As the new year is brewing a frigid winter season, experts are suggesting motorists winterize their cars. AAA Michigan spokesperson Jim Rink said motorists should have car items checked out - ideally before the winter driving season. "During the week when you have close to single digits and various wind chills, it drastically reduces the starting power of the battery," he said.
Lansing - In a swift reaction to the budget deficit, Gov. Jennifer Granholm notified state public school districts Wednesday that funding will be cut as soon as March. "This is painful to any parent, whether you're a Republican or a Democrat," Granholm said. Despite the regret Granholm expressed, she said the budget had to be dealt with as soon as possible. "We have to bring the budget into line," she said.
A public information meeting tonight will allow students and city residents to comment on the proposal of a new dedicated bus way between Harrison Avenue and Farm Lane. Representatives from the Capitol Area Transportation Authority and MSU will be present at the forum, which takes place from 5 p.m.
Tenants beware - many area landlords are going the extra step to ensure occupancy codes are followed. With East Lansing officials pressing the over-crowding issue for the past couple years, landlords say students can sometimes be elusive. Fred Bauries, an East Lansing landlord, says he keeps a close look on the houses around him - mostly because he rents out the three houses right next door. "My most creative way would be that I live next door," he said.
Four-year-old Livia Belman was among about 20 children trying to wiggle out of their winter clothing as quickly as possible Monday evening. Livia was anxious to begin her first StoryTime at the East Lansing Public Library.
East Lansing police haven't received any new leads since Monday afternoon in the Friday assault of an MSU student, Lt.
Lansing Mayor David Hollister was the first of Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm's appointments to go in front of the Senate Government Operations Committee in a series of hearings to examine candidates for top spots in the governor's cabinet Tuesday. A state Senate committee unanimously confirmed Hollister as the director of a new state department on labor and economic growth. "He will represent Granholm very well," said Mary Dettloff, spokeswoman for Jennifer Granholm.
Two of MSU's educational programs for state residents are looking for creative solutions to upcoming funding problems - and hoping to avoid layoffs that may be inevitable. The Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, MSU Extension and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station were counting on nearly $4 million in state money to make up for a 2 percent cut to higher-education funding.
Delta Twp. - With a combined cost of $43 million and a slow economy, Lansing Community College has reached out to local businesses and community partners to help pay for its new technical centers.As an extension of LCC, Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) and Technical Training Center are scheduled to open next year.The M-TEC cost the city nearly $34 million and the training center close to $9 million.
With Michigan's top three budget experts meeting today to estimate Michigan's tax revenue, Gov.
Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, has been appointed to serve on the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce in the 108th Congress. Rogers' subcommittee assignments will be announced in the next few weeks. The committee, which was formed in 1795, provides principal legislative oversight related to telecommunications, consumer protection and food and drug safety. The committee also oversees public health, air quality and environmental health and the supply and delivery of energy, as well as interstate and foreign commerce.
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., met with police and firefighters in Marquette Monday to address their concerns regarding homeland security. Stabenow spokesman Dave Lemmon said the round-table discussion was her sixth such visit to Michigan municipalities.
The bickering over the budget crisis in East Lansing Public Schools reached the legal level Monday.The East Lansing Education Association, the union representing East Lansing teachers, filed unfair labor practice charges against the East Lansing School Board - accusing them of breaking a state labor law.Union officials have pointed fingers at the school board, saying Superintendent Tom Giblin broke state labor laws by releasing budget plans publicly before they were presented to the teachers' union.
East Lansing residents again have an opportunity to turn their trash into reusable goods.The city reopened the Valley Court recycling drop-off site on Friday, located at Valley Court and Hillside Court.
MSU Controller David Brower says he is ready to join the fight to rebuild the United Way's reputation while the local chapter attempts to recover nearly $1 million in missing money.Brower was appointed by the Capital Area United Way blue-ribbon panel of experts which will analyze the chapter's financial safeguards.
Lansing - The National Association for the Advancement of Transgendered People will with high hope for change, founder and president Melissa Sue Robinson says.The nonprofit association, which will act as a political activist group, union and support organization for transgender people, is beginning with a 25-person membership but Robinson said she expects that number to increase as more people learn about the association.The association will hold monthly support meetings on the third Saturday of every month."We will help transgendered people if they run into problems," she said.
Students and East Lansing residents may soon have to go further down the road for personal railway service.About 40 people braved freezing temperatures Saturday afternoon to participate in a rally to protest the loss of ticket agents and possible route closing.As of today, East Lansing's Amtrak rail passenger station, located at 1240 S.
Fifth Third Bank officials say they are ready to tap into the banking needs of East Lansing business and MSU staff and students.A new branch of Fifth Third Bank is moving into its new digs at 309 E.
Dana Hunter has always found truck drivers to be courteous on the road."I've never had a problem with semi-trucks driving on the road," the no-preference freshman said.
Lansing - The collective chant of "Peace in Iraq" reverberated within the walls of a Lansing church Thursday after a group of anti-war speakers motivated the crowd.