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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

City expects large turnout for City Center II work session

Nico Rubello
May 12, 2008

East Lansing City Council members will discuss the $117 million City Center II project for the first time formally since April during a work session Tuesday. The work session is set for 7 p.m. at 54-B District Court, Courtroom 2, 101 Linden St. East Lansing City Manager Ted Staton said the council will discuss slight modifications made to the project, like moving the townhouses away from Valley Court Park. Staton said the session was moved to a larger room in anticipation of public turnout due to the issue’s controversial nature among East Lansing residents. The mixed-use project, which includes a 10-story building, would span from Abbot Road to Valley Court Park along Grand River Avenue, and would combine apartments and townhouses with office and retail space.

MICHIGAN

Scooter popularity ups with gas costs

Katie Koerner
May 12, 2008

MSU students aren’t the only ones zipping around East Lansing on their scooters as temperatures and gas prices in East Lansing climb – there also has been an increase in scooter sales as middle-aged residents begin trading in their four wheels for two. Bruce Uhal, an MSU physiology professor, said he recently purchased a scooter from Campus Scooter, 412 Albert Ave., because of the money he saves on gasoline, not to mention the free and easy parking on campus. “It really makes the most sense right now,” Uhal said.

MICHIGAN

Mich. residents lose financial optimism

Heather Lockwood
May 12, 2008

Personal finances are a source of concern for adults across the state, according to MSU’s quarterly State of the State Survey. The random telephone survey, which is conducted about four times each year by MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, was established in 1994.

MICHIGAN

Mother's Day activities draw crowds despite rain

Allison Bush
May 11, 2008

Though Mother’s Day came in the midst of dreary weather and an even drearier economy, local business owners and event organizers said the holiday was still a success. Despite the rain, an outdoor Mother’s Day event hosted by Woldumar Nature Center and the Mid Michigan Photography Club drew 300 to 400 people. “We had a splendid turnout, I couldn’t believe how many people came,” said Lori McSweeny, executive director for Woldumar. The event, Wildflower Weekend, was held Saturday and Sunday at Woldumar Nature Center, 5739 Old Lansing Road in Lansing and featured an art show and pancake breakfast.

MICHIGAN

Smoking ban gives E.L. mixed feelings

Nico Rubello
May 11, 2008

A statewide bill that would ban smoking in workplaces, including bars and restaurants does not make exemptions for businesses like hookah lounges and cigar bars — and at least one East Lansing business owner is concerned.

MICHIGAN

Mexican eatery opens doors

Ralph M. Paulk
May 11, 2008

Arnulfo Ramirez wanted customers walking into Los Tres Amigos, 1227 E. Grand River Ave., to feel like they were leaving Michigan for a brief vacation to Mexico. The bright colors, Mexican-style music and spicy entrées fresh off the grill contribute to the atmosphere of Ramirez’s new restaurant, which opened May 2. Los Tres Amigos has been providing customers with its own genuine Mexican food since the first Los Tres Amigos opened in 2001 in Jackson. The new location was originally scheduled to open in March, but Ramirez pushed back the grand opening for construction purposes.

MICHIGAN

Students show design skills

Nich Wolak
May 11, 2008

Most high school, elementary and junior high students don’t typically get the chance to design a house for Tiger Woods, but those involved with the Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society, or MITES, convention got the once-in-a-lifetime chance with their projects. Students entered projects in fields including wrought metal, plastics, graphic arts, construction and woodworking.

MICHIGAN

Market slump could impact E.L. urban housing

Brian McVicar
April 21, 2008

Urban housing isn’t selling quickly in East Lansing. Since construction began on West Village in January 2007, a development that includes condos and townhomes, only 21 of the development’s 46 units have sold, said Jamerson Ries, of Abood Properties.

MICHIGAN

State gas prices reach record high

Gasoline prices hit a record high in the state of Michigan this week when the statewide average price reached $3.52 per gallon, 74 cents higher than the price at the same time last year.