capitalgains - In the News

MSU Ranked Among Top 100 Universities By U.S. News and World Report

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Michigan State University, in 79th place, is still among the top 100 universities in the nation, according to the latest rankings by U.S. News and World Report.

According to excerpts from the article:

MSU was tied for 79th with American University, Baylor, Miami of Ohio, the State University of New York of Environmental Science and Forestry and the University of Alabama.

The 100 rankings — which were led not surprisingly by Harvard, Princeton and Yale — are considered a key factor in attracting both students and research dollars.

Read the entire article here.

Elderly Instruments in Old Town Nurtures Great Global Reputation

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Elderly Instruments, based in Lansing's Old Town neighborhood, has supplied influential musicians like Lyle Lovett, John Mayer and John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers with their dream instruments.

According to excerpts from the article:

The locally owned instrument sales and repair shop, which celebrates its 39th anniversary this year, has grown into one of the world's biggest dealers of vintage instruments. Elderly has also become a meeting place for local musicians to jam out on instruments, meet like-minded music-lovers and find just about everything they need to gig out.

Step into the showroom on North Washington, and it's easy to see why Elderly is a favorite stop: Guitars of every make hang from the walls. That's not to mention mandolins, banjos, ukuleles and a collection of other music makers.

Read the entire article here.

You can also read Capital Gains' earlier story about Elderly's online retail success here.

$150,000 in Grants Help ITEC Learning Center Secure Home Base in Lansing

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Information Technology Empowerment Center (ITEC), focused on helping area children learn science, engineering, technology and math skills, will soon have a home base in a refurbished Lansing school.

According to excerpts from the article:

After earning more than $150,000 in grants during the past year, in addition to other grant matches and donations, the organization is creating a home base to supplement its traveling programs that have been used in eight locations to reach more than 700 students during the past two years, according to Kirk Riley, executive director for ITEC.

The money will fund the creation of ITEC Pathways, a learning center in the former Holmes Street School that will offer technology instruction for mostly middle school students through activities such as programming robots and video games.

Read the entire article here.

Neogen Lands On Fortune's Top 100 Fastest-Growing Companies

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Neogen Corp., the Lansing-based animal and food safety company, has been ranked on Fortune’s annual list of the 100 fastest-growing companies, making it one of the magazine's "annual collection of rising phenoms" that "reveals who — and what — is succeeding even in a stagnant economy."

According to excerpts from the article:

It was the only Lansing-area company on the list, and was one of five Michigan companies that made the cut.

Neogen has plans to expand in Lansing. It has an agreement to purchase the city’s Oak Park Field Office at 717 E. Shiawassee St. for laboratories, high-tech manufacturing and warehousing. That would include bringing some British operations to Lansing – a move that could lead to new jobs.

Read the entire article here.

Land Bank Brings Creative Solutions to Ingham County's Development Challenges

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

From the sale of the former home of the School for the Blind superintendent to the owner of Rizzi Designs to the Deluxe Inn graffiti art project, the Ingham County Land Bank is shaking things up here in the Lansing region.

According to excerpts from the article:

On the day Rochelle Rizzi first saw the grand, brick house along Pine Street in Lansing, it was “complete construction zone.” The 6,000-square-foot Colonial Revival house was once the home of the superintendent of the School for the Blind but had been vacant more than a decade.

Rizzi was on a quest to find the perfect space for her marketing firm, Rizzi Designs, and when she stepped inside, she knew she had found the right place. “I knew which furniture was going to be in what room,” she remembers. “It just seemed like a great fit.”

Luckily, the Land Bank was much more sympathetic to her cause than, say, an out-of-state multi-national bank.

Read the entire article here.

East Lansing Art Festival Ranked Among Nation's 200 Best

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sunshine Artist Magazine recently ranked the 2009 East Lansing Art Festival among the nation's “200 Best.”

According to excerpts from the article:

The magazine ranks the top art fairs and festivals in the U.S. each year with its “200 Best” feature, based on responses about sales submitted by participating artists. The top-selling shows make the list.

“The ranking is evidence of not only our artist’s success at the festival , but the tremendous support of those patrons who purchase original fine art and craft at the festival, from the Greater Lansing region and beyond,” East Lansing Art Festival Coordinator Corinn VanWyck said.

