Post mortem music Locally grown Lucifer's Hammer rediscovered - See page 13 - Creative ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Locally owned August 18 - 24, 2021
www.lansingcitypulse.com A newspaper for the rest of us
Post mortem music
Locally grown Lucifer’s Hammer rediscovered
See page 13
City Pulse Ads.qxp_Layout 1 5/11/21 2:24 PM Page 2
2 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • August 18, 2021
Come Join the Fun!
City Pulse • August 18, 2021 www.lansingcitypulse.com 3
E T U R NE D 2 0!
W and to celebrate,
has an offer for you!
1 Go to: lansingcitypulse.org/shop
2 Select your size, color, long or short sleeve
3 Make a donation to City Pulse of $50
Your shirt will arrive in 1 week!
We only have 100 shirts
Get one Now!
4 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • August 18, 2021
VOL. 21
ISSUE 2
(517) 371-5600 • Fax: (517) 999-6061 • 1905 E. Michigan Ave. • Lansing, MI 48912 • www.lansingcitypulse.com
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: (517) 999-5061
or email citypulse@lansingcitypulse.com
PAGE CLASSIFIEDS & OBITUARIES: (517) 999-6704
7 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER • Berl Schwartz
publisher@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5061
MANAGING EDITOR • Kyle Kaminski
Changes to downtown Lansing traffic patterns are coming kyle@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-6710
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR • Skyler Ashley
skyler@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5068
PAGE EVENTS EDITOR/OFFICE MANAGER • Suzi Smith
suzi@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-6704
16 PRODUCTION • Abby Sumbler
production@lansingcitypulse.com
Old Town’s Arts Night Out is back! (517) 999-5066
MARKETING/DIGITAL DIRECTOR • Aimee West
aimee@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-6708
PAGE STAFF WRITER • Lawrence Cosentino
lawrence@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5065
26 SALES EXECUTIVE
Lee Purdy • lee@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5064
SALES ASSISTANT
You’ve never seen zucchini like this Earlisha Scott • earlisha@lansingcitypulse.com
Contributors: Andy Balaskovitz, Justin Bilicki, Sean
Bradley, Capital News Service, Bill Castanier, Ryan
Cover Claytor, Mary C. Cusack, Tom Helma, Gabrielle
Lawrence Johnson, Terry Link, Kyle Melinn, Mark Nixon,
Dawn Parker, Dennis Preston, Carrie Sampson,
Art Patrick Sloan-Turner, Nevin Speerbrecker, Rich Tupica,
Ute Von Der Heyden, David Winkelstern, Paul Wozniak
Delivery drivers: Dave Fisher, Gavin Smith, Jack Sova
Courtesy Lucifer’s Hammer
NOW AT 10:00 A.M.
SUNDAYS on
City Pulse • August 18, 2021 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5
PULSE NEWS & OPINION
Ever wanted to live inside the Temple Club? Just wait until March.
Developers lock sights
on Old Town Diner amid
reconstruction project
About 300 steel beams are scattered
throughout every floor of the former
Bethlehem Temple Church in Old Town
— the only things preventing the iconic
building from collapsing on itself while
developers charge forward with an
ambitious and long-awaited redevelop-
ment project.
Since April, a crew of about 20 con-
struction workers has been gutting the
building down to its bare bones. All that
remained of the former Temple Club
last week was a windowless brickwork
shell and four ionic pillars that still
stand out front. The rest will take on a
new life by the spring.
“You can’t trash it. You can’t just
demolish this building. I think Old
Town isn’t the same without it,” said Eric
Hanna, president and CEO of Michigan
Community Capital, a Lansing-based
nonprofit group that purchased the
vacant and historic building in 2019 for
about $500,000.
Michigan Community Capital also
recently purchased the Old Town Diner
next door, which plans to close its doors
Nov. 22, said owner Laurie Bruder.
Hanna declined to comment about
the recent acquisition. Dowd said that
Lawrence Cosentino/City Pulse
developers have no immediate plans to
redevelop the diner. Construction crews hope to reopen the former Temple Club by March.
After securing about $10 million in
public and private investments, Hanna
plans to relocate his office to the ground From a community development stand- serving the original character of the Reverend Horton Heat, Patton Oswalt
floor and renovate the four floors above point, this is one of the lowest income neighborhood, and that draws in more and the Wu Tang Clan.
it into 31 middle-income apartment census tracts in the city,” Hanna added. investment. If you demolish the build- The club closed for financial reasons
units. He’s also trying to attract a coffee “If you just start cratering historic nat- ing, there’s no reason to come down in 2006 and sat unused until a group of
shop or deli to set up shop on the site. ural assets in the community, it really here,” Hanna added. “None of this is investors led by developer Alan Hooper
If all goes well, developers hope to starts to devalue the neighborhood. Our being done to make any money. It’s bought it in 2009. Since then, the
have the place finished and opened up strategy is to beef them up.” being done because we don’t want to building was used briefly for the Capital
by March. Crews were just waiting on Beefing up the building, however, has crater this historic neighborhood.” City Film Festival in 2011 and for vari-
a final layer of concrete to dry last week been a complex project, Hanna said. The 11,700-square-foot property was ous Lansing Makers Network events in
before interior walls could get started. And given the amount of time and ener- built in 1906 to house the Bethlehem 2013.
Local residents can expect a bit more gy poured into the partial preservation Temple Church. In 2000, Old Town Hanna said his company revolves
activity on site in the coming weeks, project for only 31 apartment units, it developer Diane Burns spent $925,000 around community redevelopment and
Hanna said. certainly won’t be the most lucra- renovating the place into a music venue. relatively affordable housing options
“All of this work is not being done to tive project in Michigan Community From 2001 to 2006, the Temple Club for local residents. His other projects
make money. In this case, it sits on a hill Capital’s portfolio. hosted national touring acts, come-
at the top of Old Town. It’s at the edge. “By doing this, you’re actually pre- dians, political campaigns, including See Temple club, Page 6
6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • August 18, 2021
About 300
steel beams
provide
structural
support to
the building.
Lawrence Cosentino/City Pulse
Lawrence Cosentino/City Pulse
About all that remains of the former Temple Club is a brickwork shell.
