Features

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.

Longform Elizabeth Agius

Michigan organizations, universities, and agencies growing the public health workforce

Michigan, as well as the rest of the world, is going through a health care workforce shortage. The Michigan Health Council’s (MHC) Michigan Health Care Workforce Index projects that nearly all 36 health care occupations will experience workforce shortages between now and 2033.

Longform GHS Urgent Care

Funding gap threatens care for Michiganders utilizing community mental health

Michigan’s community mental health agencies face deep revenue gaps this year — a projected $93 million.

Feature Story Energize list

Bay Area Energize celebrates 15 years of helping young professionals launch careers

Bay Area Energize, a program of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, celebrates its 15th anniversary. This networking organization fosters personal and professional growth, community engagement, and lifelong friendships among professionals under 40.  

Feature Story Indie Spot mural list

New murals in Bay City add a splash of color to the community

A summer festival rallied volunteers and artists to create three murals on the sides of buildings in two Bay City neighborhoods.   

Feature Story HHM Logo

Independent films and live music take center stage during the Hell's Half Mile Film & Music Festival

The Hell's Half Mile Film & Music Festival begins Thurs., Sept. 26 and ends Sun., Sept. 29.

Feature Story BayAreaCommunityFoundation

Bay Area Community Foundation to honor three people for their legacy of giving and leadership

In September, Bob and Joyce Hetzler and Cathy Washabaugh will be awarded the Peggy Rowley Community Enrichment Award. The honor recognizes their volunteer efforts to uplift Bay County.  

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