Midland Street

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.  

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.

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.  

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)
Michelle Judd joins MSBDC and Bay Future to help Bay County small businesses navigate challenges

New consulting position created exclusively for Bay County residents who want to start, grow or improve their businesses.  

The shop is located on Walnut Street near Bay City's Midland Street entertainment district.
Besom Apothecary offers spiritual healing as well as herbal teas and handmade items

The shop opened up on Bay City’s West Side in mid-September. For now, it’s open mostly nights and weekends but the goal is to expand hours.  

Bay City hopes that switching to wheeled bins will encourage more people to recycle household goods. The new bins debut in January.
Bay City hopes to roll up its recycling numbers in 2023 with new wheeled carts

If you live inside Bay City limits, changes are coming to the curbside recycling program. The city is distributing larger, wheeled bins and adjusting the pick-up schedule.

Restoration work on the Frank N. Anderson Nature Trail removed tree branches that had pushed bumps into the paved pathway.
Tour highlights success stories along the Saginaw River for a statewide audience

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board met in Bay City this week, so local officials took the opportunity to showcase recreation opportunities along the Saginaw River.

A.J. Malenfant, who owns Major Skate, offers lessons inside the park.
Avid skateboarder and veteran brings indoor skate park to Bay City’s West Side

A skateboard shop and indoor park is now open on Bay City's West Side. The shop offers equipment and lessons. The park offers opportunities for beginning and experienced skateboarders.

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