News Rewind: Lansing adoption agency free to discriminate

Lansing adoption agency free to discriminate

A settlement reached between the Department of Health and Human Services and St. Vincent Catholic Charities means the Lansing adoption agency can continue its discriminatory practices of refusing to work with LGBTQ couples, according to a press release from the local Catholic diocese. MDHHS has also agreed to send $550,000 to the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty.

Free KN95 masks available in Michigan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced plans to distribute 10 million free KN95 masks while the omicron COVID-19 variant continues to rage across the state. The free masks will be distributed by community groups — including local MDHHS offices, health departments and Area Agency on Aging offices. Visit michigan.gov/maskupmichigan to find a nearby mask pick-up location.

Frat party linked to bacterial exposure 

Ingham County Health Department officials cautioned anyone who attended a Sigma Beta Rho party on Jan. 22 at Club Rush, in the basement of Harper’s Restaurant and Brewpub, to receive a precautionary antibiotic treatment following a potential exposure to meningococcal meningitis, a rare but serious bacterial disease that causes swelling of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain. So far, only one University of Michigan student who attended the event has tested positive for the disease. Still, even close contacts of attendees are urged to seek treatment. Call the Health Department at 517-887-4308 for more information.

Lansing loses tireless public servant

Joan Jackson Johnson, affectionately known by her nickname “Triple J,” died at 73 following a lifetime of selfless service to some of Greater Lansing’s most at-risk residents. Jackson Johnson served through two mayoral administrations as the director of the city’s Human Relations and Community Services Department and was a relentless volunteer in combating homelessness. She retired in 2019 after she was put on leave over an investigation that later found she had conflicting interests tied to the distribution of federal grant funding. No criminal charges were filed, though the city was forced to return nearly $250,000 in grants to the federal government.

Bus shortage irks students at MSU

More than 1,900 people have signed a petition calling for the Capital Area Transportation Authority to restore the usual frequency of bus services at Michigan State University following a recent cutback in several on-campus weekday routes. Buses that used to arrive every five or 10 minutes are now reportedly running on 30-minute intervals due to staffing shortages — an issue that CATA officials said won’t be resolved until more bus drivers are hired to fill the gaps.

Cops nab alleged mailbox smasher

Police arrested a driver they believed to be responsible for damaging about 50 mailboxes on Monday night at Plymouth Landing in Williamston, reports the Lansing State Journal. The driver was reportedly arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and other charges. No additional information about the suspect was released. Anyone who had their mailbox damaged can call in their repair cost estimate for possible court-ordered reimbursement at (517) 655-4222.

Parents sentenced in starvation case

Teaya and Kaam Stricklin, of Lansing, were sentenced to at least two years (but no more than 15 years) in prison after they were convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of their neglected 2-month-old son, reports the Lansing State Journal. A medical examiner reportedly called the emaciated infant’s death a “textbook example” of lethal starvation and dehydration.

East Lansing kills off 79 deer

The latest round of deer culling efforts at several East Lansing parks has ended for the winter with a total of 79 deer being killed by trained sharpshooters and 2,400 pounds of venison donated to the Greater Lansing Food Bank. Parks are back open for usually scheduled hours.

Enrollment climbs at Catholic schools

Lansing area Catholic schools recorded one of their largest annual enrollment increases to date with an overall 6% increase in students this year. The biggest increase was among preschool through third grade students, a 21% rise between the Diocese of Lansing’s 35 Catholic schools. Overall, 23 out of 27 elementary schools have seen increased enrollment this year — including a 31% boost at St. Martha in Okemos and a 29% enrollment increase at St. Paul in Owosso.

Lansing cops push online alerts

The Lansing Police Department has joined Atlas 1, a location-based civic engagement network that sends out cell phone alerts about city events, reported crimes and other announcements. Residents can join the network by downloading Atlas 1 on their iOS or Android phone. Notifications will be sent based on users’ location to alert them when a nearby public safety issue occurs or when issues arise at places they care about — like a school, office or home. Online users will also be able to send anonymous tips and feedback to the Police Department.