Environment

Commission on the Environment Discusses Wetland Regulations and More

Commission on the Environment Discusses Wetland Regulations and More

In its first meeting after No Mow May, the commission talked about what worked, some challenges and future potential goals.

“Never a Dull Moment”: Twenty-Five Years in East Lansing’s Department of Public Works
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“Never a Dull Moment”: Twenty-Five Years in East Lansing’s Department of Public Works

Ron Lacasse would like to know how someone managed to get an entire Big Wheel down into the sewer system. 

East Lansing’s Acting Director of Public Works Provides Infrastructure Update
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East Lansing’s Acting Director of Public Works Provides Infrastructure Update

The wastewater treatment plant is processing over 4 billion gallons a year…and water rates are going up. Bike lanes are coming to Coolidge and Hagadorn Roads. The Red Cedar Neighborhood will get a new water main. What else can you expect in the coming year?

City Talks Tree Love, Yard Waste, Solar Price Surges, and No Mow May
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City Talks Tree Love, Yard Waste, Solar Price Surges, and No Mow May

The proposed city budget for next year would increase spending on trees, continue waste and recycling programs residents have come to expect and look to renewable energy.

Hours of Future Trowbridge Starbucks Drive-Thru to be Decided by Council 

Hours of Future Trowbridge Starbucks Drive-Thru to be Decided by Council 

City Council is likely to make a decision on the matter on Tuesday, May 9.

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.

Council Encourages Property Owners Not to Mow in May, Acts on Lawsuits, Votes 3-1 on Park Plan
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Council Encourages Property Owners Not to Mow in May, Acts on Lawsuits, Votes 3-1 on Park Plan

What did East Lansing’s City Council decide this week?

Burcham-Henge Is Back! And the Weather Might Cooperate

Burcham-Henge Is Back! And the Weather Might Cooperate

Why would anyone stand in the middle of the road to watch the sun set in East Lansing? ELi explains.

City Seeks to Work with Residents on Tree Plantings in East Lansing
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City Seeks to Work with Residents on Tree Plantings in East Lansing

Forms are available for those who would like to plant trees in front of their houses.

Deer Cull Amended with Two Votes of Council
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Deer Cull Amended with Two Votes of Council

Both votes passed on a 3-1 split, with a third motion failing. What happens now? Find out from ELi.

Public Comments Are Helping to Reshape the Valley Court Pavilion Project
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Public Comments Are Helping to Reshape the Valley Court Pavilion Project

Revised plans may be available as soon as this Wednesday, Nov. 9, for the Planning Commission meeting. What are people asking for in terms of changes?

City of East Lansing Tackles Myriad of Environmental Issues
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City of East Lansing Tackles Myriad of Environmental Issues

East Lansing environmental program updates include artificial intelligence being used to cut down on recycling contamination, urban forestry, grant opportunities and more.

Abbot Park Renamed Azaadiwag Park, Honoring Cottonwoods and Indigenous Peoples [Updated]
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Abbot Park Renamed Azaadiwag Park, Honoring Cottonwoods and Indigenous Peoples [Updated]

A multi-ethnic team of women drafted a resolution to explain and effect the change.

Brookover Is Back and a Lot Happened at Council
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Brookover Is Back and a Lot Happened at Council

The mayor hopes to “really aggravate Indianapolis,” and Council is seeking a legal opinion on conflicts of interest. What else happened this Tuesday night?

Deluge Investigation Released: Expect More Household Flooding in EL
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Deluge Investigation Released: Expect More Household Flooding in EL

As climate change makes severe weather events more common, East Lansing’s sewer system has been stretched to capacity.

Ask ELi: Taxes, Sewers, Social Workers, Parking Tickets
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Ask ELi: Taxes, Sewers, Social Workers, Parking Tickets

In this edition of Ask ELi, we bring you answers on tax assessments, the sewer system, ELPD social workers, and unpaid parking tickets.

East Lansing Art Festival Poster Showcases Symbolic Beaver as Unsung Ecosystem Hero
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East Lansing Art Festival Poster Showcases Symbolic Beaver as Unsung Ecosystem Hero

The upcoming East Lansing Art Festival features local artwork and artists. Sarah Spohn spoke with artist Sara Pulver to learn more about her work for the festival.

