Funding problems close Butterfly House

The Butterfly House closed its wings and was laid to rest in early July because of funding and spatial problems.

E.L. school meetings to be televised, online

Starting this fall, East Lansing school board meetings will be broadcasted once again.The district was recently on a two year hiatus after the board meetings were determined to be too expensive for television broadcast.

Police briefs 07/11/02

Group pushes for treatment

Two bills and a proposed amendment to the state constitution are both work to alter Michigan’s mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes. The two bills currently in the House, sponsored by Rep.

Art exhibit will display reactions of Sept. 11

The Museum of New Art in downtown Detroit will open its “Ground Zero” exhibit Saturday and will host an “interrogation” of artist Rozalinda Borcila at 3 p.m.

Mayor stays busy, even in retirement

Balancing two jobs has not been easy for the mayor of East Lansing, consequently, Mark Meadows will now be trying to hitting the golf course more often.Of course, there is still a city to run.Meadows retired from his post as a Michigan assistant attorney general June 26, but he will continue to run East Lansing and work on some final cases with the attorney general’s office.

Unicycling priest raises money for Eskimos

A former pastor at East Lansing’s University Lutheran Church hopes to wheel his way into the Guinness Book of World Records by unicycling from Washington to the Statue of Liberty.His trip, “One Wheel, Many Spokes,” began on April 29 and he is scheduled to arrive at the Statue of Liberty at August 10.

Outside movie helps keep families cool

East Lansing’s Moonlight Film Festival will show the animated film “Ice Age” at 9:30 p.m.

Police dog brought to patrol, search, protect

The newest member of Meridian Township Police Department comes straight from the Netherlands and listens to all her commands in Dutch.Full of energy and generous with her kisses, 2-year-old Asta is the new township police dog.Asta, a Belgian Malinois, was flown in after a dog trainer in the Netherlands recommended her to Brian Gregory, vice president of Northern Michigan K-9.After two months of training, Asta is worth about $10,000.

Race will emphasize family, fun and fitness

The ninth annual Ellen’s Race 5K Run and Walk is set for 9 a.m. July 28 at Pinecrest Elementary in East Lansing and will continue through area neighborhoods. The event began to celebrate the life of Ellen Osborn who died in 1993 when she was in the fourth grade and it now also emphasizes the importance of family, fun and fitness. Contestants can apply for $15 or $40 for a family of three or more before July 18.

Police briefs 07/10/02

Possibility of added commercial business causes upset in community

Lansing - Residents near a busy shopping district on the city’s south side voiced their opposition Monday to Chris Baryames Jr.’s plans to lease his property to a commercial business at 4720 S.

McCain aids friend in race

State Sen. John “Joe” Schwarz enlisted the help of fellow military veteran U.S. Sen. John McCain to encourage voters to cast their votes for the Aug.

Care programs wait for approval of council

Before- and after-school programs at East Lansing elementary schools only resume if the East Lansing City Council gives the green light at one of its meetings this month.

Tobacco money may go on ballot

A coalition working toward amending the Michigan Constitution to direct tobacco settlement money to health care turned in enough signatures Monday to place the initiative on the ballot. Citizens for a Healthy Michigan, a coalition consisting of the American Lung Association of Michigan, the American Cancer Society, the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, among others, submitted 476,083 petition signatures to the state Elections Bureau.

Jacobsons financial future in jeopardy

Okemos shoppers may soon have one less fashion-franchise to cruise through as legal matters threaten to affect a department store in Meridian Mall.Jacobson’s Stores Inc. is expected to make a decision within the next few weeks on whether to sell the franchise or go out of business.The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 16.

Police briefs 07/08/02

Outdated Web site irks city residents

The World Wide Web may seem like a world wide wait for Lansing residents seeking updated and accurate information from their city government. Last Monday, the city clerk’s Web site had city council agendas through June 17, but meeting minutes were only available through May 13. Neighboring communities are providing more up-to-date information online, including voter registration. East Lansing’s city clerk Web page links to the Secretary of State’s home page, but Lansing’s leads to the National Mail Voter Registration Form, which hasn’t been revised since June 25, 2000. Disclaimers on both city Web sites say the information provided on the Internet is unofficial and should be used at one’s own risk. Liza Estlund-Olson, director of Lansing’s Department of Management Services, said the disclaimer is needed because city departments control their own Web content. Estlund-Olson said the city is in the process of hiring a team of people to work on the Web site. The Lansing City Clerk’s home page has an additional disclaimer saying all documents provided there by the office are unofficial and may contain errors.

Police to increase patrols for holiday

Police and fire officials nationwide will be campaigning for safety while Americans are lighting fireworks and enjoying barbecues this holiday weekend. MSU’s Department of Police and Public Safety will participate in a nationwide campaign to enforce drunken driving laws during the holiday weekend. “People are always getting together over the holidays and having a few drinks,” Sgt.

Voter registration deadline Monday

Monday is the deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 6 primary election. Michigan residents can register to vote at their city or township clerk office, any Secretary of State branch office or by mail with a voter registration form.