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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Governor clarifies opinion of Ten Commandments' place in Capitol

Rebecca Mcnulty
February 16, 2005

Gov. Jennifer Granholm is saying 'no' to having a monument of the Ten Commandments in the rotunda of the state Capitol, days after saying she wouldn't mind having one. Granholm had said on the WKAR television show "Off the Record" that having a statue of the commandments in the Capitol wouldn't bother her. "I know that will make some people mad, but I think they are universal values," Granholm said.

MICHIGAN

Officials suggest use of new meningitis vaccine

Dorm-bound college freshmen are urged to receive a new meningitis vaccine that will be available within the next few months, a federal government committee said this month. Menactra, a longer-lasting vaccine, will be targeted toward at-risk groups such as children ages 11 to 12 years old, teens entering high school and college freshmen, said Bonnie Herbert, spokeswoman for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Food and Drug Administration approved the new vaccine, which is made by Sanofi Pasteur, in January. College students have the highest risk of contracting meningitis because of their close living quarters, Herbert said.

MICHIGAN

Dean's position brings praise from local Dems

Rebecca Mcnulty
February 15, 2005

Michigan Democrats have expressed happiness that former presidential candidate Howard Dean has been elected to the position of chairman of the Democratic National Committee, although others say it's just good politics to be pleased about his win. Randy Neice, former chairman of MSU Students for Dean and a political theory senior, said he's happy Dean was selected, adding he could be a balancing force if the Democratic presidential candidate in 2008 is more conservative. "It benefits us to have someone who's fiscally responsible and relatively socially liberal," said Niece, who also is on the executive board of the MSU College Democrats. Dean, who is also the former governor of Vermont, took the position over from Terry McAuliffe, who led party for four years.

MICHIGAN

380 sworn in as U.S. citizens

Jacqueline Wayneguite
February 15, 2005

With her grandson by her side to interpret, Saliha Azizi made her way into Wharton Center on Monday to take the oath to become a United States citizen. Originally from Afghanistan, Azizi joined about 380 people from Michigan at the Swearing-In Ceremony of New Citizens.

MICHIGAN

Pastor looks to empower women

Stacia Pierce was in her element as she stepped before a Wednesday night congregation at Life Changers Christian Center in Lansing. A co-pastor at the non-denominational Christian church, Pierce received cheers and hearty "Amens" as she shared her message that has gained national attention and even earned a nod from the White House last month. Pierce was invited to meet with pastors' wives from around the country and to listen to President Bush, first lady Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Colin Powell during inaugural events in Washington, she said. "One thing we all agreed upon is we need God to change things in our communities," Pierce said.

MICHIGAN

Library hosts medieval event including sword fights, crafts

By Gabrielle Russon Special For The State News Swords clashed and whips cracked during the "Dragon's Faire" at the East Lansing Public Library on Sunday afternoon. The medieval-themed event featured The Ring of Steel, a student performing troupe from the University of Michigan, who showcased their sword-fighting skills and medieval talents for about 200 people.

MICHIGAN

Beaner's to open new E.L. location

Katie Rausch
February 14, 2005

Students in the Northern Tier will soon have a new place to get their weekly caffeine boost. Construction on a new Beaner's Gourmet Coffee, located on the corners of Lake Lansing and Abbott roads, already has begun. The Beaner's store is scheduled to open in the end of February.

MICHIGAN

Building demolition approved by planning commission

Kris Turner
February 11, 2005

A plan to demolish a Grand River Avenue building to make room for a mixed-used property is set to go before the East Lansing City Council for approval. The East Lansing Planning Commission reviewed and approved the project at this week's meeting, sending it to the City Council. According to city documents, plans for the Grand River Avenue and Bailey Street site next to Taco Bell include creating a building to house retail space in addition to upper-level apartments targeted at young professionals and families. "If someone does not want to make a long-term solution to owning, they would have the option of renting," said David Krause of Corey Partnership, the project's developer.

MICHIGAN

Local hair institute trains tomorrow's stylists

Kris Turner
February 11, 2005

MSU isn't the only school in East Lansing - nestled along Grand River Avenue sits the Douglas J Aveda Institute, a finishing school for those who wish to pursue a career in cosmetology. Off to the left, at one of the workstations, is Erin Smith.

MICHIGAN

Stamp released in honor of deceased president

Melissa Domsic
February 11, 2005

Lansing joined cities across the country in recognizing the release of a U.S. postal stamp honoring the late President Ronald Reagan. About a dozen representatives from the Lansing Post Office and state and national government representatives gathered in the Capitol's glass floor rotunda to unveil the stamp. "There is some symbolic significance to having the unveiling at a state capitol," said Mike Lee, customer relations coordinator for the Lansing Post Office. Before he became the 40th president of the United States, Reagan was governor of California. Normally, people can only be honored with a stamp once 10 years has passed since their death.

MICHIGAN

Catholic season of Lent begins

Kristin Longley
February 10, 2005

The sanctuary of St. John Student Parish was filled on Ash Wednesday as students and residents lined up to have their foreheads symbolically marked with ashes by a priest. The Catholic tradition, known formally as the Day of Ashes, is a solemn beginning to the season of Lent, said Father Mark Inglot of the parish, which is located at 327 M.A.C.

MICHIGAN

State campaign for health now online

In an effort to fight obesity in Michigan, state Surgeon General Kimberlydawn Wisdom launched a free interactive Web site last week to help residents create personal health plans. Targeted at communities, businesses and individuals, the site opened Feb.