Rewind: News from the last 7 days

Two local organizations canceled events following the assassination of rightwing “influencer” Charlie Kirk. The Hispanic Heritage Month committee postponed its kickoff program at City Hall scheduled for Monday, citing “an abundance of caution, given everything going on at this time,” co-organizer Lorenzo Lopez said. Meanwhile, the Lansing Chapter of the NAACP canceled a mayoral debate and candidate forum for City Council candidates due to “emerging safety concerns.” City spokesperson Scott Bean said the police were unaware of any “credible threats.” State Republicans organized a memorial gathering for Kirk on the Capitol grounds that hundreds attended without incident. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lowered the American flag on state property over the weekend after President Trump issued an executive order requiring it at half-staff on federal property to honor Kirk. Kirk spoke at Michigan State University in April. Followers held a candlelight vigil for him there Sept. 11.

Ingham County officials launched an ad campaign Monday to remind the community of Michigan’s safe gun storage law that took effect in last year. It mandates that gun owners keep their firearms unloaded and stored either in a locked box or with a trigger-locking device if a minor is likely to be on the premises. The law also applies to vehicles. Violators could face misdemeanor or felony charges. The campaign includes TV and radio spots, as well as social media. The Bureau of Justice Assistance Byrne State Crisis Intervention Grant program is funding the campaign, administered by the Michigan State Police.

Dave Logel, a Grand Ledge High School teacher and City Council member, sent an apology to the community through the Lansing State Journal following his social media comments on Charlie Kirk’s assassination. “If you posted today about the death of a fascist, not about the death of children in a school shooting, please unfollow me. Thank you,” Logel had posted Facebook last week. In his apology Monday, which followed social media users criticizing him and calling for his termination from both positions, he said that he does not support violence of any kind and just wanted to call attention to “the urgency of protecting children and other victims of gun violence.”

Sheetz, a family-owned chain of more than 700 convenience stores in seven states, is looking to expand to the Lansing-area market. The East Lansing Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing on Sheetz’ proposal to build a 6,139-square-foot store, including a drive-through restaurant and eight gas pumps, at 111 E. Saginaw St., near Abbot Road. Sheetz moved into the state last year, mainly in southeast Michigan so far. Its plans call for 50 to 60 stores statewide. The hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Hannah Community Center.

Former Delta Township Supervisor Ken Fletcher, 59, is facing up to four years in prison after pleading guilty to using a computer to commit a crime in a case resulting from an internet child sex sting. Sentencing will be in late October in Eaton County Circuit Court. His deal means no jail time before sentencing. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss a count of accosting a child for immoral purposes. Voters reelected Fletcher in November, even after his arraignment, but he declined to take the oath of office. Police alleged he “engaged in sexual conversations” on an LGBTQ+ social networking and dating app with an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old boy.

MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz and spokesperson Emily Guerrant confirmed that university budget cuts are ongoing, the Lansing State Journal reported. They are continuing to alert employees that they may be laid off or their positions may change as part of MSU’s decision to reduce general fund spending by 6% this year. Guerrant said recent calculations showed that MSU could eliminate about 200 positions among 15,000 employees. They added that human resource officials and union representatives are part of discussions about job cuts, and they expect final numbers by October. 

Representatives from MSU and the Union of Tenure System Faculty have signed an agreement recognizing its tenure-system faculty as a union. The new union includes nearly 2,000 faculty members appointed under the rules of tenure and holding the rank of professor, associate professor or assistant professor. 

The Capital Area District Library reopened its Mason location Tuesday after a car crashed into it Monday. The crash damaged the wheelchair-accessible entrance and ramp plus a bathroom. Officials said patrons needing the ramp can temporarily use another entrance while workers make repairs.

Public Safety
Lansing police responding to a call of a shooting south of Interstate 496, near Aurelius Road and Malcolm X Street, found a 57-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the chest. Police said the man was in critical but stable condition and that they believe the victim and suspect knew each other, but have made no arrests.