Bay County

Vibrant colors filled the streets of Downtown Bay City during the 2019 Chalk Walk Art Festival. (Photo courtesy of Studio 23)

Downtown Bay City gets colorful this weekend with the annual Chalk Walk

The Bay City Chalk Walk brings music, crafts, and chalk art to Downtown Bay City on Sat., Aug. 13.

Michigan Sugar Company President and CEO Neil Juhnke addresses grower-owners from the cooperative's East District during a Tool Shed meeting held in April 2023 at Maple Grove Acres in Ruth. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Sugar)
Pandemic problems continue to plague small businesses, but grants ease the pressure

Bay Future and Bay County are distributing $1 million in grants to help small businesses keep the lights on as they continue to deal with difficulties brought on by COVID-19

The restaurant name was inspired by Jim Chosay, who dreamed of buying the eatery and turning it into a community gathering spot.
Tipsy Cowboy, a bar and grill in rural Pinconning, celebrates family and friendship

For five years, the Tipsy Cowboy has served up handmade food and worked to build a sense of community camaraderie.  

Nicole McKay, who created a mural inside Survival Fitness, is a self-taught artist who specializes in abstract pet portraits. (Photo courtesy of Nicole McKay)
A mural inside a Bay City gym has become a social media star

Survival Fitness asked local artist Nicole McKay to create a mural inside its gym. Now, that mural is a popular backdrop for selfies and group portraits after workouts.  

The Legacy building in Downtown Bay City was vacant for several years before being renovated into a restaurant and condominiums.
Legacy Building in Downtown Bay City earns statewide honors for historic preservation

Developer Jenifer Acosta says she keeps one eye on preservation and another one on community building when she renovates a structure.  

A branch of Freedom Boat Club opened at Wheeler Landing in Bay City in May 2022.
The first rule of the Freedom Boat Club is to make it as easy as possible for members to set sail

Eight boats at Wheeler Landing are available for members of the Freedom Boat Club. The international organization opened the location in Bay City in May.  

South Wenona Avenue is under construction this summer as the city embarks on an ambitious program to rehabilitate roads throughout the community.
Federal COVID-19 relief funds pave the way for roadwork in Bay City

Bay City received $31 million in ARPA funds. The city is using a big part of that money to fix roads and replace lead water service lines.  

Steve Krankota, Dow Bay Area Family Y CEO
Q&A with Dow Bay Area Family Y Director Steven Krankota

The Great Lakes Bay Region is in a time of leadership transition. This article is the second in a series of Q&A articles with some of the new leaders in the area.  

Before the 2020 pandemic changed travel, MBS was handling over 260,000 airline service passengers on approximately 10 airline flights a day. Today, due to staffing shortages, the number of flights is down.
Q&A with MBS International Airport Director James Canders

The Great Lakes Bay Region is in a time of leadership transition. Today, Route Bay City profiles James Canders, who was appointed Airport Director at MBS International Airport, in 2020.

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)
On a steamy summer day, fall feels far away, but it’s time to start gathering school supplies

The United Way of Bay County and the Wirt Family Foundation are looking for donors and volunteers to support a back-to-school program. 

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