Tag: Public Safety

Isabella County Restoration House (ICRH) Opens Emergency Cooling Station During Extreme Heat Warning

The City of Mt. Pleasant is sharing the following press release from Isabella County Restoration House regarding an emergency cooling station during the current extreme heat warning.

In response to the National Weather Service’s Extreme Heat Warning in effect from June 30, 2026 through July 2, 2026 at 8:00 PM EDT—and with forecasts indicating dangerous temperatures may continue beyond that period—the Isabella County Restoration House (ICRH) has activated an Emergency Cooling Station to protect vulnerable residents from life-threatening heat conditions.

Beginning today, ICRH will provide safe, air-conditioned shelter daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM through July 2 for individuals without housing, those staying in places not meant for habitation, and community members referred by partner agencies.

Services Available

Individuals entering ICRH for emergency cooling relief will have access to:

  • Air Conditioned common areas on the Main floor and lower level.
  • Restrooms and laundry facilities
  • Smoking area – NOTE: THC & Marijuana products are prohibited on ICRH Property
  • Computer stations (with staff assistance available for those needing help completing the GIMI Shelter pre-assessment)
  • Food and beverages as offered to registered ICRH guests

All individuals must sign in at the main desk and follow ICRH rules and policies to ensure safety and appropriate building occupancy.

Important Restrictions

To maintain safety and protect registered guests:

  • Emergency cooling visitors are not permitted on the second floor or in any sleeping areas under any circumstances.
  • Emergency cooling visitors are not considered registered guests and will not receive overnight accommodations or extended services.
  • Individuals seeking full shelter enrollment will be directed to the ICRH website to complete the GIMI pre-assessment and join the waiting list.

Statement from ICRH Leadership

ICRH Executive Leadership emphasized the organization’s commitment to community safety during extreme weather events:

“As always, thank you all very much for your help and support in carrying out this extension of our mission to provide temporary shelter and empower a pathway to self-sufficiency for homeless individuals and families.”

About Isabella County Restoration House

ICRH is the primary emergency homeless shelter serving adults and families in Isabella County. The organization provides temporary shelter, case management, and supportive services designed to stabilize households and prevent homelessness.

For questions, media inquiries, or coordination with partner agencies, please contact ICRH directly at 989-400-4126

Summary of Minutes from the 6/22/2026 Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, June 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Approved the Agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Item #6 was removed from the Consent Calendar. 

Approved the Consent Calendar as amended.  

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar: 

2) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held June 8, 2026;

3) Removed from Consent Calendar;

4) Payrolls & Warrants.

Discussed the future of the former Mt. Pleasant Center Property.  No action taken.

Authorized the Mt. Pleasant Police Department to enter into an agreement with Axon Technology through December 1, 2036, and authorized Director of Public Safety Paul Lauria to execute the contract.  

Work Session discussion on Consumers Energy Renewable Energy Program.

Approved and conducted Closed Session pursuant to subsection 8(c) of the Open Meetings Act for strategy and negotiation sessions connected with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m.

Structure Fire on Clover Lane Displaces Residents

At approximately 3:08 p.m. today, the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 5414 Clover Lane in the Crossings Mobile Home Park on East Broadway Road in Union Township.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of the residence. Crews quickly initiated fire suppression operations and brought the fire under control by approximately 4:10 p.m.

The structure sustained significant fire, smoke, and water damage. The occupants were home at the time of the incident and were able to evacuate safely. No civilian injuries were reported; however, the residents have been displaced as a result of the damage.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Shepherd Tri-Township Fire Department, Michigan State Police, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police Department, Mobile Medical Response, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

No residents or firefighters were injured during the incident.

Most home fires occur at night when people are sleeping. Check your smoke detectors monthly and replace your batteries twice a year. Operating smoke detectors may save your life.

Public Safety Expo Brings Live Demonstrations and Family Activities Downtown

Residents are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Public Safety Expo on May 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Center (Main/Broadway) for a free, family-friendly event showcasing the agencies, equipment and partnerships that help keep the Mt. Pleasant community safe every day.

As part of the event setup, an overturned vehicle used for an accident reconstruction demonstration will be placed in the City Hall parking lot prior to the start of the expo, including overnight before the event. The vehicle display is intentional and part of the planned educational programming for the Public Safety Expo. The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is aware of the setup as part of the planned event.

Hosted in partnership with ServPro and Discount Towing, the event will feature live demonstrations, emergency vehicles, educational displays and opportunities to meet first responders and public safety professionals from across the region.

Participating agencies and organizations include:

  • Michigan State Police
  • Mt. Pleasant Police Department
  • Mt. Pleasant Fire Department
  • Isabella County Central Dispatch
  • Isabella County Sheriff’s Office
  • Michigan Independent Search & Rescue
  • Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police Department
  • Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department
  • Mobile Medical Response
  • Isabella Bank
  • Green’s Towing

Opening ceremonies will begin at 11:15 a.m. with the National Anthem performed by Brian Eldred and a flag presentation by the Central Michigan University Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC).

