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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Bills aim for farm regulation

Melanie Thomas
February 23, 2006

Michigan House Republicans hope to help the state's agriculture industry by offering farmers incentives to meet environmental standards, representatives said Tuesday. The six-bill legislation package will allow farmers to enter a voluntary program that verifies the farmer is taking steps to prevent pollution. "This legislation is vital to the continued growth and development of Michigan farm jobs as we strive to reach the goals and objectives of rebuilding the economy and enhancing business and industry," said Rep.

MICHIGAN

Complaints of ID theft high

Michigan residents are filing more complaints about identity theft and consumer satisfaction, according to Attorney General Mike Cox. Complaints that include credit and financial concerns topped Cox's list of top consumer complaints in 2005, according to a report released in early February. Identity theft was frequently mentioned in complaints obtained by the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. The office recovered $4.5 million in consumer refunds from complaints.

MICHIGAN

Rhythm contest

Vanessa Notman
February 23, 2006

Orange and red lights shined on the stage with a single stool, a microphone and a faux brick background. This isn't a nightclub or coffee shop.

MICHIGAN

Proposed building could be 10 levels

Bob Darrow
February 23, 2006

Some of the flattest space left in downtown East Lansing could be transformed into one of the city's tallest structures. With the City Council's blessing, a private developer is researching the feasibility of building on the site of Lot 1, a city-owned parking lot located on Albert Avenue across from Harper's Restaurant & Brewpub. The proposed project would include a mix of residential and retail space similar to the City Center development, which stretches from Barnes & Noble Booksellers at the corner of Charles Street, to Cosi on M.A.C.

MICHIGAN

Word on the street

In light of Tuesday's special primary for the state Senate seat, we hit the streets to find why you think students are so apathetic about voting. "I don't think students choose not to vote.

MICHIGAN

WEB EXTRA: Council discusses property acquisition

Vanessa Notman
February 22, 2006

Council members went into executive session 45 minutes into the East Lansing City Council meeting Tuesday night to discuss property acquisition and the status of labor negotiations. The property acquisition involves part of downtown East Lansing not associated with East Village, said Ted Staton, East Lansing city manager. He said revealing anymore information on the subject would compromise the city's interest in the matter. A resolution to honor the passing and legacy of civil rights pioneer Coretta Scott King was delivered Tuesday evening by Councilmember Kevin Beard.

MICHIGAN

Police: Negligence leads to theft

Melissa Domsic
February 21, 2006

More than $20,000 in personal belongings have been reported stolen on campus since the semester began in January. Most of these thefts were "crimes of opportunity" because the items were left unattended, said MSU police Sgt.

MICHIGAN

Afternoon crash stalls commuters

Melissa Domsic
February 21, 2006

A four-car accident blocked traffic on Lake Lansing Road east of Abbott Road for about 40 minutes Monday. One car rear-ended another at about 2:20 p.m., which caused two more cars in front of it to also get hit, East Lansing police Sgt.

MICHIGAN

Green says he brings fresh ideas for economy and businesses

Ken Osborne
February 20, 2006

Okemos attorney Vince Green's interest in politics dates back to his time as an administrator at Western Michigan University in the late '80s and early '90s. However, Green, a Republican, has not been personally involved in politics until this race. "I am not a politician," said Green, who while at Western was an assistant to the vice president of legislative affairs.

MICHIGAN

Legislators discuss Democrat issues

Ken Osborne
February 20, 2006

Hundreds of Democrats from across Michigan gathered Saturday in Lansing to listen to some of their party's biggest names lay out the issues important to them and rally their supporters for elections in the coming year. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from U.S.

MICHIGAN

Business background anchors Robinson's platform

Ken Osborne
February 20, 2006

Melissa Sue Robinson considers herself a businesswoman. She has 25 years of business experience that she believes will help her if she wins the special Senate election. "With my background in business, I understand how laws really affect actual businesses," said Robinson, who is running as a Democrat. Reducing taxes and reforming the regulatory environment in the state are the keys to attracting new businesses to Michigan, Robinson said. Most of her experience is in the construction business.

MICHIGAN

Whitmer hopes to piggyback House work by winning Senate seat

Ken Osborne
February 20, 2006

State Rep. Gretchen Whitmer said she believes her experience as a lawmaker will be an asset for voters as she has represented the East Lansing area in the House since 2000. "This being the middle of the term, it's going to be critical that we have someone that can hit the ground running," Whitmer said.

MICHIGAN

Olin offers massage for healthy sex week

Melanie Thomas
February 20, 2006

Olin Health Center will teach massage tonight to kick off Healthy Sexuality Week 2006. Healthy Sexuality Week, themed "Stimulate Your Senses," is attempting to raise awareness of sexually transmitted infections, contraception and sexuality.

MICHIGAN

Bank to open in Northern Tier

Corinne Devries
February 17, 2006

Michigan State University Federal Credit Union plans to build a new office park to relocate their headquarters to, on 140 acres of undeveloped land in the Northern Tier. Groundbreaking will take place in late 2007. The institution, known as MSUFCU, needs the space since doubling in size in the last five years, the local credit union's spokeswoman, Joyce Banish, said. Most people choose a financial institution near to where they live, Banish said. "Hopefully, we'll get more members because the North end is growing fast," she said. MSUFCU was started in 1937 by "a handful of professors" and was run out of a single desk, Banish said. "The whole idea of the credit union wanted to make sure young professors had access to get loans," Banish said.