George James

Online Sports Betting and Casinos Break Records with Michigan Debut

If you tried out online sports betting or casinos this year, you are part of history. Michigan’s venture into legal online sports betting and online casinos has been one for the record books. Sports betting debuted with $115 million in bets in the first ten days, according to numbers from the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Online casinos posted $29.4 million in gross receipts.

Michigan generated more money than any other state. Analysts with PlayMichigan, which analyzes online gaming operations, said, “The circumstances for Michigan’s online launch could not have been better ahead of two of the biggest sports betting holidays of the year.”

Sports betting accounted for 76% of the state’s online gambling, but online casinos did pretty well also, generating over $4 million in tax revenue in first ten days.

Gambling operations seem to have confidence in Michiganders’ taste for gambling. PlayMichigan analysts said that launching with 10 operators ready to go from the beginning was unlike anything else they had seen before.

While revenue for the actual betting operators was down due to the massive amount of advertising they have been doing in Michigan, PlayMichigan’s analysts said that it shows just how much confidence operators have in the future of the Michigan market.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SC4 Presents “Victim or Creator: Changing Your Mindset”

Port Huron, MI — St. Clair County Community College in Port Huron is offering a presentation called “Victim or Creator: Changing Your Mindset”. The 60-minute chat via Zoom will be held on Friday, February 26th at 2:00 p.m.

The guest speaker, Caleb S. Boswell, will be exploring the thoughts and language that people use internally. Mr. Boswell is described as having a “passion for mental wellness and education”. The presentation will be challenging the “victim” versus “creator” mindset.

Boswell is a Student Advisor at Washtenaw Community College and has experience with promoting college access and personal development. He works to promote mental wellness and benefits of therapy with the hashtag #TherapyIsNormal and is a facilitator of “The Healing Collective”.

The presentation is open to students, faculty, staff, and community and is sponsored by SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

To get the login information, email dei@sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lauwers Asks for “Common Sense” with MDHHS Orders

Michigan State Senator Dan Lauwers is heading up an effort to get some clarity and consistency in Executive Orders when dealing with the rules for local government meetings. Current regulations restrict in-person meetings, which can create a burden on people who are just trying to do their jobs.

Lauwers pointed out that local Boards of Review are required to meet on March 2nd, but are restricted to gatherings of no more than ten people and no more than two households. While meeting online has been an answer to restrictions on gatherings for nearly a year, it is not always possible in the 25th Senate District, with vast rural areas in St. Clair, Sanilac, and Huron counties, that Lauwers represents.

In a letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lauwers said, “State government should not be issuing and enforcing orders that limit residents’ access to their local elected officials and the community entities necessary to carry out the functions of municipal life. It is the responsibility of government to consider the impact of its policies and account for unintended consequences. In short, it is the responsibility of government to use common sense.”

The letter was signed by nine State Senators.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SC4 Hosts Film Discussion

Port Huron, MI — As part of their recognition of Black History Month, St. Clair County Community College in Port Huron is offering a special event to discuss the film, A Continuing Series of Small Indignities. The discussion will take place on Zoom at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 25th.

The film, made by Michael Pfaendtner, may be viewed prior to the event on Vimeo. The documentary is based on the reflections of Rodney Harris, a retail management worker in Macomb County. The theme of the film is Harris’ lifelong challenges because of his race. Harris, along with the filmmaker will be part of the discussion panel.

Also on the panel will be Dofonso Fernando, military veteran, SC4 Alumnus, and current Ferris State University student. Fernando will offer his perspective as a recent graduate of SC4 pursuing educational and career goals.

The presentation is offered by SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the SC4 Democratic Learning Committee. It is open to students, faculty, staff, and the community. Information about signing up for the presentation is at WGRT.com.

To reserve your spot and receive login information, email dei@sc4.edu

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Clear Snow from Chimneys, Vents, Meters

As the snow piles continue to grow, and even though Michiganders are used to heavy snow and cold temperatures, the Michigan Public Service Commission has sent out a reminder. They want to be sure that snow is cleared around chimneys, vents, and utility meters.

The MPSC says clearing snow is a life-or-death issue. If carbon monoxide comes back into the house, occupants could become victims of CO poisoning. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, fainting, weakness and nausea. If poisoning is suspected, victims need to get into fresh air immediately and call 911.

To prevent problems, residents should make sure chimneys and air intake valves are not blocked by snow or ice. High-efficiency furnace users should make sure white plastic intake valves are not blocked. Mobile home residents and residents of homes with flat roofs are asked to be especially aware of rooftop drifting that can block chimneys.

Finally, attention needs to be paid to utility meters. Snow or ice buildup can alter the readings and functioning. They need to be carefully cleared to avoid breakage.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland