A proposed manufacturing facility in Midland could bring 1,200 new jobs to areas around central Michigan, including Mount Pleasant.

The Dow Chemical Company announced last week that Midland is the preferred site for its new manufacturing plant for Powerhouse solar shingles. The unemployment rate in Isabella County is 9.6 percent — a number some say could be reduced with the addition of the new facility.

A potential $1.7 million deficit is in sight for Isabella County as officials anticipate less state-shared revenue in the next fiscal year.

County Administrator Tim Dolehanty said the deficit could range anywhere from $450,000 to $1.7 million. The $450,000 shortfall is equivalent to 10 to 15 full-time positions, he said.

An increase in joblessness in December pushed Isabella County from the number one spot in the state’s lowest unemployment rate, according to a state news release.

The county’s unemployment rate jumped to 9.1 percent from November’s 8.5 percent, giving Washtenaw County the lowest unemployment rate in Michigan. The two counties are the only ones to maintain at a rate below 10 percent.

The position of Isabella County diversity coordinator is once again vacant one year after it was filled.

Blossom Hill, who assumed the position in January 2009, resigned last fall to further her education out-of-state. County officials say they have no concrete plans to fill the void at this time.

The economy’s sudden downturn has left future entrepreneurs in counties statewide eager to take their business ventures elsewhere.

Isabella County is no exception to the trend, with 15 percent fewer business startups registered with the county clerk’s office over the last few years.

Finding a place this fall to store hunting weapons on campus is fairly simple.
CMU Police provides on-campus students with a safe option for weapon storage.

The online application system for Michigan’s Bridge Card is marred by long waiting periods and an undermanned staff.

The Michigan Department of Human Services has received 20,076 online applications as of Oct. 13. Isabella County residents have accounted for 1,337 of the online applications statewide.

Mid-Michigan probate judges are criticizing a state Senate bill that would require counties to pay additional administrative fees to private foster care and adoption agencies.