Features

Longform “By working with our community and fostering dialogue about gun safety, we believe we can reduce firearm injuries and build a safer future for all.” Deanna Price

How public health focuses on gun safety and reducing firearm violence

Michigan's public health experts are working to address firearm accidents and violence through community partnerships and education programs. 

Partner Content MyMichigan Bay list image

As non-emergent ED visits take toll, MyMichigan discusses seeking the correct avenue of care

Medical professionals discuss the wide-ranging impacts of people continuing to use the Emergency Room for non-emergent concerns, and how the community as a whole can make better choices when it comes to seeking care for health concerns.   

Feature Story ALICE family list

Latest ALICE Report highlights the financial hardships facing nearly half of Bay County families

The 2024 ALICE Report includes a special section on families with children. Children growing up in homes facing financial difficulties often don’t have the stability needed for healthy development.  

Feature Story STEM SVSU list image

Teen scientists are learning STEM skills today as they prepare for the jobs of tomorrow

The Chief Science Officer program, originating in Arizona and now implemented at SVSU and CMU, aims to increase interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among middle and high school students. Through hands-on experiences, the program equips students with essential skills for STEM careers.

Longform Nurses like District Health Department #10’s Becky Gossman RN are only one facet of the future public health workforce.

Redefining public health in Michigan: A vision for a post-pandemic future

The Michigan Association for Local Public Health is advocating for a transformative vision of public health, one that accounts for the complexities of today’s diverse communities and the ever-evolving landscape of health needs. 

Feature Story Community mental health agencies from all over the state came to the 2024 rally to show support for their clients and friends and to advocate for a stronger mental health system.

20th 'Walk a Mile in My Shoes' rally promotes public mental health care

Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) Walk a Mile in My Shoes Rally congregates advocates from across Michigan to support public behavioral health care. 

Feature Story Pippa list image

Golden Girl: Pippa wags her tail and brightens spirits at Bay City Central High School

Pippa, a Golden Retriever certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, comes to Bay City Central High School alongside social worker Kati Loiselle. Together, they provide emotional support, assist with behavior intervention, promote social skills, and enhance the overall school climate.

Development News Isabella Bank list image

Banking on service: Inside Isabella Bank’s annual community volunteer day

Since 2018, Isabella Bank has held its annual Compassion into Action event, a day-long company-wide community service initiative that allows all employees to volunteer across seven counties in mid-Michigan. The event, which takes place every October on Columbus Day, enables staff to participate in meaningful projects with local nonprofits.

Feature Story Saginaw Bay WIN list image

The waters of the Saginaw Bay Watershed fuel Michigan’s outdoor economy

Representatives from three businesses – Northwoods Wholesale Outlet, Nor’East Outdoors, and Dietrich’s Sportfishing Charters – explain their unique connections to Michigan's waterways. Experts estimate that Michigan's lakes, bays, rivers, and streams collectively have a $26 billion impact on the state’s economy.  

Feature Story Great Lakes Bay Health Centers logo

Great Lakes Bay Health Centers is consolidating buildings and expanding services in Bay City

Great Lakes Bay Health Centers – a non-profit organization providing health care to people who are underserved, uninsured, or underinsured – is consolidating its Bay County services in one building.

Development News Neighbors list image

Natural Wines on the menu at Bay City’s newest wine bar, Neighbors

Neighbors Natural Wine and Bottle Shop, which serves all-natural beverages and hand-crafted food, opened in mid-September in Downtown Bay City.  

Development News National Civics Bee list

Bay Area Chamber of Commerce to host Civics Bee

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a nonpartisan civics competition next spring. Local students in 6th, 7th and 8th grades will have the chance to enter the competition.

Feature Story Social media list

13 social media accounts that love Bay County

Discover the beauty of Bay County on these 13 social media accounts that uplift our community.

Development News Boys & Girls Clubs list image

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region gets a fresh look

The Boys & Girls Clubs Great Lakes Bay Region has served young people in the Bay City area for 67 years. Recently, the club made improvements to its Bay City facility on Lafayette Avenue.

Feature Story Fall list

From orchards and fall colors to a haunted ship, the Great Lakes Bay Region celebrates fall

Whether you're seeking spooky thrills, family-friendly fun, or the beauty of autumn's changing leaves, you'll find it in Bay County this fall. 

Feature Story School books list

'The Way Forward,' agreement opens pathways between Delta and SVSU

Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University signed a formal agreement making it easier than ever for students to start their college career at Delta and end at SVSU.  

Partner Content Parents indicated that needed services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and paraprofessional support were inadequate.

Survey activates education advocacy for Michigan children with disabilities

Special Education Experience (SEE) survey results revealed that needed improvements in special education that the state identified in 2014 have not been made.  

Longform Joe Volpe, program manager at Ferndale's Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center.

Mental health takes heavy toll on Michigan's LGBTQ youth

Mental health is a major challenge for Michigan youth in general, but the problem is even greater for the state's LGBTQ youth.

Feature Story Miss Michigan Miss Bay County Jenae Lodewyk list

From pageant newcomer to state crown, Miss Bay County is the reigning Miss Michigan

Jenae Lodewyk, a Bangor John Glenn High School graduate and the reigning Miss Michigan, uses the pageant platform to empower women.

Feature Story Consumers Energy list

Study draws a picture of the possibilities at the former Karn site in Hampton Township

A comprehensive study, titled "Where the River Meets the Bay," calls for transforming the former Dan E. Karn Generating Plant site into a public space featuring outdoor recreation areas, natural habitat, mixed-use development, and a clean energy complex.

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