Home
Small Town, Big Heart: Freeland Fabricators build more than robots
In the “Bot Cave,” the Freeland Fabricators are building more than a robot. They are building confidence, leadership, friendships and a sense of purpose. While the team has earned international recognition in FIRST Robotics, students say the real impact goes far beyond competition, shaping who they are and how they show up for their community.
Latest stories
Midland Mall sees 100 percent capacity, focuses on providing a common community space
Midland Mall has reached full occupancy, but its focus extends beyond retail. By curating a mix of tenants and experiences, the mall is positioning itself as a shared community space where people can gather, connect, and spend time, not just shop.
Small Town, Big Heart: Freeland Fabricators build more than robots
In the “Bot Cave,” the Freeland Fabricators are building more than a robot. They are building confidence, leadership, friendships and a sense of purpose. While the team has earned international recognition in FIRST Robotics, students say the real impact goes far beyond competition, shaping who they are and how they show up for their community.
Never quit is the message from a Bay Commitment Scholarship alumnus to current students
Since 2008, the Bay Area Community Foundation has offered the Bay Commitment Scholarship to first-generation college students in Bay County pursuing a degree at either Saginaw Valley State University or Delta College.
ABC Greater Michigan invites community to grant wishes; make dreams come true for Make-A-Wish Michigan children
The Associated Builders & Contractors Greater Michigan chapter invites the community to be a part of the grant-wishing opportunity at the 39th annual Great Lakes Bay Regional Fundraiser on Friday, April 17.
A sure sign of Spring – Easter egg hunts and butterflies
From Easter egg hunts and bunny photo ops to brunch buffets and butterflies in bloom, early April is packed with family-friendly events across the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Affordable, quality childcare benefits families and boosts the local economy
When the United Way of Bay County invests in local childcare centers, it strengthens the safety net supporting working families.
AAUW Used Book Sale: Turning old books into new opportunities.
The AAUW Midland Branch’s spring Used Book Sale returns to Midland Mall April 24–26, with donation barrels available starting March 27. The longtime community fundraiser supports scholarships for local women and girls.
Bay-Arenac ISD event highlights everyday role adults play in early literacy
Parents, educators, and community partners explore how relationships, daily routines, and language-rich interactions help build literacy skills from birth.
A new view from the saddle: Midland Police introduce mounted patrol
Midland’s first-ever mounted patrol unit is bringing a quieter, more approachable form of policing to community events, creating new opportunities for connection.
2026 Summer Camps in the Great Lakes Bay Region: Fun, learning, and adventure for kids of all ages
Area summer camps are gearing up to offer everything from outdoor explorations and sports to arts, music, and STEM activities.
Voices of Black Midland announces oral history series
A new discussion series from the Voices of Black Midland project invites community members to listen, reflect, and talk through the lived experiences of Black residents in Midland County.
A publication of
Issue Media Group is a multi-local network of digital news outlets focused on community transformation through solutions journalism. We highlight the people and projects tackling challenges and driving change. Through its national, regional and local publications, IMG connects communities, shares impactful solutions, and inspires progress.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
You can unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time. Have a question? Contact us or review our privacy policy for more information.
Solutions that work, from communities like yours. Explore innovative stories from across our network showcasing how neighborhoods are solving today’s challenges together.
- Pilot in two Michigan cities will guide strategies for lead pipe replacement across the nation
- Improved child care spaces building stronger beginnings for Detroit families
- Grand Haven among first U.S. cities to implement Zimbabwean program training residents to provide basic talk therapy
- Michigan city to achieve ambitious goals through sustainability energy utility
- This elementary school banned screens in the middle of the year. Will it solve their reading crisis?
- Water conservation works in Western cities, but climate change is outpacing it
- As parents seek out ‘vaccine friendly’ clinics, pediatricians worry about eroding trust
- Why ballot curing may be the next frontier for Michigan campaigns
- Property owners are trying to flip this city back to its heyday
- An ambitious vision, the Triangle Trail would connect more than a dozen communities. It’s making progress.
Top 5 Articles
1
A new view from the saddle: Midland Police introduce mounted patrol
2
Small Town, Big Heart: Freeland Fabricators build more than robots
3
2026 Summer Camps in the Great Lakes Bay Region: Fun, learning, and adventure for kids of all ages
4
AAUW Used Book Sale: Turning old books into new opportunities.
5
Never quit is the message from a Bay Commitment Scholarship alumnus to current students
Support independent journalism in the Great Lakes Bay region
Confluence Great Lakes Bay is a local digital media outlet covering key community issues with a solutions journalism approach. We uplift the projects, people, organizations, businesses and neighborhoods that are moving the communities of the region forward.
