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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Charges against Dishon Ambrose still stand

Detroit resident Dishon Ambrose was denied the motion to quash in the Ingham County Circuit Court this afternoon, according to a representative from Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings’ office. Ambrose was attempting to quash the bind-over, which would have dismissed his charges.

MICHIGAN

State surcharge helps low-income families

After two years of quick-fix solutions, the Legislature passed a new long-term plan to provide heating assistance for low-income families. The recently approved program adds a new surcharge on utility users — up to $1 per month.

MICHIGAN

Alcohol-after-midnight ordinance faces changes

East Lansing’s moratorium on restaurants serving alcohol past midnight could become permanent in the fall. City council adopted a resolution on March 5 authorizing a 180-day temporary moratorium on approval of restaurants serving alcohol past midnight. The moratorium was enforced to provide staff time to evaluate the approval of downtown restaurants serving alcohol, as well as the overall impact of licensed establishments. The goal is to recommend appropriate policy changes that address those issues, East Lansing Planning & Community Development Director Tim Dempsey said.

MICHIGAN

MSU police called in for protesting event

On Monday morning, about 40 members of Michigan Coalition Against Tar Sands gathered near Stockbridge, Mich., where they clung to bulldozers and protested the expansion of an oil pipeline. Of these protestors, 11 were arrested and four face felony charges, Ingham County Sheriff’s Maj. Joel Maatman said.

MICHIGAN

Mich. lawmakers debate purpose of Stand Your Ground law

In the wake of George Zimmerman’s acquittal and the subsequent outrage from organizations such as the NAACP, calling for justice in the death of Trayvon Martin, some members of the Michigan Legislature are questioning whether existing law would create a similar case here in Michigan. The Self Defense Act of 2006, otherwise known as the Stand Your Ground law, permits individuals who fear impending death, significant bodily harm or sexual assault, to act with deadly force in order to protect themselves.

MICHIGAN

Local woman recognized for helping elderly woman find her family

Fowlerville, Mich., resident Bethany Scheib didn’t think twice when she drove nearly three hours to return a stranger to her family. The stranger, an elderly woman from St. Charles, Ill., had gotten lost while on her way to visit her daughter and unknowingly drove across the state border. Scheib contacted and met with the woman’s family, earning her a standing ovation in the St. Charles City Council Chambers and a Citizen Appreciation award last Monday.

MICHIGAN

Heat advisory affects Sidewalk Sales turnout

A heat wave that scorched East Lansing last week forced more than 180 local businesses, art galleries and restaurants to persevere through the Sidewalk Sales throughout the weekend. Merchants and customers alike anticipate specials and sales during this annual event, however, a more diluted downtown was apparent as temperatures flirted with the 90s.

MICHIGAN

Night shifts of police officers unpredictable

For East Lansing police officer Traci Sperry, there’s no such thing as a typical night on the town. From traffic stops to arresting those who have been drinking under the influence, Sperry’s shift is different each night. But even with the chaos and uncertainty that can come with the job, she would rather be patrolling the streets, making sure East Lansing is safe, than doing anything else.

MICHIGAN

Cooling centers offer relief from heat wave

It’s this week’s number-one conversation topic as everyone camps out by air conditioners and fans: the sweltering heat. Jeff Andresen, associate professor with MSU’s Department of Geography and the state climatologist for Michigan, said the weather, which qualifies as a heat wave, can be explained as a “big, hot air mass” covering most of the central eastern United States.

MICHIGAN

It's all in the bag

Bands break up all the time and get back together, but not always do you hear about two pipe bands joining together to save both. Since 1982, the Glen Erin Pipe Band has been playing, originally formed from two different bands, MacLeod Lewis Pipe Band from St. Johns, Mich., and the Clan MacNeil Pipe Band from Okemos. Terry Carroll was a part of the Clan MacNeil Pipe Band before it joined forces to form the Glen Erin Pipe Band.

MICHIGAN

E.L. businesses prepare for Sidewalk Sales

Scorching temperatures are no match for the ambitious establishments of East Lansing. More than 180 businesses, art galleries and restaurants will swarm East Lansing’s downtown for the 2013 Sidewalk Sales from July 18-21.

MICHIGAN

Mich. court rules edible marijuana unusable

Brownies, candies, balms, creams, ointments and extracts — all of these products have become favorites for medical marijuana patients who prefer more casual methods to smoking the plant. Unfortunately for users and operators of dispensaries across the state, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled on July 11 that edibles, and by extension many of these products, are not considered usable marijuana under the current Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, or MMMA.

MICHIGAN

The Residences, Hopcat will benefit downtown E.L.

Cron Management is well underway to bringing an altitudinous twist to the typical East Lansing apartment with the construction of a ten story building. As construction continues, The Residences, 211 Ann St., are set to be completed by August just in time for fall move-in. Cron Management Manager and Associate Broker Julie Barrett-Horan declined to give detail on the progress of the construction.

MICHIGAN

ELPD continues to work daily on sexual assault cases

The East Lansing Police Department, or ELPD, still is investigating the slew of sexual assaults that took place near the end of April and continued through May, with the most recent assault taking place on May 16, ELPD Captain Jeff Murphy said. “There fortunately haven’t been any more (assaults), but unfortunately we haven’t identified a suspect,” Murphy said. “We still have several open tips that we can’t close yet because the detective is still working on them.”