At 4:15 p.m. on February 16, 2023, the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 1300 block of Fessenden Street in Mt. Pleasant. Upon arrival, crews observed heavy flames and smoke coming from a single-story home.
The residents, home at the time of the fire, exited safely with no injuries. The fire was brought under control at 4:38 p.m. The house sustained heavy smoke, heat and fire damage.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Deerfield Township Fire Department, Mobile Medical Response, the Mt. Pleasant Police Department and Isabella County Dispatch.
UPDATED: 11/5/2022 at 7 p.m. – The family of the two children have been located. There is no additional information at this time. Updates will be provided when available.
On November 5, 2022 at 12:45 a.m. Mt. Pleasant Police Officers responded to a call in which two small children were discovered unaccompanied within the city limits. The children are a 15 to 18-month-old male, and a 4 to 6-month-old female.
The children are currently under Child Protective Services guardianship.
The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the children and their parent(s) or guardian(s). Currently, only a photo of the 15 to 18-month-old male child is available.
Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line at 989-779-9111 or Central Dispatch at 989-773-1000. This is an ongoing and open investigation. Updates will be provided when available.
The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police, Isabella County Central Dispatch, and the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police Department.
MT. PLEASANT, MI – Director of Public Safety/Police Chief Paul Lauria recently announced personnel changes within the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD). Effective November 4, 2022, Assistant Police Chief Andy Latham will retire after 26 years of service to the department. Lieutenant Brandon Bliss has been promoted to Assistant Police Chief and will assume his new duties on November 6, 2022.
Director Lauria stated, “There is much to celebrate with these recent personnel changes. It is wonderful to witness a dedicated and successful law enforcement official like Assistant Police Chief Latham achieve retirement. His commitment to our profession and department is truly appreciated and we thank him for his service. It is a bonus,” Lauria continued, “to have the ability to promote a highly qualified individual like Brandon Bliss up through the departmental ranks to fill the role of Assistant Police Chief. Since joining the MPPD in 2008, Brandon has exhibited a strong work ethic and dedication. He will do well in his new role.”
During his tenure with the MPPD, Assistant Police Chief Andy Latham progressed through the ranks of Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Assistant Police Chief.
Special assignments included serving on the Isabella County Traffic Team, Bayanet, Youth Services Unit, and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Technical Rescue Team. He was also a Motor Operator, Arson Investigator and Commander of the Emergency Services Unit.
Andy has long taken pride in assisting his community by organizing MPPD volunteer activities including: Toys for Tots, Shop with a Cop, Shop with a Hero, Christmas Outreach, helping the Strickler Center Food Pantry, as well as preparing and serving food for the Isabella County Restoration House.
As Andy shared, “I am very fortunate to have spent my career at the MPPD. I have been encouraged and motivated to refine and grow my skill set.” During his law enforcement years, Andy completed multiple Michigan State Police Supervisory Courses, as well as graduated from the Grand Rapids Police Executive Leadership Institute, and the FBI National Academy. This is in addition to his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University.
Reflecting on his MPPD experiences Andy observed, “I have had the pleasure of working with many noble men and women over the decades. Our community is fortunate to have a Division of Public Safety populated with men and women who are courageous, caring and are deserving of continued gratitude and support. As I retire from the law enforcement profession,” He added, “I do so with great memories, lasting friendships and no regrets. It has been my pleasure to serve the Mt. Pleasant community alongside a talented and committed Public Safety team.”
Andy’s immediate retirement plans include assuming the role of Dean of Students/Athletic Director for Sacred Heart Academy in Mt. Pleasant.
In assuming his new position, Brandon Bliss possesses more than 17 years of law enforcement experience, with 14 of these years with the MPPD. During his time with the department he has served as a Lieutenant, Sergeant, Youth Services Unit Officer, team leader for the Emergency Services Team, lead Sergeant for the Field Training Program and held union leadership roles with the Police Officers Association of Michigan and the Command Officers Association of Michigan.
Brandon obtained a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Saginaw Valley State University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. Throughout his career he has also completed Michigan State University’s First Line Supervision Program as well as attending various other supervisory and leadership schools.
