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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Malls set up sessions to improve service

It takes employees with a good attitude and a lot of motivation to keep customers coming back. Several malls around Michigan are trying to improve customer service skills with sessions for their staff members to learn how to better the mall environment.CBL & Associates Management Inc., an umbrella business that manages several malls, including the Meridian Mall in Okemos, the Fashion Square Mall in Saginaw, the Midland Mall in Midland and The Lakes Mall in Muskegon, recently asked for Michigan Works’ services to better the quality of employees.The sessions will work to improve the performance of the hourly employee up to the highest manager of the retail stores.“We had very, very good feedback,” said Cindy Leyrer, Capital Area Michigan Works workforce development consultant.

MICHIGAN

Phi Psi 500 fund raises for children

Seiko’s police badge hit the ground with each thump of his tail as a group of children giggled and stroked his fur.The German shepherd made an appearance at Phi Psi 500 on Saturday as part of the East Lansing Police Department’s canine unit.Phi Kappa Psi and Kappa Alpha Theta members hosted the event in Valley Court field from noon to 4 p.m.Lansing area children won candy for participation in several games, including a ring toss, tick-tack-toe, bean bag toss, musical chairs, sucker pull, horseshoe throw and bowling.

MICHIGAN

Greek week begins with games

A rope, potato sacks and Hula-Hoops were all part of the Greek Week kickoff on Sunday. Fourteen teams, each with one sorority and two fraternities, participated in field events at noon in the Valley Court field.

MICHIGAN

Analysts: Candidate faces tough battle to upset Whitmer

Williamston - In a United Methodist church in his hometown, Larry Ward officially kicked off his campaign Thursday night in what many call an uphill climb against state House incumbent Gretchen Whitmer. Ward is the only Republican to file so far in the race for the 70th District House seat held by Whitmer, an East Lansing Democrat.

MICHIGAN

Greek Week events to benefit community

The campus greek system has existed for 130 years, and part of that tradition, the Greek Week celebration, will return Sunday. Billy Molasso assistant director of Student Life, said Greek Week is based around leadership, scholarship, friendship and service.

MICHIGAN

E.L. honors passing of former chief

East Lansing police Chief Louis Muhn remembers when he was first hired into the department by former police Chief Stephen Naert.Naert, who became the city’s chief of police in 1972, died Monday at age 75.“I remember he had a tremendous memory for names, one I truly envied,” Muhn said.

MICHIGAN

Fraternities to host event for children

Phi Kappa Psi and Kappa Alpha Theta are hosting Phi Psi 500 on Saturday in Valley Court Field, which is behind the corner of Abbott Road and Grand River Avenue, from noon-4 p.m. The event is geared to children and features games with prizes, face painting, a K-9 police dog, music, a fire engine, an air trampoline, balloon animals, a dunk tank, free parking and food. “I think this event is important to the community because it gives kids something fun to do in the spring,” said Adam Wosneski, Phi Kappa Psi Philanthropy chairman.

MICHIGAN

Senator joins Bonior

State Sen. Alma Wheeler Smith officially joined U.S. Rep. David Bonior in his gubernatorial campaign. Wheeler Smith, D-Salem Township, announced her decision to drop out of the running for the Aug.

MICHIGAN

Study shows some STDs not reported

In a three-state study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, officials found some sexually transmitted diseases were not being reported as required by state law.Up to 36 percent of gonorrhea cases and up to 22 percent of chlamydia cases were not reported.The study was conducted in Colorado, Minnesota and Massachusetts, examining gonorrhea and chlamydia cases from 1995 to 1999.

MICHIGAN

State selects quarters

Lansing - Excited youthful designers and coin enthusiasts joined the governor at the Library of Michigan Historical Center Wednesday for the unveiling of the five possible larger-than-life images of Michigan’s state quarter.

MICHIGAN

Granholm may take action in pricing law case

Attorney General Jennifer Granholm may take legal action against Home Depot for violating the Michigan Item Pricing Law in 45 of their retail stores.The law, enacted in 1976, states that each business must prominently display each item’s price on it and must give customers a receipt of the transaction.The attorney general’s office works with the Michigan Department of Agriculture to enforce it.The department receives complaint calls from consumers who feel a store has violated their rights and then turns its findings over to the attorney general’s office, where legal action is taken.Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Sara Linsmeier-Wurfel said the law serves two purposes.“The law makes sure that commerce has an even playing field,” Linsmeier-Wurfel said.

MICHIGAN

Rising gas prices hit Michigan

Residents of Michigan and the rest of the Midwest have grown used to large increases in gas prices over the summer.But this year, the increases brought on by seasonal changes in travel have been joined by the United States interactions with Middle East oil producers.AAA Michigan spokesman Jim Rink said motorists already have seen some of the results of OPEC management.

MICHIGAN

Wheeler Smith, Bonior join forces in governors race

Alma Wheeler Smith, after months of poor showing in the polls, has joined forces with U.S. Rep. David Bonior in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.Wheeler Smith, a state senator from Salem Township, decided to step into position as Bonior’s lieutenant governor when it became clear she would not be able to raise the money for her campaign.“They both believe it’s time for Michigan to have a real change,” Mark Fisk at Bonior’s campaign office said.Bonior, D-Mt.

MICHIGAN

Court declares obscenity law unconstitutional

The Michigan State Court of Appeals ruled Monday that a law prohibiting obscenities in front of women and children was too vague and thus unconstitutional. In 1999, Timothy Boomer, of Roseville was convicted for violating the law after shouting obscenities when he fell from a canoe into the Rifle River in Arenac County.