Jaslene – Spunky and Full of Life – Inspires Fundraising Campaign for Accessible Bathroom
Retired teacher helps launch GoFundMe for her former student. Girl’s family encourages advocacy and awareness for those with disabilities.
Caring for Each Other
Pride Finds a Home in Halls of ELHS
The high school is dedicated to providing a supportive environment for all students.
Local Churches Make Commitment to Faith-Based Reparations
All Saints Episcopal Church and Edgewood United Church will donate $100,000 to the Justice League of Lansing.
All-Community March in Downtown East Lansing Celebrates Juneteenth
A small but spirited crowd gathered to recognize the day in 1863 the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free.
Two Men and a Truck Helps Local Organizations in Honor of Mother’s Day
The annual drive, Movers for Moms, is dedicated to collecting necessities for mothers in need.
Protests, Other Events Scheduled in Reaction to Shooting at MSU
One week later, community continues to find ways to heal and speak out.
Today in East Lansing: Vigils, Support Systems, Closures
ELi brings you this rundown of what is happening today, to keep you informed about delays and closures along with opportunities for public grieving and private support.
Community Urged to Reach Out for Support During This Time of Tragedy
Greater Lansing is coming together to help students, staff and residents navigate the unfathomable.
“Song of Welcome” Event to Feature Stories from Refugees
On Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m., residents are invited to hear and see firsthand accounts, poems, songs and artwork from refugees who now call the Greater Lansing-area home. The free program at Haslett Community Church is for all-ages and open to the public.
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.
‘Prime Time,’ A Staple Among EL Seniors, Turns 50 This Year
The seniors program, which started as a joint venture between the City and East Lansing Public Schools, offers a bevy of services and programs for local seniors. Emily Joan Elliott reports as the program turns 50.
Spark in the Dark Group Encourages People to Help Others
Nonprofit Spark in the Dark is a network that connects people in need to neighbors that can help. Sarah Spohn spoke to Executive Director and Founder Abagail McKiernan to learn more.
ELHS Students Recognized for Representing Ukraine at Model UN Conference
Several ELHS students recently attended the Mid-American Model UN Conference in Kalamazoo. How did they do?
First-of-its-kind Autism Museum Opens in Okemos
The Xavier DeGroat Autism Foundation unveiled the Meridian Mall Autism Museum this month, making it the first museum of its kind. Sarah Spohn reports.
Local Girl Scouts at ELHS Working to Improve Community
Each troop has its own personality and interests, but all give back to their communities in meaningful ways. Al Hargrave reports.
One Pint is Worth Three Lives
During the ongoing national blood shortage, ELi revisits a story about giving blood during the pandemic. Here’s why it’s still important.
Sparrow Hospital Workers Get Heartfelt Surprise From Local Elementary Students
First-graders from Robert L. Green Elementary expressed their thanks for Sparrow’s healthcare workers through handwritten cards. Sarah Spohn reports.
UKirk at MSU Students Taking on Issue of Book Deserts
Students from UKirk at MSU are setting out to end book deserts in the Greater Lansing area, and the East Lansing community is able to help them in this effort. Adan Tomas Quan reports.
Arts & Cultures | Development | Environment | Government | News | Schools
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.
Two EL Churches Trying to Provide Faith-Based Reparations to Greater Lansing Black Community
Two East Lansing churches are looking at providing faith-based reparations to the Black community in the Greater Lansing area. The idea has recently come for discussion to East Lansing’s Human Rights Commission.
Spartan Ninja Warrior Hosting Open Gym, Fundraiser On Sunday
As part of International Ninja Day on Sunday, daughter and mother Tristin and Nichole Martin are hoping to introduce more kids to the sport of “ninja” while also fundraising for a meaningful cause to them. Andrew Graham reports.
Boy Scout Troop 2 from Peoples Church Celebrates 100th Anniversary
Boy Scout Troop 2 celebrated the 100th anniversary of its chartership. The troop’s boys unit is believed to be the longest, continuously chartered Boy Scouts of America (BSA) troop in Michigan and one of the oldest in the country. How did they mark the occasion?
The You’ve Got This Project Helps Community Members Who Have Cancer
Mary Jo Wegenke is five years cancer-free, and she continues to help those undergoing chemotherapy. Jack Timothy Harrison reports on Wegenke’s You’ve Got This Project.
