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Locally owned Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021
EE
www.lansingcitypulse.com A newspaper for the rest of us
-Nevin ‘20
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4 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 30, 2020
VOL. 20
ISSUE 21
(517) 371-5600 • Fax: (517) 999-6061 • 1905 E. Michigan Ave. • Lansing, MI 48912 • www.lansingcitypulse.com
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: (517) 999-5061
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PAGE CLASSIFIEDS: (517) 999-6704
16 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER • Berl Schwartz
publisher@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5061
MANAGING EDITOR • Kyle Kaminski
Arts and culture around Lansing get the digital treatment kyle@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-6710
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR • Skyler Ashley
skyler@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5068
PAGE EVENTS EDITOR/OFFICE MANAGER • Suzi Smith
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18 PRODUCTION • Abby Sumbler
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How the College of Music kept the beat in 2020 (517) 999-5066
STAFF WRITER • Lawrence Cosentino
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Contributors: Andy Balaskovitz, Justin Bilicki, Sean
Flash in the Pan: Seeding the new year Bradley, Capital News Service, Bill Castanier, Ryan
Claytor, Mary C. Cusack, Tom Helma, Gabrielle
Lawrence Johnson, Terry Link, Kyle Melinn, Mark Nixon,
Cover Dawn Parker, Dennis Preston, Carrie Sampson, Nevin
Speerbrecker, Rich Tupica, Ute Von Der Heyden, David
Art Winkelstern, Paul Wozniak
Delivery drivers: Dave Fisher, Gavin Smith, Jack Sova
Cover by Nevin Speerbrecher
-Nevin ‘20
NOW AT 10:00 A.M.
SUNDAYS on
City Pulse • December 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5
PULSE NEWS & OPINION
Tough times, hard lessons
It was the worst of times, a merely illuminated the strategy
perfectly miserable year by any for a future version of himself,
measure. Between a murder- only smarter and savvier. Our
ous pandemic, a corrupt and national experience over the past
conniving president, a sharply four years affirms the devastat-
divided and angry populace, and ing consequences of allowing a
a sickening wave of deadly police person who is utterly unqualified
brutality, mainly against people of by expertise, interest, intellect
color, what more could possibly or character to hold this nation’s
go wrong? We have one more highest office. It showed us that
day to find out. In the meantime, the experience, temperament
let’s reflect on some of the key and integrity of the Oval Office
takeaways from 2020, the Lost occupant really does matter, and
Year of COVID. that our brief dalliance with the
Thanks to COVID, we learned rich-celebrity-as-president model
that even the experts are fallible nearly brought this nation to its
and prone to overconfidence that knees.
results in bad advice. Early on The national media, too,
in the pandemic, public health learned some hard lessons about
guidance from the World Health covering pathological liars, high-
Organization said the novel coro- lighting the bad habit of false
navirus was transmitted primarily equivalency in political reporting
through contact with respiratory that allows bald-faced lies to be
droplets that landed on surfaces, told with near impunity. Rather
so hand washing was billed as the key to preven-
tion. As it turns out, the virus is primarily airborne, The CP Edit than calling out the lie, more than a few journal-
ists engage in the practice of “balancing,” that is,
so masks and social distancing are the most crit- providing statements from the other side that may
ical public health interventions. The World Health Opinion or may not directly challenge the original lie. With
Organization — and the public health officials who the exception of some well-done fact checking, the
relied on its guidance — should have admitted from have a lot of work to do to close the socioeconomic national media all too often acquiesced to Trump’s
the start that it didn’t really know how the coronavirus gap between whites and people of color in housing, daily pack of lies. Only when he went full-blown
is transmitted. The corollary to this admission would education, employment and health care. And that the cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs and denied he had lost the
have been a fundamental change in the message: law enforcement community has a lot of work to do election did the national media finally do what they
If we had been advised early on that the virus could to restore public confidence and trust. They should should have done from the start: call a lie a lie and
be airborne and everyone should mask up out of an start by rethinking the rules of engagement that allow turn off the microphone.
abundance of caution, thousands of lives could have officers to use deadly force against people who hav- Lest we end on too pessimistic a note, 2020 did
been saved. It’s a hard lesson to learn, but even en’t even been convicted of a crime. It’s not OK to have some bright spots, especially the trio of fear-
experts need to admit when they just don’t know the kill people — Black, white or otherwise — over petty less, effective women who are leading Michigan
answer. offenses like selling a loose cigarette on the street or through its darkest hour. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer,
The COVID crisis also ripped the scab off the resisting jailers while under the influence of drugs. Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of
gross disparities in health outcomes for Black Sadly, we also learned what kind of damage a State Jocelyn Benson stood tall and strong in the
Americans, mainly due to structural racism that can narcissistic demagogue wielding the full powers of face of disaster, both natural and Trumpian. We’re
be traced to our nation’s long and continuing history the American presidency can do in a very short time. grateful for their tenacious, no-nonsense leadership.
of marginalizing people of color. In the Lost Year of In the process, we discovered that a consequential We’re also grateful for our fellow citizens who are still
COVID, Black citizens took a beating in more ways share of the American people are more gullible, and working on the front lines in hospitals, grocery stores
than one. First, the coronavirus showed a strong more susceptible to manipulation, than we ever could and restaurants, putting their own lives at risk to help
predilection to kill people of color. Then a shocking have imagined. If you thought the great American the rest of us get through this nightmare. We wish
number of America’s police officers demonstrated the experiment in democracy could never be unraveled, each of you, on behalf of a thankful community, a
same disturbing trait. What did we learn? That we think again. This was a near miss. Trump may have healthy and happy New Year. And a pay raise.
Send letters to the editor to letters@lansingcitypulse.com.
Please limit them to 250 words
6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 30, 2020
Time. Place. Tragedy. Disillusionment. Hope.
