Mobile Home a Total Loss in Fire

On January 22, 2025, at 5:16 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a structure fire in the 1100 block of Wellington Drive in Union Township’s Summerhill Village Mobile Home Park.

Upon arrival, crews observed heavy smoke and fire coming from a mobile home. The fire was caused by attempting to heat frozen pipes and is a total loss.

The owner was home at the time of the fire, but did not sustain any injuries.

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

Mobile Home Damaged in Fire

On January 14, 2025, at 4:22 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a structure fire in the 1100 block of Stoneridge Court in Union Township’s Summerhill Mobile Home Park.

Upon arrival, crews observed heavy smoke and fire coming from a double wide mobile home. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes. The mobile home sustained heavy smoke and fire damage.

There were no occupants home at the time of the fire, which was reported by a neighbor.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.    

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Michigan State Police, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission – 11/11/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, November 11, 2024, 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.

Approved items on the Consent Calendar.

7) Minutes of the regular session of the City Commission held on October 28, 2024.

8) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held October 28, 2024.

9) Purchase of a 2025 Ford F-150 pickup truck through the MiDeal program and a budget amendment for same.

10) Charter Township of Union 2025 Contract for Fire Department Services.

11) Set a public hearing on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. on proposed rezoning of parcels 17-000-17-300-00, 17-000-17-303-00, 17-000-17-304-00, 17-000-17-305-00, 17-000-17-306-00, located at the southwest corner of Crawford and Broomfield, from PRD (Planned Residential Development) to CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Restriction), CD-4 (General Urban Character District), SD-U (Special District University), CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Restriction), and CZ (Civic Zone), respectively.

12) Received proposed Ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Mt. Pleasant as it relates to SD-U University Special District Rules and set a public hearing on same for Monday, December 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

13) Warrants and payrolls.

Held a public hearing on proposed 2025 Annual Operating Budget. There was no action taken at this time.

Request for Fire Suppression and Façade Improvement Funding Allocation for TyJorMac, LLC (120 South University) tabled until a future Work Session on same.

Held a Work Session discussion on usage of motorized bikes and scooters on City owned trails.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:18 p.m.

Fire Damages Union Township Home

On November 9, 2024, at 6:19 a.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a structure fire in the 900 block of South Isabella Road in Union Township.

Upon arrival, crews observed a two-story home and adjoining office with smoke coming from a portion of the roof’s eaves. The fire was brought under control by 6:42 a.m. The structure sustained smoke, heat, and fire damage

Since the building is currently under construction, no occupants were home at the time of the fire.

The MPFD is investigating the cause of the fire.       

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Deerfield Township Fire Department, Shepherd Tri-Township Fire Department, Isabella Northeast Fire Department, Michigan State Police, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Central Michigan District Health Department Rescinds Public Health Emergency Order (Updated 5/14/2021)

UPDATE: On May 14, 2021, Central Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD) rescinded its local Emergency Order that limited public gatherings in Isabella County in the City of Mt. Pleasant and Union Township. This local order limited outdoor gatherings and events to 25 or fewer people and applied to residential and non-residential venues.

Please reference the State of Michigan’s page here for current information about capacity limits, guidance, and frequently asked questions.

10/7/2020 UPDATE: The Central Michigan District Health Department has updated and reissued the local public health order to coincide with applicable Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Emergency Orders issued on 10/5/2020. You can view the updated order here:

8/24/2020: Central Michigan District Health Department is issuing a public health emergency order to limit the size of social gatherings or events within Union Township and the City of Mt. Pleasant. No more than 25 people may gather at outdoor events. The local order enhances existing state orders and further restricts social gatherings in areas at increased risk for COVID-19 outbreaks since the student population returned to the local community. The order takes effect on August 24, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. and will remain in effect until amended or rescinded. (Updated 10/7/2020)

“We have seen a large increase in cases since students returned to the Mt. Pleasant area. Our investigations have shown that the majority of these cases had attended large social gatherings. Restrictions on the size of outdoor gatherings, along with other preventive measures will help us reduce the spread of this virus” said Steve Hall, R.S., M.S, health officer for the Central Michigan District Health Department.

The local order reduces the size of allowable outdoor social gatherings from 100 down to 25. Indoor gatherings remain limited to 10 or fewer people not of the same household, as per Michigan Executive Order 2020-160. At any gathering or event, inside or out, individuals not living in the same household should keep a minimum of 6 feet distance from one another.

Face coverings continue to be required in public indoor settings and any crowded outdoor settings under Executive Order 2020-153.

Isabella County has reported a total of 297 confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date. County data shows that in the third week of August there was a 350% increase in the number of COVID-19 cases compared to the previous week. During that week, 92% of reported cases were among those 18 to 24-years-old. This is compared to the first 2 weeks of August in which 39% of cases were among this age group. With thousands of students returning to Central Michigan University in Isabella County, many from states with high rates of COVID-19, living in congregate settings, and traditionally disposed toward socializing in large groups, further restrictions need to be put in place to prevent outbreaks related to large social gatherings and organized events. Large social gatherings have demonstrated an increased public health risk with potential for further outbreak, including super-spreading events.

“We wholeheartedly support the Central Michigan District Health Officer’s order further limiting outdoor gatherings to protect our community from the spread of COVID 19,” says Nancy Ridley, Mt. Pleasant City Manager. “These are not normal times and it takes all of us working together to mitigate the spread of this virus. This includes the consistent wearing of face masks and changes in how we interact and gather. Putting these safety measures in place increase the chances of our schools and businesses staying open, as well as protecting all of our residents, our community’s visitors, and our valued frontline workers.”

“Union Township supports the Central Michigan District Health Department’s Health Officer’s social gathering limitation 100% and thank him for his leadership,” says Union Township Manager Mark Stuhldreher. “Whether permanent residents, students, or visitors to our community we all are the key to slowing the spread of COVID-19. If we all follow the guidance of our public health officials, we can keep ourselves, first responders, and our neighbors as safe as possible. It’s up to each of us to do our part.”

State law provides local health officers with the authority to issue orders to protect the public health under Section 2453 of the Public Health Code (MCL 333.2453). Those who disregard the order could be subject to a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than six months and/or a fine of up to $200.

You can read the order here: https://b7415fe4-3f8d-4ed9-b594-7f18ad7f0403.filesusr.com/…

To reduce the spread of illness in our community, the Health Department recommends wearing a face covering, maintaining a minimum of 6 feet distance from others not in your household and washing your hands frequently. Testing is recommended for anyone reporting to work in person, with known exposure or with any mild or unusual symptoms. Symptoms may take up to 14 days after exposure to appear, and individuals are considered contagious two days before symptoms appear.

The number of local cases, guidance for employers, prevention information, testing options and more are available at https://www.cmdhd.org/novel-coronavirus. Health Department staff are also available to answer questions. CMDHD has established a Coronavirus Message Center line at 989-773-5921 extension 1444. Leave your name, phone number, county of residence, and a brief message. Staff will return calls as soon as possible.

This article has been brought to you by Central Michigan District Health Department, which serves the counties of Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Osceola and Roscommon. Visit our website at http://www.cmdhd.org, LIKE Central Michigan District Health Department on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @CMiDHD.