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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Increased sales make merchants optimistic

Shannon Murphy
March 2, 2001

Cory Curtisis hoping once again his sumo wrestler clocks will pull their weight in sales.The owner of Cool Creations, 209 M.A.C Ave., said the novelty items, which are sumo wrestler figurines with working clocks attached on the front, are among some of the items that are selling.And according to The Michigan Retailers Association’s Michigan Retail Index released this week, getting that kind of weight off the shelves can be expected.The report predicted sales during the next three months will increase, which will be a pleasant change from the sales slump experienced in January.“I’m being optimistic,” Curtis said.

MICHIGAN

Legislature redraws districts

Drew Harmon  and  Eric Morath
March 2, 2001

Michigan legislators are beginning to look at redrafting the state’s political boundaries when Michigan’s new census figures are released next month.According to Michigan law, after every census is completed, the political districts must be examined by state lawmakers and adjusted to meet the needs of the population.

MICHIGAN

Demolition to clear way for City Center Project

Jamie Gumbrecht
March 1, 2001

East Lansing city officials probably won’t mind the buzzing, whirring and crunching in the background as they celebrate the next step toward completion of the $30 million City Center Project today.A kickoff ceremony to mark the beginning of the deconstruction of the Byrnes Building and University Mall on M.A.C.

MICHIGAN

Spotlight program targets underage drinking

Steve Eder
March 1, 2001

Let the buyer beware. Area cops are teaming up to curb liquor sales to minors. The East Lansing Police Department, Meridian Township Police Department and Ingham County Sheriff’s Department kicked off their new Spotlight program Wednesday afternoon at Spartan Sports Den, 1227 E.

MICHIGAN

Workers set wage under local laws

Eric Morath
February 28, 2001

Amy Cooke likes the idea of being paid $10 per hour for a minimum wage job. Fortunately for the German senior, a growing number of Michigan cities are making that a reality by instituting a living wage ordinance.These ordinances allow local communities to set a higher minimum wage and qualifications for employees to set such a wage.Cooke said she earned the $5.15 per hour federal minimum wage while working at an East Lansing day care facility.

MICHIGAN

Doctor off to Balkans

Brandi Lewandowski
February 28, 2001

With tensions heightening between ethnic Albanians and ethnic Serbians in Kosovo, the U.S. military is preparing to send additional personnel to the area. Dr. Dean Sienko is prepared for the battle - medically. Sienko, medical examiner of the Ingham County Health Department, will command the medical forces in the Serbian Providence beginning March 8, and oversee medical health and assistance to Allied and U.S.

MICHIGAN

Council to discuss ordinance

Jamie Gumbrecht
February 27, 2001

The East Lansing City Council will continue discussion of an ordinance that may limit the maximum allowed height for buildings throughout the city at today’s work session.Council members requested to amend the ordinance at the Feb.

MICHIGAN

GVSU considers former U official

Eric Morath
February 26, 2001

A former MSU vice president is among three finalists running to become Grand Valley State University’s next president.One of the candidates, State Treasurer Mark Murray, served as MSU vice president of finance from September 1998 until January 1999 before taking his current position in 1999.

MICHIGAN

Polls indicate support for Blanchard

Steve Eder
February 26, 2001

Former Gov. James Blanchard is the preliminary favorite to become the Democratic Party’s nominee for Michigan’s 2002 gubernatorial election, according to a new poll.Blanchard led Michigan Attorney General Jennifer Granholm and U.S.

MICHIGAN

Fair provides healthy information, treats

Eric Morath
February 26, 2001

LANSING - The music was soulful and the information was taken straight to the heart Saturday at the Gier Community Center. Participants at the Heart of Our Heritage Health Fair - an event that inform blacks of the risks faced by their community - were entertained by live performers at the community center, 2400 Hall St.

MICHIGAN

Rogers to visit campus, district for first tour

Eric Morath
February 23, 2001

For the first time since taking his position as a U.S. congressman, Mike Rogers is returning to MSU as part of his 8th Congressional District listening tour.The Brighton Republican has been touring his district - one that encompasses MSU - during the week to hear his constituents’ concerns.“He very much enjoys being on campus and interacting with the students,” said Sylvia Warner, Rogers’ press secretary.Warner said a new congressional office in Lansing, 1327 E.

MICHIGAN

Lansing looks to improve parks

Brandi Lewandowski
February 23, 2001

LANSING - Angie Smith’s golden retriever, Neuman, could run freely in Lansing if a proposed dog park is included in the Parks and Recreation Department’s five-year master plan.“A park specifically for dogs would be great,” the 27-year-old Lansing resident said.

MICHIGAN

Englers spokesman to vacate position

Drew Harmon
February 22, 2001

After 12 years of working under Gov. John Engler as his spokesman, John Truscott has decided it’s time pursue his own agenda.The director of communications and press secretary for the governor, Truscott has earned a reputation as knowledgeable and trustworthy.