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A Mt. Pleasant Police Department cruiser will be at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln from 3-5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 to collect donations for Toys for Tots. Toys for Tots special event set for Dec. 2; collection continues through Dec. 10 The Marine Toys for Tots program has created holiday cheer since 1947 with more than 604 million toys for children across the U.S. Krapohl Ford & Lincoln helps deliver the magic locally, because we believe every child deserves to experience the wonder of wrapping paper, bows and ultimately, a new toy or game. The back of a Mt. Pleasant Police Department cruiser can hold many toys for children. The dealership once again is a Toys for Tots collection site, through Dec. 10. This year, we’re excited to partner with the Mt. Pleasant Police Department and will host its first “Cram a Cruiser” event from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2. We’ll add a classic Ford to the scene, making room for lots of new, unwrapped and unopened toys. It’s a great opportunity to let the family explore a police vehicle and vintage Ford while experiencing the joy of giving. We applaud the Mt. Pleasant Police and community residents who routinely help the department win the area’s Toys for Tots Law Enforcement Challenge. That includes last year, when MPPD won the Challenge trophy by collecting more than half of the 2,006 toys gathered by area law enforcement officers for local children. Please join us in making the holidays bright for local children. Marine Toys for Tots is rated one of the top charities by “Philanthropy 400” and meets all 20 standards established by the Better Business Bureau WiseGiving Alliance.

Community Cancer Services is entirely run by volunteers, which means 90 cents of every dollar donated during fundraising efforts goes straight to residents. Krapohl Ford & Lincoln is a regular sponsor of CCS events We’ve all been there, or likely will be someday. Whether it’s us personally, a family member or a friend, a cancer diagnosis is scary. Treatment is expensive, time consuming and sometimes requires travel. That’s why Community Cancer Services was founded nearly 40 years ago. It exists to help residents of Isabella County with treatment costs and transportation expenses. Just recently, thanks to support from Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, CCS now has the ability to provide a driver or rental vehicle free of charge when there’s no other answer. The organization is entirely run by volunteers, which means 90 cents of every dollar donated during fundraising efforts goes straight to residents. Krapohl Ford & Lincoln has been a frequent sponsor of the annual Cancer Awareness Walk and Survivor Celebration at the county fairgrounds. The dealership also supports CCS’ Central Michigan Area Concert Band’s Veteran’s Day Concert each November. The two events are key to the organization’s outreach. “We’ve seen employees, friends and family members struggle with cancer,” said Mark Smith, Krapohl general manager and co-owner. “The diagnosis, treatment and impact on the daily lives of those with cancer, and their family members and friends, is enormous. Supporting them financially through their journey is so important.” Community Cancer Services is unique to Isabella County. It is not affiliated with national cancer organizations. The CCS “donate” web page includes information about its fundraising events and various ways to make a contribution. CCS is one of the organizations promoted by Krapohl each month this year, as a way of recognizing their impact and rallying community members to get involved through volunteering and financial gifts. “Helping neighbors and friends is not only our responsibility, it’s been our way of life at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln for more than 70 years. We’re hoping to expand a greater sense of community because it’s needed now more than ever,” Smith said.

Retired master technician Ray Garver, right, explains a repair underway in the service area at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln to Carter Filhart, left, and Kyle Stephenson. Automotive students enjoy close-up look at career opportunities Ray Garver was back on the service floor Tuesday in an old Krapohl Ford & Lincoln work uniform. The master technician retired in April after working more than 40 years for Krapohl. He returned for an opportunity to pass on his passion for the automotive world to two teenagers. Ray Garver explains how every area of a vehicle is complex, even the seats, which include motors and heating elements. Accompanying him on a tour of the facilities was Carter Filhart, 17, and Kyle Stephenson, 15, from Mount Pleasant High School. Both are students in the “Introduction to Auto Repair” course through the Gratiot-Isabella Technical Education Center. The three started in the service area where Casey Gott worked on a large diesel engine that needed extensive work. Filhart and Stephenson saw various projects underway with cars and other trucks, including an F-550 that needed its entire diesel exhaust system installed after a thief was caught trying to steal it to sell the metal. The three-hour tour included introductions to the Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center, the reconditioning department, body shop, parts department and sales area. “I liked it all, especially the body shop,” Filhart said. “I didn’t realize how big this place is. I thought it was just working on engines, but it’s all sorts of things.” Service Manager Jeff Slocum has a long relationship with the GI Tech Center, and he set up the tours. Garver soon will lead more small groups of students through the Krapohl shops. He told Filhart and Stephenson how Krapohl works with new hires to train them and set them up for classes to earn certifications. “It’s not really work if you love what you do,” Garver said. “I learned that if you want to get into this, there are a lot of options in this type of work,” Stephenson said. “I got a good idea of what you can do.”

