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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Spring breakers get their tan on

For the next two weeks, it may not be so easy to schedule a reservation at a tanning salon.The two weeks preceding the annual pilgrimage to warmer destinations will clog East Lansing's tanning salons.

MICHIGAN

E.L. fire suspect violates parole

A man charged with setting fire to an East Lansing Ramada Inn, 1100 Trowbridge Road is being sent back to Virginia after he violated his parole with a trip to Michigan, police say.Sean McCoy, 35, was living in Virginia under probation for a 1993 grand larceny and forgery conviction and was not supposed to leave the state.McCoy, was charged for setting the fire to the hotel in November, causing enough damage to shut the hotel down.At the time of the fire, McCoy was working as a utility worker at the hotel."For all intensive purposes if Virginia wants him, they'll get him," said David Merchant, McCoy's former attorney.

MICHIGAN

Increased tension overseas causes gas hikes at home

Gasoline prices in the Lansing area have soared to some of the highest levels recorded in nearly two years, and a AAA spokesperson said it "seems unjustified." On Tuesday, a gallon of regular unleaded, self-serve gasoline sold for $1.79 in some area stations - one of the highest prices seen in 18 months, AAA Michigan spokesman Jim Rink said. The AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Index said the statewide average gas price rose to $1.67 this week. The index, which surveys 300 gas stations across the state, also reported the average price per gallon for self-serve, regular unleaded gasoline last February was $1.21. "Typically, this is the time of year when gasoline prices are at their lowest," Rink said.

MICHIGAN

Group warns about telemarketing scams

Telephone scam artists are taking advantage of telephone customers and illegally obtaining credit card information and Social Security numbers, AARP officials say.The AARP, formerly called the American Association of Retired Persons, is warning people about scam artists targeting those who wish to be put on a list to stop getting solicitation calls.A law passed in December by then-Gov.

MICHIGAN

Crime down in Lansing

Violent crime in Lansing decreased overall from 2001-02, Lansing police Lt. Bruce Ferguson said. Crimes including murder, rape and robberies were down 6.4 percentage points and other crimes were down by 7 percentage points. The department has paid attention to getting to know individuals in the city to cut down on crime, Ferguson said. Ferguson said this year the city has seen several shootings, however, and it's working to decrease crime even further. Chad Previch

MICHIGAN

African dancers celebrate history

Lansing - The sound of pounding drums filled the air as an audience of more than 100 sat transfixed, watching African dancers dressed in brightly colored cloth moving. A couple of men and women, clothed in vivid orange, crimson and dark green patterned outfits and brightly colored beads floated through the gymnasium doors, assembled themselves in front of the crowd. The began an array of lively circular swaying movements along with the rhythm of the drum.

MICHIGAN

Energy house hosts students

East Lansing's most energy efficient house had its first group of fifth-graders check out its new solar energy display Tuesday.Students from Haslett's Murphy Elementary School left the Urban Options Energy and Environmental Demonstration House, 405 Grove St., with a better understanding of the importance of renewable resources.

MICHIGAN

Hillel showcases photo documentary

For Irene Fertik, documenting the black experience in the United States has been a lifetime pursuit - yet her most recent endeavor to photograph Ethiopian Jews has become therapy.The Californian artist, who became depressed after the death of her father, was looking for a way to heal.

MICHIGAN

Legislature cuts office allowance budget

Instead of waiting for Gov. Jennifer Granholm's executive order to cut the budget, House Speaker Rick Johnson did it himself. "We made these cuts in anticipation of cuts we'll have to make throughout the year," Johnson spokesman Matt Resch said.

MICHIGAN

'U' group helps community

The calendar is always full for MSU Habitat for Humanity. Members of the community service organization travel across the Lansing area to read stories to children, nursing home residents and other individuals three times a week. Then there's the Book Buddies Valentine Party coming up this Friday. And members started building a house last fall that's almost done. MSU's chapter of Habitat for Humanity was established on campus in 1991.

MICHIGAN

Legislators rally for lower drug costs

Lansing - State lawmakers are introducing legislation that would reduce prescription drug costs for seniors and uninsured citizens. A series of bills in both houses attempts to assist senior citizens on Medicaid and low-income families on Medicare or without insurance. Earlier this month, Rep.

MICHIGAN

Parents question cuts for E.L. elementary

After touring Spartan Village Elementary School, Mark Luebker said he knew East Lansing was the place to raise a family."We were just blown out of our socks by (the school)," he said.But as he joined about 150 parents at a school board meeting Monday to raise concerns over the troubled budget, he said he doesn't understand why the district's leadership is making cuts."I'm mad," Luebker said.

MICHIGAN

Nature center hosts 'Owl Prowl'

Delta Twp. - While many of Mid-Michigan's animals may be in hibernation awaiting the first signs of spring, Woldumar Nature Center, 5739 Old Lansing Road, remains open. A variety of programs aimed at educating people of all ages to nature gives visitors firsthand experience. One program, "Owl Prowl," allows visitors the opportunity to observe owls on the five miles of trails on Woldumar's property and learn about their natural habitats. "The premise of 'Owl Prowl' is to expose people to owls and show what owls are doing this time of year," Program Director Bridget Booth said.

MICHIGAN

Israeli official speaks at Hillel

David Roet, deputy consulate General of Israel, spent his first trip to Michigan at the Annual Conference on Israel at MSU's Hillel Jewish Student Center on Friday."I'm pretty accustomed to the snow and cold weather," he said laughing.During his visit, Roet addressed Israeli issues and concerns with students at Central Michigan University, Gov.