MICHIGAN

Driver runs car into tree, E.L. home

Kristina Woiderski  and  Tara May

July 17, 2002

A loud crash sent residents of Stoddard and Frye streets running into the road just after midnight Tuesday.The driver of a silver Ford Explorer had failed to stop at the intersection shortly before plowing over the lawn, bouncing off a tree and coming to rest under the living-room window of a duplex at 1224 Frye St.No serious injuries resulted from the accident, though the driver sustained a broken nose.

MICHIGAN

Restroom-space complaint filed

Tara May

July 15, 2002

Standing in long lines, missing the first act after intermission and crossing your legs while praying you’re next can be a painful experience. Women know the pain of waiting to use the bathroom at sporting events, concerts, plays and practically any other public place. But a formal complaint was filed in June on the issue of “potty parity” with the U.S.

MICHIGAN

Lack of rain might hurt farmers

Kurt Ludke

July 15, 2002

The thunderstorms rolling through Michigan early last week came at just the right time for area farmers.

MICHIGAN

Cursing charges continue to cause cases of clashes in U.S. courts

Katie Byrne

July 15, 2002

Three months after a Michigan law against profanity was ruled unconstitutional, cussing cases are popping up in other states.Roseville resident Timothy Boomer, also known as the “cussing canoeist,” swore in front of a family after falling out of a canoe on Aug.

MICHIGAN

Outside movie helps keep families cool

East Lansing’s Moonlight Film Festival will show the animated film “Ice Age” at 9:30 p.m.

MICHIGAN

Art exhibit will display reactions of Sept. 11

The Museum of New Art in downtown Detroit will open its “Ground Zero” exhibit Saturday and will host an “interrogation” of artist Rozalinda Borcila at 3 p.m.

MICHIGAN

Group pushes for treatment

Katie Byrne

July 11, 2002

Two bills and a proposed amendment to the state constitution are both work to alter Michigan’s mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes. The two bills currently in the House, sponsored by Rep.

MICHIGAN

Mayor stays busy, even in retirement

Kristofer Karol

July 11, 2002

Balancing two jobs has not been easy for the mayor of East Lansing, consequently, Mark Meadows will now be trying to hitting the golf course more often.Of course, there is still a city to run.Meadows retired from his post as a Michigan assistant attorney general June 26, but he will continue to run East Lansing and work on some final cases with the attorney general’s office.

MICHIGAN

E.L. school meetings to be televised, online

Kristofer Karol

July 11, 2002

Starting this fall, East Lansing school board meetings will be broadcasted once again.The district was recently on a two year hiatus after the board meetings were determined to be too expensive for television broadcast.

MICHIGAN

Foundation finds new budget director

The Michigan 4-H Foundation named Ovid resident and MSU alumnus Terry Langston its new executive director last week. On Aug.

MICHIGAN

Care programs wait for approval of council

Before- and after-school programs at East Lansing elementary schools only resume if the East Lansing City Council gives the green light at one of its meetings this month.

MICHIGAN

Race will emphasize family, fun and fitness

The ninth annual Ellen’s Race 5K Run and Walk is set for 9 a.m. July 28 at Pinecrest Elementary in East Lansing and will continue through area neighborhoods. The event began to celebrate the life of Ellen Osborn who died in 1993 when she was in the fourth grade and it now also emphasizes the importance of family, fun and fitness. Contestants can apply for $15 or $40 for a family of three or more before July 18.

MICHIGAN

Outdated Web site irks city residents

Kurt Ludke

July 8, 2002

The World Wide Web may seem like a world wide wait for Lansing residents seeking updated and accurate information from their city government. Last Monday, the city clerk’s Web site had city council agendas through June 17, but meeting minutes were only available through May 13. Neighboring communities are providing more up-to-date information online, including voter registration. East Lansing’s city clerk Web page links to the Secretary of State’s home page, but Lansing’s leads to the National Mail Voter Registration Form, which hasn’t been revised since June 25, 2000. Disclaimers on both city Web sites say the information provided on the Internet is unofficial and should be used at one’s own risk. Liza Estlund-Olson, director of Lansing’s Department of Management Services, said the disclaimer is needed because city departments control their own Web content. Estlund-Olson said the city is in the process of hiring a team of people to work on the Web site. The Lansing City Clerk’s home page has an additional disclaimer saying all documents provided there by the office are unofficial and may contain errors.

MICHIGAN

Voter registration deadline Monday

Katie Byrne

July 3, 2002

Monday is the deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 6 primary election. Michigan residents can register to vote at their city or township clerk office, any Secretary of State branch office or by mail with a voter registration form.

MICHIGAN

Police to increase patrols for holiday

Katie Byrne

July 3, 2002

Police and fire officials nationwide will be campaigning for safety while Americans are lighting fireworks and enjoying barbecues this holiday weekend. MSU’s Department of Police and Public Safety will participate in a nationwide campaign to enforce drunken driving laws during the holiday weekend. “People are always getting together over the holidays and having a few drinks,” Sgt.

MICHIGAN

E.L. officials divided over voucher ruling

Katie Byrne

July 1, 2002

Public school money can now be used to help fund private schools after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that is stirring up controversy in East Lansing. The 5-4 ruling Thursday comes two years after the Kids First!

MICHIGAN

Area crowd enjoys skate parks grand opening

Kurt Ludke

July 1, 2002

Lansing - Team Pain’s new skate park brought the opposite feeling to hundreds of skateboarders and in-line skaters Saturday when city officials and organizers finally opened Ranney Park’s newest addition near Frandor.Jonathan Fox said the park is “awesome,” and he plans to compete there July 14.“It’s really smooth,” the 11-year-old skateboarder said.

MICHIGAN

Supreme Court rules high school drug testing legal

Tara May

July 1, 2002

High school and middle school students across the nation involved in extracurricular activities are now eligible for drug testing, the U.S.

MICHIGAN

Ruling unites parties in protest

Katie Byrne

July 1, 2002

State legislators joined the fray of lawmakers denouncing last week’s 2-1 ruling by an appeals court panel that the Pledge of Allegiance’s reference to God is unconstitutional.

MICHIGAN

Dems accuse Posthumus of bad ads

Katie Byrne

June 27, 2002

The Michigan Democratic Party accused Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus on Wednesday of misleading voters with his new TV spots for the gubernatorial race. Party Chairman Mark Brewer said Posthumus’ advertisement unjustly tout the candidate’s record on education funding, retirement security and welfare. “His legislative career is full of examples of hostility toward seniors in this state,” Brewer said.