Joey Oliver
Verified- Cops and Courts Reporter, The Flint Journal
- Cops and Courts Reporter, MLive
- None, Wolverine Confidential
Michigan
I cover Bay City government, business, etc. for @mlive and the @baycitytimes.
Articles by Joey Oliver
Bay County building to get first exterior maintenance since late 1980s
BAY CITY, MI — The Bay County building will undergo its first exterior maintenance in more than 30 years after officials approved a request for proposals to address water leaks and structural deterioration. The Bay County Board of Commissioners Committee of the Whole voted Tuesday, Aug. 11, to seek bids for major repairs to the aging structure. Officials said no records exist of exterior maintenance since the late 1980s when windows were installed in the building.
Bay City’s new manager seeks improved relationship between city and county
BAY CITY, MI – The Bay County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday welcomed Bay City’s new city manager, who expressed hope for stronger ties between the city and county. Rik Hayman, the newly appointed city manager for Bay City, introduced himself to commissioners during the public comment period of the Aug. 11 meeting. Hayman acknowledged past tensions and outlined his vision for collaboration. “I know relations between the county and the city have sometimes been strained.
Gratiot County sheriff credits LifeVac for saving child’s life
ITHACA, MI — Quick-acting sheriff’s deputies used a recently purchased emergency device to save the life of a 5-year-old girl who was choking at a local football field. Gratiot County Sheriff Tom Clark shared the life-saving story with the Gratiot County Board of Commissioners Tuesday, Aug. 11, while outlining a recent incident at Fulton High School in which a LifeVac device purchased after approval by the county board was used.
Bay City homeless encampment to be relocated due to contamination
BAY CITY, MI – Bay City officials are requiring as many as 20 homeless individuals to relocate from an encampment on the former Surath property north of the Liberty Bridge after determining the site poses a serious public health risk due to surface-level lead and cadmium contamination. Bay City Manager Rik Hayman notified commissioners in a Aug. 7 email that the relocation must occur, though circumstances could make it difficult for those living on the west side property.
What’s next for Essexville-Hampton schools after bond approval
ESSEXVILLE, MI – Officials with Essexville-Hampton Public Schools at the Monday, Aug. 10, school board meeting discussed next steps following the successful passage of a bond that will help fund the creation of a district innovation center. The bond, which received approval from 52% of voters, will help fund the Center for Innovation and Civic Engagement.
Bay City’s new manager outlines priorities: ‘Expectations are high’
BAY CITY, MI – Bay City’s new city manager says he has received a warm reception from staff and residents during his first two weeks on the job, and he’s pledging to deliver a comprehensive plan within 100 days that will address the community’s needs. Rik Hayman, who has lived in Bay County on and off for 30 years, was sworn in as the new city manager of Bay City Monday, Aug. 10. He said he spent his initial weeks meeting with employees across all departments and touring city facilities.
The story behind a mural in Ansbach, voters say ‘yes’ and more Bay County news
BAY CITY, MI – Bay City is represented by a mural in the small German town of Ansbach. Below is the story behind why. Meanwhile, voters in Bay County said “yes” to public safety, road and school proposals in the Aug. 4 primary. Those stories and more are included below in this week’s roundup of Bay County headlines you may have missed. \ This Michigan city is represented by a mural in a small German town. Here’s the story behind it.
Bay City commissioner proposes system to track resolutions
BAY CITY, MI – A Bay City commissioner wants to make it easier for residents and city employees to find and track resolutions passed by the city commission. Commissioner Benjamin Tenney of the city’s 4th Ward has proposed creating a resolution numbering and indexing system for guidelines approved by the commission. The resolution is scheduled for consideration at the city commission meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, at City Hall. The agenda can be found here. Tenney said such a system is imperative.
Ambrose claims narrow victory in primary, will face Moolenaar in November
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Voters on Tuesday, Aug. 4, chose who will be on the November ballot opposite Republican incumbent John Moolenaar in the race for Michigan’s District 2 congressional seat. Ben Ambrose narrowly defeated Jamie Hill in the August Democratic primary, tallying 32,439 votes to Hill’s 30,946. A third candidate in the race, Clyde Welford, pulled in 9,802 votes. The Associated Press called the race at 4:36 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5.