Temple club
have been key to keeping them moving. not enough units to make this prof-
Michigan Community Capital itable. It always needed to be a pub-
depends on funds from a mix of banks lic-private partnership to truly get
and public agencies like the Michigan this project done.”
from page 5 Economic Development Corp. and A two-story parking structure will
the Michigan Housing Development be built behind the building to accom-
have included functionally obsolete or Authority. modate both customers and tenants.
blighted buildings in Detroit, Traverse “This building was holding Old Town Ben Dowd, the president of the Old
City, Flint and Grand Rapids. And back,” Hanna said. “It was always going Town Commercial Association, also
partnerships with state and city govern- to take capital beyond what the average said that he views the redevelopment
ments — and various tax incentives — business owner could afford. There are as an anchor for continued growth in Lawrence Cosentino/City Pulse
the nearby neighborhood. Developer Eric Hanna (left) speaks to
— KYLE KAMINSKI a contractor on the roof of the former
CITY OF LANSING
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Temple Club in Old Town. The project will
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, August 23, 2021 be finished in March.
at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 10th Floor Lansing City Hall, 124 W. Michigan
Ave., Lansing, MI for the purpose of considering: CITY OF LANSING
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
An Ordinance of the City of Lansing, Michigan, to amend the Code of Ordinances of
the City of Lansing by adding a new Section 888.35 for the purposes of providing for a NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, August 23, 2021
service charge in lieu of taxes for two hundred and twenty (220) low income multi-family at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 10th Floor Lansing City Hall, 124 W. Michigan
dwelling units in a project known as Cedar Place, pursuant to the provisions of the State Ave., Lansing, MI for the purpose of considering:
Housing Development Authority Act of 1966, as amended.
An Ordinance of the City of Lansing, Michigan, to amend the Code of Ordinances of
For more information, please call Lansing City Council at 517-483-4177. If you are interested the City of Lansing by adding a new Section 888.34 for the purposes of providing for
in this matter, please attend the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments a service charge in lieu of taxes for seventy-six (76) low income multi-family dwelling
will be accepted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., units in a project known as Walter French, pursuant to the provisions of the State
on the day of the Public Hearing at the City Clerk’s office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Housing Development Authority Act of 1966, as amended.
Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email city.clerk@lansingmi.gov.
For more information, please call Lansing City Council at 517-483-4177. If you are interested
Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/MiPMC in this matter, please attend the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments
www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk will be accepted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m.,
www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#21-183 on the day of the Public Hearing at the City Clerk’s office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West
Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email city.clerk@lansingmi.gov.
CITY OF LANSING Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/MiPMC
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk
www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#21-185
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, August 23, 2021
at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 10th Floor Lansing City Hall, 124 W. Michigan
Ave., Lansing, MI for the purpose of considering: INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
An Ordinance of the City of Lansing, Michigan, to amend the Code of Ordinances of NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
the City of Lansing by adding a new Section 884.13 for the purposes of providing for #70-21 RFQ: Engineering Services for the Community Development Block Grant
an extension of a Service Charge in Lieu Of Taxes for ninety-eight (98) low income Ingham County Site Readiness Planning Initiative
elderly dwelling units in a project known as The Porter Senior Apartments, pursuant to
the provisions of the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966, as amended. Ingham County seeks assistance from qualified and experienced engineering firms for
the purpose of entering into a contract to provide engineering services for the Community
For more information, please call Lansing City Council at 517-483-4177. If you are interested Development Block Grant - Ingham County Site Readiness Planning Initiative.
in this matter, please attend the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments
will be accepted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., Any explanation regarding the meaning or interpretation of this RFQ and attachments
on the day of the Public Hearing at the City Clerk’s office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West must be requested to Mr. Dillon Rush at dillon@purelansing.com and the Ingham County
Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email city.clerk@lansingmi.gov. Purchasing Department, attention James C. Hudgins, Jr. at questions@ingham.org.
Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/MiPMC Deadline for submission is 11:00 A.M., local time prevailing (EST), on September 2, 2021.
www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk Contact dillon@purelansing.com for submission requirements.
www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#21-184 CP#21-182
City Pulse • August 18, 2021 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7
Sixty years of one-way streets set to end this fall
Six downtown streets eventual conversion of the remaining
one-way streets to provide simpler
to return to two ways; routing for visitors and emergency
pandemic stalled project vehicles as well as increase access to
businesses and residential properties
Absent any last-minute hiccups, across downtown Lansing.
six one-way streets are set to allow Fueled with $3.3 million in state
two-way traffic by fall: Pine, Walnut, funding to cover necessary changes
Allegan and Ottawa streets and to traffic signals and pavement mark-
Capitol and Grand avenues. ings, Mayor Andy Schor announced
In 1952, nine streets in downtown plans for changes (originally sched-
Lansing were converted from two-way uled for 2020) at his 2019 State of the
to one-way operation with the goal of City address. Then, the coronavirus
increasing capacity, bolstering public pandemic arrived and severely limit-
safety and streamlining the flow of ed city officials in being able to host
traffic. public gatherings and feedback work-
The change was also intended to shops.
help avoid or postpone economic loss- Traffic signal changes are under-
es resulting from decentralization of way. New signs have also been posted
the business district, according to city but they’ll remain covered with bags
officials. In 1999, three of those one- until the changes are finalized. Most
way roadways — Shiawassee, Ionia streets are also expected to include a
and Washtenaw streets — were con- center turn lane, in addition to more
verted back to two-way operations, on-street parking and a few new
primarily to increase access to resi- unloading/loading zones.
dential and commercial properties, Detailed street maps and more
but also to reduce speeds. information are available online at Courtesy City of Lansing
Since the early 2000s, the city has lansingmi.gov/trafficnetwork. Six one-way streets in Lansing are set to be converted to allow for two-way traf-
red cedar spirits
been studying and planning for the — KYLE KAMINSKI fic this fall.
R
PUBLIC NOTICE OF VEHICLE AUCTION
AUGUST 27, 2021 - 12 pm Distillery & Cocktail Bar
2014 Cadillac CTS
2006 BMW 750LI
2004 Mercedes C-240
Great Cocktails
P.J.’s Towing
, More August Events
1425 Rensen St.
Lansing, MI 48910 Aug 18
NO PHONE CALLS CP#21-190
Great Setting Themed Trivia
August 20
CITY OF LANSING
Blues with
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Deacon Earl,
Food Truck
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be on Monday, August 23, 2021 at
7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 10th Floor Lansing City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Ave.,
Lansing, MI for the purpose of considering: Find us at Potter
Park Zoo Night Aug 26
An Ordinance of the City of Lansing, Michigan, to amend the Lansing Codified
Ordinances by amending Chapter 658 Section 658.03, to replace willful annoyance
and Lugnuts games
with the prohibition that no person shall threaten another person by word of mouth,
gesture, or other physical action that accosts, molests, or otherwise harasses the other
person.
