UPDATE: The community of Bay City is in mourning following the unexpected death of local football coach and HR director Brad Tucker. The beloved 37-year-old passed away at his home on July 19, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of service both in sports and human resources.
Tucker, known for his dedication to youth sports, coached for over a decade at Garber High School and recently at John Glenn High School. His obituary highlights his vibrant personality and commitment to the community, stating, “His remarkable career was marked by his outgoing personality, a genuine fondness for people, and a humorous spirit that attracted friends and colleagues alike.”
In other urgent news, the Bay City area will see a transformation in housing as 89 new apartment units are set to rise from a contaminated site in downtown. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy confirmed on July 23 that it is awarding a $400,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Grant for the Water Street Lofts project, located at 114 First St., 1201 Washington Ave., and 1210 N. Water St.
Meanwhile, a Saginaw woman faces felony charges after allegedly embezzling nearly $2,000 from a Walmart in Bangor Township. Jodi L. Doyle, 51, reportedly took $1,865 from her register, according to Bay County Sheriff’s deputies who responded to a complaint filed on March 19.
On the administrative front, McLaren Bay Region has appointed Tom Keller as the new president and CEO, effective August 11. Keller takes over from interim leaders Jamie Carter and Tim Vargas as the healthcare organization continues to expand its services.
In the realm of public safety, Bay City officials are deliberating a potential partnership with Flock Safety to install license plate-reading cameras aimed at crime reduction. However, city commissioners have paused the vote to clarify contract terms and privacy concerns, emphasizing the need for transparency on footage access.
Finally, the Bay City Commission has granted final approval for a new homeless drop-in center at the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission, utilizing $250,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds. This initiative aims to provide essential services to the homeless population in the area.
As these developments unfold, the Bay City community continues to rally together, navigating both loss and progress. Stay tuned for more updates as details emerge.
