Joey Oliver
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As seen in:
MLive,
The Flint Journal,
MSN,
Flipboard,
Patch,
AL.com,
Military.com,
Ann Arbor News,
Bay City Times,
Grand Rapids Press,
Jackson Citizen Patriot,
Kalamazoo Gazette
and
I cover Bay City government, business, etc. for @mlive and the @baycitytimes.
Articles by Joey Oliver
Bay City election: Who’s running for city commission
BAY CITY, MI – Bay City voters will decide three contested races for city commission seats on Nov. 3, while two other seats will likely go to unopposed candidates. Five commission seats will appear on the ballot, representing the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th wards. Incumbent Laura Kubit is running unopposed in the 1st Ward, and Jill Causley is running unopposed in the 9th Ward for the seat being vacated by longtime commissioner Cordal Morris.
Here’s who’s on the ballot after recall election called in Kawkawlin Township
KAWKAWLIN TWP., MI – Three Kawkawlin Township officials will face voters in a recall election on Nov. 3 after the Bay County Clerk received enough signatures to trigger the vote. Treasurer Laurie DeShano and trustees Charles Campbell and Brian Whalen will each appear on the November ballot as Republicans. The Bay County Clerk issued the call of election after receiving the requisite number of signatures. Greg Petrimoulx, a Democrat, will challenge DeShano for the treasurer position.
3 running for 2 seats on Bay City school board
BAY CITY, MI – Three candidates are vying for two open seats on the Bay City Public Schools Board of Education, bringing different perspectives and priorities to voters ahead of the election. Amy Przybylski, Thomas A. Baird and Jeff O’Shea are running for the two nonpartisan seats, each carrying a six-year term. The positions will be vacant following the decision by current board president Joslyn Jamrog and trustee Matt Felan not to seek another term.
Michigan’s 96th House District race: Bridge issues dominate debate
LANSING, MI – Bridge access, tolls and infrastructure emerged as the central issues dividing incumbent Republican Timmy Beson and his Democratic challenger Chris Girard in the race to represent Michigan’s 96th House District. Beson, seeking a fourth term, faces Girard, Bay City’s current mayor, in the Nov. 3 General Election.
Michigan’s 2nd Congressional District race: Moolenaar, Ambrose, Magoon
Republican incumbent John Moolenaar faces challenges from Democrat Ben Ambrose and Green Party candidate Charlotte Magoon in the Nov. 3 general election for Michigan’s 2nd Congressional District seat. The winner will serve a two-year term representing the district in the U.S. House of Representatives, where members share responsibility with senators for enacting the nation’s laws. The House holds the constitutional authority to initiate all tax legislation.
Neighborhood streets project, road rage crash and more Bay County news
BAY CITY, MI – Bay City is proposing its largest neighborhood streets project in more than two decades. Meanwhile, police have identified the motorcyclist killed in an alleged road rage incident. Those stories and more are included below in this week’s roundup of Bay County headlines you may have missed.
Bay City man charged with murder after alleged road rage crash
BAY CITY, MI – A 42-year-old Bay City man has been charged with open murder after prosecutors say he repeatedly ran over a motorcyclist following an alleged road rage encounter. Derrick Denver Kolba was arraigned Friday, Sept. 25, before Bay County District Judge Timothy J. Kelly in connection with the death of 33-year-old Keaton Rousse. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf, and bond was denied. A preliminary examination hearing is scheduled for Oct.
Drive-thru coffee chain to bring 50 jobs to Bangor Township
BANGOR TWP., MI – Bangor Township residents will have a new place to grab their morning coffee when 7 Brew opens its first Bay County location this summer at 4001 N. Euclid Ave. The drive-thru beverage stand will offer more than 20,000 unique drink combinations, ranging from the Blondie, a caramel and vanilla breve, to 7 Energy drinks, smoothies, shakes and teas. The business plans to hire 50 employees for the location. Those interested in applying can visit brewtopia.7brewcareers.com.
See Bay County proposals on the November 2026 ballot
BAY CITY, MI – Bay County voters will consider four ballot proposals in the Nov. 3 general election, including a library millage renewal and three school-related funding measures. The Bay County Library System millage renewal proposal seeks authorization to levy up to 1.7399 mills annually for six years, from 2026 through 2031. The renewal would fund operations, maintenance and equipment for the Bay County Library System.