Where Does the City Stand in Its Plans to Go Green?
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Where Does the City Stand in Its Plans to Go Green?

Ten years ago this month, the City approved its Climate Sustainability Plan. This Earth Day, Al Hargrave Jackson takes a look at what the plan has achieved and future plans for sustainability in the City.

Ask ELi: How Does East Lansing’s Geography Affect Home Maintenance?
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Ask ELi: How Does East Lansing’s Geography Affect Home Maintenance?

In the latest Ask ELi to Investigate, Emily Joan Elliott explores how the marshy environment of East Lansing can affect local homes.

Construction On River Trail Extension To Meridian Set To Begin Soon
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Construction On River Trail Extension To Meridian Set To Begin Soon

Construction was originally set to begin in 2020, but was delayed due to the pandemic. Clay Oppenhuizen reports for ELi that construction is now set to get going this year.

Council Discusses Changes to ARPA Funds, Anticipates Vote to Allocate Millions Next Week
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Council Discusses Changes to ARPA Funds, Anticipates Vote to Allocate Millions Next Week

During a presentation, the City Manager proposed using ARPA funds for three new projects. Council may vote next week to allocate more than $4 million of its ARPA funds. What will the money be spent on?

Planning Commission Talks Northern Tier, Handles 3 Frat Applications and A Marijuana Approval in First Meeting of 2022
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Planning Commission Talks Northern Tier, Handles 3 Frat Applications and A Marijuana Approval in First Meeting of 2022

At its first meeting of 2022, the Commission dealt with three frats, an application for a Special Use Permit for a dispensary to sell recreational marijuana, and discussed plans for a City lot on the Northern Tier and the near-term housing action plan.

What Did ELi Learn from Its Snow Removal Survey?
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What Did ELi Learn from Its Snow Removal Survey?

Following the winter storm on Feb. 2, 2022, ELi created a survey to gauge how well streets had been cleared after several reader questions. What did we find out?

East Lansing Insider: MSU’s Dr. Alexa Warwick Goes In-Depth On East Lansing’s Deer Cull
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East Lansing Insider: MSU’s Dr. Alexa Warwick Goes In-Depth On East Lansing’s Deer Cull

Andrew is joined by Dr. Warwick, from MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Dr. Warwick has worked with the City on the deer culls — specifically working with the community and learning their tolerances for deer. Listen about that and more!

City Says Cull Complete, 79 Deer Removed
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City Says Cull Complete, 79 Deer Removed

The City of East Lansing’s deer cull has come to an end, resulting in the removal of 79 deer over the course of four evenings in January, according to a press release from the City.

Ask ELi: What’s Going on With the Deer Cull?
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Ask ELi: What’s Going on With the Deer Cull?

What safety precautions are being taken for using rifles? What metrics are being used to determine if the cull was successful? We bring you answers to those questions and more.

Will East Lansing Residents Be Permitted to Keep Goats, Sheep, and Ducks?
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Will East Lansing Residents Be Permitted to Keep Goats, Sheep, and Ducks?

Some East Lansing residents are interested in keeping livestock, but the City may continue to limit livestock to feathered-friends only.

‘First Come, First Served’ Check Valve Reimbursements Approved: Sign Up ASAP (UPDATED)
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‘First Come, First Served’ Check Valve Reimbursements Approved: Sign Up ASAP (UPDATED)

East Lansing’s City Council approved the use of $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to reimburse property owners for the cost of installing check valves. More information on how to obtain the reimbursement has now been issued by the City.

Ask ELi: What Is the Deer Cull Costing Taxpayers?
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Ask ELi: What Is the Deer Cull Costing Taxpayers?

What happens to the deer that are culled? Have any deer had wasting disease? We answer these questions and more in this Ask ELi Grab Bag!

East Lansing Insider: Taking A Look At What’s To Come in 2022
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East Lansing Insider: Taking A Look At What’s To Come in 2022

Andrew and Chuck are joined by Emily Joan Elliott and Alice Dreger to talk about the stories that the ELi reporting team expects to follow in 2022. Give it a listen!

East Lansing Stories We Expect to Be Big in 2022
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East Lansing Stories We Expect to Be Big in 2022

ELi’s mission is to bring East Lansing the news. Here’s a look at what we think we’ll be helping you to know about and understand in context in 2022.

The 10 Stories That Meant the Most to ELi Reporters in 2021
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The 10 Stories That Meant the Most to ELi Reporters in 2021

We asked our reporters which stories that they wrote meant the most to them in 2021. They answered, passing along a varied collection of stories for this year in review.

East Lansing’s Second Deer Cull to Start on Jan. 3 Amid Continued Controversy
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East Lansing’s Second Deer Cull to Start on Jan. 3 Amid Continued Controversy

Some East Lansing residents want to see deer removed to stop property destruction and injury risk, while others detest the thought of having their government kill these animals. What do we know, politically and logistically, about this year’s planned cull?

Coming Soon: A Fix For the Chesterfield Hills Sewer Stink, Plus the Northlawn Flooding Review
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Coming Soon: A Fix For the Chesterfield Hills Sewer Stink, Plus the Northlawn Flooding Review

East Lansing’s Public Works Department is going into high gear on the Chesterfield Hills sewer odor problem, and a long-time contractor for the City will review the August 12 Northlawn Avenue flooding disaster. Andrew Graham reports from Council’s meeting.

City Seeking Resident Input on Draft Plan for ARPA Funds
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City Seeking Resident Input on Draft Plan for ARPA Funds

City Manager George Lahanas provided Council with a line-item American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Draft Plan on Nov. 16. The plan prioritizes parking systems, the fire station, and the Hannah Community Center as some of the first to receive funds, but residents can complete a survey by Dec. 10 to provide feedback on how the City should spend its ARPA funds.

East Lansing Insider: What’s Next For East Lansing’s Water Infrastructure?
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East Lansing Insider: What’s Next For East Lansing’s Water Infrastructure?

After multiple presentations to the public from the City about water infrastructure, Chuck Grigsby and Andrew Graham talk about the ongoing sanitary and storm sewer debate in the City of East Lansing. Give a listen!

The Wild Turkeys of East Lansing
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The Wild Turkeys of East Lansing

You may know turkey as that bird on your Thanksgiving table, but ELi’s Aron Sousa tells you more about our famous feathered neighbor, including where to take your visiting relatives to see rafters around East Lansing.

Lahanas Hits the Gas on Stinky Sewers in Chesterfield Hills
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Lahanas Hits the Gas on Stinky Sewers in Chesterfield Hills

On Monday, ELi reported on the stench that residents say they’ve suffered for decades. On Tuesday night, the City Manager announced that now the City is taking immediate action.

South Chesterfield Hills Residents Are Fed Up With The Smell of Poop
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South Chesterfield Hills Residents Are Fed Up With The Smell of Poop

“For the amount of money we pay in taxes each year, in comparison to similar houses in other cities, this situation is unacceptable,” wrote one couple to the City of East Lansing, echoing the feelings of their Chesterfield Hills neighbors.

City Looks to Kill More Deer in This Year’s Cull
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City Looks to Kill More Deer in This Year’s Cull

Deer culls have historically been controversial in East Lansing, but the City is planning to remove “at least 100” deer this winter. Council member Dana Watson, who has been against the cull, spoke about deer at this week’s meeting.

Ask ELi: Car Break-Ins, Fabric Recycling, and Streetlights
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Ask ELi: Car Break-Ins, Fabric Recycling, and Streetlights

Will fabric recycling return to East Lansing? Why is it so dark at Valley Court Park? How can you mitigate the risk of car break-ins? Find out the answers in this Ask ELi Grab Bag!

Lots of Sewage Talk at Council. What Actions Are Coming?
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Lots of Sewage Talk at Council. What Actions Are Coming?

The new City Council tackled a very hot problem at Tuesday night’s meeting: what to do about the City’s sewer problems. ELi’s Andrew Graham reports.

Council to Discuss Usage of Federal ARPA Funds, as ELi Readers Tell Us What They Want
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Council to Discuss Usage of Federal ARPA Funds, as ELi Readers Tell Us What They Want

East Lansing’s City Council is set tonight to discuss the possible use of federal Covid relief dollars to help homeowners prevent basement flooding, but an ELi survey shows that community members have various ideas for how to use these funds.

City to Hold Webinar on Water, Sewer Infrastructure as Residents Still Recover from Summer Flooding
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City to Hold Webinar on Water, Sewer Infrastructure as Residents Still Recover from Summer Flooding

Residents are still expressing concern over the aftermath of severe flooding in August and are skeptical that massive flooding will not happen again, based on conversations at a flooding town hall. The City will hold a webinar on Nov. 18 to address some concerns.

Broad Art Lab Artist Residency Showcases Creative Upcycling
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Broad Art Lab Artist Residency Showcases Creative Upcycling

The MSU Broad Art Lab is a collaborative space that welcomes and features makers, innovators, and lifelong learners. Don’t miss out on their upcycling events or seeing the work of Detroit-based artist Megan Heeres.

What We Know About The Montgomery Drain Project
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What We Know About The Montgomery Drain Project

In the weeks and months following torrential rains that flooded portions of East Lansing and numerous basements, ELi has had several readers inquire about the ongoing Montgomery Drain Project and its potential future impact in mitigating local flooding. What do we know?

Ask ELi: Sewers, Trails, Dogs, and Door-to-Door Salespeople
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Ask ELi: Sewers, Trails, Dogs, and Door-to-Door Salespeople

When will the access point to the Northern Tier Trail at Colorado Drive be complete? How does East Lansing handle dog attacks? How can you attend Council member Babock’s flooding town hall tonight?

City Already Received $6M in Covid Relief. How Will It Spend the Funds?
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City Already Received $6M in Covid Relief. How Will It Spend the Funds?

The City received the first payment of funds in May but has time before funds must be allocated and used. City Manager George Lahanas provided some ideas on how to use the money during a presentation to Council last week. What did he recommend? What did Council think of the draft plan?

Council Considers Using Federal Covid Relief To Aid Homeowners With Flood Prevention
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Council Considers Using Federal Covid Relief To Aid Homeowners With Flood Prevention

The City Manager recommended some Covid relief money be used to help some owners pay for backflow prevention measures. City Council also heard a presentation about the heavy rains on Aug. 12 and subsequent flooding. What did they find out?

How Often are CoEL Trash and Recycling Carts Trashed or Recycled?
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How Often are CoEL Trash and Recycling Carts Trashed or Recycled?

When an East Lansing Info reader saw chatter on social media regarding a trash truck causing damage to a neighbor’s trash cart, she wondered how often this happened. Here’s what we found out.

EL Human Rights Commission Looking to Concerns about Seniors, LGBTQ+ People, Environment, Housing
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EL Human Rights Commission Looking to Concerns about Seniors, LGBTQ+ People, Environment, Housing

The Human Rights Commission had previously reviewed policing and complaints about policing in East Lansing, but now the new Police Oversight Commission will take over that task. How is the HRC reimagining its place in the community with less on its plate?

East Lansing Insider: Flooding and Sewers in East Lansing
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East Lansing Insider: Flooding and Sewers in East Lansing

On this episode, Managing Editor Emily Joan Elliott speaks to City Desk Reporter Andrew Graham about his recent reporting on flooding, including his investigative reporting and what comes next.

Council Member Pushes for ‘Second Opinion’ On Sewer Construction and Flooding in Glencairn
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Council Member Pushes for ‘Second Opinion’ On Sewer Construction and Flooding in Glencairn

Council member Ron Bacon said he wants an analysis from “someone who isn’t so closely tied to the project.” ELi’s Andrew Graham reports on the tense exchange at last night’s City Council meeting.

Caught Between Local Governments, Flooded Homeowners Struggle for Answers
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Caught Between Local Governments, Flooded Homeowners Struggle for Answers

On the eastern edge of East Lansing, five homeowners have spent weeks trying to figure out why the Aug. 12 rains flooded their basements with sewage. Weeks later, like most residents, they still haven’t gotten satisfying answers. Andrew Graham reports.

East Lansing Insider: Ask ELi to Investigate
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East Lansing Insider: Ask ELi to Investigate

Alice Dreger, Emily Joan Elliott, and Andrew Graham cover some of the most recent Ask ELi’s that they have investigated. Give a listen to learn more about flooding, drains, construction, schools, and more!

