Features

Feature Story Railtrail List Image

Local philanthropic organizations invest in the future, shaping Bay County

Local foundations are vital engines of growth and development in Bay County, channeling millions of dollars into critical community initiatives. From supporting educational opportunities for students of all ages to funding the creation of parks, trails, and cultural institutions, these organizations play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life.

Feature Story A stone statue in Washington DC commemorates the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Great Lakes Bay Region marks MLK Jr. Day with celebrations, scholarships, and awards

A Linwood man, students from Bay County high schools, and a Delta College associate professor are among those celebrated during two events honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The keynote speaker at the SVSU event is Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu, daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.  

Feature Story The Urban Collaboratory’s work includes a focus on community water systems and health impacts related to contaminants like microplastics and PFAS.

Public health focus on the built environment improves health for Michiganders

Public health and infrastructure go hand in hand, as organizations across Michigan work to address the built environment's critical role in shaping health outcomes.

Development News Purtell's list image

Purtell’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Shoppe serves up homemade goodness for 100 years

Purtell’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Shoppe opened in 1925 as a dairy. Over the last century, Purtell’s has evolved. Today, the menu includes scratch-made soups, pies, and abundant comfort foods.  

Feature Story Bay City Bridge Partners logo

Navigating Bay City's toll bridges: Q&A with Kevin Bischel

Bay City is now home to two toll bridges. While that has many drivers planning ways to get around town without paying the tolls, General Manager Kevin Bischel says the bridges are helping our economy and community.  

Partner Content Autism can be a very isolating. AAoM shares and hosts events that are relevant to the autism community.

Welcome Kit helps Michiganders navigate autism resources and support

AAoM Welcome Kits provide a broad yet concise overview of AAoM’s roster of services. Available in two versions — one for families raising autistic children and autistic adults and another for professionals serving the autistic clients — Welcome Kits extend a warm handshake that welcomes them to AAoM’s services.

Feature Story Bangor Schools list image

Bangor Township Superintendent Matt Schmidt wins state honors for growth, closing achievement gaps

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 Matt Schmidt, Superintendent of Bangor Township Schools.  

Feature Story Northwoods Wholesale list image

Northwoods Wholesale Outlet: From kayaks and crossbows to birdseed and boots

Northwoods Wholesale Outlet in Pinconning is more than just a store. The eclectic collection of sports and outdoor recreation equipment, groceries, and clothing make it a one-stop shop for locals and a traditional stop for families driving Up North from Metro Detroit.

Feature Story Sundays in the City 2024 list

Holiday cheer, lights, and decorations keep Downtown Bay City merry and bright

Stores and restaurants are celebrating the holidays and jingling all the way through December. Head into any local business district and you're sure to find decorations and special sales for a few more days.  

Feature Story "We live here, we work here and we care about you and your family."

A New Vision for Public Health in Michigan

Michigan has stepped forward with a comprehensive Public Health Call to Action, a set of recommendations crafted by the Michigan Public Health Advisory Council (MPHAC) to guide the state’s journey toward a more equitable and resilient health system. 

Feature Story Robert Sheehan

Michigan’s community mental health agencies will do even more good work in 2025

Federal dollars, state initiatives, community partnerships, and a normalization of seeking and receiving behavioral health care have positioned Michigan’s community mental health agencies to do even more good work in 2025.

Feature Story Sundays in the City 2022 list

Local light shows and events keep December in Bay County merry and bright

From brilliant light shows and awe-inspiring music to sales and visits with Santa, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month in the Great Lakes Bay Region.  

Feature Story Justin Ralston List 2024

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.

Longform The program reduced postpartum depression by 50% among participants.

MSU public health researchers seek to expand successful preventive postpartum depression program

ROSE program trains expectant mothers on how roles and relationships change postpartum and teaches assertiveness skills so expectant mothers can ask for the support they need.

Feature Story Miss Michigan Jenae Lodewyk list image

Bay County cheers as one of its own, Miss Michigan Jenae Lodewyk, heads to the Miss America Pageant

Jenae Lodewyk, Miss Michigan 2024 and Miss Bay County 2023, receives hometown support as she prepares to compete for Miss America 2025. No matter what crown she wears, Lodewyk remains passionate about serving her hometown.

Feature Story Ansbach Platz list

Sister City Project bridges cultures across the Atlantic Ocean

Students from both Bay City and Germany immersed themselves in a foreign culture and came away with new perspectives. Educators in each community hope the exchange program grows in the coming years.  

Feature Story Josh Little list image

New Career Center Principal aims to strengthen the school's connection to the community

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 Josh Little, Principal and Director of Career and Technical Education for the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center.

Feature Story Pinconning Area School District list image

Pinconning superintendent says the district stands ready to equip students for the future

As 2024 winds down, Route Bay City asked leaders from our schools to answer questions about recent progress and what's next. This week, we feature Andy Kowalczyk, Superintendent of the Pinconning Area School District.  

Feature Story Eastern High School list image

Eastern High School challenges the alternative school stereotypes

Eastern High School, an alternative high school within Bay City Public Schools, offers a unique educational experience for students who have fallen behind academically.

Longform The students currently taking U-M School of Public Health course, Chatgpt/AI and Public Health.

Public health and AI: Great potential and a need for ethical policies

When applying AI to public health, great potentials exist for swifter, nimbler care and pin-pointed personalization. Its use also could exacerbate biases and the misuse of private information.  

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