Bay City commission races 2026: Who’s on the November ballot
BAY CITY, MI – With the unofficial results of the August primary election in, that means we know who will be on the November ballot in the race for the city’s 5th Ward commission seat. It also means we know all the names that will appear on the November ballot across each of the five commission races appearing on the November ballot. Incumbent Mark Zanotti, who was appointed to his position representing Bay City’s 5th Ward was the only commissioner to have a contested race in this year’s primary.
Here are Bay County election results for Aug. 4, 2026
BAY CITY, MI – The polls closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, for the primary election in Bay County. And, at least unofficially, the results are in. Voters approved several millage proposals and renewals, as well as a local school bond. They also voted in several local and state races. Below are the unofficial results for each contested race that appeared on Bay County ballots. Results will not be official until approved by the county board of canvassers.
Bay City advances inclusive park projects, sets groundbreaking for Carroll Park
BAY CITY, MI — Bay City is moving forward with several major park improvement projects aimed at expanding accessible and inclusive recreational opportunities for children and families across the community. Members of the city’s Parks Advisory Committee on July 27 highlighted progress on the planned Miracle Field at Defoe Park, an inclusive baseball diamond designed for players with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Bay City plans no-mow zones to stop riverfront erosion
BAY CITY, MI – The city plans to let grass grow wild along a 30-foot strip of its riverfront to prevent severe erosion that threatens sidewalks and park infrastructure. The Bay City Parks Advisory Committee discussed the environmental strategy during its Monday, July 27, meeting. The proposal calls for ending regular mowing near the shoreline to allow native plants with deeper root systems to take hold. “The main reason is erosion.
Bay County voters say “Yes” to public safety, road and school proposals
BAY CITY, MI – Voters across Bay County on Tuesday, Aug. 4, voted “yes” on several ballot proposals, including four millage or millage renewals and a school bond. Three public safety proposals, one road millage and a school bond were approved by voters, collectively. Below is a list of each proposal with the outcome decided by voters.
Zanotti will face Sous in November race for Bay City’s 5th Ward commission seat
BAY CITY, MI – Bay City voters now know who will be on the ballot for the 5th Ward commissioner race come November. After five names appeared on the August primary ballot, incumbent Mark Zanotti (324 votes) and Matthew Sous (181 votes) tallied the highest vote totals and will face off against one another in the general election. Zanotti and Sous were chosen by voters over three other candidates, Matt Walraven, Kelsi Myers and Kimberley Urban.
Horseman wins Democratic primary for Michigan House seat: AP
MIDLAND, MI – AnnMarie Horseman secured the Democratic nomination for Michigan’s 95th House District on Tuesday, Aug. 4, defeating Gary VanBlaricum in the primary election. The Associated Press called the race shortly before 11 p.m. Horseman, a special education teacher in Midland County, will challenge Republican incumbent Bill G. Schuette in November’s general election.
Bay County election results for Aug. 4, 2026
BAY CITY, MI – Polls close at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, for the primary election in Bay County. Voters have been asked to weigh in on races for several political offices both local and statewide, as well as on millage proposals and renewals. Below are the unofficial results for each contested race that appeared on Bay County ballots. Results will not be official until approved by the county board of canvassers. For local races, unofficial winners will be set in bold.
This Michigan city is represented by a mural in a small German town. Here’s the story behind it.
BAY CITY, MI – Bay City and Ansbach, Germany marked 65 years of sister city partnership this summer with a formal ceremony and student exchange that organizers hope will strengthen ties for generations to come. The partnership, established in March 1961 through President Dwight Eisenhower’s people-to-people program, brought Bay City officials and students to Ansbach in July for an anniversary celebration featuring speeches, music and the dedication of a mural depicting Bay City landmarks.
Pinconning schools place $19.9M bond proposal on November ballot
PINCONNING, MI – The Pinconning Area School District Board of Education voted this week to place a $19.9 million bond proposal on the November ballot that would consolidate all district students on a single campus by adding an elementary wing to the middle school. The board voted Monday, July 27, to place the measure before voters Nov. 3. If approved, the bond would fund an elementary addition to Pinconning Middle School, along with remodeling work and playground improvements.
Bangor Township to open new accessible kayak, boat launch
BANGOR TWP., MI – Bangor Township officials will celebrate the opening of a new universally accessible kayak launch and pavilion at Independence Boat Launch during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon Thursday, July 30. The launch features specialized transfer benches, stable launch platforms and accessible walkways designed to make kayaking available to people of all abilities.
