Hemlock's Jake Kelley Wins MasterChef, Takes Home $250,000 Prize

A 24-year-old from Hemlock just became the newest MasterChef champion in America, and he did it without formal professional culinary training. Jake Kelley, a Hemlock High School graduate, took the crown on Fox's MasterChef: Global Gauntlet, beating out fellow finalists in a competition that pushed him to cook through the lens of his own heritage.

These festive shows are coming to Saginaw’s Dow Event Center this holiday season

SAGINAW, MI -- With the holiday season approaching, three seasonal performances are scheduled to give audiences a range of entertainment options this fall and winter. “’Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil” is set for Nov. 19. The production brings the acrobatic spectacle the company is known for to a holiday-themed show.

From YouTube Tutorials To Master Chef Winner, Jake Kelley's Saginaw County Cooking Journey

A neuroscience graduate from Hemlock just won Master Chef season 16, and he taught himself to cook by rewatching YouTube videos in his kitchen.

Saginaw Gameday! See Athlete of Week, fan rankings, schedule, standings

For a softball player, Logan Matusik has a good golf swing. And that makes Millington girls golf coach Craig Stiff’s job much easier. “Softball swings or baseball swings can be counterproductive to a golf swing,” Stiff said. “My top four golfers are all softball players, including Logan. It’s helpful, because these girls have power, as long as they learn less is more.

Frankenmuth Oktoberfest is back and continues all weekend long

FRANKENMUTH, MI -- Frankenmuth is hosting its 36th annual Oktoberfest in Heritage Park, featuring authentic German entertainment, food and Hofbrauhaus beer this weekend in Michigan’s “Little Bavaria.”. The festival opened Thursday, Sept. 17, at 3 p.m., with an official keg tapping ceremony at 6:30 p.m. On Friday, Sept....

Great Lakes Bay Region offers concerts, theater, sports this weekend, Sept. 18-20

The Great Lakes Bay Region will offer no shortage of entertainment, family activities and live performances this weekend, with events ranging from library programs and science workshops to concerts, theater productions and sporting events. Families can find storytimes, playgroups, hands-on learning opportunities and planetarium shows across Bay City and Saginaw,...

Inside the castle with Midland native Morgan Cook of ‘The Traitors: New Blood’

Midland native Morgan Cook opens up about her experience competing on NBC’s “The Traitors: New Blood,” the franchise’s first all-civilian season.

History comes to life with Flushing City Cemetery tour

Visitors filled the Flushing City cemetery on Sept. 12 for a special America 250 celebration and got to experience local history through live, first-person portrayals of notable individuals buried in Flushing City Cemetery. Students from the Flushing High School Drama Club portrayed early settlers, veterans, civic leaders, business owners, and community builders whose lives helped shape the city and connected local history to the broader American story. The first 250 visitors received a complimentary copy of “Flushing Uncovered No. 1: Flushing City Cemetery,” a special publication developed by the Flushing Area Historical Society. A special thank you was given to Caterer’s for sponsoring the complimentary copies of “Flushing Uncovered No. 1: Flushing City Cemetery.

Deshler man competes on Wheel of Fortune

From YouTube Tutorials To Master Chef Winner, Jake Kelley's Saginaw County Cooking Journey

A neuroscience graduate from Hemlock just won Master Chef season 16, and he taught himself to cook by rewatching YouTube videos in his kitchen.

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.

Jake Kelley’s ‘MasterChef’ victory gives Hemlock a night to remember

DAVE CLARK: Hemlock native Jake Kelley wins MasterChef, turning a cooking journey into a hometown celebration and promising culinary future.

Midland Saxophone Quartet announces two upcoming events

Musical events will be held Sept. 20 at Mi Element Grains & Grounds and on Sept. 26 at First Baptist Church.

Artwalk In Downtown Owosso Friday

Every third Friday in September, Downtown Owosso comes alive with artists, musicians, food, and neighbors. Artwalk returns to the downtown this Friday from 4 to 8pm. It’s described as a celebration of art, music, food, photography, literature, crafts, and community. Gallery artists set up inside local businesses throughout the...

Former Bay City State Theatre director begins prison sentence

BAY CITY, Mich. (WNEM) — Michael Bacigalupo, the former director of Bay City’s State Theatre, has started his sentence at a federal prison camp, according to court records. Bacigalupo is serving a two-year sentence at a minimum-security federal prison camp in West Virginia. Bacigalupo pleaded guilty to wire...

Frankenmuth Auto Fest Special 2026

Watch ABC12's special live broadcast from the 43rd annual Frankenmuth Auto Fest.

Jake Kelley competes for ‘MasterChef’ title tonight

Hemlock native Jake Kelley is one challenge away from becoming the next “MasterChef” champion. “MasterChef: Global Gauntlet” airs at 8 p.m. tonight on FOX. The episode will be available to stream Thursday on Hulu. Tonight’s episode concludes the finale, with Kelley competing against Heidi Muston of South Africa and Peter Egede of Nigeria. The finalists are completing a three-course menu inspired by their roots and personal journeys. After the appetizer and entrée rounds, the competition will be decided by the dessert course and the judges’ final deliberations. Kelley, 24, represents Mexico as part of Team Americas. He advanced to the finale after recreating Gordon Ramsay’s herb-crusted rack of lamb during the semifinals. In the first part of the finale, Kelley received positive feedback for his octopus and shrimp taco appetizer. Kelley is a 2024 Alma College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and a minor in chemistry. He is a pharmacy technician and previously worked as a line cook at Wood Shop Social in Mount Pleasant. Kelley developed many of his cooking skills through self-study and YouTube videos, applying his interest in science and precision to the kitchen. Since appearing on the show, Kelley has received requests for private