Local News

This Fourth of July holiday, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is removing lane restrictions on more than two-thirds of its road and bridge projects statewide to ease traffic delays for holiday travelers. AAA Michigan estimates about 1.7 million people from Michigan are expected to travel during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, a 4.4 percent increase from 2018. Of that number, AAA estimates that 1.4 million Michiganders will be taking to the road during the holiday to celebrate America’s independence.

Beginning at 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, and continuing until 6 a.m. Monday, July 8, 101 out of 143 projects statewide will have lane restrictions removed. While motorists will see suspended operations in most MDOT construction zones for the weekend, drivers are advised that equipment and certain traffic configurations may remain in place, like temporary shifts or shoulder closures.  For up-to-date information on MDOT projects, visit Michigan.gov-drive.

The 4th of July holiday can be a fun time for family and friends to enjoy cookouts, fireworks shows, or a variety of outdoor activities.  However, in the midst of the excitement, our four-legged friends can get sidelined. On their Facebook page, the Blue Water Area Humane Society shared a few tips on how to help your pet enjoy the holiday festivities. 

Did you know that more pets get lost on July 4th than any other day of the year? Be sure your pet has its collar on with an up-to-date ID, and keep a current photo of your pet. Also, try to exercise your pet early in the day before the party begins. During cookouts, ask guests to play with your dog or cat to keep them distracted while involving them in the event.  Be sure to clean up fireworks so your pup doesn’t try to eat anything they shouldn’t. You can play music, turn fans on, and create ambient noise to keep your pet distracted, or give them a favorite treat to praise good behavior. Whatever you do, remember that your pet sees the world differently than you do. Applying these simple tips will help make the 4th of July a more positive experience for all of you!

Law enforcement officers from police departments, sheriff’s offices, and the Michigan State Police are encouraging motorists to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday in a safe way. Beginning July 1st through the 14th, law enforcement is cracking down on impaired drivers over a two week period during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Officials want to remind drivers that any form of impaired driving is illegal.

During the crackdown, officers will be on the lookout for motorists under the influence of drugs and alcohol. In Michigan, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, although motorists can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer believes they are impaired. Michigan has what is commonly referred to as a zero-tolerance drugged driving law. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is supported with federal traffic safety funds provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The City of Marysville is walking a little bit taller today as Marysville High School Graduate, Ali Bastianelli was nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year award.  Bastianelli, at 6’3”, is a middle blocker for The University of Illinois Women’s Volleyball Team. According to the University of Illinois, the, “NCAA Woman of the Year award recognizes graduating female college athletes who have exhausted their eligibility and distinguished themselves in academics, athletics, service and leadership throughout their collegiate careers. Bastianelli is one of a record 585 female college athletes that have been nominated by NCAA member schools for the 2019 NCAA Woman of the Year award. The nominees competed in 23 different sports across all three NCAA divisions, including 262 from Division I, 131 from Division II, and 192 from Division III. Multisport student-athletes account for 144 of the nominees. The NCAA encourages member schools to honor their top graduating female student-athletes each year by submitting their names for consideration for the Woman of the Year award.  Congratulations to Ali on her nomination.”

Michigan’s Legislature will not be forced to redraw legislative and congressional districts for the 2020 election following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Thursday, June 27. After the 5-4 decision, the high court states that federal courts have no role to play in deciding claims of partisan gerrymandering. During the last election in November, Michigan voters passed a constitutional amendment creating an independent commission to handle the once-a-decade redistricting process after the census. The amendment will go into play for the 2022 election and then every ten years. 

Marysville residents and motorists alike can breathe a sigh of relief as the Westbound ramp at Gratiot and I-94 has reopened.  While that’s good news, construction season is now in full swing and there are a few road closures area residents should be watching for this week in St. Clair County. In Clay Township, Anchor Bay Drive will have single lane closures with temporary traffic signals for a bridge replacement until July 12th. In Port Huron Township, Dove Road between Michigan and Range will be closed for construction until July 12th. Local traffic will be allowed westbound only. All projects through the St. Clair County Road Commission are weather permitting.