Judge Rules Lansing Homeless Encampment Can Stay Under Conditions

A judge has ruled that a homeless encampment in Lansing, located behind Dietrich Park, can remain in place under specific conditions.

The decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by the city against two private property owners. Under the ruling, the property owners must provide portable restrooms for residents, who are prohibited from using fuel tanks such as propane on-site. The lawsuit initially sought to remove the encampment entirely.

Leadership Change at Ingham County 911 Center
The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office will take over operations of the County 911 center on an interim basis starting September 1. The change follows the resignation of the center’s director, with the sheriff contacted by the county controller two weeks ago to step in.

Former Mason Official Sentenced in Indiana Case
Former Mason Planning Commission Chair Seth Waxman has been sentenced to more than a year in prison in Indiana after being caught in a sting operation. Waxman was arrested last year at a Walmart in Bluffton during a live-streamed encounter with a so-called “predator catcher” group. Authorities say he believed he was meeting a 13-year-old girl who was, in fact, a decoy.

Lansing School District Bids Farewell to Luton
The Lansing School District is holding an open house today from 4 to 6 p.m. for the public to say goodbye to Luton, a 68-year-old school building. Renderings of the new facility will be displayed during the event.

Preservation Grants Awarded to East Lansing and Mason
East Lansing and Mason are among six Michigan communities receiving a total of $250,000 in grant funding from the State Historic Preservation Office. East Lansing will use its share to create a resource guide for historic districts, while Mason will hire a contractor to restore historic windows at the Mason Public Library.

Clinton County Woman Pleads No Contest to Murder, Drunk Driving
Ashley Moore, 36, of Perrinton, has pleaded no contest to murder and drunk driving charges in connection with a deadly crash in Watertown Township last year. The crash killed two pedestrians on Wacoosta Road. Moore faces the possibility of life in prison when she is sentenced in October.

Buggy Crash Kills Infant, Injures Seven in Montcalm County
A 4-month-old girl was killed and seven others, including four children, were injured in a horse-and-buggy crash near Greenville on Tuesday. Michigan State Police say a pickup truck attempted to pass the buggy on Dickerson Lake Road but swerved back into the lane to avoid oncoming traffic, striking the buggy. The horse was euthanized due to its injuries.

Lapeer Days Festival Returns for 123rd Year
Michigan’s largest free summer festival, Lapeer Days, is underway and will run through Sunday. The 123rd annual event features carnival rides, live music, and other family-friendly activities.