Midland County man accused of making threats against elementary schools
MIDLAND, MI – A 39-year-old Larkin Township man was charged this week with one misdemeanor count alleging he threatened a school shooting at a Midland-area school district. Court records show that Wayne F. Tripp was arraigned Thursday, Sept. 24, before Midland County Magistrate Gerald J. Ladwig on a single count of intentionally threatening to commit an act of violence against a school. Tripp stood mute on the charge and a plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf.
MDOT says it lacks funds for Bay City M-15 highway extension project
BAY CITY, MI – Road officials in Bay County this month revived a proposal to extend M-15 from its current terminus at Center Avenue to I-75, routing commercial traffic around downtown Bay City’s residential and historic districts.
Bay City motorcyclist killed in suspected road rage incident
BAY CITY, MI – A 33-year-old Bay City man died Wednesday evening after he was run over by a pickup truck following what investigators believe was a road rage incident that escalated over several blocks. Officers and medical personnel responded to the intersection of S. Chilson St. and W. Jane St. on the west side of Bay City at approximately 6 p.m. after receiving reports that a motorcyclist had been run over by a black Chevrolet Silverado.
Nov. 3 election: See contested local races in Bay County
BAY CITY, MI – Come November, voters across Bay County will have a wide array of candidates to choose from in an assortment of contested races ranging from state senate and house seats to local school boards. While these aren’t all of the contested races that will appear on ballots for the Nov. 3 general election—some university regent and state board of education races are not included—listed below is a collection of local contested races.
Bay City motorcyclist killed in suspected road rage incident
BAY CITY, MI – A 33-year-old Bay City man died Wednesday evening after he was run over by a pickup truck following what investigators believe was a road rage incident that escalated over several blocks. Officers and medical personnel responded to the intersection of S. Chilson St. and W. Jane St. on the west side of Bay City at approximately 6 p.m. after receiving reports that a motorcyclist had been run over by a black Chevrolet Silverado.
Bay city proposes largest neighborhood streets project in over 2 decades
BAY CITY, MI – Bay City officials on Monday presented a plan to pave 50 neighborhood blocks across the city’s nine wards, marking what they described as the most extensive local street improvement program in more than two decades. Under the plan, the city would build in-house paving capacity rather than hire outside contractors, with an estimated annual cost of approximately $900,000 once the program is fully operational, according to Bay City Department of Public Works Manager Josh Zimmerman.
Michigan teen and her performing dogs advance to America’s Got Talent finale
MIDLAND, MI – Olivia Befus and her performing dogs have secured a spot in the finale of America’s Got Talent following last week’s semifinal results show. The 17-year-old from Midland advanced after delivering a crowd-pleasing performance during the Sept. 16 semifinals. Her act combines dog training with entertainment, showcasing the connection between Befus and her pack of trained dogs. “It is very busy right now,” Befus told MLive/The Bay City Times.
130 layoffs, toll data sealed and more Bay County news
BAY CITY, MI – More than 100 people lost their jobs this week at the plant once called the future of American manufacturing. Meanwhile, toll and financial records may not be made public in Bay City bridge lawsuit following a judge’s ruling. Those stories and more and included below in this week’s roundup of Bay County headlines you may have missed. Mike Bacigalupo begins 2-year federal prison sentence Mike Bacigalupo turned himself in to federal authorities on Friday, Sept.
Sushi Remix returns to Saginaw area with new township location
SAGINAW TWP, MI – Sushi Remix opened its third storefront location Wednesday in Saginaw Township, marking the restaurant’s return to the area where it first began operations. The new restaurant at 3013 Bay Plaza Drive welcomed its first customers when local restaurateurs Peter and Chia Moua walked through the doors on Sept. 16, according to a Facebook post from the business. “Hey Saginaw! Excited to be back - excited to be open,” restaurant officials wrote on social media.
Hemlock grad Jake Kelley wins MasterChef: Global Gauntlet
HEMLOCK, MI – Jake Kelley brought a “MasterChef” title home to Hemlock after winning Fox’s “MasterChef: Global Gauntlet” competition Wednesday, Sept. 16. The 24-year-old Hemlock High School graduate watched the announcement surrounded by friends and family inside Legend Gym, where the crowd erupted in cheers when his victory was revealed, according to the Hemlock Public School District Facebook page.
