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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Tenth-annual leadership program kicks off

Lindsay Frederickson
February 18, 2002

Friday afternoon was a very tentative first stop on the campaign trail for the 24 fellows of the 10th annual Michigan Political Leadership Program. The program, which kicked off this weekend, was hosted by MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research. “There are a lot of things lay people don’t understand, like how to run a political campaign and manage funds,” said Greg Ostrander, a graduate student in the MSU Department of Resource Development and a 2002 fellow. Each year, 24 fellowships are awarded to applicants across the state.

MICHIGAN

Theorist speaks to groups about misperceptions

Kendra Snyder
February 15, 2002

Alan Berkowitz spoke to members of the Community Relations Coalition and the Responsible Hospitality Council on Thursday evening about improving the relationship between East Lansing residents and MSU students. About 20 people packed into the board room of the Administration Building from 4:30-6 p.m.

MICHIGAN

Businesses seek to prevent theft with greeting

Aaron Johnson
February 15, 2002

As students walk into local businesses, it may not be unusual to receive a simple “Hi” or “Hello.” Most students don’t think twice about such greetings, but most students aren’t shoplifters. Joe Orlowski, store manager for Steve & Barry’s University Sportswear, 515 E.

MICHIGAN

Officer reflects on career

Shannon Murphy
February 15, 2002

Lansing - Growing up in Oscoda, Ray Hall’s favorite TV show was “Hill Street Blues.” The early ’80s police drama show helped influence Hall’s decision to enter law enforcement. Hall, who is serving his last day as a lieutenant with the Lansing Police Department, will be promoted to captain within the department on Saturday. “I thought it would be cool having a job where I got to catch people and help people out,” he said.

MICHIGAN

Community center pool nearly finished

Shaun Byron
February 15, 2002

The sweet smell of success has been wafting through the halls of the East Lansing Hannah Community Center. The community center, 819 Abbott Road, has been experiencing a good deal of foot traffic from tours, parties and business conferences. But soon a major piece of the center’s recreational equipment will be finished. At the end of the month a big attraction, the center’s pool, will open.

MICHIGAN

City employees, students donate blood to Red Cross

Kendra Snyder
February 14, 2002

Melissa Telfer reclined in a blue cot Wednesday, her left arm sitting on a small table. The red pump of a blood pressure indicator rested near her hand and a nurse questioned her while cleaning the crook of her arm with a cotton swab. “I’m a little nervous,” the city employee said.

MICHIGAN

Financial associate banking on giving Whitmer challenge

Lindsay Frederickson
February 14, 2002

Gretchen Whitmer has her first challenger.Larry Ward, a Williamston Republican, announced Wednesday he’s taking on East Lansing’s Whitmer, hoping to capture the 70th district state House seat.“I have 18 years worth of experience in real working situations,” said Ward, a 40-year-old financial services associate who announced his candidacy at an MSU College Republicans meeting.The official filing deadline for candidates is still months away and as a result, Whitmer, like many incumbents, has yet to begin her re-election campaign.

MICHIGAN

Web site aims to help small businesses train employees

Aaron Johnson
February 14, 2002

The state is reaching out to small businesses.The Michigan Department of Career Development has developed the online training program BeeFreeway, under the partnership of Michigan Virtual University and Netg, a division of Thomson Publishing, an e-learning business.Programs in business leadership and teamwork are offered for all businesses, but companies with 25 or fewer employees can use the program for free.“If we help the small businesses who really are the backbone of our economy, why don’t we help them upgrade their skills?” said Tiffany Dowling, spokeswoman for the department.The program gives small businesses a chance to give their employees training for promotions or new skills, a luxury usually not allowed in small business budgets, Dowling said.“Some employees are doing three different jobs that can’t be covered so it’s real hard for small businesses to release those workers,” she said.Small business owners partaking in the program register at the Web site, www.beefreeway.org.

MICHIGAN

City briefs

Jeanne Chan
February 13, 2002

Capital Area Transportation Authority will be moving two of its bus stops Monday. The stops located on Vine Street, east of Clippert Street and north of Sears in the Frandor Shopping Center, will be moved one street north on Sellers Avenue to two new shelters across from Panera Bread, 310 N.

MICHIGAN

Volunteer group honors anniversary

Lindsay Frederickson
February 13, 2002

Lansing - The Michigan Community Service Commission, which engages Michigan citizens in volunteer programs, including some affiliated with MSU, celebrated its 10th anniversary Tuesday. Community service organizations from all across the state gathered beneath the Capitol dome to celebrate the tenure of the commission, which was supported by the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and the National Service Trust Act of 1994. “Our goal is to engage Michigan citizens in volunteer service,” said Mary Grill, director of outreach for the commission, which receives its support from federal, state and private funding. AmeriCorps, described by Grill as “kind of a domestic peace corps,” is funded through the commission, and about 1,000 people in Michigan work for that organization on a variety of projects. One of those projects, 4-H Club Read, is based out of MSU Extension offices.

MICHIGAN

Blood drive seeks donors

Kendra Snyder
February 12, 2002

East Lansing employees are asking MSU students to donate blood Wednesday. The City of East Lansing Employees’ Second Annual Blood Drive is being held from 10 a.m.