MICHIGAN
Education key to gaining legislation
It took Maryland legislators a decade to include sexual orientation in that state’s civil rights law.
MICHIGAN
Campaigners rely on students
When Republican Larry Ward began his state House campaign against incumbent Rep. Gretchen Whitmer, critics told him he didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell against the Democrat from East Lansing. Political science junior Jason Miller said he hoped to improve Ward’s chances. Miller, Ward’s campaign manager, took the back roads to Hell, Mich., in the dead of winter and had himself photographed holding a snowball next to a sign that read “Welcome to Hell.” “Hell freezes over in Michigan,” Miller said. Until MSU students and recent graduates can begin their own political careers, they pay their dues by doing what it takes to get their elders into office. Ward, a Republican candidate for the 69th District state House seat, found his campaign manager at an MSU College Republicans meeting. “He came up and picked my brain after the meeting,” Ward said of Miller, chairman of the student GOP group.
MICHIGAN
Amendment may force Merit program to be cut
A proposed constitutional amendment to dedicate tobacco settlement money to health care is putting the future of the Michigan Merit Award scholarship program in jeopardy.The Citizens for a Healthy Michigan Coalition introduced the Healthy Michigan Amendment in March.The proposed amendment would dedicate 90 percent of funds from the nationwide tobacco lawsuit settlement of 1998 to health care.
MICHIGAN
Report suggests ways to fight alcohol abuse
Three months after a controversial report was issued by the Responsible Hospitality Council, tempers have died down and council business has resumed.The hospitality council is made up of more than a dozen East Lansing bars and restaurant owners and managers that meet once a month to discuss possible ways to curb alcohol abuse.
MICHIGAN
E.L. expands, adds more than 1,000 acres
Students returning to East Lansing might have noticed that the city seems larger than last year, because it is. Two Public Act 425 agreements, known as land-share deals, allowed the city to bring in more than 1,100 acres.
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Atmosphere defines new shop
Ice cream fans got a little bit cooler without having to buy sunglasses or wear a leather jacket. Cold Stone Creamery, an ice cream shop at 200 M.A.C.
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Department prepares for more students, more alcohol
An influx of students during welcome week means an increase in traffic, crowding and drunken driving.The East Lansing Police Department and MSU’s Department of Police and Public Safety create safeguards each year to help deal with the substantial growth in the area’s residency.East Lansing adds patrols during welcome week, football weekends and any other time period where people traffic may be high, Capt.
MICHIGAN
City prepares for influx of U students
The roads will be packed with minivans and eager students as the annual fall ritual runs its course this Welcome Weekend and East Lansing is ready. East Lansing Police Capt.
MICHIGAN
West Nile virus cases increase in Michigan
The number of dead birds found with West Nile virus in Michigan has risen exponentially since the first few were discovered in mid-June.Birds with the virus have been confirmed in 24 counties in Michigan this year, including Ingham County.“We’re adding more counties every day,” said Jon Patterson, associate professor of pathology.
MICHIGAN
Council gives grants to cultural organizations
Eight different cultural and historical projects in Michigan were awarded a total of $65,792 from the Michigan Humanities Council. The money came from the council’s new grants program, “Creating Vision for the New Century: The Humanities and the Strengthening of Michigan’s Communities.” The program emphasizes educational, cultural and community-based organizations providing humanities projects in Michigan communities. The recipients of the grants include the Interlochen Arts Academy, Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Michigan Historical Museum, Keweenaw Krayons, Covert Public Schools and Magical Rain Theaterworks. Each project was allotted a different sum to put toward their interest.
MICHIGAN
Secretary of state calls for open primaries
While the primary election brought a record number of registered voters to the polls, unofficial numbers show a significant number of those votes were not counted.Earlty estimates show about 6 percent of ballots were thrown out because voters chose candidates from both parties on the same ballot.
MICHIGAN
Officials to decide on new Mormon church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 431 E. Saginaw St., could rise from the ashes.Architects have been working on two designs for a new church since the original building was burned because of arson to the ground in June.One of the two plans will be unveiled to residents at a public hearing 7:30 p.m.
MICHIGAN
Volunteers needed for cancer charity-event
The American Cancer Society needs volunteers for its Relay For Life, a 24-hour team event to raise cancer awareness and research money. The relay is Saturday and Sunday at Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S.
MICHIGAN
Service lets library search more branches
The East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbott Road, now has access to the books of seven area libraries through a service called InMich according to a Friday press release. The service allows library patrons to search other libraries’ catalogs for books unavailable at the East Lansing branch. InMich includes libraries at MSU, Albion College, Grand Rapids Community College, Southfield Public Library, Albion Public Library, Central Michigan University’s library and Ovid-Elsie public schools.
MICHIGAN
Saginaw Street to undergo construction
East Lansing will resurface Saginaw Street from Coolidge Road to Stonegate Lane starting today. The road will be re-paved with asphalt and undergo other construction. Traffic will be down to one lane on either side during the course of the 1.8-mile project. The project is expected to be completed by Sept.
MICHIGAN
Brunch to kick off cancer Relay fo Life
The American Cancer Society is holding a “victory brunch” for local cancer survivors 10:30 a.m.
MICHIGAN
Dominos considers adding delivery charge
Students and other Domino’s Pizza customers might have to pay more for their pies when their doorbells ring. The Ann Arbor-based pizza chain has been testing a $1 delivery fee at 350 locations and will decide whether to expand the charge to all 4,800 U.S.
MICHIGAN
Complaints lead to arts removal
Paintings deemed “disturbing” and “satanic” by customers were removed from the walls of the Cappuccino Café, 1500 W.
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Apathy, absence blamed for few U votes
Students living on campus lived up to their stereotype as being unconcerned for the political primary.
MICHIGAN
Voters approve sale of building, option remains for new facility
East Lansing’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services received good news after voters granted it permission to sell the Public Works Building on Tuesday night.But voters might not have realized there is a possibility of a bond issue to raise money for a new building.The city needs $4 million for the new facility and Councilmember Beverly Baten said raising the money could be difficult.“I don’t think citizens realize there’s going to be a bond issue,” Baten said.