News

Young activists speak out on guns

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When Madeline Johnson lost her best friend in the shooting that took place at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021, she knew that she wanted to do something to create real change. 

“I was near her when it happened,” she said. “It’s obviously been pretty hard for me. I decided that I wanted to take action and change something for her and the other three that we lost, hopefully to stop things like this from happening in the future.”

Johnson, along with other Oxford students, banned together to create No Future Without Today, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. The members’ goal is to educate students and raise awareness about gun violence in schools. 

The rise of gun violence across the country has left students feeling afraid for their well-being.

East Lansing

Students take lead against gun violence

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Zoe Touray knows the reality of how gun violence can alter one’s life because she herself is a survivor. 

“I was already a very jumpy person before everything happened,” Touray said. “[Now] any little movement I have to look and see what’s going on.” 

As a recent graduate from Oxford High School, Touray has carried the trauma of surviving the Oxford shooting on Nov. 30, 2021. Since then, her parents have encouraged her to speak out and become an activist for victims of gun violence and the movement toward more strict gun legislation. 

Following the shooting, Touray was contacted by March for Our Lives, a youth-led nonprofit organization that aims to end gun violence. It is through the Michigan chapter of MFOL that Touray serves as a youth member and frequently speaks about her experience at different events. 

“They’re [members of the government] working on giving billions of dollars to schools for mental health resources, they’re working on tighter background checks and waiting periods for the age limit to buy a gun,” said Touray.

News

Buddy’s Pizza eager to open Okemos location

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They call it a pizza that started a style. And Detroit-style pizza has landed in Okemos. The location at 2010 W. Grand River Ave. marks the 20th location in Michigan. Known for its rectangular cut with a thick crispy crust, it’s no secret that the Detroit-style pizza is a big hit.

Business & Economy

Demolition makes way for new Trader Joe’s

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Demolition began last week on the corner of Grand River Avenue and Northwind Drive, clearing the way for a new Trader Joe’s. https://twitter.com/meridiantwp/status/1502303793421111296

It will be approximately 13,500 square feet and includes 2.2 acres of property. The preliminary site plan provided to Meridian Township’s Zoning Board of Appeals requests additional parking spaces on site. The request was approved Dec. 8, 2021.

News

Detroit-based Buddy’s Pizza adds second location in Mid-Michigan 

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With its grand opening on April 4, the new Buddy’s Pizza at 2010 W. Grand River Ave. in Okemos is looking for more employees. “Hiring is ongoing, and we are still looking for plenty of help,” said General Manager Mike Wensel, who is looking for 30-35 to be  servers, bartenders, bussers, hosts and kitchen staff. Training will begin March 21, but applicants are welcome to apply and join late. Previous restaurant experience is helpful but not required.

Article

MT salon moves, sees uptick in business

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Roughly a month after moving to a new location, the staff at one of Meridian Township’s most popular salons is officially acclimated to their fresh space and seeing an unexpected increase in new clients.

Fluid Salon, a staple of the community since it opened in January of 2015, made the move from 2755 E. Grand River Ave. to 5030 Northwind Dr. over the course of nine days, from January 30 to February 7.

Since its reopening on February 8, owner Kimmi Chubb has already noticed a change in business, despite the new location only being a few blocks from the previous one.

News

Okemos Public Schools to announce new mascot logo

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After years of deliberation, Okemos Public Schools officially has a new mascot, the Wolves, necessitating a an updated logo.

In determining its new logo, the school district is also responsible for replacing the current one across the district.

Superintendent John Hood said the district asked the community to submit new logo designs. The final design will be released at the March 14 board meeting, and it will feature aspects of multiple design concepts.

News

Detours implemented as construction begins on historic Okemos Road bridges

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Those who take Okemos Road southbound on their commute to work or school will have to use a new route starting February 14, courtesy of a full-scale replacement and expansion of the Okemos Road bridges.

Southbound traffic will detour until November, while the northbound lane of will be unchanged throughout the new construction project, according to a notice from the Ingham County Road Department.