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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Bush's 2nd term spurs local protest against administration

Lauren Phillips
November 4, 2004

Lansing - Standing on playground equipment and speaking into a bullhorn, members of activist group Direct Action protested President Bush's re-election, war and the government Wednesday night at Foster Park. Liz O'Brien, a senior at Okemos High School who helped organize the event, said the group had planned to protest regardless of who won the presidential election. "We don't accept Bush as an acceptable representative," O'Brien said.

MICHIGAN

Rogers promises to aid manufacturing

Shawn Smith
November 4, 2004

Congressman Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, will head back to Washington, D.C., after winning the hearts of Republicans and Democrats in the 8th District. Rogers, who took more district votes than President Bush, skipped past his nearest House competitor, Democrat Bob Alexander, by about 80,000 votes on Tuesday.

MICHIGAN

Stores optimistic about holiday sales

Shawn Smith
November 3, 2004

East Lansing retailers might be bursting with holiday cheer in the coming months as most Michigan retailers expect a bustling and profitable shopping season. Last week, the Michigan Retailers Association announced in a report that sales optimism was spreading through more than two-thirds of the state's businesses, including those in East Lansing and surrounding areas.

MICHIGAN

E.L. roadwork upsets residents

Lauren Phillips
November 3, 2004

Construction began this week to make a section of Coolidge Road a two-way street, which East Lansing officials say is going to help traffic problems in the area. But some East Lansing residents in the neighborhood are wary of the change. "It's going to cause a real headache," said Chris Reimann, a Glencairn Neighborhood Association representative.

MICHIGAN

Police defend current weapons

The recent death of a Boston Red Sox fan from a pepper spray pellet shot was extremely rare, area law enforcement officers said, adding they plan to continue use of similar weapons. The 21-year-old Emerson College student, Victoria Snelgrove, was hit in her eye during a street celebration after the Oct.

MICHIGAN

Firefighters, officers back candidates

On the main road into downtown Jackson, a large cardboard sign on the door of a red fire engine house reads, "Just Say NO to Republicans ... Vote Kerry." The station house is no longer used by the Jackson Fire Department - it's a private residence.

MICHIGAN

Cheney appeals to voters during visit

Shawn Smith
November 1, 2004

Vice President Dick Cheney attacked Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry's competence on defense Friday and pledged to win all of Michigan's 17 electoral votes on Tuesday. Cheney, who spoke at the Dimondale Summit Sportsplex on Friday, said Kerry is spending too much energy focusing on 250 tons of explosives that allegedly went missing in Iraq this month.

MICHIGAN

Dems visit state urging citizens to vote Tuesday

Elizabeth Piet
November 1, 2004

Family ties and celebrity power united to encourage MSU students to vote for presidential candidate John Kerry on Friday morning at Kellogg Center. Kerry's stepsons Andre, 34, and Chris Heinz, 31, appeared with actor Jake Gyllenhaal and actress Allison Munn.

MICHIGAN

Anti-Bush cyclists dress up, speak out

Roneisha Mullen
November 1, 2004

Costumed bicyclists rode through East Lansing and the capital area on Friday making noise in an attempt to get their voices heard. Members of Critical Mass, a community organization that promotes bicycles as an alternative form of transportation, dressed in Halloween costumes, and rode bikes on the streets of East Lansing with bells and signs to voice their disapproval of the Bush administration. "We just want to make our presence known," said landscape architecture senior Tim Heuer.

MICHIGAN

Club denied topless entertainment

Lauren Phillips
October 29, 2004

Sparty's Night Club is suing Lansing Township after the township turned down an application for a permit allowing topless entertainment in their club, township officials said. The permit would be an amendment to the night club's current liquor license, said township clerk Susan Aten. The township is denying the permit, arguing it is not allowed in their ordinances, Aten said, adding that the area where Sparty's is located, 410 S.

MICHIGAN

Republicans face more term limits

Evan Rondeau  and  Elizabeth Piet
October 29, 2004

Some state officials say Michigan House Republicans face an uphill battle in the race for seats, while political analysts say the close presidential race will leave the local power balance intact. All 110 spots in the House are up for grabs this year, and incumbent representatives are being booted out in 37 districts because of 6-year term limits introduced in 1992. The House is made up of 63 Republicans and 47 Democrats.

MICHIGAN

WEB ONLY: Restaurant displays 'great divide' between 'U,' U-M

Lauren Phillips
October 29, 2004

Just off of Interstate 96, marking the halfway point between perhaps the state's biggest rivals, there is the little town of Fowlerville. On the south-bound side is a small restaurant and gas station that houses the intense conflict between MSU and the University of Michigan. The entrance of the Fowlerville Farms Family Restaurant leads into a large gift shop, which takes up more than a third of the building.

MICHIGAN

Celebrities to stump for Kerry while VP visits

Elizabeth Piet
October 28, 2004

The stepson of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry will arrive on MSU's campus Friday morning with movie stars on each arm for a get-out-the vote rally. Chris Heinz, 30, is appearing at MSU with actresses Kirsten Dunst and Allison Munn.

MICHIGAN

Police: Keep doors locked

Although the weather is taking a chilly turn, East Lansing residents are continuing to leave doors open, and thieves are continuing to snag whatever items they can, local officials said. "Primarily it's people who leave their doors unlocked," East Lansing police Capt.

MICHIGAN

E.L. businesses hand out Halloween treats

Roneisha Mullen
October 28, 2004

Downtown East Lansing merchants will host the 14th annual Great Pumpkin Walk this evening. The event is free and allows children to collect treats in a safe and fun environment. Student Book Store manager Brad Ballein said the event is an alternative for Halloween, and an opportunity for children who cannot go trick-or-treating to celebrate. "Some kids live in apartments and don't have neighborhoods," Ballein said.

MICHIGAN

Dick's buys out Okemos sporting goods store

An area sporting goods store is converting into Dick's Sporting Goods after being acquired by the company in the summer. Galyan's Trading Co., located in the Meridian Mall in Okemos, officially converted Sunday, marking the beginning of a transition that will change all Galyan's stores into Dick's retailers. A temporary banner reading "Dick's Sporting Goods" hangs over the former Galyan's sign at the front entrance, and all employees wear Dick's name tags. "Essentially, Dick's has been growing significantly over the last many years, and by purchasing Galyan's, it gives us an additional 51 stores in generally great locations and gives us a new entry into some large metropolitan markets," said Jeffrey Hennion, senior vice president of strategic planning for Pittsburgh-based Dick's Sporting Goods.

MICHIGAN

Elizabeth Edwards visits Flint on campaign trail

Elizabeth Piet
October 27, 2004

Flint - In a town hall-style meeting Tuesday night, Elizabeth Edwards told Flint residents that her husband and John Kerry would fight harder for the working class and bring a divided America back together. Edwards, the wife of vice-presidential candidate John Edwards, took questions for almost an hour from members of the 400-person crowd in the cafeteria of Flint Central High School. "If you're on the fence, please feel free to ask a question," she said.