Ace Hardware and Mitten Raised Bakery are few of many businesses in Downtown Okemos that have now closed, leaving the area lifeless and uninhabited. Bottoms Up dancewear shop is one of the last businesses still afloat, but not for much longer. “It just seemed like a good time to go. It was such a hard decision to leave our lovely customers, but after working so many long hours all these years, it is time for a new adventure,” Bottoms Up owner, Sherry Fisher, said. After 40 years, Fisher will be moving to Florida to start a new life.
People and Pets
Preuss offers specialty pets in Old Town
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On the corner of Cedar Street and Grand River Avenue, the giant P on the wall above a waterfall marks the location of Preuss Pets.
News
In Williamston, running a business, being a mother is a juggling act
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The house at 5108 Barton Road in Williamston looks like any other house. There are trees out front, a few cars parked in the driveway and a garage door wide open, giving people a glimpse of the backyard. All seems normal until the sound of dogs, chickens and alpacas fill the air. Yes, alpacas. In the backyard of this home lies Circle 6 Alpacas, a fiber production farm that houses 30 alpacas, one goat, three horses, two dogs, five cats and 10 chickens.
News
New Banners for Williamston
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Williamston has decided to revamp its obsolete city banners and introduce bright new ones to the downtown area. “Yes, the current banner inventory of banners that we have for the city are worn and outdated,” said Tammy Gilroy, Williamston mayor. “The new design will be more in line with our city’s current branding and identity moving forward.”
At the Williamston City Council meeting March 26, pictures of the banners were shown and were predicted to go up in the summer. The city clerk Holly Thompson has been overseeing the banner project and has worked with the designer over the past couple months. “She[Thompson] took the lead on the banner project,” said Rachel Piner city treasurer.
News
The Bunkhouse opens in Williamston
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It’s been busy inside the bright teal building at 118 W. Grand River Ave. in downtown Williamston. The building now occupies The Bunkhouse, which opened on Feb. 16 and was founded by 141 Design Company owners Chantelle and Brian Deimling. “The Bunkhouse is where paint classes are held and it’s also a fun little store,” co-owner Chantelle Deimling said.
News
The Meridian Winter Farmers’ Market has features you don’t want to miss
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Local products, fresh food, and wine. These are the many benefits of the Meridian Winter Farmers’ Market. Benefits township residents may want to take advantage of. Meridian Township keeps its farmers’ market schedule active during the cold months from December through April. The township hosts its indoor winter farmers’ market on the first and third Saturdays of each month in meridian mall.
News
Dogs need special care during winter
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Some dogs are made for the winter. Huskies have heavy fur and tough paws which allow them to handle these harsh conditions with no problem. But some dogs do not have the same luxuries, which makes winter tough. “We take him on walks which sucks in the winter time,” said Joey’s Pet Outfitters employee Krystal Witt. Dogs routinely need to go outside for multiple reasons from walking to using the restroom.
Antique store
Sign of the Pineapple welcomes visitors literally and figuratively
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During the Colonial Era, a pineapple was a sign of wealth and welcoming. People would display a pineapple on their dinner table to impress their friends while sea captains would display a pineapple in their front yard when they returned home from sea. This was a subtle way to inform their family and friends that they have returned home safely and are ready for visitors. John McAuliffe and his wife were inspired by the sign of the pineapple during the Colonial Era that they named their business after it. Although Sign of the Pineapple in Williamston doesn’t have a pineapple on display outside its store, it welcomes visitors seven days a week. John McAuliffe said he enjoys managing Sign of the Pineapple because he enjoys talking to people.
Campus News
Watch Focal Point: CMU shooting, flooding in IM West and more
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John Engler has been interim president for less than a month, we take a look at how students think he’s handling his new position. Also, the ‘Bern’ is back. Plus, the Ski Club had to make a tough decision when it came to one of their annual traditions. In sports, we head over to Skandalaris Football Center for the football teams first spring practice.
University breaks negatively impact East Lansing businesses
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Due to the close proximity to Michigan State University, many East Lansing businesses report that they have a high amount of student customers. When students leave campus during semester breaks and holidays, these businesses suffer a certain loss. According to 2012 Economic Census data, there are 776 businesses with paid employees in East Lansing. Although there is a plethora of businesses, from fast food to clothing stores, many of the businesses on the outskirts of campus have some degree of student business. According to 2010 Census data, 40.2 percent of East Lansing residents are in the age bracket of 20-24 years old.
Arts & Entertainment
WATCH: FL shooting victims go back to school, Lansing gun reform rally
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On this week’s update, the Spartan Newsroom covers Florida school victims first day back since the shooting and the recent gun reform rally in Lansing. The Spartan Newsroom also covers the potential use of marijuana to help animal patients.