New Hands-Free Law Passed

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

Local Man Purchases Winning Ticket

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

Juneteenth In the Blue Water Area

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

Celebrate American History By Creating A Lasting Art Project PH Parks & Recreation

An American Flag Open-Ended Art program will take place on Wednesday, June 28th, from 6 pm – 7 pm at the Palmer Park pavilion located at 2829 Armour St. Port Huron.

The program, presented by the Port Huron Parks & Recreation Department, emphasizes the artistic process rather than a specific end result. Attendees will have the freedom to explore materials as they wish, without the pressure of predetermined outcomes. Led by resident artist Cindy Badley, participants will learn various techniques to express their unique artistic visions of the American flag.

The program has a resident fee of $15, while non-residents will be charged $30 to register. Interested individuals must register by Friday, June 23rd. All ages are welcome, however children aged 5 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.

This creative opportunity offers a chance for people of all ages to engage in expressive artistry while honoring the American flag.

For more information, visit: porthuronrec.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Museums New Exhibit Brings The Peanuts Characters To The Blue Water Area

Port Huron Museums, located at 1115 6th Street, Port Huron is showcasing their unique new exhibit titled “Take Care with Peanuts,” the exhibit explores the themes present in Charles Schulz’s iconic comic strip, projecting three important messages of caring: caring for oneself, caring for others, and caring for the Earth.  

Many are familiar with the Peanuts Gang’s classic characters such as Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock, and more from comics, as well as their many holiday specials such as It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and many others.

Manager of Community Engagement, Andrew Kercher highlighted how the Peanuts Gang sets an example, often with humor, and explained that “Take Care with Peanuts” aims to inspire action through online messages, animated videos for children, charitable opportunities, special curricula, social media engagement, pop-up experiences, and more. 

For more information, visit: phmuseum.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan State Police New Speeding Initiative Seeks To Save Lives

Michigan State Police have launched an intensified speed enforcement campaign in response to a troubling surge in speeding and fatal crashes.

Running from June 17-25th, the initiative involves county and local police agencies across the state, with the aim of curbing dangerous driving habits and saving lives.

Speeding accounts for a significant portion of traffic fatalities in Michigan, as well as across the country, contributing to one-fourth of such incidents. 

In 2021, Michigan had 237 speed-related fatalities, marking an 18.5% increase from the previous year. Nationwide, there was an 18% rise in speeding-related fatalities, totaling 11,258 deaths in 2020 compared to 9,478 in 2019.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, local roads pose a higher risk to speeders compared to highways. In 2020, a staggering 87% of all speeding-related traffic fatalities occurred on non-interstate roadways.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell