Experts: Void left by business tax loss must be filled
Nearly a week after state lawmakers decided to repeal the Single Business Tax, concern has risen as to how the Legislature plans to fill the hole it will cause in the state's economy. Revenues from the tax make up 22 percent of the state's general fund. The tax, which should be phased out by the end of 2007, is believed to be a burden that's keeping new businesses from locating in Michigan.
Dogs on Display
Photo essay by Kate Compton | The State News Dogs from all over Michigan followed their owners to the State 4-H Dog Show to compete for titles in agility, obedience and showmanship on Saturday. The dog show took place at the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education and was open to 4-H members ages 9-19 with up to two of their dogs. The agility classes were the first to begin at 8 a.m.
E.L. police sergeant attends FBI training
East Lansing police Sgt. Scott Wriggelsworth and Jodi Foster have at least one thing in common. Wriggelsworth left for the FBI National Academy on July 8 with seven other Michigan law enforcement personnel.
Detroit Zoo penguin could be named Izzo
Izzo could be the name of The Detroit Zoo's baby penguin, or chick, if the name receives the most votes.
Campus obstacles
Many of the orange construction signs littering campus will disappear this week, an absence welcomed by travelers both on and off the road.
First class graduates from new program
After finishing a grueling 765-hours of course work in one year, the first class graduated from MSU's accelerated nursing program. In its trial year, the College of Nursing's accelerated second degree program had 44 nurses finish and held the graduation ceremony Friday. The program is offered to students who already have one degree in nursing.
Bikes for sale
Abandoned bicycles cluttering campus during the year have been moved out and will go on sale today.
Local airport calm despite terrorist threat
There were no delays and the atmosphere remained calm at Capital City Airport on Thursday despite heightened security due to an attempted terrorist plot. British authorities arrested 24 people after they were tipped off about a plan to blow up at least 10 planes leaving for the U.S.
Traffic stop yields terror arrest of 2 Mich. men
Two 20-year-old college students from Dearborn were arrested and charged Wednesday with money laundering and procuring items with the intent to use them in terrorist acts. Local authorities stopped Osama Sabhi Abulhassan and Ali Houssaiky for a traffic violation in Marietta, Ohio, when the deputies found flight information, $11,000 in cash and 12 phones in their car, according to an Associated Press report. A map showing Wal-Mart locations in Kentucky, Tennessee and North and South Carolina were also found.
Vaccine in low supply as school year approaches
Meningitis vaccine recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, have led to a low supply of Menactra, the most efficient vaccine for the disease. "There is technically a shortage of the vaccine," said Donna Cary, spokeswoman for Sanofi Pasteur, the company that makes the drug.
CATA invests in energy-efficient buses
After 10 years of working toward improving the environment, the Capitol Area Transportation Authority, or CATA, furthered its goal by purchasing three diesel, hybrid electric buses. The buses, which are the first of their kind to be used in the state of Michigan, will create less emissions than other CATA buses and provide a smoother ride for customers, said Sandy Draggoo, executive director and CEO of CATA. CATA plans to begin building the buses into their regular routes as soon as Aug.
County considers 911 centers' consolidation
For Ingham County, the question is whether or not less is more for emergency dispatch centers. County commissioners are considering merging Ingham County's two 911 centers after a recent independent study showed the potential cost effectiveness of having one emergency dispatch center for the entire county. If the two centers merge, concerns from local police include quality of service diminishing, lack of a contingency during a power failure and what will happen to employees within the two centers. The county is concerned about funding without raising taxes.
DaimlerChrysler, MSU team up for research
There could be new uses for contaminated land, as MSU researchers try to develop ways to grow biofuel-producing plants on polluted sites. The researchers teamed up with DaimlerChrysler AG in hopes of finding ways to increase the yield of plants — such as soybeans, switchgrass and sunflowers — that are used in the production of biofuels.
Financial woes
There are several obstacles facing businesses located near the Chandler Crossings apartment complexes, East Lansing Economic Development Administrator Tim Dempsey said. Although the area is divided between the city of East Lansing and Bath Township, businesses seem to filter in and out of the area after having their doors open for only a few years. "There's a number of challenges faced by that shopping center," Dempsey said. "One of them is its design and placement.
MSU group hosts AIDS awareness workshop
Paul Brown's summer made it apparent that his passion for stopping the effects of HIV/AIDS will be lifelong. Brown, a 2006 MSU graduate, helped conduct a case study dealing with HIV/AIDS orphans in South Africa this summer.
Students take on government issues
An increase in state funding for higher education was partially caused by students voicing their opinions to Michigan legislators, students and legislators said. ASMSU sought to expand funding for MSU by 2 percent, and the state surpassed the request, giving the university a 3 percent increase in July. ASMSU is MSU's undergraduate student government. Julielyn Gibbons, vice chairperson for external affairs for the Student Assembly, said the funding increase is proof of the organization's work during its Advocacy Week in March.