Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Take a peek behind the curtain and test drive the NEW StateNews.com today!

News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Lansing yard waste collected this week

The City of Lansing will be collecting leaves and yard waste raked to the curbside this week. Residents can dispose of leaves and grass clippings in any large 30-gallon paper bag or 30-gallon rigid metal or plastic container that has a composting identification sticker. It's illegal for residents to rake leaves into streets, and all bags and containers must weigh less than 30 pounds or they will not be picked up. Identification stickers are available for free by calling the Waste Reduction Services Hotline at (517) 483-4400.

MICHIGAN

Woman sentenced in hit-and-run accident

Susan Swanson will serve four and a half to 15 years in prison for the hit-and-run death of a 40-year-old man on Grand River Avenue in Okemos last year, a judge announced Wednesday.Swanson, 42, was sentenced by Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Brown on Wednesday, nearly two months after a jury found her guilty of drunken driving and leaving the scene of an accident causing death, said Joyce Draganchuk, an assistant county prosecutor.On July 31, 2002, Swanson's Cadillac struck Alejandro Salinas as he walked along Grand River Avenue to his brother's home.

MICHIGAN

E.L. hotel, businesses host chili festival

The annual East Lansing Winter Festival & Chili Cook-Off will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Among events scheduled will be a chili cook-off between downtown restaurants, horse and carriage rides and a Mocktail Contest.The Chili Cook-Off begins in the Marriott at University Place, 300 M.A.C.

MICHIGAN

'U' alumnus returns to E.L. to join police department

Not every graduate is in a hurry to race out of East Lansing for a sunnier state or big city. Christopher Shadduck, a 1998 MSU criminal justice graduate, is one of the newest members of the East Lansing police force and said he feels "back at home." Shadduck, a Lansing native, was sworn into the East Lansing Police Department on Nov.

MICHIGAN

Charity urges donations as funding needs grow

The Salvation Army of Michigan held a press conference Monday to alert citizens of Michigan of a funding crisis in the charity organization.Officials were on hand to urge citizens to generously give to the charity's 2003 Red Kettle Campaign, which places bell ringers accepting donations in Michigan communities and asks state legislators not to cut any more of its funds.The organization, which provides a number of community services ranging from homeless shelters to food and clothing assistance, has seen state funding cuts of more than $2 million during the past year, said Capt.

MICHIGAN

Silent march makes noise for AIDS

Activists marched through East Lansing streets to the Union on Monday while wearing gags around their mouths to stop the silence that is involved with AIDS and HIV.More than 40 people participated in demonstrations, observances and other activities on campus and in East Lansing to recognize World AIDS Day.

MICHIGAN

Despite ruling, police will enforce MIP penalties

Ingham County Prosecutors are warning that police will continue to follow minor in possession laws that allow police to fine minors for refusing to take a breath test.Under current law, police can fine individuals younger than 21 a $100 fine if they refuse the breath test.But in a court opinion issued last week, U.S.

MICHIGAN

Registration proceeds for police academy

Registration is underway for the East Lansing Citizens' Police Academy. The 33-hour free program will teach 20 participants about the criminal justice system and the role of the East Lansing Police Department. The program runs from Jan.

MICHIGAN

Stores hire for holidays

With the economy improving and holiday retail expected to increase this season, businesses are looking to keep extra help as permanent employees after the holidays.

MICHIGAN

E.L. seeks fire money

As Gov. Jennifer Granholm prepares to finalize the state's budget, officials from East Lansing are making an attempt to save the city's fire-protection funding.

MICHIGAN

Science center hosts kids' tea

Reindeer, frogs, bears and dogs showed up for refreshments and activities at the Impression 5 Science Center on Saturday as the museum hosted its first Teddy Bear Tea.About 30 children attended the event, which invited youngsters and their favorite stuffed animals to the science center for refreshments, crafts, singing, a visit from Santa Claus and a free health check for stuffed animals as they entered the tea room."It's a fine science," said Impression 5 spokeswoman Heather Nedroscik of the check-ups.

MICHIGAN

Restaurants plan for holiday rush

Dawn Clark has spent the past two weeks preparing enough desserts to feed more than 400 people.The Bath resident is one of many restaurant employees getting ready for the Thanksgiving rush expected at Jambalaya's, 5942 Round Lake Road in Laingsburg, and said she has made a dozen pecan and apple pies and baked more than 16 cakes.

MICHIGAN

Panel ponders campus riots

East Lansing and the MSU community are no strangers to riotous behavior, and with the basketball season getting into full swing, city and university officials said they are prepared for the worst.

MICHIGAN

Local charity offers food for holiday

Lansing - Some low-income north Lansing families will receive turkey, yams and all the trimmings for Thanksgiving this year, thanks to a local charity project. The third annual Compassionate Feast, a food-donation program organized by founder David Such and the Old Town Commercial Association, will assist about 60 families this Thanksgiving. Such started Compassionate Feast after visiting various soup kitchens one Thanksgiving as a news photographer.

MICHIGAN

Safe travel a holiday priority

Motorists traveling on Michigan roads this Thanksgiving should be wary of a number of potential dangers, officials say.About 800,000 people are expected to make use of the state's highways and byways beginning today, and drivers are advised to use caution while traveling, said AAA Michigan spokesman Jim Rink."There are a lot of cars on the road, so you want to give yourself a lot of time, especially if the weather is not cooperating," Rink said.