News

Bath and DeWitt experiencing continued growth

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Much like a flower needs water and sunlight to grow, a city needs certain things to flourish as well. Developing neighborhoods, thriving businesses, and exceptional school districts help the communities of Bath and DeWitt to grow. Both these townships are in periods of growth and development according to their planning and building commissions. Bath’s Planning Director and Zoning Administrator Brian Shorkey said from a project perspective it’s been a slow year, but there are big plans for the township. Building new houses and businesses

There’s been an uptick in housing developments including apartments, duplexes and senior housing.

News

People in Bath march to their own drum

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Laurie Tossava , Jasper Bergen and Daniel Gebes prepare to drum with their different varieties. Photo by Emerson Wigand. To Michele Leonard, all people have a sense of rhythm and the heartbeats are the foundation. This is the mantra she uses to promote the Bath Community Drum Circle. The circle started in September and has happened five times.

News

Bath library continues growth

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A view of the Bath Township Public Library located at 14033 Webster Road. Photo by Emerson Wigand. “We’re pretty tight on space but we make it the best we can,” youth librarian Carrie Frazer said. Frazer walked around the 2200-square-foot strip mall space, giving a short tour of the Bath Township Public Library. In the same room where the used books are sold and the library holds its meetings, there was an event for the public on Michigan true crime stories.

Arts & Entertainment

Bath Farmers Market kicks off the holiday season

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Not many stores sell fresh produce, skincare made from beeswax, goat milk soap and turkeys all in one place. But the Bath Farmers Market does. The outdoor farmers market came to a close and moved inside of the Bath Community Center on Nov. 7. Temperatures are dropping, but the indoor farmers market gives vendors an opportunity to continue providing for the community, even in inclement weather. 


The Pretty Shaky String Band plays at every Bath Farmers Market.

News

Bath’s Bengel Wildlife Center uses weddings, events to pay for conservation efforts

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The Bengel Wildlife Center markets its outdoor wedding space as the “biggest covered patio in Michigan,” said Burdette Pombier, director of marketing and development. Photo by David Reinke. The connection between wildlife conservation and weddings may not be apparent to some, but in the last few years the two have become inextricably linked for the staff of Michigan Wildlife Conservancy’s Bengel Wildlife Center. Located in Bath Township, the nonprofit organization has to focus on raising funds through events, donations and food and beverage operations like that of its Wildlife Pub in order to support conservation work. The covered patio is a huge draw for wedding clients especially.

Bath

Competitors see Dollar General as sign of Bath’s growth

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Spagnuolo’s Party Store manager Jon Spagnuolo said the “odds and ends” that Dollar General has to offer won’t compete too much with his store. “There are some things they are very dynamic with, and I applaud them for it,” he said. Photo by David Reinke. Spagnuolo’s Party Store manager Jon Spagnuolo. Photo by David Reinke.

Bath

Zumba: fun fitness for all ages

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Looking to work out without it feeling like work? Zumba might be the answer. 

Bath Township has an instructor who is sharing her experience with the community. Jade Arnold has been a licensed Zumba instructor since 2017. “I think I learned to dance before I walked,” Arnold said. “And the best part is, it’s exercise disguised as dancing.”

Jade Arnold teaches Zumba in Bath Township, Perry and East Lansing.

Bath

Therapy dogs giving a helping paw at library

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Sometimes all you need is a helping hand, but in this case, a helping paw. In January, the Bath Public Library started a Paws for Reading program to help children get comfortable with their reading level while reading to therapy dogs.

art

Bath Township fights for artists’ rights

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Blue rubber ducks have been popping up over Bath Township and it’s making a difference within the art community. The Blue Loop is an art installation in the backyard of Robert Park’s house in Bath, Michigan. It’s located on his wooded property, hidden behind trees full of blue recycled materials following a pathway. The city sees his property as just junk and it began with a complaint from a neighbor calling his property an “eyesore,” according to Park. “They went into my backyard, in my woods and they discovered my recycled blue plastic, which they had no concept of it being an art material, so right away their mind goes to well that’s just or trash,” he said.