Author

Kathy Roberts

Kathy Roberts

Kathy Roberts, a graduate of Central Michigan University, moved to Bay City in 1987 to start a career in the newspaper industry. She was a reporter and editor at the Bay City Times for 15 years before leaving to work at the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Covenant HealthCare, and Ohno Design. From 2019 to 2025, she returned to her storytelling roots while serving as the Managing Editor of Route Bay City. Today, she’s a regular contributor to Confluence Great Lakes Bay. When she’s not editing or writing stories, you can find her reading books, knitting, or visiting the bars of Bay County. You can reach Kathy at kathypetersenroberts@gmail.com

Kathy Roberts's Latest Articles

Live music is planned for Bay City's historic Midland Street Business District on weekends over the next few months.
When more businesses open in the Midland Street Business District, everyone benefits

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 Matt Nemode from the Midland Street Business District.

Volunteers from the United Way of Bay County as well as Michigan Sugar helped load sugar into each vehicle.
Michigan Sugar donates 43,000 pounds of sugar at the United Way Sugar Distribution Day

During the annual United Way Sugar Distribution Day, 43,000 pounds of sugar was donated to 74 nonprofit agencies in a five-county region.

Marjo Jaroch, the new Executive Director for the DDA and DMB, says she wants to build connections between downtown and the other business districts.
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.

Whether you celebrate Halloween with spooky scares or pumpkin-shaped candy, the Great Lakes Bay Region has something for you.
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.

Taylor A. Gradowski films Jacob Lounsbury and Justine Brooks while Sammy and Lisa Coleman standby for the scene.(Photo courtesy of Good Harbor Blue)
‘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  

Isabella Bank opens its first branch in Downtown Bay City

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

The United We Go murals are in an alley near the intersection of Washington and Center avenues in the heart of Downtown Bay City.
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. 

Everyone’s worst fears and phobias come to life during the Edson Incident this month

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

In 2022, Hidden Harvest volunteers distributed more than 472,000 pounds of food to Bay County agencies such as soup kitchen, food pantries, and more. (Photo courtesy of Hidden Harvest)
Hidden Harvest is taking a bite out of food insecurity in the region

Hidden Harvest relies on donations to help soup kitchens, food pantries, and more provide millions of meals to people in Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties  

From haunted forests and nature trails to candle-making classes, fall brings a flurry of activity to the area.
September Arts & Entertainment Roundup

Fall means more than sipping Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Bay County has independent films, music, ice cream socials, yoga, and more on September calendars.

Our Partners

Midland County

Common Ground Is Brewing

Support local stories and receive our signature roast straight to your door when you join at the Standard level (or above).

Drink Better, Read Local

Close the CTA

Don't miss out!

Everything Great Lakes Bay region, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.