Hampton Township

Elizabeth Wise and Lisa Forrest, who teach at the Bay-Arenac Career Center, earned statewide accolades in 2021.

Q&A with Bay-Arenac ISD Superintendent Shelly DuCharme

Bay-Arenac ISD Superintendent Shelly DuCharme explains how the district supports to regional schools, teaches career skills to students, and provided her with the opportunity to return home.

Community coalition to continue its work, even after the federal shutdown ends

Even after the federal government shutdown ends, it's unclear when food benefits will reach families. A local coalition plans to continue its work to ease food insecurity.

Bay County coalition is bridging the gap for families during the SNAP and WIC pause

In Bay County, a coalition formed to help families fill their dinner plates. The coalition is tackling the problem in several different ways.The Bay Area Community Foundation established a Food Insecurity Emergency Fund for both Bay and Arenac counties. At the same time, the United Way of Bay County is collecting food to divide between food banks and recruiting volunteers to meet increased demand.

‘Combined energy turned into a good tornado’: The Bay Area Women’s Center’s 50-year evolution

A dozen founding mothers created the Bay Area Women’s Center in 1975. Today, the nonprofit organization serves women, children, men, transgender, and non-binary individuals facing domestic and sexual violence.

A sunset cruise aboard the Princess Wenonah includes music, food, and a view of the bridges of Bay City. During the week, the Princess Wenonah offers free history tours. The tours quickly sell out.
School may be on the horizon, but summer fun will linger a few more weeks

The days are getting shorter, but summer is far from over. There's still plenty of time to shop at a farmers market, enjoy an outdoor concert, take a hike in a new park, or walk around a summer festival.

Business by the Bay accepting applications through Aug. 13

Applications are open now for the annual Business by the Bay Pitch Competition.

Forgot your life jacket at home while visiting the Bay City State Park? No problem. You can borrow one for the day.
Voices of Youth: Five ideas for kids and teens to unlock summer adventures

Right now, the 2025-26 school year feels far away, but it will arrive faster than you think. Make a plan now to make the most of this summer.

The Bay County Soil Conservation Districted used a $39,000 grant to buy a compact drill. The new drill allows property owners to seed small plots of land, creating fields of wildflowers and habitats for pollinators.
New equipment helps plant wildflowers in order to draw in pollinators

The Bay County Soil Conservation District was awarded a $39,000 grant through EGLE to purchase a new No-Till Drill. The compact drill allows property owners to seed small plots of land, creating habitats for pollinators and filling otherwise unusable land with wildflowers.

Justin Ralston, Essexville-Hampton Public Schools Superintendent
Essexville-Hampton Schools Superintendent shares the district’s vision for the future

As 2024 winds down, Route Bay City asked leaders from local schools to answer questions about recent progress and what's next. This week, we feature Justin Ralston, Superintendent of Essexville-Hampton Public Schools.

Social media can improve our connection to people from far away, but it also can lead to unrealistic expectations.
13 social media accounts that love Bay County

Discover the beauty of Bay County on these 13 social media accounts that uplift our community.

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