newsmakers

June 3, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

newsmakers

Iron Chef ready to serve LeBron

CLEVELAND

One of the Cavaliers’ most-famous fans is hoping the way to LeBron James’ heart is through his stomach.

Cleveland native Michael Symon, one of Food Network’s Iron Chefs, has offered to go to James’ house once a month and cook a meal for the MVP’s family and friends if he re-signs as a free agent with the Cavaliers. Symon posted a letter to James on his Facebook page.

Symon thanked James for all he has done for the city and urged him to follow his heart when making his decision. Symon also pointed out that some legendary athletes — Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Jim Brown, Bill Russell and Michael Jordan — created their legacies primarily with one team.

Symon said he knows “firsthand” that James is a “class act,” and he hopes James stays in Cleveland “so I can watch you finish what you started which is something not many people get to do.”

Last season, Symon teamed with the Cavs and opened two eating spots in Quicken Loans Arena.

Jackson’s hometown moves on museum

GARY, Ind.

The mayor of Michael Jackson’s hometown says crews will break ground as early as next year on a museum and arts center dedicated to the city’s most-famous former resident.

Mayor Rudy Clay says the Jackson Family Museum and Hotel and the Michael Jackson Performing Arts and Cultural Center and Theaters in Gary, Ind., will cost about $300 million.

The mayor says the money will come from investors and donations, but the city is donating 300 acres of land for the project.

Michael Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, attended a Wednesday news conference in Gary. He says he’s carrying on his son’s legacy by making sure the project comes to fruition.

Michael Jackson was last in Gary in 2003 to talk about the project, but nothing had happened since then.

Kilmer to explain derogatory comments

LAS VEGAS, N.M.

Actor Val Kilmer is set to appear before a board of county commissioners in New Mexico to explain derogatory comments he’s been quoted as making about the state. San Miguel County Attorney Jesus Lopez says the manager of Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch told officials the “Batman Forever” actor plans to show up June 23.

A 2003 Rolling Stone article quoted Kilmer as saying he lives in the “homicide capital of the Southwest” and that 80 percent “of the people in my county are drunk.” Kilmer has denied the statements.