Ryan Cole
Verified
Dad. Assistant News Director of @ABC12WJRT. Spartan for life. Opinions are my own.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Ryan Cole
Rollover crash injures two after Vassar police chase
VASSAR, Mich. (WJRT) - A Thursday evening police chase in Vassar ended in a rollover crash that injured two people after the driver ran a stop sign at a major intersection, according to the Vassar Police Department. Chief Jamie DuBay says police tried to stop a black pickup truck Thursday evening for erratic driving on Huron and Division streets. Police say the driver refused to stop and fled north on Division Street, then continued north on Vassar Road out of the city.
Achieve Whole Recovery Releases New Guide on Sober Living and Long-Term Recovery
Achieve Whole Recovery Releases New Guide on Sober Living and Long-Term Recovery COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES, October 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Achieve Whole Recovery, a Colorado-based provider of addiction medicine and psychiatric care, has released a new resource, “What Is a Sober Living House and How It Supports Long-Term Recovery,” offering guidance for individuals and families navigating the transition from treatment to independent living.
Former Michigan House Speaker's embezzlement trial delayed again
LANSING, Mich. (WJRT) - The embezzlement trial against former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield has been pushed back once again. Bridge Michigan reports Chatfield's lawyer declared her intentions to appeal the decision to include a forensic accountant as an expert witness, arguing she had "insufficient experience". Bridge reports the state asked an Ingham County Circuit Court judge to block the request, but that motion was denied.
Davison Township man convicted of illegal gun, cocaine charges
DAVISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJRT) - A Genesee County jury has convicted a 29-year-old Davison Township man of illegal firearm and cocaine possession after a firearm and drugs were found at his residence in 2025, according to the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office. Jacob Joel Owens was found guilty as charged of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of Less Than 25 Grams of Cocaine on Sept. 15 following a one-day trial. He was also convicted of two counts of Felony Firearm.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to mark Give Like Dolly Day Sept. 25
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WJRT) - The Dollywood Foundation announced Give Like Dolly Day on Sept. 25, a global day dedicated to supporting local Dolly Parton's Imagination Library programs and honoring Dolly's legacy of inspiring children to develop a lifelong love of reading. The day will shine a spotlight on thousands of local Imagination Library partners around the world who help carry Dolly's mission forward in their communities.
MSP bomb squad removes 2 live grenades from Hemlock home
HEMLOCK, Mich. (WJRT) - Two live hand grenades were discovered inside a Hemlock home Thursday. The Richland Township Police Department said in a social media post that the grenades were found within a residence. Upon initial inspection by officers, one grenade appeared decommissioned while the other looked like it could have been live. Officers remained at the scene until a member of the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad arrived.
Burton warns residents about fake flier urging power shutoff
BURTON, Mich. (WJRT) - The City of Burton is warning residents about a fraudulent flier falsely claiming to be from the city's Department of Public Works. The fake flier contains the City of Burton logo and states "important notice" in red writing, according to city administrators. It falsely advises residents to turn off their main electrical power due to an alleged electrical hazard. The city emphasizes there is no known electrical hazard impacting the city's grid.
Genesee, Saginaw County's most dangerous intersections revealed
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - Car accident lawyers have released a list of the most dangerous intersections in Genesee and Saginaw counties based on Michigan State Police reports for 2025. Michigan Auto Law released the report Wednesday. The law firm says approximately 30 percent of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in Michigan occur at intersections each year.
Prisoner attacks mental health worker at St. Louis prison
ST. LOUIS, Mich. (WJRT) - A prisoner assaulted a mental health professional and threatened them with a homemade weapon at the St. Louis Correctional Facility on Tuesday, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections. The prisoner produced a prisoner-made weapon and threatened the Qualified Mental Health Professional during the assault. The staff member called for help and activated a personal protection device.
Genesee Township water may look rusty during overnight flushing
GENESEE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJRT) - Routine hydrant flushing will take place through Oct. 4 in Genesee Township, according to a press release from township supervisor Daniel Eashoo. The flushing will take place between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. each night. Residents may notice cloudy or rusty water during this period. If cloudy or rusty water occurs, the township recommends running water for a few minutes until it clears. Residents should avoid washing white clothing during these hours to prevent staining.
