Good morning, Saginaw.

Gephart Funeral Home in Bay City lent its support by sponsoring half the adoption fees at a pet event Tuesday, June 16, which helped place 15 cats and several dogs in new homes; the Board of Commissioners praised the effort as the shelter prepares to complete its new building (expected by August).

A carnival is set to run at Birch Run Premium Outlets parking lot today through Sunday to offer rides, games and carnival food.

Operating hours (3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, until 7 p.m. Sunday) provide visitors time to enjoy the fun.

Over 1,000 volunteers from Habitat for Humanity are restoring homes and building affordable housing in the Covenant Neighborhood with plans to paint and repair 70 homes by the end of this year's cycle.

Their work is reducing blight and making neighborhoods safer and more vibrant.

Three new businesses (Big O Hot Chicken, Erika’s Flowers, and Kakes the Great Popcorn Company) will open soon in Old Town and new housing, including apartments and condos, is under construction on Hamilton Street.

Local developers expect these projects to boost community vibrancy.

READ Association of Saginaw County will host DEAR at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo on Wednesday, June 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. as part of its 60th anniversary celebration – the first 200 children will receive free admission, a new book and enjoy train rides, carousel rides, story times and other activities provided by nearly 30 community groups.

Bay County officials approved a conservation easement on Tuesday, June 16 to convert a former driving range near Beaver Road and North Euclid Avenue into a public nature area with a fishing hole, dog-walking paths and school programs — updates are expected at upcoming meetings.

Johana Orellana Cabrera has been named director of Saginaw Public Libraries, filling the vacancy since January and replacing Maria McCarville.

She brings over 10 years of leadership experience from Arlington Public Library in Texas + holds bilingual credentials to serve the community.

Bay County officials said Tuesday, June 16 that the new county pool is running two to three weeks ahead of schedule while the animal shelter (to be enclosed by August) and the health services building near Bay City are set for a late summer finish.

The Michigan Senate passed two bills on June 17 to create a state-run Roth IRA and a retirement savings program for workers without employer plans.

The legislation now moves to the House for review, aiming to help 1.5 million workers save for retirement (sponsored by senators Cherry and Cavanagh).

Rio Da Yung Og & FWC Big Key Live

9 p.m.-2 a.m. — Platinum Creation — Paid entry — Experience the electrifying first live performance in Saginaw by Rio Da Yung Og and FWC Big Key.

Frankenmuth Magic Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Fischer Hall — $15-$20 — Experience stunning illusions and laughter at this family-friendly magic extravaganza.

Jazz in the Garden

6-8 p.m. — Andersen Enrichment Center — Free entry — Enjoy enchanting jazz music in a beautiful garden setting on four consecutive Wednesdays in July.

First Aid/CPR/AED Certification Class

4-8 p.m. — YMCA of Saginaw — Contact for pricing — Equip yourself with the skills to respond to emergencies and save lives.