Author: Dustin DuFort Petty

Dustin DuFort Petty reports for ELi on East Lansing Public Schools and local government. He has two degrees from MSU, a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture & Natural Resources Communications and a master’s in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education. An academic advisor for the Bailey Scholars Program at MSU, he has co-authored two books including one that was named a National Finalist in the Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence competition. Click here to read more about our staff.
Interfaith Gathering Offers Prayers for Peace, Healing

Interfaith Gathering Offers Prayers for Peace, Healing

The event was an expression of solidarity and hope in the wake of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Campbell’s Smoke Shop is an East Lansing Classic

Campbell’s Smoke Shop is an East Lansing Classic

The shop on M.A.C. Avenue has been in business since 1956 and continues to have loyal clientele from around the country and world.

Hometown Boy Returns as City Planner

Hometown Boy Returns as City Planner

New Principal Planner Landon Bartley is eager to get to work back in the community that shaped him.

Mysteriously Delivered Packet Tells Story of City Raises and Promotions

Mysteriously Delivered Packet Tells Story of City Raises and Promotions

Councilmember George Brookover expressed discomfort with the actions taken by the outgoing interim city manager. Randy Talifarro, the new city manager and finance director respond.

Estrella Torrez Sworn in as School Board Trustee

Estrella Torrez Sworn in as School Board Trustee

The Oct. 23 meeting included a presentation by the ELHS principal, adoption of 24 board policy revisions and approval of a bond proposal for security enhancements.

Autumn is a Beautiful Time to Experience Nature in East Lansing

Autumn is a Beautiful Time to Experience Nature in East Lansing

With migrating birds, squirrels fattening up for winter and diverse city parks, this is a good time of year to get outside.

Robert Belleman Easing into His Role as City Manager

Robert Belleman Easing into His Role as City Manager

The city’s new top administrator talks about his life, his priorities and gives his perspective on the end of his job in Saginaw.

Interim City Manager Randy Talifarro Reflects on Tenure

Interim City Manager Randy Talifarro Reflects on Tenure

After 228 days on the job, Talifarro said he is glad to have had the opportunity to step into the crucial city role during a sometimes tumultuous time.

City Council Denies 530 Albert Development in 2-3 Vote
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City Council Denies 530 Albert Development in 2-3 Vote

The communitywide debate has been ongoing since May. With the Tuesday decision, the surface parking lot will stay a parking lot.

School Board Appoints New Trustee, Parts with Petrowitz

School Board Appoints New Trustee, Parts with Petrowitz

Majority of the four-hour meeting was spent interviewing the six candidates for the trustee position vacated by Monica Fink.

ELPS Board will Interview Five for Open Trustee Seat

ELPS Board will Interview Five for Open Trustee Seat

The board is expected to also approve a separation agreement with suspended middle school physical education teacher, Dennis Petrowitz.

No Decision Made by Council on 530 Albert Ave. Project
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No Decision Made by Council on 530 Albert Ave. Project

22 people spoke to Council about the affordable housing project during the Oct. 3 meeting, with majority speaking against the proposal. Council expects to make a decision at the Oct. 17 meeting.

Fink Resigns from ELPS Board; Special Meeting Being Held Today to Discuss Filling Her Seat
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Fink Resigns from ELPS Board; Special Meeting Being Held Today to Discuss Filling Her Seat

Public comment is on the agenda for the 12:30 p.m. meeting. Comments about the suspension of the middle school teacher are anticipated.

Grove Street Rezoning Denied by City Council
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Grove Street Rezoning Denied by City Council

The proposal was defeated 3-2. Hagan Reality owners are not sure what their next steps will be for the properties but vow not to give up.

City Council Hears Grove St. Rezoning Proposal
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City Council Hears Grove St. Rezoning Proposal

Hagan Realty says the project will be good for the city, while residents of the 600 block of Grove Street continue to disagree.

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Joshua Ramirez-Roberts

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Joshua Ramirez-Roberts

ELi is providing introductions to the eight East Lansing City Council candidates. In the eighth installment in our series, Dustin DuFort Petty provides a profile of Joshua Ramirez-Roberts. Why is Ramirez-Roberts running?

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Kerry Ebersole Singh

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Kerry Ebersole Singh

ELi is providing introductions to the eight East Lansing City Council candidates. In the sixth installment in our series, Dustin DuFort Petty provides a profile of Kerry Ebersole Singh. Why is Ebersole Singh running?

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Dan Bollman

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Dan Bollman

ELi is providing introductions to the eight East Lansing City Council candidates. In the fifth in our series, Dustin DuFort Petty provides a profile of Dan Bollman. Why is Bollman running?

