Friday, April 24, 2026

Take a peek behind the curtain and test drive the NEW StateNews.com today!

News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Prosecutor's firing, budget could add to workload

Chad Previch
March 21, 2003

The firing of an Ingham County assistant prosecutor combined with a strapped budget will force prosecutors to pick up their workload, possibly breaking continuity among current and future cases, officials said. Allie Phillips, who worked in the department's family division, was fired Wednesday by Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III for her involvement to allegedly buy a cat illegally in February. "That's going to create a problem," Dunnings said.

MICHIGAN

Mentors needed for local children

If you're looking for an opportunity to give back to your community, Fran Cook wants you. Cook, founder of the tutor and mentoring program at the Catholic Social Services St.

MICHIGAN

Warm weather attracts shoppers to downtown

Casey Mcnenly
March 20, 2003

The weekend's sudden change in weather brought a community outside, many converging in downtown East Lansing.As if a cloud was removed from over East Lansing, retailers welcomed a mass of walk-in traffic and attribute it to the better weather.Bryan Spratt, assistant manager of Steve & Barry's University Sportswear, 515 E.

MICHIGAN

Homeowners may lose ability to rent

Brian Charlton
March 20, 2003

East Lansing residents living in single-family zones will have to wait six months to apply for a rental license and might permanently lose the opportunity to rent out their houses.East Lansing City Council unanimously approved a temporary moratorium, which puts a halt on rental licenses in single-family zones.The council also approved and set a public hearing for Tuesday to discuss permanently stopping residents from applying for rental licenses in those zones."I think it will be well received," Mayor Mark Meadows said.

MICHIGAN

Prosecutor fired for allegedly stealing cat

Chad Previch
March 20, 2003

The Ingham County assistant prosecutor accused of being involved in a scheme to illegally obtain a cat from a shelter has been fired, Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III said Wednesday.Allie Phillips, who worked in the family division of the office, was accused along with two others by county animal officials of illegally obtaining a cat Feb.

MICHIGAN

State Senate decides to support Bush's plans

Joey Guillen
March 19, 2003

A state Senate resolution supporting President Bush's unilateral military action against Iraq passed Tuesday, but was met with considerable resistance from Democrats.All 21 Republicans in the Senate supported the resolution while 11 Democrats voted against it.Sen.

MICHIGAN

Michigan ready for war

Sarah Frank
March 19, 2003

In reaction to looming war in Iraq, Gov. Jennifer Granholm said there is no indication Michigan faces security threats. "As hope for a peaceful solution fades and anxieties rise, we want to send a very clear message to all of our citizens," she said.

MICHIGAN

E.L. budget vote delayed

Brian Charlton
March 19, 2003

Although the East Lansing School Board delayed approving a $4.2-million cut to the district's budget Monday, teacher union representatives said a longer wait is necessary. "I think the school board is still in a rush," Michigan Education Association spokesman Mike McEachern said.

MICHIGAN

Gas prices may go up

As a war with Iraq becomes imminent, consumers can anticipate gas prices on the home front to take a hit.According to the AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the average price for a gallon of unleaded self-serve gas in Michigan was $1.76 on Monday.That figure is a significant increase over prices from the same period last year: Michigan's average gasoline price during March 2002 was $1.29.AAA spokesman Jim Rink said the current spike in gas prices is a sure sign the driving public is paying close attention to actions abroad before heading to the pumps."Based on past history, the public's general reaction to any military action causes prices to increase," he said.

MICHIGAN

Arraignment of man postponed

The arraignment of the man charged with lying to federal authorities about misusing more than $400,000 in federal research grant money has been adjourned until Monday, so the man's lawyer can prepare for the date, Assistant United States Attorney Lloyd Meyer said. Scott Matthew Doree, a former microbiology graduate student, has been accused of making false statements to FBI agents, mail fraud and misapplication of fraudulently obtaining federal funds. Steven Scharg, Doree's attorney from Detroit, submitted the request. Doree will appear in court at 2 p.m.

MICHIGAN

Sharing customs

Benita Mehta
March 18, 2003

The smell of Indian food cooking wafted through the Hannah Community Center on Saturday as Veena Mandrekar put on an demonstration for people attending a bazaar, the first of many India Week festivities. "The idea is to get people to learn about other cultures and get people exposed to them as well," the East Lansing resident said. Four rooms at the center, 819 Abbott Road, were used for different activities ranging from vendors selling Indian clothes and jewelry to a slide show on India.

MICHIGAN

Asst. prosecutor in limbo

Chad Previch
March 17, 2003

Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III said he will decide today whether to reinstate an assistant prosecutor after she was suspended among allegations she obtained property by false pretenses.Allie Phillips, who has worked in the prosecutor's office for about six years, was suspended Feb.

MICHIGAN

War demonstrators take sides

Benita Mehta
March 17, 2003

Lansing - Signs reading "Fight Greed, Not War" were held high next to signs saying "Invade Iraq Now" as anti-war demonstrators rallying for peace on Saturday were met at the Capitol by counter-protesters supporting the war in Iraq. More than 150 people gathered in front of Steve & Barry's University Sportswear, 515 E.Grand River Ave., at 7 p.m.

MICHIGAN

Legislative organization works to protect hunting

Joey Guillen
March 17, 2003

A legislative organization to protect the rights of Michigan hunters, anglers and trappers held its first meeting last week. The Michigan Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus has 87 members in the Michigan House and Senate, making it one of the largest bi-partisan caucuses in the Legislature. Outdoor recreation, whether it be hunting, fishing or trapping, is essential to Michigan's economy, Sen.

MICHIGAN

Funds might be added to aid Amtrak

Negotiations extended discussions between Amtrak and state officials, bringing a resolution a step closer to becoming a reality, officials announced Thursday. Officials from the financially strapped railway service, representatives from the Michigan Department of Transportation and Gov.

MICHIGAN

Nightclub blaze sparks sprinkler debate

Chad Previch
March 14, 2003

As Rhode Island and Pennsylvania lawmakers have proposed a tax-incentive plan to encourage businesses to install fire sprinklers in more buildings, local officials say the move for Michigan may be too costly in the midst of a budget crisis. Bob Cushman, a survivor from the Feb.

MICHIGAN

Amtrak looks to swell funding with talks

Negotiations between Amtrak officials and Michigan Department of Transportation representatives remain at a standstill after nearly a month, but renewed discussions continue today, officials announced Wednesday.Amtrak officials will meet with transportation officials and representatives from Gov.