Trojans Annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser Volleyball Match is Building a Program Legacy
Despite falling to Grand Ledge on Tuesday night, the East Lansing program can surely still call the evening a success. Andrew Graham reports.
PeaceQuest 2021 Set for September
PeaceQuest Greater Lansing, the Lansing-area’s annual celebration of peace and justice, will take place this September. What will the month-long celebration entail?
EL School Board Round Up: Reflecting on the Year Past and the Year Ahead
Will Pinecrest get a new name? Will school be in-person or virtual in the fall? When will food distribution happen? Is the track open to the public? Find the answers to these questions – and more – in the School Board round up.
Pinecrest Neighborhood Association to Hold Juneteenth Celebration
After holding its first Juneteenth celebration in 2020, the Pinecrest Neighborhood Association will do the same this year on Saturday at 2 p.m. What will the event include? What is its significance to the community?
Neighborhood Resource Specialists Assist ELPD in Resolving Civil and Long-Term Issues
Since December 2020, ELPD has had a Community Engagement Team that consists of three neighborhood resource specialists and two social workers. Ann Kammerer speaks to Tonya Williams, the lead Neighborhood Resource Specialist for ELPD, to find out more about the work the specialists are doing in East Lansing.
Local Girl Scout Troop Celebrating Community and Artwork
During the pandemic, East Lansing Girl Scout Brownie Troop 30215 adapted to Zoom meetings and outdoor hikes. Now, their artwork made during the pandemic is on display at the East Lansing Public Library. Sarah Spohn reports.
What Else Did Council Decide This Week?
A lot happened at this week’s four-hour City Council meeting. ELi’s Jack Timothy Harrison brings you up to speed with a 5-minute read!
Resources for Mental Health
Resources for mental health are available in our community: Community Mental Health Crisis Services: (800) 372-84600 The Listening Ear Crisis Hotline (2pm to 2am): (517) 337-1717 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-TALK (8255) Trojan Mental Health Matters provides a list of local resources, particularly for children and youth.
Resources For Those Who Experienced Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence
For those who have experienced sexual assault or relationship violence, the following resources are available in our community: MSU Center for Survivors 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline: (517) 372-6666 End Violent Encounters (EVE) 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: (517) 372-5572 MSU Safe Place offers shelter and other services: (517) 355-1100 or noabuse@msu.edu. National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline:…
The Senior Ambassador Program Connects East Lansing’s Students and Seniors
The program has paired MSU students and local senior citizens for both one-on-one meetings and larger group classes online. What have students and seniors enjoyed? How might the program evolve in fall 2021?
Local Nonprofit Agencies Likely to Receive $74K, as City Council Approaches Budget Votes
At this week’s public hearing, unlike the last, representatives of social service agencies came forward to ask Council to channel federal grant dollars to their work. Jack Timothy Harrison reports for ELi.
East Lansing Public Schools Tackles Mental Health Needs with New Interventions
The ELPS Mental Health Advisory Committee partnered with a team at MSU to create a new website that provides mental health information and resources. It is part of a multi-pronged approach to help students.
ELHS Students Urge Town Hall Over Issues of Equity and Social Justice, While Trustee Fink Questions “Silence”
The editorial board of Portrait, East Lansing High School’s student newspaper, is calling on the leadership of East Lansing Public Schools to attend to concerns they have identified. Board Trustee Monica Fink read a statement in which she also questioned how the district leadership is managing issues of racism and equity. Here is what happened last evening.
Islamic Center of East Lansing Holding Vaccine Clinic for Community on Friday
The clinic is open to everyone in the community, age 18 and older, at no cost to recipients. Stop by with your photo ID, consent form, and insurance card (if applicable.)
Get Vaccinated, Plead Sparrow Hospital Doctor and Former Patient
A former patient shares his experience of being hospitalized for Covid, and a Sparrow physician shares what it’s like to work with Covid patients. Both want to see more people get vaccinated.
Opioid Deaths Increasing During Pandemic With Isolation Playing a Role
Human interaction and community are key components of recovery from opioid addiction, but social distancing has complicated that. What’s happening with East Lansing’s specialty drug court? Claire Chapin reports for ELi.
