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Bill to redo drivers licenses
If a state Senate bill becomes law, minors will be more easily identified by their Michigan driver’s license or ID card. This bill, introduced by Sen.
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Bill to require CPR training for teaching certification
A bill that passed the state House addresses having new teachers - about 5,000 per year - to be CPR-certified. State Rep.
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Bill to deter student solicitations
Rep. Tony Stamas, R-Midland, would like to see a bill he sponsored concerning the right to deny Freedom of Information Act requests for student information reach the governor’s desk before the Legislature leaves on recess. The bill, which passed out of both chambers but returns to the House for approval of Senate changes, would attempt to decrease the mounds of unwanted solicitation that high school students have to sift through. “Parents and students need protection from that bombardment,” said Sen.
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Small businesses may see sales increase
Small businesses can expect a business boom according to the Small Business Association of Michigan. The report, released last week, cited optimism in owners and a decreasing amount of good help as signs that businesses can expect more sales.“Sounds good to me,” said Ray Walsh, owner of Curious Book Shop, 307 E.
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Austin declares secretary of state bid
Lansing - The newest Democratic candidate in the secretary of state race announced his intentions to run Friday. State Board of Education member John Austin announced his intention to run for secretary of state - for the second time.
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Officials to discuss parking fee increase
East Lansing city officials will debate a possible raise in parking fees tonight.The extra 10 cents per half-hour would pay for the entire parking system budget for the 2002-03 year.City officials say daytime parking numbers have fallen in the city while parking has remained stagnant in the evenings.Another factor are the debts new parking facilities have left the city.The Charles Street Garage totaled $12.5million in construction costs.
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U tests river for bacteria
As some students walked heads-down to class Monday, Betty Wernette-Babian was dropping a small glass bottle down the side of the Farm Lane bridge.The MSU sanitarian pulled the yellow line up, complete with a new sample of yellowish Red Cedar River water.“It’s got a muddy appearance but that’s natural for this river,” she said.Wernette-Babian takes samples weekly in three places on the MSU campus - Farm Lane, Hagadorn Road and Kalamazoo Street - which are then sent to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for E.
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Legislators introduce plan to lower prescription costs
A proposal by three Michigan representatives would create a regional cooperative to help senior citizens purchase prescription medicines at lower cost. In a Wednesday press conference, Reps.
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Bill could help families purchase homes
Lansing - Young couples who may have trouble finding enough money for a down payment on their first house soon could receive help from the federal government. A bill co-sponsored by U.S.
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CATA to increase pass fares for fall
Capital Area Transportation Authority rates will increase for the fall semester in the
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Earth Day Fest brings speakers, bands
Earth Day Fest invaded Ann Street Plaza on Sunday to raise environmental consciousness in the East Lansing community. E-day, in its ninth year, was sponsored by the East Lansing PRIDE Team and East Lansing merchants. It raised an awareness of environmental concerns that generally are overlooked, showcased gadgets to improve health and materials on the proper way to recycle. Teri Parks, owner of Bohemian Barber, 223 M.A.C.
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WIC program guidelines present problems for users
As 29-year-old Lisa Cano pushes a cart down the aisle of a Kroger supermarket, she sighs as she notices her brand of baby formula is not in stock.“I find this a lot with certain juices and cereals,” the mother of four said.
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Health center may get funds
The Otto Community Health Center funding may now be restored, five months after the money was cut. An additional $24 million is included in the 2002-03 School Aid budget to fund Otto and 27 other Adolescent Health Program services.
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Weekend events round out Black Greek Week
Black Greek Week commences this weekend. The Black Greek Unity Party will be held at 9 p.m. Friday at IM Sports-West.
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Businesses struggle with E.L. taxes
An East Lansing discussion of taxes and restaurant licenses has raised the question over the role of independent businesses in the city. During Tuesday’s city council meeting, council members discussed the possible denial of license renewal for six local businesses because of taxes delinquent as of last week. Since then, the list has dropped to three businesses - Domino’s Pizza, 966 Trowbridge Road; Famous Taco, 901 Trowbridge Road; and Sidestreet Deli of East Lansing, 605 E.
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State terrorism laws to take effect Monday
A package of bills designed to fight terrorism will officially become law Monday. The package defines the crime of terrorism in Michigan and sets penalties for any person involved, whether committing the crime, aiding the crime or impeding a law enforcement officer. State Sen.
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Governor unveils alternative energy proposal
In Dearborn on Thursday, Gov. John Engler announced a plan designed to make Michigan the world leader in alternative energy. The plan includes tax benefits for companies researching the topic and a NextEnergyZone, which would be a 700-acre area near Ann Arbor where research on the topic will be centered. Much of the alternative fuel issue has centered on fuel cells in automobiles, but Engler spokeswoman Susan Shafer said the plan hopes to generate just as many advances in other everyday activities. “We’re probably not going to see it in our cars soon,” she said.
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Fraternity rides along with police
Life for one MSU fraternity includes speeding tickets, breaking up fights and filling out paperwork.The 40 members of Alpha Tau Omega are tagging along with East Lansing police officers through the beginning of May.Each member will ride with an officer on duty for a two-hour shift.“The misperception of college kids is that we party and we have no brains and we are just some frat guys that destroy anything we put our hands on,” Alpha Tau Omega member Jonathan Rosenthal said.
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Bill to set water guidelines
The water beneath your feet is receiving some attention from a bill introduced recently in the state House.The bill, introduced by Rep.
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Bill to refuse patients
Hospitals and health care clinics that have a specific religious foundation could turn patients away if the procedure conflicted with their beliefs under a new bill introduced to the Senate on Monday.Sen.