Always
Details of the Ordinance are on file with the City Clerk’s Office and are available at Ninth
Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave. or www.lansingmi.gov/clerk. For more information Michigan Margarita
about this sale, phone City Council Offices on City business days, Monday through Friday, time--
between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 483-4177. So good, find out
For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please why!!
attend the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted
between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of
the Public Hearing at the City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave.,
Lansing, MI 48933 or email city.clerk@lansingmi.gov. 2000 Merritt Road, East Lansing
Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/MiPMC Thurs, Fri, Sat: 4 - 11 p.m Sun, Tues, Wed: 4 - 9
www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk
www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#21-186 Closed on Monday 517-908-9950
8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • August 18, 2021
New policies pit police against prosecutor in Ingham County
Siemon rebukes
‘misinformation’
coming from Lansing
Police Department
Top cops from across Greater
Lansing are defending an “overtly
racist” criminal charge and spread-
ing fear-based misinformation
about recent policy changes in the
Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office,
Prosecuting Attorney Carol Siemon
said in an interview this week.
Siemon Wriggelsworth Sosebee Krinsky
“It’s important that people are able
to freely articulate their thoughts and
feelings, even if I don’t particularly stances,” according to the policy. offense.” tims of gun violence that need to be
like them,” Siemon said. “But what’s Like the first, this policy is also Illegally carrying a concealed weap- speaking out against this policy.”
disturbing is that I don’t think there designed to reduce the racially dis- on is a separate criminal charge that He added: “Criminals should be held
was an accurate reflection of the pol- parate impact that felony firearm will still be pursued, Siemon empha- accountable if they commit a crime
icies. This was a quick, visceral, emo- charges have had on Black people. The sized. The key difference: Prosecutors and choose to bring a gun. Turning
tional response to an idea.” companion felony charge carries an don’t plan to tack on another felony the cheek to felony firearm charges
Two new policies announced at additional minimum two-year prison charge that carries a mandatory two- or ignoring them in most cases makes
Siemon’s office have fundamental- stint; About 80% of those sentenced year prison term to run consecutively zero sense. The price of this policy, in
ly changed the way several crimi- for it in Ingham County are Black. with the initial crime. my opinion, comes in the form of bul-
nal charges are filed across Ingham Siemon said the shift will help curb “It’s overtly racist. Maybe it wasn’t let holes and body bags. We’re in the
County. They also triggered a inherent racial discrimination that designed that way, but that’s the midst of a gun violence crisis in our
firestorm of criticism from several exists within the criminal justice sys- impact,” Siemon explained. “We need community, and this is not a solution
white police chiefs, led by Sheriff Scott tem while also allowing prosecutors to develop trust so people are will- to that.”
Wriggelsworth. to focus on the more severe criminal ing to talk to the police and share Miriam Krinsky is the founder and
Wriggelsworth — who has long charges that usually coincide with that information. If you don’t trust the executive director of Fair and Just
maintained that structural racism and companion charge for using a firearm police, then you don’t talk to them. Prosecution, a nationwide nonprof-
implicit biases do not exist within the in commission of another crime. If it has been the policy of the police it organization that brings togeth-
ranks of the Sheriff ’s Department — Underlying charges like robbery or to just stop a lot of Black and brown er newly elected prosecutors to help
organized two press conference pro- home invasion have not been impact- young men and search their vehicles, promote a justice system grounded in
tests to push back against the poli- ed by the new changes. allegedly with their consent, then that fairness, equity, compassion and fis-
cies, which he has labeled “garbage.” “It can feel counterintuitive to reign doesn’t help. The damage is that peo- cal responsibility. She also served for
Lansing City Councilwoman Carol in any criminal charge that involves a ple don’t see police as providing for 15 years as a federal prosecutor and
Wood has also since called on Siemon gun. I get that emotional reaction for their safety.” worked as an assistant U.S. attorney
to consider resigning before her term sure. But this is a race equity issue and She added: “There’s no deter- in Los Angeles.
expires in 2024. does not actually involve public safety rent effect to that law. The idea is to Siemon’s latest reforms are hardly
One of the newly adjusted policies and protecting people,” Siemon said. toughen up penalties and then peo- novel concepts, she said. Dozens of
in Siemon’s office directs her staff to “I just wish people would do their ple won’t commit the crime. Well, prosecutors have implemented similar
deny warrant requests for possession research on this.” that just doesn’t play out. That’s not measures to ban arrests for low-lev-
of drugs, stolen property and illegal Interim Lansing Police Chief how it works. Most people act impul- el offenses or use unarmed civilians
firearms during traffic stops initiat- Ellery Sosebee attended both of sively or do not expect to get caught. to handle minor traffic infractions.
ed by police officers solely for minor, Wriggelsworth’s recent press confer- Deterrence is a vastly overrated pur- Washtenaw County prosecutors have
unrelated infractions like illegal win- ences. Afterward, he told the Lansing pose for harsher penalties. In this also crafted a similar policy to pre-
dow tints or broken tail lights. State Journal that criminals will see case, it’s just totally ineffective in serv- vent unrelated criminal charges from
Siemon said cops have been known the reforms on felony firearm prose- ing as a deterrent for crime.” being filed based solely on minor traf-
to use those low-level crimes — which cution “as a free pass to carry weapons Wriggelsworth plainly disagreed fic stops.
she labels as “pretextual stops” — as illegally without consequence.” with Siemon’s assessment, arguing And resistance from law enforce-
reasons to pursue other charges unre- Siemon labeled Sosebee’s take as that an additional two-year prison ment to those reforms is an unfortu-
lated to the initial stop. The policy “misinformation.” sentence for anyone who brings a gun nate commonality, she said.
calls those encounters “fishing expe- “If this charge didn’t work to deter to a crime scene can be a natural crime “Law enforcement can be wedded to
ditions” that have disproportionately them before, it’s probably not going stopper. Besides, those who choose to a past way of doing things and simply
targeted Black people. to change anything,” Siemon said. “It’s bring a gun deserve the harsher pun- not realize that things like mandatory
The other policy shift dictates that not giving them a free pass. If some- ishment, he told City Pulse. enhancements or additional charges
those arrested in Ingham County for one carries a weapon and commits “I completely understand her argu- and penalties just aren’t needed,”
crimes that involve guns will no lon- a crime, we’re still going after them. ment. I just completely disagree with Krinsky said. “They exacerbate racial
ger be charged with a separate two- Someone charged with assault — or it,” Wriggelsworth said. “I really don’t disparities and they don’t make our
year felony count for possession of a any charge where we tack on the fel- want this to be a sheriff-prosecutor communities any safer. And the racial
firearm in commission of a crime — ony firearm charge — will still be battle. It’s the public’s job to push
except in “the most extreme circum- charged with that bigger, underlying back against this policy. It’s the vic- See Siemon, Page 9
City Pulse • August 18, 2021 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9
Siemon these changes in a public way because
I do think it’s more important that we
work together.”
AL
from page 8
Added former East Lansing Mayor W
Aaron Stephens: “These changes are
100% within Carol Siemon’s purview.
disparities that we’ve seen have led to Over the last year, we’ve been work- Ne
ing really hard on rethinking how we m
bonds of trust being fractured.” rh
Krinsky expects that local cops will do public safety. The changes that ca
eventually “back down” and recog- she made were all kind of in line with pr
nize the necessity of Siemon’s latest those ongoing reforms.” wa
reforms. And if not, it won’t matter The Lansing Police Department is a In
too much. Only the prosecutor decides different story. City records show that m
us
whether those arrested for felony some city cops have ignored a policy le
charges will actually be charged with issued last year that prohibits them re
them in a courtroom. from initiating traffic stops for defec- an
“Maybe they all thought that we all tive equipment violations that are cov- A
had to agree before any changes, but ered under Siemon’s new policy direc- st
I’m the prosecutor. I would prefer we tives. Despite the edict from former he
re
be on the same page, but at some point Police Chief Daryl Green, more than ut
I have to do what’s necessary,” Siemon 100 drivers were stopped for equip- Ne
said. “I’ve seen the horrors that go on ment violations between last July and em
in this world. I have a position right Feb. 7, 2020 — the most recent city
now where I have some power and records available online.
leverage and an ethical and moral The Lansing State Journal also GIFTS
HYDROTHERAPY & WELLNESS BA
identified at least 48 people in Lansing GIFTS
A moment on mats
responsibility to do the right thing.”
In response to a candidate question- who have been charged with carrying Spring
Polish is Almost Here, Time for a
Pottery T
naire, Wriggelsworth told City Pulse a concealed weapon stemming from a Here are some tips if you are looking to add a mat to
in October that “you can’t say all lives traffic stop for a minor traffic infrac- Hot Tub Checkup
your framed piece. C
matter unless you believe black lives tion. Of those 48 arrests, 43 were Dinner •plates,
EveryoneMatsspoons,
isare recommended
anxious for spring
platters, and, more —for
aftermostall, art
recently, apieces
it’sball great
ornaments on paper and On
matter,” but otherwise said that he Black people, most of them under age tinytime as contact
Christmasto usetrees!
withtub.
yourYes,
glass
Hotwater
all thesecan damage
Worksare
ceramics onpart
theofpiece
Michigan
over time.
Avenue offers
our holiday de
comprehensive hot tub checkups. We’ll bring you a new filter, or
doesn’t believe structural racism or of 25 and from South Lansing. If using
collection,
change
acrylic
expanding
oryears
checkago,
in little
our
your
awater
frame
cornerinstead
of Polishof
and refill your
glass,
pottery
tub,
mats
at the
if needed.
might
gallery. Jessica Graham &
de
Mayor Andy Schor — who has tout- specifically requested them, we now have an entire space for these that
not be necessary. Photographs and multiple works
Starting seven when we were selling them because a customer Michelle Humes
implicit biases exist within the ranks sa
of his department. ed Green’s supposed policy reform are meant to be read as one
We have fresh neck pillows, new covers, floating lights, spa
intricate,
cohesive art piece may HOTWATER bi
scentsdetailed
and alland thehandcrafted
necessary chemicals pieces of art. All thetoPolish
needed usherpottery
in the
East Lansing Police Chief Kim on the campaign trail — said that he we have also do well without a mat.with pride at many small M
newinseason.the gallery is hand crafted WORKS
Johnson, Michigan State University still expects cops to follow that pol- manufacturing • The
Having hotcolor
companies of in
tub problems? the mat
Boleslawiec,
We can can makeAll
Poland.
diagnose anyart stand
of the
issues
piecesout are or
and make a
it
iP
Police Chief Marlon Lynch and icy, though he noted that he hasn’t stickplan muddy the image. White mats are of
individually hand painted, using sponge stamps and brushes to paint the
used most often by (517)Holcomb
Kathy 364-8827
and to repair
floral motifs them. We’ve
on each seen
piece. all kinds
These patterns issues
are firstand hand can cut al
museums
repair and and
maintain artists.
Lansing Community College Police personally reviewed each traffic stop by the artists in the sponge, after which they use the sponges and brushes
your The
tub. We theory
are alwaysis you
fair will
and focus
honest. on
the the image. ABSOLUTE m
are Personally, I find that white can butbe ourdistract-
2116 E Michigan Ave
Chief Daryl Gaines — all of whom are since July to gauge whether the new to apply Most tubsunique going
pattern toto last
each between
piece. 10-18 years current
GALLERY
Lansing, MI 48912 Da
ing and
tubs, Jacuzzi draw attention
andartists
Nordic, arehave
away from
extended a piece
warranties of artwork.
to consider I
Black — did not participate in either rule was actually being followed. In Boleslawiec,
generally
when
likeany to from
look
deemed
at Nordic
the
qualified
third most
enough they
dominate
earn the
color to
pr
A spokesman for the Lansing Police rightbefore
to create making
a pattern repairs.start to finishis even
and made
also signin it.Michigan!
These ev
of Wriggelworth’s press conferences. piecesstart.
Somecan thinkIt identified
be is having
important by hottotub
a their enhance
UNIKAT stamp
will require theon image
a lottheofbottom, as you but they
maintenance, build (517) 482-8845 or
None of them responded to calls. Department cryptically said that offi- also the stand presentation
out forabout10 of
their complex your andartwork. by
but it’s only minutes aintricate
week. We patterns.
want peopleCome see to if you
use 307 E César E. Chávez Ave
“I don’t know if that was meant to be cers have a “reduced interest” in minor can their spot all thein UNIKAT pieces inway. our pottery
We cancorner at thetogallery! We a
As always,
tubs the professional
healthiest framers like
teach Absolute
you Gallery
balance Lansing, MI 48906
a message, but it certainly comes out traffic infractions and “will no longer encourage are
folks to consider
available to
water chemistry
help with
and check the filterpiece
a handcrafted
theseonce
of
a art
decisions monthfromto Poland
to makemakefor
your absolutegallery.net
Yo
theirsure
giftingit’sneeds.
that way,” Siemon added. “I think the initiate” them within the city. He went good to go. Relax Hotwater Works!
artwork look its best.
sheriff is very sincere, and he has said on to clarify, however, that officers are
that he doesn’t believe institutional legally entitled to continue conduct-
racism exists at this department. If ing them as they see fit.
Sosebee has declined several inter- ART SUPPLIES
you have those underlying beliefs, that
REAL ESTATE says something.” view requests from City Pulse since he MEDICAL
Slainte in style! N
Knowing What to Do and Not Do to
East Lansing took over the job.
