
UPDATE: Bay City is in mourning following the unexpected death of local HR director and beloved football coach Brad Tucker, who passed away at his home on July 19, 2023, at the age of 37. Tucker, a dedicated community leader, served as both the director of human resources for the City of Bay City and a football coach at local high schools for over a decade. His loss has left a profound impact on students and colleagues alike.
Officials describe Tucker as an individual whose career was defined by a “remarkable personality” and a commitment to community service, including his role on the board of the United Way of Bay County. The community is rallying to honor his contributions, demonstrating the deep connections he forged throughout his life.
Meanwhile, in a significant development for local housing, Bay City has announced plans to construct 89 new apartment units on a currently vacant site. This project, known as Water Street Lofts, will transform three parcels of land thanks to a $400,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) on July 23.
In addition, a Saginaw woman faces felony charges for allegedly embezzling nearly $2,000 from a Walmart in Bangor Township. The incident was reported on March 19 when Bay County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a manager’s complaint against cashier Jodi L. Doyle, who reportedly stole $1,865.
In personnel news, Tom Keller has been appointed as the new president and CEO of McLaren Bay Region, effective August 11. Keller succeeds interim leaders Jamie Carter and Tim Vargas, who guided the organization during the search for a permanent replacement.
Bay City commissioners are also exploring public safety enhancements by considering a contract with Flock Safety to install license plate-reading cameras. Although the proposal aims to deter crime, concerns about privacy rights have led officials to pause discussions until more details regarding footage access and accountability are clarified.
Lastly, the Bay City Commission has granted final approval for a new homeless drop-in center at the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission. This project will utilize $250,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, marking a crucial step towards addressing homelessness in the community.
As these stories develop, the Bay City community is urged to reflect on Tucker’s legacy while also engaging with new initiatives that promise to reshape the area’s landscape.