MAC football moving to 9-game conference schedule in 2028
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJRT) - The football teams at Central Michigan, Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan will face more conference competition each season starting in 2028. The Mid-American Conference announced Tuesday it will move to a nine-game conference football schedule beginning with the 2028 season. The decision was approved by the MAC Council of Directors of Athletics. The MAC cited continuously evolving conference scheduling models across the college football landscape.
Injuries force Beaverton to cancel varsity football game against Harrison
BEAVERTON, Mich. (WJRT) - Beaverton High School has canceled this week's home varsity football game against Harrison High School due to a high number of student-athlete injuries. The game was originally scheduled for Friday, Sept. 18. School administrators and the coaching staff determined that the varsity team cannot safely field the minimum number of healthy players required for the matchup, according to the athletic department.
Flint Township couple seeks sentence preview in dog hoarding case
FLINT TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJRT) - A couple accused of hoarding dogs at a Flint Township home last winter want a judge to carry out a legal proceeding that gives them an idea of their potential sentence if they were to plead in the case. Kim and Brenda Shires face several charges of animal cruelty. In a Genesee County courtroom Tuesday, their attorneys requested a Cobbs hearing, which the judge granted, according to court records. A Cobbs hearing is based on People v.
Saginaw mayor under added police protection after social media threat
SAGINAW, Mich. (WJRT) - Saginaw Police are investigating a potential threat directed at Mayor Brenda Moore. The threat appeared in a social media post made earlier Tuesday. The man wrote, "I called you mom Brenda Moore and this how you repay me?? This is your death and my birthday in town." Moore has called police and released a statement about the incident. "This Tuesday morning, I was awakened by a disturbing text with a threat on my life," Moore said.
Saginaw man gets new trial 13 years after double murder conviction
SAGINAW, Mich. (WJRT) - A Saginaw man convicted of killing his mother and sister more than 13 years ago is back in court after being granted a new trial. Stephon Roby, 34, was convicted by a jury of shooting and killing his mother, Leigh, and sister, Sharleea, at their home on Hess Avenue in March 2013. He was sentenced to life in prison, but an appellate court overturned the convictions, claiming that now-retired former Saginaw County Circuit Judge Fred Borchard made errors in the case.
Flint mayor heads to D.C. to push for water crisis payments
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley will travel to Washington, D.C., this week to advocate for the city and push for timely settlement payments to residents affected by the water crisis. The trip will include a visit to the office of the Special Master overseeing the Flint water crisis settlement. Neeley plans to press for the timely release of settlement payments to Flint residents who have been waiting for compensation.
Marquette County first responders rescue two lost Flint-area hikers
MARQUETTE COUNTY, Mich. (WJRT) - The Marquette County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team rescued two overdue hikers from the Flint area in Marquette County early Tuesday morning. Two 65-year-old women from the Flint area were walking a 20-mile section of the North Country Trail from the Mulligan Plains to the McCormick Wilderness tract, according to the Marquette County Sheriff's Office.
MDOT closing Mackinaw Street at M-58 in Saginaw for 9 days
The intersection will be closed starting Tuesday and last through Wednesday, Sept. 23. SAGINAW, Mich. (WJRT) - MDOT will close the M-58 and Mackinaw Street intersection in Saginaw for underground electrical work. The intersection with State Street will be closed starting Tuesday and last through Wednesday, Sept. 23, according to MDOT's press release. Northbound and southbound traffic will temporarily not be able to cross State Street through this intersection during this work.
Bay City woman arrested in 7-Eleven armed robbery case
BAY CITY, Mich. (WJRT) - Bay City Department of Public Safety officers arrested a 64-year-old Bay City woman in connection to an armed robbery at a 7-Eleven store earlier this month. The arrest happened Monday in connection to the armed robbery that occurred at the store on East Wilder Road around 6:20 a.m. on Sept. 5. Witnesses told officers a woman entered the store with a rifle and demanded money before fleeing on foot.
