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.

Police briefs 07/03/02

Nonprofit organizations suffer shortage of summer help

Area nonprofit organizations have to deal with program cuts every summer when MSU student volunteers leave campus. But some groups who rely on volunteers say this year is worse. John Tucker, executive director of Lansing-based Youth Development Corp., said the group had two volunteers working 40 hours a week last summer, but this year there are none. “We use MSU students as mentors for kids, but (summer) reduces our program a good 75 percent,” he said.

Organizations ask for blood

Associations across the nation are joining voices in a call for blood as supplies have reached a critically low point.Alicia Mitchell, spokeswoman for the American Hospital Association, said she believed a possible explanation for low donations may be misinformation about who can donate and statistics say she’s right.

Recount shows Donohue wins by 3 votes

A recount Monday agreed with what chance had decided in the race for a seat on the East Lansing school board.After recounting the ballots cast in the East Lansing school district election, William Donohue defeated Randy Bell by three votes for a seat on the board of education.

Tuition continues to rise for U students

For the second year in a row, MSU students will witness their tuition jump higher than usual. For the fourth year in a row, faculty members will witness an salary increase as part of the 2002-03 MSU budget approved by the MSU Board of Trustees on Friday. The increased tuition fees may also return next year might, MSU officials say. “It’s going to be a rugged year,” Provost Lou Anna Simon said.

Area crowd enjoys skate parks grand opening

Lansing - Team Pain’s new skate park brought the opposite feeling to hundreds of skateboarders and in-line skaters Saturday when city officials and organizers finally opened Ranney Park’s newest addition near Frandor.Jonathan Fox said the park is “awesome,” and he plans to compete there July 14.“It’s really smooth,” the 11-year-old skateboarder said.

E.L. officials divided over voucher ruling

Public school money can now be used to help fund private schools after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that is stirring up controversy in East Lansing. The 5-4 ruling Thursday comes two years after the Kids First!

Ruling unites parties in protest

State legislators joined the fray of lawmakers denouncing last week’s 2-1 ruling by an appeals court panel that the Pledge of Allegiance’s reference to God is unconstitutional.