Two Inches of Rain Fell Today, Flooding Northlawn Avenue With Misery Again
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Two Inches of Rain Fell Today, Flooding Northlawn Avenue With Misery Again

“We’re wondering what’s going on, and why this is happening,” said one thirty-year resident of Northlawn Avenue today after the street was hit with extraordinary flooding again.

East Lansing Insider: What Voters Want from City Council Candidates
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East Lansing Insider: What Voters Want from City Council Candidates

Alice Dreger and Andrew Graham bring the results from ELi’s survey of voters for City Council elections. What has voters in the City concerned? Give a listen!

What’s Happening Administratively at the EL Public Library?
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What’s Happening Administratively at the EL Public Library?

What renovations are coming to the East Lansing Public Library? What programs are being offered? What is happening with contract negotiations with non-supervisory workers? Emily Joan Elliott reports.

Sewer Construction On Northlawn Avenue Didn’t Factor Into Localized Flooding, Says the City
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Sewer Construction On Northlawn Avenue Didn’t Factor Into Localized Flooding, Says the City

ELi’s Andrew Graham investigates what happened on Aug. 12 along Northlawn Avenue, and brings information about what you can do to help protect your home and belongings.

East Lansing Insider: What We’ve Learned about The Big Flood of Aug. 11-12
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East Lansing Insider: What We’ve Learned about The Big Flood of Aug. 11-12

On this episode, Alice Dreger and Andrew Graham discuss the aftermath of the heavy rains on Aug. 11-12, and resulting floods. How are the residents who were hardest hit doing? What else did the duo discuss?

Students Finish Installment of Groovy Opportunity Mural Under Hamster Cage Garage
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Students Finish Installment of Groovy Opportunity Mural Under Hamster Cage Garage

Have you noticed the large mural on the Division Street Garage while walking or driving down Albert Ave.? ELi’s Sarah Spohn provides the backstory and inspirations for this artwork.

Ask ELi Grab Bag: Biggby, Schools, F-18s, and a Snapping Turtle
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Ask ELi Grab Bag: Biggby, Schools, F-18s, and a Snapping Turtle

Was that a warplane overhead? What’s happening with the old QD on Trowbridge? We bring you the answers to that and more!

Ask ELi: The Mysterious Case of the Quality Dairy French Onion Dip
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Ask ELi: The Mysterious Case of the Quality Dairy French Onion Dip

In 2019, Quality Dairy announced that it would outsource production of its French Onion Dip to another family-owned producer, but promised the recipe would be exactly the same. Since then, some in the community claim the dip tastes different. Can the recipe be exactly the same and still taste different? Managing Editor Emily Joan Elliott set out on a mission to find out the answers.

East Lansing at Home: Carla’s Garden
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East Lansing at Home: Carla’s Garden

At first glance, Carla McWherter’s front yard looks like any ordinary front yard, but her garden is intended to strike a careful balance of aesthetics with eco-friendly practices. Amalia Medina reports.

Massive EL Rain Caused Sewer Backups Especially in Glencairn, Bailey, Shaw Estates
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Massive EL Rain Caused Sewer Backups Especially in Glencairn, Bailey, Shaw Estates

Following the record-setting rain on the night of August 11-12, ELi surveyed readers to try to get a sense of where problems might have been grouped. What did we learn? Alice Dreger and Nathan Andrus report.

With Flooding Widespread, City of East Lansing Offers Free Trash Pick-Up (with Stickers)
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With Flooding Widespread, City of East Lansing Offers Free Trash Pick-Up (with Stickers)

ELi is receiving widespread reports of damage by the flooding caused by over 8 inches of rain in just a few hours. Here’s some important information about trash, electrical hazards, and more.

That was a lot of rain. Did your sewer backup?
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That was a lot of rain. Did your sewer backup?

You can help us map out where problems are occurring so that we can do reporting on the East Lansing sewer system and management of it as our climate changes. How can you send us info on your property’s experience?