Holistic Weight Loss Program for CITY OF LANSING
In
May o r Je s s i e Schor encouraged residents to Fe
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Prepare Your Home for Sale
Gregg said that report cops who violate those policies Forget the New Year
about the over-priced green beer, noisy bars or waiting wh
East with
Prior to meeting Lansing to
has I hear, “We should be ready for you
new clients, the Police Department. in NOTICE
line to IS
get HEREBY
a drink GIVEN
during
Like clockwork, a new year comes with another round
thethat a
annualPublicSt. Hearing
Paddy’s will
of weightbe
Day pub
lossheld on Monday, August 23, 2021 so
at 7:00
crawl - stayp.m.inofinand
theserve
City Council
up your Chambers,
favorite brew 10th or Floor
cocktail Lansing
in City Hall, 124 W. Michigan
in a month been
or two.”working on
Which I immediately follow up with, “What Those
are complaints, however, rare- resolutions; most which will inevitably
Ave., Lansing, MI for the purpose of considering:
see their end in the first Th
style. m
you doing to get ready for me to see your home?”
its own series of ly lead to discipline. A City Pulse three weeks of January. This time, focus on breaking this cycle and
JustaAn
making in time
change for ayour
for
Ordinance of St.
thePatrick’s
healthier lifestyle.
City Day
Adding
of Lansing, revelry,
moreyou
Michigan, can
physical exercisethe CodeDelphi
to amend
Glass
of ordinances of
m
Recently I met with a couple
police reforms investigation last year found that of to your
who were first-time home sellers. They
co
felt in order to sell their home in the upper $200,000 price range they the
customize
routine City a of
andmug,Lansing
pilsner
losing by
weight adding
glassare or a new
piece
great goals Section
of stemware
for the 888.33
new at for
our
year, butthe purposes of providing
DELPHI GLASS for
would needand new policies
new stainless
the 139 complaints publicly released the changes
appliances in the kitchen, new granite counters a service
Sandblasted charge
rarelyGlassware
last. in lieu
Lifestyle aoflataxes
Artchanges Carte forclass.
that seventy-five
are (75) low
It’s enjoyable
more the perfect income multi-family dwelling
or that th
and hardwood geared toward
floors instead since 2016, only 17 led to a reprimand. can time
of barely worn carpet. In reality, looking units
be hobbiesto get in a project
should
together known
be considered.
with as Doing
friends, Apartments
make a detox
some West,
ormugs pursuant
supplement
and cleanse to the provisions of the State ac
through thera Gregg Most were Joe Vitale
verbal or written warnings. can memories.Housing
be a great way Development
to start
Bring a the new
beverage Authority
year
of andAct
your of 1966,
stimulate
choice and as amended.
weight
begin loss.
your But (517) 394-4685 tra
c i a l e q u i ty.
list of recent sales of similarly priced homes in their
choosing the right supplement with the help of a physician can make the
subdivision, and assessing how their home compared, we found:Some Most ofinvolved counseling. Five cops pre-St. Patrick’s Day drinking warm-up. You’ll leave at the Of
The city will not COLDWELL Forofmore
difference.
end information,
the night with fun please call Lansing
glassware to raise City Council
a glass on atany 517-483-4177. 3380 If you areRdinterested
E Jolly
the sales didn’t have granite, half of the homes had stainless in this matter, please attend the public hearing or send a representative. Written
Lansing, comments
MI 48910 th
appliances,voice
half of opposition.
resigned in lieu
BANKERof termination. occasion. Dr. Sarah Denham, D.O.
the homes had carpet and the other half wood floors. willinbe
Fat cells ouraccepted
body arebetween
responsible 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on increased
for inflammation, City business risk ofdays if received before 5 p.m.,
www.delphiglass.com ex
“I’m nearly
Instead of spending not particularly
$12,000 to update, interested Schor alsoHUBBELL
we looked atinthe comparable declined to say whether cancer on (517)
Call and the day
hormone of the Public
394-5364 imbalances.
or visit Hearing at the City Clerk’s office,
Complications
DelphiGlass.com/Cheers from obesity have
to registerNinth Floor, City Hall, 124 West
now on
creating
sales and listed opposition
in the median between
range of proved to be Sosebee was paid to attend the recent beenorlinked
sales. Thisourselves Michigan to a Ave.,
wide Lansing,
range MIparty.
of physical 48933 and ormental
email city.clerk@lansingmi.gov.
health issues like (517) 853-3704 an
successful: The home sold within 45 days.
BRIARWOOD to schedule your private Join us and be prepared for a
and the Prosecutor’s Office,” said East press conferences. joint pains, overall fatigue and depression. Discussing
fun night in - your buddy is gonna get everyone tossed out of the
and bar Chris Swope,
exercise plan with Lansing
your physicianCity Clerk, MMC/MiPMC
will help
your
you monitor your
weight loss
1003 East Mount Hope
pa
Lansing Mayor Jessie Gregg. “You’re — KYLE KAMINSKI
We did, however, adjust the lighting to enhance the space, decluttered for being too rowdy, anyway. ut
space, did touch-up painting and moved around furniture to showcase the
(517) 712-4500 www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk
progress. Overall improvement of health should remain the focus
Lansing, MI 48910
kn
www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#21-187
rooms. Thisnot going
totaled toThe
$1,200. seeclients
us opposing anyover
were able to save of $10,000 in throughout
830 W Lake Lansing Rd Suite 210
this process with an emphasis on diet changes, exercise plans, hu
out-of-pocket costs. This is something I regularly do with clients and sleep improvements, improving nutrition through quality supplements, fri
East Lansing, MI 48823 and better stress management. Contact Dr. Sarah Denham at CIMA to set up
would be happy to offer the same services for you if you are even JoeSellsMi.com
considering selling. an appointment for your holistic wellness consultation.
Joe@Cb-Hb.com
10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • August 18, 2021
C
C REWIND
OFTHE
OF THEWEEK
WEEK NEWS HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LAST 7 DAYS
By KYLE KAMINSKI
sponsive with no pulse in Ingham County’s jail with a bed
sheet tied around his neck on Thursday evening, authorities
said. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. The Michigan
State Police are investigating the recent in-custody death as
part of a routine review.