DoubleTree Bay City transitions to new local owners
BAY CITY, MI – The DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City – Riverfront has transitioned to new ownership under the locally owned Bay City Hospitality Group, the hotel announced this week. Hotel management said the ownership change will not affect the property’s operations or service standards. “Our team is excited to begin this new chapter under Bay City Hospitality Group,” said Jo Ellen Mikolajczak, the DoubleTree general manager.
2 juveniles petitioned in Bay City marina boat arson, break-ins
BAY CITY, MI – Two juveniles have been petitioned in juvenile court in connection with an incident at the Liberty Harbor Marina in October 2025 that left one 36-foot boat destroyed in a suspected arson and other boats broken into.
Smallwood Dam completion delayed, lake refill expected in September
MIDLAND, MI – The Smallwood Dam will be substantially completed next week, according to Four Lakes Task Force officials, pushing past an initial target of late July for when the project would near completion and water refill efforts would begin. Crews installed crest gates earlier this month and prepared for Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy inspections. Work was delayed due to severe heat and air quality issues.
New city manager takes over, Fire Station 2 concerns rise and more Bay County news
BAY CITY, MI – Commissioners this week approved the contract of the city’s newly appointed city manager. Meanwhile, while officials went back and forth this week on whether Bay City’s Fire Station 2 is unsafe, voters may be the ones to decide what happens to it. Those stories and more are included below in this week’s roundup of Bay County headlines you may have missed.
3 file for November’s Bay City school board election
BAY CITY, MI – Three people have filed for two openings on the Bay City Public Schools Board of Education. Amy Przybylski, Jeff O’Shea and Thomas A. Baird each filed for the nonpartisan positions and will appear on the November ballot, vying for two six-year terms on the school board. The deadline to file for the race was 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 21. Two seats on the board will be vacant as current board president Joslyn Jamrog and trustee Matt Felan are not seeking another term.
Retired Bay City manager reflects on over 2 decades with city, criticism and what’s next
BAY CITY, MI – After 26 years with Bay City and close to a decade as city manager, Dana Muscott is settling into retirement and reflecting on a career that saw the city through major developments, controversies and a wave of leadership changes. The 57-year-old Muscott said the biggest challenge ahead will be adjusting to life without the daily interactions that defined her career. “It’s going to be the people,” she said of what she would miss most.
Mich. city weighs replacing firehouse after PFAS contamination raises safety concerns
By Joey Oliver mlive.com BAY CITY, Mich. — Fire officials say the city needs to demolish Bay City Fire Station 2 and replace it with a new facility at a different location because of significant PFAS contamination. However, others holding leadership positions with the city question the severity of the contamination—as well as the cost and effort associated with tearing down one station and replacing it with a new one elsewhere.
McDonald’s being rebuilt, plus a new fast food restaurant coming soon in Hampton Township
HAMPTON TWP., MI – A pair of fast-food restaurants are in the works for Hampton Township. A McDonald’s restaurant is being built on the site of an existing McDonald’s on Center Road, while a Culver’s restaurant will also be coming soon to Center Road, township officials said in an email Tuesday, July 21. The McDonald’s development includes the demolition of the current structure, which is taking place this week.
Bay City commissioners approve contract of newly appointed city manager
BAY CITY, MI – The Bay City Commission on Monday, July 20, voted to approve the contract of new city manager Rik Hayman. Commissioners voted 9-0 to approve the contract, which includes a base annual salary of $165,000, a weekly vehicle allowance of $100 and requires Hayman to live within 20 miles of the city during his tenure. By approving Hayman's contract, the city will undergo its first change at the top of administration since 2017, when Dana Muscott took over.
Once World War II POW housing, this Bay City building could get new life through city tax breaks
BAY CITY, MI — A Bay City development project aimed at transforming what is said to have been housing for German prisoners of war in World War II into a mixed-use property featuring office space, an event venue and apartments has received a 12-year tax incentive from the city. The Bay City Commission on Monday, July 20, approved an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Exemption Certificate for SC Ventures Bay City LLC’s proposed redevelopment of the building at 500 Salzburg Ave.
