Good morning, Bay City.

Bay City Boat Lines announced that it will reroute weekday history tours on the Princess Wenonah to avoid holding up traffic when the Veterans Memorial Bridge opens for river traffic during the shipping season.

The boat departs from Wenonah Park and tickets for the season, running from June through October, go on sale April 11+ the new route is expected to ease traffic backups.

Gas prices in Michigan reached a new 2025 high last week at $3.28 per gallon and are now falling as refineries resume operations.

Expert Patrick De Haan said that oil tariffs and seasonal demand have lowered oil stocks — a change that may push summer pump prices below $3 if the tariffs continue.

Bay City commissioners kept Mayor Chris Girard’s veto of a resolution to call the city a welcoming community because he said it might lead to legal problems and cuts to federal funds—six votes were needed to change his decision even though the measure passed 5-4 in March.

Girard said he vetoed the measure to avoid further political division and legal issues.

Today, the Michigan DNR contracted with the Food Bank Council of Michigan to support the Hunters Feeding Michigan program which lets hunters donate their deer for processing and distribution to people in need.

DEER CAMP Coffee Roasting Company— a women-owned business— is also joining the effort by giving proceeds from coffee sales featuring the DNR patch.

Last Monday, the Bay City Commission fell one vote short of the six needed to override Mayor Chris Girard’s veto of a symbolic resolution to name the city a welcoming community — officials noted the veto came amid concerns over potential political backlash and state funding issues.

Michigan officially ended its ban on paid surrogacy by repealing a law that made arranging a surrogate contract a felony—now the new Michigan Family Protection Act lets surrogates be paid and offers legal protection for both surrogates and prospective parents.

Bay County high school sports were in focus on April 5 as teams competed and Bay City Western’s leadoff hitters drove strong plays in local baseball games—coaches emailed game highlights each event night to share results.

Free Easter Movie: Hop

1-3 p.m. — State Theatre — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful Easter movie with family at the historic State Theatre.

Easter Magic Show with Joel Tacey

3-5 p.m. — State Theatre — Probable ticket cost — Enjoy incredible magic and audience participation with America's Family Funnyman just in time for Easter.

Awesome Scavenger Hunt! - Bay City Buccaneer Bonanza

12-9 p.m. — 1000 Adams St, Bay City, MI — Ticket required — Embark on an exciting scavenger hunt through historic Bay City and uncover its hidden gems.

Free Easter Movie: Peter Rabbit

6:30-8:30 p.m. — State Theatre — Free entry — Enjoy a free screening of the family-friendly film Peter Rabbit this Easter.

Midnight Monster Movies: THEY LIVE Screening

Midnight — 700 N Madison Ave, Bay City, MI — $5 tickets — Experience John Carpenter's cult classic and uncover the hidden truth with the ultimate sci-fi horror film.

Empty Canvas Concert

7-9 p.m. — State Theatre — $25/person — Enjoy an artistic evening with music, wine, and the chance to participate in a grand painting raffle.

Bob Ross Run/Walk for the Trees, Happy Little 5k

9 a.m. — Bay City State Park — Registration fee applies — Celebrate the joy of nature with a whimsical 5k run/walk inspired by Bob Ross.

An Evening with Acclaimed Author Monica Wood

7-9 p.m. — State Theatre — Free entry — Experience captivating insights from award-winning author Monica Wood and get your favorite books signed.