Report: Bear spotted in Monitor Township

Another bear was spotted in Bay County, according to a report by WNEM. The station reported that a driver saw a bear run across Salzburg Road near Two Mile Road in Monitor Township on Thursday. It’s the third bear spotted in Bay County since November. In November, a woman struck a bear with her car while driving in Fraser Township. In March, a bear was found trapped in a culvert on Interstate 75. The bear was killed a week later when it was hit by a car in Garfield Township.

Bay-Arenac ISD Superintendent Michael Dewey named CEO and executive director of United Way of Bay County

The United Way of Bay County Board of Directors unanimously approved Michael Dewey as the new chief executive officer and executive director at a special meeting on Thursday. Dewey has served as superintendent of Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District since 2002 and was superintendent of Cheasaning Union Schools prior to that. Dewey has served as a board member of the United Way from 2003 until 2009 and returned to serve again in 2011. Dewey said he is excited about working with the community through the United Way.

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Friend of man who died in Pinconning Township gyroplane crash: 'He was a tremendous person'

Paul Rogers was always up an adventure, said a friend who knew the Bay City dentist for 30 years.
“That guy enjoyed life and he lived it to the fullest,” said friend Tom Taylor. Rogers, 63, died when the gyroplane he was piloting crashed Wednesday just after 6 a.m. in a field off of Interstate 75 in Pinconning Township. Taylor said he met Rogers at a scuba shop in Bay City three decades ago. In addition to scuba diving, both men enjoyed flying and were part of the Bay Area Rotorcraft and Ultralight Club. Taylor said Rogers was a generous person, always willing to step in for those in need of help. “He would do anything for anybody,” Taylor said. “If they needed help, he was there.”

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Bay City woman arraigned on felony in connection with Baytown shooting

A 29-year-old woman has been charged with a felony for allegedly helping her boyfriend evade capture after he shot at a man in a parking lot of Baytown Family Neighborhood. Bay County District Judge Mark E. Janer on Wednesday arraigned Kimberly A. Campbell on one count of accessory to a felony after the fact, itself a five-year felony. Campbell asked Janer to appoint an attorney to her case. Campbell also requested Janer grant her a personal recognizance bond, pleading her case by saying she is a full-time college student, the primary caregiver for her mother, has a 7-year-old son and has two job interviews on Thursday.

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Bay City Western product and Michigan State commit Matt Costello named to PARADE All-American team

For the last three years, Matt Costello has been the best player on the Bay City Western boys basketball team.
In March he was named the best player in the state of Michigan. Now he’s officially one of the best players in the country after being named to the PARADE All-American team. Costello, a Michigan State signee, is joined on the team by future Spartan teammate Gary Harris and John Simons of Cadillac, a Central Michigan commit who finished third in the Mr. Basketball voting behind Costello and Michigan State signee Denzel Valentine of Lansing Sexton.

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Downtown farmers market opens Thursday, Bay County market open all weekend

If you've been cruising by the spot at 6th and Washington in downtown Bay City where the city website says a farmers market has been operating for the last two weeks, wondering about the empty parking lot, rest easy. The Downtown Bay City Farmer's Market will open Thursday for its fifth year, said Jan Rise, market master. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through June 21. After that the market stays open until 5:30 p.m. until school starts, then shifts back to 3:30 closing for fall. The downtown market also participates in the Double Up Food Bucks program, which allows Bridge Card holders to have up to $20 matched when they buy Michigan-grown fresh fruits and vegetables there. Participants can stop by the Market Master booth before buying their produce and for every $2 they spend, they are eligible to receive $2 in tokens, up to $20 each day.

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Bay City State Recreation Area to unveil new movie program

Starting at about 8:45 p.m. Saturday, June 2, Bay City State Recreation Area patrons will be able to watch outdoor movies with a scenic backdrop. The program, "Movies by the Bay," will feature a different movie screened each Saturday from June 2 to Sept. 1 on a 16-foot screen in the lawn near the "Spray by the  Bay" spray park, state park Manager George Lauinger said. Opening night will feature "Dolphin Tale," a movie about a dolphin given an artificial tail.

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American Idol winner Scotty McCreery headlines Bay City's Labadie Pig Gig

Headlining this year's Labadie Pig Gig is 2011 "American Idol" winner Scotty McCreery. McCreery hits the stage Aug. 4. “He is an extremely talented young man,” said Wendy Dore, Pig Gig organizer. “He just turned 18, and all the young girls of America love him.” The proof is in his debut studio album, “Clear as Day.” Released in October 2011, it was certified platinum in the United States. The album includes the top 20 country songs "I Love You This Big" and "The Trouble with Girls." The album also reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

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Bay City police investigate possible shooting at Baytown Family Neighborhood

Bay City police and its crime lab van are on the scene at Baytown Family Neighborhood, 1114 N. Jackson in Bay City, after reports of a shooting there. Neighbor Terry Enser said he heard what sounded like small-caliber gunfire before a car drove quickly south on Jackson about 1:30 p.m. Two ambulances came and have since departed. Numerous police detectives and lieutenants are there, and officials just removed crime tape that blocked the 1100 block of Jackson at Third Street. A few neighbors are standing outside, observing.

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Day 21: Bay City's Independence Bridge still closed to vehicle traffic

Bay City's Independence Bridge still is closed to vehicle traffic, annoying motorists and causing delays as the 25,000 or so vehicles that ordinarily cross the bridge daily must take another route. The City of Bay City's last word on the bridge came May 17,  with the announcement that the bridge would "remain closed to vehicular traffic due to the legal obligation to keep the river open for shipping traffic." Electrical system repairs and test closings and openings were scheduled for the rest of the week, the city said. Kurt Hausbeck, interim street, sanitation and fleet superintendent, could not be reached this week for an update.

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Seat belt enforcement zones scheduled in Bay County, elsewhere

Local law enforcement agencies are emphasizing seat belt use with enforcement zones beginning this week. The Bay City Police Department, Bay City's Sheriff's Department and Michigan State Police from the Bay City Post will be targeting seat belt use during specific announced time periods to raise awareness. Signs will be posted in these areas and officers will be visible on foot and in patrol vehicles.

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Bay Area Community Foundation awards 100 scholarships to first-generation college students

The Bay Area Community Foundation is helping Bay County students attend college. The foundation presented the Bay Commitment Scholarships to 100 students on May 15. Each student receives a $2,000 scholarship to attend either Delta College or Saginaw Valley State University. The scholarships reward students graduating from a Bay County high school who have lived in county for the past six years. The scholarship is designed for first-generation students, with neither parent holding a bachelor’s degree. “We are pleased to be a founding partner of the Bay Commitment Scholarship”, stated Eileen Curtis, Bay Area Community Foundation President and CEO.

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Former Bay County Fair Board president charged with embezzlement bound over to circuit court

Two options now lie before a former Bay County Fair Board president charged with embezzling from the organization — take a plea or face a trial. Michael W. Coyer, 39, waived his right to a preliminary examination before Bay County District Judge Mark E. Janer. The judge bound the case over to circuit court, where Coyer's next date is pending. Coyer is charged with three counts each of forgery and uttering and publishing, both 14-year felonies, and one count of embezzlement, a five-year felony. His alleged misconduct came to light in January, when then-vice president of the fair board Patti Dubay and treasurer Kristy Brandt went to Michigan State Police troopers, claiming Coyer had misappropriated fair funds. Brandt told troopers Coyer had forged her signature on 22 checks totaling $4,309.