Conditions of Bay City, MI, Fire Station Debated
BAY CITY, MI – Fire officials say the city needs to demolish Bay City Fire Station 2 and replace it with a new facility at a different location because of significant PFAS contamination. However, others holding leadership positions with the city question the severity of the contamination—as well as the cost and effort associated with tearing down one station and replacing it with a new one elsewhere.
Bay City officials cannot agree if Fire Station 2 is unsafe. Residents may decide what happens next.
BAY CITY, MI – Fire officials say the city needs to demolish Bay City Fire Station 2 and replace it with a new facility at a different location because of significant PFAS contamination. However, others holding leadership positions with the city question the severity of the contamination—as well as the cost and effort associated with tearing down one station and replacing it with a new one elsewhere.
Bay City commissioners approve contract of newly appointed city manager
BAY CITY, MI – The Bay City Commission on Monday, July 20, voted to approve the contract of new city manager Rik Hayman. Commissioners voted 9-0 to approve the contract, which includes a base annual salary of $165,000, a weekly vehicle allowance of $100 and requires Hayman to live within 20 miles of the city during his tenure. By approving Hayman’s contract, the city will undergo its first change at the top of administration since 2017, when Dana Muscott took over.
WWII soldier’s remains are coming home, SK Siltron to close and more Bay County news
BAY CITY, MI – The remains of a World War II soldiers from Bay County are coming home more than 80 years after he died. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden visited SK Siltron in Bay County in 2022 and called it the future of American manufacturing. Now, it’s closing for good. Those stories and more and included below in this week’s roundup of Bay County headlines you may have missed.
SK Siltron closes, another Bay County business aims to expand and more Bay County business news
BAY CITY, MI – SK Siltron has decided to close its Michigan plant and wind down its subsidiary in Bay County. Meanwhile, a local printing shop is closer to expanding its operations. Those business stories and more are included below. SK Siltron to close Michigan plant, wind down subsidiary SK Siltron will close its Michigan-based subsidiary SK Siltron CSS and wind down operations at the Bay County facility, citing significant shifts in the electric vehicle market.
Our Lady of Lebanon Mid-East Festival returns this weekend with food, music, fireworks
FLINT TWP. — The Our Lady of Lebanon Mid East Festival returns this weekend, bringing three days of food, music, dancing and family-friendly entertainment to Flint Township. The annual festival will take place Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19, at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, located at 4133 Calkins Road. Organizers invite the public to celebrate Lebanese and Middle Eastern culture through authentic cuisine, live entertainment and community fellowship.
Bay City officials to discuss road funding from bridge lease, potential millage
BAY CITY, MI – Bay City officials will update the commission Monday on how money from a controversial bridge lease agreement is being spent on road repairs and discuss whether a new road millage is needed for additional street improvements. The Bay City Commission presentation on July 20 will detail how the city is spending $2.5 million from United Bridge Partners, which leased two of the city’s drawbridges.
Remains of WWII soldier from Bay County coming home more than 80 years after his death
BAY CITY, MI – Bay County will welcome home one of its fallen heroes more than eight decades after he died serving in World War II. The remains of Technician Fifth Class James Torka have been positively identified and are being returned to Bay County, where he will receive a burial with military honors next to his parents, according to the county. The U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency used advances in forensic science to identify Torka’s remains.
A president visited this Michigan plant in 2022 and called it the future of American manufacturing. Now it’s closing for good.
MONITOR TWP, MI – In November 2022, during his lone term in the White House, President Joe Biden visited mid-Michigan and said the Monitor Township-based SK Siltron CSS, a polysilicon-producing plant, was among the reasons he was optimistic about the future of America’s next-gen manufacturing industry. But less than four years later, the bright spot of mid-Michigan’s growing economy, which once attracted a visit from a sitting president, is burning out.
SK Siltron to close Michigan plant, wind down subsidiary
BAY COUNTY, MI – SK Siltron will close its Michigan-based subsidiary SK Siltron CSS and wind down operations at the Bay County facility, citing significant shifts in the electric vehicle market. “Based on changes in market conditions, SK Siltron will wind down its U.S.-based SK Siltron CSS subsidiary,” said Joe Guy Collier, a spokesperson with the company. Collier added that the closure would affect all 140 employees at the site.
