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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

State, E.L. officials debate increasing speed limits on two local roads

Don Jordan
March 30, 2004

A private meeting Friday between Michigan transportation officials and East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows about increased speed limits on two city thoroughfares yielded no decision on the fate of the roads. The meeting was scheduled to provide city officials an opportunity to voice concerns to Michigan Department of Transportation officials concerning the change, which would increase the speed limit on sections of Saginaw Street and Grand River Avenue by 10 mph. Although no decisions were made, Meadows said the meeting was informative and productive. "There was a lot of dialogue about the decision-making process involved," he said.

MICHIGAN

Group rallies against online alcohol purchases in Mich.

The purchase of alcohol via the Internet, something available in many states, will never be allowed in Michigan if one recently formed group has its way. The Coalition for a Safe and Responsible Michigan, made up of about 13 organizations, formed earlier this month to advocate Michigan's system of alcohol distribution.

MICHIGAN

Group's petition seeks abortion bill override

Tara May
March 29, 2004

A petition initiative seeking to ban partial-birth abortions in Michigan is anticipated to be successful before the Legislature breaks for summer recess. The drive, launched by Right To Life of Michigan in January, gathered more than 325,000 signatures within two months of announcing its goal.

MICHIGAN

Bill could mean jail time for multiple MIPs

Alessa Thomas
March 29, 2004

Minors caught in possession of alcohol more than once who don't follow court orders could face jail time if a bill passed Thursday by the state House is signed into law. Under the bill, minors who drink could face up to 30 days in jail on their second offense, but only if they fail to pay the $200 fine and comply with probation.

MICHIGAN

CATA seeks opinions from students with disabilities

Elizabeth Piet
March 29, 2004

Two Capital Area Transportation Authority representatives met with members of the Council for Students with Disabilities last week to listen to concerns about bus service. "We just wanted to establish an ongoing relationship with this committee," CATA Paratransit Manager Sharon Blowers said.

MICHIGAN

2 E.L. restaurants receive license, add liquor to menu

Don Jordan
March 29, 2004

In the foyer of LH Grille Room, a large blackboard perched on the front wall displays the names of dozens of available beers and wines inscribed in bright, chalky colors. It has been just more than a week since those names were first written, when the restaurant, along with the adjoining Lou & Harry's Five Star Deli, received a long-awaited state liquor license. In the short time since spirits were added to the menu, owner Harry Saites said he already has noticed an upward swing in business. "Our dinner crowd, from 7 to 11 has already increased," Saites said. The approval comes after months of city and state approvals that Saites said he's glad he's finally done with.

MICHIGAN

Contests give young adults chance to talk politics in Boston

A pair of contests will give young people the opportunity to participate in July's Democratic National Convention in Boston. The two contests, called Speak Out for the Future and Gavel in the Future, allow young people of various age groups to submit writings to the Democratic National Convention Committee on two separate topics. To participate in Speak out for the Future, people between the ages of 18 and 24 must write a short essay about the importance of politics to young adults.

MICHIGAN

Speed-limit hike draws criticism

Don Jordan
March 26, 2004

The mayor of East Lansing will plead his case to state officials at a meeting today, in hope of preserving existing speed limits on two East Lansing roadways. Michigan Department of Transportation representatives and Mayor Mark Meadows will discuss the increase, which raises the speed limit 10 mph on sections of Saginaw Street and Hagadorn Road.

MICHIGAN

Basketball tourney's end saves E.L. police money

Sarah Mcevilly
March 26, 2004

With the MSU men's basketball team's short run in the NCAA Tournament, the East Lansing Police Department didn't have to dip deep into funds for riot protection and safety in the city. "We saved a lot of money by not having to invest in all of that prevention," said East Lansing Deputy Police Chief Tom Wibert.

MICHIGAN

MEAP alternatives debated

Alessa Thomas
March 25, 2004

High school students might not have to take the Michigan Educational Assessment Program, or MEAP, tests anymore if some state lawmakers and members of the Education Alliance of Michigan get their way. Supporters of removing the MEAP are working to replace the test with the ACT Assessment, a common test taken by students seeking college admission.

MICHIGAN

E.L. murder suspects to head to trial in May

Sarah Mcevilly
March 25, 2004

The two men charged in connection with the shooting at an East Lansing convenience store last month appeared in 54-B District Court on Wednesday morning for a pretrial hearing. Detroit residents Eric Charles Gordy, 35, and 29-year-old Hatarie Deamont McCorkle, were charged on March 2 with the murder of Lansing resident Joseph Lavon Parker and attempted murder of George Edward Whitfield, also of Lansing. Parker and Whitfield were shot at about 2:30 a.m.

MICHIGAN

Police: Assault might be linked to E.L. robbery

Sarah Mcevilly
March 25, 2004

Police are investigating a possible connection between an early Saturday morning sexual assault in Meridian Township and an armed robbery on Monday near the Cedar Village apartment complex. Police said the descriptions of the male assailants is similar in both cases.

MICHIGAN

60 E.L. teachers to receive layoff notice

Don Jordan
March 25, 2004

More than 60 East Lansing teachers soon will be receiving layoff slips, but school-district officials say it's more of a technicality than a threat to teaching jobs. The slips are a preemptive move the district is making in preparation of a $1 million expected deficit in the budget to be released in July. Kelley Peatross, the director of human resources and public development for East Lansing Public Schools, said teachers shouldn't worry. "I really don't anticipate any permanent layoffs," she said.

MICHIGAN

Report: State property tax could 'cripple' East Lansing

Don Jordan
March 24, 2004

East Lansing falls into the ranks of municipalities being financially "crippled" by state tax systems, according to a report released Tuesday by the Michigan Municipal League. Under the state's General Property Tax Act, municipalities must roll back millage rates when property values go up in a city, thereby decreasing their yearly revenue. The league argues in its report that cities are being penalized for growing and succeeding. "All Michigan cities are on a conveyer belt to crisis," said Summer Minnick, a lobbyist with the Michigan Municipal League.

MICHIGAN

Bestselling author to read at E.L. center

Alessa Thomas
March 24, 2004

Author Chris Bohjalian will visit East Lansing at 7:30 p.m. Thursday when he appears for a reading at the Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road. Bohjalian has written eight novels and is working on a collection of essays. His novel "Midwives" was a No.