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

In 1976, a farmer named Fred Dore bought this abandoned service station. Today, it's at the center of a corporation that includes service stations, miniature golf, a bar, and jerky. (Photo courtesy of The Dore Corp.)
As the days get longer, Kawkawlin-based Jerky Outlet races into its busy season
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Economic Development
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March 9, 2023

The Jerky Outlet is part of a larger corporation that includes Dutch Village Adventure Park and North Point Grill & Bar  

The Annual Bay City Fireworks Festival fills the sky with lights and the parks with music and carnival rides on July 4, 5, and 6..
Band known for hit power ballads in the 1990s is headliner at the Bay City Fireworks Festival
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Arts and Culture
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March 8, 2023

FireHouse, known for its chart-topping hits in the early 1990s, headlines the Bay City Fireworks Festival 2023.

High-quality public schools are critical to growing the economy and creating a skilled workforce
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Education
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March 2, 2023

Michael Kelly, one of the newest members of the Bay City Public Schools Board of Education, says the district faces many challenges including creating opportunities for students and attracting (and retaining) staff.  

Handmade quilts, blankets, and pillowcases are gifted to every child entering foster care in Bay County. Rayola volunteers make the quilts.
Care packs and quilts bring comfort to kids entering foster care
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Education
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February 16, 2023

A West Branch-based volunteer organization is providing care packages containing necessities and comfort items to kids in foster care in 15 counties including Bay. A Euchre Night fundraiser is planned for later this month in Pinconning.

For 20 years, churches and volunteers have served nutritious meals to people on Bay City’s West Side
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Health
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February 16, 2023

As the Bay City Food of Faith-West program celebrates its 20th anniversary, demand for the meals has never been greater.

The waters near Bay City are developing a reputation for quality among fishermen.
The world cup of bass fishing swims into Bay City this summer
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Economic Development
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February 9, 2023

The top bass fishermen in the world have set their sights on Bay City's waters. Two major bass fishing tournaments are set to take place here this summer.

Saginaw Valley State University is partnering with Alpena Community College to improve educational opportunities for nurses.
New partnership between SVSU and Alpena Community College creates opportunities for nurses
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Health
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February 9, 2023

SVSU and Alpena Community College form a new partnership to help nurses further their education and grow the nursing talent pipeline.  

The Literacy Council provides the training and tools needed to work with children or adults.
Imagination Library needs your help
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Education
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February 2, 2023

After 18 years of sending free books to thousands of children in Bay and Arenac counties, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library needs community help to write a new chapter for the program.

Family Winter Fun Fest fills Bay City Town Center with free activities on Feb. 18
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Education
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February 2, 2023

Family Winter Fun Fest at the Bay City Town Center on Sat., Feb. 18 offers kids a chance to play while parents pick up information about community resources.

Crafts are the first item on the agenda when pre-schoolers from the Montessori Children's House of Bay City visit the residents of New Hope Bay Assisted Living and Memory Care Community.
When toddlers and seniors spend time together, everyone wins
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Education
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February 2, 2023

New Hope Bay and the Montessori Children's House of Bay City partner, bringing kids and seniors together. The program is good for both age groups.

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