Good morning, Saginaw.

Tuesday, the East Side Soup Kitchen in Saginaw hosted its second annual barbecue lunch with Freddy’s Haus Restaurant — soon opening in Bridgeport — and the Xavier DeGroat Autism Foundation to raise autism awareness, serving around 1,000 meals as last year did.

On Tuesday, East Side Soup Kitchen partnered with Freddy's Haus Restaurant and Xavier DeGroat Autism Foundation to host a barbecue lunch in Saginaw.

The event offered hamburgers, hot dogs and brats and organizers plan to make it an annual tradition.

A new Dairy Queen will open Monday, Oct.

5 at 3402 Tittabawassee Road serving its signature menu items from 10:30 a.m. to midnight seven days a week. Owners Wael Hamade + Mariam Haidar, who also run locations in Canton and East Lansing, expressed excitement about joining the community.

Plant Security opened yesterday at Buckham Alley Theatre (its debut adds to local arts offerings) for community members seeking new cultural experiences.

Hoyt Library will host free ghost tours this October — visitors can learn ghost stories at the historic 505 Janes Ave building.

Registration opens at 9 a.m. on Oct. 1 by phone or online and space is limited.

The school district outlined long-term plans to address April storm damage by considering a retention pond — the superintendent said the update will help protect facilities.

The plan was announced on Sept. 29.

SVSU earned accreditation for its healthcare compliance program, making it the first university in Michigan to offer an accredited certificate in this field.

The five-course online program launched in fall 2025 and prepares students to meet exam requirements and apply credits toward a health administration degree.

Saginaw approved new rules for future data centers on Tuesday as the moratorium neared its end.

The ordinance sets standards for water and energy use, noise, and community buffers before any center can open.

Local high school sports fans can vote for the top senior volleyball player chosen by area coaches until 10 p.m. Sunday (the poll comes ahead of playoffs starting Nov.

2 and state finals on Nov. 21 in Battle Creek).

Local sports fans can vote for the top senior girls cross country runner by choosing among standout high school athletes (such as Emily Beethe and Lucy Conzelmann) until 10 p.m. Sunday (voting is open online).

MLive invites fans to rank the six undefeated local high school football teams after Week 5 — vote your top 10 and see the aggregated results published Friday.

The rankings spotlight teams such as Swan Valley and Sanford Meridian as the season progresses.

High school sports fans in Saginaw area can vote until 10 p.m. Sunday for the top senior football player honor, with local high schools' candidates competing for the title + online voting is available.