Legal disputes with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe came to an end Thursday.

According to published reports, the city of Mount Pleasant, Isabella County, the state of Michigan and the tribe reached a tentative deal Thursday in a lawsuit regarding the extent of tribal jurisdiction within the traditional boundaries of the Isabella Reservation.

In July, Federal Judge Thomas L. Ludington had delayed the start of the trial until next January while mediation efforts continued. The tribe, the state and the city had reached a deal in July, the county recently entered into the agreement.

The federal lawsuit started in 2005 when the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe filed against the state of Michigan, asking a judge to order the state to recognize land inside the traditional boundaries of the Isabella Reservation as “Indian country” as defined by federal law. The Justice Department allied with the Tribe on the suit and the city of Mount Pleasant and Isabella County joined the defendant.

The earliest release date for rulings on motions for summary judgement is Oct. 21, though it may be delayed until early December.

BAYANET collects $424,100 worth of marijuana plants

According to published reports, a five-county sting of marijuana growers resulted in 24 arrests and the seizure of 4,241 marijuana plants Wednesday.

The arrested individuals are in custody accused of conducting illegal marijuana growing operations.  The plants estimated value is $424,100.

The Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team began the state police-sponsored crack down, named the Domestic Cannabis Eradication Suppression Program, in August.

Seven of the growers are Isabella County residents and 1,430 plants were collected between Isabella and Clare counties, officials said.

The State Police Aviation Unit provided assistance to the sting.

More information will be released 11 a.m. Friday during a press release at the Saginaw Township Fire Department, 6171 Shattuck Road.

EMU faculty reach agreement

Faculty at Eastern Michigan University have voted to ratify a tentative contract giving faculty a 3 percent wage increase over two years.

The EMU chapter of the American Association of University Professors approved the agreement by a 265 to 18 vote after months of negotiating, according to published reports.

Terms of the two-year agreement include a 1 percent increase for the first year and 2 percent for the next year.

The contract must now be approved by the university’s board of regents, which is expected to take place at its Sept. 21 meeting.

SAP systems down this weekend

Several online services will become unavailable this weekend as CMU undergoes a switch of its SAP system.

All SAP services will be down starting 5 p.m. Friday.

Course search and registration, class schedules and the pay statement display will also be unavailable as the SAP system is changed to Secure-24, a SAP hosting company. Service is expected to return at 8 a.m. Monday

The university’s e-mail and Blackboard system will still be functioning correctly over the weekend.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department is investigating a larceny reported at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday at 1208 Burch St., in which jewelry valued at $4,586 was taken. Police are interviewing a group of high school students that were at the residence Monday, said MPPD Public Information Officer Dave Sabuda. The mother of one of the students noticed the jewelry was missing after the group left.

Debate on tanning beds

There will be an hour-long public debate on “Should the U.S. outlaw tanning beds?” from 7 to 8:15 p.m. today in Moore Hall Room 105. This issue will be debated by Central Michigan University students from COM 267: Introduction to Debate. They will debate both sides of the issue on tanning beds. The arguments are followed by questions/discussion from the audience. For more information, contact Jeff Drury in the Department of Communication and Dramatic Arts at 774-3950.

Scholarship Exhibition

Central Michigan University students who are recipients of Art Department scholarships are featuring their work from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday in the University Art Gallery’s West Gallery. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, contact the art gallery at 774-3800.

Issue Day

Issue Day provides resources to the Central Michigan University community through a one-day conference. The presentation covers a wide range of topics that will allow attendees to increase their knowledge about certain issues from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the Bovee University Center Rotunda. For more information, contact the Volunteer Center at 774-7685.

Turkey Trot

Fabiano Hall is having its annual Turkey Trot on Sunday. It is a 5k walk/run around campus from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting in the Fabiano Hall lobby. After the walk/run, participants will be served a pancake breakfast. Check-in begins at 10 a.m. and the race starts at 11:11 a.m. Registration and race starts outside Fabiano Hall by the fountains. There are gift certificate prizes available. Runners/ walkers can sign up by e-mailing turkeytrot2009@yahoo.com with their name, contact number and shirt size, or just register that morning. For more information, contact Celani/Fabiano staff Steve Wincent at (517) 936-8438. Admission is $10.

Box Stuffing

Volunteers can help stuff Thanksgiving boxes at the Salvation Army from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday at Salvation Army, 1308 Burch St. Contact Erin Herrington with questions at the Volunteer Center at 773-4663.

In Whose Honor

“In Whose Honor: American Indian Mascots in Sports” is a documentary on the Native American groups and their struggles, followed by a discussion. The event takes place from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Monday in the Bovee University Center Auditorium. This event is a part of Native American Heritage Month and sponsored by the Native American Programs. For more information, contact Native American Programs Director Colleen Green at 774-2508. Admission is free.

David Garcia Project

Training for David Garcia Project facilitators will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today in the Lake Michigan Room in the Bovee University Center. Training is sponsored by the Volunteer Center. For more information, contact Jenny Jordan in the Volunteer Center at volunteer.center@cmich.edu.

