MICHIGAN
Council to debate future of final liquor license
Like an empty keg, East Lansing's liquor licenses could be tapped out in the near future. India Palace, 136 W.
MICHIGAN
New state legislation looks to minimize distractions to drivers
A host of bills aimed to limit distractions to Michigan drivers currently is before the state Legislature. Motorists who drive with an animal in their laps might face penalties if one bill in the Legislature becomes law. Another bill, before a state House committee, would make it illegal to breast-feed while operating a vehicle, and a third seeks to add points to a motorist's license if cell phone use is found to be the cause of an accident. Although each piece of legislation limits different activities, legislators say the underlying purpose is clear: to cut down on the amount of distracting activities people can perform while driving. "The only thing behind this bill is safety," said Arika Pearlman, an aide to Rep.
MICHIGAN
Ann Arbor officially opposes gay-marriage ban
The Ann Arbor City Council passed a resolution on March 15 opposing the proposed state constitutional amendment to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
MICHIGAN
Family, friends remember slain Grand Ledge man
Jeffrey Friedlis, a man said to have made his family proud and taught his students to believe in themselves, was honored on Saturday in a memorial service. Friedlis, of Grand Ledge, 29, was found shot to death March 11 at the Institute of Traditional Asian Martial Arts, 130 W.
MICHIGAN
'Bad driver' bill awaits governor's signature
Michigan residents who have paid fines for failure to provide proof of insurance to police officers might soon have the opportunity to receive reimbursement. Legislation was passed Wednesday that would amend laws passed last year intended to punish people who drive without having car insurance. Under current laws, referred to as "bad driver" laws, drivers could pay fees reaching up to $435 over a two-year period in addition to $300 in assessments for failure to provide proof of insurance. The amendment would allow Michigan residents who can prove before the court that they had insurance at the time of citation to only pay a $25 administrative fee, which was charged before "bad driver" laws were put in place.
MICHIGAN
City seeks talent for 'Veggie' variety show
The City of East Lansing is asking for individuals or groups to participate in the second annual Vegetable Soup Variety Show. Last year's show included comedy, music and theater routines. Applications are due by April 9 and can be picked up at the Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road, or found online at cityofeastlansing.com. The East Lansing Prime Time Seniors' Program and the Hot Spot Teen Club will host the event at 6 p.m.
MICHIGAN
Dunnings to run again
Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III has announced his plans to run for re-election as the county's head lawyer. The position is a four-year term and pays about $100,000 a year.
MICHIGAN
Elementary students get brainy with help from 'U'
At the front of teacher Dennis McCarthy's fifth-grade classroom, a group of students gathered excitedly around a table, eyes wide, whispering to each other. They weren't staring at the latest toy - they were touching real human and animal brains. As a part of Brain Awareness Week, sponsored by the Society for Neuroscience, MSU faculty and graduate students traveled this week to more than 10 local elementary, middle and high schools with hands-on presentations about the organ. McCarthy's class attends the Grand River Elementary Magnet School, 1107 E.
MICHIGAN
Arrest tally normal for Irish holiday
While many people flocked to downtown bars or held parties of their own to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Wednesday, police said arrests and incidents were normal for the holiday. "There was nothing out of the ordinary," said East Lansing police Capt.
MICHIGAN
Area students' request for 'coaching' lesson granted
"What are wolverines good for?" "Roadkill!" This chant might seem odd coming from a group of kindergartners, but considering their guest visitors, it doesn't seem all that strange.
MICHIGAN
Professor to be honored in ceremony
Colleagues and friends of Ruth Simms Hamilton have planned a memorial service and symposium to honor the former MSU professor's life and work. "This memorial service will be an opportunity for the campus community to celebrate the life of one of its most distinguished colleagues," said David Campbell, associate dean of the College of Social Science. Hamilton, 66, was found dead in her Meridian Township home on Nov.
MICHIGAN
New whiskey targets college crowd with local promotions
A new 100-proof liquor is making its way to local shot glasses this week as the product is unveiled in various Midwestern college towns. The Cutty Black whiskey, distributed by Skyy Spirits LLC, is being geared toward a college-age demographic with a "dedication to American male culture and the timeless feeling of American rock n' roll." Promotional parties at East Lansing and Lansing bars and restaurants include Michigan's "100 Proof Girls," nine scantily clad women tying into the liquor's advertisements that feature medieval, fantasy-themed women. "Cutty Black is an edgy, irreverent brand targeting consumers in these high-energy markets who are on the cutting edge of music and trends and enjoy a pleasure-seeking lifestyle," said Marc Bromfeld, a brand manager at Skyy Spirits LLC., in an e-mail to The State News.
MICHIGAN
WEB ONLY: Lansing convention addresses future of telecommunication industry
The excitement of new technology was in the air at the PoliTech 2004 convention held Wednesday at the Radisson Hotel, 111 N.
MICHIGAN
E.L. wine shop to close its doors after 7 years
On the afternoon of one of the nation's most celebrated drinking holidays, the aisles of Veritas Wine Shop, 211 M.A.C.
MICHIGAN
WEB ONLY: Veteran judge will not run for re-election in fall
By Megan Townsend Special for The State News Judge Thomas Brennan Jr.
MICHIGAN
Anti-hazing bills closer to becoming law
On Wednesday, the state Senate unanimously passed new legislation that moves Michigan one step closer to creating a statewide anti-hazing law.
MICHIGAN
Officials, residents debate new development
Development plans for a vacant East Lansing property were decided Tuesday after a public hearing during an East Lansing City Council meeting. The property, which sits at 1427 W.
MICHIGAN
Area police officers prepared for rowdy St. Patrick's Day incidents
Many area residents began planning for today's St. Patrick's Day celebrations in advance, and the police were no exception. This is the first where the holiday is being celebrated under the new .08 blood-alcohol content drunken-driving limit, and East Lansing police say they're prepared to crack down. "The bars open at 7 a.m., and they are drinking 12 hours earlier," said East Lansing police Sgt.
MICHIGAN
2nd-grade class gets college lesson
Standing in front of a packed classroom on Tuesday, Lyman Briggs professor Walter Benenson described how sound waves travel through the air with help from Lyman Briggs sophomore Katie Knauf. Instead of teaching in his usual lecture hall filled with undergraduate students carefully taking notes, Benenson was a guest speaker in Sandra Donaldson's second-grade classroom at Cavanaugh Elementary School, 300 W.
MICHIGAN
Capital punishment resolution moves to full House
Lansing - The state House is expected to vote this week on a resolution to allow voters to decide the fate of the death penalty in Michigan.