Masks on at Lansing schools
The Lansing School District is
requiring that all of its employ-
ees be fully vaccinated against
the coronavirus by Sept. 30 or
In honor of the Historical else be forced to submit to daily
Society of Greater Lansing resum-
ing its walking tours in down-
Bands march on in Lansing COVID-19 tests in order to con-
tinue their employment. Students,
The Lansing School District reeled back plans to staff and visitors are also required
town Lansing today (Aug. 18), this
cancel marching band for students at Eastern and to wear face masks in buildings.
month’s Eye Candy is a throwback
J.W. Sexton high schools, instead opting to merge
to one of their earlier featured hous- Cops identify man found in pond
the two bands with Everett High School. Each
es: 222 W. Genesee St., between Michael Paul Kredell, 43, of Harrisville, was identified by
building will still have individual band classes and
Capitol and Seymour avenues. The the Medical Examiner’s Office as the man who was found
performances; only the 20 marching band students
3,120-square-foot house, which is dead in a pond near the 2200 block of South Onondaga
will merge together for sporting events and other
on the market for $325,000, was Road late last month. Authorities considered the death to
school celebrations this fall.
built in 1899. According to archi- be “suspicious” and are actively investigating the incident.
tectural historian Valerie Marvin
who leads the HSGL tours, the Parks director hired in East Lansing Heavy rains knock out power
house is a Queen Anne style with Cathy DeShambo was promoted A storm that tracked into the Greater
some other styles mixed in. She to serve as the new director of East Lansing region on Wednesday left thou-
noted the Ionic columns and iron- Lansing’s Department of Parks, sands of Consumers Energy customers
work near the steps when this Recreation & Arts after former direc- without electric service. Many residents
house was featured on the tour in tor Tim McCaffrey announced his didn’t regain power until the weekend.
2015. Queen Anne houses are typ- retirement in June. DeShambo has Significant flooding was also reported in
ified by asymmetrical roof lines, served as the city’s environmental some East Lansing neighborhoods.
turrets like the one seen on the east services administrator since 2012. Six women join Hall of Fame
side of this house, and first floor
Lansing cop charged with sex crimes Six more women have been inducted into the Michigan
porches. Besides being an example
Lansing Police Department Officer Benjamin Fielder, 30, Women’s Hall of Fame in Lansing. including Walgreens Boots
of a beautiful Victorian-era home
resigned following unpaid leave after he was charged in a Alliance CEO Rosalind Brewer; Grand Rapids Community
that has been well maintained, this
sting operation with accosting a child, possessing sexually Foundation President Diana Sieger and Detroit-Windsor
house has an interesting local his-
abusive material, using a computer to commit a crime and Dance Academy Artistic Director Debra White-Hunt. The
tory. It was at one time the home of
a felony firearm charge. Fielder, who has worked at LPD postmortem historical category included Circuit Court
Michigan Supreme Court Justice
for three years, was arrested by Shiawassee County Sheriff ’s Judge Lila Neuenfelt; Detroit Housewives League Founder
Claudius Grant. Grant raised a
deputies. Fannie B. Peck and civil rights activist Sarah E. Ray.
regiment to fight in the Civil War,
practiced law with former Gov. Auto manufacturer moves to Charlotte Diversity on the rise in Ingham County
Alpheus Felch (whose daughter he Shinwon USA announced plans to The latest U.S. Census data
married), and lost his own daugh- open a 50,000-square-foot manufactur- listed Ingham County as the
ter in 1899, the same year that this ing operation in the Charlotte Combs second most diverse county in
house was built. Helen Therese Industrial Park. At least 18 employees are Michigan after the white popu-
Grant, who died in childbirth, was set to be hired there next month. lation reportedly shrunk and the
the first wife of Edward Sparrow, Black and Latinx populations
who later donated the money and Lansing cops nab homicide suspect climbed between 2010 and 2020.
land on Michigan Avenue to build Ingham County has charged Isaiah “Zeke” Gardenhire, Both Ingham and Eaton coun-
the hospital that still bears his 40, in the murders of Kelsey Cross Coon-Lennon and Harley ties tracked a 1% population growth over the last decade;
name. Thomas Owens, both of Lansing. The double homicide was Clinton County saw a 5% increase to nearly 80,000 resi-
— CARRIE SAMPSON on the 600 block of Baker Street in April. Gardenhire is in dents.
custody in Isabella County on a dozen unrelated charges,
including the murder of a 13-year-old girl near Mount Lansing man drowns in Potterville
Pleasant in June. An unidentified 36-year-old Lansing man drowned at a
“Eye Candy of the Week” is our look at some
of the nicer properties in Lansing. It rotates with
beach near Potterville on Saturday after he reportedly tried
Eyesore of the Week and Eye for Design. If you Sheriff: Lansing inmate hangs himself to retrieve a beach ball that had floated away in the water,
have a suggestion, please e-mail eye@lansing
citypulse.com or call Berl Schwartz at 999-5061.
Robert Clayton Maxey, 38, of Lansing, was found unre- authorities said.City Pulse • August 18, 2021 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11
Schor’s race report: hits and misses
One of Andy oversight commission
Schor’s first official with the authority to
acts as the newly discipline officers who
elected mayor of violate departmental
Lansing was creat- policy. Granting the
ing a Diversity and commission such
Inclusion Advisory authority requires a
Board to guide his City Charter amend-
administration on ment and the consent
matters of conse- of the police union
quence to the city’s through the collective
communities of color. bargaining process.
The board met and Sadly, the odds that
worked diligently the union will agree
to develop a set of are less than zero, so
recommendations for this idea is unlikely to
the new mayor, who, move forward despite
according to members its considerable merit.
of the group, promptly We’re somewhat trou-
ignored them. bled that the remain-
Two years later, in ing recommendations
May 2020, George for police reform have
Floyd was mur- a deadline of 2023 or
dered by police in beyond, which sug-
Minneapolis, touching gests a certain lack
off nationwide pro- of urgency in making
tests against police them happen.
brutality and racial Nonetheless, the
The CP Edit
profiling, including here in Lansing. For months, report includes some meritorious ideas that could
Schor was hammered by local activists for his drive real progress in making Lansing a more
response to their demands. Protesters gathered at equitable place to live for the city’s communities of
his home on Moores River Drive and issued repeat- Opinion color. Stepping up the efforts to hire a workforce
ed calls for his resignation. that reflects Lansing’s diverse population is a worthy
Under pressure to take meaningful action, Schor Schor says he will now implement to remedy racial goal, and requiring diversity, equity and inclusion
announced that he was creating an entirely new inequities at City Hall and in the broader community. training for all city employees, especially police
group — the Mayor’s Racial Justice and Equity We’re not convinced the report will serve as any- officers and firefighters, should help raise aware-
Alliance — to conduct a year-long review of the one’s model, but it does have some hopeful signs ness and improve race relations at City Hall. Adding
city’s race-related challenges. The mayor’s move for Lansing, provided that Schor doesn’t relegate its more social workers, and eventually a 24/7 crisis
didn’t sit well with many members of his original findings to a dusty shelf. response team, to address incidents that shouldn’t
advisory board, who felt they were excluded from A mixed bag of the good, the bad and the unlikely, require an armed police response is also a step in
the process. A number of them resigned in protest. the report is filled with page after page of flashy the right direction. So, too, is the notion of creating
In November, Schor assuaged some of their con- graphics and heartwarming photos, while the sub- a team of Health Navigators to work throughout the
cerns by acting on their recommendation to appoint stantive portions are an “everything but the kitchen community to improve health outcomes, although it’s
a new, cabinet-level position to guide his admin- sink” collection of bullet points that include calls for not clear how they will be funded.
istration’s efforts to improve diversity, equity and further study of various issues and the formation They say that acknowledging a problem is the
inclusion. of still more committees. Too many of the recom- first step toward solving it, so Mayor Schor deserves
Critics noted that the mayor’s new advisory group mendations are vague suggestions like “provide credit for recognizing that he needs to demonstrate
was staffed mainly by his own cabinet appointees landlords and developers with access to funding” to a bonafide commitment to addressing both the per-
and guided by Teresa Bingman, a paid consultant improve housing opportunities, with no explanation ception and the reality of racial inequities at City
who worked for Vanguard Public Relations, which of where the money will come from or how it should Hall. When a commitment to diversity and racial
was heavily involved in Schor’s election campaign, be used. Other recommendations merely reaffirm equity is deeply ingrained in your character, you
but disintegrated earlier this year in the wake of longstanding city programs like Lead-Safe Lansing, lead in a way that demonstrates it. For the most
multiple sexual harassment allegations against its which helps residents identify and remove lead haz- part, Schor hasn’t done that, but we’ll give him the
founder and principal, TJ Bucholz. To Schor’s credit, ards from their homes, and the existing neighbor- benefit of the doubt that his willingness to listen
he recruited a slate of respected community leaders hood beautification mini-grant program. and learn is genuine. He still has plenty to prove to
to fill out the group and give it more credibility. Given that the group was formed in response his doubters, but if even half of his report’s recom-
After a year-long series of secret deliberations, to egregious police brutality, one might expect the mendations come to fruition, Lansing will be a more
for which participants were unfortunately required report to propose major reforms in the Lansing welcoming, equitable and inclusive place to live and
to sign a “confidentiality agreement,” Schor’s new Police Department’s use of force policies. The only work for all of its citizens. It’s up to the mayor and
group released its findings last week. Self-hailed notable recommendation in this regard is de-escala- his team to take the lead in making it happen.
as a “model for the nation,” the 28-page report tion training for police officers, which is marked as
and 68-page appendix outline dozens of measures “completed.” Another idea is the creation of a citizen12 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • August 18, 2021
Next stop: Citizens initiative to UNIQUE
force ‘forensic audit’
Republican leaders tions to gubernatorial candidates and BOUTIQUE
POLITICS
would love to turn the congressional candidates likely to win
heads of grassroots activ- in November 2022. Politicians tend to
fine antiques
ists. listen those politicians with a large fol- & Cool stuff
Can we talk about vac- lowing and a lot of money. 16235 S. Old US27 HWY • Lansing
cination requirements? The party grassroots don’t want to
The California Assembly hear about that. Believing in fraud and 517-703-3376
is doing it. Whitmer pandering off it is easier than digging Closed Mondays • Tue - Fri: 11am- 3 pm
OPINION
could do it next! beneath the surface and presuming Summer Hours: Sat & Sun: 10am- 4pm
How about masks? Can motives. layaway & gift cards available
we all rally against that? Look at Sen. Ed McBroom of the
Those local school boards that are forc- Upper Peninsula. He tried like hell to @uniqueboutiquelansing
ing kids to wear masks this fall? find widespread fraud in the elections
No. Even Gov. Whitmer’s COVID-19 — proof that Trump didn’t really lose NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
orders from 2020 fall behind the Michigan. East Lansing Historic District Commission
claims of election fraud as a motivator Instead, he found the opposite. He Notice is hereby given of the following public hearings to be held by the East Lansing
for the conservative politically active. reported no proof exists that wide- Historic District Commission on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., in the 54-B
They believe four-square the election spread election fraud overturned the District Court, Courtroom 2, 101 Linden Street, East Lansing.
was stolen from Donald Trump. At the 2020 election results. For his efforts,
1. A public hearing will be held to consider a request from Callaway Vinson for the
very least, a “forensic audit” to double the Macomb County Republican Party property at 206 University Drive to demolish and rebuild the garage.
or triple check the reported results is in censured him and the Oakland County
order, they say. GOP executive committee may do it, 2. A public hearing will be held to consider a request from Manuel Delgado for the
The fervor is at the point where too, shortly. property at 836 Huntington Road to build a new garage.
congressional candidate Jon Rocha Not like McBroom cares, necessarily. 3. A public hearing will be held to consider a request from Laura MacDonald for the
from Southwest Michigan is working Those aren’t his constituents. Up his property at 240 Kensington Road to replace the garage service door.
with Attorney General candidate Matt way, McBroom is a dairy farmer who
4. A public hearing will be held to consider a request from Andrew Palmer for the
DePerno to put together a citizens’ ini- is providing for 13 children, his wife property at 235 Kensington Road to cover the garage siding with vinyl siding.
tiative to enshrine forensic audits into and the wife of his late brother near the
law. Wisconsin border. 5. A public hearing will be held to consider a request from Lori Proctor for the
“We’re not being heard, and we’re He’s been verbally attacked a couple property at 442 MAC Avenue to rebuild the front steps.
going to take matters into our own of times by Trump personally. He’s 6. A public hearing will be held to consider a request from Cindy Luczak for the
hands,” Rocha told me. been called a RINO (“Republican In property at 512 Hillcrest Avenue to replace the parlor windows with vinyl windows.
Starting with the November 2020 Name Only”) and God knows what else
election, if residents question how an through the hundreds of calls and let- 7. A public hearing will be held to consider a request from Julie Fagan for the property
at 325 Center Street to cover the existing siding with wood siding.
election is performed, would be able to ters he’s received.
complain to an independent commis- He’ll get a Republican primary next Materials related to the request are available for viewing at the East Lansing City Hall, 410
sion not connected with the secretary year for having the audacity to point Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI, 48823. Written comments may be sent prior to the public
of state. Ballots, tabulators, poll books, out the obvious: Having a loser say hearing to the Historic District Commission, City of East Lansing, 410 Abbot Road, East
Lansing, Michigan, 48823, or by email to Raphael Kasen, Historic Preservation Officer, at
the whole ball of wax will be dug into the results showing he was a loser are coelhistrictdistricts@cityofeastlansing.com.
to make sure the results are legitimate, fraudulent doesn’t automatically make
under this proposal. it so. The City of East Lansing will provide reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as
interpreters for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered
The goal is to get the State Board of Meanwhile, the Michigan Republican at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities upon request received by the City seven (7)
Canvassers to approve language this Party loves the enthusiasm. It’s the calendar days prior to the meeting. Individuals with disabilities requiring aids or services
month so petitions can be circulated message they’re concerned about. should write or call the Planning Department, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823.
just in time for college football season. Folks like DePerno are now being Phone: (517) 319-6930. TDD Number: 1-800-649-3777.
Gathering eligible signatures a cou- identified by middle America as con- This notice is posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings
ple of hours before kickoff can be like spiracy theorists, kind of like Fox Act) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and published in compliance with
shooting fish in a barrel. Mulder without the aliens and the the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, 2006 P.A. 110.
They’ll need to get around 350,000 UFOs. Campaigning on election fraud
Jennifer Shuster
valid signatures in 180 days to force the isn’t capturing undecided independents City Clerk
question to the GOP led-Legislature. (such as they are) in 2022. CP#21-188
Could they actually succeed? It’s not And yet, folks like DePerno and
out of the question. state House candidate Mellissa Carone
Donald Trump will continue the (from Rudy Guiliani and “Saturday DON’T FORGET • WE’VE GOT
THE PUBALCKSPAIGEFCLIASESIFIEDDSS
election fraud mantra as long as the Night Live” fame) are going so far into
checks keep rolling in. As of February, that direction that the voting audience Rates start at $24
his campaign was $2.7 million in debt they’re attracting caps off well under for 4 lines
and half of it was owed to his own shell 50%. Submit your classified ad to
company. He certainly wants to pay Deflecting this energy to something Suzi Smith: 517-999-6704 or
that off, if he hasn’t already. that exceeds 50% is the challenge. suzi@lansingcitypulse.com
Also, to stay relevant in Republican (Kyle Melinn of the Capitol news
Contract rates available, all rates net. Classified ads also
politics, Trump’s political action com- service MIRS can be emailed at melinn- appear online at no extra charge. Deadline for classifieds is
5 p.m. Monday for the upcoming Wednesday’s issue.
mittee needs to start cutting big dona- ky@gmail.com.)City Pulse • August 18, 2021 www.lansingcitypulse.com 13
You belong here
Free* or reduced tuition towards your degree.
lcc.edu/reconnect
*Students will still be responsible for course fees and books.
LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION/EMPLOYER.
Life after death:
Local extreme metal pioneer Lucifer’s Hammer rediscovered
By SKYLER ASHLEY the band performed chaotic gigs with self-released tape originally recorded death metal explosion.”
“T
hey played three songs. infamous acts like Cannibal Corpse, in 1994 that marks Lucifer’s Hammer Death metal — the bane of baby
The guitarist broke a Morbid Angel, Incantation, Autopsy at its most intense peak, has been boomer suburbanite parents and
string, threw his guitar in and countless others that have since unearthed by the popular San Francisco- priests alike — is an extreme genre of
the air and stormed off stage. It was reached the status of metal royalty. based metal label Nuclear War Now music that takes classic rock in the vein
the most metal thing I had ever seen. Lucifer’s Hammer was a constant fix- Productions and is receiving the proper of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Led
This band ripped it up, said, “Fuck it” ture of Michigan Death Fest, an annual re-release treatment as a high quality Zeppelin and cranks up the speed and
and just left. I thought, ‘Holy shit, this music festival throughout the early-’90s 12-inch vinyl record. Similar reissues intensity into near oblivion. Hallmarks
is crazy.’” that hosted lineups that now read like are expected for “Tales of the Midnight of any classic death metal band include
That’s Sean Peters’ earliest recollec- a veritable death metal hall of fame. Hour,” “Descent into Beyond” and guttural screamed vocals and pounding
tion of Lucifer’s Hammer, a pulveriz- This musical movement was stitched “Hymns to the Moon,” which were ini- breakneck-paced drums with equal-
ing death metal band he performed together by a tight contingency of bru- tially recorded and self-released as far ly fast and foreboding guitar riffs to
with that is being rediscovered by new tal independent bands, and while it has back as 1987. match. And, of course, you can’t forget
generations of fans and veteran record been imitated several times over, it can “I didn’t think anybody gave a shit the lyrical themes that are intention-
collectors alike. Lucifer’s Hammer was never be replicated. But at least its now about this stuff,” Sean Peters, guitar- ally blasphemous and lovingly ripped
well ahead of its time and was contem- receiving some well deserved recogni- ist of Lucifer’s Hammer from 1992 to straight from the best occult horror
poraries with several legendary groups. tion. 1994, said. “It’s cool to get recognition novels and blood-soaked slasher films.
Normally a band like this would hail “The Burning Church,” a wicked for being there at the infancy of the Though this mutation of metal
from a cultural mecca à la New would receive its mainstream moment
York City, Los Angeles or per- in the sun by the mid-’90s — MTV’s
haps somewhere in Europe. “Headbangers Ball” would frequent-
Lucifer’s Hammer hails from ly play videos by bands like Obituary
the basements of Lansing and and Cannibal Corpse had a prominent
Jackson. cameo in “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective”
Formed in 1987 by broth- — Lucifer’s Hammer was well ahead
ers Todd and Rob Cushman, of the curve and was performing songs
Lucifer’s Hammer was a that featured the signature death growl
vital band in Michigan’s vocal sound several years before it
underground metal scene. became a metal standard.
Throughout its “You can say death metal now and
lifespan, everybody knows what you’re talking
about, but back then it was just start-
ing to become its own thing. People
would say, ‘What the hell is death met-
al?’” Peters said.
Andy Smith, bassist from the record-
ing of Lucifer’s Hammer’s first demo in
1988 all the way until the band called
it quits in 2004, remembers when he
was first asked to join the group by its
original guitarist, Jeff Elrod. Elrod,
the Cushman brothers and original
bassist Carl Simons were churning out
intense metal songs and their practice
sessions often turned into wild, thrash-
ing house parties. Smith was already in
a band called Headhunter — intense
and fast in its own right, but not quite
as ferocious or innovative as Lucifer’s
Hammer.
“He asked me to instead join a band
he was in, which was Lucifer’s Hammer,”
Smith said. “Lucifer’s Hammer was
See Lucifer, Page 14
Courtesy
"The Burning Church" was originally
released a tape in 1994. It is available
as a 12-inch LP through Nuclear War
Now Productions.You can also read
