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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

E.L. arts commission looks to fill vacancy

Shannon Murphy
July 12, 2001

Art lovers may be able to see their ideas unfold in East Lansing. The East Lansing Arts Commission is looking for someone to fill an opening after a member resigned. The commission is looking for an East Lansing resident who has a background in art and an interest in sculpture. Lori VanOmmeren, the city’s urban designer and staff liaison to the commission, said the new member’s term would go through the end of 2003. She also said the commission is very important to promoting art in the city. “They advise city council on matters pertaining to art programs, review and request support for art programs and administer the public art program,” she said.

MICHIGAN

Michigan pay phone users face price increase this fall

Shannon Murphy
July 12, 2001

With rising tuition, bus fare, housing and pop prices, students now have another price increase to contend with - pay phones. SBC Communication Inc., the parent company of Ameritech, announced it would be raising pay phone prices from 35 cents to 50 cents. Denise Koenig, an Ameritech spokeswoman, said the increase, which will be implemented across Michigan by September, was because of a number of reasons. “The change is due to increased operating costs and decreased usage,” she said.

MICHIGAN

Farmers market celebrates new locale

Shannon Murphy
July 11, 2001

Students and residents won’t have to live on a farm to get fresh produce. The East Lansing Farmer’s Market will allow people to purchase fresh products when it holds its grand opening celebration Thursday. The farmer’s market, which is in its seventh year, will be moving from its location under the Charles Street parking structure to a new location on the corner of Albert Avenue and Charles Street, just east of the Marriott hotel at University Place, 300 M.A.C.

MICHIGAN

Lansing firefighers beat

Cavan Moon
July 11, 2001

Lansing firefighters and police officers have routinely rolled up their sleeves and fought it out during the past two weeks. Despite the bloodshed, both forces seem pleased with the outcome. That’s because the two services were competing to raise blood for the American Red Cross.

MICHIGAN

Company offers renewable energy

Shannon Murphy
July 5, 2001

It’s not easy being green. But G is for green power, and that’s good enough for John Strickler, director of communications for the Lansing Board of Water and Light. The board has a contract with Granger Electric Co. to purchase methane gas from landfills and sell it to customers as renewable energy. Joel Zylstra, president of Granger Electric Co. said as a landfill begins to decompose it emits methane gas, which can be used just like natural gas. “It has significant environmental benefits,” he said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.