Bangor Township to hold public hearing on proposed housing development
BANGOR TWP., MI – A public hearing has been scheduled to discuss an 83-unit residential development in part of Bay County. The Bangor Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, regarding a proposed residential development on South Huron Road. “This is definitely going to solve our housing needs,” Bangor Township Supervisor Glenn Rowley said.
Employment ends for 130 workers at Michigan plant once called the future of American manufacturing
MONITOR TWP, MI – More than 100 people lost their jobs Wednesday, Sept. 15, when their employment with SK Siltron CSS officially ended at the company’s Monitor Township facility. Only about a handful of people remain to help wind down operations further as the Bay County facility closes, according to a company spokesperson. Michigan Works! has mobilized resources to assist the 130 displaced workers, according to officials.
Bay County veterans department earns state honor for securing millions in benefits
BAY CITY, MI — Bay County’s Veterans Affairs Department earned state recognition after securing $6.8 million in claims and benefits for local veterans, marking the second time the office has received the honor in three years. County officials presented the American Legion’s Leo M. Leggett Award to Bay County Department of Veteran’s Affairs Veteran Service Officer Mark Kaczmarek during a Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday, Sept. 15.
Bay County honors Hell’s Half Mile Film and Music Festival
BAY CITY, MI — County commissioners on Tuesday recognized the Hell’s Half Mile Film and Music Festival for two decades of contributions to the local economy and culture. Alan LaFave and the late Tommy Jenkins founded the festival, which draws its name from a historic strip along Bay City’s downtown riverfront. Attendance has grown significantly since the first event, starting with approximately 600 people and reaching more than 4,000 in recent years.
Essexville-Hampton school board approves bond spending plan
ESSEXVILLE, MI – The Essexville-Hampton Public Schools board of education moved forward with implementation plans for its $17.9 million bond during a meeting where officials outlined project priorities and timelines. Superintendent Davion Lewis told board members Monday, Sept. 14, the district plans to make a dedicated early childhood center the first major bond project, following experiences establishing new preschool and toddler programs this fall.
Toll, financial records may not be made public in Bay City bridge lawsuit
DETROIT – A federal judge has approved a protective order that will keep certain records from public view in a lawsuit filed against the operators of Bay City’s Independence Bridge. Judge Mark A. Goldsmith of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan Southern Division signed the protective order on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Mike Bacigalupo begins 2-year federal prison sentence
MORGANTOWN, WV – Mike Bacigalupo turned himself in to federal authorities on Friday, Sept. 11, and is now serving a two-year sentence at a minimum security federal prison camp in West Virginia. Bacigalupo, who was sentenced in April by U.S. District Court Judge David M. Lawson, is now an inmate at FPC Morgantown, according to federal records. He pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of wire fraud.
Judge dismisses stalking case, fence on toxic property repaired and more Bay County news
BAY CITY, MI – A Bay County judge last week dismissed a stalking and arson case after ruling prosecutors abused their power. Meanwhile, a fence along the former Surath property on Bay City’s West Side is going to be repaired after city officials found homeless people living on the toxic property. Those stories and more are included below in this week’s roundup of Bay County headlines you may have missed.
Historic building to get restoration, another coffee shop coming to the area and more Bay County business news
BAY CITY, MI – A historic Bay City building that was formerly a bank will be adding coffee shop to the list of businesses it has been home to. Meanwhile, another coffee shop is brewing for Bay County as 7 Brew Coffee is coming to Bangor Township. Below are those stories and plus more business news from across Bay County.
Bay City dad wants your vote in Super Dad competition
BAY CITY, MI – A Bay City father whose five-year journey to reconnect with his oldest daughter has resonated throughout the community is now asking for local support as he competes for the national title of “Super Dad.” Jeff DeHaven, who has two daughters ages 16 and 10, is among the fathers competing in the 2026 Super Dad competition. Public voting began Tuesday and continues through the competition website. DeHaven’s fatherhood approach centers on a straightforward principle: keep showing up.
Bay City to repair fence at toxic former Surath property
BAY CITY, MI — Bay City will repair a damaged fence at a contaminated former scrapyard this week, securing a site where unhoused residents have been living despite hazardous levels of lead and cadmium in the soil. City Manager Rik Hayman said at least half a dozen holes in the fence at the former Surath property will be fixed as officials work to prevent access to the city-owned site north of the Liberty Bridge.
3 Kawkawlin Township officials face November recalls
KAWKAWLIN TWP., MI – A special election has been called for three board positions in Kawkawlin Township following successful recall petitions. Kawkawlin Township Treasurer Laurie DeShano and trustees Charles Campbell and Brian Whalen will each appear on the November ballot as Republicans after the Bay County Clerk’s Office received the requisite number of signatures to initiate a recall election, county clerk Katie Zanotti said Tuesday, Sept. 1.
7 Brew Coffee coming to Bay County
BANGOR TWP., MI – Bangor Township coffee drinkers will soon have a new option for their daily caffeine fix as 7 Brew Coffee prepares to open a location on the corner of Wilder Road and North Euclid Ave. The drive-thru chain announced the expansion on Facebook, marking its latest entry into mid-Michigan. The site, located near Chick-fil-A, had its concrete foundation set as of Sept. 2. An official grand opening date has not been announced.
Hampton Township bans e-bikes, electric scooters from parks
HAMPTON TWP, MI – Hampton Charter Township has adopted an ordinance prohibiting electric bikes, scooters and other motorized devices from township parks, citing concerns about the health and safety of park visitors. The ordinance applies to Pondside Park, located at the corner of Jones Road and Ridge Road, and all other township parks.
Historic Bay City bank building to get coffee shop, restoration work
BAY CITY, MI – The Bay City Historic Commission has approved plans to restore a 143-year-old former bank building on Midland St. while adding a coffee shop to the property. Stephen Stoddard, owner of Lumberman’s Mercantile at 701 Midland St., received a certificate of appropriateness on Wednesday, Aug. 26, authorizing the restoration of original architectural features and the building’s conversion to include a coffee shop alongside its current storefront.
Nathan Cofnas v. the State Religion
The modern era is said to value rationality and reason above all else. We are said to be free from superstition and fantasy. However, our world is not ruled by reason, but by a theology that worships racial equality. Those who challenge our state religion are punished, and the more effective the challenge, the harsher the punishment. It is therefore no surprise that after Dr. Nathan Cofnas broke the Jason Arday story, not one academic institution thanked him for exposing a blatant fraud.
Bay City recycling rate reaches record high in 2025
BAY CITY, MI – Bay City households recycled 1,396 tons of material in 2025, marking a record high and a 50% increase since 2022, according to a new analysis by the Bay City Department of Public Works and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The growth follows a 2022 citywide program that distributed new 96-gallon curbside recycling carts to 15,000 households with funding from EGLE.
Homemade ice cream on the West Side, an ‘odd little quagmire,’ and more Bay County news
On Bay City’s West Side, there’s always room for Sweet Treats. Meanwhile, a Bay County pet cemetery is no longer accepting new burials, according to the person who has helped maintain the property for the past decade. Those stories and more are included below in this week’s roundup of Bay County news. There’s always room for Sweet Treats: Homemade ice cream now scooping on Bay City’s West Side Swirling up a variety of creamy flavors, there’s a new ice cream shop eager to serve the community.
Bay County pet cemetery, an ‘odd little quagmire,’ not accepting new burials, caretaker says
BANGOR TWP., MI – A pet cemetery in Bangor Township has stopped accepting burials after its caretaker said he learned the property exceeded state limits on the number of animals that can be interred per acre. Jim Giffin, who oversees the Bay County Pet Cemetery at 3301 2 Mile Road, announced the cemetery was no longer accepting burials Wednesday, Aug. 26, in a Facebook post on the cemetery’s page. “We are Sorry for the Inconvenience. Burials are NOT PERMITTED,” he wrote.
Inside the Flint water crisis investigation: 6 takeaways from the AG report
LANSING, MI – The Michigan Attorney General’s Office has released a report explaining why a multiyear criminal investigation into the Flint water crisis produced no convictions despite leading to charges against nine current and former officials, including a former governor. The investigation examined the 2014 decision to switch Flint’s water source from Detroit to the Flint River, which exposed residents to lead, Legionella bacteria and other contaminants. The report released on Tuesday, Aug.