Mark Smith, co-owner and general manager of Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, said he and his wife, Shelly, are committed to helping education in the community. Mark and Shelly Smith have been involved at Renaissance Public School Academy since their three sons started going there — and the oldest now is 21. Shelly would read with students, taught Spanish and served as president of the parent teacher organization at the K-8 school on Isabella Road. Mark then joined the school board, and today serves as its president. “Kids and education are important,” said Mark, a third-generation owner of Mount Pleasant’s only locally owned and operated, full-service dealership. “I grew up watching my parents give back to the community, and Shelly and I work to instill that same ethic in our boys.” The Smiths are co-owners of Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, along with Tom Krapohl. Those who know them say their influence and impact goes far beyond their immediate family. “Mark and Shelly are champions for Renaissance and the community as a whole,” said Lisa Bergman, executive director of the school. “They're role models. Businesses such as Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, which has been a community leader for decades, help all of us. They also challenge all of us to care more and help more.” The Smiths live west of Mount Pleasant, in the Montebella school district. They began exploring options after learning the boys would have a 45-minute bus ride each way, to and from school. Mark is proud of positioning Renaissance to buy its building and supporting the leadership team and staff as they reshaped the school with an emphasis on project-based learning. “Renaissance offers something unique in the community,” Mark said. “The school is in strong financial shape, and students and teachers alike are happy. “It’s gratifying to watch teachers guide students as they dig in and do projects that expand their knowledge of the world, help them identify their passions and build their confidence. This has been a good school for our family,” he said. Lisa Diaz Sytsema, vice president of the board, said Mark’s constant view of what’s best for students is invaluable. “Mark is committed to keeping students and the entire school community as our center of focus. His leadership and business expertise are essential when we take on new initiatives that advance learning experiences,” Sytsema said.

Krapohl Ford & Lincoln loans the Baja Society of Automotive Engineers Team at Central Michigan University vehicles to travel to in-state races and this year will paint the Baja and formula car frames in the Krapohl Body Shop. The owners and leaders at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln have a soft spot for students. You’ll often find a high school grad or college student — or two, or three — on the staff. Ray Garver, who retired this spring as a top-tier automotive technician, has spent more than 32 years supporting and mentoring students through his involvement with advisory boards at the Gratiot Isabella Tech Center, Ferris State University, Mount Pleasant High School and Mid Michigan College. Service manager Jeff Slocum also is involved with some of those boards. “It’s our responsibility to help prepare the next generation for careers in the automotive world,” Krapohl general manager and co-owner Mark Smith said. “Students can find great careers at local dealerships, at major automotive companies and at suppliers. It’s gratifying to help students develop their skills.” As part of its efforts to promote local organizations, Krapohl in September will highlight educational partners — working to inspire others to get involved in supporting students as well. One such group is the Baja Society of Automotive Engineers Team at Central Michigan University, which 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. This year, Krapohl again will loan the team vehicles to travel to in-state races and will paint both the Baja and formula car frames in the Krapohl Body Shop. “The Krapohl Body Shop works on any make and model of vehicle — from the largest RVs to these exciting, single-person, student-designed racing cars from the Baja team,” Smith said. “This kind of project is fun, especially since it helps students.” Ben Ritter, a CMU faculty member who works with the Baja team, said Krapohl is a longtime team supporter. “We once had a team stranded at Michigan Tech during a winter race, and Krapohl just sent a driver up to rescue them,” Ritter said. “That kind of local commitment makes a difference.”

More than 200 cars — antiques, classics and hot rods — took over the lot at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln on Thursday, Aug. 19. Hundreds of people came out to see the variety of vehicles, listen to music from DJ Dwayne and enjoy free pizza. We hope you were among the many who stopped by, ignored the heat and took part in the largest version of a Krapohl Car Show. If not, we invite you to join us in 2022 when we do it again. Thank you to the participants, the spectators, the many pizza shops who cranked out enough pizza to feed our friends. Below are images from this year's show. A collection of Ford GT Supercars drew a lot of attention. A close look at a white Ford Thunderbird. A classic Ford Thunderbird was part of the morning arrivals.

