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New state data shows that this past spring nearly 25% of Michigan high school juniors met the SAT college readiness benchmark—a drop from 34.9% in 2016—with Saginaw Public Schools posting a median score of 838 as part of a statewide trend.

Two Saginaw County elementary schools made the U.S. News best elementary schools list with Hemmeter climbing to No. 8 and Handley placed at No. 28.

The rankings were released Tuesday, Oct. 20 — showing shifts since last year.

Garner Hotel by IHG opened in Birch Run near Premium Outlets this week after a complete reconstruction of the former Country Inn site.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, Oct. 22, and the new hotel now offers pet-friendly rooms, a complimentary hot breakfast, digital check-in, and free high-speed Wi-Fi (12112 S. Beyer Road).

Frankenmuth high school volleyball capped an undefeated season Wednesday with a 3-0 win over Bay City John Glenn.

The Eagles won set scores (25-10, 25-13, 25-23) to finish their Tri-Valley Conference season 6-0, with key plays from Avery Geer and teammates.

On Oct. 22, Frankenmuth won its third Division 3 title with an 8-1 win over Laker High at Montrose, Heritage claimed the Division 1 title against Grand Blanc, and Valley Lutheran won Division 4 6-0 at Nouvel CC.

All three teams now advance to regional contests later this week.

Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan opened its first ground-up retail store and donation center in Clio on Thursday on West Vienna Road — shoppers lined up as early as 6 a.m. The new location supports local programs and community job growth.

Galls Services LLC and local businesses are hosting their 5th annual Thanksgiving Table Food Drive for Feeding Saginaw One Sunday at a Time, collecting non-perishables until Nov.

21. Feeding Saginaw will serve a free Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 22 at 12:30 p.m. at 710 East Genesee and seeks volunteers.

A delegation from Tokushima arrives at City Hall today at 9 a.m. for a welcome ceremony; Mayor Brenda Moore and Tokushima Mayor Akiyoshi Endo will plant a tree at 12:30 p.m. before a tea ceremony open house is held tomorrow from 1:15 to 3 p.m. at the Japanese Cultural Center.