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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Professors obscenity suit thrown out

Casey Mcnenly
April 10, 2002

Although a Macomb Community College professor’s lawsuit was thrown out by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on March 29 after he was suspended for using obscenities in class, some say it won’t have much impact on classroom conduct around the state. John Bonnell, a professor of Western literature and English composition at the community college, was suspended in November 1998 after a female student complained she felt sexually harassed by language he used in class. “It’s a dark day,” Bonnell said.

MICHIGAN

Sexual harassment charges prompt resignation

Shaun Byron
April 10, 2002

Despite a Lansing City Council member’s unexpected resignation Monday, a city employee is still considering a sexual harassment lawsuit against the city.Councilmember Lou Adado announced his resignation at Monday night’s city council meeting, citing negative attention on the city due to two women’s charges that he sexually harassed them.

MICHIGAN

Food rules protect Muslim practices

Amy Bartner  and  Elissa Englund
April 10, 2002

At Bassam Mahmoud’s restaurant, the meat is prepared according to Muslim dietary law - and a new state law will prevent other restaurants that don’t follow the dietary law from claiming they do.Some Muslims are allowed to eat foods considered halal, which is slaughtered in a certain way.

MICHIGAN

Environmentalists raise awareness on mercury emissions

Aaron Johnson
April 9, 2002

A group of environmental groups are working to reduce the amount of mercury falling on Michigan residents.The Michigan Environmental Council, National Wildlife Federation and the Michigan United Conservation Clubs are working with the state and private businesses to raise awareness of mercury emissions.Mercury is produced through a variety of processes, but Michigan Environmental Council policy director James Clift said coal-burning plants contribute about one-half of the total emissions.“A new coal-burning power plant has emissions that are five to 10 times lower than older plants,” he said.

MICHIGAN

Greeks get funky for fund-raiser

Aja Carmichael
April 9, 2002

Eleven greek teams contributed their creativity, sweat and the rhythmic ability for the fourth annual MTV Fundraiser Night, at the Auditorium on Monday night. About 2,000 people attended the first fund-raising event of Greek Week 2002 to raise funds for Sparrow Hospital’s pediatric emergency room.

MICHIGAN

Lansing group to clean up 3 brownfield sites in summer

Aaron Johnson
April 9, 2002

There’s not much room left in Lansing.But the Lansing Brownfield Redevelopment Authority is looking to alleviate the problem this summer.The 5-year-old agency is getting ready for the development of several brownfield sites.Brownfields are contaminated sites redeveloped by businesses as a way to reduce urban sprawl and excess growth.“It results in additional tax value,” said Tracy Carney-Miller, development specialist for the city’s Economic Development Corp.

MICHIGAN

Funding for community colleges remains unchanged

Lindsay Frederickson
April 9, 2002

Lansing - Gov. John Engler signed the fiscal year 2003 community college budget Monday that will maintain 2002 funding levels for Michigan’s 28 community colleges. Engler signed a similar budget for the state’s 15 public universities April 1, stating the Legislature would not cut funding to the universities as long as they keep tuition increases at or below 8.5 percent or $425, whichever is greater. The community college budget for fiscal year 2003 will remain at $321.7 million with Lansing Community College receiving $32.2 million in funding.

MICHIGAN

Malls set up sessions to improve service

Amy Bartner
April 8, 2002

It takes employees with a good attitude and a lot of motivation to keep customers coming back. Several malls around Michigan are trying to improve customer service skills with sessions for their staff members to learn how to better the mall environment.CBL & Associates Management Inc., an umbrella business that manages several malls, including the Meridian Mall in Okemos, the Fashion Square Mall in Saginaw, the Midland Mall in Midland and The Lakes Mall in Muskegon, recently asked for Michigan Works’ services to better the quality of employees.The sessions will work to improve the performance of the hourly employee up to the highest manager of the retail stores.“We had very, very good feedback,” said Cindy Leyrer, Capital Area Michigan Works workforce development consultant.

MICHIGAN

Conflicts cause delay in drowning case

Shannon Murphy
April 8, 2002

The preliminary examination has been postponed for another week for four female MSU students charged in connection with the drowning of an 18-year-old Bay City man.Nicole Bukowski, 21, Cassandra Duggan, 20, Laurel Trezise, 20, and Sara Kaufman, 21, were charged with running an unlicensed bar at a party they hosted in October.

MICHIGAN

Report shows states program misses grade

Lindsay Frederickson
April 8, 2002

In a Friday report, the Michigan League for Human Services claimed Michigan’s unemployment system has not kept pace with economic change. The report, “Out of Date and Out of Reach: Michigan’s Unemployment System Needs Repair,” arrives when unemployment benefit changes are a high priority for the returning Legislature. According to the report, the state’s maximum unemployment benefit is well below other states and does not correspond with inflation.

MICHIGAN

Greek week begins with games

Kendra Snyder
April 8, 2002

A rope, potato sacks and Hula-Hoops were all part of the Greek Week kickoff on Sunday. Fourteen teams, each with one sorority and two fraternities, participated in field events at noon in the Valley Court field.

MICHIGAN

Phi Psi 500 fund raises for children

Kendra Snyder
April 8, 2002

Seiko’s police badge hit the ground with each thump of his tail as a group of children giggled and stroked his fur.The German shepherd made an appearance at Phi Psi 500 on Saturday as part of the East Lansing Police Department’s canine unit.Phi Kappa Psi and Kappa Alpha Theta members hosted the event in Valley Court field from noon to 4 p.m.Lansing area children won candy for participation in several games, including a ring toss, tick-tack-toe, bean bag toss, musical chairs, sucker pull, horseshoe throw and bowling.

MICHIGAN

Fraternities to host event for children

Kendra Snyder
April 5, 2002

Phi Kappa Psi and Kappa Alpha Theta are hosting Phi Psi 500 on Saturday in Valley Court Field, which is behind the corner of Abbott Road and Grand River Avenue, from noon-4 p.m. The event is geared to children and features games with prizes, face painting, a K-9 police dog, music, a fire engine, an air trampoline, balloon animals, a dunk tank, free parking and food. “I think this event is important to the community because it gives kids something fun to do in the spring,” said Adam Wosneski, Phi Kappa Psi Philanthropy chairman.

MICHIGAN

Greek Week events to benefit community

Kendra Snyder
April 5, 2002

The campus greek system has existed for 130 years, and part of that tradition, the Greek Week celebration, will return Sunday. Billy Molasso assistant director of Student Life, said Greek Week is based around leadership, scholarship, friendship and service.

MICHIGAN

E.L. honors passing of former chief

Shannon Murphy
April 5, 2002

East Lansing police Chief Louis Muhn remembers when he was first hired into the department by former police Chief Stephen Naert.Naert, who became the city’s chief of police in 1972, died Monday at age 75.“I remember he had a tremendous memory for names, one I truly envied,” Muhn said.