Features

Feature Story Fall list image

Fall brings music, haunted trails, and crafts to the Great Lakes Bay Region

Fall brings a new round of seasonal activities to the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Feature Story YWCA list

Donating feminine hygiene products and bras is one way the YWCA empowers women

It’s hard for young women to go to school or work when they don’t have access to feminine hygiene products or clean undergarments. That’s why the YWCA is partnering with other agencies to provide these items to women who need them.  

Feature Story Smelly Little Town Madonna list

Q&A with Zach Neumeyer, filmmaker of “Smelly Little Town”

Zach Neumeyer, filmmaker of “Smelly Little Town,” gives Route a behind-the-scenes peek at the process and inspiration behind the film chronicling Bay City’s relationship with its most famous native, Madonna.

Feature Story Bay Area Community Foundation logo

Bay County agencies seeking opinions on how we're handling diversity, equity, and inclusion

The Bay Area Community Foundation — and 20 community partners — wants your opinion on the state of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Bay County.

Development News Believe Inspire Beauty list

Women’s boutique grows from an online store to an Uptown business focused on empowerment and charity

Believe Inspire Beauty Clothing Boutique is a unique shop in Uptown Bay City with a big mission to empower women and fund local charities.  

Development News Sunshine Shoppe list

There is always a little summer in The Sunshine Shoppe in Downtown Bay City

The Sunshine Shoppe opened its doors in June as a furniture store, but it’s expanded into the home of several stores, craft classes, and more.  

Feature Story RUBY Award list image

First State Bank wants to hear about the young professionals shaping the future of the region

If you know a young professional making a difference in the community, submit their name to 1st State Bank for the 17th annual RUBY Awards. Nominations are due Oct. 29.

Partner Content Bay County Growth Alliance logo

Bay County Growth Alliance: 50 years of catalyzing change

Since 1972, the Bay County Growth Alliance has been quietly investing money in local businesses, creating jobs and economic growth.

Feature Story Questers list iimage

A passion for history leads to a local group’s quest to preserve Bay County’s heritage

The Wenona chapter of the national Questers group studies history, raises money to preserve local sites, and is about to bring a statewide convention to Bay City.  

Feature Story United Way list image

United Way of Bay County kicks off 2021-22 campaign with a revealing event

Magen Samyn and Matthew Felan are chairing the United Way of Bay County 2021-22 campaign with a goal of raising $750,000. The campaign kicked off Sept. 20.

Feature Story HHM Logo

Meet the Hellions who go the extra half mile to bring an iconic film and music festival to Bay City

For 15 years, the Hell’s Half Mile Film and Music Festival has run exclusively on volunteers. Route talks to a father-daughter duo who have been with the festival since its fourth year and the volunteer manager behind it all.

Feature Story Edson list

The history of the USS Edson, docked in Bay City, includes ghosts, 9/11, and two museums

The USS Edson played a key role in the Vietnam conflict and in New York City's recovery from 9/11. Today, it serves as a museum that keeps Bay City's boat-building heritage alive.

Feature Story STEM conference list image

Bay City to host an international STEM conference in June

An international STEM conference is headed to Bay City in June. Now, organizers are looking for Great Lakes Bay Region programs to highlight during the event.

Feature Story Firetruck Museum List

Firehouse Museum on Patterson Road honors first responders during September

Bay City's Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum honored all first responders during a special weekend event Sept. 11 and 12.

Feature Story Bay County Library system list

Ten must-follow social media accounts for Bay County

For a beautiful view of life in the Great Lakes Bay Region, follow these social media accounts.

Feature Story Delta College List Image

A strong community and a great national reputation helped Delta College attract its newest president

Dr. Michael Gavin, who began his tenure as Delta College’s fifth president this summer, says the college’s strong foundation creates the right climate for growth.

Feature Story Bridge the Gap list

Bridge the Gap aims to link local law enforcement officers and the communities they serve

Bridge the Gap, which formed in 2015, is helping four students attend the Delta College Police Academy in preparation for a career in Bay County.

Development News Bird scooter list

Bird e-scooters land in Bay City and make a big splash

The electric scooters you see zipping around Bay City aren’t just for the kids. People are using them to commute to and from work.  

Development News Ditch Flowers list

Ditch Flowers Crafty Boutique offers resources for alternative spirituality and healing

Ditch Flowers Crafty Boutique hopes to become a center for spiritual healing for people throughout the region.  

Development News Vici Nail Bar list

At 18, an injury crushed her dream of a career in dance. Today, she owns a busy nail salon

Vici Nail Bar opened in November 2020, but is already busy enough to allow owner Haley Duran to hire a second nail technician.  

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