WEB EXTRA: 'Mr. East Lansing' John Patriarche dies at 89

Former East Lansing City Manager John M. Patriarche, a man known to the city as "Mr. East Lansing," died Sunday.

WEB EXTRA: MSU College of Law wins moot court competition for 2nd consecutive year

Knowing how to think quickly, maintain clear body language and face adversity are three main components in becoming a well-prepared lawyer. Just ask third-year law students Sean Caruthers and Susan Lumetta, MSU's Moot Court & Advocacy Board representatives who took first place at the 2007 Robert F.

Service tax: TV ads speak out against Granholm's proposal

To prompt opposition to Gov. Jennifer Granholm's proposed 2 percent tax on services, a duo of Michigan business groups launched a campaign to attack her initiative. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Association of Realtors, or MAR, launched the 30-second commercials, which have aired across the Lansing area since last week. The theme of the campaign is "Give Governor Granholm Your 2 cents." People don't understand how great of an effect this excise tax would have on them, said Brad Ward, director of public policy and legal affairs for MAR. "We would like the state government's restructuring policy to save the citizens money, rather than balance its problems on their back," Ward said, adding that the companies have discussed broadening the base of the ads. The proposed service tax is part of Granholm's plan to eliminate the state's combined $3 billion budget deficit. According to the Michigan Department of Treasury, the proposed tax would generate almost $1.5 billion in revenue by taxing about 132 services — many associated with transportation, business and finance. Implementation of the tax would cost a middle-class family of four about $69 a year, according to Terry Stanton, director for the Michigan Department of Treasury. If the service tax were adopted, Michigan would have a tax system that's not in step with the rest of the country, according to a study by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and Anderson Economic Group. "Many of the negative features of the governor's plan could be remedied if the 'excise tax' on business-to-business service purchases and the asset tax were eliminated from her plan," the study said. But Granholm's proposed taxes and budget cuts would allow Michigan to continue investing in education, health care and other import programs for the future, Stanton said. "This proposal was put forth by the governor ... because it combines government restructuring and some pretty significant budget cuts that would provide the state with the revenue that it needs to invest in itself," he said. Granholm has encouraged other ideas for solving the budget crisis, but no one has put anything on the table, said Liz Boyd, Granholm's spokeswoman.

Tobacco tax: May increase revenue later this year

The tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products may be reduced significantly when the next fiscal year begins Oct.

Police briefs 03/20/07

Posh pups dazzle Lansing

Lansing — Gallivanting to MC Hammer's "U Can't Touch This" and shining in this season's sharpest fashions, the canines in Old Town's Studio 1210 had a moment to sparkle Sunday during the second annual Gone 2 the Dogs Spring Fashion Show. About 20 dogs donned handmade designs by Gone 2 the Dogs owner Jana Nicol, who organized the show last year for something to do. "I was just looking for fun things to do for people to enjoy and to laugh," she said. A $5 admission helps finance the Robert P.

Hockey club wins national championship

Not being recognized by the university doesn't keep the 25 players who make up the Spartans' club hockey team from playing with green-and- white pride. The MSU club hockey team beat Davenport University, 5-4, on March 11 after defenseman Jeff Marley's overtime goal to win its second American Collegiate Hockey Association Division II national championship in the last three years. After splitting with Davenport in the regular season, but losing 7-3 in the Great Midwest Hockey League final, the Spartans knew they would be playing the role of the underdog. "We knew we would have to jump on them early and quickly," said John Perkovich, food industry management junior and team captain.

Students discuss Asian American stereotypes, culture

By Summi Gambhir For The State News Asian American students at MSU know the stereotypes: They speak with broken English.

Event marks start of war, local opposition

Tuesday marks the fourth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. A "Peace Chain Against the War" will be formed from 5-7 p.m.

Vigil protests Iraq war, honors activist

By Lauren Talley For The State News Lansing — Anti-war posters, upside-down American flags and rainbow-striped banners covered a fenced-in portion of the sidewalk outside the state Capitol on Friday to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Iraq war and to remember Rachel Corrie, an American activist who died working for peace in the Middle East. The vigil, hosted by The Greater Lansing Network Against War and Injustice, was held in concurrence with Friday's Christian Peace Witness for Iraq events, which are held across the country and in Washington to bring people of Christian faith together in opposition to the war. Roughly 40 citizens gathered for the vigil, one of the weekly nonviolent Iraq war protests the network holds.

Coffee growers' lives, struggle shown in film

The MSU Geography Club will present "Black Gold," a film about the global coffee industry, at 7:30 p.m.

ASMSU may film informative DVD

ASMSU representatives want to create a motion picture starring MSU's undergraduate student government. Student Assembly is trying to inform students of its purpose by creating a DVD that will include information on different groups within ASMSU's assemblies and the many functions of the organization, said Nigel Scarlett, ASMSU's Student Assembly vice chairperson for external affairs. "Each group can have their own little chapter that says a little bit about their history, goals and mission," Scarlett said.

Irish holiday brings cheer

Bars opened early, students wore green and shamrocks and leprechauns were seen Saturday, as East Lansing celebrated St.

Hilton likely candidate for newest E.L. hotel

Construction of a new hotel off Trowbridge Road could begin within the next 30 days. Owner Tass Mekani of West Bloomfield is finalizing which franchise will take residence at 1100 Trowbridge Road — the last steps Mekani needs to take before breaking ground. The development already received a nod of approval from East Lansing City Council members in early March. "There is a need for it," Mekani said of his venture.

Senator warns students of typical credit card problems

Sen. Carl Levin pointed toward college students as a demographic that's particularly vulnerable to the policies of credit card companies during a visit to campus. He led a discussion with MSU students about the various abuses of the credit card industry Friday at the Administration Building. "You, who are students, are the juiciest targets out there," he said.

Events planned for war's beginning

Tuesday marks the fourth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Several events will be held in the community to highlight the country's continued involvement in the conflict. • "Voices of Resistance — Poets Against the War," will feature poets from the Lansing area sounding off on peace and violence.

Sunshine Week promotes access to information

Earlier this year, volunteers throughout the nation asked local municipalities a simple question — What is the community's Comprehensive Emergency Response Plan? The plan, which every municipality is required to have, was instated by the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act in 1986. Yet many of those volunteers looking for the information were denied access, according to a comprehensive report of this year's Sunshine Week audit. Sunshine Week ends Saturday and is a national test of the openness of government information. "What we've tried to measure as much as anything else is, first of all, how effective have we been as media in doing our job in educating the public about the issues," said Pete Weitzel, coordinator for the Coalition of Journalists for Open Government. "That was the initial intent — to energize the media across the country to focus on the issues of access to information and meetings during one week," he said. Out of 404 audits in 37 states and Puerto Rico, 177 requests were filled.

Child welfare act often neglected

Suzanne Cross gave her American Indian foster children more than just a safe place to live — she provided them one rooted in tradition and culture.

Jazz: It's not just a man's music genre

Lulu Fall, who has been singing since she was 8 years old, decided to try drumming when she was in the eighth grade. "So many people told me that the drums weren't ladylike, so eventually, I quit," the jazz studies senior said. She said she wishes someone would have told her that instruments don't connect with a specific gender — music is about how passionate someone is about the instrument or songs. Fall is a vocalist for the Women in Jazz concert, which will promote women's involvement in the arts and music performance in celebration of Women's History Month. The show is at 8 p.m.

Police briefs 03/16/07