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Bay County Mosquito Control collecting tires Saturday, otherwise slow until it rains

Saturday provides the last easy opportunity for a while to clean scrap tires off your property. Bay County Mosquito Control is having a tire drive because scrap tires collect water and provide excellent breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Bay County residents can take up to 10 rimless car and pickup truck tires, with driver license for proof of residency, to either of two sites Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.:

• Bay County Mosquito Control, 810 Livingston Ave., Bay City

• Pinconning Park, 3041 E. Pinconning Road, Pinconning

Otherwise, things are pretty quiet on the mosquito control front, after a huge push at the end of March to deal with seasonally flooded woodlots.

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Two Bay County high schools holding commencement ceremonies next week

As the school year winds down for schools in Bay County, some high schools are holding commencement ceremonies next week. Garber High School, 213 Pine Road in Essexville, and Pinconning High School, 605 W. Fifth St. in Pinconning, are holding their ceremonies on Thursday. Garber’s starts at 7 p.m. in Ankney Auditorium while Pinconning’s starts at 6:30 p.m. in the gym. Other schools in Bay County are not holding their ceremonies until June. Wenona Center’s is June 6. John Glenn High School and Bay-Arenac Community High School are holding ceremonies on June 8. Bay City Western, Bay City Central and All Saints Catholic High School all have their commencement on June 10.

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Causes unknown in recent Bay City house fires

Though investigators are now considering a recent series of Bay City house fires suspicious, the actual causes of what sparked the blazes remains unknown. In all, there have been six fires at four houses, five of which occurred in the city's South End. The first was reported about 2:30 a.m. Sept. 27 at 403 Michigan Ave. The house comprised two apartments, one of which was occupied at the time. The building was unoccupied and boarded-up when the second fire occurred there around 2 a.m. on April 14. The house was demolished within days of its second fire.

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Bay City Public Schools hearing public comments on budget at next board meeting

The Bay City Public Schools Board of Education set a date to hear public comments regarding the budget for the 2012-13 school year. The board approved Monday to hear budget comments during the next board meeting, June 11. At that time, the district plans to update the board on the budget situation and review the final budget for the 2011-12 school year. Superintendent Doug Newcombe said he would be surprised if the board was able to approve a budget at that meeting.

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Bay City fire and police departments would merge under draft plan

Police officers and firefighters would be cross-trained to save Bay City money under a consolidation plan that will be presented to the Bay City Commission on May 31. "Personnel costs can be greatly reduced with cross-trained public safety officers who can serve citizens in a dual role providing both police and fire services," states the draft plan created by a special city committee. "This would result in additional police on the street who can also respond to the scene of a fire. There would be no reduction in fire services, while the personnel assigned to the fire stations are greatly reduced." Kurt Wagner, president of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 116, said he was not ready to publicly comment on the plan.

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Incumbent Kurt Asbury, challenger Patrick Duggan only candidates for Bay County prosecutor in Aug. 7 primary

Only two candidates are appearing on the ballot for Bay County prosecutor in the Aug. 7 Democratic primary. Incumbent Kurt C. Asbury, 54, is to face off against challenger Patrick O. Duggan. Both are Democrats. Bay County’s three circuit court judges appointed Asbury prosecutor in 2006. Voters elected him to keep the position in 2008, when he faced off against Duggan and Edward M. Czuprynski. The Times could not reach Asbury for comment on Tuesday.

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Bay City's Lafayette Bridge now having mechanical problems

Independence Bridge isn't the only one causing local drivers to take detours this afternoon. Lafayette Bridge now is having mechanical difficulties and is closed to vehicle traffic as well. An update shortly before 3 p.m. predicted it would be several more hours until the problem is resolved. Independence Bridge has been closed to vehicle traffic since about 9:30 p.m. May 2 because of electrical problems, and is expected to remain closed another week while thorough testing is conducted. It is the city's northernmost, connecting Wilder Road and Truman Parkway on the west side to Trumbull Avenue on the east side, and is one of two operated by the city.

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Road race honoring Bay City Central principal canceled due to lack of participants

A run and walk race designed to raise money in support of Bay City Central Principal Tim Marciniak has been canceled after a race official said not enough participants signed up. The Mending Marciniak Perseverance run and walk was scheduled for Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Bay County Community Center, 800 John F. Kennedy Dr. Chandra Gilliam, an organizer for the event, said last year there were 80 people who registered for the event, while only three signed up this year. Marciniak, who has been the Bay City Central principal for 7 years, was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer in 2009. The Mending Marciniak group started as a way to support Marciniak. The group sold purple wristbands with and T-shirts to raise money for the American Cancer Society and a scholarship for Bay City Central students. Two years, ago, the group started the 3K/5K run and walk race.

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Former Bay County Fair Board president charged with seven felonies in connection with alleged embezzlement

A state police investigation into missing Bay County Fair Board funds has led to the former president facing seven felony counts. Troopers on Monday arrested Michael W. Coyer, who turns 39 today. Coyer was subsequently charged in Bay County District Court on three counts each of uttering and publishing and forgery and one count of embezzlement of more than $1,000 but less than $20,000. The first two charges are punishable by up to 14 years in prison, while embezzlement carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and/or restitution worth three times the amount which was stolen.

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Bay Aggregates feeling effect of Independence Bridge closure

Bay Aggregates is positioned between the Independence Bridge and the mouth of the Saginaw River, but that doesn't mean the bridge closure isn't affecting the business. "It really doesn't impact our shipping for vessels," said Allen Kennedy, Bay Aggregates president. "It does have kind of an impact on the trucking." On average last month, he sent out 60 loads a day of aggregate, which has a variety of applications, and 15 to 20 daily of Ready Mix concrete, which he described as more of a local commodity. Highway-bound loads just take Wilder Road out, but some local ones are hitting detours.

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Bay City Police Officers Association makes several concessions in newly ratified contract

Though the Bay City Police Officers Association made numerous concessions to ensure the ratification of its new contract, that was the cost members were willing to pay to put the past behind them. “For the cops to have recognized the need to get this done, they should be given an enormous amount of credit,” said Dan Kuhn, business agent for the Police Officers Association of Michigan, which represents the city officers union. “We can get this relationship reset and be a cooperative team going forward.” Members of the union approved the contract in a 30-9 vote in April. The Bay City Commission ratified it Monday. The previous contract expired in 2009, and the contract talks were contentious.

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Three Bay City churches could close doors, merge with existing parishes as part of Diocese of Saginaw overhaul

Six west side Bay City Catholic churches could shrink to three if diocese officials accept a plan authored by members of the affected churches. During Sunday services, representatives at the parishes — St. Vincent de Paul, St. Mary of the Assumption, Holy Trinity, St. Maria Goretti, St. Hedwig and Our Lady of the Visitation — informed parishioners of the recommendation, which is a step in the Diocese of Saginaw’s move to downsize across its 11-county reach, officials say. The final decision on which churches would be affected could arrive late this year or early 2013. “I’m in favor of the recommendations,” said Rev. Robert J. Meissner, pastor at St. Vincent de Paul for about 15 years. “They’re long overdue. To procrastinate any further would not be an advantage for the parishes of the west side.”

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Bay City's South End neighborhood fears recent fires are the work of arsonist

Two neighboring South End houses have been ravaged by fires in the past few months, and neighbors are fearing an arsonist is to blame. The first fire at the vacant house at 403 Michigan Ave. occurred Sept. 27, with a second blaze erupting there April 14. The house was demolished within hours of the second fire. The house immediately next door, at 407 Michigan Ave., was the site of two fires, the first on April 28 and the second early Monday morning. One of the house's two apartments was occupied at the time of the first fire, with firefighters rescuing the female resident as they combated the flames.

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Bay City All Saints principal heads to lead Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central

John Hoving is the new principal of Nouvel Catholic Central High School in Saginaw Township. Hoving, the principal at Bay City All Saints since 2007, will step into his new position July 1. Former Nouvel Principal and Saginaw Area Catholic School Regional Superintendent Irene Hensinger will retire at the end of the school year. Hoving said his plans for Nouvel include maintaining a rigorous curriculum. "We can no longer hold the status quo in education and expect our students to compete in the workforce of tomorrow," he said. "We need to educate bold leaders, inspired by the light of the Gospels."

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Bay City Central students raise money for cystic fibrosis research, throw water balloons at administration

Bay City Central students raised money for a good cause, and got to drench their administrators in the process. The school’s National Honors Society helped organize a fundraiser for cystic fibrosis research. The reward came Friday when the students got to throw water balloons at Principal Tim Marciniak, Athletic Director Morley Fraser and Assistant Principal Joe Buggs. The school raised $204 for cystic fibrosis research.

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Herter Music Center closing in Saginaw Township, but will keep on playing in Bay City

Pianos and sheet music, shiny trumpets and big drums all help fill the 12,000 square feet of Herter Music Center in Bay City. And soon, the space will be a lot more full. Herter Music Center will close its Saginaw Township operation, consolidating its retail space, lesson studios and 20-plus employees to its location at 901 Washington in Bay City. "It was a tough decision," said Fred Herter, a Saginaw Township resident whose father bought the business in 1952. A decision that was considered for more than two years before Herter finally made the call to close the store's second location at 2495 Tittabawassee in Saginaw Township.

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Bay City's Becca DeWyse scripting fantastic finish for Alma College

Becca DeWyse is a softball storyteller. And her happy endings are legendary. One of the great heroes of Bay City All Saints softball lore, DeWyse continues to build on her legacy as captain of the Alma College softball team. And as the Scots venture to the MIAA Tournament this week, DeWyse is preparing to close the book on her storied career -- with hopes for yet another dramatic final chapter. "I mainly want to go out playing my best and leave with no regrets," said DeWyse, the senior catcher and cleanup hitter for the Scots. "You always want to finish strong and go out on top, like we did at All Saints. I'm hoping this one is just as good as that one."

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Bay Area Women's Center holding first-ever Awards Luncheon Thursday at Bay City Doubletree hotel

For years members of the community have helped the Bay Area Women’s Center provide assistant to those in need. Now the Center would like to give a little back to all those who help it with the first annual Bay Area Women’s Center Awards Luncheon. “Our intent is to honor those who have been so generous to us in the past,” Center executive director Kathy Allen said. “The work we do is very important to the community but without the help of the community we couldn’t do it.” The ceremony is being held Thursday at Bay City’s Doubletree hotel from noon to 1:30 p.m. The luncheon is open to the public with tickets available for $15 each.

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Eric Jylha honored with first ever President's Award at Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Eye Opener Breakfast

If you've attended a Bay Area Chamber of Commerce event over the past decade, then you understand why Eric Jylha was honored this morning with the first ever Bay Area Chamber of Commerce President's Award. Jylha, a weather specialist for WNEM TV-5, is a staple behind the emcee microphone for events hosted by the Chamber, as well as countless other civic organizations and businesses. In presenting the award at today's monthly Eye-Opener Breakfast at Bay Valley Resort and Conference Center in Frankenlust Township, Chamber President Mike Seward highlighted just a few of the programs to which Jylha has lent his talents over the years.

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Auburn's one-man police department down to zero

Auburn’s lone police officer is an officer no longer, throwing the city’s department into limbo as officials consider their next move. Sylvester “Sly” Poltorak became the sole policeman in Auburn, population 2,087, when Chief James Klann retired in 2009. Poltorak worked his last day Dec. 8, taking leave because of an injury he suffered while off duty. Poltorak was officially relieved of employment April 9, said Auburn Mayor Lee Kilbourn. “Technically, according to our attorney and the city’s personnel policy, he is no longer employed with us due to his non-work-related medical condition,” Kilbourn said. “He has exhausted all of his medical and leave time.

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