marysville

Michigan Attorney General Warns Consumers Of Scams On Amazon Prime Day

With Amazon Prime Day taking place on July 16th and 17th, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel cautions consumers to be wary of scams. “Prime Day offers great deals but also attracts scammers,” Nessel said, advising vigilance and simple precautions for a safe shopping experience.

Tips to Avoid Scams:

Prepare: Make a shopping list and set a budget.
Verify: Confirm models and items before buying.
Check Policies: Review return policies.
Compare Prices: Use competitors’ sites.
Watch for Fake Reviews: Research products and sellers, check reviews on other sites, and focus on verified reviews.
Avoid Phishing: Verify emails and texts by logging in directly on Amazon’s official website, and report suspicious messages.
Beware of Spoofing: Ensure websites start with “https://” and include “amazon.com”.
Fake Customer Support: Don’t share personal info with unsolicited callers. Report impersonators to Amazon and Michigan’s Robocall Crackdown Team.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Sheriff Launches Innovative Smartphone App

St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King is thrilled to unveil a new custom smartphone app, enhancing connectivity between the Sheriff’s Office and the community. The app offers a streamlined platform for residents and visitors to access Sheriff resources, read news, and provide feedback. 

Developed by TheSheriffApp.com, the app underscores the importance of modern technology in public safety. “With over 80 percent of Americans using smartphones, this app allows us to better inform and serve our citizens,” said OCV Partner Kevin Cummings. Sheriff King emphasized his commitment to innovation, stating, “The community deserves the same advanced tools our employees use.” The app is now available for free download in the App Store and Google Play. 

You can also find the app by clicking this link.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Flushing Bathroom Wipes Could Now Cost You A Fine In Michigan

No more flushing bathroom wipes down the toilet, Public Act 43 of 2024 has banned the labeling of bathroom wipes as “flushable” unless they pass stringent requirements in Michigan, aiming to tackle sewage system clogs. The new law requires the manufacturers of non-flushable wipes to clearly label them with the “Do Not Flush” symbol.

The law, signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on May 22nd, mandates that packaging must include the phrase “Do Not Flush” and a symbol to deter improper disposal. This applies to any premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes containing petrochemical fibers with significant potential to be used in bathrooms. Violators of the law can face fines.

Michigan public works operators have long argued that wipes marketed as “flushable” cause major problems in wastewater treatment systems, as they do not break down like toilet paper. The wipes often clog screens and pumps, leading to sewage backups and the formation of “fatbergs”—masses of wipes, fats, oils, grease, and other solids.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

E. Coli Contamination Closes Chrysler And Holland Beaches In St. Clair County

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has issued a swimming advisory for Chrysler Beach in Marysville and Holland Beach in Port Huron due to elevated E. coli levels. The beaches will remain closed until water samples show acceptable E. coli levels, as advised by the State of Michigan.

E. coli, a common microbe in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, indicates fecal contamination. Elevated levels often follow storms or strong winds, which carry bacteria in stormwater runoff and stir it up from waves.

Advisories for St. Clair County’s public beaches are available on the SCCHD’s “St. Clair County Beaches” Facebook page and the Michigan BeachGuard website at egle.state.mi.us/beach. 

For more information, visit: scchealth.co or contact the SCCHD Environmental Health Division at (810) 987-5306.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Record Absentee Voting In Michigan Ahead Of Primary Election

With just under four weeks until Michigan’s Primary Election Day, over 1.5 million voters have requested absentee ballots, and more than 178,000 have already submitted their ballots, breaking the previous records set in 2020.

“This is great news for Michigan, and for democracy,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. The current absentee ballot requests total 1,518,665, surpassing the 2020 numbers by 157,833. 

Michigan citizens can register to vote online or in person and cast their ballots in person from July 27th to August 4th, or on Election Day, August 6th.

Voters can also track their absentee ballots or find more information at Michigan.gov/Vote.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan SHPO Awarded $75,000 Grant To Survey African American Recreation Sites From The Green Book Era

The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has received a $75,000 grant from the Historic Preservation Fund’s African American Civil Rights History program, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced. 

This grant will fund a preservation consultant to survey properties listed in the Negro Motorist Green Book, a guide for African American travelers published from 1936 to 1966. The project aims to create a historic context on African American recreational tourism in Michigan and nominate a site for the National Register of Historic Places. 

State Historic Preservation Officer Ryan Schumaker emphasized the importance of recognizing these sites to deepen understanding of African American history in Michigan. The project is part of a broader effort by the National Park Service to document and preserve Civil Rights history.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell