Good morning, Bay City.

Round Room, LLC's 14th annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway will start at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 26 at Verizon stores across mid-Michigan, including a Bay City location at 212 N Euclid Ave, offering $3 million worth of free backpacks and family fun activities.

Communities First, Inc. will host Movies Under the Stars soon in Bay City to offer an outdoor film event for families and neighbors.

Details about screening times + location will be confirmed later.

Gas prices in Mid-Michigan have climbed to $4.39 per gallon, and Bay City drivers may see higher costs due to tensions in the Middle East + Ukraine affecting supply.

Analysts warn that prices could reach $4.49 or $4.59 next week if the situation continues.

Gov. Whitmer signed a law on July 21 requiring all Michigan teachers to complete Science of Reading training by the start of the 2031-2032 school year after Michigan ranked 44th in fourth grade reading levels.

More than 7,000 teachers have already completed the training.

Thomas Township officials announced that longtime township clerk and former Bay City Western athletic director Mike Thayer died on Wednesday, July 22 — he retired in 2022 after more than 26 years in athletic administration and was recognized for his dedication to education.

Matt Hirschenberger, a former Freeland coach, is Bay City Western's new head coach for girls basketball.

He finished a 90-28 record with four district championships at Freeland (and will build on the program after coach Dan Snover retired).

The 2026–27 Saginaw Valley League South football season will be the final season with all six teams.

The schedule released today begins with games at Michigan Stadium on Aug. 27 when Lapeer plays Holly and on Aug. 29 when Saginaw Heritage takes on Mount Pleasant.

The Big Thumb Conference announced its 2026 football schedules featuring multiple divisions and local teams (Bay City All Saints and Bay City Academy).

The season starts on Aug. 27 and will offer high school football games on various dates across the conference.

Labadie Rib Fest

5-8 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of rock music by Night Ranger in Bay City.

Bookmobile Stop at Montessori Children's House

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Montessori Children's House of Bay City, MI — Free entry — Explore a treasure of books for all ages at the community's traveling library.

Baffling Bill the Magician

12:30-1:15 p.m. — Sage Branch Library — Free admission — Experience a delightful magic show for families featuring audience participation and enchanting tricks.