Wednesday, July 8, 2026

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MICHIGAN

Race will emphasize family, fun and fitness

The ninth annual Ellen’s Race 5K Run and Walk is set for 9 a.m. July 28 at Pinecrest Elementary in East Lansing and will continue through area neighborhoods. The event began to celebrate the life of Ellen Osborn who died in 1993 when she was in the fourth grade and it now also emphasizes the importance of family, fun and fitness. Contestants can apply for $15 or $40 for a family of three or more before July 18.

COMMENTARY

Binge barriers

The Responsible Hospitality Council’s efforts to curb binge drinking in East Lansing are likely well-intentioned, but sadly, they are quite misdirected. As a college town, East Lansing is populated by a large number of citizens who routinely enjoy consuming alcohol.

NEWS

Titanic survivor dies

One of the four remaining survivors of the Titanic sinking of 1912 died in East Lansing on July 4 at the age of 98. Winnifred Quick Van Tongerloo was only 8-years-old when the Titanic went down on its maiden voyage after hitting an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean.

FEATURES

Crows continue with good tunes

What can I say? If you’ve ever bought a Counting Crows album and enjoyed listening to its mellow blend of rock and folk, then you’ll undoubtedly love this one, too. When its first radio hit, “Mr. Jones,” constantly badgered airwaves across the nation in 1993, the band was bound to catch on quickly. Nine years later, the seven-member band has released its fifth album, “Hard Candy,” a sweet collection of 14 tasty tracks (one hidden) proving that singer Adam Duritz still longs to be Bob Dylan. Produced by Steve Lillywhite (U2, Dave Matthews Band), the Crows have done what few bands can do - stick with what they’ve always done and not follow the current trend of sellouts.

MSU

Police dog brought to patrol, search, protect

The newest member of Meridian Township Police Department comes straight from the Netherlands and listens to all her commands in Dutch.Full of energy and generous with her kisses, 2-year-old Asta is the new township police dog.Asta, a Belgian Malinois, was flown in after a dog trainer in the Netherlands recommended her to Brian Gregory, vice president of Northern Michigan K-9.After two months of training, Asta is worth about $10,000.

MICHIGAN

Outdated Web site irks city residents

The World Wide Web may seem like a world wide wait for Lansing residents seeking updated and accurate information from their city government. Last Monday, the city clerk’s Web site had city council agendas through June 17, but meeting minutes were only available through May 13. Neighboring communities are providing more up-to-date information online, including voter registration. East Lansing’s city clerk Web page links to the Secretary of State’s home page, but Lansing’s leads to the National Mail Voter Registration Form, which hasn’t been revised since June 25, 2000. Disclaimers on both city Web sites say the information provided on the Internet is unofficial and should be used at one’s own risk. Liza Estlund-Olson, director of Lansing’s Department of Management Services, said the disclaimer is needed because city departments control their own Web content. Estlund-Olson said the city is in the process of hiring a team of people to work on the Web site. The Lansing City Clerk’s home page has an additional disclaimer saying all documents provided there by the office are unofficial and may contain errors.

NEWS

E.L., township differ on land-deal details

It seems East Lansing and Meridian Township officials are having a tough time seeing eye-to-eye. The city council approved a fourth draft of a proposed land-share agreement between the two municipalities 3-0 on Wednesday afternoon - days after township leaders rejected the city’s previous proposal. If the two municipalities cannot strike a deal by Aug.

COMMENTARY

Depleted reserves

The long lines at blood drives that became common after Sept. 11 have dwindled and raised concerns about the country’s supply.

COMMENTARY

Columnist wrong, Pledge change bad

This letter is in response to Drew Harmon’s column, “Pledge decision correct to eliminate religion, being American not about God” (SN 7/3). When I first saw the title of the column I had to laugh, because it is the typical liberal opinion that The State News shoves down our throats.

MSU

Jacobsons financial future in jeopardy

Okemos shoppers may soon have one less fashion-franchise to cruise through as legal matters threaten to affect a department store in Meridian Mall.Jacobson’s Stores Inc. is expected to make a decision within the next few weeks on whether to sell the franchise or go out of business.The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 16.

NEWS

Third festival adds crafts, dancing to lineup

As the third Common Ground Festival gears up for opening night at Lansing’s Adado Riverfront Park, the buzz is spinning like a disco ball with national artists coming to rock Mid-Michigan. Eighties metal-band Skid Row kicks off the festival at 5:30 p.m.

COMMENTARY

Altered pledge sign of freedom in U.S.

Being an MSU graduate, I am truly embarrassed by the letter to the editor written by Jake Harris, “Pledge fine as is, love it or leave it” (SN 7/3). “If they don’t like it, they can leave the country?” Wasn’t this country founded on religious freedom?

NEWS

Patriots pass up polls

After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, sales of American flags skyrocketed in what seemed to be a neverending surge of patriotism, but it seems patriotic interest only goes so far. Experts aren’t expecting people to exercise their right to vote as passionately as they’ve been flying the Stars and Stripes in recent months.

COMMENTARY

Vapid Voting

A note to college students: You are lazy and apathetic. That statement may sound mean and accusatory, but the numbers speak for themselves.

FEATURES

Keys brings youthful mix of soul, hip-hop

After watching the beautifully talented Alicia Keys take that stage at the sold-out pavilion of DTE Energy Music Theatre on a neo-soul trip this weekend, it’s hard to forget hearing the first industry buzz about this five-time Grammy winner.Two years ago a representative of J Records’ marketing and promotion team told me Keys was going to be huge.