State health department reports 3rd SARS case

The department previously reported two suspect cases in Kent County. None of the suspect SARS patients are hospitalized and all are recovering without any reported complications.

The cases will remain listed as "suspect" until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further identifies SARS and develops diagnostic tests for it.

State Surgeon General Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom said there's no evidence the three cases are connected because all three people traveled to Asia independently.

Radio towers to be used for homeland safety

Local law enforcement agencies may now use Michigan radio towers for homeland security purposes according to a policy Granholm established Friday.

The use of the towers would be intended to aid in effective communication and response between safety and government agencies, especially the Michigan State Police.

"In these days when homeland security and emergency management are among our country's first priorities, coordination, cooperation and communication are key," Granholm said.

Through the Michigan Public Safety Communications system, government public safety agencies would be able to install compatible communications equipment on the towers. The local agency using the tower and equipment would be responsible for paying installation, operation, maintenance and removal costs.

The communications system is a high-tech system for law enforcement and emergency personnel that allows Michigan State Police troopers and other government officials to talk to each other throughout the state.

The State of Michigan has invested more than $200 million in the communications system since 1994.

Four companies have decided to expand their business operations in Michigan, which might create more than 1,300 new jobs.

Michigan's quality of life and competitive tax base were key selling points that convinced these businesses to expand in Michigan, Gov. Jennifer Granholm said Tuesday.

Grupo Antolin, which makes interior trim parts and systems for the automotive industry, chose to take over a former Lear facility in Marlette instead of expanding an existing facility in Mexico. The company's operations are estimated to generate 566 jobs in Michigan by 2013, according to an University of Michigan economic analysis.

Gordon Food Service, Inc. plans to build a 200,000-square foot facility in Green Oak Township to expand their operations in the Midwest. The company was considering a competing site in Toledo, Ohio. The expansion will create 232 new jobs in Michigan.

Inalfa Roof System and Ironwood Plastics, Inc. are also expanding their operations in Michigan, creating 383 and 146 new jobs, respectively.

State seeks federal funds to improve voting

Michigan is among the states hoping to reap the benefits of federal legislation providing funds to states for new voting equipment technology.

The Help America Vote Act would help to fund upgrades in state election systems to conform with new federal standards - Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land said Michigan would benefit greatly from because Michigan uses a number of different voting systems.

Under the act, states receiving money would be required to upgrade to voting systems that:

• Require all polling places to have voting equipment so disabled voters, including the visually impaired could cast a secret ballot, without assistance from another person.

• Allow voters to verify and change their ballot before it is cast.

• Notify voters if more than one candidate has been selected for a single office, and allow the voter to correct the ballot before it is cast.

The legislation was signed into law by President Bush in October, and intends to provide a total of $3.9 billion in possible federal funding for all states, though Congress has only appropriated $1.5 billion toward the act so far. Michigan hopes to receive approximately $40 million to $50 million through HAVA's federal grants.