Clay Township Treasurer Jerry Galka has stepped down, ending a year marked by financial confusion and tension on the board. Galka cited health, family obligations, and stress from disputes with employees and residents. Elected last year, he struggled to reconcile township accounts, leading to the hiring of a $12,000 outside firm. Public clashes, including a walkout during a township meeting, heightened local scrutiny. A special board meeting was held Friday to address Galka’s resignation and name a new treasurer.

Reporting for WGRT – JP b bZet

A serious two-vehicle crash in Flynn Township last Wednesday morning left two drivers trapped and needing the Jaws of Life. Sanilac County deputies say the crash happened around 10:40 a.m. at Juhl and Marlette Roads when a southbound Chevy HHR ran a stop sign and hit a northbound Chevy Suburban carrying a Marlette woman and her two children. The Brown City Fire Department freed both drivers, one was taken by ambulance to Aspire Marlette Hospital, and the other was airlifted to Hurley Medical Center. The children were checked and released. Authorities continue investigating.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Michigan’s top education leader, Michael Rice, is retiring this month after six years as state superintendent. He guided schools through the pandemic, major safety concerns after the Oxford and MSU shootings, and the rollout of new literacy laws. While Michigan’s third-grade reading scores remain a challenge, Rice points to progress with graduation rates, career training, and test improvements in other grades. He also pushed for more mental health support, adding 1,700 school staff statewide. Dearborn Superintendent Glenn Maleyko will step into the role in December.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Authorities have formally charged 55-year-old Pavel B. Shchukin in last Friday’s deadly Ellington Township crash that killed three Cass City residents and injured five others. Shchukin faces eight counts, including three moving violations causing death and five causing serious injury. Investigators say he failed to stop at a Deckerville Road stop sign, striking an eastbound Jeep carrying eight people. Shchukin and his passenger were treated for minor injuries. He remains in Tuscola County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet