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Youth soccer is one of many Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation activities that rely on volunteers. Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, Summit Smokehouse partner to sponsor awards Parks and recreation programs are a pillar of so many communities, and Mt. Pleasant has one of the best. Youth programs teach fundamental athletic skills in areas such as golf, T-ball, volleyball, basketball, soccer, while providing opportunities to learn and grow mentally and socially. In addition, programs such as PEAK and special events such as Thrilling Thursdays, the Farmers’ Market and the annual Christmas celebration engage our community throughout the year. None of this would be possible without dedicated volunteers. Krapohl Ford & Lincoln is partnering with Summit Smokehouse and Mountain Town Brewing Co. to sponsor a new program recognizing Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation volunteers. “Krapohl is proud to sponsor this new program to celebrate volunteers who give selflessly to provide special opportunities for our community,” said Mark Smith, co-owner and general manager of Krapohl. The first volunteer will be announced later this week, and one will be announced each month throughout the year. “We saw this as an incredible opportunity to recognize and give back to people in our community,” said Ryan Longoria, director of Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation. “These volunteers give so much of their time and energy to be role models, mentors, and community partners, and allow us to put on all of the programming and events that help make our community such a great place to live.” Volunteers recognized through this program will receive “The Works” from Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center at Krapohl, which includes a full oil and filter change, tire rotation, brake inspection, top off of fluids under the hood, battery test, air/cabin filter check and more. They also will receive a $50 gift certificate to Summit Smokehouse.

The 2021 Disney animated movie "Encanto" will be shown in the parking lot at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln on Saturday, June 25. Families can enjoy Disney's 'Encanto' while helping raise money for a great cause Join Krapohl Ford & Lincoln for the animated Disney movie, “Encanto,” during a drive-in movie night Saturday, June 25. We're partnering with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan Area 7. Donations collected at the event will benefit Special Olympics athletes at the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan. The lot at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln will open for movie-goers at 7 p.m., and the movie will start at dusk. Suggested donation is $20 per vehicle, but any donation will be greatly appreciated. Reserve your spot today to receive free popcorn during the movie! RESERVE YOUR PARKING SPOT This event is co-sponsored by Keller Williams Signature Group Northern Michigan and MLT Transport, LLC. Also, law enforcement officers will be at Krapohl from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on June 25 to conduct car seat safety checks. We thank the Mt. Pleasant Division of Public Safety and the Isabella County Sheriff's Department for providing this important service for our community. Event details: Drive-in movie “Encanto” will benefit Special Olympics athletes at the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan Date: Saturday, June 25 Time: Lot opens at 7; movie starts at dusk Location: Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, 1415 E Pickard Rd, Mt Pleasant, MI Need an oil change? Krapohl Ford & Lincoln will donate 50% of all oil change sales on Friday, June 24 to Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan. Stop in anytime between 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. **PLEASE NOTE: Audio for this movie is provided via FM radio right through your vehicle.

Products, funds help women and girls through The Care Store, Clothing INC The second annual Kay’s Way’s fundraiser and supply drive to collect items for women and girls of Isabella County raised $12,000 in May, a 58% increase from the inaugural campaign. From left to right, Brian Chapman from Clothing INC, Mark Smith, Krapohl Ford & Lincoln co-owner and general manager, Jennifer Reinhardt, Erika Ross, Ramie Harrison, Linda Coyne, Leah Rau, Shannon Vautrin Browne, Maureen Starry — all from the Women's Initiative — Julia Eigenbrood, the executive director at The Care Store and Paula Arndt from co-sponsor Weichert Realtors/Broadway Realty. Kay’s Way, conducted by the Women’s Initiative and sponsored by Krapohl Ford & Lincoln and supported by Weichert Realtors/Broadway Realty, collected supplies for The Care Store and Clothing INC. Both organizations will distribute the donated items from their locations in the Strickler Nonprofit Center on High Street. All monetary donations will fund additional supplies. “The products donated through Kay’s Way will help us for several months,” said Julia Eigenbrood, executive director of the Care Store. “All of the products we have in the Care Store are donated or purchased through financial donations. We need that help, that support. The Women’s Initiative and Krapohl Ford are just amazing how they help do that for us.” Bryan Chapman of Clothing INC said the Kay’s Way drive provides key items that often do not come through regular donations. “The Kay’s Way drive provides items we know we’re going to use — clean socks, underwear, bras — because the Women’s Initiative asked what we needed, and then they worked to get those things,” Chapman said. Kay’s Way is named for Kay Krapohl Smith, daughter of Bob Krapohl, who founded Krapohl Ford & Lincoln with his brother, Harold. Kay could be found working behind the scenes at Krapohl, raising her family and volunteering. She co-founded the Women’s Initiative 19 years ago, establishing it as an endowed fund of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation. When Kay passed away in 2008 at age 67, her obituary listed more than 20 volunteer organizations she had served, mostly in leadership roles. She was the Mt. Pleasant Citizen of the Year in 2006. Krapohl Ford & Lincoln played host to an oil change fundraiser for Kay’s Way on May 18. All proceeds from oil changes went to the drive, and the event raised $4,133.

‘Kay’s Way’ honors Kay Krapohl Smith by collecting personal hygiene products May 9-25 Krapohl Ford & Lincoln is partnering with the Women’s Initiative on this year’s Kay’s Way Supply Drive, May 9-25. The dealership is a drop-off site for items for women and girls of Isabella County. Imagine your mom, daughter, friend, neighbor, or the woman you met yesterday not having essentials such as feminine hygiene or period products, underwear or shampoo. It happens more than we realize. That’s why the Women’s Initiative is launching Kay’s Way today — a special drive to collect items for women and girls of Isabella County. The top 6 supplies needed are: Feminine hygiene/period products Underwear, socks and sports bras Deodorant Shampoo, conditioner and styling products Shaving cream, razors Lotion, moisturizer Supplies and donations can be dropped off at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln on Pickard and Weichert Realtors on Broadway through Wednesday, May 25. Clothing INC and The Care Store will distribute all items from their locations in the Strickler Nonprofit Center on High Street. All monetary donations, which can be made at their locations or via their websites, will be used to buy additional supplies. Kay’s Way is named for Kay Krapohl Smith, daughter of Bob Krapohl, who founded Krapohl Ford & Lincoln with his brother, Harold. Kay could be found working behind the scenes at Krapohl, raising her family and volunteering. She co-founded the Women’s Initiative 19 years ago through the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation. When Kay passed away in 2008 at age 67, her obituary listed more than 20 volunteer organizations she served, mostly in leadership roles. She was the Mt. Pleasant Citizen of the Year in 2006. In Kay’s honor, Krapohl also will have a special oil change fundraiser on Wednesday May 18, donating 100% of all oil change purchases at Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center to the supply drive. The Women’s Initiative endowment has granted more than $100,000 to local organizations to support women and girls. It has funded coats, boots, diapers, formula, tricycles, a lunch that introduced eighth-grade girls to careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), Girls on the Run, and phone/video-conference mental-health services during the pandemic. “Mom was a force and a role model for women,” said Mark Smith, her son and third-generation co-owner and general manager of Krapohl. “Tom (Krapohl, dealership co-owner and Kay’s cousin) and I are excited to partner with the Women’s Initiative and Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation to expand her impact.”

Solar panels on top of the main sales and service building at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. Solar panels continue to power savings at dealership Although today is Earth Day, the 904 solar panels at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln work year round, providing electricity and generating savings. “I believe in protecting the environment, and using solar has an even bigger impact with the business than at my house,” said Mark Smith, Krapohl's general manager and co-owner. For instance, the original 576 solar panels on the main dealership building went up in 2017. They’ve provided an average of 161.3 megawatt hours each year since then. A megawatt hour is equivalent to 1 million watts of electricity being used for an hour. The longer summer days in June and July produce the most energy at 22 megawatts per month from the original panels. December (3.5 MWh) and January (3.8 MWh) produce the least. Smith can log in at any time to see updated statistics and real-time performance of the panels. Once Smith saw an average annual savings of $25,000 from those original panels, he had another 328 solar panels added to the Krapohl Body Shop and reconditioning building last year. The second set of panels is providing approximately 170 MWh per year, giving Krapohl about $45,000 a year in total savings. “We also switched to LED lights a few years ago, and that has dramatically lowered costs as well,” Smith said. “While solar panels do have a cost for installation, they’ll pay for themselves in seven to nine years.”

And Kay’s Way, in memory of Kay Krapohl Smith, starts May 8 The Women’s Initiative of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is accepting grant applications through mid-May for programs and initiatives that support women and girls of Isabella County. Charitable organizations, schools and municipalities can find information about grants and the application process on the Foundation’s website, through the “Grants” tab at the top. A grantseeker informational video is available on YouTube. Letters of intent are due 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 11; applications are due 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 18. “We’re looking for initiatives that help women and girls in their everyday lives, in their education and careers, and in their wellbeing,” said Erika Ross, co-chair of the Women’s Initiative. “This endowment fund through the Community Foundation exists to help women and girls become their best selves.” “We encourage creative thinking,” Co-Chair Linda Coyne said. “We hope to see applications from a number of organizations seeking to address needs or create dynamic opportunities for women and girls.” The Women’s Initiative was started in 2003 by Judy F. Smith and Kay Krapohl Smith, daughter of Bob Krapohl, who founded Krapohl Ford & Lincoln with his brother, Harold. Her impact is the driving force behind Kay’s Way: The Women’s Initiative Drive to Support Women and Girls, May 8 through 25. During the drive, Krapohl and Weichert Realty will collect personal care and clothing items for women and girls to be distributed locally through Clothing INC and The Care Store. The dealership also will donate 100% of oil change sales from the Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center on Wednesday, May 18 to the Women’s Initiative Fund. Watch Krapohl Ford & Lincoln’s Facebook page for details. The Women’s Initiative has granted more than $100,000 to local organizations, including for phone/video outpatient mental-health options during the pandemic. Other grants have funded coats, boots, diapers, formula, tricycles and a lunch that introduced eighth-grade girls to careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Not only do we accept trade-ins at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, but you can also sell us a car you no longer need. Most customers know Krapohl Ford & Lincoln will appraise a current vehicle and work out a trade-in deal when they buy a new or used truck, SUV or car. Less known: You can sell your vehicle to Krapohl Ford & Lincoln without having to lease or buy another. For instance, say you are a two-car household, but now only need one. Call or stop by to talk with a Krapohl sales team member, have your vehicle appraised and work out a sale. It’s certainly a lot easier than trying to sell it yourself. All makes and models are welcome. It’s even easier if you also bring in the vehicle title and the 10-day payoff amount or lien release. As with any interaction with the Krapohl sales team, this is a no-pressure situation.

Stroll through the lot at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln to view nearly 100 used vehicles. Selection and reputation matter when buying a used vehicle There are many benefits to buying used vehicles. For starters, it is no secret that you’re going to save money buying used instead of new — vehicles lose value as time passes and with each mile they are driven. If you’re in the market for a used vehicle, here are five reasons you may want to consider buying from Krapohl Ford & Lincoln: Krapohl Ford & Lincoln has more than Fords and Lincolns among its used vehicles. Check out our wide selection from a variety of automakers. Drive one home today It may be difficult in the next month to buy a new vehicle directly from Krapohl Ford & Lincoln’s lot — availability of new vehicles is low, and it could take anywhere from three to eight months for new vehicles to arrive once they’re ordered. Krapohl currently has nearly 100 used vehicles on its lot, however, so you could drive one home right away. Choose from a large selection Krapohl’s used vehicle inventory is vast and includes not only Fords and Lincolns, but also a variety of other brands. Whether you’re looking for a newer, low-mileage vehicle or a lower-cost, higher-mileage vehicle, Krapohl has options for you. Assistant Sales Manager Mike Helmer says that nearly 60% of Krapohl’s current used vehicle inventory are vehicles that are under three years old and still under manufacturer warranty. And if you’re looking for a particular used vehicle that isn’t currently on the lot, Krapohl’s sales team will help track it down for you. Work with a professional and knowledgeable sales team The sales team at Krapohl — with many years of experience under their belts — is available to help you through the process of buying your new-to-you used vehicle. Not only will they help find exactly what you’re looking for, they’ll answer your questions and work to ensure the price and financing are the right fit for you. This is the personalized service you can expect. Count on safety and quality Krapohl Ford & Lincoln’s Service Department thoroughly inspects nearly every used vehicle on their lot to ensure you’re buying a safe, high-quality vehicle. Krapohl also allows you take a used vehicle you may be considering to your own mechanic for an inspection — in fact, they encourage it. And while it may have had a previous owner (or two), Krapohl also thoroughly details every used vehicle to ensure your purchase looks brand new. And if we have an “as-is” vehicle on the lot, it is clearly marked, and your sales team representative will alert you to what as-is language entails. Lean on their reputation There are many options when deciding where to shop for a vehicle, but Helmer says that when it comes to buying from Krapohl, consider its reputation. As the only locally owned, full-service Ford and Lincoln dealership in the central Michigan area, our employees in Sales, Service, Parts, the Body Shop, Reconditioning and the Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center work with customers to answer questions and solve problems.

