Midland Public Schools pilots new curriculums to help early student literacy

Midland Public Schools is taking a student-focused approach to literacy. State law requires districts implement evidence-based reading instruction by the 2027-2028 school year. Midland's kindergarten through fifth grade will learn from one of two new literacy curriculums focused on the science of reading. "We want to make sure we're doing...

Isabella County meat processor receives $250K USDA grant

ISABELLA COUNTY, Mich. (WJRT) - An Isabella County meat processor will receive $250,000 in federal funding to expand its operation and increase processing capacity. The Cut Custom Processing LLC was selected for funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program. The Michigan grant is...

Mecosta County COA to host holiday vendor and craft show

Space still open for vendors.

Midland County landowner dreads toll of proposed ITC power line

If a proposed route through his property for a future high-voltage transmission line ends up being the route chosen by ITC, Tim Mantyla isn't sure any amount of compensation would be sufficient.

Tom Kunse chosen to lead Michigan House Republican caucus

State Rep. Tom Kunse has been selected to lead the Michigan House Republican caucus for the 2027-2028 legislative session.

November 2026 Unofficial Election Results

Several Races were decided around the Great Lakes Bay Region and the Thumb in the November 3 election:. In Michigan’s Second Congressional District, Republican John Moolenaar retained his seat over Democrat Ben Ambrose, by 216,261 to 129,913. In the Eighth Congressional District, Democratic incumbent Kristen McDonald Rivet defeated Republican Thomas J. Smith 184,688 to 143,072. In Ditrict 9, Republican incumbent Lisa Mclain retaines her seat over Democrat challenger Ray Pooley 244,907 to 136,065.

Several big-ticket millages, funds approved in mid-Michigan

MID-MICHIGAN—Voters across Mid-Michigan approved several millages for community resources and educational programs. Genesee County Health Care Services Millage Renewal Proposal. Voters passed a millage renewal that will fund services provided by Genesee Health Plan (GHP). The renewal is set to help GHP deliver health care coverage for uninsured and...

Osceola County community events calendar for Nov. 5, 2026

Osceola County community events calendar for Nov. 5, 2026

Midland students turn 10,000 cans into sculptures for local food pantries

Midland County students used 10,000 cans to build CANstructions at Midland Mall, raising food insecurity awareness and aiding local pantries.

Donker excited to be reelected; mayoral vote set for December

Maureen Donker again secured Midland’s Ward 2 seat on the City Council with 63.75% of the vote, defeating challenger Daniel Terhune in the council’s only contested race in the 2026 election.

Coast Guard awards contract for up to 10 ice rescue boats

The Coast Guard has awarded 1000 Island Airboats, Marion, Wis., a contract worth up to $6.13 million for as many as 10 ice rescue boats for Great Lakes operations. The initial $4.9 million order covers eight 25' Special Purpose Craft–Ice Rescue Transport Second Generation boats (SPC-IRT IIs), specialized transport trailers, operator training and technical data support. The contract has a three-year performance period, with delivery of the first two boats expected in December 2026.

Great Lakes Bay Health Centers opens new Bayside location

BAY CITY, Mich. (WJRT) - Great Lakes Bay Health Centers has opened a new four-story community health center in Uptown Bay City, bringing several medical services together under one roof. The new Bayside Community Health Center is located at 102 E. Main Street and will combine services previously offered at...

Is Isabella County red, blue or purple?

Isabella County is home to Central Michigan University, regions of rural farmland as well as small Midwest communities, but they all come together to form the political identity of the county. Despite voting for the Democratic candidate in elections past, in the last three presidential elections, the home county of...

Athletes and coaches inducted into Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame

SAGINAW TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJRT) - The Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame held its 24th Annual Induction Dinner Banquet on Sunday, honoring the 2026 class of inductees. The event took place at the Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw Township, bringing together athletes, coaches and community members to celebrate achievements in local sports. For many, the ceremony highlights a deeper connection in the Saginaw community.

Mecosta County turnout reaches 61% in Nov. 3 election

Mecosta County reported 61.13% turnout in the Nov. 3 election. Clerk Marcee Purcell said polling places were busy, but the county had no tabulator issues.

Mid-Michigan voters approve funding for public safety, transit and schools

LANSING, Mich. (News 10) - Voters across mid-Michigan approved several millages, bond proposals and ballot measures addressing city services, emergency communications, public transportation and school funding. Measures in Lansing, Jackson County, Eaton County and DeWitt all received voter approval. Lansing essential services millage. Lansing voters approved a renewal of the...

Reed City Area Public Schools bond proposal fails for the third time

Following the failure of the vote, district leaders must now use general fund money to cover building repairs, which could lead to staffing cuts. The recent vote follows two larger bond proposals that voters rejected last year, which were valued at $88.1 million and $75.5 million.

My Secret Garden opens Christmas at the Commons in Bay City

My Secret Garden has opened its Christmas at the Commons holiday shopping event in downtown Bay City, with festive activities planned through December 24.

Wake-Up interview with Deputy Secretary of State