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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

'Bad driver' bill awaits governor's signature

Alessa Thomas
March 22, 2004

Michigan residents who have paid fines for failure to provide proof of insurance to police officers might soon have the opportunity to receive reimbursement. Legislation was passed Wednesday that would amend laws passed last year intended to punish people who drive without having car insurance. Under current laws, referred to as "bad driver" laws, drivers could pay fees reaching up to $435 over a two-year period in addition to $300 in assessments for failure to provide proof of insurance. The amendment would allow Michigan residents who can prove before the court that they had insurance at the time of citation to only pay a $25 administrative fee, which was charged before "bad driver" laws were put in place.

MICHIGAN

City seeks talent for 'Veggie' variety show

Agnes Soriano
March 19, 2004

The City of East Lansing is asking for individuals or groups to participate in the second annual Vegetable Soup Variety Show. Last year's show included comedy, music and theater routines. Applications are due by April 9 and can be picked up at the Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road, or found online at cityofeastlansing.com. The East Lansing Prime Time Seniors' Program and the Hot Spot Teen Club will host the event at 6 p.m.

MICHIGAN

Dunnings to run again

Sarah Mcevilly
March 19, 2004

Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III has announced his plans to run for re-election as the county's head lawyer. The position is a four-year term and pays about $100,000 a year.

MICHIGAN

Elementary students get brainy with help from 'U'

Agnes Soriano
March 19, 2004

At the front of teacher Dennis McCarthy's fifth-grade classroom, a group of students gathered excitedly around a table, eyes wide, whispering to each other. They weren't staring at the latest toy - they were touching real human and animal brains. As a part of Brain Awareness Week, sponsored by the Society for Neuroscience, MSU faculty and graduate students traveled this week to more than 10 local elementary, middle and high schools with hands-on presentations about the organ. McCarthy's class attends the Grand River Elementary Magnet School, 1107 E.

MICHIGAN

Arrest tally normal for Irish holiday

Sarah Mcevilly
March 19, 2004

While many people flocked to downtown bars or held parties of their own to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Wednesday, police said arrests and incidents were normal for the holiday. "There was nothing out of the ordinary," said East Lansing police Capt.

MICHIGAN

Professor to be honored in ceremony

Sarah Mcevilly
March 18, 2004

Colleagues and friends of Ruth Simms Hamilton have planned a memorial service and symposium to honor the former MSU professor's life and work. "This memorial service will be an opportunity for the campus community to celebrate the life of one of its most distinguished colleagues," said David Campbell, associate dean of the College of Social Science. Hamilton, 66, was found dead in her Meridian Township home on Nov.

MICHIGAN

New whiskey targets college crowd with local promotions

Don Jordan
March 18, 2004

A new 100-proof liquor is making its way to local shot glasses this week as the product is unveiled in various Midwestern college towns. The Cutty Black whiskey, distributed by Skyy Spirits LLC, is being geared toward a college-age demographic with a "dedication to American male culture and the timeless feeling of American rock n' roll." Promotional parties at East Lansing and Lansing bars and restaurants include Michigan's "100 Proof Girls," nine scantily clad women tying into the liquor's advertisements that feature medieval, fantasy-themed women. "Cutty Black is an edgy, irreverent brand targeting consumers in these high-energy markets who are on the cutting edge of music and trends and enjoy a pleasure-seeking lifestyle," said Marc Bromfeld, a brand manager at Skyy Spirits LLC., in an e-mail to The State News.

MICHIGAN

Area police officers prepared for rowdy St. Patrick's Day incidents

Alessa Thomas
March 17, 2004

Many area residents began planning for today's St. Patrick's Day celebrations in advance, and the police were no exception. This is the first where the holiday is being celebrated under the new .08 blood-alcohol content drunken-driving limit, and East Lansing police say they're prepared to crack down. "The bars open at 7 a.m., and they are drinking 12 hours earlier," said East Lansing police Sgt.

MICHIGAN

2nd-grade class gets college lesson

Agnes Soriano
March 17, 2004

Standing in front of a packed classroom on Tuesday, Lyman Briggs professor Walter Benenson described how sound waves travel through the air with help from Lyman Briggs sophomore Katie Knauf. Instead of teaching in his usual lecture hall filled with undergraduate students carefully taking notes, Benenson was a guest speaker in Sandra Donaldson's second-grade classroom at Cavanaugh Elementary School, 300 W.

MICHIGAN

Dry town

When Americans toasted the end of prohibition at their local pubs in 1933, the taps were still on hold in East Lansing.