Features

Arts and Culture

Q&A with Kevin Cole on his upcoming special, 'Cole in your Stocking,' at the State Theatre

Sam FitzpatrickThursday, December 1, 2022

Award-winning musician and Bay City native Kevin Cole promises to deliver a few unexpected holiday tunes to his show at the State Theatre this month.

Entrepreneurship

Difficult to pronounce but easy to recognize, the Owczarzak name means business in Bay County

Jen DoreThursday, December 1, 2022

For two generations, the Owczarzak family has been a part of the Bay County business community. Ambrose Sr. and Marie Owczarzak owned one bar. Today, their sons own three local eateries with a fourth restaurant to open in 2023.

Economic Development

Q&A with Kellie Rupp, the Bay City Downtown Management Board’s new Marketing Director

Sam FitzpatrickThursday, November 17, 2022

The Great Lakes Bay Region is in a time of leadership transition. This article is the sixth in an occasional series of Q&A articles with some of the new leaders in the area.

Diversity

Q&A with Annette Jeske, Executive Director of the Arc of Bay County

Kathy RobertsThursday, November 17, 2022

The Great Lakes Bay Region is in a time of leadership transition. This article is the fifth in an occasional series of Q&A articles with some of the new leaders in the area.

Entrepreneurship

Besom Apothecary offers spiritual healing as well as herbal teas and handmade items

Gabby RicupatiThursday, November 10, 2022

The shop opened up on Bay City’s West Side in mid-September. For now, it’s open mostly nights and weekends but the goal is to expand hours.

Economic Development

Michelle Judd joins MSBDC and Bay Future to help Bay County small businesses navigate challenges

Beth McKennaThursday, November 10, 2022

New consulting position created exclusively for Bay County residents who want to start, grow or improve their businesses.

Kids and Education

Project In the Stars, which helps Bay County teens in foster care, gets an assist from Just for Kids

Jennifer VeitengruberThursday, November 10, 2022

Both Project In the Stars and Just for Kids Charitable Organization strive to meet the needs of youth throughout the community, so it may come as no surprise that they teamed up to provide personal items for kids in foster care.

Arts and Culture

Marshall Fredericks Museum celebrates Native American History Month

Kathy RobertsThursday, November 3, 2022

Join the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum in the next month to learn about Native American heritage. The museum celebrates Native American Heritage Month with educational program and exhibits through Dec. 17.

Economic Development

More than 20 nonprofit agencies received ARPA funds through Bay County and the Community Foundation

Thursday, November 3, 2022

American Rescue Plan funds are helping 22 local nonprofits recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sustainability

Bay City hopes to roll up its recycling numbers in 2023 with new wheeled carts

Jenny CromieThursday, November 3, 2022

If you live inside Bay City limits, changes are coming to the curbside recycling program. The city is distributing larger, wheeled bins and adjusting the pick-up schedule.

Entrepreneurship

Small business owner in Bay City donates over $25,000 worth of time and services to nonprofits

Jennifer VeitengruberThursday, October 20, 2022

After a decade of working for nonprofits, Brandon Strong, owner of Regent Floral & Mercantile, feels fortunate to be in the position to give back to the groups that support our state and local communities.

Kids and Education

Adult in training: Y program teaches teens to tackle taxes, budgets, voting, and more

Jennifer VeitengruberThursday, October 20, 2022

As schools have had to shift their focus heavily to academics, Almost Adulting, a new program offered at the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA, fills in the gaps when it comes to essential life skills.

Healthy Communities

Tour highlights success stories along the Saginaw River for a statewide audience

Kathy RobertsThursday, October 20, 2022

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board met in Bay City this week, so local officials took the opportunity to showcase recreation opportunities along the Saginaw River.

Entrepreneurship

Monitor Township printer relies on a unique workforce to build its business

Scott BakerThursday, October 13, 2022

A Monitor Township custom printing business relies on non-traditional sources to recruit its workforce. Then, it uses creative methods to retain talented people.

Arts and Culture

Studio 23 invites you to celebrate October with spooky stories and an expo filled with curiosities

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Crafts, spooky stories, and an expo all are in the works for Studio 23/The Arts Center later this month.

Arts and Culture

For 35 years, the Adoration Chapel in Bay City has invited people of all faiths inside

Kathy RobertsThursday, October 13, 2022

Since August 1987, the Adoration Chapel has offered a place for silent prayer, anytime of the day or night, to all people.

Entrepreneurship

Avid skateboarder and veteran brings indoor skate park to Bay City’s West Side

Denyse ShannonThursday, October 6, 2022

A skateboard shop and indoor park is now open on Bay City's West Side. The shop offers equipment and lessons. The park offers opportunities for beginning and experienced skateboarders.

Healthy Communities

Project Community Connect set for Oct. 19

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Project Community Connect provides access and information to a range of services available in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Entrepreneurship

An insider's guide to Bay City's antique shops

Denyse ShannonThursday, October 6, 2022

Hard-to-finds and one-of-a-kinds make Bay City an antique collector's dream destination.

Entrepreneurship

High school job inspires commitment to beautiful weddings and a new business in Downtown Bay City

Denyse ShannonThursday, September 29, 2022

First Look Bridal Boutique aspires to be inclusive. The Downtown Bay City bridal shop carries sizes from 6 to 22 in a range of styles.

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Community Calendar

If you have an event you would like to appear on our community calendar you can submit a request here

The Bay City Players present "By The Way, Meet Vera Stark"

02/03/2023-02/12/2023

Bay City Players Theater

It’s the Golden Age of Hollywood. Aspiring starlet Vera Stark works as maid to Gloria Mitchell, an aging star grasping at her fading career. As Gloria fades more, Vera becomes more noticeable. Shows: Feb. 3-5 & 10-12.

Midland Center for the Arts

Aditya Prakash Ensemble

Feb. 9, 2023, 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy an evening at Midland Center for the Arts with the award-winning South Indian classical Carnatic music vocalist, Aditya Prakash, known for his powerful and emotive voice. Tickets available at midlandcenter.org or (989) 631-5930.

Midland Center for the Arts

"Cats" at the Midland Center for the Arts

Feb. 14-16, 2023, 7:30 p.m.

"Cats," winner of seven Tony Awards®, tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. Tickets available online or by calling (989) 892-2660

Family Winter Fun Fest 2023

02/18/2023, 10 a.m. -2 p.m.

Bay City Town Center

Enjoy family activities, entertainment, food, and visit with vendors during the Family Winter Fun Fest at the Bay City Town Center on Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program is part of the Bay-Arenac Great Start Collaborative.