George James

After 36 years in pharmacy and 17 years leading Northgate Pharmacy, Richard Kelch is ready for a change. Kelch, who built the pharmacy into a Sarnia staple, is passing the torch to longtime colleagues Jagjit Singh and Samantha Roman. Singh, a Sarnia native, and Roman, who joined in 2013, bring fresh ideas and a commitment to patient care. Under their leadership, the pharmacy will continue embracing innovations like ClinicalConnect and pharmacogenomic testing, which help optimize patient care. Though stepping back in November, Kelch will remain part-time, ensuring the pharmacy’s legacy lives on.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

McKenzie Health System has expanded its surgical team with the addition of Dr. Lindsey D. Rieck, DO, at McKenzie General Surgery. Dr. Rieck, who has a strong background in general surgery, trauma, and critical care, previously worked at Lake Huron Medical Center in Port Huron and Hurley Medical Center in Flint. She completed her surgical training across multiple Michigan institutions and earned her osteopathic degree from Rocky Vista University. Dr. Rieck joins Dr. Zarrish Khan, who joined McKenzie General Surgery earlier this year.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A fire broke out Monday afternoon at Consumers Energy’s Karn Generating Complex in Hampton Township near Bay City, causing thick smoke and a mineral oil spill. The fire, which started in an electrical transformer, spread to nearby buildings, but all personnel were safely evacuated. Consumers Energy assured that there are no power interruptions expected, as the facility’s backup units, running on natural gas and fuel oil, are still operational. The mineral oil spill poses no risk to the public or the workers on-site.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Ernest Rust, a St. Clair County man, is now a millionaire after winning $1 million in the Mega Millions lottery. The 66-year-old, who often plays the lottery, was stunned when he checked his ticket from the January 7th drawing and saw that he had matched all five white balls. Rust, who bought the ticket at a New Baltimore Shell gas station, plans to use his prize for a European river cruise and to boost his retirement savings. He’s the first Michigan winner of $1 million so far this year.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Authorities removed 52 farm animals from a China Township property after their owner, Kevin Tuttle, 59, was charged with animal cruelty. Investigators found goats and sheep in “deplorable” conditions last month, lacking food, water, and proper shelter during extreme cold. St. Clair County Animal Control executed a search warrant Friday, seizing more neglected animals, including sheep, mini-pigs, and fowl. One animal was critically ill and sent to MSU for treatment. Tuttle’s bond is $10,000, with a court date set for Feb. 26.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) unveiled its new First-Generation Down Payment Assistance program on Tuesday in Lansing. Aimed at helping first-time homebuyers without family wealth, the initiative offered increased down payment support. MSHDA officials outlined eligibility and how the program fit into broader efforts to make homeownership more accessible. The event featured key leaders, including MSHDA CEO Amy Hovey and local Realtor Todd Waller, highlighting how this move will empower buyers and boost local communities

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet