Midland County

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.  

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.  

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

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.

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

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.

In 2021, the Bay Area Community Foundation is providing grants to offset some of the expenses associated with hiring child care workers.
Bridging the child-care gap is a high-stakes concern for families and employers

A shortage of child-care in the Great Lakes Bay Region has a significant impact on the local economy and our ability to attract and retain talent.

Leopard Print Books is housed within The Vintage Greenhouse at 925 N. Water St. The Banned Book Club meets at coffee shops in Bay City, Midland, and Saginaw. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Veitengruber)
New book club commits to reading banned and challenged books every month

Community connection, cohesion, and cultural awareness are all goals of Leopard Print Books’ proprietress, Andrea Richmond, and the newly-formed Banned Book Club.

Jan VanNostrand, at right, leads the group of crafters. People of all skill levels are welcome at the Tuesday morning meetings.
Crafters group at the library is a tight-knit bunch spinning a warmer winter for many

Knitters and crocheters meet inside three Bay County Library System branches to share tips, tricks, and enjoy each other’s company  

Whether you’re skating, sledding, shopping, or building snowmen, there’s nothing like a hot cup of Joe to warm you back up on a cold Michigan day. (Photo courtesy of Populace Coffee)
No matter how you take your coffee, there’s always a tasty cup waiting for you in Bay City

Bay City's coffee shops offer warm beverages and fresh baked goods alongside poetry readings and live musical performances. 

Marc and Laura Owczarzak are remodeling the former Hooters on Bay City's West Side into H2O's Waterside Grill. When it opens in 2023, it will be the Owczarzak family's fourth Bay County business. (Photo courtesy of H2O's Waterside Grill)
Difficult to pronounce but easy to recognize, the Owczarzak name means business in Bay County

For two generations, the Owczarzak family has been a part of the Bay County business community. Ambrose Sr. and Marie Owczarzak owned one bar. Today, their sons own three local eateries with a fourth restaurant to open in 2023.  

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