Your East Lansing Infrastructure Questions Answered
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Your East Lansing Infrastructure Questions Answered

Why no walk signal across Abbot Road? Could the Woodingham pump station be made to look and smell better? And what’s all that digging at the water plant off Burcham Drive? Ask ELi, and answers you shall receive!

Has EL’s Tree Canopy Shrunk? We Might Find Out This Year
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Has EL’s Tree Canopy Shrunk? We Might Find Out This Year

“Tree planting in East Lansing is not keeping up with the tree cutting,” wrote one ELi reader. Is that true? Brooklyn Peppo reports for ELi.

East Lansing Looking Towards a New “Green Building” Policy
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East Lansing Looking Towards a New “Green Building” Policy

The Commission on the Environment will meet this evening to discuss revisions to the City’s Green Building Policy and concerns expressed by some DDA members, particularly regarding tax incentives, cost, and economic impact. Brooklyn Peppo reports for ELi.

Where Does East Lansing Parks & Rec Stand, as Search for New Director Begins?
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Where Does East Lansing Parks & Rec Stand, as Search for New Director Begins?

Who will replace Tim McCaffrey as Director of Parks & Rec? What else is going on in Parks & Rec? Emily Joan Elliott reports.

Ask ELI: Grand River Ave. Speed Limits and Municipal Poop Digestion?
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Ask ELI: Grand River Ave. Speed Limits and Municipal Poop Digestion?

Why won’t the City ask MDOT to lower the speeds on Grand River Ave. and Saginaw St.? Does East Lansing have an anaerobic biodigster? And why are trees being cut behind the high school?

Two Congregations Partner to Go Green
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Two Congregations Partner to Go Green

The Islamic Center of East Lansing and University Lutheran Church partnered to install solar panels. What motivated them to do so? How did they mark the occasion?

East Lansing Trees, Including Majestic Oaks, Threatened by Diseases and Pests
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East Lansing Trees, Including Majestic Oaks, Threatened by Diseases and Pests

Oak wilt, spruce decline, and insect pests are challenging our arboreal environment. ELi’s Patty Bonito consulted local arborist Alex Ellis and MSU Extension to bring this report, which includes information about what you can do to help your trees.

Lots of Unanimous Decisions by Council in 90 Minutes
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Lots of Unanimous Decisions by Council in 90 Minutes

Utility bill distress, environmental pollutants, bike lanes, the Michigan Flyer, rent and mortgage support, new ownership for the Landshark, Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. All this and more came up in a dense City Council meeting this week. Find out from ELi what happened.

“Lessons Learned” from City’s Botched Handling of 55-Gallon Oil Spill on Private Property
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“Lessons Learned” from City’s Botched Handling of 55-Gallon Oil Spill on Private Property

Why did it take a month for the City of East Lansing to investigate a spill of at least 55 gallons of hydraulic oil, an unknown quantity of which went into a private storm drain? And what now?

East Lansing Recycling Center Survey Shows Interest in Composting Option
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East Lansing Recycling Center Survey Shows Interest in Composting Option

Jessica Crawford, an MSU grad student who serves on the Commission on the Environment, organized the survey. What else did the survey say? What changes might residents expect?

What’s Up With the Water Bills?
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What’s Up With the Water Bills?

What’s the deal with strangely high East Lansing water bills that don’t seem to be explainable by system error?

Electronics Are a Waste Management Issue. Here’s What You Can Do.
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Electronics Are a Waste Management Issue. Here’s What You Can Do.

Improperly disposing of electronics can have negative impacts on the environment for several reasons. So how can you properly dispose of these items?

What’s Happening in East Lansing?
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What’s Happening in East Lansing?

When are the City Council elections? What’s with the Graduate Hotel pedestrian tunnel? Which vendors are coming to the market this Sunday? Answers to these questions and more.

Mopeds May Be Charged for Parking Downtown
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Mopeds May Be Charged for Parking Downtown

The Parking Department is floating the idea of charging moped users to park downtown. What’s behind the idea? Alice Dreger reports.

Bald Eagle and Other Raptors Flocking Around East Lansing

Bald Eagle and Other Raptors Flocking Around East Lansing

Have you seen the bald eagle on the Northern Tier Trail? Amalia Medina reports on the bald eagle and other raptors that you can spot in the area.

Answers to Some Questions about the Abbott Woods Oil Spill
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Answers to Some Questions about the Abbott Woods Oil Spill

Did workers aim to contain the spill as soon as it happened? What’s happening with the contaminated material collected so far? And what about possible cost increases?

Oil Spill from Garbage Truck Turns into a $34,000+ Problem
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Oil Spill from Garbage Truck Turns into a $34,000+ Problem

The New Year’s Eve spill turns out to have involved about 55 gallons of hydraulic oil. On Tuesday, Council approved two contracts for the clean-up.

Why Are There So Many Robins in East Lansing?
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Why Are There So Many Robins in East Lansing?

People are wondering why they are seeing flocks of robins in East Lansing yards. We bring the answer.

DPW Director Explains Chemical Spill at Abbott Woods
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DPW Director Explains Chemical Spill at Abbott Woods

The City is working on hiring “an emergency abatement contractor to clean the detention pond, storm infrastructure and to perform any necessary remediation to soils” at the private condo complex.

“Seeds of Resistance” Exhibit Connects Local and Global
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“Seeds of Resistance” Exhibit Connects Local and Global

The new exhibit opened at the Broad last Friday. It examines the work of Dr. William J. Beal and addresses global environmental issues. Sarah Spohn brings us the story.

Ask ELi: What’s Happening Near Frandor?
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Ask ELi: What’s Happening Near Frandor?

Find out from ELi’s Andrew Graham what’s happening in Ranney Park, next to Marshall Music, and see drone photography from ELi’s Gary Caldwell.

Nighttime Deer Culls Set to Start, with Park Closures Running through Early March (More Info)
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Nighttime Deer Culls Set to Start, with Park Closures Running through Early March (More Info)

From January 11 to March 1, people should lookout for barricades and notices at park entrances giving altered hours as contracted sharpshooters do their work. ELi’s Andrew Graham has the story from City Council.

City’s Drop-Off Recycling Site Is Open Again
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City’s Drop-Off Recycling Site Is Open Again

Styrofoam, cardboard, and more can be dropped at the City of East Lansing’s recycling center (with masks and physical distancing required).

East Lansing Historic District Commission Approves Residential Solar Panels
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East Lansing Historic District Commission Approves Residential Solar Panels

The Commission also denied two separate applications seeking replace exterior wood with vinyl. Andrew Graham reports.

Ask ELi: When, Exactly, is the Deer Cull?
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Ask ELi: When, Exactly, is the Deer Cull?

Following questions from readers about when the deer cull begins, if it hasn’t already, Andrew Graham got back in touch with the City to find out the precise dates.

“Cooped” Up Inside?  These Friends Help You Get Out!
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“Cooped” Up Inside? These Friends Help You Get Out!

Chickens aren’t the typical family pet, but they may have more to give your family than you think. ELi’s Heather Brothers gets the coop scoop from Dr. Marguerite Halversen.

What’s on the Agenda In East Lansing Next Week?
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What’s on the Agenda In East Lansing Next Week?

Several bodies, including City Council, the Downtown Development Authority, and the Commission on the Environment, meet next week. Andrew Graham takes you through the agendas.

New City Attorney (and Lots of Business) at East Lansing’s Council Meeting
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New City Attorney (and Lots of Business) at East Lansing’s Council Meeting

Mike Homier, the new City Attorney, explained the Supreme Court coronavirus decision, while Council took actions on tasers, Walgreens, clean energy, Patriarche Park, the fire code, and more.

Volunteers Remove Invasive Buckthorn Shrub, One Saturday at a Time

Volunteers Remove Invasive Buckthorn Shrub, One Saturday at a Time

East Lansing Environmental Stewardship Program is planning a volunteer workday on Saturday. We provide the details and revisit an article about a previous volunteer work day.

Ask ELi: When Will the Deer Be Culled?
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Ask ELi: When Will the Deer Be Culled?

The cull is expected to occur soon and will be conducted by government-employed sharpshooters working in East Lansing parks.

Recycling Center Back Open; Yard Waste Stickers Available Online
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Recycling Center Back Open; Yard Waste Stickers Available Online

East Lansing’s recycling center on State Road is back open, and residents can now buy yard waste stickers online. Amalia Medina reports for ELi.

Little Local Joys: Friendship Grows In a Backyard Garden
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Little Local Joys: Friendship Grows In a Backyard Garden

Joe Natoli and Greg Bonito share a garden in the Oakwood neighborhood of East Lansing. There, the friendship grows.

Area Composters Share the Dirt on Their Dirt
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Area Composters Share the Dirt on Their Dirt

Want to reduce your household carbon footprint? Here’s an easy way.

The Red Cedar River Is Flooding
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The Red Cedar River Is Flooding

The Red Cedar River is up over its banks. ELi’s Gary Caldwell brings us photos.

Ask ELi: What’s With the Rented Garbage Trucks?
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Ask ELi: What’s With the Rented Garbage Trucks?

Did a City worker really roll a recycling truck? Is the hybrid truck too expensive to fix? We asked.

Ask ELi: Can We Get More Curbside Recycling Pick-Ups?
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Ask ELi: Can We Get More Curbside Recycling Pick-Ups?

East Lansing’s Environmental Services Administrator Cathy DeShambo has some suggestions about what to do while your house is overflowing with recyclables.

DPW Gears Up for Bulk Pickup, Next Round of No-Fee Yard Waste Collection
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DPW Gears Up for Bulk Pickup, Next Round of No-Fee Yard Waste Collection

An advance request and payment is still required to get large items hauled away. But that’s available, too.

Gotcha Scooters Came Back. So the City Called the County Prosecutor.
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Gotcha Scooters Came Back. So the City Called the County Prosecutor.

Gotcha says scooters can be helpful during a pandemic. The City replies, “Wash your hands!”

Van Atta’s Nursery and Hammond Farms Reopen with Precautions
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Van Atta’s Nursery and Hammond Farms Reopen with Precautions

Customers can come back to Van Atta’s starting today, and can call Hammond Farms for delivery. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.

Council Member Gregg Pushes for Opening Farmers Market in June
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Council Member Gregg Pushes for Opening Farmers Market in June

City staff are looking into whether East Lansing’s market could follow the style of the Allen neighborhood market in Lansing.

Ask ELi: How Is East Lansing Handling Recyclable Material Now?
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Ask ELi: How Is East Lansing Handling Recyclable Material Now?

A reader asked if East Lansing’s recycling is being treated as trash during the pandemic. We bring the answer.

Here Comes the Free Yard-Waste Pick-Up
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Here Comes the Free Yard-Waste Pick-Up

Yard waste pick-up counts as “essential.” It also stops the storm drains from getting clogged.

Little Local Joys: The Migrating Birds

Little Local Joys: The Migrating Birds

“We’re just stepping back and listening, and hearing the sounds of spring.”

Little Local Joys: The Ephemerals in Bloom
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Little Local Joys: The Ephemerals in Bloom

“All that’s been perfected over a billion years is right in your own backyard,” says Peter Carrington, the curator of Beal Garden.

Trail Etiquette During a Pandemic: Some Reminders to Us All
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Trail Etiquette During a Pandemic: Some Reminders to Us All

Trail usage is way up as people get out for mental and physical health. So what should we be remembering as we (and our dogs) travel along?

Question of Park-Naming Leads to Significant Debate
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Question of Park-Naming Leads to Significant Debate

What to do – if anything – about there being no parks in East Lansing named after women or people of color? The debate continues.

Little Local Joys: Look Through Any Window

Little Local Joys: Look Through Any Window

The latest in the Little Local Joys series – stories shared by ELi readers and contributors about little things and positive moments that bring us joy and hope during the coronavirus outbreak.

Playgrounds Close, but Recreation Opportunities Await at Area Parks
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Playgrounds Close, but Recreation Opportunities Await at Area Parks

There are plenty of outdoor paths and exercise opportunities to explore in East Lansing, Meridian Township and throughout the tri-county area — while still practicing social distancing. ELi’s Chris Gray brings us this tour.

Burcham Solar Park Blooming Soon
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Burcham Solar Park Blooming Soon

The second phase of the renewable energy project involves planting native perennial grasses and flowers. This should reduce maintenance and benefit pollinators. ELi’s Patty Bonito provides an update.