Molly Lang, the first customer to purchase a 2022 Maverick from Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, loves the versatility of the downsized pickup. Molly Lang, a new Krapohl Ford & Lincoln customer, loves new pickup’s versatility Molly Lang was the first customer to buy a 2022 Ford Maverick from Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. That fact put her among Maverick owners recently selected for a marketing Zoom conference call. Molly, who owns Home Street Manor Assisted Living in Edmore, told Ipsos — an international marketing research company based in Paris — that she chose “Area 51” for the color of the Maverick. She enjoys its sunroof, towing package and the ability to use four-wheel drive. “Also, it is perfect for getting all the groceries we need for the Home Street Manor Assisted Living,” she said. “I can put them all in the back, and I can use the pickup service. It's perfect!” Owning and running an assisted living business in an 1885 Victorian manor takes up most of Molly’s time. Still, she drives her Maverick one hour each way once a week to visit her daughter. A first-time Krapohl Ford & Lincoln customer, Molly said she picked the longtime full-service dealership for the Maverick and for the chance to work with Assistant Sales Manager Mike Helmer, whom she met through her daughter. Ford paused taking new orders on Mavericks in January, and the automaker expects to resume taking orders by summer when supply issues are worked out. For more information on the Maverick, be sure to check out a special page on the Krapohl Ford & Lincoln website.

Kyle Hauger, left, and Shawn Siegel flip the Baja frame so prep work can continue. Body Shop’s prep work will lead to smooth, long-lasting paint job Kyle Hauger, a technician in the Krapohl Body Shop, was busy Monday scuffing a black frame from the Baja Society of Automotive Engineers Team at Central Michigan University. Kyle Hauger uses a scuffing pad to reach the hard-to-get spots on the frame. It’s tedious work, prepping for a paint job. First, a degreaser was applied to clean the frame. A wire wheel took care of scuffing much of the frame. That left Hauger, using a scuffing pad, to hit the tiny details by hand. Overall, the prep work took about 2.5 hours to complete, a mini version of what a typical vehicle takes. Properly scuffed, the black metal piping was left with a dull finish. “You’ve got to get into all of the nooks and crannies, or the paint won’t stick,” he said. The Baja team is one of Krapohl Ford & Lincoln community partners. The program at CMU challenges students to engineer, fabricate and race developmental, single-passenger, off-road vehicles. It’s a real-world manufacturing project that teaches students skills such as engineering, technology, logistics and marketing. Krapohl provides support by loaning the team vehicles to travel to in-state races, and the Body Shop offered to paint the Baja and formula car frames. Hauger, a Beal City High School graduate who has worked in the Body Shop for about 18 months, said he enjoys the Baja team project because he’s never too far away from dirt track racing. His father-in-law, Willis McKenzie, is the defending champion in the Hobby Stocks class at Mt. Pleasant Speedway. Kyle helps out by working on Willis’ vehicles. The final step for the Baja car — painting in the bay — likely will happen later this week.

