Over 200 Million Vehicles Have Crossed the Mackinac Bridge
A lot of cars cross the Mackinac Bridge every day, but who’s counting? The Mackinac Bridge Authority is counting, and they decided to recognize the 200 millionth vehicle that crossed the bridge.
Fifty million vehicles have crossed since 2009, with an average of 11,600 vehicles crossing per day.
To commemorate the crossing of the 200 millionth vehicle, the Bridge Authority surprised the occupants of the car that achieved the milestone with a gift basket and the photo op of a lifetime.
The Dalman family of Tawas City was on their way to Pictured Rocks on Wednesday, June 15th, when they were stopped.
Mackinac Bridge Authority Chairman Patrick “Shorty” Gleason said, “It’s our customers who pay the tolls that support the ongoing operation and maintenance of the Mackinac Bridge, so it’s only right that we recognize this milestone in the bridge’s 65-year history. “
Gleason added, “The bridge has been a critical connection for our state for more than six decades now, but it’s remarkable to know that so many vehicles, and countless more people, have crossed in that time.”
Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland
Financial Literacy to Be Part of Required High School Curriculum Starting in 2024
A bipartisan bill was signed into law requiring high school curriculums to include a financial literacy course. The bill is meant to prepare high school students for the future and empower them to handle their finances prudently.
The bill’s sponsor, State Representative Diana Farrington, a Utica Republican, said, “Personal finance education will serve as a launchpad for Michigan graduates lifting off into adulthood, so they won’t be caught off guard by the financial decisions that await them.”
Farrington said, “The course will teach students how to manage their finances. They’ll be prepared to make smart, everyday budget choices — and equipped to handle the challenges that come their way. Establishing a core class dedicated to financial literacy has been a years-long labor of love for me, and I’m truly excited for the students who will fly to new heights through a fuller, richer education.”
High schools will need to figure out how to meet the requirement of a half-credit of personal finance education by 2024, starting with that year’s ninth graders.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
MDARD Lifts Ban on Bird Exhibits Just in Time for Fair Season
There’s good news for those who love looking at the poultry and waterfowl exhibits at county fairs. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has lifted the statewide temporary ban that was imposed to limit the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
The goal of going thirty days without a new breakout of the virus has been met, so the ban has been lifted, but that does not mean that the highly contagious virus is completely gone.
State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland said, “Even though the state has been able to reach this incredibly important benchmark, this does not mean the virus has left Michigan. HPAI continues to be detected in wild birds throughout the state, which is not unexpected as the virus is known to be carried by wild birds. Since the virus is still present in the environment, it is still crucial for owners and caretakers of domestic birds to take every step possible to protect their flocks.”
There isn’t believed to be a risk to humans from bird flu, but poultry and egg products should always be fully cooked and precautions should be taken when dealing with live birds, including poultry and waterfowl.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
St. Clair County Wins Grant to Expand Internet Access
Michigan is investing in bringing high-speed internet to more consumers than ever. The latest round of investments has granted over $3 million to Michigan communities with a significant portion going to Duke Broadband in St. Clair County.
The Ira Expansion project has a total price tag of over $1.3 million. The Connecting Michigan Communities Grant will award over $858,000 toward the project.
The proposed fiber project will connect 367 locations with high-speed internet access.
This is the fourth round of awards as part of an initiative to expand broadband service to underserved areas in Michigan.
The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office is working to drive down costs and boost digital literacy along with expanding service. Training materials will be provided to residents in the expanded service area, along with collaboration with community groups to host events to promote e-learning, job, and workforce training.
Funding also went to projects in Menominee and Manistee counties.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
New Laws Allow for Swim-up Bars, 17-year-old Bar Servers
Several bills were signed into law this week, with two expanding how alcohol can be sold to consumers.
House Bill 4232 lowers the legal age for those who can serve alcohol in restaurants to seventeen. Lawmakers say the new law is meant to “expand the workforce” for restaurants and other businesses that serve alcohol and are having trouble finding workers.
Michigan Licensed Beverage Association Executive Director Scott Ellis said, “While this is a big win for our entire industry, I know our businesses in northern Michigan and other tourist areas will benefit tremendously from the signing of this bill.”
House Bills 5983 and 5984 allow for eating and drinking in public swimming pools and for swim-up bars. According to the Office of Gretchen Governor Whitmer, the bills are meant to “maximize business heading into a Pure Michigan summer”.
The swim-up bar legislation was applauded by the Zehnder family of Frankenmuth who owns the Bavarian Inn Lodge, which has a large water park onsite. State Representative Rodney Wakeman of Frankenmuth introduced Bill 5984.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland