George James

Legislation to allow and regulate online casino-style gaming, along with sports wagering, was signed last week by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Online casino-style gaming and sports betting will now be allowed for those 21 and older through casinos already operating in Michigan, including Detroit’s three casinos and tribal casinos across the state. The new laws deal with fantasy sports, charitable gaming, and horse racing as well as sports betting and casino-style gaming.  

The Michigan Gaming Control Board will regulate online gaming with built-in safety features and strict state oversight – including age verification systems and protections against fraud. In-play sports betting will be based on official information provided by sports leagues such as the National Football League, National Basketball Association, and others.

According to Michigan House Republicans, the bipartisan bill, “will improve essential public services without asking Michigan taxpayers to pay more at the gas pump or grocery store.” They also assured “Several safeguards will be in place to protect and grow education funding, including a provision to ensure online games offered by casinos do not directly compete with games sponsored by the Michigan Lottery.”

A portion of revenue from the reforms will go to a state fund that compensates first responders for lost wages and medical benefits if they get cancer from fighting fires. Another portion will be dedicated to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund to help those in need access treatment and prevention programs.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The CDC is reporting that flu activity is greatly increasing around the country. The organization is reporting that most of the activity is being caused by influenza B/Victoria viruses, which is unusual for this time of year. This has prompted the St. Clair County Health Department to again recommend and remind residents to get their flu vaccination. 

Michigan has already reached regional levels of reported flu activity. Anyone six months of age and older is eligible for the vaccine every year. Antibodies can take two weeks to

develop and provide protection against the flu. Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer says that, “Contrary to comments often heard, it is impossible to get influenza from the flu vaccine.” Mercatante says, “The vaccine is the best way of protecting yourself and those around you from the flu.”

The Health Department reports it has a variety of flu vaccines to meet everyone’s needs (while supplies last). Most insurance is accepted and flu vaccines are typically a covered benefit. For those uninsured or underinsured, cost will vary based on income eligibility and family size. Vaccines are available Mondays through Friday with varying hours and locations of availability. Contact the health department for more information.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The ban on deer baiting in Michigan will remain for the time being. Last month we reported about an attempt in the legislature to remove the ban, which was enacted to prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in deer and elk herds, as well as domestic livestock. While the bill made it through both the House and the Senate, it was ultimately vetoed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. 

The Governor explained her decision as an effort to protect the beef and dairy industries in Michigan, as well as to protect public health. She says that the authority to enact or lift a ban on baiting should remain with the Department of Natural Resources. 

The ban on baiting remains in effect for the entire lower peninsula and parts of the upper peninsula. Leaving piles of carrots, corn, and other agricultural products for deer to eat on both private and public property is prohibited. 

The Department of Natural Resources describes chronic wasting disease as a contagious, neurological disease that affects deer, elk and moose. It causes a degeneration of the brain resulting in emaciation, abnormal behavior, loss of bodily functions and death. \

Sixty cases of Chronic Wasting Disease were confirmed in deer in six lower peninsula counties, but none have been reported in the Blue Water Area at this time.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

December 26 is not only a day for Santa Claus to catch his breath, but a public holiday known as Boxing Day in the United Kingdom and other British Commonwealth countries such as Australia, New Zealand and our northern Canadian neighbors. 

In spite of its peculiar name, Boxing Day has nothing to do with actual boxing, the trashing of empty boxes left over from Christmas or the return of unwanted presents to department stores. 

According to the History Channel, the “term is of British origin, and the Oxford English Dictionary traces its earliest print attribution to 1833, four years before Charles Dickens referred to it in ‘The Pickwick Papers.’ The exact roots of the holiday name are unknown, but there are two leading theories, both of which are connected to charity traditionally distributed to lower classes on the day after Christmas.”

Although the practice of charitable giving on December 26 has faded with charity now being given in the weeks leading up to Christmas, the Boxing Day name has endured. These days, December 26 is a popular holiday in the Commonwealth countries for watching sports such as soccer and cricket, shopping and visiting friends. If you plan to head north over the border today, remember, it’s a holiday and most businesses and government buildings will be closed.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The St. Clair Inn announced its official opening last weekend to the delight of many residents in the Blue Water Area and beyond. On Saturday, December 21, the historic grounds welcomed the first public guests to book overnight reservations, check out the 1926 restaurant and more.  

Guests now have the ability to enjoy 42 renovated historical guest rooms, in the same English Tudor styling that the Inn is known for. The 1926 Restaurant also offers guests local farm-to-table meat and produce. This three-meal-a day restaurant, featuring Executive Chef Jacob Verstegen, made its debut Saturday evening to the delight of many guests trying it for the first time. Going forward, the restaurant is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Since the start of the historic renovation in 2015, local residents and many people all over the country have anticipated the opening. There are still rooms set to be finished, but the public can now make overnight guest rooms reservations or purchase gift certificates.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The opioid crisis is a pervasive menace for many local communities, as it drains public resources and taxes first response systems, not to mention its devastating effect on users and their families. 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is continuing efforts to remedy the complex situation. The organization has been working to reduce the stigma of the disease by referencing dependence as “opioid use disorder” and has made changes to expedite access to medicines that help with withdrawal. Now, another effort is underway with a series of townhall meetings hosted by the MDHHS and the Opioids Task Force, with the goal of seeking feedback from residents. 

According to a statement from MDHHS, “The state’s strategy addresses three key areas: preventing opioid misuse, ensuring individuals using opioids can access high-quality recovery treatment and reducing the harm caused by opioids to individuals and their communities.” 

Michigan has also gone after the source of many opioids by filing an historic lawsuit against companies such as Walgreens, Cardinal Health, and others, citing them for irresponsible distribution, failure to monitor orders, and cooperation with “pill mills”. The suit was filed in Wayne County Circuit Court and seeks to recoup funds spent on added law enforcement and rehabilitation expenses related to opioid abuse incurred by the state. To get involved in the Town Halls and see the full schedule of meetings, visit Michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.