Good morning, Bay City.

The Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw will host a free celebration on Saturday, June 27 at 1500 Weiss that marks 250 years of independence and 80 years of veteran service with a classic car show and flag folding by the Great Lakes Bay Veterans Coalition.

The Blue Star Memorial is being moved from Bay City Veterans Park to AMVETS Post 22 at 520 North Pine Road and will be rededicated on July 3 at 1:00 p.m. Veterans, families, and community members can attend the ceremony and community BBQ (hot dogs, bratwursts, and refreshments) afterward.

Thomas Township Farmers Market is set to open Monday, June 22 at Roberts Park in Saginaw County, drawing nearly 50 vendors who will offer local produce, handmade crafts, and baked goods (with food trucks, live music, alpacas, a wine tasting, and a nutritionist consultation scheduled on opening day).

On Monday, June 15, a Bay City Department of Public Safety lieutenant rescued ducklings trapped in a storm drain and reunited them with their waiting mother.

New state data (from the Department of Technology, Management and Budget) shows Michigan's unemployment rate ticked up to 5.1% in May as 20,000 jobs were lost and 1,000 extra people became jobless, even though the rate is 2.7% lower than a year ago.

Hemlock Public Schools achieved a 50% improvement in chronic absenteeism during the third marking period of the 2024-25 school year by stressing attendance despite a statewide rate of 28%, data from the Detroit Partnership for Education Equity and Research show.

The district will continue these strategies next school year.

On June 18 at 1:35 a.m., Essexville officials said 105,000 gallons of partially treated sewage was discharged into the Saginaw River; tests are underway & more details will be shared when available.

Bay County officials announced on Thursday, June 18 that West Nile and Jamestown Canyon viruses have been found in mosquitoes for the first time this year; they are stepping up control efforts with treatments and nighttime fogging and advise residents to take precautions (like wearing long sleeves and using EPA-approved repellent) when outdoors during peak hours.

Saginaw Spirit signed its top two 2026 OHL Draft picks Friday at Dow Event Center — linking to NHL player Hunter Haight as his friend Drew Bate and forward Kyler Lauder join the team.

They will join prospects at a camp at Bay County Civic Arena Saturday and Sunday.

Meet Up, Eat Up, and READ Up

12-12:45 p.m. — Sage Branch Library — Free entry — Enjoy lunch while engaging in storytime for families outdoors at the library's lawn.

Bay City Fireworks Festival

12:00 – 11:59 PM — Bay City Firework Festival — Ticket prices vary — Experience the largest fireworks display in festival history alongside concerts and family fun.

Bay City Fireworks Festival Featuring Hairmania

5-10 p.m. — Wenonah Park at World Friendship Shell — Free entry — Experience epic tunes and wild vibes with Hairmania and special guests Hipakritz at this lively festival.

Bookmobile Visit at Montessori Children's House

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Montessori Children's House of Bay City, MI — Free entry — Explore the Bookmobile's diverse library for all ages and sign up for a library card.

Question Mark & The Mysterians - 60 Years of 96 Tears

3-6 p.m. — Wenonah Park at World Friendship Shell — Free entry — Celebrate six decades of iconic music with a legendary band in the heart of Bay City.

Neighborhood Walking Club

9:30-10:30 a.m. — Sage Branch Library — Free — Explore historic Midland Street and local artistry while enjoying a community walk.

Snakes Alive! Educational Program

12:30-1:15 p.m. — Sage Branch Library — Free entry — Experience a family-friendly educational program featuring live snakes.

Family Musical Performance by Beverly Meyer

12:30-1:15 p.m. — Sage Branch Library — Free entry — Enjoy an interactive musical performance by Beverly Meyer at the library, with backup plans for inclement weather.