Bay County

Horse-drawn carriage rides are offered for a few hours on Sundays between now and Christmas.

Local light shows and events keep December in Bay County merry and bright

From brilliant light shows and awe-inspiring music to sales and visits with Santa, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month in the Great Lakes Bay Region.  

A sculpture, made up of a split globe connected by a large metal arch, symbolizes the relationship between Bay City and its sister city Ansbach, Germany. The sculpture in Uptown Bay City was dedicated in 2022.
Sister City Project bridges cultures across the Atlantic Ocean

Students from both Bay City and Germany immersed themselves in a foreign culture and came away with new perspectives. Educators in each community hope the exchange program grows in the coming years.  

The Pinconning schools booster club purchased a large scoreboard for the football stadium that the superintendent says is the talk of the town.
Pinconning superintendent says the district stands ready to equip students for the future

As 2024 winds down, Route Bay City asked leaders from our schools to answer questions about recent progress and what's next. This week, we feature Andy Kowalczyk, Superintendent of the Pinconning Area School District.  

Eastern High School focuses on helping students succeed after they've hit academic roadblocks at traditional high schools.
Eastern High School challenges the alternative school stereotypes

Eastern High School, an alternative high school within Bay City Public Schools, offers a unique educational experience for students who have fallen behind academically.

Improvements made to the Linwood Scenic Access protect the shoreline from strong winds. They also make room for people to access the Saginaw Bay without paying a fee.
Linwood Scenic Access site opens a free pathway to the Saginaw Bay

The Linwood Scenic Access project, a decades-long dream, has opened to the public this fall. This new site provides free access to the Saginaw Bay, preserves the shoreline, and fosters a sense of community pride.  

Community service and leadership are key components of the Kantzler Fellowship at Saginaw Valley State University. (Photo courtesy of SVSU)
Class in session: Attracting, supporting, and retaining educators

Being a teacher is a tough job, but statewide grants, funding, student loan repayment programs, and other incentives and resources aim to make the career more appealing. Local school districts, universities and colleges are also partnering together to make transitioning from one classroom to the next a bit more doable.

Pitch Perfect: Local entrepreneurs pitch their dreams and win cash for their businesses

Local entrepreneurs compete for more than $11,000 in cash prizes during the second annual Business by the Bay pitch competition.  

Jim Reha, at left, and Keith Markstrom, at right, explain how the Veterans Workshop and Learning Center is trying to meet the needs of veterans.
Veterans finding community and help at a Downtown Bay City workshop and learning center

The Veterans Workshop & Learning Center in Downtown Bay City is making an impact on the lives of those who served our country. The center offers classes, speakers, mental wellness support, and social opportunities.

Before- and after-school care programs give parents peace of mind while providing kids with nutritious snacks, homework help, and time for play. The United Way of Bay County helps fund two Bay County programs.
Before- and after-school programs nurture mental and physical development

Before- and after-school care programs provide kids with a safe environment alongside homework help and fun activities. 

The first-place team in the A.H. Nickless Innovation Award competition receives this 3D-printed traveling trophy. The team members’ names are engraved on the trophy. (Photo courtesy of the A.H. Nickless Innovation Award.)
John Glenn High School team advances to the next round in the Nickless Innovation Award competition

Seventeen teams of students from six high schools from Bay City, Freeland, Midland, and Saginaw qualified for Phase Two of the 2024-25 A.H. Nickless Innovation Award. Three winning teams and their schools will earn a share of up to $77,500 in scholarships and grants.

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