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.  

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.

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.

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.

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

Being a teacher is a tough job, but statewide grants, funding, student loan repayment programs, and other incentives and resources aim to make the career more appealing. Local school districts, universities and colleges are also partnering together to make transitioning from one classroom to the next a bit more doable.

Local entrepreneurs compete for more than $11,000 in cash prizes during the second annual Business by the Bay pitch competition.