Voters approve sale of building, option remains for new facility

East Lansing’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services received good news after voters granted it permission to sell the Public Works Building on Tuesday night.But voters might not have realized there is a possibility of a bond issue to raise money for a new building.The city needs $4 million for the new facility and Councilmember Beverly Baten said raising the money could be difficult.“I don’t think citizens realize there’s going to be a bond issue,” Baten said.

Police briefs 08/08/02

Police briefs 08/07/02

Vote leaves pipeline plan unclear

A pipeline company will soon be headed to court or back to the drawing board now that the Lansing City Council has denied the company’s plans to build within city limits. The council voted 7-1 Monday against Wolverine Pipe Line’s request for consent to build about 5 miles of its proposed 26-mile gasoline pipeline in Lansing, and now company executives are weighing their options. The decision leaves Wolverine to either find another route, take the city to court or ignore the council’s decision. Wolverine spokesman Tom Shields has said the company might not need the consent of municipalities because the current plan calls for the pipeline to be laid within the Interstate 96 right-of-way, which is owned by the state. Wolverine officials say company executives want to work within state laws. “I don’t think I necessarily feel as strongly about it as Tom does,” said Paul O’Konski, head of Wolverine’s law department.

City council gets ready to slash

East Lansing city officials slammed Gov. John Engler’s revenue sharing and fire-appropriation vetoes that cut 16 percent of the city’s general-fund budget and fire protection funding - totaling $4.6 million. “We have a ‘rainy-day’ fund, but this action by the governor is a monsoon,” City Manager Ted Staton said at a Monday afternoon meeting of the state’s emergency fund that can make up for 10-15 percent of the difference, but only for one year.

Popularity, availability of sushi growing in E.L.

The dish is centuries old in Asia, but now sushi is surfacing in East Lansing.“It’s not as popular in Michigan - not yet, but every year the sushi population is increasing,” said Don Kim, manager of Midori Sushi and Korean BBQ, 436 Elmwood Road in Delta Township.

Event celebrates culture

Lansing - Thousands of people gathered downtown Saturday, filling the sidewalks along Michigan Avenue to see bands, clowns and cultural groups march toward the Capitol.And those who attended the third annual African American Parade and Family Reunion Picnic made the most of the sunny summer morning and afternoon.

Police briefs 08/05/02

Capitol adds God motto, some object

A bill introduced immediately following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks allowing the national motto to be placed in Michigan’s state buildings seems to have lost the broad-based support it had in the wake of the national tragedy. The measure, introduced on Sept.

Six candidates enter primary for vacant Lansing council spot

Six candidates will face off in the Lansing City Council primary Tuesday, but only two will move on to the November election.The winner in November will fill the remaining three years of former Councilmember Lou Adado’s four-year term.

Cigarette-tax increases to begin today

With the cigarette tax scheduled to increase by 50 cents today, some smokers are feeling the burn.Wesley Thomas contends the change, along with measures across the country to eliminate smoking in public, is discrimination against smokers.“It’s stupid that they’re raising taxes and saying that we can’t smoke where we want to,” the 19-year-old Lansing resident said.

Students make mural of McDonald House

Art students at Lansing Community College have been making a glass mural for the Ronald McDonald House of Mid-Michigan, 121 S.

CATA pushes for millage

Capital Area Transportation Authority officials want area residents to approve a proposed five-year millage increase on Tuesday’s primary election ballot. But with a weak economy, some might not want to increase CATA’s property tax of 1.4 mills by about 58 percent. The .82-mill increase would cost an owner of a $60,000 home $24.60 more a year in property taxes.

Doctors hope to fix obesity problem

Child obesity has become a problem in the United States according to medical officials.To address the issue of childhood obesity and ways to remedy the problem, 100 physicians, pediatricians and nutritionists will meet today at MSU.

Campus fountain to begin flowing soon

The fountain outside the Main Library is expected to be filled today and should be flowing this weekend, campus officials said. There is a chance maintenance work on the steps near the library’s north entrance might delay plans to fill the pools, Campus Park & Planning director Jeff Kacos said Tuesday, but officials don’t expect a problem. In mid-June, Kacos said cold spring weather, budget concerns and possible repairs were delaying the fountains’ opening.

Judgeship candidates look to speed up deciding cases in 4th District Court

With as much of a two-year waiting period for decisions, candidates for 4th District Court of Appeals judgeships said they are hoping to increase court efficiency.Three candidates - a judge, a senator and a lawyer are vying for the position in the Aug.

Coffeehouse set for reopening

A red garage door marks the entrance to downtown East Lansing’s newest business, but instead of cars and motorcycles rolling in and out, it will be cappuccinos and espressos.

Towns to vote on millage for emergency-fund

Voters will decide on the necessity of an emergency services millage during the Aug. 6 primary. For every $1,000 of taxable property, residents must have an additional $1.25 in property taxes.

Police briefs 08/01/02

Engler denies funding to change license shape

Gov. John Engler recently vetoed $1 million of funding for the bill to change driver’s license forms for those under 21-years-of-age.