By ANDREW MUYLLE the gradual shutdown of the theater It was from these places and
(The writer, 25, is a graduate of East- industry and the city as a whole left through these passages of assured-
ern High School who is pursuing a me, like thousands of other NYC- ness that I observed the events of the
career in musical theater.) based artists, questioning my future, year happen, as they did so merci-
These are all pieces, elements of immediate and long term. I made lessly. I watched as the bare bones of
my life in the year 2020, the year we the day-long journey from the Fort our world, the broken parts of our
collectively experienced what at times Lee Budget car rental to my mecca of systems and societies, were exposed. I
seemed to be a complete unraveling sorts, the place which will always be read and heard about people battling
of the senses of health, world, coun- the beginning of my story, Lansing. for and losing their lives, whether
try and security that those who were Crossing the George Washington from a disintegration of their respi-
lucky enough to experience previ- Bridge as I exited Manhattan on that ratory system, or at the barrel of a
ously had. It has been a succession of early March morning left me feeling, gun held by one intended to protect
months which saw a global pandem- in part, that I was jumping ship and and serve. I participated in the ways I
ic that has ended 1.6 million lives; watching the Titanic sink from my knew how — wearing masks every-
murder and violence toward people privileged security, but I thought it where except for my home, marching
of color and focus on the continued was best, and that I would find safety for justice with beautiful groups of
systems of racism in America; a and comfort in the city that created heartbroken people, trying to find
country at war, a war of beliefs and me, the city that had always been peace in everyday life and pass that
morals and humanity and a country there for me and with me. on to others. It was perhaps a period
that has divided itself into blue and Muylle There is an energy in Lansing that most defined by my disillusionment
red; wildfires and countless other is so incredibly personal to me, an — with the world, with my career and
natural disasters in which we’ve heard and healthy, but always watching the energy that is embedded in my mem- the future of my industry, with the
the anguished call of Mother Earth; world, the country, and my commu- ories and my senses. I feel it when I morality of America, with the total,
and so many more rips and tears, big nities. bike down Michigan Avenue to the raw desperation and need of millions
and small, in a perhaps never-ful- I was born in 1995 and raised on Capitol and spend some suspended of people. Some days I so passionately
ly-realized blanket of peace, equality, the east side of Lansing. In 2013, I moments looking up at it, as if for the wanted to make a change and help
and worldwide health in more ways graduated from Eastern High School first time. I feel it walking through to such an extent, and yet I couldn’t
than one. and went on to study musical theater Eastfield, the neighborhood where I manage to make coffee, my mind so
Through all of this, I have been in college. I moved to New York City spent the first years of my life, pass- debilitated by the most recent death
here, in Lansing, in my place of in January 2019, and lived there full ing the houses of my grandmother, of count. It’s been a year of thought and
privilege, able to keep myself safe time until this past March, when neighbors and of childhood friends reflection, on where I need to go from
long moved away. I felt it when I went here, what steps I need to person-
B/21/049 RED CEDAR LOG JAM PROJECT as per the specifications provided by the City of for a walk my first full day back in ally take to aid in the healing of our
Lansing. The City of Lansing will accept sealed bids electronically on line at www.mitn.info or Lansing, and my legs brought me to world. We’ve experienced trauma, and
at the City of Lansing Purchasing Office, 124 W. Michigan Ave 8th Fl, Lansing, Michigan 48933 the grand building on the corner of there is a long road of recovery ahead.
until 2:00 PM local time in effect on JAN. 21, 2021 at which time bids will be opened. Complete
specifications and forms required to submit bids are available by contacting Stephanie Marshall and Saginaw, the building Let us memorialize those we lost
Robinson at (517) 483-4128 email: Stephanie.Robinson@lansingmi.gov or go to www. I knew as Pattengill Middle School. this year, and never forget the beauty
mitn.info. The City of Lansing encourages bids from all vendors including MBE/WBE vendors
and Lansing-based businesses.
I stood by entrance 31, where I spent of their lives.
CP#20-328 nearly every morning for two and a I can say that I am extremely grate-
half years, waiting with friends to be ful to have had the solace of Lansing
let in so we could stow our instru- to come to, rife with some of the most
ments in their lockers until band important people and memories of
Whatever Reason
class. I looked out onto the western my young life. I will return to New
landscape from my vantage point, York, and will continue to work to-
which afforded views of LCC and ward my aspirations, but I will always
Whatever Season
their new track, the fields where I carry with me the weight of what this
flew kites as a child and watched fire- year became and how it shifted some-
works on the 4th of July, and beyond thing in my mind and soul.
that, the Don Johnson Fieldhouse, Where do we go from here?
Say it with Beautiful Blooms where my own graduation ceremony
was held.
Step by step, one day at a time.
from
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809 E. MICHIGAN AVE. LANSING
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City Pulse • December 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7
What if we got a do-over for 2020
How many times have we replayed
those major points in life and wondered,
Republican legislators politically hammered the DHHS
until they basically did what the R’s suggested in creating
CC OF THE WEEK
OF THE WEEK
POLITICS
what if I had … . specific stand-alone COVID recovery buildings.
Sure, it’s unhealthy to dwell on it for What if: The TCF Center and Novi Suburban Showplace
too long, but some reflection helps us field hospitals were used to keep recovering patients until
grow. To take a risk. Rely more on our specific stand-alone COVID recovery pods could be set up.
common sense. Listen to others. Trust Agreed, these huge civic centers have all the comforts of
your gut. a bus terminal. Moving a lot of vulnerable sick people isn’t
In a year like 2020, when so much ideal. But a lot of money and effort went to outfitting those
went wrong, maybe looking at this past facilities — and they were hardly used. It’s hard to argue
year’s major political events through this lives wouldn’t have been saved.
lens is helpful. 2. Lansing Mayor Andy Schor: Not attending the May 31 Before
Making the best decisions in a crisis is hard. Showing Capitol demonstration condemning racism.
compassion and understanding to those who acknowledge Background: The peaceful display against George Floyd’s
mistakes, correct them and learn from them may say more death at the knee of a Minneapolis police officer drew
about us than the person who makes them. thousands to march around Lansing.
