Mental health issues are on the rise for teens. Fortunately, schools in Bay and Arenac counties are offering more mental health resources for kids and teachers. Click buff.ly/4bFmbTV to learn more.

It's always a good time to start a small business, if you ask Michelle Judd. Click buff.ly/3yapkNO to learn about some of the programs available right now to help small businesses open, grow, and prosper.

Tattoo artists recently were on display at Studio 23. Click buff.ly/3WpVs9F to read more about the artists and exhibit.

Register for the FAFSA Frenzy and you'll get a lot more than help with the college financial aid form. Pre-register for the Aug. 7 event and complete your FAFSA form by Aug. 12 and you could win a scholarship. Learn more about the event at buff.ly/3YonMKM

Bay County received $9 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and another $2 million in federal dollars from a congressional appropriation to buy and renovate what was once an iconic furniture store. Learn more about the Bay City-based facility at buff.ly/3Wot32E

Coloring books are among the tools the Bay Area Women's Center relies on as it raises awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault. Click buff.ly/3ykcVHi to learn how you can help the Women's Center with this project.

Michigan Sugar cut the ribbon on its Molasses Desugarization Facility this week. The new $109 million facility marks the largest single investment since the company formed in 1906. Read more about at buff.ly/3SzMKTM

Dr. Mark C. Komorowski, a McLaren Bay Region physician, was recently elected President of the Michigan State Medical Society. Click buff.ly/3AbNYyn to read more about the Society and how you can improve your health.

A Midland-based foundation awarded the Bay Area Women's Center a grant to help with day-to-day expenses. Click buff.ly/4dmZ7KQ to read more about the grant as well as other fundraising efforts.

McLaren Bay Region is home to one of the top vascular surgeons in the nation. Read more about Dr. Nicolas J. Mouawad at buff.ly/4dsXyeM

Have you ever wondered if the United Way of Bay County has an impact? Wonder no more. Click buff.ly/3AhR3gp to read about two different United Way-supported programs making a difference in people's lives.

High-profile fishing tournaments in the Saginaw Bay this summer boosted local economies by nearly $1 million. Click buff.ly/4cskF8a to learn about how fishing helps businesses and find out what tournaments are coming next.

If you're looking for a way to spend a late summer day, check out the Public Art Passport. The passport includes a map to public art installations in the region as well as the stories behind the work. Click buff.ly/3WR5cJb to learn more.

Back-to-school isn't just for kids. Click buff.ly/3Xk4Yf1 to read about Michigan programs that help adults earn college degrees and professional certifications.

"Participating in YAC has done a lot for me. I’ve learned to speak up, how to balance listening and offering opinions, and how to get my voice heard," says Jayce Woods. Click buff.ly/3T3zS8U to learn how participating in the Youth Advisory Committee empowers teens.

#ThrowBackThursday to the Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival earlier this month in Wenonah Park. Click buff.ly/4fT6aND for more pictures from the festival.

Nearly half the families in Bay County earn thousands of dollars above the federal poverty line, but can't pay for the basic necessities. Nicole Luczak from the United Way of Bay County explains how an of us could find ourselves facing hardship. More info: buff.ly/4cPK2AY

The Bay County Library System turns 50 this year and you're invited to a party at each of its branches. Click buff.ly/3Zg5eNw to learn more.

"Philanthropy isn't something you're born with, it's an observed and learned trait," says Bob Hetzler. Visit #RouteBayCity to read more about what motivates Bob Hetzler, Joyce Hetzler, and Cathy Washabaugh to dedicate time and money to building our community. #MotivationMonday

You don't have to drive Up North to enjoy a fall weekend in Michigan. Check out the Bay City State Park. Special events this fall give you the perfect excuse to visit the park and check out recent renovations. Click buff.ly/4e46GXo to learn more.