Author: Dustin DuFort Petty

Dustin moved to East Lansing in 2003 to study at Michigan State University. He has earned two degrees there, 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 also co-authored two books, Michigan FFA: A Legacy of Great Lakes Leadership and The New Bullying, the latter being named a National Finalist in the Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence competition. He is researching for a new book about the queer post-war history of MSU and the greater Lansing area. He is an avid baker, genealogist, vintage Pyrex collector, and volunteer in his spare time. At ELi, he is reporting on many areas of interest to our readers, including schools, local government, and faith communities. Click here to read more about our staff.
Know the Candidates: John Dewane is Challenged by Norm Shinkle in Ingham County Prosecutor Race

Know the Candidates: John Dewane is Challenged by Norm Shinkle in Ingham County Prosecutor Race

After being appointed as the county’s prosecuting attorney two years ago, John Dewane is running for a full term. He is challenged by Republican Norm Shinkle.

Know the Candidates: Steve Fox Challenges Scott Wriggelsworth in Ingham County Sheriff’s Race

Know the Candidates: Steve Fox Challenges Scott Wriggelsworth in Ingham County Sheriff’s Race

Over the next several weeks, ELi will bring you articles highlighting the choices for state- and county-wide election. We seek to interview each of the major candidates for these offices and share an objective look at their backgrounds and goals for office. Today, we focus on Ingham County Sheriff. With its administrative offices in the…

Know the Candidates: Incumbent Penelope Tsernoglou is Challenged by Frank Lambert for 75th District House Seat

Know the Candidates: Incumbent Penelope Tsernoglou is Challenged by Frank Lambert for 75th District House Seat

Hear from candidates on why they feel they are best suited to represent Michigan’s 75th District.

Know the Candidates: Julie Brixie and Josh Rockey Compete for 73rd District House Seat

Know the Candidates: Julie Brixie and Josh Rockey Compete for 73rd District House Seat

Hear from candidates on why they feel they are best suited to represent Michigan’s 73rd District.

ELi and the Lansing Area League of Women Voters to Hold Program on Proposed Charter Amendment

ELi and the Lansing Area League of Women Voters to Hold Program on Proposed Charter Amendment

The program will be recorded Oct. 4 and distributed widely soon after it is finished. To better gauge the questions residents have, we are also allowing readers to submit questions before the event.

New Nonprofit Chapter, Local Businesses Team Up to Donate Tons of Food

New Nonprofit Chapter, Local Businesses Team Up to Donate Tons of Food

Over the first eight months of 2024, Food Rescue: Lansing Communities has collected more than 78,000 pounds of food that may have otherwise spoiled.

East Lansing Youth Address Harm Caused by Discrimination, Wealth Gap in Scholarship-Winning Essays

East Lansing Youth Address Harm Caused by Discrimination, Wealth Gap in Scholarship-Winning Essays

Four recent high school graduates from East Lansing were among those selected.

Two EL Activists Honored

Two EL Activists Honored

Thasin Sardar was recognized with the Peacemaker of the Year award and Chris Root received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Lansing Area Peace Education Center’s June meeting.

ELPS Welcomes New Director of Special Education

ELPS Welcomes New Director of Special Education

Precios Armstrong comes to the position with more than 25 years of experience in education and a doctorate in educational leadership.

Delivery Drivers and Downtown Parking Continue to be at Odds

Delivery Drivers and Downtown Parking Continue to be at Odds

The fast pace that delivery drivers move in and out of illegal parking locations makes it difficult for the city to enforce parking rules.

Two County Millages on August Ballot

Two County Millages on August Ballot

The millages up for renewal at the August Primary Election provide funding for essential services to older residents and health care services for low income residents.

ELPS Administrator Finding New Ways to Care for Campuses, Cut Costs

ELPS Administrator Finding New Ways to Care for Campuses, Cut Costs

After experiencing issues with its previous custodial service provider, ELPS switched back to in-house services. Billy Hastings and his team have since cleaned up the district.