So, with that, here are four instances where a do-over What happened: By nightfall, anxieties rose.
would have changed the trajectory of 2020. Troublemakers replaced protesters. Numerous downtown
1. Department of Health and Human Services Gary Lansing buildings had their windows smashed and an
Gordon: Putting recovering COVID-19 patients in nursing incredible mess was left in behind.
homes. All the while, the Lansing mayor was nowhere to be
Background: In early April, COVID-19 case numbers seen. Allegedly following police recommendations, Schor After
were skyrocketing. People were dying quickly. Hospitals stayed away from downtown. It opened him up to criticism
were quickly being overwhelmed. Images of an Italy-like that he was either callous toward the cause or not the lead-
crisis was scaring the bejesus out of everyone. er the city needed at that point in time. Pleasantrees,
What happened: The recovering patients had to go What if: Schor had shown up? Took a bullhorn? 1950 Merritt Road, East Lansing
somewhere and the Centers for Disease Control suggest- Marched alongside demonstrators with the chief of police?
ed nursing homes. In hindsight? Bad idea. Exposing this Shared in the chants? Pleasantrees Cannabis Co. opened
highly contagious virus indoors where elderly and vulner- If the city could have hurriedly set up porta-johns, trash this fall after an extensive renova-
able people live made nursing homes deadly COVID-19 tion. The 1984 building was a dental
incubators. See Melinn, Page 8 office that looked fairly typical from
that era with thin, horizontal vinyl
siding and smallish windows. After
the renovation, it appears that the
REWIND
only thing that remains the same is
the unusual roofline. The renovat-
ed building has been updated with
a new, darker green vertical siding.
The wood-looking material is more
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LAST 7 DAYS likely fiber cement siding, which
By KYLE KAMINSKI is more resilient and cost effective.
The well-considered undermount
Healthcare reform to save city $78M Lansing recognized for bike friendliness lighting along the roofline replaced
Newly renegotiated healthcare benefits for city of Lansing The capital city was named a “bronze-level” bicycle-friend- small, traditional outdoor sconces.
Two modern-looking sets of four
retirees that take effect Friday, Jan. 1, will reduce unfunded leg- ly community by the League of American Bicyclists this week,
oversized horizontal casement win-
acy costs by $77.6 million over the next 30 years, city officials joining 485 other communities across the country in being rec-
dows in black frames replaced small
said. Prior plans called for higher copays for about 1,300 retir- ognized for its safe streets, commitment to creating transpor-
windows near the entrance. And
ees The new deal reportedly represents a compromise that tation and recreational resources and encouraging healthier so on. The overall effect makes the
satisfies union officials and keeps retiree benefits and costs and sustainable transportation choices, according to a press building appear both modern and
exactly the same. Officials said the savings will come from a release. Mayor Andy Schor said public infrastructure has re- welcoming — befitting the compa-
newly negotiated fee reduction and by consolidating Medicare mained among his top priorities. ny’s brand. Its website emphasizes
coverage in a Medicare Advantage plan. its hospitality and connection to the
Lansing recognized for lack of transparency community. Its advertising refer-
MSU tracks 1,100 bias complaints The city of Lansing has refused to release more than 100 ences the play on its name: pleasant
More than 1,100 students and employees told Michigan State emails among Mayor Andy Schor, Police Chief Daryl Green trees; its location amid a wooded
University officials they had experienced discrimination be- and several top staffers regarding about Anthony Hulon’s April setting further enhances that effect.
cause of their skin color or where they were from since 2015, 11 death in the city lockup, the Journal reports. The medical — CARRIE SAMPSON
reports the Lansing State Journal. MSU investigators report- examiner ruled Hulon’s death a homicide after four officers
edly found violations in only eight cases. The news triggered handcuffed him and pinned him to the ground for several min-
criticism over a reporting process that could be difficult to nav- utes. A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed. Another 130 pag-
“Eye Candy of the Week” is our look at some of
igate or revictimize those reporting discrimination and bias. es of emails were heavily redacted or blank, which the Journal the nicer properties in Lansing. It rotates with Eyesore
of the Week and Eye for Design. If you have a sug-
Meanwhile, MSU officials are reportedly looking to rework is appealing to Council President Peter Spadafore. gestion, please e-mail eye@lansing
their processes and policies. citypulse.com or call Berl Schwartz at 999-5061.
8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 30, 2020
Health officials: ‘Return to normal’ from COVID-19 unlikely in 2021
Uncertainty over health orders, social distancing and
face masks. They challenged orders
sive vaccination campaign, it won’t be
like flipping a switch back to normal,
coronavirus rebound lingers that shuttered indoor dining, as well she said.
past winter months as other indoor activities where the Vail said that her team is only re-
virus was more likely to spread. By ceiving 975 doses of the Pfizer vaccine
As soon-to-be President-elect Joe the end of April, thousands filled each week.
Biden was celebrating the results of the streets of Lansing causing mas- “I can administer that in a day.” she
the primary in Michigan hours after sive traffic disruptions to protest the said.
polls closed, Gov. Gretchen Whit- health orders. Two weeks later, armed With thousands of frontline health
mer was facing down an array of TV protesters joined hundreds of others workers already in line for the coun-
cameras. It was March 10, the date in storming the State Capitol building try’s first doses, thousands have been
COVID-19 was detected in Michigan. demanding an end to the state orders. left waiting for their turn in the vac-
And it would consume the nation. Some businesses tried to fight back cination queue. The state, in tandem
Days later, officials in Ingham by continuing to operate in violation with national pharmacy chains like
County acknowledged the first cases of health orders, which in turn result- CVS and Walgreen’s, announced on
had arrived in Greater Lansing. ed in disciplinary action from local Monday a comprehensive, three-week
In the intervening time, Michigan and state governments. Ultimately, plan to deliver the second vaccine, by
has been dealt a streak of stay-at- the Michigan Supreme Court over- Moderna, to skilled nursing facilities
home orders, a largely shuttered econ- turned a 1945 emergency law which statewide.
omy and the rise of a constituency Whitmer used to issue her orders. Vail Officials estimate that about 70-
hellbent on fighting the health orders Those were later replaced by orders 85% of the country will need both
designed to keep them safe and to pre- from the state Department of Health ues to hammer the nation. doses of the vaccine before COVID-19
vent hospital systems from drowning and Human Services. Nine months after the first cases, a eventually stops spreading between
in rising caseloads. Ingham County Health Officer glimmer of hope is on the horizon of people — a point known as herd im-
In Ingham County, one of the first Linda Vail worked with government the coming year. Two vaccines have munity.
