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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Fraternity kicks off service week

Elissa Englund  and  Benita Mehta
November 5, 2002

After weeks of writing letters to local and state politicians, Amber Johnson reached her goal Monday night. A trio of students from MSU’s service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, received a proclamation from Lansing Mayor David Hollister declaring this week as Alpha Phi Omega National Service Week in Lansing. “It’s great when a high-ranking politician cares about things on a more intimate level,” said Johnson, an environmental biology senior and vice president of service for the fraternity. The MSU chapter is part of a national service fraternity that created National Service Week, which runs from Nov.

MICHIGAN

ACLU challenges use of Breathalyzer test

Alison Barker
November 4, 2002

Before underage pedestrians are forced to submit to Breathalyzer tests, the American Civil Liberties Union is challenging police to first obtain a search warrant.Last week the ACLU filed a federal lawsuit against the Bay City police, saying they forced a 19-year-old woman to take a Breathalyzer test while she was in-line skating through a Bay City park in August 2001.The woman had not been drinking alcohol, but was forced to take the test or pay a $100 fine, said Michael Steinberg, ACLU of Michigan’s Legal Director.“That’s unconstitutional,” Steinberg said.If the federal court rules the police practice unconstitutional, it could open the doors to similar challenges statewide, Steinberg said.According to the ACLU, forcing pedestrians under 21 years old to take the tests whether they have been drinking or not violates their Fourth Amendment rights.

MICHIGAN

Powwow shows traditional dance

Lansing - The strands of Jessica Kota’s white shawl laid still as she stood attentively, ready to dance.Dressed in her pink, purple and white regalia - traditional Native American clothing- Kota, a Central Michigan University student, quickly moved into intricate dance steps.Kota was the lead female dancer for the 10th annual Great Lakes Anishnaabek Traditional Pow Wow at Lansing Community College, but this was not the first time she has participated in the event.“My family has always been very involved in our culture,” she said.

MICHIGAN

Holiday sales to remain subpar

Patrick Walters
November 4, 2002

Michigan retailers are expecting subpar sales this holiday season, in line with national trends and retailer forecasts. The Michigan Retail Index reported that while 57 percent of state retailers are expecting higher holiday spending compared to a year ago, the projected revenue growth is only 3.7 percent.

MICHIGAN

Marathon to raise money for cancer

Elissa Englund
November 1, 2002

While Jean Trice recovers from a chemotherapy treatment at her Lansing home on Saturday, Mike Weber will be running through the New York streets to raise money for her treatment.When Weber, a 2001 MSU graduate, learned his aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer in June, he decided to run the 26.2-mile New York City Marathon in her honor to raise money for the Sparrow Hospital Cancer Center.“I was thinking - it’s a little bit selfish running the marathon just for me,” Weber said.

MICHIGAN

Event promotes fun, safety at area center

Lansing - With one hand gripping her ponytail and the other steadily by her side, Jamesha Bennett immersed her head in a large bowl of floating apples and emerged victorious with a red one sunk between her teeth on Wednesday.Bobbing for apples was just one of the many fun activities included in the annual Halloween party at the Cristo Rey Community Center, 1717 N.

MICHIGAN

Local Libertarians look to change rock n roll image

Chad Previch
November 1, 2002

A deeper look into the Libertarian Party reveals that its members are connected more with beliefs of Mid-Michigan residents, two of its candidates say.“The Libertarian Party has the reputation of being the party of sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll,” said Thomas Yeutter, the party’s candidate for the 8th Congressional District seat.

MICHIGAN

Students win prizes for stamp creations

The grand-prize-winning crayon drawing of a dark pink chrysanthemum was displayed among creative drawings from eager students in the Design-A-Stamp contest at Delta Center Elementary School on Monday. Fourth and fifth grade students at Grand Ledge’s Delta Center Elementary, 305 S.

MICHIGAN

Green Party hopefuls voice voting concerns

Chad Previch
October 31, 2002

While the Green Party continues to focus on protecting the environment, candidates running on the party’s ticket say campaign finance reform is the most important issue this year.With the political system often emphasizing incumbents who are Republicans and Democrats, Greens say minor parties have to face an unfair barrier in elections.“As long as the money is coming in, it will find and get what it wants,” said Eric Borregard, who’s the Green Party’s U.S.

MICHIGAN

Higher insurance premiums affect small businesses

Audrey Barney
October 30, 2002

Increasing insurance premiums are hitting small businesses and no immediate relief is in sight, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan officials said. This year, premiums for Blue Cross Blue Shield Traditional, PPO and Point of Service products have grown by an average of 11.4 percent for all Michigan groups and 15.8 percent for Michigan businesses with under 100 employees.

MICHIGAN

Some alcohol-related crashes decreasing

The number of car crashes involving repeat offenders with multiple alcohol convictions has decreased 39 percent since repeat offender laws were enacted on three years ago, research findings announced Tuesday said. The laws brought tougher penalties for repeat offenders while establishing standards for licensing consequences and treatment.

MICHIGAN

Owners say lakefront homes need rebuilding

Meridian Twp. - Old dilapidated homes sitting on valuable lakefront properties are in the midst of being torn down to build big modern homes on Lake Lansing. Other homeowners looking to stay on the block must adhere to regulations on lakefront housing that require trees and muted paint colors. With such changes in store, Haslett resident and lakefront homeowner Ivan Bartha says it’s impossible for new homeowners not to rebuild or refurbish the homes surrounding the lake.

MICHIGAN

E.L. to host oral history workshops

Elissa Englund
October 29, 2002

The Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries will offer workshops designed to teach people about the art of oral history. The MSU Museum, Friends of Michigan History and the Michigan Oral History Association will work with the department to sponsor the workshops from 9 a.m.