Features

Feature Story Miss Michigan Jenae Lodewyk list image

Bay County cheers as one of its own, Miss Michigan Jenae Lodewyk, heads to the Miss America Pageant

Jenae Lodewyk, Miss Michigan 2024 and Miss Bay County 2023, receives hometown support as she prepares to compete for Miss America 2025. No matter what crown she wears, Lodewyk remains passionate about serving her hometown.

Feature Story Ansbach Platz list

Sister City Project bridges cultures across the Atlantic Ocean

Students from both Bay City and Germany immersed themselves in a foreign culture and came away with new perspectives. Educators in each community hope the exchange program grows in the coming years.  

Feature Story Josh Little list image

New Career Center Principal aims to strengthen the school's connection to the community

As 2024 winds down, Route Bay City asked leaders from local schools to answer questions about recent progress and what's next. This week, we feature Josh Little, Principal and Director of Career and Technical Education for the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center.

Feature Story Pinconning Area School District list image

Pinconning superintendent says the district stands ready to equip students for the future

As 2024 winds down, Route Bay City asked leaders from our schools to answer questions about recent progress and what's next. This week, we feature Andy Kowalczyk, Superintendent of the Pinconning Area School District.  

Feature Story Eastern High School list image

Eastern High School challenges the alternative school stereotypes

Eastern High School, an alternative high school within Bay City Public Schools, offers a unique educational experience for students who have fallen behind academically.

Longform The students currently taking U-M School of Public Health course, Chatgpt/AI and Public Health.

Public health and AI: Great potential and a need for ethical policies

When applying AI to public health, great potentials exist for swifter, nimbler care and pin-pointed personalization. Its use also could exacerbate biases and the misuse of private information.  

Partner Content Elisabeth Berry and James D'Arcy

Legacy Society will sustain Autism Alliance of Michigan’s work for decades to come

AAoM is establishing its Legacy Society to recognize donors today for gifts that will provide dollars in perpetuity.

Feature Story Items used in the nurse tributes are the Nightingale Lamp used by Florence Nightingale to check on her patients, a white rose symbolizing the nurse’s dedication, and a triangle chimed alternately with the nurse’s name.

Michigan Tri-City Nurse Honor Guard: A new tribute Honors nurses’ lifetime of care in the Great Lake

Honoring nurses' dedication, the Michigan Tri-City Nurse Honor Guard provides a unique memorial service, celebrating caregivers' impact and commitment.

Feature Story Teacher retention list

Class in session: Attracting, supporting, and retaining educators

Being a teacher is a tough job, but statewide grants, funding, student loan repayment programs, and other incentives and resources aim to make the career more appealing. Local school districts, universities and colleges are also partnering together to make transitioning from one classroom to the next a bit more doable.

Feature Story Linwood Scenic Access list image

Linwood Scenic Access site opens a free pathway to the Saginaw Bay

The Linwood Scenic Access project, a decades-long dream, has opened to the public this fall. This new site provides free access to the Saginaw Bay, preserves the shoreline, and fosters a sense of community pride.  

Feature Story Business by the Bay pitch logo

Pitch Perfect: Local entrepreneurs pitch their dreams and win cash for their businesses

Local entrepreneurs compete for more than $11,000 in cash prizes during the second annual Business by the Bay pitch competition.  

In The News Nickless Innovation Award logo

John Glenn High School team advances to the next round in the Nickless Innovation Award competition

Seventeen teams of students from six high schools from Bay City, Freeland, Midland, and Saginaw qualified for Phase Two of the 2024-25 A.H. Nickless Innovation Award. Three winning teams and their schools will earn a share of up to $77,500 in scholarships and grants.

Feature Story Schools list

Before- and after-school programs nurture mental and physical development

Before- and after-school care programs provide kids with a safe environment alongside homework help and fun activities. 

Feature Story Bay Veterans Foundation list image

Veterans finding community and help at a Downtown Bay City workshop and learning center

The Veterans Workshop & Learning Center in Downtown Bay City is making an impact on the lives of those who served our country. The center offers classes, speakers, mental wellness support, and social opportunities.

Development News Progressive Mechanical list image

Vacant Monitor Township machine shop comes back to life with the arrival of Progressive Mechnical

Progressive Mechanical – a Clawson-based firm that designs, builds and installs mechanical processing and fire protection systems – expects to employ about 25 union workers in its new Monitor Township facility.  

Feature Story Maplewood Park list image

Maplewood Park revitalization creates a community hub for a Downtown Bay City neighborhood

The Maplewood Park Sports Complex in Bay City is undergoing a major transformation, evolving into a vibrant community hub that fosters neighborhood revitalization and provide new opportunities for underserved residents.

Longform Jae Gerhart, manager of farm programs for Trinity Health Ann Arbor, at The Farm at Trinity Health in Ypsilanti. The Farm offers a produce prescription program for those who struggle to afford healthy food.

Medicaid funding could expand and sustain Michigan's produce prescription programs

Michigan is seeking approval for a new funding structure that could use Medicaid dollars to pay for programs that offer "prescriptions" for free fresh fruits and vegetables.

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.  

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