Good morning, Bay City.

United Way of Bay County will host its 4th annual Longest Table fall fundraising event on September 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Uptown Drive in Bay City—sponsored by Dow, the event will offer live entertainment, yard games, craft drinks, a catered meal, and dessert to raise funds for local health, education, and financial stability programs.

At its Tuesday, Aug 5 meeting, the Board of Commissioners approved agreements with financial advisors and bond counsel for $65,000 to prepare bond issuance for the new community pool, which will use a millage approved in November 2024.

County officials said the bond financing will expedite construction and operation of the pool—replacing the unsafe facility closed in 2023.

Claire’s is filing for bankruptcy for the second time and will close 18 stores, including the Bay City Town Center, with clearance sales ending Sept.

7. The company said it will keep stores open while it seeks new strategic and financial partners—additional closures may follow as the process unfolds—.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program and USDA’s APHIS are urging Bay City residents to report signs of the invasive Asian longhorned beetle during Tree Check Month so that local hardwood trees are protected.

The beetle, which damages trees by leaving holes and wood shavings, has not been found in Michigan yet — early reports may help prevent its spread.

The Michigan Department of State will host a free Road to Restoration driver’s license clinic in Bay City on August 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., where residents can review their driving record, get an administrative hearing application, and take the written test if eligible—walk-ins are accepted from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. subject to limited capacity.

Top anglers competed in the Toyota Stage 7 event that began Thursday morning on Saginaw Bay and will continue through Sunday—local fans met them at Veterans Memorial Park and Cabela's as they returned to Golson Boat Launch each evening.

The event draws world-class fishing talent to Bay City and keeps the excitement going all week.

Podcasting for Beginners Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Bay County Library System — Free entry — Learn to record and edit podcasts with expert guidance in a hands-on environment.

Great Lakes Beer Festival

2-7 p.m. — Dow Diamond — VIP ticket includes buffet — Sample Michigan's finest craft beers and enjoy live music in a vibrant ballpark setting.

Knitting and Crocheting Meetup

10 AM – 12 PM — Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library — Bring your own supplies — Drop in to knit and crochet with expert assistance available.

Monthly Zine Meet Up

2-4 p.m. — Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library — Materials provided — Create mini-books filled with your creative expressions at this interactive zine workshop.

Westside Putt & Pub Crawl

12-4 p.m. — H2O's Waterside Grill — Registration required — Enjoy a fun day traversing 9 bars with 9 unique putting holes in Bay City.

Knitting Solutions Workshop

10 AM – 12 PM — Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library — Bring your own supplies — Enjoy a community knitting and crochet session with expert assistance.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Event

4-7 p.m. — Bay County Library System — Free kits available — Get screened for colorectal cancer with a private test from McLaren Bay Region healthcare professionals.

Wirt Nonfiction Book Club

2-3 p.m. — Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library — Free entry — Engage in stimulating discussions about various nonfiction works led by knowledgeable hosts.

Makers Market at Uptown Bay City

4-7 p.m. — Live Oak Coffeehouse — Free entry — Explore unique creations from over 70 talented artists in the vibrant atmosphere of Uptown Bay City.