Health Department and Sparrow Announce Open Vaccine Appointments and Increased Capacity
Anyone over age 16 in Michigan can now make an appointment directly with the Ingham County Health Department for a vaccine. Sparrow has walk-in hours for vaccines, and we provide you with information on other local vaccine providers.
Ann About Town: Curb Your Dog, Bring Your Enthusiasm to the Dog Park
Following comments from readers, Ann explains how to be both a great human to your furry friend and a good neighbor. To summarize, please make sure your dog is on a leash, pick up poop, and dispose of it in your own trash can. For fun unleashed play, consider visiting the Northern Tail Dog Park.
City Council Shifting Goals for Use of HUD Funds Toward Social Services
What kinds of things does this relatively new City Council want to see funded with HUD funds in the near future?
Government | News | Schools
Retrospective: A Year of Covid in East Lansing
Covid-19 has been present in East Lansing for over a year. How has it changed our community? Where does our community stand now in terms of the virus?
New Underground Market Appears Again This Sunday
Visitors to the market will find a wide array of food, including pies, pastas and sauces, goats’ milk and cows’ milk cheeses, fresh eggs, jams, fancy cocktail mixes (just add liquor), and much more. Plus handmade winter hats and gloves, dresses, and aprons.
Library to Reopen on First of March With Covid-19 Protocols in Place
The East Lansing Public Library will allow building entry for up to one hour to patrons starting Mar. 1. Library Director Kristin Shelley hopes the reopening will help those who rely on the library to file taxes and apply for benefits.
“Like Hollering Down the Well”: Local Seniors Frustrated While Trying to Get Vaccines
Checking for appointments and waiting for emails has begun to feel like a full-time job, filled with anxiety and confusion. Emily Joan Elliott reports on what seniors have to say what has caused some of the confusion.
“Since this year has been crummy, let’s give them something sweet and yummy!”
A Girl Scout troop from Whitehills Elementary is asking the community for help to give ELPS teachers and staff cookies.
ICHD Will Begin Vaccinating Seniors Age 65-69
Those eligible may soon receive links to register for appointments in February, but vaccine supply is still low. ELi provides details on the process.
Sparrow Begins Vaccinating Phase 1B
We bring information on how you can register and what the vaccination process through Sparrow will look like.
Interfaith Organization Promoting Healing and Unity on Inauguration Day
The Interfaith Clergy Association of Greater Lansing will be releasing a video on Inauguration Day. Adan Tomas Quan reports.
Photo Contest Shares Reasons Why Residents Mask Up
The City hopes the photo contest will both foster a sense of community and support local businesses. Sarah Spohn reports on that and the prizes for winners.
Vaccine Supply a Problem, Not Staffing or Organization, Says Ingham County Health Officer
Ingham County Health Department is vaccinating 2,000 people a week and could increase this number if it were to receive more vaccines. Emily Joan Elliott reports on the initial rollout of vaccinating Phase 1B and what to expect next.
UPDATED: Ingham County to Begin Vaccinating Seniors, Essential Workers Including Teachers
Here is how you can sign up to receive the vaccine through the Ingham County Health Department.
Development | Government | News | Schools
What Will Be the Big East Lansing Stories of 2021?
Our staff compiles the top stories we expect to cover in 2021. But we can never know all that will happen — like, a pandemic — and that’s why we need your financial support.
Local Arcade Hoping to Avoid Game Over With Help From GoFundMe
Pinball Pete’s has felt the impact of the pandemic and is looking for support through a GoFundMe page. Sarah Spohn reports.
UPDATED: Holiday Events to Enjoy During the Pandemic
Sarah Spohn brings an update about a virtual concert available for streaming, beginning today.
Devoted Quilter Creates Thousands of Lifesaving Masks from Scraps
Dottie Hoopingarner has sewn nearly 2,000 masks during the pandemic. Ann Kammerer brings you this story after a reader first brought it to ELi’s attention.
That Shrieking CO Detector Means GET. THE. HECK. OUT. NOW.
Your carbon monoxide detector goes off. What do you do? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott walks you through how you can prepare in advance after her own recent experience.
Great News: Now You Can Help Local Restaurants and ELPS at the Same Time
Want to support local families and local businesses at the same time? ELPS is putting out a call for donations of food and gift cards to local businesses to help some district families over winter break.
ELPS Provides Hundreds of Families With Extra Food For the Holidays
ELPS families provided more than 500 bags of food to some students’ families for Thanksgiving. They hope to do so again for Christmas with the community’s help.
Spend Locally – A New and Urgent Series from ELi
It’s time to give up on the idea of the perfect gift and buy the gift that will save your local economy. Alice Dreger and Emily Joan Elliott explain why ELi is launching its new series “SPEND LOCALLY”!
Interfaith Effort in East Lansing to Prevent Hunger
Local religious groups worked together on Oct. 31 to provide produce and dairy products for the community. Adan Tomas Quan tells us how it got started.
Greater Lansing Food Bank Mobile Distribution Coming to East Lansing Thursday
The Greater Lansing Food Bank will be holding a drive-through mobile food distribution at the University Lutheran Church. Amalia Medina brings us the details.
For Crunchy’s and The Peanut Barrel, Fall Brings Apprehension, Optimism
Game days are returning, even if later than usual. What does it mean for local bars and restaurants during the pandemic? Elke Schrenk reports.
St. John Food Cupboard Serves Community During Pandemic
The folks at St. John Food Cupboard, located in downtown East Lasing, want people to know they have supplies available for those facing hunger. Adan Tomas Quan brings us the details.
Where to Get Help for Stress, Depression, and Anxiety in the East Lansing Area
ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott reminds you where you can find mental health support and resources in the area.
UPDATE: Rental and Mortgage Assistance Now Available for Income-Eligible East Lansing Residents
UPDATE: Rental and mortgage assistance is now available on a first-come, first-serve basis for East Lansing residents whose income is at or below the area median income. ELi’s Chris Root explains the programs.
UPDATE: Ingham County Voters Pass Elder Persons Millage in August 2020 Election
What’s the Elder Persons Millage on the Aug. 4 Ingham County ballot about? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott explains.
Little Local Joys: The Puzzle Exchange
“We didn’t realize how much puzzles were in demand until we needed more.”
Just How Easy Is It to Get Tested for Coronavirus in the East Lansing Area?
What’s it like getting tested? Where can you get tested? And why does everyone we hear from in our area seem to come back negative?
Don’t Go Hungry: Food Banks Are Here to Help
Various local organizations are stepping up to help people who need no-cost food to live without hunger.
Hey, 517! Playmakers Has a Run/Walk for Just for Us
Marcy Gillespie Kinzer of the Playmakers team updates us on the store’s “fit at home” and virtual injury clinic help. And this Sunday, you can move to share the 517 love.
Ask ELi: How’s the Mask-Sewing Crew Doing?
We bring news on how the Peppermint Creek fundraiser did for the local volunteer sewing army and also provide a general update on the homemade production of masks.
Where to Get Help for Stress, Depression, and Anxiety in the East Lansing Area
Stressed out in the midst of all this? Lonely? Feeling down? Here is what you need to know about people who can help in our area.
Amid Pandemic Challenges, MSU Safe Place Is Still Addressing Relationship Abuse
Advocacy coordinator Erica Schmittdiel tells ELi what’s happening amid the Stay-at-Home orders for relationship abuse and sexual assault survivors.
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.
East Lansing Library Teen Programming Continues in Online Format
East Lansing Library Teen Services Specialist Beth Scanlon is not letting the pandemic get in the way of her work supporting area youth.
One Pint is Worth Three Lives
Blood is needed to help people facing emergency surgeries and birthing mothers. Find out how you can help.
East Lansing’s Public Health Is Threatened by Insurance Gaps
East Lansing’s public health during COVID-19 is being shaped by our demographics and complex health insurance system.
ELPS Expects to Share Curricular Plan Soon, as Free Meals Start Again
Superintendent Dori Leyko gave more details last night on the district’s plan to restart teaching, and announced free meal distribution would start again.
Local Interfaith Clergy Group Providing Outreach Service This Thursday
Rev. Jennifer Tafel says the idea for the local interfaith service, centered on “hope,” came from a community member.
Eleven Thousand Masks Later, the Requests Haven’t Stopped
The need and the challenges are high, but this ever-growing community of sewists keeps making masks, headbands, gowns, and more.
Kids Won’t Get Food from East Lansing Schools This Week, as District Wrangles Challenges
Health concerns for those working on meal distribution are significant, and the number of people being fed through the system suddenly doubled.
Playmakers Hosting a Space Race This Saturday
This Saturday, Playmakers’ race participants will spread out to run, walk, and roll worldwide at three different distances.
East Lansing’s Library Has Treasure Trove Online, Open to All
The East Lansing Public Library’s doors are closed but its online treasure chest is open! Find out what’s available and how things are going financially.
City of East Lansing Looking to Help Prevent Homelessness
In an effort to prevent homelessness, the Cities of East Lansing and Lansing are making extraordinary contributions to Haven House and other charities.
Little Local Joys: Uniting with Light
For our continuing “Little Local Joys” series, ELi’s Ann Kammerer spoke with East Lansing resident Nancy Cuddeback about the movement to honor medical professionals with candles tonight.
Eviction and Foreclosure Relief Available; Experts Recommend Communicating Needs
Various groups in this region, including the Capital Area Housing Partnership, are working to help people avoid eviction, foreclosure, and homelessness.
Team Effort Serving Vulnerable Populations in East Lansing
A group called “EL Neighbors and Communities Help Each Other” has been working to serve the needs of vulnerable populations during the pandemic.
Threat of Coronavirus Forces Peace Corps Volunteer to Leave Dominican Republic
Caitlin Hegg is concerned about the community she left behind two weeks ago when Peace Corps officials told her she had to return to the U.S. Amalia Medina files this report for ELi.
How to Get Tested When the Hotlines are Ringing off the Hook
Should you get tested if you have symptoms of the coronavirus? And if so, how do you go about it here? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott explains.
Local Citizens Unite to 3D Print Face Masks – And You Can Help
A tech-savvy team is running a 3-D printing operation out of East Lansing High School to supply emergency face masks. Marie Adele Grosso reports for ELi on how you can help.
Updated Info on Emergency Meals for Kids and Senior Citizens
The East Lansing schools-based system for emergency food distribution is changing starting now, and meals will be available for seniors on Wednesday.
Volunteer Local Crafters Hard at Work Sewing Masks
Organizer Jessy Gregg calls this community of sewing volunteer ‘crisis crafters.’ They are now making fabric masks to help with the worsening COVID-19 crisis. ELi’s Sarah Spohn reports.
Break Out the Chalk, Take a Walk and Reconnect (at a Safe Distance, Of Course)
A virtual group effort is creating a community healing event for the whole family. Amalia Medina files this report for ELi.
Senior Citizens Facing Unique Set of Circumstances, Especially in Nursing Homes
At Burcham Hills, elimination of communal activities is one of the protections in place during the coronavirus emergency. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott spoke to residents about their concerns.
ELi’s Updates on the Situation in East Lansing
Many businesses are offering by-appointment help but make sure to call ahead. There are college students willing to help, if you need it. ELi’s Alice Dreger helps by filing this rundown.
Government | News | Schools
MSU Epidemiologist Urges More Awareness: ‘This is an under-reaction.’
An MSU epidemiologist and resident of East Lansing tells ELi he has never seen such a public health threat in his life. And he’s worked in public health for over 40 years. Read why Dr. Nigel Paneth is alarmed.
East Lansing Neighbors Are Crowdsourcing Take-Out/Delivery Info to Help Restaurants
There’s a new resource to help people in East Lansing figure out which restaurants are doing take-out and delivery. ELi’s Natalie Rose reports.
Government | News | Schools
ELPS Emergency Plan for Feeding Kids Announced
The East Lansing Public Schools administration has announced plans for feeding children during the public health emergency now ongoing. Here are the details.
Your ELi: Covering COVID-19 for East Lansing
An update from ELi leadership on how we plan to cover all facets of East Lansing news during this unprecedented public health crisis.
How to Social-Distance in East Lansing
“Social distancing even one day sooner will save lives,” says the dean of Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. What does that look like for people in East Lansing?
Are You Really Prepared for an East Lansing Emergency?
ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott spoke with East Lansing’s deputy police chief and an MSU epidemiologist to help you prepare, in case you’re stuck at home.