Brenden Smiley, a former Marine, is learning to be a service technician at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln while he pursues a degree at Mid Michigan College. Service trainee overcomes hardships, envisions bright future Brenden Smiley doesn’t just work on cars — they have given him a new outlook on life. Brenden, 32, joined the U.S. Marines after high school, leaving his hometown of Detroit to travel to Okinawa, Japan, where he completed basic training and remained stationed for two years. He then spent five years stationed in California before being discharged from the military. While with the Marines, Brenden specialized in logistics. After leaving the service, however, he struggled to find his way in life. An interest in cars — particularly fast cars — gave him a path he didn’t know even existed. He began working for a shop in California selling and servicing vehicles, without any formal training. He said for many years he tried to find a career path that was right for him. “I worked more than 25 different types of jobs, but never found a place where I wanted to be,” he said. After meeting his girlfriend and moving to Beaverton, Michigan, he enrolled in Mid Michigan College’s Automotive and Diesel Service program. After gaining critical hands-on experience at Mid, he was connected with Krapohl Ford & Lincoln and assigned a service technician as a mentor. He joined the service team in August 2021, has since completed his internship and continues his training. Brenden is three classes away from earning his associate degree. “As a kid, my dad was always working on cars, but he would never let me touch them,” Brenden recalls with a laugh. “Now, I like working on cars, and I learn something new every day at Krapohl. Teamwork is a big thing here.” Brenden, also a trained mixed martial arts fighter, is excited about his future as a mechanic. “I have goals, and I’m saving money to build a house,” he said. “I’m happy, and the future is bright.” Note: If you want to talk shop with Brenden, ask him about turbos. They’re his favorite.

The 2022 Edge is a popular choice for Krapohl Ford & Lincoln customers. First responders, medical professionals and military personnel are eligible Krapohl Ford & Lincoln is offering an incentive for all active military personnel and veterans along with first responders and medical professionals. Anybody from this group will receive $1,000 cash toward the purchase or lease of a new Ford vehicle. This offer also can be used to custom order a new vehicle. Note that a limited selection of new vehicles are not part of this promotion. Your Krapohl Ford & Lincoln sales team member can help with this process. Stop in soon to talk to a Krapohl sales team member for more information. This promotion ends April 4. For this incentive, Krapohl Ford & Lincoln defines first responders as: Police: Police officer, sheriff/sheriff’s deputy, correctional officer, state trooper, federal law enforcement officer (Example: customs, Homeland Security, etc.) Fire department: Career firefighter, volunteer firefighter EMT: EMT, paramedic, 911 dispatcher Military personnel are defined as: Active military personnel in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard; reservists serving on active duty and members of the Delayed Entry/Enlistment Program (DEP); all veterans; retirees, spouses/surviving spouses and other household members. Medical professionals are defined as: Advanced practice registered nurses (APRN and ARNP) Anesthesiologists Athletic trainers Audiologists Cardiologist Cardiovascular technologists Chiropractors Clinical laboratory technician & technologists Dental assistants, dental hygienists & dentists Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians Dietitians and nutritionists Doctors Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics ER nurses Exercise physiologists Family practitioners Genetic counselors Health information technicians Healthcare administrators, administrative & clerical positions Home health aides and personal care aides Home health nurses Hospital general staff & receptionists Licensed practical nurses (PN/LPN/LVN) Massage therapists Medical assistants Medical equipment preparers Medical records and health information technicians Medical transcriptionists MRI technologists Neurologists Nuclear medicine technologists Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners Nurse practitioners Nursing assistant & orderlies Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians Occupational therapists Oncologists Opticians Optometrists Orthotists and prosthetists Pediatricians Pharmacists & pharmacy technicians Phlebotomists Physical therapists, assistants and aides Physician & surgeons Physician assistants Podiatrists Psychiatric technicians and aides Radiation therapists Radiologist & radiologic technologists Recreational therapists Registered nurses Respiratory therapist Speech-language pathologists Surgeons Surgical technologists Therapists Veterinarians Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers Veterinary technologists and technicians