Bay City Mourns Loss of Coach Brad Tucker; New Developments Emerge
URGENT UPDATE: The Bay City community is reeling from the unexpected death of local football coach and HR director Brad Tucker, who passed away at just 37 years old on July 19, 2023. A Bay City native, Tucker dedicated his life to serving both the local government and youth sports, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and community spirit.
Tucker worked as the director of human resources for the city and had a notable coaching career, guiding young athletes at Garber High School and more recently at John Glenn High School. His obituary highlights his “outgoing personality, genuine fondness for people, and humorous spirit,” reflecting the profound impact he had on those around him. The community is coming together to honor his memory amid this tragic loss.
In other significant local news, Bay City is set to transform a vacant contaminated site into a housing development with 89 new apartment units. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced on July 23 that it is awarding a $400,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Grant to support the Water Street Lofts project. The development will rejuvenate three parcels of land at 114 First St., 1201 Washington Ave., and 1210 N. Water St., providing much-needed housing in the area.
Meanwhile, a local Walmart employee faces serious charges for allegedly embezzling nearly $2,000 from the Bangor Township store. Jodi L. Doyle, 51, was reported to deputies on March 19 after a loss prevention investigation revealed she had taken $1,865 from her register.
In a leadership shift, McLaren Bay Region has appointed Tom Keller as its new president and CEO, effective August 11. Keller takes over from interim leaders Jamie Carter and Tim Vargas, as the organization seeks to enhance healthcare services in the region.
Bay City’s commissioners are also considering the implementation of Flock Safety’s license plate-reading cameras to bolster neighborhood safety. However, concerns regarding privacy and data access delayed a vote on the contract during Monday’s meeting. City officials emphasized the need for further clarification on how the cameras would function and who would be accountable for their operation.
Lastly, the Bay City Commission granted final approval for a new homeless drop-in center, utilizing $250,000 from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The center will be developed at the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission, aiming to provide essential services to the community’s most vulnerable residents.
These developments highlight the resilience and ongoing efforts of the Bay City community to support one another during challenging times. Stay tuned for more updates as these stories evolve.