In regards to his new role Brandon shared, “There have been many exemplary leaders at the MPPD over the years. I look forward to carrying on that long tradition of excellence. I am even more excited to help and support a great group of officers who serve our community, in multiple ways, with integrity, pride and compassion.”
Nominating petitions for the office of City Commissioner are available at the Clerk’s office at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Completed nominating petitions may be filed with the City Clerk starting Monday, June 27, 2022. The deadline to file is 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, 2022.
Two (2) City Commission positions are available for the term January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025. The terms of current Commissioners Mary Alsager and George Ronan are expiring December 31, 2022.
The city election will take place on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, September 13, 2021 at 7 p.m.
Public hearing on a redevelopment liquor license for TNC Holdings and consider resolution on the same.
Public hearing on special assessment roll for Special Assessment District #2-21 and consider approval of resolution #5 for approval of the roll and setting of payment terms for Special Assessment District #2-21 for Principal District Shopping special assessment.
Public hearing on an application for transfer of Industrial Facilities Tax from MAC Liquid Truck Trailer.
Consider resolution to rescind the revocation of the Dayco Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) abatement.
Consider resolution in support of transferring the Dayco Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) abatement to MAC Liquid Truck Trailer (MAC LTT).
Consider employment agreement for City Manager position.
Consider approval of amended Outdoor Dining Policy and resolution temporarily permitting the approval of permanent outdoor dining areas under administrative review.
Receive proposed 2022 Annual Operating Budget and set a public hearing for November 8, 2021 on the same.
Receive fall 2021 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal 2% funding requests from City departments.
How to follow public meetings during social distancing:
In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, as allowed under the Open Meetings Act and consistent with the Isabella County Declaration of a State of Emergency (Resolution No. 20-12-03 effective 12-15-20), the City Commission Meeting will be held virtually. The public may view the meeting live on the City’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/, on Spectrum Charter channel 188 or via Zoom.
Zoom Meeting instructions via computer, phone, or dial-in number are as follows:
• Comments/Questions can be emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org during the meeting and during normal public comment sections of the agenda.
• Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment periods.
Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office at (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the City through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. A 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.
UPDATE FROM THE MICHIGAN STATE POLICE 6/8/2021 – In the early morning hours of June 8, 2021 Isaiah Gardenhire was taken into custody without incident. Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, no further information is available at this time. The MSP will continue to share information with our media partners as it becomes available.
UPDATED: 6/7/2021 3:15 p.m.: The Michigan State Police (MSP), who is leading this investigation, is asking Mt. Pleasant area residents to keep their homes, outbuildings and vehicles locked. If you see this individual do not approach, and call 911 immediately. Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, the MSP has no further information available at this time. The MSP will continue to share information with the media as it becomes available.
On Sunday, June 6, 2021, at 3:15 a.m., troopers from the Michigan State Police Mt. Pleasant Post responded to a residence on S. Isabella Road in reference to the report of a stabbing involving juveniles. Upon arrival, troopers discovered a teenage female had suffered a stab wound. She subsequently succumbed to the fatal stab wound. Additional investigation revealed an adult female had been sexually assaulted.
Investigative resources and personnel from multiple agencies were deployed to search the area for the suspect identified as Isaiah Gardenhire. A warrant for open murder and Criminal Sexual Conduct First Degree with a weapon was authorized by the Isabella County Prosecutor’s Office.
The suspect in this case has been identified as Isaiah Gary Gardenhire, also known as “Zeke”. Gardenhire is a black male, 40 years of age, 6’-1”, 180lbs. He has black hair and brown eyes with a distinctive star shaped tattoo on the right side of his neck. He has a large circular tattoo on the left side of his neck. He is believed to be driving a stolen, dark colored, 2014 Ford Fusion bearing a Michigan plate of “CTBMIKE”.
The public is asked remain aware of your surroundings, keep your doors, outbuildings and vehicles locked, and do not approach this individual. If you see this person or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Gardenhire please contact 911 immediately.