Ask ELi: Digging in Glencairn Neighborhood Disrupts Water/Sewer Lines

Ask ELi: Digging in Glencairn Neighborhood Disrupts Water/Sewer Lines

DPW interim director confirms city workers had responded to incidents associated with the digging in Glencairn

Majorities of Planning Commission and DDA Support 530 Albert Ave. Affordable Housing Redevelopment
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Majorities of Planning Commission and DDA Support 530 Albert Ave. Affordable Housing Redevelopment

The loss of surface parking is the chief objection of critics. But the owners of the land say the lot is going to be redeveloped one way or another.

Zoning Board of Appeals Approves Solar Variance for University Lutheran Church
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Zoning Board of Appeals Approves Solar Variance for University Lutheran Church

The variance was approved 4-3 after back and forth discussion at the board’s Aug. 2 meeting.

Beal Garden – a Local Treasure for 150 Years

Beal Garden – a Local Treasure for 150 Years

The botanical garden on the MSU campus is known as a place for research, education, tranquility and activities.

ELPS Board Selects Gary Holbrook to Take Empty Seat

ELPS Board Selects Gary Holbrook to Take Empty Seat

Only three candidates applied for the seat vacated by Amanda Cormier, and then one dropped out.

Keeping Belleman ‘Would Have Paralyzed Saginaw County,’ Commissioner Says
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Keeping Belleman ‘Would Have Paralyzed Saginaw County,’ Commissioner Says

The meeting where Robert Belleman was fired from his job as Saginaw County’s controller included strong public statements for and against his termination, a recording obtained by ELi shows. Two commissioners who voted for termination spoke with ELi.

Candidates for City Council React to the Hiring of Belleman Over Dempsey
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Candidates for City Council React to the Hiring of Belleman Over Dempsey

Two candidates say they would have voted for Tim Dempsey, one shows disbelief, others are pragmatic and two haven’t yet responded to ELi.

Pastor Liz Leaves a Lasting Impact on EL and Edgewood Church

Pastor Liz Leaves a Lasting Impact on EL and Edgewood Church

“She made our congregation seem whole. I know that sounds cheesy maybe, but it felt like a healing. She’s leaving the church stronger than it was,” said Edgewood United Church of Christ member Melissa Fore.

Amanda Cormier Resigns From EL School Board
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Amanda Cormier Resigns From EL School Board

ELi has learned East Lansing Public Schools Board Trustee Amanda Cormier has tendered her resignation from the board. A special school board meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. today  (Aug. 4) to develop a process for her replacement. Cormier won her seat in November 2022, along with Trustees Terah Chambers, Kath Edsall and Tali Faris-Hylen,…

‘Plan B’ vending machine deliberated by HRC
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‘Plan B’ vending machine deliberated by HRC

The East Lansing Human Rights Commission continues to discuss the possibility of vending machines that dispense emergency contraceptives, although the path to making it happen remains murky.

Goal Setting, New Hires Part of Back-to-Back ELPS Meetings

Goal Setting, New Hires Part of Back-to-Back ELPS Meetings

Parents also gave a presentation on the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative during the fast-paced regular meeting.

Is an Ordinance Holding Back Sustainable Energy in EL?
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Is an Ordinance Holding Back Sustainable Energy in EL?

A decision on University Lutheran’s request for a variance for the size of a solar array was tabled after questions arose about other approved projects.

Synagogue Leaders Left With Questions After Violent Threats
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Synagogue Leaders Left With Questions After Violent Threats

The Congregation Shaarey Zedek community can’t help but feel fear and uncertainty as antisemitic sentiments increase nationwide.

Pride Finds a Home in Halls of ELHS

Pride Finds a Home in Halls of ELHS

The high school is dedicated to providing a supportive environment for all students.

Library Trustees Face Short Timeline to Find New Leadership

Library Trustees Face Short Timeline to Find New Leadership

The East Lansing City Council will look for an interim director for the East Lansing Public Library while library trustees will orchestrate a search for a full time candidate.

Director and Assistant Director of East Lansing Public Library Tender Resignations

Director and Assistant Director of East Lansing Public Library Tender Resignations

The resignations occur amid turmoil at the library and in the city’s workforce.

ELPL Board Revises Code of Conduct, Selects Consultant
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ELPL Board Revises Code of Conduct, Selects Consultant

Eleven library staff members spoke about their jobs and responsibilities, stressing “libraries work because we do.” The union staff is currently in contract negotiations.

ELPS Approves Budget, Celebrates Accomplishments
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ELPS Approves Budget, Celebrates Accomplishments

Six retiring educators and staff and the Michigan Lottery Educator of the Year recipient were all recognized during the June 12 meeting.

New Principal Seeks ‘High Structure, High Support’ at ELHS

New Principal Seeks ‘High Structure, High Support’ at ELHS

Ashley Schwarzbek takes the leadership reins at the high school after some challenging times during the school year.

Developer Seeks Rezoning of Grove Street’s North End to Allow Denser Housing
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Developer Seeks Rezoning of Grove Street’s North End to Allow Denser Housing

Homeowners just to the south are objecting to the proposal, but the church to the north supports it.

The Building C Question: Low-Income Housing or a Free Park Expansion?
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The Building C Question: Low-Income Housing or a Free Park Expansion?

The 2018 deal with DRW/Convexity and City Council is setting the stage for the current council to make a big decision.

Library Trustees Consider Collective Bargaining, Budget as Old Tensions Arise

Library Trustees Consider Collective Bargaining, Budget as Old Tensions Arise

ELPL Board of Trustees and Director Kristin Shelley have back-and-forth exchanges during two-hour meeting.

East Lansing Committee Recommends Uses for Half-Million Dollars in Federal CDBG Funds
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East Lansing Committee Recommends Uses for Half-Million Dollars in Federal CDBG Funds

If City Council follows the committee’s recommendations, the pie will be split many ways between public services and infrastructure projects.

East Lansing School Board Meets as School Year Winds Down

East Lansing School Board Meets as School Year Winds Down

Board hears about the professional learning experiences teachers participated in during the school year.

Civil Rights Investigations Drag on at HRC; Special ID Program Discussed

Civil Rights Investigations Drag on at HRC; Special ID Program Discussed

Could Ingham County get an ID program similar to Washtenaw County’s? And what’s happening with those two civil rights complaints?

ELPS Board Discusses Pros and Cons of Returning Resource Officers to the High School

ELPS Board Discusses Pros and Cons of Returning Resource Officers to the High School

Recent tensions, anger are not seen at the April 24 meeting, as the school board recognizes theater students, talks Graduation Alliance program and much more.

Library Trustees Discuss Next Steps in Internal Investigation, Consider After-School Challenges

Library Trustees Discuss Next Steps in Internal Investigation, Consider After-School Challenges

Also on the full agenda was approval of board minutes, a new patron code of conduct and much more.

Here’s How to Celebrate Earth Day in East Lansing
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Here’s How to Celebrate Earth Day in East Lansing

No Mow May, recycling, conversation starters and ways to take action are all part of the annual spring event.

Mother’s Narrative, Police Reports Paint Detailed Picture of Confrontation at ELPL
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Mother’s Narrative, Police Reports Paint Detailed Picture of Confrontation at ELPL

Incident has led to a special investigation by the library board and complaint to the EL Human Rights Commission.

Housing Insecurity Worries Falcon Pointe Residents, East Lansing Planning Commissioners

Housing Insecurity Worries Falcon Pointe Residents, East Lansing Planning Commissioners

Residents have been granted one-year land leases as the developers, FP Investors, are seeking a final decision from Council for further development.

Housing Complaint Against DTN Takes a Strange Turn
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Housing Complaint Against DTN Takes a Strange Turn

The city attorney said the investigation was stalled because he couldn’t reach a key person involved. ELi reached her by phone last night.

School Board ‘Retreat’ Boils Over Amid Tensions Regarding Transparency, Recent Events

School Board ‘Retreat’ Boils Over Amid Tensions Regarding Transparency, Recent Events

Despite efforts of an experienced facilitator, frustrations dominated the team-building session.

Local Clergy Reject Michigan GOP’s Holocaust Comparison on Gun Control
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Local Clergy Reject Michigan GOP’s Holocaust Comparison on Gun Control

Reached for comment, Norm Shinkle, co-chair of the Ingham County Republican Party, told ELi what’s happening in Michigan is “unbelievable.”

Meeting Minutes Still a Top Issue of Discussion for EL Library Trustees

Meeting Minutes Still a Top Issue of Discussion for EL Library Trustees

March 15 meeting was less acrimonious than recent sessions with more time spent focusing on business as usual.

ELPS Board Meeting Highlights Safety Measures Progress, Model UN Team
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ELPS Board Meeting Highlights Safety Measures Progress, Model UN Team

Superintendent Dori Leyko gave a detailed update on security measures that have been implemented in the district.

Interim City Manager Acknowledges Challenges, Remains Optimistic About City’s Future

Interim City Manager Acknowledges Challenges, Remains Optimistic About City’s Future

Talifarro will be available to all this Wednesday evening at a meet-and-greet being hosted by the library.

Coolidge Road Traffic Flow May Be Changed, Adding Bike Lanes

Coolidge Road Traffic Flow May Be Changed, Adding Bike Lanes

Public expresses mixed views about the road conversion, but transportation commission unanimously approved the project.

Tensions Persist Over Library Director’s Calling Police on Wrongly-Identified Black Teen

Tensions Persist Over Library Director’s Calling Police on Wrongly-Identified Black Teen

This week’s East Lansing Library Board of Trustees meeting was dominated by discussion of the Jan. 11 incident.

