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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Gas prices at 5-month low, could drop further

Gabrielle Russon
August 29, 2006

Another cause for celebration this Labor Day weekend could come from an unlikely place — the gas station. After this weekend, gas prices should begin to drop, said AAA Michigan spokeswoman Nancy Cain. "We don't think we've seen the lowest price yet," she said. Already, the gradual drop at the pumps can be seen as the summer slowly dwindles to an end. The price of regular gasoline is down 35 cents per gallon over the past three weeks, and the statewide average reached a five-month low of $2.77, AAA Michigan announced Monday. Still, compared to this time in August 2005, prices are up 9.5 cents per gallon.

MICHIGAN

'Glass Castle' author visits E.L.

Andrea Humanic
August 28, 2006

A woman who grew up almost constantly on the move with her eccentric family discussed how her life has changed since sharing her memoir with the world Wednesday night at the Hannah Community Center. Jeannette Walls, whose book "The Glass Castle" was chosen for the "One Book, One Community" program, charmed an audience of about 750 guests with stories of people she has met since her book was published, as well as the reaction of those who knew her but didn't know her past struggles. The "One Book, One Community" program was created in the fall of 2002 and is designed to strengthen the relationship between the university and the community of East Lansing by giving students and residents a common bond. "The Glass Castle" covers Walls' unconventional childhood, her relationship with her parents who were careless and unkind at times and her own coming-of-age despite her difficult roots.

MICHIGAN

Northern Tier land could be sold to E.L.; votes could decide area's fate

Kris Turner
August 28, 2006

Correction: "Northern Tier land could be sold to E.L.; votes could decide area's fate" should read "Northern Tier land could be annexed to E.L.; votes could decide area's fate." About 200 acres of land in the Northern Tier area could be obtained by East Lansing if voters decide to expand the city's boundaries. Gilbert White, a local real estate developer, sent two petitions in late July to the Ingham County Clerk's office asking for parts of Meridian Township to be annexed to East Lansing. The Northern Tier is located north of Lake Lansing Road and includes The Landings and The Village at Chandler Crossings apartment complexes. "It would be a substantial loss to the community," Meridian Township supervisor Susan McGillicuddy said.

MICHIGAN

Teens charged in playground arson

Two East Lansing 17-year-olds were charged with felony arson for their involvement in the July destruction of a Harrison Meadows Park playground structure. Alex Charles Ellis and Jace Wickman were arraigned Tuesday and charged with two counts of arson of real property and one count of conspiracy to commit arson. Each offense is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and, in this case, a possible restitution payment of more than $42,000. Wickman allegedly contacted East Lansing Police Department Detective Jeff Walsh in August with information about possible suspects in the case and said Ellis was with him when the fire occurred. Walsh interviewed the defendants separately and said he discovered differences in each defendant's sequence of events.

MICHIGAN

Parks and Rec tutoring program receives grant

Brendan Bouffard
August 28, 2006

The East Lansing Department of Parks, Recreation and Arts has received a $1,170 grant for East Lansing middle and high school students who need after-school tutoring. The scholarships are designated for those students who attend tutoring sessions filled primarily with volunteers from the MSU Service-Learning Program. The grant allows for 10 students to attend the one-on-one tutoring sessions. To apply for one of the student scholarships, fill out an application available at www.cityofeastlansing.com.

MICHIGAN

Expanding into nature

Holly Klaft
August 16, 2006

Walkers, joggers and bikers will have a little more to enjoy as the city begins construction to extend the Northern Tier Trail. The trail has been a prominent feature in the city for about seven years, and runs north to south along the west side of Abbott Road for four miles.

MICHIGAN

Voting for name of penguin ends tonight

Amy Oprean
August 15, 2006

By midnight tonight, a Macaroni penguin chick who has been awaiting a name since his birth on May 22 at the Detroit Zoo, will officially go by Izzo, Pudge, Rico, Scooter or Fritz. The name contest brought in 7,000 submissions from the public and was narrowed down to the top five by members of the zoo's animal staff.

MICHIGAN

Healthy donations

Andrea Byl
August 15, 2006

Beans, corn, cucumbers and lettuce — if it grows in a garden Beth Lange said she has grown it in her yard and donated it.

MICHIGAN

Experts: Void left by business tax loss must be filled

Nearly a week after state lawmakers decided to repeal the Single Business Tax, concern has risen as to how the Legislature plans to fill the hole it will cause in the state's economy. Revenues from the tax make up 22 percent of the state's general fund. The tax, which should be phased out by the end of 2007, is believed to be a burden that's keeping new businesses from locating in Michigan.

MICHIGAN

Local airport calm despite terrorist threat

Justin Kroll
August 11, 2006

There were no delays and the atmosphere remained calm at Capital City Airport on Thursday despite heightened security due to an attempted terrorist plot. British authorities arrested 24 people after they were tipped off about a plan to blow up at least 10 planes leaving for the U.S.

MICHIGAN

Traffic stop yields terror arrest of 2 Mich. men

Lindsey Poisson
August 11, 2006

Two 20-year-old college students from Dearborn were arrested and charged Wednesday with money laundering and procuring items with the intent to use them in terrorist acts. Local authorities stopped Osama Sabhi Abulhassan and Ali Houssaiky for a traffic violation in Marietta, Ohio, when the deputies found flight information, $11,000 in cash and 12 phones in their car, according to an Associated Press report. A map showing Wal-Mart locations in Kentucky, Tennessee and North and South Carolina were also found.

MICHIGAN

CATA invests in energy-efficient buses

Mara Deutch
August 10, 2006

After 10 years of working toward improving the environment, the Capitol Area Transportation Authority, or CATA, furthered its goal by purchasing three diesel, hybrid electric buses. The buses, which are the first of their kind to be used in the state of Michigan, will create less emissions than other CATA buses and provide a smoother ride for customers, said Sandy Draggoo, executive director and CEO of CATA. CATA plans to begin building the buses into their regular routes as soon as Aug.

MICHIGAN

County considers 911 centers' consolidation

Lindsey Poisson
August 9, 2006

For Ingham County, the question is whether or not less is more for emergency dispatch centers. County commissioners are considering merging Ingham County's two 911 centers after a recent independent study showed the potential cost effectiveness of having one emergency dispatch center for the entire county. If the two centers merge, concerns from local police include quality of service diminishing, lack of a contingency during a power failure and what will happen to employees within the two centers. The county is concerned about funding without raising taxes.

MICHIGAN

Financial woes

There are several obstacles facing businesses located near the Chandler Crossings apartment complexes, East Lansing Economic Development Administrator Tim Dempsey said. Although the area is divided between the city of East Lansing and Bath Township, businesses seem to filter in and out of the area after having their doors open for only a few years. "There's a number of challenges faced by that shopping center," Dempsey said. "One of them is its design and placement.