Scheduled demonstrations throughout the event include:

  • 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – K-9 demonstration
  • 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Vehicle extrication (“car cutting”) demonstration
  • 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. – K-9 demonstration
  • 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Accident reconstruction demonstration

A medical helicopter is also expected to visit the event, weather and emergency response conditions permitting.

Several local food vendors and community partners will be providing complimentary and discounted refreshments during the expo, including:

  • Pisanello’s Pizza featuring $2.50 pizza slices
  • GreenTree Co-op offering free assorted bakery items
  • Dunkin’ providing free donuts and coffee
  • I Scream Ice Cream Truck serving free ice cream, root beer floats and Boston coolers

Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend to learn more about public safety services, emergency response operations and the collaborative partnerships that support the Mt. Pleasant community.

715 Wood St. Structure Fire

On March 29, 2026, at 9:42 p.m., the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a
vehicle fire next to a residence. Arriving crews observed a fully involved vehicle with
heavy fire extending to the attic of the nearby residence. Firefighters conducted an
offensive fire attack and brought the fire under control.


Five occupants of the home were present at the time of the fire and three sustained
minor smoke inhalation and burn injuries.


The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Shepherd Tri Township Fire Department, Mobile Medical Response, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.


Most home fires occur at night when people are sleeping. Check your smoke detectors
monthly and replace your batteries twice a year. Operating smoke detectors may save
your life.

Trail Safety – Ordinance to include e-bikes

At the July 28 City Commission meeting, commissioners adopted changes to the city’s bicycle ordinance (Chapter 72) which includes both traditional and electric bicycles. For easy reference, updates to this ordinance will be posted at https://www.mt-pleasant.org/departments/city_clerk/index.php after August 28.

Changes include:

  • Clear definitions of electric bike classifications (1, 2 and 3).
  • Updates on where e-bikes can be operated.
  • Speed limit for both bikes and e-bikes not to exceed 10 mph on a sidewalk or paved trail/pathway.
  • Violations are civil infractions, with fines of up to $50.
  • Traffic violations of bikes and e-bikes on public roadways could be subject to points on your driver’s license.

As always, trail safety is extremely important. Please review guidelines at www.mt-pleasant.org/parks and keep the trails safe and fun for everyone.

Mt. Pleasant Youth Police Academy Accepting Applications

The 24th Youth Police Academy is scheduled for July 14 – 31, 2025, (Monday – Thursday) from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. This free, fun, and interactive program offers youth going into grades 6-8, an up-close view of the skills and necessary training needed for law enforcement officials.

Mt. Pleasant Police Officers conduct the program in the manner of a real police academy with values such as teamwork, integrity, compassion, and discipline being stressed. Cadets are required to participate in physical training and complete the same agility tests given to recruits during a standard police academy.

In addition to physical training, the daily curriculum includes hands-on learning, field trips and demonstrations by specialized units such as the SWAT Team, K-9 and DNR. Classroom topics encompass crime scene investigations, traffic stops, marine patrol activities, firearms safety, first aid and CPR, and much more.

Applications are now available at Mt. Pleasant Public Schools and the Division of Public Safety, 804 E. High Street, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The application deadline is June 6, 2025.

Doug Lobsinger Named Mt. Pleasant Fire Chief

Paul Lauria, Director of Public Safety for the City of Mt. Pleasant, announced the appointment of Doug Lobsinger to Fire Chief of the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department. Doug has served in this leadership role in an interim capacity since the retirement of Rick Beltinck in December 2022.

Close to 30 years ago, Doug joined the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department as a Paid On Call Firefighter. He has since risen through the ranks serving as an Equipment Operator, Sergeant and Assistant Fire Chief, before his recent interim Fire Chief assignment.

Director Lauria shared, “Through the decades, Doug has been an EMS Coordinator and Instructor, NFPA Fire Inspector, a member of the Hazmat and Technical Rescue Team, and a member of the Isabella County Medical Control Board.” He added, “Throughout his tenure, Doug has steered the Neighborhood Resource Unit, as well as administered the MHSDA housing grant program. This home exterior improvement program has completed 27 projects to date.”

Director Lauria concluded, “Doug’s enthusiasm for fire safety and code enforcement will continue to serve our fire department and community well.”

Doug Lobsinger, Mt. Pleasant Fire Chief

City of Mt. Pleasant’s 2022 Annual Report

Economic development, infrastructure upgrades, neighborhood beautification, enhanced public safety services and outreach, recreational offerings and more are highlighted in the City of Mt. Pleasant’s 2022 Annual Report. To view the detailed report, visit: https://issuu.com/mtpleasantmi/docs/annual_report_2022_2