The Ziibiwing Center is presenting the first of its four Artists-in-Residence programs today through Saturday. The program will include activities for classroom groups from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and adult workshops from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The cost is $25 per person for the adult workshops. All workshops are at the Ziibiwing Center, 6650 E. Broadway St. Artists will focus on Great Lakes Indian art techniques. Student and adult programs must be booked in advance. Call 775-4750 for more information or visit sagchip.org/ziibiwing.

Teachers taught

The Chippewa River Writing Project of the National Writing Project is now at Central Michigan University. A grant from the National Writing Project and funding from CMU’s College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences, the College of Education and Human Services, and the College of Graduate Studies all support the CRWP site at CMU. This program shares resources of the National Writing Project. The goal is teachers teaching teachers in hopes to improve the teaching of writing and learning among K-12 and college students. To learn more about the Chippewa River Writing Project, contact Troy Hicks at 774-3236, troy.hicks@cmich.edu or visit chippewariverwp.org.

“On Golden Pond”

Mid-Michigan Community College Theatre will present On Golden Pond at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday in the Harrison Campus Auditorium at MMCC’s Harrison campus, 1375 S. Clare Ave. Matinee prices are $8 for the show only. The luncheon tickets must be purchased 10 days in advance of the performance date. For more information, Call Dawn at 386-6632 or e-mail dalberts@midmich.edu

Women’s Initiative

There is a luncheon speaker series from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday hosted by the Women’s Initiative at the Comfort Inn Conference Center. Heather Jose is this year’s speaker. She is a 10-year cancer survivor and author of “Letters to Sydney: Everyday I am Killing Cancer.” Tickets to the event are $35 per person. Tickets are available at Mount Pleasant Area Community Foundation or at the event organization. For more information, contact the foundation at 773-7322 or info@mpacf.org.

48-hour Filming

The National Broadcasting Society and Central Michigan University Bookstore will present a 48-hour film competition starting at 6 p.m. Friday. Participants are required to have five elements included in their film. Organizers will announce these five requirements at the beginning of the competition. All participants will have exactly 48 hours to write, direct and produce a seven-minute film. Films must be turned in at the Moore Hall Townsend Kiva no later than 6 p.m. Sunday. Those interested can get information by contacting Colin Hennessy at Henne1ct@cmich.edu.

State troopers recalled

The Michigan State Police is bringing 55 troopers back to work after 100 were originally laid off in June because of state budget constraints. The decision was made after a new state budget was signed into law by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. The MSP Mount Pleasant Post plans to recall one trooper, said Sgt. David Kaiser. Preferences for trooper recalls are given to those with the most experience. The recalls are set to take place Nov. 16.

Car catches fire

A 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix caught on fire Sunday afternoon in the Wal-Mart parking lot, 4730 Encore Blvd. The vehicle’s engine was severely damaged and the hood latch was melted, which forced firefighters to pry the hood open, said Mount Pleasant Fire Department Sgt. Michael Dunham. No nearby vehicles in the parking were damaged because of the fire.

The Student Government Association will be holding a House meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 31 in Anspach Hall Room 161. Meetings will continue every Monday. The Senate meeting will be held 7 p.m. Mondays, as well, in Anspach Hall Room 153.

“Thrill The World” workshop

Starting Tuesday, Thrill The World Mount Pleasant will host a “Thriller” workshop from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, through Oct. 20, at the tennis courts between Trout and Calkins halls. During the workshop, attendees will be walked through the “Thriller” dance step-by-step and are advised to wear comfortable clothes. To learn the dance individually, e-mail ttw09mtp@gmail.com for tutorials.

Clarke art exhibit

From Sept. 15 through Jan. 31, an exhibit on ”Rides and Spangles: Michigan Circuses and Carnivals” will be on display in Central Michigan University’s Clarke Historical Library. This exhibit will feature the history of circuses and carnivals throughout Michigan. Bill Thomas, Curt Pollie, Jim Elliott and Joe Skerbeck worked in the carnival industry and will speak at a reception 7 p.m. Sept. 15 in the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call Marian Matyn at 774-3990.

Childrens’ artwork

“Back to School Art Exhibit” is an exhibition that features artwork created by children ages 2 to 5 years old. These children attended CMU’s Child Development and Learning Lab. The artwork will be on display through Sept. 14 in the Multicultural Education Center on the lower level of CMU’s Bovee University Center. This event is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call the Multicultural Education Center at 989-774-7318.

Career Services picnic

Central Michigan University’s Career Services will host the Career Services Kick-Off Picnic at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday on the front lawn of the Bovee University Center. Career Services staff will be available for students to discuss plans for the 2009-10 academic year. Free hot dogs and T-shirts also will be available. For further information, call Career Services at 774-6612.