major outbreaks of the virus was dis- officials in East Lansing to create been approved by federal regulators Before the vaccines were approved,
covered on the city’s southwest side mask-required zones in the downtown and health officials have begun ad- about half of Americans were report-
among immigrant populations, most areas of the college town, while issu- ministering them to frontline medical edly hesitant to get one. Vail said that
of whom worked at either the Meijer ing quarantine orders on some 30 dif- providers as well as nursing home res- attitude has shifted to a “wait and see”
warehouse in Delta Township or Her- ferent properties that housed dozens idents and workers. approach over the last three weeks.
bruck’s poultry and egg production fa- of people — some with the virus. Vail predicts that vaccines will be And even with the vaccines rolling
cility in Ionia County. Still, the coronavirus continued to widely available for just about every-
Conservatives still railed against prey on Greater Lansing and contin- one by April 2021. Even with a mas- See Normal, Page 10
Melinn classic Trump and might have been
blown off if uttered during a cam-
paign stop in late October. Instead,
Central program wearing a “That
Woman from Michigan” t-shirt while
telling host Trevor Noah, “I don’t
Whitmer pushed the issue. Governors
like Mike DeWine in Ohio, who
avoided politics in their COVID
from page 7 insulting the governor at a time when think any of us has the energy to deal response, kept their popularity num-
her popularity was sky-high inadver- with politics right now.” bers higher for a longer period than
tently created a national rallying cry. The results: Up until that point, those who didn’t.
cans, tubs of bottled waters and even Women and some men circled the the governor received high marks What if: Whitmer appeared on
some snacks for protesters at Adado wagons around Whitmer, a leader from even Republican legislative FOX News instead? Talked about
Park, the crowd would have had they saw as doing her best protecting leaders in steering the state through Michigan’s response to an entirely
somewhere to congregate and decom- residents with arguably little help the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump’s different audience? Maybe she wasn’t
press away from a business center. from a hard-headed president. sexist dismissal of Whitmer days pri- invited, but given how networks lit
Would some destruction had hap- The result: Yes, Trump’s plainspo- or was universally frowned upon. up our TV-ready governor’s phone in
pened after nightfall anyway? Maybe. ken, off-the-cuff quips are part of his But instead of letting the uproar 2020, it’s hard to believe they would
But Schor wouldn’t have had to appeal, but even Trump recognizes build naturally, Whitmer overplayed have turned her away.
spend the remainder of 2020 show- that avoiding martyrdom is wise. He her hand by crossing the line into Either way, showing up on a pro-
ing he’s not a wuss. His family would knew it was a bad move. He never the political realm for the first time gram that can’t decide whether it’s
have had a few more nights of peace- said it again. in the pandemic. She accused Trump reporting serious news or parodying
ful sleep, at a minimum. What if: Trump didn’t say it? of playing politics by subtly doing it it changed the trajectory of the gov-
3. President Donald Trump: Showed Whitmer and others a little herself. ernor’s public perception sooner than
Referring to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer more respect? It’s a hard ask, I know, After this point, it became fair needed.
as “the woman from Michigan.” but does he lose Michigan by a little game to criticize Whitmer for play- (Kyle Melinn of the Capitol news
What happened: Trump singled less than 145,000 votes? I’m going ing politics with the pandemic to service MIRS is at melinnky@gmail.
out Michigan’s governor during a to guess more than 145,000 “That raise her place in the Joe Biden com.)
Mar. 27 press conference for “com- woman from Michigan” T-shirts were Veepstakes. Lansing’s traffic-jam Melinn’s column is brought to you
plaining” that the federal government sold this year. protest happened two weeks later. by the City Pulse Fund for Community
didn’t have a national response for 4. Governor Gretchen Whitmer: The liberty protests with gun-toting Journalism. If you wish to support
COVID-19 by dismissing to Whitmer Appearing on “The Daily Show with patriots two weeks after that. Only in community journalism, please contrib-
chief executive as “the woman in Trevor Noah.” Michigan, I might add. ute to City Pulse at www.lansingcity-
Michigan.” What happened: The governor’s Sure, the bipartisan kumbaya was pulse.com/donation.
The condescending reference is April 1 interview on the Comedy going to crumble eventually, but
City Pulse • December 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9
PAID FOR ANONYMOUSLY
10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 30, 2020
Whitmer signs $106M COVID-19 relief bill, extends jobless benefits
Three-week vaccination CORONAVIRUS IN MICHIGAN
campaign begins at BY THE NUMBERS… WEEK 42
Michigan nursing homes MICHIGAN
WEEKLY
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a 12/22/20 12/29/20 CHANGE
bipartisan relief bill this week that in-
cludes $55 million in grants for small
CASES 466,485 483,922 ^4%
businesses hit by COVID-19 and $45
million in direct unemployment pay- DEATHS 11,705 12,282 ^5%
ments for those laid off or furloughed
as a result of the coronavirus.
The bipartisan package offers grants GREATER LANSING EATON CO.
WEEKLY WEEKLY
of up to $20,000 for small businesses 12/22/20 12/29/20 CHANGE 12/22/20 12/29/20 CHANGE
that need support this winter, as well
as grants of up to $40,000 for live
CASES 19,296 20,049 ^4% CASES 4,119 4,313 ^5%
music and entertainment venues.
Whitmer also signed bipartisan DEATHS 282 308 ^9% DEATHS 82 89 ^9%
Senate Bill 604, sponsored by Sen. Whitmer
Curtis Hertel, D-East Lansing, which INGHAM CO. CLINTON CO.
WEEKLY WEEKLY
extended unemployment benefits employment checks. Senate Majori- 12/22/20 12/29/20 CHANGE 12/22/20 12/29/20 CHANGE
from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of ty Leader Mitch McConnell blocked CASES 11,766 CASES 3,411
12,212 ^4% 3,524 ^3%
March. Tuesday an effort by Democrats to up
Since March, about $27 billion in federal stimulus checks from $600 to
$2,000.
