Good morning, Bay City.

An 8-year-old boy led the Bat Trash Army into a movement that now has nearly 200 volunteers cleaning up Bay City’s streets, parks and business areas—this group held a cleanup near Bay City Central High School and McLaren Bay Region on Thursday and will meet at DeFoe Park on Oct.

24 from 5 to 6 p.m. It began three years ago when his parents acted after seeing trash at a music festival.

The Dream Makers will host the 2025 Masquerade Ball on Nov 1 at Liberty Harbor Event Center in Bay City to raise funds for Great Lakes Dream Center programs that give food, clothing and mentoring to local families.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and the formal gala offers a meal, live music and dancing—plus a silent auction and photo opportunities.

Bay City's MI Table was purchased by Tim Schmidt, owner of BarqueBC, with former owner Amberlyn Hales helping in the transition.

Schmidt will reopen the restaurant soon + update customers on social media.

Stephen Stoddard and his husband have returned from Arizona to open Lumberman's Mercantile in Bay City— the shop sells Michigan-made home goods including soaps, candles and decorations while offering interior design services and free gift wrapping, and they plan to develop the historic bank vault on the third floor in the future.

Five events are scheduled in mid-Michigan from today through Oct 12, featuring an ARTWALK in downtown Flint, a rescheduled Rio Da Yung OG concert this evening, and Patton Oswalt performing at Capitol Theatre on Saturday.

Saginaw will show The Nightmare Before Christmas on Sunday while Bay City hosts its 5th annual trunk-or-treat at The Farm at Apple Acres beginning at 5 p.m.—the weekend also includes a beer & donut mile in Pinconning.

Bay City Public Schools urged drivers to slow down and follow safe practices near school buses — four district buses have been in crashes since the school year began, and investigations found no fault on the part of the bus drivers.

Bay City residents will join a free wellness walk and market tomorrow at Wenonah Park with registration at 9 a.m., a riverfront walk at 10 a.m., and a market opening at The Jefferson Project at 10:30 a.m.—free fitness classes and a YMCA day pass for the first 100 walkers highlight local health groups' efforts to boost community well-being.

Pinconning-Fraser Fire Department is asking Bay City readers to help buy a $21,000 LUCAS chest compression system that makes CPR more consistent when rescuers get tired.

The department covers Fraser Township, Pinconning Township and the city of Pinconning and handles nearly 800 calls a year—85% for medical emergencies—with a local resident called Airborne Angler leading the donation drive, which has raised over $700 so far.

Girls Night Out: Concert for a Cause

6:30-10 p.m. — The Westown Theater — Proceeds benefiting The American Cancer Society — Enjoy a night of diverse music from talented female artists.

Cool2Duel Dueling Pianos

7-9 p.m. — State Theatre — Ticket price not listed — Enjoy an interactive night of fun with classic hits and audience participation.

Permanent Jewelry and Charm Bar Pop-Up Event

11 AM – 5 PM — Fran & Dot Boutique — No appointment necessary — Explore unique permanent jewelry and handmade pieces at this downtown pop-up event.

Knitting Solutions

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

Weekly Match Play Tournament at Crazy Quarters Arcade

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Crazy Quarters Arcade — $1 entry fee plus coin drop — Compete in weekly pinball tournaments for players of all ages and skill levels.

Halloween Move & Groove

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a fun, spooky movement program with costumes and trick or treating for little ones.