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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Program turns empty tanks into cash for grillers

Shaun Byron  and  Cavan Moon
July 5, 2001

Gas grills around the state were fired up on Wednesday for the Fourth of July, but where do users go to refill their propane tanks once they’re empty? If the tank doesn’t have an overfill prevention device, or OPD, it may be difficult to find anyone to refill it. New regulations in Michigan will prohibit tanks that lack the prevention device from being filled, beginning April 1, 2002.

MICHIGAN

BATmobile travels across Michigan roadways

Shaun Byron
July 5, 2001

Michigan police departments are using the BATmobile to catch a few jokers on the roads.The Breath Alcohol Testing van, or BATmobile, is a vehicle used in processing drunken drivers by having blood alcohol level testing available on the scene.The van is part of the high-tech equipment police are using in part of the Drive Michigan Safely Task Force campaign, “You Drink & Drive.

MICHIGAN

E.L. seeks grant to fund City Center II building

Shannon Murphy
June 28, 2001

East Lansing is hoping to create more foot traffic downtown with what is being termed “City Center II.” East Lansing City Council approved an application for a Core Communities Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. If East Lansing receives the $700,000 it’s asking for, the city would purchase the building at 303 Abbott Road, which housed the Old Kent Bank. “We would use it as part of a redevelopment,” City Manager Ted Staton said. The city is considering using the land for a movie theater, retail space, condominiums and a parking area. “I think it is a good idea because we are looking for additional space for owner-occupied housing downtown and looking for space for a theater,” Councilmember Beverly Baten said.

MICHIGAN

Police to watch for drunken drivers

Shaun Byron
June 28, 2001

The Michigan State Police are putting the brakes on drunken drivers during the Fourth of July holiday.“Our troopers are being instructed not to work on investigations that are not essential, but to concentrate on patrolling,” said Sgt.

MICHIGAN

Redistricting plan draws controversy

Matt Treadwell
June 27, 2001

Republican plans to redraw Michigan’s congressional and legislative districts passed quickly through the state Senate on Tuesday. The assembly, after a 21-14 party-line vote, approved a plan analysts say would likely flip Michigan’s representation in Washington, D.C., from a Democratic to a Republican majority. Democrats have cried foul, saying the process has been unnecessarily hurried by the Republicans, who are in a strong position to decide the new boundaries, as they control both state legislative chambers and the governor’s office. District lines are redrawn every 10 years after each U.S.

MICHIGAN

Police, firefighters battle blood deficit

Shaun Byron
June 27, 2001

The battleground has been set and lines have been drawn in the sand. When it is all over, members of the Lansing Police Department or the Lansing Fire Department will stand victorious, while the others will hang their heads in shame. The two departments have squared off in a blood drive for the Mid-Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1800 E.

MICHIGAN

E.L. enters 425 agreement

Shannon Murphy
June 27, 2001

Ted Roudebush said he is unhappy that he now has to follow East Lansing’s rules.Roudebush, who bought a house in DeWitt Township in 1995, now lives on land that is part of a 425 agreement between East Lansing and the township.A 425 agreement allows local adjoining governments to agree to foster development on a shared piece of land, said Jim van Ravensway, East Lansing’s director of planning and community development.“The land is in DeWitt Township, but there were developers that wanted to develop that land, but DeWitt could not provide services to them,” he said.

MICHIGAN

Cops welcome updated forensic lab

Matt Treadwell
June 25, 2001

DELTA TOWNSHIP - The Michigan State Police on Friday opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art forensic science laboratory on Canal Road. The new 82,710 square-foot facility came with a $23.5 million price tag and replaces the lab’s old offices, which were housed among six different buildings at the state police headquarters compound on Harrison Avenue in East Lansing since 1932. Together, the old offices constituted about 15,000 square feet.

MICHIGAN

Memory kept alive with run

Shannon Murphy
June 25, 2001

More than 300 people spent Sunday morning honoring the memory of Bob Forsythe and raising money for The Listening Ear Crisis Intervention Center.The event, Bob’s 5K run/walk, raised about $10,000 for The Listening Ear, with 295 runners and 80 volunteers.

MICHIGAN

Free phone cards feature health message about AIDS

Shaun Byron
June 25, 2001

Free calling cards are bringing an important message. The message has been in brochures, posters, advertisements, billboards and public announcements.The message is AIDS is still killing people.The Midwest AIDS Prevention Project is distributing 5,000 free 10-minute phone cards to gay and bisexual men throughout Michigan.

MICHIGAN

Council to review application

Shannon Murphy
June 25, 2001

The East Lansing City Council will discuss alley improvements and an application for a grant to buy a building downtown Tuesday. Carolyn Bennett, East Lansing community and economic development administrator, said the department is asking city council to approve an application from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to receive a grant to purchase a building in downtown East Lansing. “It is to start City Center Two,” Bennett said.

MICHIGAN

Ronald House enjoys anniversary party

Shaun Byron
June 25, 2001

The Ronald McDonald House of Mid-Michigan might not give you super-sized combo meals.But it can give comfort and a place to stay for out-of-town parents with sick children.“I can walk across the street and see my daughter anytime I want,” Lansing resident Shelly Vendeville said.Vendeville is staying at the house, 121 S.

MICHIGAN

Health centers ready for HIV Testing Day

Shaun Byron
June 25, 2001

The battle with AIDS is not over.Between 800,000 and 900,000 Americans are infected with HIV. The Ingham County Health Department, the Mid-Michigan District Health Department, Lansing Area AIDS Network (LAAN) and Planned Parenthood of Mid-Michigan are joining forces to ensure HIV counseling and anonymous testing is available from 7:30 a.m.

MICHIGAN

Ronald McDonald House to honor anniversary

Shaun Byron
June 21, 2001

Lansing’s Ronald McDonald House of Mid-Michigan does more than just love seeing people smile.The house provides comfort to those who need it badly.This year alone, the Lansing house has provided a place to stay for 220 out-of-town families whose children were in the hospital.On Saturday, the facility, at 121 S.

MICHIGAN

False calls push cops buttons

Shaun Byron
June 21, 2001

Your cell phone might be crying wolf without your knowledge.Lansing police Lt. Ray Hall said the department is now receiving many false emergency calls from cell phones.“This year, for the first time, we experienced receiving more cellular 911 calls than from normal phones,” he said.