Flint woman convicted of murder in 2024 gas station shooting
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - A Genesee County jury has convicted a 31-year-old Flint woman of second-degree murder for shooting and killing another woman during a street fight in 2024. Shahanna Thorns was found guilty of second-degree murder in the May 2024 shooting death of 20-year-old Isis Walker at the Marathon gas station on North Saginaw Street in Flint, according to Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton. She was also convicted of felony firearm possession. The jury returned its verdict on Sept.
Westbound I-69 reopens at I-75 after semi crash in Flint Township
FLINT TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJRT) - All lanes of westbound I-69 are back open at I-75 after an afternoon crash involving a semi-truck shut down the freeway. MDOT first reported the crash at 3:31 p.m. Monday. The Flint Township Police Department posted on Facebook that traffic was being diverted onto the southbound I-75 ramp. MDOT posted at 4:23 p.m. Monday that all lanes reopened along westbound I-69. No additional details about the cause of the crash were immediately available.
DTE seeks another rate hike hours after Michigan approves $74M increase
MID-MICHIGAN (WJRT) - DTE announced its intent to file for another natural gas rate hike just hours after the Michigan Public Service Commission approved a $74.52 million annual revenue increase for the utility, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office. The commission approved the rate hike on Sept. 10, which will increase rates by more than 4 percent for residential customers.
MDOT investing $1 million to fix stretch of Dort Highway in Genesee County
GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. (WJRT) - The Michigan Department of Transportation is investing approximately $1 million to resurface a portion of Dort Highway in Burton and Grand Blanc Township. Work is set to begin on M-54 between Bristol Road and Saginaw Road Monday and continue through mid-October, according to MDOT. The project will include cold milling and hot-mix asphalt resurfacing, pavement joint and crack repairs, and permanent pavement markings.
Flint Schools to begin demolishing Central H.S. building Thursday
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - Flint Community Schools will begin demolition of the former Central High School building on Thursday, marking another major milestone in the district's new high school project. Community members are invited to join Flint Community Schools in front of the former Central High School building at 10:00 a.m. Thursday to witness the beginning of demolition and the next chapter in the transformation of the site.
Flint Police investigating deadly shooting that prompted Mott C.C. alert
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - A man died after being shot on Wisconsin Avenue near Iowa Avenue, according to the City of Flint Police Department. Officers were sent to the area around 2:53 p.m. Friday following reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they learned the victim had already been taken to a local hospital by personal vehicle. The man later died from his injuries despite efforts by hospital medical staff.
Saginaw ISD raises special education staff pay by 18% after reaching agreement
SAGINAW COUNTY, Mich. (WJRT) - Saginaw Intermediate School District employees are receiving salary increases averaging 18 percent under a new three-year collective bargaining agreement. The agreement was ratified by the Saginaw Intermediate Federation of Teachers on July 24, and approved by the Saginaw ISD Board of Education on July 27. Some employees received increases as high as 40 percent, with the raises reflected in their first paycheck following ratification.
Federal labor charge filed against McLaren Lapeer Region by nurses
LAPEER, Mich. (WJRT) - Nurses at McLaren Lapeer Region have filed a federal unfair labor practice charge, alleging management added significant duties to their workloads without engaging in collective bargaining as required. The Michigan Nurses Association charge states McLaren administrators shifted responsibility for obtaining and preparing certain medications from pharmacy to nurses.
U-M Flint police chief reverses retirement plans, will stay on job
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - University of Michigan-Flint Chief of Police and Department of Public Safety Director Ray Hall announced he will remain in his position, reversing his previously announced plans to leave the university later this fall.
Altman’s ‘Sobering’ AI Warning: OpenAI’s 2-Week Halt [2026]
Sam Altman spent early September 2026 telling anyone who would listen that OpenAI’s next models are going to unsettle people.
Tuscola County man found guilty in ax attack; most serious charge dropped
The jury found Dale Ford guilty of carrying a dangerous weapon, felonious assault and eight counts of resisting and obstructing a police officer. The jury found Ford not guilty of assault with intent to commit murder. KOYLTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJRT) - A Tuscola County jury found the man accused of swinging an ax at the Kingston police chief guilty on 10 counts, but acquitted him on the most serious charge.
