Your morning starts here.

Bay City held a ribbon cutting for its new $1 million inclusive playground at Carroll Park on Thursday (the play area will remain closed until crews complete the safety surfacing scheduled for Monday, Oct.

26).

Lee T examines Bay City high school football Week 9 predictions by weighing playoff potential among eight locked teams plus four challengers.

His analysis offers local fans clear insight into key matchups and the chance for early upsets in the season.

The Bay Area Community Foundation is offering up to $2,000 in scholarships for short-term career training (including CNA, truck driving, phlebotomy, and cosmetology) to help Bay County residents overcome financial hurdles.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for residents aged 18 and over.

Bay City is inviting residents and businesses to join its Halloween Decorating Contest.

Participants must submit their address by Oct. 31 via a Facebook comment or online form, and winners for residential and business categories will be announced at the Nov. 9 City Commission meeting.

Bay City residents can join the Feelin Good Turkey Drive by donating food or money (call 910-709-4026 for details).

The drive, noted on Oct. 22, supports local families in need.

Flushing Township Police warn residents that scammers now claim overdue taxes and urge anyone receiving such calls to hang up and verify details with official township numbers.

Bay County high school football teams are in a tight race as leaders in passing, rushing, receiving, and scoring push into Week 9.

Stats from Week 8 show close contests at schools (John Glenn, Essexville Garber, All Saints, and others) that set the stage for more action this season.

Bay City Central will travel to meet Bay City Western at The Cornfield at 7 p.m. today for their annual high school football rivalry — coaches emphasize lasting traditions such as preserving a 1984 game ball.

Central is looking to build on its renewed competitiveness.