Read the entire article here.

Lansing Native Returns To Paint Mural At R.E. Olds Transportation Museum

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Even though Glenn Dorshimer now lives near Chapel Hill, N.C., the Lansing native returned to the area to paint murals of classic American cars on the exterior walls of the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.

According to excerpts from the article:

"I want to change the perception of import buyers by painting these murals. I want to change the way people think about the United Auto Workers (union)," Dorshimer said. "People understand what (GM and the UAW) are about here, but in North Carolina, import buyers still think American cars are inferior," he said.

Dorshimer earned a degree in design, then returned to GM and designed car seats for five years. He left in 1992. Now 48, Dorshimer wished he'd followed his earlier inclination and gone to work at a factory.

"That's where I'd like to be," he said. "I'd like to do that or design cars."

Read the entire article here.

Michigan's 271 Farmers Markets Place It Number Four in the Nation

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

With 271 operational farmers markets, Michigan finds itself in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 2010 National Farmers Market Directory, behind Illinois by a mere 15. It's a 13 percent increase between 2008 and 2009.

According to excerpts from the article:

As the state's second largest industry, Michigan's agri-food sector generates $71.3 billion annually, making it a building block for diversifying the state's economy. Production agriculture, food processing and related businesses employ more than one million people.

Michigan produces more than 200 commodities, making it second only to California in terms of agricultural diversity.

Of Michigan's 271 farmers markets, 57 are authorized to accept Bridge Cards electronically this year. This number has grown from 29 in 2009 through the efforts of the Michigan Farmers Market Food Assistance Partnership, led by the Michigan Food Policy Council (MFPC) and the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA). The partnership's work and 2010 growth has been funded through a grant as part of the USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative.

Read entire article here.

Lansing State Journal Highlights the Capital Region's Architectural Gems

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

From the Frank Lloyd Wright home in Okemos to the interior of the BWL building, the Capital region is sprinkled with architectural quality.

According to excerpts from the article:

When sculpture is something more than art, when it’s to be worked in and lived in and played in, we call it architecture.

Functional sculpture — architecture of significance — is part of Greater Lansing’s landscape from the state Capitol and much written about Frank Lloyd Wright house in Okemos to the bits of gingerbread that dangle from the eaves of your own home.
We are surrounded by it. . . .

“The country is becoming really homogenous,” said Laura Rose Ashlee, communications director for the state Historic Preservation Office. “The older buildings are what sets communities apart.”

Read the entire article here.

Construction On Track For New Accident Fund Insurance Downtown Headquarters

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Renovations and additions to the former Ottawa Power Station are on track for its new tenants, Accident Fund Insurance Co. of America, to move in next spring.

According to excerpts from the article:

Construction of the roughly 334,000-square-foot office should be substantially finished by December, said Chad Teeples, senior project manager at Christman Co. The Lansing firm is managing the $182 million project.

Also on Thursday, crews were pouring concrete on the top floor of the six-story, 1,000-space parking ramp. It should be complete next spring.

Employees should start moving in around April 2011, said Steve Reynolds, vice president of strategic planning at Accident Fund, which is part of Detroit's Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Read the entire article here

MSU Prepares To Open New $90 Million Medical Facility In Grand Rapids

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Michigan State University is gearing up to open a new $90 million medical facility in Grand Rapids.

The 180,000-square-foot Secchia Center will house classes for 100 first-year medical students beginning this fall.

According to excerpts from the article:

The Secchia Center will host classes for 100 first-year medical students in the fall and be a hub of activity for the local medical community grounded by the presence of Spectrum Health, Van Andel Institute, Saint Mary's Health Care and Grand Valley State University.

"It's just a joy to be here," raved John O'Donnell, director for pre-clinical curriculum at MSU's College of Human Medicine.

"It's so well-designed compared to our former quarters, so easy to interact with our fellow professionals. So much natural light comes through deep into the building. The light comes right through into the hallway."

Read the entire article here

New Meridian Township Community Garden Latest of 80 Area Projects

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Community members in Meridian Township have adopted 5,000 square feet of open land for a community garden, a growing trend in the region.

According to excerpts from the article:

More than 5,000 square feet of land has been adopted by community members to form the Northwind Community Garden.

Garden members are growing flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables in individual plots and raised beds. In addition to the individual plots and beds, 200 square feet of land has been dedicated to creating a communal plot.

This past spring, there were four new gardens proposed in Meridian Township alone, and at least 80 gardens proposed or continuing for Ingham County.

The proceeds from this plot will be donated to the Greater Lansing Food Bank, which is the parent organization for the Garden Project — a sponsor for the Northwind Community Garden.

Read the entire article here.

Kiplinger Names Lansing One of Nation's Top Ten Best Cities For Young Adults

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Lansing is among the 10 best cities for young adults, according to a national financial news magazine. Kiplinger cited Lansing’s low rent and high-paying technology job opportunities in its list of cities, which also included Chicago, Austin and Portland, Ore.

According to excerpts from the article:

We began our search using the criteria we used to select our overall list of Best Cities for the Next Decade: healthy economies fueling new job growth.

We fine-tuned our search using other youth-friendly factors such as large percentages of people under 35, cost of living and rental costs, culture, nightlife, and the time you're likely to spend in traffic.

Home to five medical schools, two law schools and Michigan State University, Michigan’s capital is a little-known hotbed for young professionals. Granted, this Great Lakes community can’t quite compare to the larger cities on our list in terms of job prospects or things to do. But it has a relatively low cost of living. And its youthful population, downtown renewal projects, and emerging technology sector make Lansing a stand-out in mid-sized cities.

Read the entire article and view the slideshow here.

Graffiti Art Project At Deluxe Inn Brings Attention to REO Town Revitalization

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

With the help of local groups and officials, urban graffiti artists looking for a place to practice their craft turned their spray paint cans onto a Downtown Lansing eyesore that is scheduled to be torn down soon.

The Deluxe Inn on South Washington Avenue in REO Town is slated to be demolished by the end of August to make room for new development.

According to excerpts from the article:

With a can of light green spray paint in hand, Sam DeBourbon on Friday turned a defunct and once seedy motel into art.

The 23-year-old from south Lansing is a graffiti artist, and along with about 24 other artists he is expected this weekend to convert the boarded-up Deluxe Inn into a statement of urban artistry.

The Deluxe is slated for demolition by the end of August and the site prepped for sale to a developer. The riverfront lot rests at the north end of REO Town, and it's hoped that residential and retail construction on the site will help revitalize the area.

Trey Love, a representative from the REO Town Commercial Association, handed out fliers to draw attention to the project and to the area.

"I've seen so many cars driving by and people turning heads and looking," he said. "All the people who have been coming up are all different shapes, sizes and colors. It gives me a different take on how many people appreciate art around this area."

Read the entire article here

Neogen Corporation Looks to Expand, Redevelop Facility on Lansing's Eastside

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A Lansing-based animal and food safety company is looking to expand. Neogen Corp. has an agreement with the city to buy the Oak Park Field Office at 717 E. Shiawassee Street for $200,000.

According to excerpts from the article:

If everything is approved, Neogen CEO Jim Herbert said he expects to take possession of the property by October or November.

"We've sort of specialized in taking older buildings and refurbishing them for newer technology uses," he said.

Those include the Oak Park School on Lesher Place and Allen Street School on East Kalamazoo Street.

"They've been great from an urban redevelopment standpoint," said Karl Dorshimer, vice president of the Lansing Economic Development Corp.

Read the entire article here.

GiftZip.com Makes Entrepreneur Magazine National Top 10 Startup List

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

An East Lansing web company has been honored a second time by Entrepreneur magazine.

GiftZip.com has been named one of “10 Hot Startups” by the national magazine.

According to an excerpt from the article:

They are the companies that capture the hearts and minds of their potential customers and, with them, that indispensable thing called market share. They're invariably run by men or women with an eye for sustainability—and expansion.

