Implementation of this policy will be in effect each night from 7:00 p.m. through 7:00 a.m. starting at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, through 7:00 a.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025. Please note that Lansing’s Letts Community Center will be open and serve as a warming center through the overnight hours, from 6:30 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

The Code Blue plan enables local shelters to operate additional hours and temporarily increase capacity. In addition, it allows the Lansing Fire and Police departments to transport those needing assistance to local shelters.

The CATA bus system will also provide free rides to those who need to get to a warming center or shelter, with the exception of Thursday, November 27 when they will be closed. The Lansing Board of Water & Light does not do electric shut-offs due to non-pay when the City of Lansing declares a Code Red or Code Blue plan. For more information, visit www.lbwl.com.

The following is a list provided by HRCS staff of emergency cold weather shelters available through the current Code Blue activation. Due to the holiday weekend, many public buildings will be closed or on reduced hours, with some open hours listed below.

6:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Weekends (11/29/25 – 7:00 a.m. on 12/01/25)

Daytime:Advent House743 N. Martin Luther King Jr. BoulevardLansing 48915517-485-4722

City Rescue Mission – Women and Children2216 S. Cedar StreetLansing 48910517-485-0145

The Outreach Drop-In Center, City Rescue Mission415 W. KalamazooLansing, MI 48933 517-485-0145

Nighttime:

Holy Cross New Hope Community Center430 N. Larch StreetLansing 48912517-484-4414

Walk-In intakes accepted from 8:00 a.m. – midnight

Men’s Shelter, City Rescue Mission 415 W. KalamazooLansing, MI 48933517-485-0145

The Outreach Drop-In Center, City Rescue Mission415 W. KalamazooLansing, MI 48933517-485-0145

Letts Community Center, City of Lansing (Warming Center)1220 W. Kalamazoo StreetLansing 48915517-483-4051

Hours: Overnight warming center – 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

In addition to the above list of warming center and shelter services, please be advised that Lansing’s community centers and City Hall will be closed, with the exception of Lett’s Community Center as listed above.

Additional locations include: CADL Downtown Library401 S Capitol AvenueLansing 48933517-367-6350

Closed on Thursday, Nov 27 and Friday, Nov 28Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

South Lansing Library3500 S Cedar StreetLansing 48910517-272-9840

Closed on Thursday, Nov 27 and Friday, Nov 28Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

CATA Transportation Center 420 S Grand AvenueLansing 48933517-394-1100Closed on Thursday, Nov 27Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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LANSING, MI — November 21, 2025  — The Board of Education’s Board Recognition Committee is pleased to announce the opening of nominations for outstanding alumni, employees, and community contributors. This inaugural initiative celebrates the exceptional individuals who exemplify the mission, vision, and values of the Lansing School District—those who have inspired excellence through their achievements, service, and leadership.

Purpose of the Committee

The Board Recognition Committee exists to honor and celebrate the individuals who have shaped, strengthened, and carried forward the mission of the Lansing School District. By recognizing outstanding employees, alumni, and community contributors, the committee fosters a culture of appreciation, builds pride in our schools, and inspires future generations to continue a tradition of excellence and service.

The committee represents a collaborative partnership among Lansing School District staff, educators, administrators, students, families, community members, and the district’s Board of Education—working together to advance shared goals for our schools.

Award Categories – Employee

An individual may be nominated based on exceptional job performance, teamwork, initiative, customer impact, professional growth, and demonstration of district values.

All nominees must have a minimum of 10 years of service (exceptions possible for extraordinary contributions), may be retired, currently employed, or deceased, must have served in good standing.

Award Categories – Alumni

An individual may be nominated based on professional excellence, community involvement, engagement with the district, leadership, integrity, and alignment with Lansing School District values.

All nominees must have graduated with a diploma, GED, or equivalent from the district at least 10 years prior to nomination, recognized for significant professional, civic, or cultural achievements, must have a demonstrated commitment to community or public service.

