MICHIGAN
Bill eliminates drinking defense
In Thursday’s state House meeting, Rep. Virg Bernero, D-Lansing, joined 99 other House members in a vote to remove the intoxication defense.
MICHIGAN
Housing renovations designed to lower bills
Off-campus students, like Diane Mater, routinely complain about drafts and heat loss during the winter. Such concerns often translate into higher utility bills, especially electricity and gas. The chemistry senior lives in an old house with windows that don’t provide the best heat insulation. “Of course there are steps (to lower heat losses),” she said.
MICHIGAN
Rogers tours hospitals
Lansing - Local health care professionals received a boost and a promise for helpful changes in the health care system when U.S.
MICHIGAN
Tax guides available to help file forms easily, accurately
Tax season is here again, and Sen. Beverly Hammerstrom, R-Temperance, hopes to make the filing process a little simpler. “There were dozens of changes that taxpayers need to be aware of in order to file their taxes correctly,” Hammerstrom said in a written statement. The tax books include a summary of tax laws, including information on tax credits and the Single Business Tax. A sample form and phone numbers for more assistance are also included.
MICHIGAN
Tenth-annual leadership program kicks off
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
Expanded broadband access could be coming to Michigan
Michigan is one step closer to regulating the deployment of broadband Internet services across the state.Last week, the Senate Technology and Energy Committee headed by Sen.
MICHIGAN
Honor fraternity hosts storytime session for children at E.L. library
Isaac Jason’s cheeks flushed bright pink as he jumped up and down on his green floor mat, giggled and looked for the next book he wanted read.
MICHIGAN
Senate considers student-debt education
One week into the school year, MSU students find their mailboxes filled with advertisements for credit cards with attractive features like “No annual fee” and “Instant $3,000 credit limit.” Sen.
MICHIGAN
Officer reflects on career
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
Theorist speaks to groups about misperceptions
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
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
Community center pool nearly finished
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
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
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
Senate OKs controversial Great Lakes drilling ban
A decades-old practice of directional drilling in the Great Lakes is likely coming to an end.The state Senate voted 28-5 Wednesday to ban oil drilling under the lakes.Sen.
MICHIGAN
Web site aims to help small businesses train employees
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
Alcohol-education advocate to speak in E.L.
Renowned William Smith College Professor Alan Berkowitz will be speaking to members of the Community Relations Coalition, the Responsible Hospitality Council and others at 4:30 p.m.
MICHIGAN
Life-like sculptures to liven up Lansing
Works of art by a renowned artist will be prominently displayed in Lansing this summer. The Sculpture in the Streets program will bring 15 life-size statues, made of bronze by J.
MICHIGAN
E.L. development troubling for some shops
Like many college students, Ray Walsh needed a way to pay for his MSU education. Unlike some students, he chose not to sell plasma every week.
MICHIGAN
Fraternity to spend Saturday reading to kids
Members of Phi Sigma Pi will spend time with local youths Saturday. Fraternity members will be taking part in a drop-in story session for children from 10:30-11:30 a.m.