Human Rights Commission Adds Members, Considers Nuclear-Free Pledge

Human Rights Commission Adds Members, Considers Nuclear-Free Pledge

Plans for a LGBTQ+ event and coffee and conversations sessions also discussed.

The ‘Kids’ Are Not All Right (Right Now)

The ‘Kids’ Are Not All Right (Right Now)

Students, MSU librarian share their stories and their emotions with ELi.

Protest and Vigil Focus on Gun Violence, Perennial Trauma

Protest and Vigil Focus on Gun Violence, Perennial Trauma

Students and other members of the community gathered on Wednesday to mourn and to vow to take action.

60-member ELHS Model UN Club Tackles Global Issues

60-member ELHS Model UN Club Tackles Global Issues

The ever-growing group helps students build critical-thinking skills.

Valley Court Park Plan Going to Council for Feedback
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Valley Court Park Plan Going to Council for Feedback

Some people remain very unhappy with the idea of paving over the center of the park for a pavilion, while others are excited by the designs. See the new renderings and find out what happened at the last Planning Commission meeting.

Greater Diversity Comes to ELPS Classroom Book Libraries

Greater Diversity Comes to ELPS Classroom Book Libraries

The ELPS district and ELEF devoted $35,000 for K5 classrooms to buy books this year.

Police Pushed to Do More about Menacing Masked Man
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Police Pushed to Do More about Menacing Masked Man

Photos and videos of the individual have appeared across social media.

First School Board Meeting of 2023 Brings Officer Elections, Parent Concerns
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First School Board Meeting of 2023 Brings Officer Elections, Parent Concerns

Oaths of office, election of officers, parents’ concerns about play spaces and fighting, and a hint of future district policies. ELi brings you the news.

As East Lansing School Board Membership Changes, Some Policies Are Also Changing
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As East Lansing School Board Membership Changes, Some Policies Are Also Changing

The retiring school board president and vice president honored during Dec. 12 meeting.

Hanukkah Brings Light in Face of Rising Antisemitism

Hanukkah Brings Light in Face of Rising Antisemitism

Congregation Shaarey Zedek remains cautious during this time of increased hateful ideas.

Multiple systems help keep ELPS safe
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Multiple systems help keep ELPS safe

OK2SAY, a state-wide reporting program, is one tool being used by the school district.

East Lansing Probation Officer Iseler Wins Award, Champions Second Chance
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East Lansing Probation Officer Iseler Wins Award, Champions Second Chance

The Ingham County Bar Association honors Amy Iseler with its Liberty Bell Award for her work with the 54B drug court.

Canterbury MSU Finds New Home on M.A.C. Avenue
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Canterbury MSU Finds New Home on M.A.C. Avenue

The center, affiliated with All Saints Episcopal Church, is a place for students to gather, de-stress and connect.

Will East Lansing Become a Sanctuary City?
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Will East Lansing Become a Sanctuary City?

City Council may take up the issue at its Dec. 6 meeting after the resolution was unanimously approved by the Human Rights Commission.

Ask ELI: Are Churches Allowed to Put Up Political Signs?

Ask ELI: Are Churches Allowed to Put Up Political Signs?

As this election cycle draws to a close, ELi answers a reader’s question about political signs.

Ron Bacon Understands Gravity of Being First Black EL Mayor
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Ron Bacon Understands Gravity of Being First Black EL Mayor

The city’s mayor is optimistic as he continues to prioritize supporting small business, fair budgeting and regional partnerships.

Will a Large Communications Tower Be Built at EL High School?
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Will a Large Communications Tower Be Built at EL High School?

Board Vice President Chris Martin says the board does not yet have enough information to approve the project.

Red Cedar Elementary Comes Back to Life
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Red Cedar Elementary Comes Back to Life

ELPS Board of Education has followed through on its promise to reopen the elementary school in the Red Cedar Neighborhood.

George Brookover Continues His Dedication to Public Service and EL as a Member of City Council
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George Brookover Continues His Dedication to Public Service and EL as a Member of City Council

The East Lansing native emphasizes downtown development oversight and building a healthy relationship with Michigan State University.

Final Peace Quest Event Celebrates Muslim Culture
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Final Peace Quest Event Celebrates Muslim Culture

Attendance at the Salaam Peace festival at the East Lansing Islamic Center exceeded organizers’ expectation.

Councilmember Dana Watson’s Priorities Remain Consistent
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Councilmember Dana Watson’s Priorities Remain Consistent

Affordable and inclusive housing, and police reform remain at the top of Watson’s hopes for the city.

Trash Piles Up and Administrators Pitch In
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Trash Piles Up and Administrators Pitch In

ELPS is looking to end the contract with Jani-King and to take a different approach.