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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Officials to discuss parking fee increase

East Lansing city officials will debate a possible raise in parking fees tonight.The extra 10 cents per half-hour would pay for the entire parking system budget for the 2002-03 year.City officials say daytime parking numbers have fallen in the city while parking has remained stagnant in the evenings.Another factor are the debts new parking facilities have left the city.The Charles Street Garage totaled $12.5million in construction costs.

MICHIGAN

Small businesses may see sales increase

Small businesses can expect a business boom according to the Small Business Association of Michigan. The report, released last week, cited optimism in owners and a decreasing amount of good help as signs that businesses can expect more sales.“Sounds good to me,” said Ray Walsh, owner of Curious Book Shop, 307 E.

MICHIGAN

Bill to deter student solicitations

Rep. Tony Stamas, R-Midland, would like to see a bill he sponsored concerning the right to deny Freedom of Information Act requests for student information reach the governor’s desk before the Legislature leaves on recess. The bill, which passed out of both chambers but returns to the House for approval of Senate changes, would attempt to decrease the mounds of unwanted solicitation that high school students have to sift through. “Parents and students need protection from that bombardment,” said Sen.

MICHIGAN

Earth Day Fest brings speakers, bands

Earth Day Fest invaded Ann Street Plaza on Sunday to raise environmental consciousness in the East Lansing community. E-day, in its ninth year, was sponsored by the East Lansing PRIDE Team and East Lansing merchants. It raised an awareness of environmental concerns that generally are overlooked, showcased gadgets to improve health and materials on the proper way to recycle. Teri Parks, owner of Bohemian Barber, 223 M.A.C.

MICHIGAN

State terrorism laws to take effect Monday

A package of bills designed to fight terrorism will officially become law Monday. The package defines the crime of terrorism in Michigan and sets penalties for any person involved, whether committing the crime, aiding the crime or impeding a law enforcement officer. State Sen.

MICHIGAN

Health center may get funds

The Otto Community Health Center funding may now be restored, five months after the money was cut. An additional $24 million is included in the 2002-03 School Aid budget to fund Otto and 27 other Adolescent Health Program services.

MICHIGAN

Businesses struggle with E.L. taxes

An East Lansing discussion of taxes and restaurant licenses has raised the question over the role of independent businesses in the city. During Tuesday’s city council meeting, council members discussed the possible denial of license renewal for six local businesses because of taxes delinquent as of last week. Since then, the list has dropped to three businesses - Domino’s Pizza, 966 Trowbridge Road; Famous Taco, 901 Trowbridge Road; and Sidestreet Deli of East Lansing, 605 E.

MICHIGAN

Governor unveils alternative energy proposal

In Dearborn on Thursday, Gov. John Engler announced a plan designed to make Michigan the world leader in alternative energy. The plan includes tax benefits for companies researching the topic and a NextEnergyZone, which would be a 700-acre area near Ann Arbor where research on the topic will be centered. Much of the alternative fuel issue has centered on fuel cells in automobiles, but Engler spokeswoman Susan Shafer said the plan hopes to generate just as many advances in other everyday activities. “We’re probably not going to see it in our cars soon,” she said.

MICHIGAN

Bill to refuse patients

Hospitals and health care clinics that have a specific religious foundation could turn patients away if the procedure conflicted with their beliefs under a new bill introduced to the Senate on Monday.Sen.

MICHIGAN

Fraternity rides along with police

Life for one MSU fraternity includes speeding tickets, breaking up fights and filling out paperwork.The 40 members of Alpha Tau Omega are tagging along with East Lansing police officers through the beginning of May.Each member will ride with an officer on duty for a two-hour shift.“The misperception of college kids is that we party and we have no brains and we are just some frat guys that destroy anything we put our hands on,” Alpha Tau Omega member Jonathan Rosenthal said.

MICHIGAN

Rally held for health care

Lansing - Last year Amanda Meulenberg spent $500 on health care. As a first-year medical student at Wayne State University, she’s not covered for preventative health care insurance.“I have chronic asthma and I have to go the doctor every three months,” she said.

MICHIGAN

Gas leak wakes up neighborhood

Some East Lansing residents were awakened by the sounds of police and fire sirens Monday night brought on by a gas leak at the southwest corner of Collingwood Road and Ann Street.The leak, in the basement of 239 Collingwood Road, was reported at 11:39 p.m.

MICHIGAN

Promoters lobby for sidewalk scooters

Lansing - Legislators and aides looked on as the Segway Human Transporter zoomed around the west Capitol steps Tuesday afternoon. A new kind of stand-up scooter, the transporter would be permitted to navigate city sidewalks if a bill proposed by Sen.