The list runs the gamut of sectors. Some have venture capital money behind them; most were bootstrapped. Some are service companies. A few are manufacturers. Others are retailers. And while we routinely receive news of hot startups, and it's usually impossible to compare apples to oranges—or in the case of this list, apps to beer—these 10 independents, with their fast-paced success and future potential, are the ones that made even our seasoned staff and contributors say, "Wow!"

Read the entire article and what they had to say about GiftZip.com here.

Michign Hot Dog Experiment Seeks Special Liquor License In East Lansing

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Michigan Hot Dog Experiment plans to open on M.A.C. Avenue and is seeking a special liquor license.

According to excerpts from the article:

The license the business wants is offered to establishments that open in areas of a city that are designated for redevelopment.

This is the first time the city has approved one of these licenses for its downtown. Mayor Vic Loomis said this was the perfect test case because the eatery is small, seating only about 50 people.

“It’s kind of a niche operation,” he said, adding that he’d like to see the license used in a similar manner in the future.

Read the article here.

East Lansing Woman Lands Dream Internship with NASCAR in California

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A 21-year-old Lansing woman is enjoying the internship of her dreams this summer in the Los Angeles office of NASCAR.

Mariel Moorer is one of 23 young men and women selected from hundreds of applicants to participate in the Daytona Beach, Fla.-based company's diversity internship program.

According to excerpts from the article:

This summer marks Moorer's second stint with the company — she spent the summer of 2008 working on research and marketing for NASCAR's entertainment group in Los Angeles.

Moorer went to East Lansing High School and graduated in May from the University of Michigan with a degree in communication studies.

In addition to her gigs at NASCAR, Moorer has interned for WKAR radio in East Lansing and worked in marketing for Michigan State University's athletic department.

Her previous internship involved helping coordinate celebrity appearances at NASCAR events. Now she tracks media coverage on the West Coast.

Read the entire article here.

BWL Announces Plans For $182 Million, 180 Job REO Town Project

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Lansing Board of Water and Light has announced it will build a $182 million natural gas power plant in REO Town.

According to excerpts from the article:

The Lansing Board of Water & Light plans to build a $182 million natural gas-powered electric and steam generation plant in REO Town, moving 180 workers to the district south of Downtown Lansing.

The facility, to be built on South Washington Avenue, would replace the coal-fired Moores Park Steam Plant. It also would generate electric power as the BWL looks to phase out portions of the coal-burning Eckert Power Station nearby.

Residential and business rates would be boosted to help pay for the project.

The public utility will burn 139,000 fewer tons of coal per year once the Moores Park plant is closed.

"The coolest thing from my point of view is that company-wide, this plant will allow us to reduce our carbon for electric output by 20 percent," General Manager J. Peter Lark said. "Everything they're talking about in Washington calls for a 17 percent reduction in carbon by 2020.”

Read the full article here:

Emergent Biosolutions Lands $54.6 Million Contract, Adding 25 Jobs

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. is expected to add 25 jobs at its Lansing plant after landing a $107 million contract from the federal government to produce the anthrax vaccine.

According to excerpts from the article:

Emergent expects to add about 25 jobs related to the contract through early 2011 and continue hiring after that, said Adam Havey, president of Emergent's Lansing operations.

"This is a huge step forward for us in utilizing our assets here in Lansing," Havey said. "It's a great sign of growth and innovation - not just locally, but as our company grows globally it solidifies us as a manufacturing center of excellence."

Emergent said Wednesday it signed a contact with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services worth $54.6 million during the first two years, with options for three more years.

The company said it expects to see up to $10 million in revenue and $5 million in earnings before taxes in the second half of this year because of the contract.

Read the full article here.

Lansing Deluxe Inn Will Become Public Art Destination Before Demolition

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Grafitti artists from as far away as Chicago are expected to be in Lansing at the end of this month to paint the now-shuttered but once notorious Deluxe Inn before it is demolished.

According to excerpts from the article:

By the end of August, the defunct Deluxe Inn at the southern edge of Lansing's downtown will be rubble.

A demolition contract is close to being signed, according to officials with the Ingham County Land Bank, which bought the property for $400,000 in September.

But before it goes, the dilapidated motel — once a haven for prostitutes and drug addicts — will experience a brief rebirth as an urban art hot spot and then as a different kind of hot spot for fire department training.

About 30 graffiti artists from the area and as far away as Chicago and New York have been invited to use a symbol of urban rot as a canvas to showcase urban rebirth.

The artists will be doing their thing at their own expense July 30-31 and on Aug. 1 at the former motel on South Washington Avenue.

"We want to show there is a need for public spaces for public artists," said Joe Manzella, who works for Lansing Economic Area Partnership Inc.

Read the full article here.

Lansing Competes For $190 Million GM Plant Upgrade

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Lansing hopes to entice General Motors to invest $190 million in a Lansing plant to ramp up for production of a new vehicle.

According to excerpts from the article:

The city of Lansing could end up offering General Motors Co. $9.8 million in tax incentives if the automaker picks a Lansing plant for a new vehicle.

That is the amount of a personal property tax abatement Mayor Virg Bernero wants the Lansing City Council to approve to help persuade GM to invest $190 million to add an unnamed vehicle — and about 600 jobs — to its Lansing Grand River assembly line.

The abatement would be spread out over 25 years — or about $390,000 a year.

GM isn't saying what other sites it's considering for the work.

However, GM has said it plans to bring the work to an existing factory. In addition to Lansing Grand River, GM currently has assembly plants elsewhere in Michigan as well as in Ohio, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas, Texas and Louisiana.

Read the entire article here.

Local Clothing Label Finds Niche With New Store Space

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A local clothing label has carved out a niche among other retailers in Meridian Mall. DEFYE clothing recently moved from a kiosk inside the mall to a 1,000-square-foot store.

According to excerpts from the article:

The company, founded by Okemos native Michael Doherty, sells screen-printed graphic T-shirts, sweatshirts, button-down shirts, hats, jeans and other clothing items for men and women. Doherty also makes some children’s apparel.

Doherty designs the artwork for the screen-printed items for DEFYE, named after the phrase "define your own existence."

"It's really exciting," he said of his company's growth. "A lot of it has to do with this connection with college students and a lot of people kind of going through this same struggle of finding their own way in life, and a lot of them can relate to the whole message behind the label."

Read the article here.

Capital Region Concerts Work to Build On Area's Quality of Life

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As Lansing kicks off its Common Ground Music Festival, the region takes stock of the myriad benefits of its growing concert and festival lineup.

According to excerpts from the article:

From city-sponsored events to events sponsored by arts councils and businesses, organizers say the main goal is to increase the quality of life in the community.

Businesses near free-concert venues also find themselves often benefiting, creating a mix that seems to make free concerts pay off for everyone involved.

The East Lansing Summer Concert Series helps draw people to the downtown business area. But it's also a way for the city to express how much it values community events, arts and culture, and bringing the community together, said Ami Van Antwerp, East Lansing's communications coordinator.

"One of the things people really value about living here is all of the festivals and events you can attend," she said.

Read the article here.

Prima Civitas Foundation Prepares For New Leadership, Continued Growth

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

With a $2 million annual budget and an all-star lineup of leaders, including former Lansing Mayor David Hollister, the Prima Civitas Foundation is preparing for some key staff changes.

According to excerpts from the article:

The Prima Civitas Foundation is at somewhat of a critical juncture as three principal employees prepare to retire.

The Lansing-based nonprofit is in its fifth year as an economic development foundation serving mid-Michigan and other parts of the state.

David Hollister, 68, plans to retire as president and CEO in March 2011, while outgoing Executive Director Dennis Sykes, 64, retires in September and Irma Zuckerberg, 62, a project director, leaves after June 30.

The organization has been planning for the retirements, said Steven Bennett, acting executive director.

"It's going to be an opportunity for us to bring on new, fresh talent," Bennett said.

Read the rest of the article here.

Two MSU Students Win National Marketing Competition, $5,000 Award

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Two political theory and constitutional democracy seniors at Michigan State University (MSU) stepped out of their comfort zones to try their hands at creating a marketing campaign in a nationwide competition. The result: a shared $5,000 scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C.

According to excerpts from the article:

When Laura Kovacek and Maria Bianchi’s presentation won them both $2,500 scholarships at the first Washington Media Scholars Case Competition, Kovacek said she was shocked. MSU’s James Madison College also was given $5,000 for scholarships.

