UPDATE: The Bay City community is grieving the sudden loss of Brad Tucker, a beloved local football coach and the city’s HR director, who passed away unexpectedly at his home on July 19, 2023. He was just 37 years old.
Tucker, a native of Bay City, dedicated over a decade to coaching football at Garber High School and John Glenn High School. His obituary highlights his vibrant personality and dedication to community service, including his role as a board member for the United Way of Bay County. Residents are on social media expressing their condolences and sharing memories of Tucker’s impact on youth sports and local initiatives.
In other urgent news, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has just announced a significant investment in Bay City. A contaminated site will soon see the development of 89 new apartment units, known as Water Street Lofts, backed by a $400,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Grant. This project aims to revitalize a vacant area, transforming it into a housing opportunity for the community.
Meanwhile, troubling news emerges from local retail. A 51-year-old cashier, Jodi L. Doyle, is facing felony charges after allegedly embezzling nearly $2,000 from a Walmart in Bangor Township. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, which was reported by the store’s management earlier this year.
In a leadership shift, McLaren Bay Region has appointed Tom Keller as its new president and CEO, set to begin on August 11. Keller takes over from interim leaders Jamie Carter and Tim Vargas, marking a new chapter for the healthcare facility as it navigates post-pandemic challenges.
Additionally, Bay City officials are deliberating the implementation of surveillance technology that could enhance public safety. A proposed contract with Flock Safety aims to install license plate-reading cameras throughout neighborhoods. However, city commissioners are demanding clarity on privacy concerns and accountability before proceeding with the vote.
Lastly, the Bay City Commission has approved funding for a new homeless drop-in center at the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission. The city will utilize $250,000 from Community Development Block Grant funds to support this development, aiming to provide essential services for the vulnerable population in the area.
As Bay City grapples with these developments, residents are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates on each of these crucial issues. The community is rallying together in the wake of loss while looking ahead to new opportunities for growth and support.
