🌱 East Lansing Juneteenth Celebration + Lansing River Trail Debris

Hello, neighbors! I'm here with your Thursday edition of the Lansing-East Lansing Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Partly sunny with a shower. High: 72 Low: 53.
• Friday: Mostly sunny and nice. High: 78 Low: 53.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Lansing-East Lansing today:

1. The city of East Lansing will be hosting its first Juneteenth All Community March and Celebration on Sunday, Jun. 18. The march will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will be led by drumming professor Kefentse Chike starting at the Hannah Community Center and making its route south, ending at the Valley Court Park. A celebration will be held after the march and is hosted by the East Lansing Farmers Market. It will include Jazz music, fun activities, and booths from WKAR and East Lansing's Public Library on the Go. (FOX 47 News)
2. Concerns have been regarding the Lansing River Trail as there has been a noticeable increase of debris due to homeless encampments near Clippert Street. The city has made its claims that they are going to address the issue and get the trail cleaned up, homelessness advocate Jody Washington believes the city should take a different approach in relocating the homeless and their encampments to a sanctioned and safer area. There is a back and forth between residents surrounding the matter, local Christina Marsh has expressed, if the city does nothing about it she will organize a neighborhood clean-up. (FOX 47 News)
3. Brad Cournaya is currently standing trial in Ingham County Circuit Court, where he faces the possibility of being charged with murder in relation to the disappearance and presumed death of his former girlfriend, Krista Lueth, who vanished 15 years ago. Cournaya has always been the prime suspect in the case. With the amount of information that has been gathered, it is believed there is enough to charge him with first-degree murder. Cournaya is currently in prison for an unrelated conviction, his trial will resume this Thursday. (WLNS)

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Today and tomorrow in Lansing-East Lansing:

Thursday, June 15

• SBAM Annual Meeting & Small Business Summit At Lansing Center (8:00 AM)
• CRA Public Meeting At CRA Building (9:30 AM)
• Black History 101 Mobile Museum At Delta Township District Library (3:00 PM)

Friday, June 16

• VolleyPaw 2023 At Coach's Pub And Grill (6:00 PM)
• 3rd Annual Black Lansing Juneteenth Mixer At Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center (7:00 PM)
• The Future of Comedy Show At Spare Time Entertainment Center (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Earlier this week, the Lansing Police Department welcomed Officer Annie McShane into the family as she had her swearing-in ceremony. In addition to McShane starting her policing career with the department, cadets Erica Ghotra and Abbi Thompson were also welcomed from the LPD Explorer Post. They will work in the department until they are ready for the academy! (Lansing Police Department via Facebook)
• East Lansing Public Schools wanted to take a moment to appreciate the dedication of the custodial staff in the district and the role they play! During the summer, a dedicated team of workers ensures that schools remain in good condition and prepared for the upcoming academic year. (ELPS via Facebook)
• Come join the city of Lansing Monday, Jun. 26 in the City Hall Lobby for Black History: Conversation & Celebration and the Black History 101 Mobile Museum. The museum's hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and there will also be a presentation from noon to 1:30 p.m. These events are free to the public and the city encourages the involvement of the community. (City of Lansing, Michigan - Government via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! I'll see you soon.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.