Award Categories – Community Contributor

A community member, group, or organization that has demonstrated a sustained and significant impact on students, programs, or the school district at large, may be nominated.

Nominations – Selection – Recognition

Nominations will be accepted until 5:00 pm on January 30, 2026, with no limitations on who can submit names for consideration.

The Board Recognition Committee will score all nominations received based on the stated criteria and determine which nominees best exemplify the district’s mission and values. All award winners will be recognized by the Board of Education and the Lansing School District in March of 2026.

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Lansing – Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope was joined by partners from the State, City, and community to participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Lansing Elections Office.

The public was invited to an open house reception,  where many of Lansing’s hundreds of election inspectors attend. Free apple cider, donuts and escorted tours of the new facility were provided.

Participating in the ribbon cutting and offer brief remarks are State Sen. Sarah Anthony, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, Michigan Secretary of State Elections Director Jonathan Brater, and other partners.

Located at 701 W. Jolly Road, the Lansing Elections Office offers free parking and features a secure election drop box for ballot applications and ballots, available 24 hours a day.

Opened last Saturday to the public, the satellite clerk’s office is already being used as an early voting site, absentee ballot processing center and community meeting space for at-large City Council members.

“I am glad that all of our partners at the state, county and local levels could be with us today — all are essential to running safe, secure and accurate elections,” Swope said. “This facility has the increased space and infrastructure we need to accommodate expanded opportunities for citizens to vote when and where it works best for them by mail, or early or on Election Day.”

For more information about voting, Lansing residents are encouraged to visit LansingVotes.gov or call the City Clerk’s Office at 517-483-4131.

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From the Classrooms to Council Chambers

Dr. Nevárez Martínez brings substantial policy expertise to the campaign from her role as an assistant professor in MSU’s Urban and Regional Planning Program and as core faculty in Chicano/Latino Studies. With a Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine, she specializes in housing precarity, homelessness, and the criminalization of poverty—research areas that resonate deeply with Lansing’s current urban challenges. 

“Growing up in migrant camps,” she reflects, “I understand firsthand the precarity and inequity many families face. Now, I want to help shape inclusive policies that address those challenges.” 

Dr. Nevárez Martínez’s work extends beyond the university. As founder of the HOPE (Housing, Organizing, Policy, and Equity) Housing Justice Lab at MSU, she leads interdisciplinary research aimed at dismantling structural barriers to housing access. She’s also lent her expertise to state agencies, like Michigan’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, on updating outdated migrant housing standards. 

Serving on the School Board

In September 2023, the Lansing School District Board of Education appointed Dr. Nevárez Martínez to fill a vacancy. Board leadership praised her policy expertise, passion for equity, and dedication to community—qualities she continues to exemplify in her current role as Secretary of the board. 

Her time on the board has strengthened her commitment to equity in schooling and demonstrated her capacity for governance and collaboration at the local level.

Endorsements and Electability

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee recently endorsed Dr. Nevárez Martínez as part of its “pro-growth” slate. The chamber cited her expertise in urban planning, commitment to inclusive development, and ability to foster smart policy as key reasons for their backing. 

Campaign Message & Vision

In her campaign messaging, Dr. Nevárez Martínez emphasizes that City Council wields significant power over budgeting, land use, zoning, and development—areas that have direct effects on Lansing’s affordability and livability. She frames her dual identity as scholar and mother, a daughter of immigrants, as foundational to her mission: to uplift working families, renters, and young people who often feel sidelined in local politics. 

“I bring both lived experience and policy expertise,” she says. “When council votes on budgets or zoning changes, they must reflect the needs of neighborhoods, not just developers.” 

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CAMP Director Luis Garcia said the decision has left students, families, and staff deeply concerned.

“Well, the recruitment we primarily do is from Michigan, but also from feeder states like Florida, Texas, and California,” Garcia explained. “The bulk of our students come from Michigan. A lot of these families work here during the season and return south in the winter. That’s the connection to Michigan.”

