Supreme Court approves state appeal on pipeline
The Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday affirmed a decision made by the state Appeals Court, calling for approval from the six cities between Jackson and Lansing, that would have been involved a proposed 26-mile gasoline pipeline. Lansing officials brought the case to the Appeals Court three years ago claiming they were against having a pipeline, which would have been built by Wolverine Pipeline Company and traveled alongside Interstate-96.
Condominiums and retail space to occupy rezoned property in E.L.
East Lansing city officials say they are hoping to redevelop property near the former Greyhound Bus Station on West Grand River Avenue, by adding condominiums and retail space. Council members refereed to the city's planning commission, at Tuesday's City Council work session, an ordinance to rezone the properties into what city officials are calling the "West Village." Plans to renovate part of the Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road, and resurface Burcham Road between Timberlane and Hagadorn Roads were also discussed at the session. The "West Village" property covers what is now the Greyhound Bus Station, the Sunshine Restaurant and a few rental houses to the west. Jerome Abood, of Signature Associates, said he plans to turn the run-down bus station into owner-occupied housing because of the city's request. "The plan is to do a mixed use development with commercial stores, condos and some townhouses," Abood said. Jim van Ravensway, East Lansing's director of planning and community development, said the city wanted to make sure Abood's plans did not include adding more rentals into the East Lansing area. "He knew that it was the city's preference that the area be owner-occupied," van Ravensway said.
Professor explores Colombian civil war
It's not every day that Ron Dorr writes letters to his loved ones in anticipation of his death.
Construction begins to revamp Marshall Hall
Piles of broken bricks and mortar surrounded the exposed backside of Marshall Hall on Wednesday as construction began this week on the $6.86 million renovation. Marshall Hall was constructed in 1902 and later named after Professor Charles Marshall, an eminent bacteriologist at MSU.
'U' capital campaign ahead of schedule
The MSU fund-raising effort to raise $1.2 billion for the university before 2007 is ahead of schedule, campaign officials say. The Campaign for MSU moved into its five year public phase in September 2002.
Mosquito numbers to dwindle
The rainy May that East Lansing experienced wreaked havoc on rivers, homes and vacation plans, but mosquitoes in the area were living the dream. But have no fear, the mosquitoes currently buzzing around will dwindle down within the next couple weeks.
Lawmakers hurry to balance budget
State legislators say offsetting the current fiscal year's budget deficit and balancing the budget next year is proving to be the omnipresent issue plaguing them right now. With the deadlines for getting both a new cigarette tax bill signed into law and balancing next fiscal year's budget fast approaching, state legislators are scrambling to get both done. Last week, Gov.
Astronomers in awe over Venus transit
Venus will do something today it has not done in more than a century - it will line up exactly against the sun this morning, creating a black dot only visible through a telescope in what is called the transit of Venus.
E.L. Council to discuss rezoning, improvement
Planning and zoning move to the forefront of today's East Lansing City Council work session. The council will review two applications to renovate and rezone city property to include new residential housing, as well as another measure to resurface a major road. Council members will review an application, which would rezone properties on West Grand River Avenue to allow for the inclusion of townhouses, retail stores and apartments. Developer Signature Associates would renovate the former Greyhound Bus Station and surrounding houses, located at the intersection of Hillside Court and West Grand River Avenue, into what city officials are calling "West Village." "Plans include a mixed use structure with retail space, apartments above and a building containing several townhouses," said Bob Owen, the city's planning and zoning administrator.
Royalties from drug end due to expired patent
A MSU patent on a cancer-treating drug is up and will no longer provide royalties for the university. The drug, Carboplatin, which has had a dramatic effect on the nation, was a modification of Cisplatin, a cancer-treatment drug also discovered by MSU researchers Barnett Rosenberg, Loretta Van Camp and Thomas Krigas in the 1960s.
Change of venue
Like George and Louise Jefferson, the MSU Student Housing Cooperative is movin' on up to the east side. After 34 years in Student Services, the cooperative's headquarters has moved to 541 E.
Alumnus conquers Everest
Fighting hunger, frigid conditions and the death of several group members, MSU alumnus Dale Darling, 39, had to rely on his experience to take him to the summit of Mount Everest. Darling, who has been climbing mountains for 10 years, knew how to pace himself, thus he never was worried about death.
Funding to aid Northern Tier policing
Bath Township - Bath Township Police Chief Jack Phillips said he hopes to use a $15,000 donation from a local developer to train a team of police officers from several communities, in an attempt to prevent serious problems within the community's student housing district. Gordon Hunsaker, chief executive officer of Atlantis Development Group Ltd., said the money, which he donated Thursday morning, could come in handy with patrolling student apartment complexes in the Northern Tier. "The Bath Township area is currently experiencing tremendous growth," Hunsaker said in a written statement.
Reagan's influence warmly remembered
Following former President Ronald Reagan's death Saturday, some local politicians say the "Gipper's" charm and optimism enabled him to cross party lines and inspire Democrats and Republicans alike. During Reagan's presidency, state Sen.
Gold alumni bleed green
Though reunions are traditionally a time to focus on the past, when MSU graduates of 50 or more years convened on campus this past weekend, much of the conversation was focused on the future. While the tone of the 76th annual Kedzie Reunion was altogether positive, some alumni voiced concern over the future of the school amid the upcoming leadership change.
Pistons' success sells locally
The Detroit Pistons' recently earned Eastern Conference Champion title has had East Lansing businesses scrambling to catch up with the fan-based hype. Stores are expanding their selection of Pistons merchandise, while restaurants are adding TVs to handle the influx of fans expected for the NBA Finals, which started Sunday. "We have already sold most of what we have," said Jerry Collins, manager of MC Sports, 5002 W.
Student housing might be limited
Student housing in some East Lansing areas could be restricted or prohibited due to a new East Lansing rental housing ordinance. With signatures from two-thirds of property owners, community members can petition the City Council to turn their neighborhoods into rental overlay districts - which would limit or restrict new rental housing licenses from being issued in their areas. "With this ordinance people can keep the integrity of their single family homes, and the neighborhoods that are rental can keep their integrity," Councilmember Vic Loomis said. The ordinance will keep areas designated for university rental housing more separated from those designated for East Lansing families.
Officials confirm Fox's visit to Mid-Michigan
Lansing - Mexican President Vicente Fox is coming to speak in mid-Michigan, according to officials with the Michigan Commission on Spanish-Speaking Affairs. Invited to speak at the Lansing Center, 333 E.