Michigan State PoliceMedia Contact:
Spl/Lt. Michelle Robinson, Michigan State Police 6th District Public Information Officer, 517-230-3818, Email: RobinsonM16@michigan.gov
UPDATED: 3:15 p.m.: The Michigan State Police (MSP), who is leading this investigation, is asking Mt. Pleasant area residents to keep their homes, outbuildings and vehicles locked. If you see this individual do not approach, and call 911 immediately. Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, the MSP has no further information available at this time. The MSP will continue to share information with the media as it becomes available.
On Sunday, June 6, 2021, at 3:15 a.m., troopers from the Michigan State Police Mt. Pleasant Post responded to a residence on S. Isabella Road in reference to the report of a stabbing involving juveniles. Upon arrival, troopers discovered a teenage female had suffered a stab wound. She subsequently succumbed to the fatal stab wound. Additional investigation revealed an adult female had been sexually assaulted.
Investigative resources and personnel from multiple agencies were deployed to search the area for the suspect identified…
The 2020 Census is more than a population count. It is an opportunity to shape the future of our community. Conducted every 10 years, and required by the U.S. Constitution, the goal is to count everyone who lives in the United States.
Census responses determine congressional representation in the states and inform how billions of dollars in federal funds are distributed annually for the next 10 years to states and local communities to support public safety, healthcare facilities, schools, and infrastructure.
College students
Students in college towns use critical local resources, including roads, public transportation and health clinics. Getting funds for those resources, however, depends on making sure students are counted in the right place each census. And in most instances, if they’re not living at their parents’ home, chances are the right place is in the town where they attend school. Basically, a student’s “home” is where they currently live while attending college.
How you can be counted.
By April 1, 2020, every home will have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Responses can be submitted online, by phone or by mail. When completing the Census be sure to include everyone living in your household on April 1, 2020.
On February 11, 2020 at 4:13 p.m. the Mount Pleasant Fire Department responded with two engines, one rescue unit and twenty personnel to a structure fire at 325 N. Lansing Street. Firefighters arriving on scene observed heavy smoke coming from the north side of the structure. The fire was quickly brought under control. There is heavy smoke and fire damage to the lower apartment. The second floor apartment sustained heavy smoke damage only.
No firefighter injuries occurred on scene. All occupants were able to escape the building. Two occupants were treated and transported to the hospital for minor smoke inhalation. The Mount Pleasant Fire Department is currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Damages are estimated to be $150,000.00
On scene assistance was provided by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department and Mobile Medical Response.
1/24/2020 UPDATE: NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS; CLASS IS FULL
The fifth Citizens’ Academy is now accepting applications. Presented by the City of Mt. Pleasant, the academy is designed to engage members of the community and to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.
Participants will attend seven, three-hour weekly sessions beginning Tuesday, February 18. Each session will offer an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the City’s administration and budget; public works and utilities; parks and recreation; public safety; and community development. Additional topics covered include the basics of local government, elections and more.
The Citizens’ Academy is open to anyone living, working, owning property or attending school in the City. “The Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close up view of how a municipality operates,” said Mt. Pleasant City Planner Jacob Kain. “Past participants have indicated the program is informative, enjoyable and has broadened their insight into local government.”
Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. Sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays: February 18, February 25, March 3, March 17, March 24, April 7, and April 14. Graduates of the academy will be recognized at the April 27 City Commission meeting.
Applications are available at City Hall or online, and are accepted until January 31, 2020. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.
Mt. Pleasant, Mich., – The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a male suspect who was at Wild Side Smoke Shop, 1218 South Mission Street at approximately 6:38 p.m. on October 31, 2019. The store employee reported he recognized the male from previous incidents of stealing from the store. The male was back in the store attempting to steal again. The store employee approached the male about putting items in his pockets. The male in attempt to flee began to fight with the store employee.
There was an unidentified female in the parking lot that was waiting for this male. The female did take part in the assault against the store employee.
The suspect is described as a white male in his late 20’s or early 30’s, approximately 6’ tall, with a thin build. The suspect was wearing blue jeans with them tucked into his cowboy boots and a bright blue NIKE hooded sweatshirt. The male was wearing glasses during this incident.
There are no safety concerns for the City of Mt. Pleasant.
If you have any information in regards to the identification of this subject, please contact The Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s anonymous tip line at 989-779-9111.
City of Mt.Pleasant 
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