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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Connor McCowan sentenced to minimum of 20 years in prison

Katie Abdilla
November 6, 2013

Okemos resident Connor McCowan was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison Wednesday morning for the murder of MSU student Andrew Singler. McCowan was convicted of second-degree murder last month for fatally stabbing Singler, his sister’s boyfriend, during an argument on Feb. 23 that came to physical blows. Singler, 23, was left with two wounds in his heart and arm. Defense attorney Chris Bergstrom asked Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Clinton Canady III to remain lenient on McCowan’s sentence. Bergstrom maintained McCowan acted in self-defense that night, fearing for his life after Singler struck him in the head.

MICHIGAN

Influential journalism adviser, MSU alumnus passes away

Katie Abdilla
November 6, 2013

If it wasn’t for Jeff Nardone, professional writing sophomore Emily Cervone would not have come to MSU. The MSU alumnus, also the adviser for Grosse Pointe South High School’s weekly student newspaper “The Tower,” saw Cervone’s writing abilities when she was a staff writer for the paper and encouraged her to study at MSU. “He was just so vibrant and passionate about not just teaching journalism, but life,” Cervone said. “I learned so much in that class — how to handle people, handling deadlines, just like a regular job.”

MICHIGAN

McCowan to face sentencing in case

Katie Abdilla
November 6, 2013

Following a second-degree murder conviction, Okemos resident Connor McCowan will be sentenced Wednesday morning. After an argument between two friends turned violent on the morning of Feb. 23, McCowan, 19, fatally stabbed MSU student Andrew Singler, 23. It is possible McCowan could receive life in prison. Given McCowan’s lack of prior offenses, his attorney, Chris Bergstrom, said he plans to ask the judge for the lightest sentence possible.

MICHIGAN

Lansing voters approve marijuana decriminalization proposal

Lansing voters have approved a proposal to decriminalize recreational use of marijuana within city limits, according to unofficial election results from the Ingham County Clerk’s Office. With all 43 precincts reporting, about 63 percent of voters approved the initiative, which would allow the use, possession and transfer of less of less than one ounce of the drug when on private property for those 21 and older.

MICHIGAN

Beier, Woods win four-year terms on council; incumbent Boyle takes two-year seat

Geoff Preston
November 5, 2013

Ruth Beier and Susan Woods were victorious in their bids for seats on the East Lansing City Council, according to unofficial counts from the Ingham County Clerk’s Office. With all 17 precincts reporting, Beier took the lead and secured a spot on the council with 1,231 votes. Woods came in a close second to claim the other available seat with 1,085 votes, defeating candidates Ben Eysselinck and Sam Artley by more than 500 votes.

MICHIGAN

Officials expect low student turnout

Student voter turnout in East Lansing local elections is historically dismal, and there’s scant evidence to suggest Tuesday’s East Lansing City Council election will be any different.

MICHIGAN

Officials release potential future East Lansing development plans

Cayden Royce
November 4, 2013

A committee of consultants working on East Lansing’s Comprehensive Plan update met with the public and officials on Monday evening to display potential future developments ?involving main attractions across the city. A few of the suggested changes included ?re-engagement with the Red Cedar River to make the walk more pleasant, larger senior community housing and increase in parking options.

MICHIGAN

Stabenow talks Michigan's agricultural industry during Lansing visit

Irum Ibrahim
November 4, 2013

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow came to Lansing Tuesday to discuss new economic opportunities for the state’s agricultural industry while dealing with issues related to climate change. Stabenow, the chairwoman of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, hosted U.S Sen. Ron Wyden, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in Lansing earlier this afternoon at a forum with many of Michigan’s agricultural leaders.

MICHIGAN

Police: Football weekends showing rise in robberies

Katie Abdilla
November 3, 2013

After a slew of robberies on and off campus during football weekends, police prepared for more than typical tailgating citations prior to Saturday’s game. East Lansing had eight reported unarmed robberies on Sept. 14, the day of the football game against Youngstown State, according to East Lansing police Capt. Jeff Murphy.

MICHIGAN

CRC, greek community clean up East Lansing

Irum Ibrahim
November 3, 2013

Numerous students and community members combed East Lansing streets Sunday morning to clean up the trail of plastic cups, leftover food and trash left behind by partiers and tailgating Spartan fans. Community volunteers met downtown at 10:30 a.m. Sunday to take part in a neighborhood cleanup event hosted by the Community Relations Coalition, or CRC, the morning after the MSU football team’s win over the University of Michigan.

MICHIGAN

Living City: The art of fighting

Georgina De Moya
October 31, 2013

When it comes to the art of fighting, it’s more of a dance. Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art combining dance and fighting moves, was invented by slaves in Brazil during the colonial period and disguised as a dance to keep it hidden. Kevin Hendrickson, a personal defense professor at MSU, teaches Capoeira at IM Sports-Circle every Wednesday.

MICHIGAN

East Lansing businesses prepare for big holiday, football weekend

April Jones
October 31, 2013

While it is uncertain whether or not MSU will knock off the Wolverines this weekend on the gridiron, many local businesses are certain they will be winning when it comes to racking in high revenue. Many of the local on- and off-campus businesses will be expecting high numbers throughout the weekend with Halloween and the MSU vs.U-M football game falling on the same weekend.

MICHIGAN

Residents share thoughts on proposed improvements to Greater Lansing

Simon Schuster
October 30, 2013

Community members, officials and students gathered Wednesday evening to view what eight days of charrettes produced for the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission’s vision for the corridor from the Capitol to Webberville, Mich. The corridor runs of Michigan Avenue from the Capitol to its merge with Grand River Avenue, then on to Webbervile, close to a 20-mile stretch total.

MICHIGAN

New clothing company opens doors in E.L.

Irum Ibrahim
October 29, 2013

A new apparel store near the corner of Grand River Avenue and Abbot Road hopes to offer a unique twist on footwear to the East Lansing community and its visitors alike. Shoe and clothing chain VILLA had a soft opening Sunday, and will have its grand opening celebration this weekend. The East Lansing location is one of four new VILLA locations in the Midwest.