Garcia emphasized that MSU’s support for farmworker students has long been central to its mission as a land-grant institution. “If you look at CAMP students or farmworker students, they’re the core of what Michigan State University is about. Our first reason for existing was agriculture,” he said.

Still, Garcia acknowledged that misconceptions about the term “migrant” complicate public understanding of the program. “When we say migrant, you and I understand that as people moving from one state to another following the crops. But the general public often assumes these are international students here illegally. In fact, in order to participate in CAMP, students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents,” he said.

Parents of current CAMP students have already expressed fears about the program’s future. “Some parents asked me if they should tell their daughter to pack her clothes and come home,” Garcia said. “I had to explain, no, MSU is covering this academic year. We’re looking at future years after this one.”

University officials confirmed that the administration has committed to funding CAMP for one year despite the budget cut, giving students security through the current academic cycle. Looking ahead, MSU is seeking community support to keep the program alive by accepting financial contributions to the Migrant Student Services Endowment Fund.

The program’s fate is now tied to shifting university priorities under new leadership. “As soon as the President (Trump) came in, it was clear he wanted things aligned with his way and his priorities. 

“We’re evidently not a priority,” Garcia said. “It’s really interesting because we’re talking about the people who help feed America. And to say they’re not a priority—I don’t understand that.”

Garcia said that while the university is exploring options to secure funding, outside support will be critical to keeping CAMP alive. “Any money we take in right now, people that want to donate, it’s really going for student support,” he said. “The ones that are going to survive are the ones that get institutional support. And I’ll be real clear with you: I plan on surviving here. We’re moving, we’re shaking every tree to see what we can do to get support.”

Despite the setback, Garcia remains optimistic that the community will rally around the program. “I think there are a lot of good people out there that understand what we do, they appreciate it, and are going to be supportive of this.”

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Kindel Natural Area is adjacent to the north border of Sleepy Hollow State Park on Taft Road in Clinton County, between St. Johns and Owosso. It is open year-round, sunrise to sunset. 

Paul and Judy Kindel, of Meridian Township, and their family owned and enjoyed the property since 1971, and now want others to enjoy it. Paul is a retired biochemistry professor at Michigan State University; Judy is a retired librarian of the East Lansing Public Schools.

“Kindel Natural Area is special to us as Paul is one of the Conservancy’s founders,” Jared Harmon, Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy executive director. “This extraordinary donation is the capstone of the more than two decades that Paul has worked tirelessly to help amass the more than 3,000 acres of land the Conservancy now protects from development in perpetuity.”

The preserve is two-thirds savanna-style terrain — a mixed woodland-grassland biome and ecosystem with trees widely spaced for an open canopy. The remaining property is forestland with some wetland. It is an ideal attraction for birds and mammals.

Harmon said, “By encouraging people to discover the beauty of natural, scenic, farm and recreational land we hope they will understand and support land preservation and environmental stewardship.”

Visitors are asked to stay on the mowed walking trails — about 1.5 miles — to protect the delicate flora and fauna and to prevent erosion. Dogs on 6-foot leashes are allowed. More information about the nature preserve, including directions and a map, is on the Conservancy website, www.midmilandcons.org/kindelfamilynaturalarea.

Under Conservancy ownership, Kindel Natural Area is protected from development in perpetuity, and its ecological function will continue to be improved. This includes removing invasive plant species to allow native species to flourish, which supports an increased number and a wider diversity of plants and animals.

A dedication ceremony in August recognized the Kindel family for their donation. 

Paul said, “It has been a nature haven for us, our two sons and daughter, and it was just 20 minutes from our home. We want to share the wonderful experience of connecting with nature on land that has not been developed and is near population centers.”

The donation also supports the Kindels’ belief in the worldwide initiative of protecting 30% of the world’s terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine areas by 2030, known as “30×30.” This initiative is based on evidence that far-reaching protections for the planet’s remaining forests, grasslands, wetlands, coastal marshes and other ecosystems are urgently needed to prevent further decline and extinction of plant and animal species and to stabilize the global climate for human habitation. 

Information about the Conservancy’s eight public nature preserves is at www.MidMiLandCons.org/public-nature-preserves.

About Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy 

Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land protection organization established in 2002. The Conservancy protects natural, scenic, recreational and agricultural land from development in perpetuity and improves their ecological function. This is accomplished through establishment of conservation easements, fee-simple land ownership, educational initiatives, and partnerships with organizations. 

The Conservancy works with landowners and conservation partners in seven counties: Ionia, Clinton, Shiawassee, Eaton, Ingham, Jackson and Hillsdale. It has 21 conservation easements that protect about 2,500 acres of private land by permanently limiting use to maintain their conservation values. The Conservancy owns eight nature preserves, totaling more than 500 acres of land. All are open for the public to hike and explore. More information is at www.MidMiLandCons.org. 

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Directed by Ernesto Todd Mireles, War of the Flea captures the real-life struggle of Xicano students at Michigan State University who, through the grassroots efforts of the Movimiento Estudiantil Xicano de Aztlán (MEXA), fought to establish a Xicano/Latino Studies program on campus.

The film documents a modern-day David vs. Goliath battle, as students faced institutional resistance, political pushback, and coordinated efforts to silence their voices. Despite these challenges, their commitment to cultural self-determination and academic equity never wavered.

The screening will be followed by a community discussion with Mireles, offering deeper insight into the movement and its lasting impact on both education and identity.

The event is free and open to the public, inviting students, educators, activists, and community members to engage in an evening of film, resistance, and dialogue.

For those interested in social justice, ethnic studies, and grassroots organizing, War of the Flea is a must-see.

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HOLT – For Holt High senior Molly Root, wrestling isn’t just about the grind on the mat, it’s about fun, growth, and the lessons she carries with her off the mat. Competing in the 100-pound division, Root has become a determined member of the Lady Rams wrestling team, balancing her passion for competition with the demands of being a student-athlete.

Root first stepped into the sport because she wanted to try something new and exciting. “Just to get into a sport that was fun and seeing people do it,” she said of her inspiration. That decision has blossomed into a steady commitment fueled by the guidance of her biggest influence, Coach Jim Hafke.

What Root loves most is the thrill of competition. “Going to tournaments,” she said without hesitation. But the road hasn’t been without challenges. She admits that “taking shots” has been her toughest hurdle so far, though she continues to push herself to improve in that area.

Her first match remains a vivid memory, “a lot of hand fighting and defense,” she recalled, adding that despite the nerves, “it felt good.” One of her proudest moments came when she was able to hold her own against a wrestler who placed fourth in the state. “Being able to stay with a girl that took 4th in State,” she said, is something she’ll always carry as motivation.

Root, is one of many athletes interviewed for Breaking the Mold: Girls Wrestling Surging in Michigan High Schools.

This fall, Root will take her wrestling journey to a whole new level. She has been selected to represent Team USA Women’s Beach Wrestling at the Beach Wrestling World Championships in Katerini, Greece, September 25–26, where she will compete in the 45kg division.

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to share that I’ve been selected to represent Team USA Women’s Beach Wrestling this year!” Root said. “To be able to step onto the world stage and compete against the best in the world means so much to me.”

But the opportunity comes with challenges off the mat as well. “What many people don’t realize is that at the world level, all costs are the responsibility of the athletes. That means travel, lodging, and competition fees are all out-of-pocket,” she explained.

To make this dream possible, Root is reaching out to the community for support. “Whether it’s a sponsorship or a personal donation, any amount helps and goes directly toward getting me to Greece to compete against the best in the world,” she said. “Your support not only helps cover expenses, but also allows me to proudly represent our community and country on the international stage.”

Back home, Root continues to train with the Lady Rams. A typical week is demanding: drilling, live wrestling, and running. But she embraces the work, especially with her teammates by her side. “We don’t give up,” she said of the Rams’ identity on the mat.

She admires her coach’s relentless approach, which often echoes in her own attitude toward the sport. “Just wrestle, don’t think, and keep moving through things,” she recalled of his advice. “If you try to stop, he will make you keep doing it until you get it down.”

On the mat, Root favors her signature move, the “head inside single dump.” Off the mat, she’s just as relatable as any high schooler, laughing at a time when an opponent unexpectedly shot at her ankles, sending her straight to her back, or imagining karaoke nights where her teammate Shea would belt out “Party in the USA.”

If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, Root says hers might be “a song by Ice.” Away from wrestling, she enjoys English class, dreams of attending Davenport University, and likes unwinding with tennis. When it comes to food, Wing Stop tops the list, and she hopes to one day travel to Hawaii.

For now, Root is focused on her dual journey: finishing strong as a Holt senior and preparing to step onto the world stage in Greece. Her advice for anyone looking to start wrestling reflects the same grit she carries with her to the mat: “It can be hard at first, but you will get it eventually, and it is really fun,” Root said.

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LANSING – Basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson returned to his hometown recently to host the 2nd annual Earvin Johnson Sr. Community Car Show, a celebration dedicated to his late father and designed to bring the community together.

The event has quickly become one of Lansing’s signature gatherings, drawing nearly 220 classic and custom cars. More than just a showcase of chrome and horsepower, Johnson said the car show serves as a space for fellowship, free of politics and division.

“It’s about honoring my dad, giving back, and making sure our community feels united,” Johnson said on Facebook. “We want people to come here, have a good time, and know this is about trust, respect, and support.”

This year’s car show also supported a good cause, with proceeds benefiting three law enforcement organizations: MI C.O.P.S., Santa’s First Responders, and the Lansing First Responders Foundation. Johnson stressed the importance of building relationships with law enforcement, saying, “It’s all about trust, and you have to build trust with [law enforcement]. It’s so funny — you always frown until you need one, you know. Then you’re saying, ‘Thank you for keeping us safe.’”

Among those helping highlight the event was Mandale Dade, who partnered with Empire Motors to showcase some of the standout vehicles.

“I had a nice time at the 2nd annual Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson car show,” Dade said on Facebook. “It was a pleasure to work with Empire Motors to promote and showcase a couple of their coolest cars. I’m positive the ‘Black Mamba Hellcat,’ a.k.a. the Kobe car, was one of the most talked about vehicles in the show.”

Dade noted the event’s atmosphere of unity, adding that it brought together community members, local police agencies, dignitaries, and Lansing legends. He even crossed paths with another Spartan great.

“I was able to chat with Mr. Tom Izzo,” Dade said. “One thing about these guys coming to Lansing and doing community events like this is that they don’t have to, and it really means a lot to the community when they do.”

Community leaders such as Kenny Craig, a senior pastor and former police officer, praised the event for showing support to those who risk their lives to keep the city safe.

For Johnson, the car show was another way to keep his father’s legacy alive while strengthening bonds across Lansing.

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Offensively, Maick Collado (1B – #7) went 3-for-5 with a single, double, and triple, while Jaison O’Neal Chourio (DH – #8) led the way with a 4-for-6 day, including a double and a three-run homer. Jose Devers (SS – #10) and Ryan Cesarini (RF – #27) each added 3-for-6 performances.

On the mound, Rafe Schlesinger (#24) earned the win (1–1) for Lake County, while Tzu-Chen Sha (#29) took the loss for Lansing (1–5).

The Lugnuts now look ahead to the 2026 season, with hopes of building on their winning home mark and continuing to bring exciting baseball to Mid-Michigan.

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