Consumers Energy targets new gas plants in Bay, Genesee counties in 20-year plan
JACKSON, Mich. (WJRT) - Consumers Energy unveiled a 20-year blueprint to deliver reliable and affordable energy for Michigan through a mix of natural gas, solar, wind, and storage. The Energy Supply Plan, filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission, includes expanded renewable energy resources and two fast-starting natural gas plants to supply reliable power to customers.
Old causeway on Shiawassee River to be removed with state grant
SHIAWASSEE COUNTY, Mich. (WJRT) - Caledonia Township has approved a $127,900 project to remove a causeway obstruction from the Shiawassee River, funded in part by an $87,573 state grant. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Habitat Grant Program awarded the grant to the township for the project.
AAA offers free rides home for impaired drivers this Labor Day weekend
DEARBORN, Mich. (WJRT) - AAA is activating its Tow to Go program for Labor Day weekend, offering free and confidential rides home for impaired drivers and their vehicles in select states including Michigan. The service will be available from 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, according to AAA-The Auto Club Group. Tow to Go is available to both AAA members and non-members and provides transportation for the driver and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius.
Saginaw man sentenced to 10 years in prison for robbery that killed teen
SAGINAW, Mich. (WJRT) - A Saginaw man who set up a robbery that led to an 18-year-old being shot to death will spend several years in prison. Antrell Wright, 26, was sentenced to at least 10 years in prison for his role in connection with the death of 18-year-old Tyreion Thomas. Wright pleaded no contest to manslaughter and armed robbery charges. In April 2024, Thomas was shot after Wright and co-defendant Donsha Wesby-Whitley planned a gun transaction with him.
Genesee County Day marks Crossroads Village's 50th anniversary with free events
GENESEE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJRT) - Genesee County is hosting a free celebration at Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad on Aug. 29. Genesee County Day will feature family-friendly activities, live entertainment and historical programming. Village admission is completely free for the event. This year's celebration marks America's 250th anniversary and Crossroads Village's 50th anniversary.
"Fatal Attraction" TV show profiling Saginaw County murder case
BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJRT) - Crews from the true-crime documentary series "Fatal Attraction" will shoot in Buena Vista Township next week, profiling a years-old case. The show plans to profile a Saginaw County woman who is serving at least 10 years in prison for her role in the shooting death of the father of her child. The case surrounds the death of 33-year-old Devon Williams, who was shot and killed in March 2023 on the 3100 block of Walters Drive in Buena Vista Township.
Auburn bank robbed by possibly armed man, suspect on the run
A manhunt is on after man robbed a Huntington Bank branch in Auburn Thursday afternoon and got away. AUBURN, Mich. (WJRT) - A manhunt is on after man robbed a Huntington Bank branch in Auburn Thursday afternoon and got away. The Bay County Sheriff's Office tells ABC12 News the man indicated he had a gun during the robbery. The suspect walked out of the bank and headed east from the building on Midland Road. It's not clear if he made off with any money. The man is described as shorter with a beard.
Flint's Riverfront Parking Ramp closes indefinitely for repairs
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - The Riverfront Parking Ramp in downtown Flint is temporarily closed effective immediately, according to the Flint Downtown Development Authority. The ramp is located at the corner of Beach and Kearsley streets. County leaders say the ramp isĀ in need of repair and maintenance, forcing the closure. A return-to-service date has not yet been announced as of Wednesday evening.
Man dies after early morning shooting in Flint; suspect in custody
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - A man died after being shot on Flint's north side early Tuesday morning, according to the Flint Police Department. Police officers were called to the 100 block of East Bishop Avenue near Martin Luther King Avenue around 4 a.m. Wednesday for reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot injuries. The victim received medical attention at the scene and was taken to a local hospital.
Michigan joins 25 states suing USPS over new vote-by-mail rule
LANSING, Mich. (WJRT) - Michigan has joined a coalition of 25 states in filing a lawsuit against the United States Postal Service over a new rule that directs states to overhaul vote-by-mail procedures. The lawsuit challenges a USPS rule that the coalition argues grants the postal service authority to regulate mail voting in federal elections. The coalition argues the rule prevents states from effectively administering their mail voting programs and risks disenfranchising eligible voters.