Kitchen relies on community businesses and individual donations, volunteers On a sunny, mild Wednesday, 10 vehicles lined up at the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen before noon. A few people walked up or waited patiently near their bicycles. Volunteers prepare for a day of distributing food by move packaged meals from the kitchen to an outdoor shed. Rich Fleming, Denny Martin and other community volunteers at the Soup Kitchen were ready. White bags of cold and hot food lined a shelf inside a bright red shed at the edge of the parking lot. Greetings and playful banter was part of the food delivery between the regulars who count on the Soup Kitchen and the volunteers. The scene is quite a change from where staff and volunteers expected to be before COVID hit. The longtime site of the Soup Kitchen on Harris Street in Mount Pleasant underwent a renovation in 2019, resulting in a larger dining area and updated bathroom facilities. Now the dining room is used as a staging area for the drive-through service. And where the Soup Kitchen regularly served about 100 meals each day before the pandemic, it now takes 225 to 275 meals to meet community needs. “We had to pivot from congregated dining to a safe, no-contact, drive-through service,” said Sarah Adkins, the executive director for the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen. “When we saw that the situation was going to continue into the winter, we bought the shed to help with the drive-through service.” Adkins said she hopes to resume indoor dining later this year. Plans to renovate and update equipment in the kitchen in September are on track. Krapohl Ford & Lincoln recently contributed to the kitchen campaign, and the Soup Kitchen is the dealership’s community partner for the month of August. Adkins said the Soup Kitchen, from the staff and regular volunteers to how well it runs is because of strong, ongoing community support. Sarah Adkins, the executive director of the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen, grew up in Mount Pleasant and said she jumped at the opportunity to return to Isabella County in a role where she could help people. “What the community donates is important,” Adkins said. “Without their support, we don’t feed people. I often say the Soup Kitchen is divinely blessed. It seems every time we run out of something, that is the day the item is donated. The support for the last 30 years has been amazing. I have people calling at key times asking, ‘How can I help?’ Or it’s, ‘Hey, I just shot a deer, can I donate it?’ (Yes, as long as the deer was butchered at a licensed facility.)" “We are on the receiving end of so much love and support.” The Soup Kitchen receives food from Sam’s Club, Meijer, Target, Ric’s, Robaire’s Bakery and Doughnut Shop, Panera Bread, Max & Emily’s, Central Michigan University catering and others, Adkins said. In July, 24,000 pounds of food were donated to the Soup Kitchen. Much of it was prepared and delivered at the Soup Kitchen. What wasn’t needed, the Soup Kitchen shared with other outlets. “We share excess with five or six other food pantries,” Adkins said. “On some levels, we’re also a distribution center.” Adkins said the people the Soup Kitchen serves covers a cross section of the community: senior citizens, homeless, young couples with children, etc. All are welcome, she said. “The only question we ask is, ‘How many meals do you need?’ ”

The future home of GreenTree Cooperative Grocery is part of a 10,000-square foot building on Broadway, sandwiched between City Hall and Mountain Town Station. Like Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, cooperative grocery started in downtown Mount Pleasant The “For Sale” sign is outside at GreenTree Cooperative Grocery, just off the sidewalk on North Franklin Street and sheltered by mature trees. GreenTree has been in its current location since 1977. Future occupants likely can take possession after October, after the longtime grocery moves into its new home: A 10,000-square-foot space that is part of an $18 million, 50,000-square-foot building project on Broadway, sandwiched between City Hall and Mountain Town Station. The GreenTree Cooperative Grocery and Krapohl Ford & Lincoln relationship started in 1970 as neighbors in downtown Mount Pleasant. The growing auto dealership was at 114 Court Street and the grocery was at 1 Franklin Street. The grocery, known for offering produce and food from local and Michigan-based producers, opened just as Krapohl was packing to move to its current location on Pickard. In its early days it was open three days a week. By 1977, GreenTree had moved to its current location. GreenTree can trace its roots to 1970 on 1 Franklin Street, when it was open three days a week. (Photo courtesy of Clarke Historical Library at Central Michigan University.) Krapohl staff members have supported GreenTree over the years, and some are among the investors in what will become its new home. The campaign has a goal of $1 million of the total $3.2 million cost, and more than $820,000 has been invested. “My wife, Shelly, and I have been members at GreenTree for many years,” Krapohl co-owner and general manager Mark Smith said. “We also have supported this campaign. More than ever, our community-owned grocery is going to pull people downtown.” GreenTree is Krapohl’s featured community partner for July as its leadership hopes it can complete its ongoing campaign this month. Those interested in investing — there is an annual dividend for investors — can visit GreenTree’s website. Sarah Christensen, general manager at GreenTree, said 160 people and businesses are invested in the project, which will give customers more space to park, more room to shop and a wider variety of choices. “It’s the biggest downtown project in progress, and we’re looking forward to being an even more vital part of a vibrant downtown,” Christensen said. Longtime favorite items will make the move to Broadway and continue to be part of Greentree, said Christensen and Laura Coffee, marketing and owner services manager. Christensen said the chocolate, dietary alternatives, such as non-dairy ice cream and non-dairy cheese, are among her favorites. “The non-dairy cheese is good now, not like it was when it first came out,” she said. Both Christensen and Coffee said the daily soups and the served-all-day breakfast burritos will continue. The regular Wednesday soup special — Glorious Laksa — is the most popular. Christensen said vegan breakfast burritos outsell the sausage version, “but both are popular.” Coffee said the bulk spice row is among her favorite areas of the store. And the Buckeye bars, in square form and sold by single or a pack — “or even a whole tray” — have a following.

Keija Booker, a sixth-grader at Renaissance Public School Academy, is a veteran Art Reach banner designer. Young artist used the Krapohl 1969 Mustang GT as a model The blue 1969 Mustang GT, part of the Krapohl Ford & Lincoln collection, served as the model for Keija Booker's winning entry in our contest. It’s easy to understand why Keija Booker won Krapohl Ford & Lincoln’s Art Reach banner contest. Booker, who is wrapping up sixth grade at Renaissance Public School Academy, is a veteran Art Reach banner designer. “I’ve done five, including two this year,” she said, noting one of the 2021 banners is a giraffe with rainbow spots. “I did a parrot, a dolphin, a deer …” And now a Mustang. Keija’s contest-winning banner shows the front view of the classic blue Krapohl Ford & Lincoln 1969 GT Mustang with a shaker hood. The banner hangs on Main Street, just above the Boge, Wybenga & Bradley, P.C., sign at 215 N. Main. “I’ve never done a car before,” she said. “I looked at a photo of the Mustang and changed it up to how I would like it.” Her banner is one of about 300 in the Festival of Banners put on by Art Reach of Mid Michigan. The banners are displayed on the streets of Mount Pleasant, Union Township and Shepherd and the campus of McLaren Central Michigan. Keija also was an Art Reach of Mid Michigan winner in 2018 when a planter she painted with images of Michigan plants and trees earned the People Choice Award as part of Art Flair. She used the gift card she won this year from Krapohl Ford & Lincoln to buy her first skateboard.

Tommy Watson, center, played football and was on the track and field team for Alma High School. Also shown are his mother, Sarah, and his father, Tim. Special day will honor memory of Tommy Watson’s generous nature Update: Thank you, all! The oil change day in honor of Tommy Watson raised $4,272 for Pineview and Hillcrest Avenue elementary schools in Alma. We often donate a day of oil change sales to a nonprofit group or special cause. On Friday, we’re supporting a cause close to our hearts. All oil changes sales at Quick Lane Tire & Auto, located at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, will honor the giving spirit of Alma High School sophomore Tommy Watson, who died at age 16 in February in a snowmobiling accident. Sales from oil changes Friday at Quick Lane Tire & Auto will honor the memory of Tommy Watson. Tommy, the grandson of dealership co-owner Tom and Mary Krapohl, is missed every day by his family and friends. His mother, Sarah, shares this story: Tommy began attending Alma public schools in second grade. I have a story from third grade — Mr. Arthur Faustman's class — to share. I was preparing to go to Tommy's first conference of the school year and had planned to discuss my concerns with the fact that Tommy had no school supplies left. The little caddy that I sent him to school stocked with markers, pencils, erasers and colored pencils was almost empty. Tommy was a quiet boy and transitioned from St. Mary's School the year prior, and I was sure the other kids were taking his stuff. All set as mama bear protecting her cub, I planned to bring school supplies to the conference for everyone so the kids would stop taking Tommy's stuff and to let the teacher know what was going on. Mr. Faustman and I sat down, and I handed him the bag of supplies and explained my perception of the situation. He chuckled and said with a smile, “Tommy is probably the most well-liked boy in this entire class, Mrs. Watson. All the kids LOVE him, and he is so kind. He does not have any school supplies because if ANYONE in the class needs something, he gives them his.” Because of Tommy's kindness, in his honor, we would like to donate money to be spent on school supplies for the kids at Hillcrest and Pine Avenue elementary schools in Alma. We are so thankful that Krapohl Ford is planning an oil change in his memory on June 11 (the day before his birthday) with ALL proceeds going toward this cause. We would like to thank everyone who will be working at Quick Lane that day. This is bigger for us than just a normal day's work, and you are doing something to honor an amazing young man who is so missed and loved. I pray that you are blessed. Think about Tommy's kindness and help carry it on, pay it forward! Thank you! Sarah Watson