DEATHS 163 179 ^10% DEATHS 37 40 ^8%
unemployment benefits have been
paid to nearly 2.3 million workers. In
signing the latest bills, Whitmer said In related news … cinated. About 231,000 doses have been sent
she also line-item vetoed a $220 mil- A three-week campaign to vaccinate State officials still urged residents across Michigan. Another 120,000 are
lion “giveaway of taxpayer money” to about 91,000 residents and staff at this week to continue wearing face expected to arrive next week. To date,
the Unemployment Insurance Trust skilled nursing home facilities began masks, practicing social distancing. more than 37,000 frontline health-
Fund — a pool of funds designed to statewide Tuesday. Additional pri- Health officials in Michigan have set a care workers have received a vaccine.
help businesses fund benefits for laid- ority facilities — like assisted living, goal of vaccinating 70% of the popula- Next in line for the vaccine will be
off workers. Whitmer said that cash personal care, residential care, adult tion (about 5.6 million people) by the those over the age of 75 and frontline
should be used for vaccines and per- family and adult foster homes — will end of 2021. All vaccines require two essential workers in fields designated
sonal protective equipment and not receive vaccines in January. doses and will be provided at no cost, as “critical infrastructure. The follow-
“tax breaks to big businesses.” As part of efforts to curb the spread though providers may still charge ad- ing phase includes those at high risk of
President Donald Trump also signed of the coronavirus, all vaccinators are ministrative fees. Mild side effects can severe illness and some other essential
a COVID-19 relief bill Sunday extend- required to adhere to strict testing include a low-grade fever, a sore arm workers whose employment impacts
ing benefits to self-employed and gig protocols. The pharmacists them- and general discomfort — all signs the public safety.
workers, adding $300 to weekly un- selves will also be required to be vac- vaccine is working. — KYLE KAMINSKI
Normal
health issues. Vail concurs. tion, Vail also recognizes that the way percentage have what has become
Officials have tracked a rise in sub- America does business is likely going known as “long haulers’ syndrome.”
stance abuse and depression among to change forever. Work-from-home That syndrome can impact the heart,
from page 8 youth and adults — issues that will options have revealed that some em- the lungs and the brain and include
linger on for months, even after a re- ployees are actually getting more done ongoing fatigue and muscle aches, ac-
turn to “normal,” Vail explained. from their home office than in the cording to the Mayo Clinic.
Vail is also concerned that a year or usual work office. An Ohio State University study also
out this month, Vail said she doesn’t more of remote education will impact “I think we will see some businesses reportedly determined that as many as
see any loosening of statewide restric- kids and teachers. shifting from that,” Vail said. “There 15% of college athletes who recovered
tions like those on large group gath- “Kids are pretty resilient,” Vail add- will still be a need to connect with co- from COVID-19 had a heart inflam-
erings and mask wearing for another ed. “Most of them will bounce back. workers in some way, but I think tra- mation that could be severe enough
year. What I do worry about is the impact of ditional offices will not return to the to cause death. Another study pub-
She also realizes that as restrictions distance learning on test scores. How same.” lished in the Journal of the American
on gatherings and masks loosen, there are universities going to account for Once the vaccine reaches an ad- Medical Association found that 75%
will be lingering health issues related what is likely to be a reduction in test- equate level of herd immunity, sci- of recovering COVID-19 patients also
to a year (or more) of reduced human ing scores? And what about teachers, entists will also still be struggling to showed signs of lingering heart issues
contact and socialization. Dr. Adineke who are evaluated in part on those test understand and address the lingering — a number that Vail found shocking.
Shoyinka, chief medical officer in Ing- scores? I do worry about those things effects of the coronavirus itself, Vail “There is a lot more to learn at this
ham County, said many local residents a lot. I’m not sure we know the answer added. point,” she said.
have already been demonstrating con- to that.” Many people recover from the virus — TODD HEYWOOD
cerning trends of increased mental On top of the impact of social isola- without lingering impacts, but a smallCity Pulse • December 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11
Year in Review
2020 in review: What made news this year? And what’s up next?
1. The coronavirus arrived
No doubt 2020 wouldn’t have been such a train wreck without
COVID-19. It has fundamentally changed life in Greater Lansing and
across the country.
See page 8 for an in-depth review, as well as a forecast: Will things ever
get back to normal?
Photo by Nicole Rico
2. Racial justice and social equity efforts in Lansing.
George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis ignited an Two social workers were
uprising against police brutality and the dispropor- embedded with the East
tionate rate at which police systematically target and Lansing Police Depart-
kill people of color. Greater Lansing was no exception ment this year, where the
to the fervor. City Council has continued
Protests began May 31 with a large downtown to make equitable amend-
demonstration that turned ugly when a car was driven ments to local laws, among
carelessly on Michigan Avenue as marchers returned other reforms.
to the Capitol from East Lansing. Protesters torched Up Next: With at least 20
the car and broke numerous windows downtown, homicides tracked in Lan-
causing police to order a curfew and disperse the sing in 2020, efforts to chip
crowd with teargas. away funding from the Po-
Daily protests followed for months, at times finding lice Department are losing
their way to Mayor Andy Schor’s doorstep. Black Lives steam. Elected officials are
Matter called for Schor’s resignation and cuts to the still focused on public safety
police budget. Local allegations of police brutality — reforms, but many residents
including a couple of violent arrests in East Lansing have also called for more
and Anthony Hulon’s cop-involved homicide in the cops to help tackle a rising Skyler Ashley/City Pulse
city lockup — only fueled the tensions. A Black Lives level of crime.
