Bay County

The United Way of Bay County is more than a fundraising agency. It also sponsors community-wide events, such as the Day of Caring and Wenonah Park Cleanup. (Photo courtesy of the United Way of Bay County)

Spring cleaning comes to Bay City’s parks and business districts during the United Way Day of Caring

An army of volunteers will spend Fri., April 21 sprucing up Wenonah Park, Carroll Park, Downtown Bay City, the Midland Street Business District and other areas during the annual United Way Day of Caring.

Inside the Bay-Arenac Career Center you'll find Blooming Chefs, a restaurant staffed, from kitchen to the hostess stand, by high school students.
It’s not too hot in the kitchen for Bay and Arenac high school students running Blooming Chefs

Three days a week, a restaurant inside the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center open its doors to serve lunch to the public. High school juniors and seniors staff the entire operation, from the kitchen to the wait staff.  

Event staff attached the Presidential Seal to the podium just before President Biden came on stage.
SK Siltron CSS puts Bay County at the forefront of nation’s growing appetite for semiconductor chips

SK Siltron CSS's $300 million investment is creating jobs in the region and positioning Michigan as a national leader in semiconductor supply chain.  

Essexville-Hampton Public School District plans to build a state-of-the-art STEM facility to benefit its nationally-recognized robotics teams and encourage innovation across the region.
Essexville STEM center plays key role in making Bay County a regional technology and innovation hub

Essexville-Hampton Public School District recently approved the construction of a state-of-the-art STEM facility to benefit its nationally-recognized robotics teams and encourage innovation across the region  

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

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

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.  

Mode's Tavern opened in 2020 and quickly became a staple for live music and fundraising. In April, a fire destroyed the business. But Matt and Jill Nemode say they'll open Mode's Tavern again.
Mode’s Tavern engages #givebackmode to raise $11,000 for local organizations

Mode’s Tavern strives to do more for the community than just serve good burgers and beer. With 40 fundraisers under their belts, owners Jill and Matt Nemode have distributed thousands of fundraising dollars back to the community.  

Building robots requires a machine shop as well as a computer lab. The new STEM center will hold both facilities in one building. (Photo Credit: Jennifer Veitengruber)
Student-Superintendent Cabinet gives students a venue and a voice in Essexville-Hampton Schools

Justin Ralston, the Superintendent of Essexville-Hampton Public Schools, implemented a Student-Superintendent Cabinet in order to bring students’ voices and concerns to the forefront.  

Graphic courtesy of Bay City Bridge Partners
Bridge tolls are coming to Bay City. The best way to save money is to register for a transponder

Liberty Bridge is open to traffic and toll-free until June 16. You can take steps now so you’re ready when tolling begins.  

Red Velvet, Double Chocolate, and Salted Caramel cookies are made from scratch and served fresh from Aviator Cookie Company. The bakery opened a location in Bay City late in 2022. (Photo courtersy of Aviator Cookie Company)
Aviator Cookie Company flies into Bay City

A new scratch-made cookie bakery opened in Bay City in December. We met with Chris Welch, the company’s founder, to learn more about the beginnings of Aviator Cookie Company and its new location near the Bay City Town Center.  

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