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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Granholm forms Arab, Chaldean commission

Sonia Khaleel
September 8, 2004

Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced the creation of a Commission on Arab and Chaldean American Affairs last week. The new commission will inform the governor about important issues concerning the Arab-American and Chaldean-American communities, and it will also help showcase their achievements and contributions to society. The new commission is set to be signed into executive order after Granholm and commission members make finishing touches. "The governor thought it was really important with so many Arab-Americans and Chaldean-Americans residing in Michigan that they would be able to provide guidance and advice on a variety of issues," Granholm spokeswoman Liz Boyd said. Michigan has the largest population of people of Arab and Chaldean descent outside of the Middle East.

MICHIGAN

Rain, cool weather hurts summer tourism industry

Kris Turner
September 8, 2004

Cool temperatures coupled with unseasonable rain put a damper on Michigan's summer this year. The state's tourism industry, as well as local businesses that rely on warm weather, slowed this season. "Travel in Michigan was down," said Steve Yencich, president and CEO of the Michigan Hotel, Motel & Resort Association.

MICHIGAN

E.L. reports drop in crime over weekend

East Lansing and MSU police officials experienced a slowdown in crime this Labor Day weekend, a week after Welcome Weekend and a week before the first MSU home football game. There was nearly a 90 percent decrease in minor in possession complaints and parking complaints in East Lansing during the weekend, and more than 60 percent decreases in other common crimes. East Lansing police Sgt.

MICHIGAN

River to decrease for repairs to sea walls

The water level of the Grand River will decrease by 18 inches in Lansing starting today. The Lansing Board of Water & Light lowered the river above the Moores Park Dam so property owners upstream of the dam can repair sea walls and make other property improvements. The river will drop by six inches each day from today until Friday.

MICHIGAN

Federal legislators to present Kerry plan

Torey Oberst
September 7, 2004

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) and area public and environmental officials will meet today to present presidential candidate John Kerry's proposal to stop Canadian garbage from being sent to Michigan landfills.

MICHIGAN

E.L. City Council to hold public hearing on MIP laws

Minors who have been repeatedly caught drinking might face jail time, if the East Lansing City Council approves an ordinance that will revise its current policy. The proposed changes to East Lansing's minor in possession laws will be discussed at a public hearing during the East Lansing City Council meeting 7 p.m.

MICHIGAN

Hospitals retain security

Heavy security measures at hospitals since Sept. 2001 have become second-nature to area hospital patients, local officials said this week.

MICHIGAN

Off-campus meal plan opens new options

Spartan Off-Campus Meal Plan customers are now being offered more off-campus dining opportunities, after the plan's coordinating company recently merged with a second, similar company. Off-Campus Dining Network and Off-Campus Access merged to form one larger company, Off-Campus Dining Network, LLC, this summer, increasing the number of universities served around the country to 33. Purchasers of the plan can now use their meal plan cards at businesses in any of the participating cities. "There were a lot of synergies in the two companies," said Cade Lemcke, vice president of marketing for Off-Campus Dining Network, LLC.

MICHIGAN

Students struggle to find work

Shawn Smith
September 3, 2004

Sharla Schryer wants a job now. But like other MSU students, the geography senior faces the problem of finding work in an area flooded with prospective employees. "I've been looking for something probably since the beginning of the summer," Schryer said.

MICHIGAN

Four-legged officer retires from police

Oliver, a Lansing police dog, retired Thursday after eight years of service to the department. The dog has received several community awards for his service. While working with Officer Norm Naimy, Oliver was used to find armed suspects in two homicides.

MICHIGAN

Local police enforce seat belts for holiday

Police will increase safety belt enforcement on Michigan roadways during the Labor Day weekend as part of the Click It or Ticket program. It is the first time there has been a statewide enforcement effort during the Labor Day weekend since 2001.

MICHIGAN

Reps debate restaurant lawsuits

Evan Rondeau
September 3, 2004

Customers who sue restaurants claiming the food they ate contributed to weight problems may face an uphill battle on winning lawsuits. A recent trend by many states passing similar laws could get the ball rolling for Michigan's version of the bill, but some lawmakers say they shouldn't be the ones who regulate. A bill designed to keep fast food restaurants from paying damages for weight gain, obesity, or health conditions.