Matter mural was painted across Capitol Avenue. Schor doesn’t anticipate Advance Peace, a California-based nonprofit geared
Lansing City Councilman Brandon Betz unsuccess- his next budget to reduce police funding, which he said toward stopping urban crime before it begins, could
fully introduced a measure to reduce a significant por- would likely equate to service reductions or fewer pa- also launch programming in Greater Lansing in
tion of the Police Department budget. Schor also re- trols. Activists like Betz plan to turn their attention to- 2021. City officials were still crunching the numbers
cruited a taskforce, hired a diversity officer and signed ward policy reforms in 2021 rather than continuing to — and searching for some regional partnerships — in
an executive directive to further anti-discrimination advocate for direct budget reductions. December.12 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 30, 2020
3. Politics
Year in Review This year’s election also brought a few key Larry Nassar scandal — decided not to run af-
Greater Lansing joined America in blocking changes to local governments in Greater Lansing. ter he was denied Democrat Party
President Donald Trump from a second term, First-term Ingham County Commissioner support.
heralding hopes for a brighter future under the Thomas Morgan was taken out in the August Up Next: Lansing is already
leadership of former Vice President Joe Biden. primary by Bob Pena, a civil engineer and Dem- turning its attention to a mayoral
Brandon Betz and his admit- ocrat who has lived on Lansing’s race in 2021. Mayor Andy Schor
tedly “radical” eastside agenda east side for 35 years. Meridian is expected to run for another term
shifted dynamics on the City Township voters also sent Clerk against At-Large Councilwoman
Council this year following his Brett Dreyfus packing in No- Patricia Spitzley. Former Mayor Schor
2019 defeat of more conservative vember, instead electing Demo- Virg Bernero, who stepped down in
Jody Washington in the 1st Ward crat Deborah Guthrie, who pre- 2018, has all but announced he
and the rise of Peter Spadafore as viously worked as the township’s will seek a fourth term in 2021 af-
president. Betz communications director. Pena ter stepping down three years ago.
In East Lansing, first-term City Council mem- Eaton County Sheriff Tom Re- Half the seats on the Lansing
bers Jessy Gregg and Lisa Babcock infused their ich fended off a challenge from Republican Rick City Council will be up for elec-
own progressive ideals into city Jones, a former county sheriff tion in 2021. At-large members
government. The appointment of and state legislator. Delta Town- Spadafore and Kathie Dunbar
ship Supervisor Ken Fletcher and the 2nd Ward’s Jeremy Garza Spitzley
two others — Ron Bacon and Dana
Watson, only the second and third also won reelection. are expected to run for reelection.
African-Americans to serve — only Former Ingham County Com- No word on 4th Ward Councilman
helped to further shift those polit- missioner Carol Koenig was Brian Jackson.
ical tides after Mayor Ruth Beier installed as a judge in the 30th Three of five East Lansing City
and Mayor-turned-Councilman Circuit Court. Republican Pat Council members are also facing
Bacon O’Keefe and Democrat Rema Ella Reich expiring terms next year.
Mark Meadows resigned in July.
After Beier left, Councilman Aaron Stephens Vassar were also elected to the Board of Trust-
took over as mayor, announcing a few months ees at Michigan State University after longtime Bernero
later that he won’t seek another term. Trustee Joel Ferguson, who took his lumps in the
4. Developers pushed past a pandemic ed plans for the “Village of Okemos” on the
Dozens of businesses have closed, either per- corner of Okemos and Hamilton roads.
manently or temporarily, since the COVID-19 In Old Town, plans are still underway to
pandemic struck Greater Lansing. But that redevelop the historic Bethlehem Temple
hasn’t stopped local developers from advancing Building into the Temple Lofts. McLaren is
several major residential and commercial con- building a new hospital in South Lansing
struction projects. near MSU’s campus. Crews have also been
Pat Gillespie’s highly anticipated BLOCK600 working on the Heritage Hall addition on
project, which includes Capitol City Market on the back of the State Capitol. That $40 mil-
the corner of Michigan Avenue and Larch Street, lion building addition is expected to open
opened in the fall. It’s also attached to apartments to the public by fall.
and the first hotel to be constructed in downtown Up Next: Developers of the Red Cedar re-
Lansing in more than 30 years. development are planning a partial open-
Across the street, the City Rescue Mission an- ing in the summer. Construction is also set
nounced plans to expand its men’s shelter. Mayor to continue next year on the Graduate, a
Skyler Ashley/City Pulse
Andy Schor also announced plans to revitalize 10-story hotel on Grand River Avenue in
Back entrance to the Capital City Market. East Lansing. The new home of the Allen
the old City Market with a shuffleboard club. The
Red Cedar project also garnered its final round massive development takes shape. Neighborhood Center is also expected to
of state financing this year. Cranes have been above To the east, towering residential projects have con- open along Kalamazoo Street in the fall, along with
the skyline along Michigan Avenue all year as that tinued to form in East Lansing. Developers also chart- apartments and a health clinic.
5. Fighting global warming gy — including in windmills near Ithaca and a solar
The city of Lansing pushed forward with plans to park in East Lansing — will help guide those goals into
reduce its carbon footprint this year after promoting 2021.
Lori Welch to the newly created city position of sus- Up Next: Schor released the city’s first Climate Action
tainability manager. Mayor Andy Schor’s goal is to Plan in October, which also created an advisory com-
review the city’s energy use and review sustainability mission on sustainability. That work is set to reduce
plans to reduce energy consumption and find new effi- the city’s carbon impact, increase energy efficiency,
ciencies in 2021. reduce waste and explore other long-term operational
The Lansing Board of Water & Light also charged savings while also protecting the environment. BWL
forward with plans to provide 40% clean energy by will also formally retire the Eckert Power Plant next
2030, including plans to cease coal generation in Lan- month as the utility continues its shift away from fossil
sing and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by fuels. Eventually, officials would like to sell the power
the end of 2025. Investments in solar and wind ener- plant — and its iconic smokestacks — to be redeveloped
Lansing Board of Water & Light headquarters. into office or residential space.City Pulse • December 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 13
Year in Review
6. Triple J ousted
The city of Lansing is still on the hook
for nearly $250,000 that must be repaid
to the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development following a year-
long controversy tied to Joan Jackson
Johnson, former department director of
Human Relations and Community Ser-
vices.
Jackson Johnson was placed on ad-
ministrative leave last year after she was
accused of maintaining conflicting in-
terests that led to financial improprieties treated because, they claim, she did not
Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse
and misspent federal Continuum of Care personally profit frm the alleged abuses.
grant money designed to help rehome City officials have since tightened in- City of Lansing retirees gather in a protest on the City Hall plaza on Oct. 12,
homeless people in Lansing. ternal controls to avoid similar finan- 2020 against changes to their benefits.
She retired in February after city offi- cial oversights, including additional 7. City compromises on took effect, replaced by a new plan
cials continued to raise concerns about purchasing policies, a more transparent retirement benefits that reportedly won’t result in “long-
federal grants that flowed directly to process for grant applications and ad- Lansing Mayor Andy Schor nixed term cost increases’’ while also still
One Church One Family, a housing-fo- ditional financial reviews from the city’s a plan in December that he an- saving the city $3.5 million annual-
cused nonprofit in which Jackson John- Human Relations and Community Ser- nounced this year to adjust health- ly. Retirees over the age of 65 may
son had been heavily involved and that vices Advisory Board. care benefits for about 1,300 retir- still incur some additional costs, of-
also administered portions of the grant Up Next: Jackson Johnson continues ees. City retirees were outraged after ficials said.
funding. to serve the community as a passionate Schor announced that many of those Up Next: Though the prior plan
Jackson Johnson’s alleged missteps volunteer. Still, the city must now repay formerly represented by Teamsters would have netted a much larger
are still in the hands of federal investi- $234,000 in “questioned costs” relat- and the UAW would have their ben- savings of $8 million annually, city
gators, who have not levied any criminal ed to her tenure by early 2023. Jackson efits modified to more closely mirror officials will continue to work in
charges more than 10 months after she Johnson still maintains that grant and that of current employees — which tandem with union officials in 2021
retired. Bernero and others have con- city funds were never used for a personal would have resulted in higher out- to reduce nearly $737 million in un-
tended Jackson Johnson is being mis- gain. of-pocket expenses from higher of- funded pension and retiree health-
fice visits and prescription copays. care liabilities. Schor still billed it
An eleventh-hour compromise as one of the city’s “biggest financial
halted those changes before they challenges.”
8. Racial bias issues at City Hall
Lansing Mayor Andy Schor tried
to defend himself this year from
and adverse employment actions,”
including suspensions, terminations
and being “forced out” of their jobs.
The Plantiffs The Defendants
several accusations of racism within The suit argued that in many in-
his administration after a discrim- stances, the employees had com-
ination and race-based retaliation plained to upper management, only
lawsuit was levied against him, the to find themselves retaliated against
city and other top officials in August for voicing discrimination concerns.
by nine current and former city em- It also marked at least the second
ployees. racial discrimination lawsuit to be
Each plaintiff — including fire- filed against the city since Schor Schor
fighters, department heads and took office.
other city employees — alleged that Up Next: An executive directive Bruce Odom Talifarro David Odom
they had been subjected to race- signed by Schor in December pro-
based “unwelcome communication posed a partnership with the Na-
and conduct” that had “substantially tional League of Cities to better
interfered with their employment” assess racial equity in Lansing. It
with the city, according to the legal also requires all city employees to
complaint. complete implicit bias training and
As a result, Schor’s administra- calls for an advisory racial justice
tion and fire-union officials are report from each department. The Harkins Weber
accused of violating the Michigan stated goal: further a “commitment
Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act. The to fair and bias-free treatment.” The
complaint alleges that the employ- recent racial discrimination lawsuit Randle Boyce Atkinson
ees were “subjected to repeated and is scheduled to continue next month
continuous discriminatory treat- in 30th Circuit Court.
ment, hostile working environments14 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 30, 2020
Year in Review
10. Turnover in City Hall
Press releases that announced
staffing changes within Lansing
Mayor Andy Schor’s administra-
tion were common this year. And
all told, at least a dozen city offi-
cials — either by will or force —
have departed Schor’s administra-
tion since he took office in 2018.
Boyce Talifarro
Most recently, Andrea Crawford
left her job as director of the De-
partment of Neighborhoods and
Citizen Engagement this month
“to pursue other opportunities,”
officials said in a press release.
Crawford joined a lengthy list of
city officials to leave in the last two
years, including Finance Director
Angie Bennett; Chief Information
Cole Tunningley/City Pulse
Technology Officer Collin Boyce; Harkins Crawford
Customers line up outside of Homegrown Cannabis Co. fire chiefs Randy Taliffaro and
9. Lansing's pot industry matures as the lucrative weed market continues Mike Mackey; Police Chief Mike
HomeGrown Cannabis Co. made to explode across the local region. Yankowski; Deputy Mayor Sa-
history after it became the first provi- Rehbel Industries is still working on mantha Harkins; Treasurer Tam-
sioning center in Lansing to open its renovations at the former John Bean my Good; Chief Strategy Officer
doors for adult use, recreational mar- Building. The village of Webberville Shelbi Frayer; Internal Auditor
ijuana sales in February. And Lansing is also cementing itself as an unlikely Eric Brewer and Joan Jackson
is nearly at its ordinance-mandated hub within the state’s cultivation in- Johnson, the city’s former director
capacity of 28 licensed retail pot shops dustry — a market that is poised to of human relations and communi-
as it heads into 2021. Among those rake in up to $3 billion annually by ty services.
who opened for medical marijuana or 2025, state officials estimated. Up Next: Employee turnover Frayer Bennett
recreational or both: Jars, Skymint, Up Next: Meridian Township could isn’t necessarily uncommon for
The Botanical Co., Stateside and Old jump into the recreational cannabis a municipality that employs as
27 Wellness, Pure Options, Edgewood market as early as next year as officials many people as Lansing — espe-
Wellness, Pleasantrees, Bazonzoes there continue to hash out a licensing cially in the most “difficult year
and Gage. structure for would-be entrepreneurs. in many decades,” Schor said. He
To date, more than 150 cultivation Micro-businesses and cannabis social also said that his latest organiza-
and 40 processing licenses have also lounges are also expected to open in tional structure will prove to be
been issued by City Clerk Chris Swope Lansing in 2021. successful through 2021.
Yankowski Mackey
Honorable Mentions:
There was a lot more news in 2020. A group of tenants banded together to
form the Lansing Tenants Union as the COVID-19 pandemic forced many
to be late on rent payments. A Shiawassee County man was found fit to
stand trial on an open murder charge after he was accused of killing and
eating the testicles of a 25-year-old hairstylist from Swartz Creek. Commu-
nity fundraising efforts continued after city officials announced the closure
of the iconic Moores Park Pool, and that it needs $1.2 million in repairs.
Steve Robinson took over as the seventh president of Lansing Communi-
ty College this summer after Brent Knight retired following eight years. A
controversial fee structure for overnight parking permits was launched —
and dismantled months later — by the Lansing City Council. Homeowners
near Frandor were hit with thousands of dollars in tax assessments to help
cover the costs of the Montgomery Drain Project in order to reduce pollution
Lawrence Cosentino/City Pulse to the Red Cedar River.
At Lemonati Family Farms on East Kalamazoo Street, plants are grown — KYLE KAMINSKI
hydroponically, without soil.City Pulse • December 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 15
In memorial: Among those we lost in 2020
Since March, at least 303 residents lice Depart- Union Army veteran who was lynched ecutor’s office, Ferency handled major
of Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties ment. Prior by an angry mob in 1866. His advoca- felony cases, including the prosecution
have reportedly died from complica- to being hired cy helped Delhi Township to rename a of Tim and Lisa Holland in the mur-
tions connected to COVID-19. May we to a fulltime park in the soldier’s honor, John Tay- der of their 7-year-old adopted son,
all remember each one, allowing their position, he lor Memorial Park. Before Brown’s ef- Ricky. He also prosecuted Dr. Gregory
memories and their lives to warm and worked at the forts, that space had been referred to Messenger, a Lansing area dermatolo-
inspire our lives in the weeks, months Capital Region as “Dead Man’s Hill.” gist, for manslaughter in the mid-90s.
and years to come. International Gladys E. Beckwith, 91, was a pio- Ferency died on Christmas Day in St.
Here are some of the more prominent Airport, Maple neer in educa- Johns. He was the son of liberal East
members of the Greater Lansing com- Rapids and the tion and wom- Lansing firebrand Zoltan Ferency.
munity who died in 2020. City of DeWitt en’s equality. George Griffiths, 91, who died in
Jack Davis, 81, served the Greater as a police of- She was born December, is
Lansing com- ficer. His career in law enforcement in Flint and a former East
munity as an came to an end in 2008 when he was attended Flint Lansing may-
attorney and shot in the face during a domestic vi- Junior College, or and coun-
philanthropist. olence situation in DeWitt Township. now known cilman, as
Davis served as Darnell survived and was awarded as at Mott Com- well as a for-
president of the a Top Cop by President Barack Obama munity Col- mer Ingham
Rotary Club of in 2009. In November, Darnell died as lege. She lat- County drain
Lansing, chair- a result of complications connected to er earned her commissioner.
man of the COVID-19. B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. from Michigan He taught at
Regional Blue Mark Brown, 51, was a social jus- State University and taught in the K-12 Walter French
Ribbon Panel tice activist in system as well as at the university lev- Junior High
on Retention of the Greater el. Beckwith taught at MSU from 1965 School in Lansing and taught wood-
General Motors Lansing com- until her retirement in 1999. In 1973, shop, math, science and social stud-
and a longtime munity. He she helped create the Michigan Wom- ies until he lost his hearing and took
member of the Lansing School District’s passed away en’s Studies Association. In addition an early retirement. Then Griffiths
Board of Education, twice as presi- in November to 18 years of service on the Lansing started his own home improvement
dent. He chaired the Lansing Regional from a long- Board of Education, she also served as business and was elected to the East
Chamber of Commerce and the Lansing term lung the volunteer executive director of the Lansing City Council in 1971, rising
Economic Area Partnership. A 1964 illness. He Michigan Women’s Historical Center to mayor in 1975. In 1972, under Grif-
graduate of Harvard Law School, Davis worked with and Hall of Fame from 1987 until she fiths’ leadership, East Lansing became
was also a founding attorney at Loomis communi- retired in 2008. In December, Beck- the first city in the country to pass a
Law Firm, where he practiced business ty leaders on with died as a result of complications non-discrimination ordinance that
and real estate law. He was also known police reforms, advocacy for undoc- connected to COVID-19. prohibited discrimination on the basis
as a tireless advocate for the arts and ed- umented immigrants and LGBTQ Michael John Ferency, 72, was a of sexual orientation. Griffiths also led
ucation in Mid-Michigan and also had equality initiatives and served on a di- 20-year-veteran of the Ingham Coun- the way to reduce fines for marijuana
served in the U.S. Army. He died in May. versity committee for the city of Lan- ty Prosecutor’s Office and a law pro- possession to just $5.
Sgt. William “Bill” Darnell, 52, served sing. He was also heavily involved in fessor at Michigan State University — TODD HEYWOOD
for 15 years as a DeWitt Township Po- uncovering the story of John Taylor, a and Cooley Law School. At the pros-
This year’s biggest online stories
The year 2020 was a wild one for head- 4. Michigan’s flattening curve has a
lines. Here are the 10 most popular sto- mixed message
ries we published on Lansingcitypulse.
com. Not surprising, eight of them dealt 5. No penalties for violating Michigan
with COVID-19 — and the other two face mask order
dealt with murder.
To read any of the Top 10 digital stories, 6. Whitmer: All essential workers,
go to lansingcitypulse.com/news. symptomatic residents should get test-
Make sure you follow us online in 2021 ed for COVID-19
for more great content, and be on the
look out for the release of the City Pulse 7. Officials: Coronavirus spread
digital app. ‘highly likely’ in Greater Lansing
1. Armed citizens escort lawmaker 8. Suspected Grindr killer to plead
into Michigan State Capitol insanity
2. Coronavirus in Michigan: Day 10 9. Ingham County charts first
COVID-19 death
3. Michigan is on lockdown. What
does that mean for businesses? 10. Ingham County murderers may
get second chance Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at one of her many press conferences on COVID in 2020.You can also read