University Lutheran Church to Host Community Concerts

University Lutheran Church to Host Community Concerts

The performances will take place the first three Sundays of August.

EL Dems Respond to Biden Candidacy, Withdrawal

EL Dems Respond to Biden Candidacy, Withdrawal

Yesterday, President Joe Biden announced he would not seek reelection.

Rethinking Farewells: How Funerals and Final Resting Places are Changing

Rethinking Farewells: How Funerals and Final Resting Places are Changing

Trends around funeral services and memorials have been changing nationwide. These differences can be seen locally.

ELHS Alumna’s Educational Future Uncertain After Participating In Columbia University Protests

ELHS Alumna’s Educational Future Uncertain After Participating In Columbia University Protests

2022 ELHS graduate Marie Adele Grosso is still unsure if she’ll be allowed to return to Columbia University after protesting against Israeli military actions.

Two ‘Top Cops’ to Apply to be ELPD Chief

Two ‘Top Cops’ to Apply to be ELPD Chief

As East Lansing prepares a search for its new police chief, ELi has learned that there will be two internal candidates in Deputy Chief Jennifer Brown and Interim Chief Chad Pride.

Budget, Racial Equity Policy Discussed at School Board

Budget, Racial Equity Policy Discussed at School Board

While the state’s budget has not yet been finalized, ELPS Director of Finance Rich Pugh gave an update on proposed school funding.

ELPS Staff Encourages Belonging, Inclusion for Queer Students Following Hate Crime

ELPS Staff Encourages Belonging, Inclusion for Queer Students Following Hate Crime

After a hate crime that targeted LGBTQIA+ students was committed on MSU’s campus, ELPS students and staff rallied to support the district’s queer students.

Our 10

Our 10

On Memorial Day, we look back at 10 East Lansing service members who were killed in the Vietnam War.

EL School Board Discusses Ceasefire Resolution

EL School Board Discusses Ceasefire Resolution

The East Lansing Public Schools Board of Education discussed the possibility of later passing a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel at its May board meeting.

New Prime Time Seniors Director Alesha Williams: Supporting EL Seniors is “My Joy”

New Prime Time Seniors Director Alesha Williams: Supporting EL Seniors is “My Joy”

The new Prime Time Seniors director will look to expand activities offered by the program even further.

Planning Commission Recommends Gas Station, Not B&B Rezoning

Planning Commission Recommends Gas Station, Not B&B Rezoning

A plan to replace a gas station and convenience store on the corner of Abbot Road and Saginaw Street will go back to City Council with the Planning Commission’s approval.

Annette Irwin: East Lansing’s Leslie Knope?

Annette Irwin: East Lansing’s Leslie Knope?

Planning, Building and Development Director Annette Irwin still carries the reputation of a “Worker Bee” even after 27 years of service to the city.

ELPS Hosting Mental Health and Wellness Summit

ELPS Hosting Mental Health and Wellness Summit

The summit will be open to ELPS students and other community members.

Planning Commission Postpones B&B Plans, Recommends Energy Ordinance Changes

Planning Commission Postpones B&B Plans, Recommends Energy Ordinance Changes

The Planning Commission recommended approval on a pair of items, while tabling proposed rezoning that would allow for a Grove Street B&B.

A Look at Dispute Between ELPS and Union After Tentative Agreement Reached

A Look at Dispute Between ELPS and Union After Tentative Agreement Reached

Documents show the process followed when ELPS hired an administrator’s son at an elevated pay rate.

Union Deliberations, Bond Again Hot Topics at School Board Meeting

Union Deliberations, Bond Again Hot Topics at School Board Meeting

The East Lansing Board of Education again heard from the union the district’s administrative assistants are part of at its March 11 meeting.

ELIPOC Frustrated with Council, ELPD Leadership

ELIPOC Frustrated with Council, ELPD Leadership

Members of the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission shared concerns about proposed amendments to the ordinance that established the commission.

Union Shows up For Feb. 26 School Board Meeting

Union Shows up For Feb. 26 School Board Meeting

Several members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which East Lansing School District administrators belong to, showed up at the Feb. 26 Board of Education meeting.

Trees Dominate Discussion at Planning Commission Meeting

Trees Dominate Discussion at Planning Commission Meeting

Three public hearings were held at the Feb. 28 Planning Commission meeting. One regarded tree removals, another addressed a solar energy ordinance and the third revisited a B&B that is proposed for Grove Street.

Day named ELi Interim Managing Editor, Martinez Joins ELi Staff as Investigative Reporter

Day named ELi Interim Managing Editor, Martinez Joins ELi Staff as Investigative Reporter

ELi has had a recent staff shake up.

City of East Lansing: Pay Up (Please)

City of East Lansing: Pay Up (Please)

Some East Lansing residents have been surprised to receive notices that they may owe the city income taxes.

School Bond Will Go Before Voters in May

School Bond Will Go Before Voters in May

If approved, the “safety, security, accessibility bond” will go toward improvements at ELHS and MMS as well as a new central office building.

Youth Pursue Education While Experiencing Homelessness

Youth Pursue Education While Experiencing Homelessness

Last school year, 41 ELPS students experienced homelessness. School staff works to ensure students experiencing homelessness have the tools necessary to meet their academic potential.

Council Attempts to Outline Ambitions for 2024-2025 Term
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Council Attempts to Outline Ambitions for 2024-2025 Term

The last two city departments presented their priorities, while the strategic planning process was met with some resistance.

Council Holds Three Public Hearings, Defers Decisions

Council Holds Three Public Hearings, Defers Decisions

The proposals for a car wash, bed and breakfast, and new gas station are on Tuesday’s City Council meeting agenda.

New Commission Gives Voice to Youth
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New Commission Gives Voice to Youth

“It’s a great way to bridge the gap between and learn what the commissioners see as important to their peers,” assistant to the city manager said.

Ask ELi: Checking in With City Manager Belleman

Ask ELi: Checking in With City Manager Belleman

He talked about new city hires, preparing for the first big winter storm and why Council meeting minutes have not yet been approved.

Brothers Bring Yemeni Coffee to East Lansing

Brothers Bring Yemeni Coffee to East Lansing

“I’m an expert in medicine, but I’m very passionate about caffeine,” says Dr. Ahmed Sufyan, owner of Moka & Co.

Anonymous Call About Migrant Buses Coming to EL Lacks ‘Veracity’

Anonymous Call About Migrant Buses Coming to EL Lacks ‘Veracity’

City of East Lansing and local service providers suspect the call is a hoax but are, nonetheless, working to be prepared.

Special ELi Investigation: Church Attendance is Down Nationwide; What About in East Lansing?

Special ELi Investigation: Church Attendance is Down Nationwide; What About in East Lansing?

ELi spoke with nine ministers and pastors about what they are experiencing in their churches.

Ask ELi: Belleman Gives Updates On City Happenings

Ask ELi: Belleman Gives Updates On City Happenings

The city manager responds to questions about Country Mills Farms, Council goal setting plans and an employee pay study.

City Leaders Urge Council to Move Forward with Charter Review Commission
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City Leaders Urge Council to Move Forward with Charter Review Commission

The letter signed by nine civic and school leaders supports putting the commission establishment on the 2024 ballot.

New Life for 530 Albert Ave Project?
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New Life for 530 Albert Ave Project?

The vice president of ACD has been working with downtown business owners and neighborhood groups to revamp the project.

East Lansing Homeless Shelter Celebrates 40 Years of Service

East Lansing Homeless Shelter Celebrates 40 Years of Service

As part of the anniversary celebration, a ribbon cutting and open house will be held Thursday at the shelter’s new administrative facilities.

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.