Bay County partners with MSU veterinary students to address feral cat population
BAY CITY, MI – Bay County officials have established a partnership with Michigan State University School of Veterinary Medicine to tackle a growing feral cat problem through a mobile veterinary service. Bay County Executive Jim Barcia announced the collaboration during a special meeting of the Bay County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, July 14. The partnership brings university resources directly to the Bay County Animal Shelter through a mobile medical unit, he said.
Bay City commission to vote on proposed city manager contract
BAY CITY, MI – The proposed employment contract for newly appointed city manager Rik Hayman would pay him a base annual salary of $165,000 and includes a weekly vehicle allowance of $100 and a requirement that he live within 10 miles of the city limits. The Bay City Commission will vote on Monday on the contract for Hayman, who was recently appointed as the city’s new manager. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, July 20. The agenda can be found online.
Wildfire smoke forces Bay City urgent care facility to close early
BAY CITY, MI – Covenant HealthCare MedExpress at 2919 East Wilder Road in Bay City closed early Wednesday, July 15, after wildfire smoke compromised air quality inside the building. The facility plans to resume normal operations Thursday, July 16, according to a social media post. Patients needing urgent care can visit other MedExpress locations in Saginaw, Hemlock and Frankenmuth. A full list of locations and hours is available online.
Bay County library millage renewal set for November ballot
BAY CITY, MI – Bay County voters will decide on a six-year millage renewal for the library system when they head to the polls this November. The Bay County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday, July 14, to certify and approve ballot language for the renewal, placing it on the ballot for the Nov. 3, 2026, election. If approved, the proposal would levy 1.7399 mills, or $1.7399 on each $1,000 of taxable value, against all taxable property in Bay County from 2026 through 2031.
2 Bay City Public Schools employees laid off amid staffing adjustments for upcoming school year
BAY CITY, MI – A Bay City Western High School counselor and an Auburn Elementary arts teacher were laid off Monday, July 13, following a vote by the Bay City Public Schools Board of Education. Board members Matthew Felan, Joslyn Jamrog, Carrie Sepeda, Michael Kelly and Laurie Jeske voted in favor of the resolution to lay off the employees; Wendy Legner and Mason Pressler voted against it.
Cooling centers open in Bay County as heat wave hits Michigan
BAY CITY, MI – Michigan is bracing for extreme heat Tuesday, July 14, with temperatures in several cities expected to reach triple digits for the first time since July 2012. An area stretching from the Saginaw Valley northeast to Oscoda will experience the most intense heat, with Alma, Mount Pleasant, Midland, Gladwin, Standish, Whittemore and Oscoda all forecast to hit 100 degrees Tuesday afternoon.
Possible teacher layoffs on the agenda of Bay City Public Schools board meeting
BAY CITY, MI – The Bay City Public Schools Board of Education will vote Monday, July 13, on whether to eliminate two certified teaching positions for the 2026-2027 school year. Superintendent Grant Hegenauer said in a statement to MLive/The Bay City Times Monday that the decisions are part of an ongoing effort to align district staffing with student enrollment and specific certification needs.
ATS Printing expansion approved in Monitor Township
MONITOR TWP, MI – An industrial printing facility in Monitor Township moved closer to nearly doubling its size after receiving conditional approval from local officials, though final state environmental clearance remains outstanding. The Monitor Township Planning Commission approved a site plan allowing ATS Printing to add 39,900 square feet to its current 54,000-square-foot building at 1477 3 Mile Road.
Essexville planning commission to review permit for new school innovation center
ESSEXVILLE, MI – The Essexville Planning Commission will hold a public hearing July 29 to consider a special land use permit needed for the construction of the new Essexville-Hampton Public Schools Innovation Center. The school district has requested the permit to build a facility for supplemental and extracurricular education, along with community uses, at 213 Pine St. in Essexville.
Finding guns at Bay City Fireworks Festival not that ‘unusual’ anymore, police say
BAY CITY, MI – A private security guard’s attention to detail prevented a loaded AR-15 platform pistol from entering the annual Bay City Fireworks Festival on July 4, leading to the arrest of a 19-year-old woman on weapons charges. Michael Sode was working security near the Pine Towers entrance shortly before 10 p.m. when he noticed a woman toss a blue and pink bag over a fence separating festival attendees from those waiting to enter. The bag made a loud thud when it hit the ground.
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