyes and ears open for more on this subject.

Tourism Promotion Dollars - Who Should Pay?

The Convention and Business Bureau for the Mt Pleasant MI area is being threatened by the possibility that the largest member of the coalition may pull its support out of the organization. Each participating hotel organization levies a two percent tax which is passed on to the convention bureau. Labelle Management is reported to own forty percent of the hotel rooms in the Mount Pleasant market. They may decide to withdraw their participation which would financially cripple the bureau.
Labelle's action may be a move to level the playing field. Recently a major hotel, formerly the Holiday Inn, was purchased by the Soaring Eagle Resort division of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. The tribe does not participate in the marketing coalition, thus the bureau lost a big chunk of change when the property changed hands. The other hotels in the area pass the two percent cash along to the bureau. If Labelle pulls out, the Mt Pleasant area will loose their travel and tourism marketing arm.
But will that mean an end to tourism? I doubt it. The Soaring Eagle Resort does a lot marketing. We hear their commercial on radio stations through out the state. Billboards along the highways surrounding Mt Pleasant promote concerts and other events coming to the resort. All of that attracts visitors to Mt Pleasant.
Its time for another change. Time for the bureau to close it doors.
What do you think?

Remembering Days at School Section Lake

Reading an article on the front page the Morning Sun newspaper about the first African-American settlers in Isabella County made me think about School Section Lake. As a boy our family would travel west of Mt Pleasant thirty five miles or so to the lake. Its a small beautiful lake with a large field stone concession building on the east shore. The building was a house or hotel many, many years ago. However in the 1960's is was a very cool concessions building. Inside they sold Schwann's ice cream treats, popcorn, soda, and candy bars. It was a special occasion to go to the lake, swim for hours, and then enjoy an ice cream sandwich and a soda.

Standing to the south of the concession building was and still is a historical marker. The sign describes the early Black settlers of the area. The text reads that Old Settlers came to the park at School Section Lake each summer for a family reunion.

On one quiet, sunny, summer afternoon I stood facing the lake and closed my eyes. I could hear the voices of the children playing, smell the food cooking on the camp stove, and I could picture the large family gatherings from the early part of the 1900's. I remember that moment like it happened today.

I encourage your to take a journey back in time and visit the oldsettlersreunion.com web site soon. Let me know what you discover on your visit.

New Look, New Direction

The new look of Mt Pleasant.com has been launched and receiving positive critical acclaim. New opportunities are available for local bloggers to link to Mt Pleasant.com. Other features of note include an updated weather feature, new shopping options, and a great photo gallery. Click on the "Entertainment" menu and scroll down to the photo gallery. We are accepting additional photos, please consider submitting your photos today.


The site was redesigned by TyStatic (http://www.tystatic.com/).

Please let us know what you think of the new site. Thank you.

Mayor JJ - is he joking?

I thought the fever pitch of complaints and positive comments about the posture Mayor Jon Joslin took regarding the proposed body art palor in downtown Mt Pleasant would fade away, like a cheap tattoo. But the issue has really gotten under the skin of area residents.

Two weeks had past and people were still sounding off in the local newspaper. Now more positive comments were being printed. Which opened my eyes to a more honest view of the situation. This is a small town and a local politician (not public servant) is going to massage the system to benefit his or her personal agenda. Not much different that Breckenridge or Lansing.

However, two years ago the Morning Sun wrote in the January 15, 2006 edition that Joslin said one of the mayor's primary responsibilities is to act as the face of the city to other communities and other governments, particularly the state.

Some think its the face of a joker the mayor is wearing. What do you think?

Frank Horning Was A Great Man

Serving his family and his community was Frank Horning's first goal in life. He wanted to help who ever, when ever and where ever he could. Frank was the number one volunteer at the Broadway Theatre in downtown Mt Pleasant. He could fix the air conditions, sweep the floor, run to the store to get bags of ice for the concesion stand, shovel snow off the front walk, and stuff programs with inserts.

Frank loved his wife, his grand kids, and his church. God took Frank home Monday, January 14, 2008.

He was too young to go home. At only 66 Frank could have contributed so much more to our community. I will remember Frank's good deeds and do all Ican to be as good of a man as Frank Horning.