News Highlights from the last 7 days: Aug. 31st

 

Michigan State University welcomed one of its largest-ever freshman classes over the weekend, saying “Welcome!” to nearly 10,000 new students. Fall semester classes for all students begin today (Aug. 31). 

 

Lansing dance instructor and choreographer Mary “Mitzi” Carol died Friday at age 72. Carol was a sought-after director for many local dance and theater productions and taught at Lansing Community College for nearly 20 years. Visitation will take place 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, at Gorsline Runciman, Tiffany Chapel, Lansing. Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday at Gorsline Runciman-Tiffany Chapel, with an additional visitation two hours before the service. 

 

Michigan State University will receive more than $9 million in federal grants over the next four years to advance international education efforts, the university announced on Tuesday. Three international studies centers received around $2 million apiece, while two other programs were given a combined total of nearly $2 million. 

 

A Lansing man has been sent to a mental hospital after examiners determined he was legally insane when he stabbed and strangled his roommate in November 2020.  The Lansing State Journal reports that Wilford White, now 29, entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity on Aug. 1. Prosecutors and White’s attorney stipulated to a finding that he was not criminally responsible in the death of Samuel Gregory Hinkle. 

 

Sonia Gonzales, 46, was pronounced dead Aug. 27 after being struck twice by vehicles in Okemos. According to the Lansing State Journal, Meridian Township police were called to the west end of Hamilton Road at Grand River Avenue, where Gonzales – who was on foot – had been hit twice while in the construction zone. The Lansing resident died at the scene from her injuries. Meridian Township police are asking that anyone who saw or heard anything contact them at (517) 853-4800. 

 

Severe thunderstorms Monday left some mid-Michigan residents in the dark and others having to clean up storm debris. According to WLNS-TV, some residents went without power, while others had to confront downed power lines or fallen limbs. As of Tuesday afternoon, according to Consumers Energy, nearly 400,000 Michiganders remained without power. 

 

A dicey situation closed a westside freeway ramp Monday night, after a semi loaded with 40,000 pounds of tomato products went off the road and slid into a ditch. According to the Lansing State Journal, there were no other vehicles involved and there were no serious injuries, but a ramp to Interstate 496 remained closed for several hours following the incident. 

 

The Lansing Township Board of Trustees signed off on a lawsuit against Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum to stop her from putting an annexation question on the November ballot. The vote follows a recent request by Groesbeck residents in favor of annexation by the city of Lansing, rather than remaining in Lansing Township.