MICHIGAN

For textbook deals, some go online

By Jonathan Schultz Special to The State News When buying his books this semester, David Lepsetz turned to the Internet. "One of my friends said he did it all four years here, so I decided to try it," said Lepsetz, a telecommunication, information studies and media senior. He ended up saving $100. Lepsetz is one of many students who have turned to the Internet when looking for lower-priced alternatives to the campus bookstores. "Bookstore prices have been raising faster than the cost of living," said economics adjunct Professor Carl Liedholm.

MICHIGAN

Singers, storyteller to be at open house

Kris Turner

November 29, 2005

Singers and a storyteller will take part in The Michigan Women's Historical Center and Hall of Fame Holiday Open House from 10 a.m.

MICHIGAN

MSU Press receives grant for programs

Kris Turner

November 29, 2005

The MSU Press is one of five organizations receiving a grant from the Michigan Humanities Council for recognizing significant events in American history that were initiated in the state. In 2006, the MSU Press will bring authors from different backgrounds to 10 museums statewide.

MICHIGAN

Bill could outlaw lighting up in a car with minors

Kris Turner

November 29, 2005

A bill introduced in the state House earlier this month could make it a civil infraction to smoke while in a vehicle with someone under the age of 18. The bill states that a person can't possess a lit tobacco product while in a car with a minor.

MICHIGAN

City requests funding for testing, cleanup

Kristi Jourdan

November 29, 2005

East Lansing city officials are asking for money to fund development projects on land that could have been contaminated by chemicals. The city wants the money to test land that was once occupied by companies that could have leaked chemicals into the ground.

MICHIGAN

Bernero to keep Lansing police, fire chief on staff

Lansing's mayor-elect Virg Bernero has decided to keep Lansing police Chief Mark Alley and Lansing fire Chief Greg Martin on staff during his term, he announced in a press conference on Tuesday. "They are ready to embrace change," Bernero said.

MICHIGAN

Seasonal display lights up zoo

By Amy Oprean Special to The State News It seemed as if animals had gotten the first tour of Potter Park Zoo's Wonderland of Lights display after their footprints were captured alongside visitors' footprints in fresh snow on Wednesday night. "I think the animals get psyched," said Susan Owens, docent at the zoo for more than 16 years.

MICHIGAN

Black Friday draws vicious crowds as Christmas shopping begins

Jon Styf

November 28, 2005

Thousands of bargain hunters braved the chilly darkness across Michigan early Friday morning for a shot at early bird sales. In the Lansing area, shopper turnout mirrored the scene across the state.

MICHIGAN

Michiganians aware of their bad health

Jennifer Toland

November 23, 2005

Michigan residents are becoming more aware of their state's unhealthy status, according to a recent survey. A majority, or 57 percent, of residents gave the overall health of Michiganians a poor rating.

MICHIGAN

Winter, chili festival to be held on Dec. 4

Kristi Jourdan

November 23, 2005

The East Lansing Winter Festival & Chili Cook-Off will be from 1 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 4. Some of the activities include a chili cook-off at the Marriott Hotel, 300 M.A.C.

MICHIGAN

City asks residents to clear sidewalks

Kristi Jourdan

November 23, 2005

East Lansing city officials want to remind residents that they are responsible for keeping all sidewalks adjacent to their property clear of snow and ice.

MICHIGAN

Buddhist temple finds new home

After more than a year filled with an eviction, obtaining permits and doing renovations, members of the Quan Am Temple have a new spiritual home in Mason. "It's a good feeling," said Thich Minh Quang, dharma master or monk for the temple.

MICHIGAN

Potter Park to offer E.L. night of lights

Kristi Jourdan

November 23, 2005

Potter Park to offer E.L. night of lights Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., is hosting the East Lansing Night at the Zoo from 5 to 8 p.m.

MICHIGAN

2 plan to run for empty seat

Kris Turner

November 22, 2005

Candidates are emerging to fill the seat of state Sen. Virg Bernero, D-Lansing, as talks of holding a special election are still up in the air. Bernero was elected mayor of Lansing and will officially be sworn in after the first of the year.

MICHIGAN

Open seat for parks, recreation commission

Margaret Harding

November 22, 2005

The parks and recreation advisory commission has an open seat for a term ending Dec. 31, 2006. The City of East Lansing is currently accepting applications for the job.

MICHIGAN

Detroit ranked No. 2 for crime

Margaret Harding

November 22, 2005

The city of the Lions, the Tigers and Motown is also the second-most dangerous in the nation, according to a company's rankings based on crime statistics. Detroit comes in behind Camden, N.J., in the 12th annual report, released Monday by Morgan Quitno Press, a publishing and research company.

MICHIGAN

More U.S. restaurants, bars going smoke free

Jennifer Toland

November 22, 2005

Smoke-free laws in some states have proven to be beneficial to businesses according to new statistics from the American Cancer Society, although some argue it should be up to business owners to decide if they want to go smoke free. At the beginning of the month, Washington became the 14th state to ban smoking in public places, restaurants and workplaces. One year after New York enacted its smoke-free law in 2003, it showed a 9 percent increase in sales receipts, Judy Stewart, campaign manager for the Campaign for Smokefree Air said.

MICHIGAN

Event brings holiday cheer to Lansing

Downtown Lansing was a blur of festive lights Friday night as "Silver Bells in the City" embarked upon its 21st year.

MICHIGAN

Blood donors wanted over holiday season

Kristi Jourdan

November 21, 2005

The American Red Cross is asking Michigan residents to give blood during the holiday season. According to a press release from the Red Cross, eligible blood donors can help save the lives of up to three people and help stop the decrease in blood collections that occurs around the holidays. Okemos Community Church, 4734 Okemos Road, will host a blood drive from 8 a.m.

MICHIGAN

Sharp sets sights on new life chapter

Kristi Jourdan

November 21, 2005

Burning couches and dispersed tear-gas canisters will forever remain engraved in the memory of former East Lansing City Councilmember Bill Sharp. "The on-going unrest between the students and townsfolk really bothers me," he said.