West Side

Photo courtesy of Michigan Sugar

New Michigan Sugar CEO sees a bright future for his family and his company in the region

Neil C. Juhnke started his Michigan Sugar career in April. Since then, he’s met grower-owners, employees, and started enjoying Michigan’s recreational opportunities including fishing, hunting, and golfing.  

Cory Christopher opened Bayside Buggies this spring, offering downtown shoppers and diners open-air rides around the district.
New business, Bayside Buggies, is rolling through Downtown Bay City

Four pedicabs are carrying visitors through Downtown Bay City. Bayside Buggies offers both basic transportation and scenic tours of the community.   

Michael Gavin, Delta College President, and George Grant Jr., Saginaw Valley State University President, shake hands after signing a new partnership agreement.
Bay City Central High School is picking up the tab for Associate’s Degrees or apprenticeships

This fall, Bay City Central debuts an Early Middle College program. Over five years, students will have the chance to earn high school diplomas, Associate’s Degrees, or complete apprenticeships in the skilled trades. The district foots the bill for everything from tuition and books to transportation and food.  

Baskin-Robbins and its promise of 31 flavors is open again on Euclid Avenue. New owners recently bought the shop and opened it in mid-May.
Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream opens again, just in time to scoop out summer treats

The Baskin-Robbins ice cream parlor in Bay City closed late in 2022, but re-opened under new owners just before Mother’s Day  

The first year of a new style of teaching is wrapping up at T.L. Handy Middle School. (Photo courtesy of Bay City Public Schools)
Handy Middle School sixth graders are studying real-world issues to learn academic skills

A new learning model at Handy Middle School calls for students to study real-world issues as they learn reading, writing, arithmetic, and more  

Volunteers are working together to improve Maplewood Park, adding tennis courts, soccer mini-pitches, basketball courts, and a small plaza.
Volunteers score grants to bring soccer fields to kids on Bay City’s East Side

Volunteers are working together to improve Maplewood Park, adding tennis courts, soccer mini-pitches, basketball courts, and a small plaza.

Andrew Comtois served three tours in Iraq, two in Afghanistan, and two on Navy ships. He started as a machine gunner and eventually became a Marine Scout Sniper and rose to an E-5 ranking as a Sergeant.
Outdoor Driven, based in Bay County, combats PTSD by channeling the healing power of nature

Marine combat veteran Andrew Comtois has turned his own struggles and successes into a new local nonprofit, Outdoor Driven, that supports military veterans and active first responders with unique outdoor experiences and adventures.

The bandshell in Wenonah Park before renovations. (Photo courtesy of the Rowley family.)
Music speaks to Bay City’s growing statewide reputation as an entertainment destination

From rock and country concerts in the evenings to festivals and kids shows during the day, Bay City’s parks are the setting for entertainment all summer long  

On Tues., May 9, Self Love Beauty asks everyone to practice using affirming statements for internal and external dialogue. (Photo courtesy of Self Love Beauty)
Positive vibes only on May 9

Self Love Beauty encourages the Great Lakes Bay Region to celebrate Affirmation Day by spreading positive messages on Tues., May 9  

SK Siltron CSS earned accolades in 2022 for pay, benefits, and work-life balance. Human Resources Manager Tiffany Kukla says the award shows the firm is an employer of choice in the region. (Photo courtesy of SK Siltron CSS)
Employee happiness is serious business at SK Siltron CSS in Bay County

Human Resources Manger Tiffany Kukla is proud of the award-winning policies and pay at the semiconductor manufacturing firm. SK Siltron CSS has invested millions in two Bay County facilities and now employs more than 200 people.  

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