Detroit Lions unveil new 'Defend the Den' rivalries uniform
DETROIT, Mich. (WJRT) - The Detroit Lions unveiled their new Defend the Den uniform Tuesday as part of Nike and the NFL's Rivalries program. The uniform design reflects Detroit's identity as a city defined by resilience and its refusal to surrender, according to the NFL. The webpage outlining the uniform's details says that mentality is mirrored by the Lions' approach to protecting home turf. Every opponent is an intruder.
Crim Fitness Foundation addresses lightning delays, answers FAQ's for runners
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - The Crim Fitness Foundation is sharing a message with athletes after Saturday's 49th annual Health Alliance Plan Crim Festival of Races was altered due to weather concerns.
UPDATE: Second child dies after house fire on Flint's south side
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - A second child has died after a house caught fire on Blueberry Lane in Flint on Aug. 7. Firefighters found three children inside the home in the 1500 block of Blueberry Lane after the fire broke out at 1:30 p.m. that afternoon. A 3-year old child was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other children were transported to the emergency room with critical injuries. Flint Police confirm with ABC12 that one of the children, a 4-year-old, died on Aug. 19.
Big Ten unanimously bans NFL players from college competition
CHICAGO (WJRT) - The Big Ten Conference announced Tuesday it unanimously adopted a new rule restricting football player eligibility, keeping players returning from the NFL from playing at any of the conference's 18 member institutions. The rule prohibits football players from competing at conference schools if they have signed a professional contract, appeared on a professional roster at any point or declared for the NFL Draft as an underclassman without withdrawing.
Construction woes push back Carman-Ainsworth's first day of school
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools is delaying the start of the 2026-27 school year to Wednesday, Sept. 9 due to unexpected construction issues. Superintendent Gina Ryan announced the change in a letter to families. All students will begin classes on Sept. 9, but Rankin Elementary students will start with online learning and transition to in-person instruction by Monday, Sept. 21, or sooner if the building is ready.
Teen dies after being hit by vehicle while riding e-bike in Davison Twp.
DAVISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJRT) - A teenager died after being hit by a vehicle while riding an e-bike in Davison Township early Thursday morning. The crash happened just before 4:30 a.m. Thursday on E. Atherton Road near S. Vassar Road. The Davison Township Police Department says a 31-year-old Burton man was driving east on E. Atherton Road when he struck a 14-year-old Davison boy going the same direction. The 14-year-old was riding an e-bike.
UPDATE: Missing 26-year-old from Bay City located safely
According to police, Amaya Lee-Slavik Burel was last seen on August 5 in the south end of Bay City. UPDATE: The Bay City Department of Public Safety posted an update Tuesday that Amaya Lee-Slavik Burel has been located by law enforcement officers and confirmed to be safe. BAY CITY, Mich. (WJRT) - The Bay City Department of Public Safety is asking for the public's help locating a missing 26-year-old woman.
Lapeer man charged after faking stabbing at Rowden Park
LAPEER, Mich. (WJRT) - A 23-year-old man has been charged with filing a false police report after investigators determined he stabbed himself and lied about being attacked at a Lapeer park. Devin Bruce Dix initially told City of Lapeer Police Department officers on Aug. 14 that he had been stabbed in the abdomen at Rowden Park, located at 1552 N.
Bay City police seek missing 26-year-old last seen in south end
BAY CITY, Mich. (WJRT) - The Bay City Department of Public Safety is asking for the public's help locating a missing 26-year-old woman. According to police, Amaya Lee-Slavik Burel was last seen on August 5 in the south end of Bay City. Family members say Burel was seen getting into an older, dark gray SUV and possibly heading to the Grand Rapids area. They have not had contact with her since then.
Cedar Point HalloWeekends returns with new mazes and ride overlays
SANDUSKY, Ohio (WJRT) - Cedar Point's popular HalloWeekends returns select days and nights from Sept. 17 through Nov. 1, featuring a new Diablo maze, themed ride overlays and family-friendly activities. The amusement park states guests can preview the event during "Scream Peek Weekend" from Sept. 10 through 13, with access to four indoor haunted mazes: Midnight, Fearground Freak Show, The Haunting of Eerie Estate and Slaughterhouse. Guests who purchase or renew a 2027 Season Pass by Sept.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Ryan
Contact Ryan, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack