Good morning, Bay City.

Today, the Bay City Bridge Partners announced that non-residents will continue paying $15 a month for unlimited crossings through December while postponing the planned rate hike and plan end, and the operator said it will work with city officials to improve service—this decision follows complaints over earlier issues on the Independence Bridge.

Bay City Bridge Partners said on April 22 they are keeping the $15 monthly pass for non-residents until December for current subscribers—no new passes will be sold.

The company apologized for early-year problems on the Independence Bridge and changed plans after hearing from riders.

Police said they found an elderly woman's body wrapped in a tarp near the woods by Interstate 75 at a Birch Run auto dealership on April 21 at 11:50 a.m., and they are working with state police to notify her family after empty pill bottles were found in her vehicle.

Michigan has nominated 19 beaches for Michigan's Best Beach 2025 with nominations including 15 on Lake Michigan (and two each on Huron and Superior) and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore among the picks.

Voters can cast one vote per day per device until noon on May 19 while the top 10 and winning beach will be announced on May 28 (final results to follow).

Bay City Bridge Partners proposed a deal to give Bay County vehicles lower tolls on the Independence and Liberty bridges, but Bay County officials rejected the plan on April 22 because it required a secret agreement not offered to other cities — they said the county will use other cost-saving measures to cover toll expenses.

City commissioners appointed Commissioner Alex Dewitt, 6th Ward, as commission president and Commissioner Chris Runberg, 7th Ward, as vice president on Monday, April 21 — the changes came after former president Stephen Prince resigned — for personal and professional reasons.

Bay City's Water Street Bridge is set to close for concrete repairs and an epoxy overlay today until May 13, and it will close once more from June 10 until June 13—making the Independence Bridge inaccessible during these periods.

Local nonprofit ARC of Bay County is worried that cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid may soon reduce help for people who rely on these programs; the group, which has served the community for 72 years, faces growing calls from clients struggling to afford basics.

The ARC will host 'An Evening of Music and Art' at State Theatre tomorrow—April 24 from 6 to 9 p.m.—to raise funds for its services.

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.

Elvis Tribute Concert

7-9 p.m. — State Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the magic of Elvis with award-winning tribute artist Jake Slater performing timeless classics.

Frank Sinatra Tribute Concert

7-9 p.m. — State Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the enchanting sounds of Sinatra with renowned tribute artist Jeff Grainger.

The Classic Women of Country

7-9 p.m. — State Theatre — Tickets available — Celebrate the legendary women of country music with live performances honoring icons like Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn.

BARC Memorial Day Runs

6:00 – 11:59 PM — Veterans Memorial Park — Entry fee required — Run for a cause with Blue Star Service Dogs and Bay Veterans Foundation.