Features

Feature Story UM-MSU-List

Bay-Arenac Career Center turns the rivalry between U-M and MSU into a fundraiser

The football game between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University turned into a fundraiser for students at the Bay-Arenac Career Center

Feature Story Downtown Bay City list image

Downtown Bay City is growing, but leaders promise one thing will never change

As 2023 winds down, Route Bay City asked leaders from different segments of the community to answer questions about recent progress and what's next. This week, we feature Downtown Bay City.

Feature Story Pumpkin Halloween list

From family-friendly trick-or-treating to scary haunted spaces, the region celebrates Halloween

Looking for something seasonal to do this weekend? You've got choices ranging from an award-winning haunted ship to kid-friendly trunk-or-treats.

Feature Story Kevin Fischer, executive director, NAMI Michigan

NAMI Michigan's Kevin Fischer, "Michigan’s CMHs are the front door"

MI Mental Health recently had a chance to talk with Kevin Fischer, executive director, NAMI Michigan, about the important role that community mental health agencies play in Michiganders’ mental health.  

Development News Isabella Bank list image

Isabella Bank opens its first branch in Downtown Bay City

Isabella Bank now operates 31 offices throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region.  

Feature Story Red's Shadow list

‘Red’s Shadow,’ filmed in the Great Lakes Bay Region in 2022, is now streaming on Amazon Prime

The 2022 film – directed by Bay City native Taylor Gradowski ­– imagines what happens to Little Red Riding Hood after she outsmarts the big bad wolf, grows up, and graduates from college  

Feature Story Essexville list

Homecoming: Craig Goulet reflects on his first year as City Manager of his hometown

After a year on the job as City Manager of Essexville, Craig Goulet says he's focused on economic development and public safety

Longform Angela Gabridge, MiGen executive director, co-chaired a coalition that requested Michigan state funding for LGBTQ+ health.

Michigan addresses LGBTQ+ health disparities with historic $10 million budget allotment

A new allotment in the state budget will directly support the work of community-based organizations that are already providing health-related services to LGBTQ+ Michiganders.

Feature Story Breaking Bread Village list image

Breaking Bread Village brings diverse Bay County people together at a common table

The Bay Area Community Foundation invites you to join The Breaking Bread Village in 2024. The program features diverse panels who lead the audience in conversation around important issues such as bias and societal expectations.  

Longform Eric Lupher, president of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan.

Michigan organizations work to improve poor health outcomes through "path to a prosperous future"

A group of Michigan political, health care, community, and foundation leaders are working together on a project that aims to coordinate sustained investments in Michiganders' health.

Feature Story Bay City murals list

New nonprofit organization hopes to build diversity and inclusion through public art

Murals brightening up a Downtown Bay City alley are the work United We Go, a new nonprofit organization in the community. 

Feature Story Edson list

Everyone's worst fears and phobias come to life during the Edson Incident this monthThe Bay City haunted attraction was voted best in Michigan in 2022

The 2023 USS Edson Incident puts people face to face with their phobias and fears

Feature Story Emily Rivard list image

Auburn artist is creating thought-provoking, slightly unnerving paintings that evoke strong emotiion

Studio 23 and the Bay City Players highlighted Emily Rivard’s work. Soon, she hopes to open an Auburn restaurant and bakery where she also can display and sell her paintings.  

Feature Story Nathan Ostroski list

Forming Careers: What began as a high school internship has turned into a years-long profession

Vantage Plastics, a family-owned company that's expanding into Bay County, helped Nathan Ostroski discover the benefits of raising his family near his hometown.

Development News Sarah's Sweet Escapes list

Local confectioner perfects her craft as she creates sweet treats in Downtown Bay City

The owner of Sarah’s Sweet Escapes says she learned her skills from her mother and by working at area chocolate shops. She sees great potential for her business in Downtown Bay City.  

Development News Replenish Juice Bar list

Replenish, a popular juice and smoothie bar, re-opens in a new West Side Bay City location

From inside the newly-renovated Bay Professional. Building on Bay City's West Side, Replenish offers gluten-free and dairy-free options without sacrificing flavor  

Longform Emily Miller, Crime Victims Legal Assistance Project managing attorney.

Scams rob Michigan elders of millions, but health providers and nonprofits offer help

Michigan organizations that provide health care and other services for older adults are working to reduce the impact of scams through education and legislative help.

Feature Story Bay City murals list

Murals fill Wenonah Park with art, but their purpose goes much deeper than beauty

Public art ­– such as murals recently unveiled in Wenonah Park – beautifies communities, builds the economy, gives voices to marginalized people, and more. Public art also can improve safety and raise awareness about issues facing a community.  

Longform Home-based early childhood educators are essential to Michigan's childcare and preschool landscape.

Home-based early childhood educators weigh in on PreK for All

A common concern about PreK for All that came up during listening sessions was the role of home-based childcare and early education providers.

Feature Story Early Education Matters,

Pre-K para Todos mejorará a largo plazo la salud, la educación y los resultados sociales de los niño

Cuando se trata de educación, el Kids Count Data Book (Libro de datos sobre el recuento de niños) de 2023 sitúa a Michigan en el puesto 42 de los 50 estados. Una de las muchas maneras en que el estado está trabajando para mejorar la calidad y la equidad en la educación es mediante el avance de Pre-K gratuito para todos.

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