Michigan AG releases report detailing Flint water crisis investigation
LANSING, MI – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a 105-page report Tuesday, Aug. 25, detailing her office’s investigation into the Flint Water Crisis, an effort that ultimately resulted in no criminal convictions against government officials involved in the public health disaster. The report offers an account of the decisions, evidence and prosecutorial strategies surrounding the investigation.
Committee created to explore funding options and more Bay County news
BAY CITY, MI – Bay City is creating a committee to explore funding for fire and infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, the city also adopted a resolution giving a scoring edge to contractors who pay their employees a prevailing wage. Those stories and more are included below in this week’s roundup of Bay County news you may have missed.
Bay City ranks 26th in state in latest FBI crime stats
Editor’s note: Annual FBI reports contain the most expansive collection of crime data available nationally. While the FBI website insists its data is “reliable,” an MLive review revealed the FBI statistics regularly differ —sometimes substantially — from year-end numbers reported by police agencies. For this reason, readers should use discretion when drawing conclusions from crime rates or rankings produced from FBI data.
Food truck features new favorites, credit union opens new branch and more Bay City business news
BAY CITY, MI – There’s a food truck in town slinging handmade Colombian arepasstuffed with steak and chicken recipes. Meanwhile, the Bay Area chamber is seeking nominations for an educational partnership award. Those business stories and more are below in a roundup of recent business stories for across Bay County.
Michigan Dems blame federal policies for SK Siltron plant closure
MONITOR TWP., MI – Two Michigan Democratic lawmakers are attributing the closure of SK Siltron CSS in Bay County to federal administration policies. U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet and Sen. Elissa Slotkin held a press conference Thursday, Aug. 20, down the road from SK Siltron CSS, to address the closure of the silicon carbide wafer manufacturing facility, which announced July 16 it would wind down operations and lay off all 140 employees.
Bay City residents voice opposition to data centers at planning commission meeting
BAY CITY, MI – More than a dozen residents attended a planning commission meeting at Bay City Hall Wednesday, Aug. 19, with several expressing concerns about data centers as the commission reviewed draft regulations for such facilities. The commission decided to form a subcommittee to further examine the proposed ordinance and will take up the matter again in October.
Planning commission approves adaptive sports complex site plan for DeFoe Park
BAY CITY, MI – The Bay City Planning Commission has approved a site plan for a year-round adaptive sports and community recreation complex designed to serve individuals with disabilities and their families. The commission voted to approve the Miracle Field Park, located at 601 Marquette Ave. at DeFoe Park. The approval came with contingencies regarding landscaping, lighting, responses from city departments and input from the parks advisory committee.
Bay City school board member compares Mike Rogers campaign video to KKK
BAY CITY, MI – A Bay City Public Schools Board of Education member is drawing national attention after posting a social media comment that drew a comparison between a political campaign video and the Ku Klux Klan.
Bay City to disconnect outdated electric vehicle charging stations Oct. 1
BAY CITY, MI – Bay City will disconnect its two-remaining city-funded electric vehicle charging stations on Oct. 1, citing their outdated technology and the burden they place on utility rate payers. The decision was discussed during the Bay City Commission meeting Monday, Aug. 17. The Level 1 chargers, located near the Jennison building and the Delta College Planetarium downtown, take up to 50 hours to fully charge a modern vehicle.
What’s inside proposed data center ordinance for Bay City
BAY CITY, MI – Bay City planning commissioners will review proposed zoning regulations on Wednesday designed to govern the development of large-scale data centers in the city. The Bay City Commission previously directed city staff to draft an ordinance regulating data centers. The proposal, making its first appearance before the planning commission at its Aug.
Bay City gives scoring edge to contractors who pay prevailing wages
BAY CITY, MI – Bay City commissioners unanimously approved a change to how the city evaluates construction bids, offering a small scoring advantage to contractors who voluntarily agree to pay workers prevailing wages. The commission voted 8-0 on Aug. 17 to approve the proposal introduced by 7th Ward Commissioner Chris Runberg. The change applies to the city’s “responsible contracting” system for projects worth more than $25,000. Runberg said the change could help smaller local businesses compete.
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