“I Hate Hamlet!” in theatre

The Friends of the Broadway and the Broadway Players present “I Hate Hamlet!” directed by Mike Meakin and produced by Jan Howard. Those interested can purchase tickets for $8 at Ace Of Diamonds, 128 E. Broadway St.; Bennigan’s, 2424 S. Mission St.; Ric’s, 705 S. Mission St.; The Hotel Doherty, 604 N. McEwan St.; in Clare, and will also be available at the door. The production premieres at 7 p.m. Sept. 11, 12, 18 and 19 and at 2 p.m. Sept. 13.

Recruiting starts today for the CROP Walk
The Mount Pleasant Area CROP walk is having a recruiting meeting at 7 p.m. today at the Wesley Foundation, 1400 S. Washington St. The walk will take place Oct. 4. One quarter of the CROP walk earnings will benefit local food providers such as the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen, the Red Cross Food Pantry and the Commission on Aging’s Home Delivered Meals Program.

Bo Burnham coming to CMU
Comedian Bo Burnham will perform his stand-up act at 8 p.m. Friday in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium. Burnham is known for skits on YouTube and recently released a full-length album. Tickets are free and available at the Central Box Office on the lower level of the Bovee University Center. The program is co-sponsored by CMU’s Program Board and On the Fly Productions.

Take a tour of four area farms
Green Tree Cooperative Grocery is running a local farm tour Saturday with a bus, catered lunch, snacks and drinks. The grocery store will lead a tour of four area farms and the event will include activities for all ages. Ticket prices are $16 for adults and $10 for children ages two through 10. Contact Liz at liz@greentree.coop for more information.

Campus Conservatives meetings start up again
The Campus Conservatives will host a meeting at 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Down Under Food Court at the Bovee University Center. More information can be found by e-mailing the group at cmucampusconservatives@gmail.com.

Classic steam and engine show
Blanchard’s annual Steam & Gas Engine Show is from Friday through Sunday in Blanchard. Events include tractor pulls, steam engines and antique farm machinery, gas tractors, sawmill demonstrators, food and music. The show is sponsored by Blanchard Area Parks and Recreation. This event is a part of Isabella County’s sesquicentennial celebration.

Rock climbing and live music
CMU’s indoor climbing wall at Finch Fieldhouse is the site of Open Mic Night from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. The rock wall will be open for climbing during the event. Admission to the wall is $7. Harness and climbing shoe rentals are $3. Tennis shoes are acceptable. To register to perform during Open Mic Night, e-mail bruur1jr@cmich.edu.

A cappella group looking for members
MountainTown Singers, a male a cappella chorus group and CMU registered student organization is looking for new members. MountainTown Singers meets at 7 p.m. Wednesdays in room 157 at CMU’s music building and will hold a guest night Wednesday for anyone interested in singing with the group. More information can be found at mountaintownsingers.org.

Deadline for 16-week classes Sept. 11

All students wishing to register for a class on a credit/no credit or audit basis must fill out and return a Credit/No Credit Request Card or Audit Card to the Registrar’s Office or the Student Service Court by the deadline determined by their class length. The sixteen week class deadline is Sept. 11. All other deadlines can be found by contacting the office of the Registrar in Warriner Hall Room  212, or by calling 989-774-3261.

Parking Info

On-street parking prohibited starting Sept. 1

On-street parking in the city of Mount Pleasant is prohibited from 2 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Sept. 1. Parking in the Central Business District is prohibited from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. unless the car has an overnight parking permit. Any cars parked on snow routes during snow emergencies will face the possibility of ticketing or towing. Further rules and overnight parking lots can be found by calling the city’s code enforcement at 779-5302.

MSS

Get Acquainted Day taking place Wednesday

Central Michigan University’s Minority Student Services is hosting annual Get Acquainted Day from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Events include free food, give-aways and DJ music as well as opportunities to get acquainted with campus departments, student organizations and local businesses. The event is open to the public.

Buck’s Run

Central Michigan NAIFA Golf Classic

The Central Michigan National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Golf Classic is Tuesday at Bucks Run Golf Club, 1559 S. Chippewa Road. The event begins with a registration and continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m. The event benefits Woodland Hospice, 2597 S. Meridian Road, and the Isabella County Commission on Aging. More information can be found by calling Jim Clabuesch at 779-7801.

Eat Local Challenge

Taking place until Sept. 5

Green Tree Cooperative Natural Grocery, 214 N. Franklin St., is hosting an “Eat Local Mount Pleasant Challenge” Saturday to Sept. 5. It is open to all residents. The grocery defines local as anything grown or produced within 100 miles and is asking individuals to try and consume 80 percent of their diets locally. Those who register at Green Tree can receive a guide with helpful food hints as well as a passport with coupons to local businesses and restaurants.

Welcome Weekend

Law enforcement out in full force

Some local police departments will be deploying additional patrol officers this weekend as Central Michigan University’s annual welcome weekend takes place. The CMU police department will send out four officers for the entire weekend. The Michigan State Police Mount Pleasant post will have two officers on the streets Friday and four officers working overtime Saturday. Isabella County Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski said his department will see a significant increase in officers over the weekend, but could not give an exact number. The Mount Pleasant Police Department is also planning an unspecific increase. The Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police Department will likely maintain its normal weekend patrol force of four to five officers.