Features

Feature Story bodnar-3

Traveling clinic provides onsite COVID-19 vaccine at local businesses

Area employers can now register for the Vaccines on the Road traveling clinic to provide COVID-19 immunization to their staff at their work location.

Development News Phase I of construction for the Miracle Field, which includes the field, dugouts, accessible parking spaces in front of the complex and three of the four restrooms is in the process.

Build it and they will come play

The City of Midland is known for its many parks. Some major improvements are being made to increase recreational opportunities for people with different abilities and interests.

Feature Story All 501(c)(3) nonprofits are welcome to apply to the #TeamUp for the Great Lakes Bay Region charitable program.

Great Lakes Bay Invitational set to tee off in July

The Great Lakes Bay Invitational returns to Midland Country Club for an in-person weeklong event. The world’s best women golfers will be playing to support 36 local community organizations.

Feature Story The project is expected to be complete by the first week of October 2021, in time for the Northwood University International Auto Show.

Northwood University plans to bring the Midland community together on campus

Northwood University is reimagining its central pathway through campus, known as the Mall Walk, and adding flood mitigation security measures underground. The University hopes to use the location to host events and welcome the community once construction is complete.

Development News Every Wednesday and Thursday, patrons can come into the building, pick up their holds, and browse a small section of materials that have been brought into the lobby.

Midland library offers summer programs and reopening updates

Despite setbacks, including Midland’s historic flood and COVID, the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library continues to offer services to patrons of all ages, including their summer reading program.

Feature Story Art lessons serve as a framework to teach trainees life skills like focus, communication, and confidence.

Lifting people up: Arnold Center provides career development for people with disabilities

The Arnold Center offers diverse programming for individuals with disabilities, including supported employment in a variety of settings, special interest clubs, and classes targeted at helping each person achieve the maximum level of independence.

Feature Story LGBTQIA+ survivors are welcome at Shelterhouse. Past experiences with bullying, lack of support from helping professionals, or trauma can make it especially difficult for LGBTQIA+ survivors to reach out for help.

Catalyst Community: Shelterhouse’s Intersections

In the latest in a series of columns on different segments of our community, Catalyst Midland focuses on a new program offered by Shelterhouse to help individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.

Development News Many of the menu items are Martinez family recipes, passed down for generations. On occasion, homemade tamales by mother-in-law Irene are even on the menu.

New Midland restaurant offers Tex-Mex favorites

A local family’s business, Taste of Midland, opens in the old Bushey’s location. The quick-serve, casual dining establishment offers Tex-Mex options, including appetizers, lunch, dinner, specialty drinks and margarita flights.

Feature Story Summer is here. Last weekend, Midland was full of color as artists and fans celebrated local art festivities.

Midland soon to hear the sounds of summer

The City of Midland’s Assistant Director of Public Services is excited for the summer events. Plymouth Park Pool will reopen to the public along with popular events. Fun for the whole family, the events include crowd-pleasing Tunes by the Tridge and the July 4th entertainment and fireworks display at Dow Diamond.

Feature Story After a few public racial incidents happened in the schools, MPS realized there were many day-to-day moments happening they weren’t in touch with.

Midland Public Schools leads the charge on diversity, equity and inclusion in the region

It’s been one year since the “racial awakening” that swept across the nation. We give an update on Midland Public Schools’ progress on Anti-Racist Midland’s demands, also looking back at the work they were doing months before George Floyd’s murder.

Development News Last year’s successful distribution of yard signs across the Bay, Saginaw, Midland and Isabella counties led to a continuation of the program this year.

Great Lakes Bay Pride celebrates "Pride at Home" with free yard sign distribution

In place of its annual festival, Great Lakes Bay Pride is offering a ‘Pride at Home’ LGBTQ celebration this year. Free pride yard signs will be distributed June 4 at Dow Diamond.

Feature Story Dr. Catherine Bodnar is the Medical Director for the Midland County Department of Public Health.

Q&A with Dr. Catherine Bodnar, Midland County Department of Public Health

One of the leading proponents of the COVID-19 vaccine effort is the Midland County Department of Public Health. The department’s medical director, Dr. Catherine Bodnar, shares her thoughts on the latest push to increase the number of persons vaccinated in the county.

Feature Story Ike's main hub is the Chippewa River. Isenhart, the owner, meets up with customers where they'll end up and transports them to a launch point.

The Great Lakes Bay Region is a great playground for a day on the water

Kayaks, canoes, or just a tube to float in are great ways to enjoy a day on the water. We’ll take you to three different venues in the Great Lakes Bay Region that will connect you with nature, exercise, and most of all — fun.

Development News Adaline Plude, a kindergartner, won first place for her project on bicycle brakes.

Student scientists wow judges at MCFTA’s inaugural STEM Festival

Who will be in the next generation of scientists and engineers? Science-curious students from kindergarten through eighth grade competed in the Midland Center for the Arts’ inaugural STEM Festival on Saturday, May 22.

Feature Story From left to right: Jenee Velasquez, Kathy Fuce-Hobohm, Lee Ann Keller, Rebecca Cox, Cathy Bott, Diane Postler-Slattery, Sue MacKellar, Sharon Miller

Catalyst Community: The Power of the PodA community leader shares her thoughts on how women in our community support one another

In the latest in a series of columns on different segments of our community, Catalyst Midland focuses on how several women have developed a network of support to help them succeed in their leadership roles across the community.

Feature Story The Coleman Veterans Memorial features life-size sculptures of soldiers wearing the uniforms and gear each representing a different war.

Two Midland County communities pay their respects for Memorial Day

Sanford and Coleman communities have a lot to be proud of. They have built veteran memorials, giving their residents — young and old — a place to reflect and honor those who have died while serving their country.

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Pedestrian plazas opening this June in downtown Midland

The pedestrian plaza will be opening in downtown Midland on June 10, with street closures beginning June 4. Midlanders and tourists alike can enjoy outdoor seating, added greenery, twinkling lights, live music, and fun events all summer.

Development News Antonio’s had a soft opening last Saturday, May 15. They're now open for business at 1716 W. Wackerly St.

New Midland restaurant offers fresh offerings in former Shirlene’s

Antonio’s Bar & Grill is now open for business on Wackerly Street. Diners can enjoy homemade, freshly prepared American, Italian and Greek cuisine.

Feature Story Midland's signature landmark is the Tridge, spanning the Chippewa and Tittabawassee Rivers.

Be a tourist in your own town

From jumping in grown-up bounce houses to watching professional sports to pedaling a trolley through a historic downtown, here’s an insider’s guide to some of the best ways to enjoy a weekend in Midland,  Bay City,  and Mt. Pleasant.

Partner Content Sanford Hardware welcomes customers on opening day.

Sanford businesses reopen after reconstruction led by Three Rivers and Midland Business Alliance

Sanford Hardware and the Red Oak Restaurant are back in business in downtown Sanford after Three Rivers Corporation completed a comprehensive rebuilding and restoration initiative. Community grants and donations of labor and materials from local businesses accelerated the projects and provided continuing support for the reopened businesses.