George James

Michigan drivers should be aware that the distracted driving laws are changing. A new Michigan hands free law has been passed. Beginning June 30, it will be illegal in Michigan to use a cellphone while driving, unless it’s being used with a hands-free technology or mounted inside cars without modern hands free technology. Michigan becomes the 26th state in the nation that has a hands free law.

This means Michigan drivers cannot text, check out their social media, browse the internet, or watch videos will holding their phone.  The updated distracted driving law includes holding a phone while being stopped at a red light or stop sign.

Exceptions to the new law include making emergency calls or reporting a crime. Emergency responders, utility workers, police officers and ambulance drivers, are excluded from the new law, as long as they are using their phone for their work duties.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

June was a lucky month for a St. Clair County man as he changed his mind at the last minute and it led to the Lottery win of his lifetime as he brought home a $886,062 jackpot.

The winner says he went to Good Time Charlie’s in Capac to get food and play Club Keno. The 52-year-old winner who chose to remain anonymous bought two Club Keno tickets and won $10. He was going to use the winnings to purchase an instant ticket, but changed his mind and when he saw the Fast Cash jackpot was over $800,000, so he decided at the last minute to purchase a Jackpot Slots ticket instead.

The winner said, “When I got back to the table, I looked the ticket over and saw we had won the jackpot. I showed my brother the ticket and we started shouting with excitement! We couldn’t believe it and were in shock for a while.”

The winner says he plans to help his family with the winnings.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Hundreds of community members celebrated Juneteenth with music, food, and more Monday, June 19, at St Clair County Community College.

Juneteenth  is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Deriving its name from combining June and nineteenth, it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order by Major General Gordon Granger proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865 (two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued).

The Juneteenth event provided Bluewater area residents with a space and opportunity to celebrate Juneteenth while enjoying music, food trucks, inflatables for kids and an opportunity to connect with community groups providing local resources.

Reporting for WGRT – George James