The Michigan State University community is reacting to the sudden departure of President Kevin Guskiewicz, who was officially named the next president of Clemson University during a Wednesday meeting of Clemson’s Board of Trustees.

Guskiewicz is leaving MSU less than two years after taking over leadership of the university. Reports indicate he turned down a contract offer from Michigan State worth roughly $2 million annually before accepting a deal from Clemson valued at approximately $1.2 million per year.

During a virtual press conference Wednesday, Guskiewicz addressed questions about the financial differences between the two offers.

“I very much appreciated the board wanting to continue to support me in this way,” Guskiewicz said. “I want to be clear, I never asked that, requested it. It was more about an opportunity to go to another great institution that I think will benefit from the type of leadership that I can bring.”

In a letter to the Spartan community, Guskiewicz cited ongoing issues involving MSU’s Board of Trustees as a major factor in his decision to leave. His announcement comes less than two weeks after three trustees refused to sign a new board ethics policy that would censure members who publicly criticize the university.

One of those trustees, Mike Balow, told WILX-TV he wished Guskiewicz had spoken directly with board members about his concerns.

“If he had strong feelings about that, I wish he would have conveyed that to me as a trustee, as a man,” Balow said. “I wish he would have conveyed that to the whole board in person.”

East Lansing Names Acting City Manager

East Lansing officials have appointed Interim Fire Chief John Newman as acting city manager following the suspension of Robert Belleman, who was placed on paid administrative leave.

City leaders have not publicly clarified the reason for Belleman’s suspension. However, the move follows allegations of sexual harassment made by a staff member last week.

An independent investigation reportedly found no violation of law or city policy but recommended Belleman participate in leadership training.

Lansing House Fire Under Investigation

Lansing firefighters responded to a house fire early Thursday morning in the 1200 block of Parkview Avenue.

Officials say the fire broke out around 3 a.m. No injuries were reported, and investigators have not yet determined the cause of the blaze.

MDOT Workers Killed in US-127 Crash Identified

Authorities have identified the two Michigan Department of Transportation workers killed Tuesday in a crash along northbound US-127 near Holt Road.

The victims were identified as 51-year-old Bruce Wagner and 49-year-old Steve Spenle, both of Mason.

According to the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, the workers were struck by an SUV driven by a 24-year-old DeWitt man after the vehicle lost control.

Both workers died at the scene. The driver was hospitalized and was last reported in critical condition.

Three Arrested After Guns, Drugs Seized in Delta Township

Eaton County authorities say three people were arrested following an investigation involving drugs and firearms in Delta Township.

Sheriff’s officials said one suspect was taken into custody during a traffic stop near Harvest Lane and Otis Street. Investigators later arrested a man and woman during a search of a home on Richard Avenue.

Authorities say multiple guns and illegal drugs were seized during the operation.

Whitmer Signs Funding Bill for Selfridge Upgrades

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation Wednesday allocating $152 million for runway improvements at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County.

State officials say the funding clears the way for nearly $800 million in additional federal upgrades tied to a future fighter mission at the base.

Former Congressman Joe Schwarz Dies at 88

Former Michigan Congressman and longtime state senator Joe Schwarz has died at the age of 88.

The Battle Creek Republican served in both the Michigan Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives during a lengthy political career known for its moderate Republican views and bipartisan approach.