Krapohl supports organization’s goal of making art accessible to all More than 300 colorful banners are on display in Mount Pleasant, Union Township, Shepherd and at McLaren Central Michigan as part of the annual Festival of Banners put on by Art Reach of Mid Michigan. The Festival of Banners also has meaning for Mark Smith, general manager and co-owner of Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. Smith and current Art Reach board member George Rouman were among a group of Mount Pleasant leaders who served on Vision 2020 two decades ago. The banners were one of many ideas to come from the various committees, and the ongoing success of the festival has been maintained by Art Reach. “I like the banner festival,” Smith said. “My kids, our employees’ and friends’ kids participate in it. It’s fun to go around and find them. The banners create a festive atmosphere around town.” Art Reach offers a variety of classes for children and adults such as painting, drawing, photography and crafts. As Art Reach of Mid Michigan celebrates its 40 th anniversary this year, Krapohl Ford & Lincoln is one of the sponsors of the Festival of Banners. Art Reach is one of Krapohl Ford & Lincoln’s 12 community partners this year and will be featured on the Krapohl Facebook page in June. Amy Powell, executive director of Art Reach, said the Festival of Banners is an example of making art accessible to all in the community. “We want kids, older adults and those without extra funds for recreation to engage in the arts,” Powell said. “With the Festival of Banners, we end up with public art hanging in the community.” Brian Smith and Kay Krapohl Smith, Mark Smith’s parents, encouraged his love of art. “They were passionate about art: music, dance, sculptures, paintings,” he said. “We always had some bizarre art in our house, often from local artists. Dad’s from England and was in Denmark for 10 years. He was in bands and played guitar. They both liked performance art. Mom did some singing and dancing. They were also involved with theater at CMU.” Smith’s home has several pieces of art purchased from the Art Reach gallery and his wife, Shelly, and their sons took an online painting class during the COVID lockdown. Art Reach is much more than banners Explore the Art Reach website for a full listing of classes. Art Reach, located in downtown Mount Pleasant, offers a variety of classes taught by artists. Many are skill-building courses, such as one earlier this year on drawing fundamentals. The eight-week class explored the practice and theories of drawing with pencils. “We also have classes in watercolors, colored pencils, photography — we’re getting a lot of requests for photography,” she said. “And with COVID, we learned virtual courses work. That’s one of the lessons from 2020.” The most popular program for adults is Brews and Brushes, where participants sip on a favorite beverage while an artist guides the class to create their own version of a painting. For children 6 and older, Mini Masters classes help them create acrylic paintings of subjects kids enjoy, like animals. “We’re always trying to find ways to create programs that are new and innovative,” Powell said. Art Reach will launch two new programs in July: Club Create of Mid Michigan, a Michigan Arts Access program for adults with disabilities: Classes will be offered the second Thursday of each month beginning in July. “It is social interaction and art,” Powell said. “There is nothing like this in this part of the state. Our hope is it will still be around 40 years from now.” Sign up for Club Create on the Art Reach website. Cost is $3 per class. Coldwater Art Camp: A staff member came up with the idea of a summer art camp for children and parents. The camp, July 19-July 21, consists of two half-days and one full day of arts and crafts, with free time and campfires built in. For information, call 773-3689 or visit the Art Reach gallery at 111 E. Broadway.

Tammy Mitchell picked up her new red F-150 on Friday, May 28, 2021. Showroom truck served as collection site for supply drive Tammy Mitchell will drive back to Harrison today in her new 2021 Rapid Red Ford F-150 4x4 Supercrew from Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. She wanted to pick up the vehicle earlier this week, but it served as the collection site in Krapohl’s showroom for items dropped off as part of Kay’s Way: The Women’s Initiative Drive to Support Women and Girls. No problem, Tammy said. The Ford F-150 served as the collection site for the supply drive. The drive to fill the F-150 ended Thursday with the truck bed filled with shampoo, lotion, dental hygiene products, tampons, pads, hair products and more. Now Tammy can have her dream vehicle and get back her business. The dog groomer of 35 years launched Bark and Bathe in Harrison four years ago. It’s a busy time as people have their pups groomed heading into the warmer summer months. At Bark and Bathe, Tammy provides grooming, nail trims, nail grinding, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, baths, brushing and haircuts for all breeds. Funny thing is, Tammy really wasn’t in the market for a new truck. She was about halfway through a lease of a Ford Ranger, and she was fond of it because it reminded her of a Ranger she drove in the late 1990s. Then she saw a blue F-150 in the showroom at Krapohl. Her husband, Richard, encouraged her to get it. She told sales team member James Yun she’d love to have it. “James worked out a buyout of the lease, but by then the blue truck was gone,” Tammy said. To which James responded, “We do have a nice red one …”