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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Fish virus threatens lakes

Brian McVicar
May 17, 2007

It is only a matter of time before a virus that may have caused fish to internally bleed to death in parts of Lake Erie and Lake Huron spreads to Lake Michigan. Officials at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, or DNR, are currently working to stop viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS. Although the virus does not affect people, if it remains untreated, there could be significant consequences for the environment and the economy, said Kelley Smith, chief of the state's DNR Fisheries Division. "The testing does take time and it does cost money," Smith said.

MICHIGAN

Habitat breaks new ground

Lauren Talley
May 16, 2007

Lansing — Habitat for Humanity Lansing officials celebrated their new home Tuesday — happy they are no longer renting a cramped space to hold its operation. In 2005, Habitat purchased a building at 1941 Benjamin Drive, which, at the time, was only a shell and now, two years and almost 50,000 volunteer hours later, the organization has a place to call home. "Our goal is to build decent, affordable housing and now we finally have our own home that's up to those standards," said Heather LaFave, the organization's family-support manager. Volunteers and staff conducted tours of the new facility. Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero and Rep.

MICHIGAN

Budget crisis stalls funding

Brian McVicar
May 16, 2007

End Violent Encounters of Lansing is feeling the effects of the state's budget crisis and may not be able to maintain its services. The organization relies on state and federal grants to keep its services for domestic violence victims up and running, said Susan Shoultz, executive director of the Lansing-based organization.

MICHIGAN

Residents open homes to celebrate E.L. centennial

Jennifer Orlando
May 15, 2007

"Perfect." That is how East Lansing resident Roy Saper viewed the quality and design of the home located on 812 Applegate Lane that he fell in love with more than 30 years ago. Now, Saper and five other residents will showcase their homes at the East Lansing Home Tour, an event continuing to the city's centennial celebration. People will view six private homes — each of which depict a style that represents their respective decade. Angela Mabin, a member of the East Lansing Centennial Commission's planning committee, anticipates 300 people will attend the tour, and is excited to feature a "broad range of housing in East Lansing from a historical viewpoint." "We thought we'd give area residents the opportunity to see some of the fine housing East Lansing offers," Mabin said.

MICHIGAN

Officials caution against summer fire accelerators

Rachael Zylstra
May 15, 2007

S'more roasting, hot dog grilling and burger flipping — it's the start of summer in East Lansing. But before you fire up a grill or stack wood in a fire pit, it's important to pay attention to your surroundings and what you're using to start barbecues or bonfires. East Lansing Fire Marshal Bob Pratt said to use caution and common sense when burning any sort of outdoor fire during late spring and the summer months. "With grilling, make sure you have an adequate container that isn't rusted out," Pratt said.

MICHIGAN

E.L. may fund sobering center

Sarah K. Norris
May 15, 2007

East Lansing officials could provide funding in the establishment of a regional sobering center. The Lansing City Rescue Mission has taken the lead in the early stages of founding the center.

MICHIGAN

Habitat for Humanity gets a home

Lauren Talley
May 15, 2007

Habitat for Humanity Lansing received a home of its own this month and will celebrate with an open house today. The organization, which previously rented office and storage space, built 64 homes and helped more than 70 families move out of substandard housing in the Lansing area. During its 20 years of operation, the organization rented various spaces, including its most recent location, a 5,500-square foot building that housed administrative offices, a construction warehouse and ReStore, a home improvement thrift shop that sells new and slightly used items at discounted prices. "The old building was uninviting and cramped, placed in a tucked-away area that wasn't completely visible from the road," Justin Rumao said, a mechanical engineering senior and spokesman for the MSU chapter of Habitat for Humanity, wrote in an e-mail. The organization is no longer confined to a small, rented space. Habitat recently moved to 1941 Benjamin Drive in Lansing and will hold an open house for its official opening from 3-6 p.m.

MICHIGAN

BBQ opens in Melting Moments

Ryan Beene
May 15, 2007

Just in time for summer, Melting Moments opened its doors with a brand new twist — a barbecue sandwich shop. Backyard Bar-B-Q adds a different flavor to the ice-cream parlor and the downtown food scene. "One thing we have is our signature product, the pulled pork," said Jim Johnson, owner of Backyard Bar-B-Q.

MICHIGAN

Honoring nine officers

Craig Trudell
May 14, 2007

Mason — Protecting and serving a community can be a deadly task. More than 70 police officers gathered for prayers, poems and a 21-gun salute at the Ingham County Sheriff's Office on Friday in honor of nine police officers killed in the line of duty. Families, friends and co-workers wiped away tears as nine flowers, representing the fallen officers, were placed into a wreath resting between two rows of saluting police officers. Following the ceremony, a training facility at the office was dedicated to Sgt.

MICHIGAN

Gas prices may affect travel

Lauren Talley
May 14, 2007

MSU researchers have come up with three scenarios to gauge how summer gas prices could change. Donald Holecek, a professor in the Department of Park, Recreation and Tourism Resources, said gas prices could fluctuate in three major ways, having varied impacts on travel inside and outside of Michigan. Holecek and researchers at the Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center at MSU were able to determine the three scenarios.

MICHIGAN

State closer to budget accord

Pete Nichols
May 14, 2007

After months of political clashes in Lansing, the legislature has moved slightly closer to finding common ground on a replacement for the soon-to-be defunct Single Business Tax, or SBT. Michigan faces an estimated $700 million budget deficit for 2007.

MICHIGAN

West Village to be completed by fall

Kristen Daum
April 26, 2007

East Lansing will have 32 new residential units by the time students return to school in August. Construction of the West Village development has been ongoing throughout this semester, and developers say they are on track to move in the first tenants by fall. The West Village development is a mix of townhomes, flats and condominiums off West Grand River and Hillcrest avenues.

MICHIGAN

Credit coming soon to parking lots, garages

Kristen Daum
April 25, 2007

Each of the East Lansing's 13 parking lots and garages should be equipped to accept credit cards within the next month, said Dan O'Connor, East Lansing's parking administrator. The city purchased about $1 million in updated parking equipment in January.

MICHIGAN

Bill supports cell research

Julie Baker
April 25, 2007

Rep. Mark Meadows, D-East Lansing, has helped propose a bill to extend scientific research on embryonic stem cells in Michigan and increase the punishment for those who violate the current restrictions. The bill would amend constraints placed on research facilities — allowing scientists to potentially use stem cell research to develop ideas or cures for diseases.

MICHIGAN

City earns honor for tree care ordinance

Julie Baker
April 25, 2007

The National Arbor Day Foundation honored East Lansing for its Tree City USA program in 2006. This is the 20th year the city has received this honor, which recognizes its tree board department, tree care ordinance, comprehensive community forestry program and Arbor Day observance.

MICHIGAN

Council reviews parking

Kristen Daum
April 24, 2007

A "rip-off." That's how marketing senior Bill Smith described East Lansing's downtown parking rates, echoing frustration expressed by some East Lansing officials. The city operates 13 parking lots and garages in the downtown area, and drivers are charged between 50 cents and 75 cents per half hour, depending on the time of day. The city rakes in about $3.35 million annually from these charges. "It's such a rip-off," Smith said.