Michigan History Magazine notes that on this date in 1673, Jesuit Jacques Marquette, explorer Louis Jolliet and five other men headed west from St. Ignace by canoe.

Court Decision Will Change Michigan Wine Shipment Rules
The Detroit Free Press reports that Michigan may either have to allow out-of-state wineries to sell directly to customers or ban in-state vineyards from doing so due to Monday's 5-4 U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding regulation of wine shipments. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission will lobby for banning all Internet, phone & mail wine sales, possibly driving some wineries out of business.

Toxic Emissions Drop in Michigan
The Detroit Free Press reports that total releases of toxic chemicals in Michigan declined by 24 percent from 2002 to 2003 according to the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report. Levels of certain toxins such as mercury rose 41% nationwide but dropped 24% in Michigan. Emissions of certain other persistent bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals like PCBs and dioxin increased in the US.
Read Toxic releases decline, but worst soups persist in the Christian Science Monitor

DNR Unveils New Internet Campground Reservation System
The Michigan.gov Newswire announced yesterday that color-coded maps showing customers which campsites are available for the state park campgrounds on specific dates are now integrated into the Department of Natural Resourcess Campground Reservation System. Michigan is the only state to show campers immediately what sites are available at state park campgrounds when making online reservations.
Visit the DNR Campground Reservation System web site

Online Pilot Program for Fall MEAP Test
The Detroit News reports that about 2,000 Michigan 6th graders will become the state's first to take MEAP tests online this fall. Taking the test online will allow teachers to receive exam results within 48 hours (as opposed to weeks or months) and more quickly address students' deficiencies.

Munising Class Helps Author
The UP Mining Journal has a feature on how Munising fourth-graders are helping a Kentucky children's book author vwith a story about a young girl who visits Munising and discovers a rich history and the value of family and memories. Book illustrators will likely create final drawings based on some of the concepts created by the kids in the classroom.

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