At a network reception with 65 other teams of finalists and about 250 people in the profession, Bianchi and Kovacek were announced as the winners on June 10. The top six teams were invited to go to Washington, D.C. during Media Scholars Week, where they meet individuals who work for advertising and marketing with companies such as Facebook, Google and CNN.

The competition was hosted by the Washington Media Scholars Foundation, which was founded to provide an opportunity for undergraduate students to meet executives in public affairs advertising, said Robin Roberts, president of the Washington Media Scholars Foundation.

Read the rest of the article here.

MSU Program Introduces Kids To Crime Scene Investigation Science

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Local middle and high school students spent a week at Michigan State University (MSU) learning crime scene investigation techniques from police and FBI agents.

According to excerpts from the article:

The program—run by the Office of Gifted and Talented Education, part of MSU's Honors College—ended Friday.

To participate, students needed at least a 3.5 grade-point average, strong test scores and a teacher recommendation. The weeklong overnight camp cost $1,127. Scholarships were available.

During Friday's lesson, forensic artists from the FBI and Michigan State Police discussed how to interview witnesses to create composite sketches of suspects.

Other camp activities included identifying characteristics of skeletons, observing a pig autopsy, fingerprinting, matching tire and shoe impressions, and analyzing a mock crime scene using evidence such as blood spatters and bullets.

Read the rest of the article here.

With Attendance Up 20 Percent, More Upgrades Expected at Potter Park Zoo

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In addition to upgrading the new bird facilities and displays, the zoo is growing in popularity and moving ahead on much-anticipated upgrades to the rhino exhibit.

According to excerpts from the article:

The Wings From Down Under exhibit has reopened for the summer at the Lansing zoo with more than 600 birds in a vast, interactive display. It's a 50 percent boost in the number of eastern rosellas, parakeets and cockatiels, the cost of which is covered under an existing contract.

The expanded Wings exhibit is part of ongoing efforts at Potter Park to attract more visitors. About 167,000 people visited the zoo in 2009, up about 20 percent from 2008.

Construction also has begun on the Eurasian Eagle Owl exhibit, a roughly 1,000-square-foot enclosure of steel and mesh that is more than triple the size of the current exhibit.

And ground is to be broken by fall on the park's long-awaited rhino site improvements.

Read the entire article here.

Council Considers $260,000 In Redevelopment Incentives On Two Sites

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

About $260,000 in tax incentives could be given to two local businesses to encourage expansion and redevelopment projects.

According to excerpts from the article:

Spartan Internet Consulting Corp. is seeking tax incentives for the $1.8 million redevelopment of the former Holmes Street School, 1030 S. Holmes St.

The council’s eventual vote on a brownfield plan could permit Spartan Internet to apply for $223,800 in state tax credits.

The council also heard about Foresight Group’s application for $38,630 in local property tax abatements over 12 years under the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act.

The company recently purchased Peckham Inc.’s former facility on North Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and wants to renovate the facility for its proposed headquarters.

Read the entire article here.

New 42-Acre Francis Motz Park in Clinton County Excels in Accessibility

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The first county park in Clinton County is 42 acres and took six years to complete. With lots of accessible amenities—including an on-site, off-road floating wheelchair—it's likely to be a big hit with people who have disabilities.

According to excerpts from the article:

Francis Motz County Park, in Greenbush Township near St. Johns, opened Saturday. The 42-acre park, which is open seasonally, offers an array of accessibility features in an effort to include people with disabilities in all park activities, said Jerry Jaloszynski, county parks and green space coordinator.

The park's accessibility features include wide concrete sidewalks, picnic tables with side and end wheelchair entrances, wheelchair-accessible openings on a 60-foot fishing pier, barrier-free unisex toilet rooms and a special needs bathroom with a wall-mounted medical table.

"One of the really exceptional things about the park is that if you're coming in a wheelchair, you don't even have to wonder if there's going to be a bathroom stall open or if there's going to be a picnic table," he said. "You really have full access."

The park will loan out an all-terrain wheelchair that can travel over sand and float in the water.

Read the entire article here.