Rewind: News from the last 7 days

The City of East Lansing released on Friday the results of a law firm investigation into City Manager Robert Belleman’s behavior, following public accusations by an employee who said Belleman had engaged in sexually harassing and bullying behavior. The law firm’s report does not find any evidence to support sexual harassment allegations against Belleman, based on interviews with a half dozen employees and a lack of evidence aside from the allegations. But it does point to broader concerns about leadership climate and perceptions of favoritism, and investigators urged leadership training for Belleman. East Lansing Grant Coordinator Erica Dziedzic spoke during a May 19 City Council meeting and said, “In 2025, Robert sexually harassed me and was verbally abusive toward me.” City Pulse has reached out to Dziedzic through email. She had previously made the allegations internally to the city, which commissioned an investigation from the law firm Miller Canfield last fall. Following the public allegations, City Council members scheduled a special meeting on May 21 to authorize the release of the report. 

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While the employees who spoke to investigators said they did not witness any sort of sexual harassment, many of the employees pointed to a strict boss and lawyers for the city recommended changes. “Multiple interviewees reported that Belleman ‘has favorites,’ ‘dresses people down,’ and is stern or scolding—particularly toward women,” according to the report. “Although not substantiated as gender-based, this pattern could present future risk if it continues. The Investigators recommend the City counsel Belleman on the importance of professional communication and that subjective interpretations of conduct are the reality and can create culture concerns.” Dziedzic remains employed by the city and continues to report to Belleman, who has been receiving leadership training, according to the city. Belleman was hired in August 2023 at a time when East Lansing had been roiled with turnover. In the year before Belleman arrived, at least 10 department heads or assistant department heads, including a longtime city manager, had resigned or retired. Belleman had previously been the controller of Saginaw County; he was fired from that job in June 2023, just before applying for the East Lansing job. 

Niowave Inc broke ground on Thursday on a $65 million investment expected to create 70 new high-wage jobs at a facility near the Capital Region International Airport. The new facility would be a hub for advanced technology, research and manufacturing. “Today’s expansion really is a game changer for Niowave, the Lansing area, and the state of Michigan,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “More cancer patients will be able to count on life-saving medicines and therapies. This cements Lansing’s leadership in biotech and life sciences and how we’re using Michigan grit and innovation to think, build, and lead our future.” Niowave is expected to increase capacity for superconducting components used in medical isotope production, clean energy research and national security applications. The company’s continued growth highlights mid-Michigan’s unique strengths in engineering, physics, and high-tech manufacturing, driven by a skilled workforce and proximity to MSU and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. Construction on the new facility is scheduled to begin later this spring, with the site expected to be operational by fall 2027. 

The Fenner Conservancy has opened what it says is Michigan’s first licensed and fully outdoor year-round preschool. The Fenner Nature Preschool at Maple Grove expands the existing preschool. There is now a full-day program as well as a fully outdoor half-day program. The half-day program has morning and afternoon hours. The preschool, located on the nature center’s 134-acre property, has children ages three through six spending their entire school day outdoors, learning through exploration and play. There are scholarships and subsidies available. Check mynaturecenter.org for the latest enrollment information and steps for getting involved.

Authorities found 36 dogs living with their owner in a van and many of the young dogs have been taken in by the Capital Area Humane Society. About 18 dogs – 10 puppies and a half dozen newborn puppies, along with two adult females – were surrendered by their owner, according to the local Humane Society’s Facebook page. The society has offered to take the remaining dogs and is working to help improve their living conditions, but as of May 24, the remaining dogs had not been surrendered. The Humane Society said it cannot confiscate animals without legal authority. The Humane Society’s medical director examined and treated the dogs that remained with the owner; those dogs received vaccinations, deworming treatments, flea prevention and microchips. The society said its workers are in daily communication with the owner, who is working to get permanent housing. Resources are being provided for the animals and to find a long-term solution, according to the society’s Facebook page. “We understand and share the community’s concern for the well-being of these animals,” the Capital Area Humane Society said in the statement. “This is a complex situation involving both animal welfare and human welfare considerations, and there is still significant work ahead.”

The Lansing Police Department is investigating a shooting that appeared to have happened in the 5500 block of Pleasant Grove Road on Saturday evening. The investigation includes two men, 18 and 22, who showed up at a hospital with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, according to a statement from the police department. No arrests were made in the shooting as of a Saturday night update by police, who said they were working to determine the sequence of events and determine if charges would be pursued. Those with information about the shooting can contact the LPD at 517-483-4600, send a private message through its Facebook page, or contact Crime Stoppers at 517-483-7867.

A cannabis grow facility in Lansing is being closed, with 95 employees expected to be laid off this summer, according to mandatory state notices about large closures. Ascend Wellness Holdings operates a grow facility and a dispensary in Ingham County. The company did not respond to requests for comment for a WILX story about the job loss notifications. State and city officials told WILX that it was a sign of a changing marijuana industry. Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope told WILX there has been a shift in cannabis-related applications, which go through his office, with a decrease and some market retractions. In a statement, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said it is disappointing to see local layoffs, and he urged employees to use state and local resources like the 211 phone line to find other employment.

The Delta Township Board of Trustees voted at their May 18 meeting to postpone a decision whether to rezone nearly 50 acres of farmland on the west side of the township, on Broadbent Road south of East St. Joseph Highway. The rezoning request was from a developer, Broadbent Farms LLC, which wants to build 71 single-family homes and 30 condos on the land, which is currently marked for low-density residential housing. The postponement on the decision is indefinite, with no date set to revisit the request, and follows concerns voiced at meetings by residents who live near the property, primarily regarding potential drainage and flooding issues. The current property owner, Dave Monk, who also lives nearby, told trustees he has worked with the county’s Drain Commissioner’s Office and engineers on a plan that would prevent flooding, but the board wants additional details and documentation.