Thursday, June 1, 2023

News | City

CITY

City council to address building height limits

The East Lansing City Council will discuss a revision of an ordinance that could change the maximum height allowed for city buildings at tonight’s work session. Height limits for buildings in the downtown are eight stories, or 14 with a city permit.

CITY

Rogers named majority deputy whip

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers R-Brighton, has been named the majority deputy whip in the U.S. House of Representatives.Rogers, who started his term in January, noted in written statement that it is rare for a freshman to be named to the leadership position.He will be responsible for representing the upper-Midwest and the freshman class among Republican leadership.Rogers also submitted testimony Wednesday to the House Budget Committee, urging consideration of his proposal for a federal tax-free college and technical education savings accounts.

CITY

Environmentalists criticize state

The Michigan Environmental Council released its second report Thursday criticizing the work of the state Department of Environmental Quality.The report, “Continuing Dereliction of Duty: How Michigan’s Environmental Agency Defies the Law and the Public,” was released by a coalition of 20 environmental agencies that say the department is not doing a good enough job protecting the environment.The 20-page report is the second released by the council.

CITY

Date auction breeds cash, fun

As the price of one date with William Griffin mounted from $50 to $80 to $100, LaTorsha Hill repeatedly threw her hand in the air, bidding more and more money Friday evening at National Pan-Hellenic Council’s Spring Date Auction.

CITY

U.S. representative joins list of governor hopefuls

U.S. Rep. David Bonior has added his name to the growing list of Democratic candidates likely to run for governor. Bonior, D-Mount Clemens, said Saturday he was “more than 90 percent sure” of a run while meeting with delegates from the Macomb County district he has represented since 1976. “After 10 years, the Republicans are short of ideas, they’re low on gas and, thank God, they are almost out of time,” Bonior told the Associated Press. Bonior said his potential gubernatorial campaign would focus on improvements to the environment and schools. The congressman’s name brings the list of potential Democratic candidates to five.

CITY

Rainy weather causes flood conditions

Sparty needs more than a helmet and gown to protect him - he needs waders and an umbrella. After a period of unseasonably warm weather and rain, the largest freestanding ceramic statue in the world is battling a lake of rain and melted snow creeping up Red Cedar Road. Other areas surrounding campus aren’t faring much better.

CITY

Diverse music acts will make up National Folk Festival

The sound of music will be alive in East Lansing with fiddlers, whistlers and bongo and guitar players.MSU Museum and city officials have selected the first seven performing groups to be part of the grand finale for the National Folk Festival’s three-year run in the city.

CITY

Senate approves amendment to change pay raises

With a 34-0 vote, the state Senate passed a proposed constitutional amendment Thursday that would change the way Michigan lawmakers receive pay raises.With the amendment, lawmakers would have to approve pay raises or increases in expense allowances.

CITY

Natural gas rates to increase

LANSING - Michigan consumers can expect an increased natural gas bill in upcoming months.The state House Energy and Technology Committee met Wednesday to discuss natural gas issues.

CITY

Council to hold date auction

About 15 students - male and female - will be up for sale Friday at the first Spring Date Auction, which is sponsored by the National Panhellenic Council. For a $1 donation, students can bid on the man or woman of their choice from 7 p.m.

CITY

County enlists new rescue truck

MASON - A new Heavy Rescue Unit Vehicle, equipped with flashers, sirens and a spotlight system lined in brown and gold, branded with the insignia of the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office was introduced Tuesday.The $38,350 white Ford F550 Diesel is equipped with $11,260 worth of tools - lighting system, a generator, the jaws of life and a temporary helicopter landing site - that are used in emergencies.“We can deliver services to the public better, more efficiently and be assured the units will be there,” Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth said.Wriggelsworth announced the new vehicle Tuesday at a press conference in the sheriff’s garage.The sheriff’s office assisted seven fires and two extractions in 2001.