Customers fuel up as prices drop at gas station pumps

Some mid-Michigan businesses and consumers can momentarily breath a sigh of relief as gas prices stay below $2.50 per gallon for the first time in six months. But even as Michigan gas prices dropped to the lowest point in the last five weeks — at about $2.45 per gallon — some companies still struggle with fuel costs. With one moving truck en route to Colorado on Saturday, Lansing-based Top Flight Moving & Storage racked up a $1,200 fuel bill. "There isn't a lot you can do; you have to fuel up your trucks," said manager Cory Williams. Each month, the moving company spends between $1,500 to $4,000 to fuel three trucks — a figure that is up from $900 a month five years ago, Williams said. "The cost rolls back to the customer," he said.

Police briefs 09/14/06

On-campus bike repair shop opens

What began as the MSU Bike Project has grown into a business. Now located on the Red Cedar River behind Bessey Hall, the MSU Bikes Service Center opened Sept.

Research program offers scholarship

An open house geared toward MSU juniors and seniors will be held from 5-7 p.m. Sept. 26 in 311 Bessey Hall to inform students of opportunities in their preparation for graduate studies. The Ronald E.

Innovations: Plant biology

Names: Sheng Yang He, professor of plant biology; Maeli Melotto, post-doctoral student; and Bill Underwood, graduate student Department: Plant Research Laboratory, Natural Science Type of research: Plant biology Date of research: He has been working with plants at MSU for 11 years. Basics of the project: This particular study focuses on the stomata, microscopic pores on the leaves of almost all plants, which have been known to save plants, He said. "People thought these were passports for bacteria," He said.

Groups aim to expand wine industry

MSU researchers could be responsible for increasing wine-grape production, as well as tourism in state vineyards. About 1,500 acres of land are devoted to Michigan's wine industry in the northwest, and it is estimated that Michigan's wine sales grow at an average of 9 percent each year. "The industry is small; there are only 47 wineries in Michigan.

Police briefs 09/13/06

State News designer wins national award

Carrie Hoover, a journalism senior and State News graphic designer, recently received the "The Intern" award at the Society for News Design annual workshop in Orlando, Fla. Hoover said she was very excited and humbled to win the award against what she called "such strong competition." Hoover had to answer design questions to win the award. "I was very surprised I won the award because any one of us could of won it if the right question had been asked, she said.

Entrepreneurial endeavor

Life isn't easy when you're one of the youngest on the block. For some East Lansing business owners, it's a daunting challenge to raise capital and endure the hard times of a fledgling business. Just ask Scott Reschke. Three years ago, then-27-year-old Reschke jumped into the business world when he opened Fast Repair and Game Center, 543 E.

Guidance counselors visit Kellogg Center

The Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, 55 S. Harrison Road, will host Michigan's 15 public universities and guidance counselors from high schools around the state. The fourth annual Promoting the Publics conference is designed to teach high school guidance counselors about topics, including the Michigan Merit Exam, a college entrance exam and financial aid. The Sept.

Confrontation leads to assault by shoe

A high-heeled shoe, a wayward stare and a suspect-turned-victim were involved in two separate assaults occurring Friday night outside Demonstration Hall, MSU police said. At about 9 p.m.

Students enforce security at MSU

Paying rent, phone and car insurance bills every month can leave college students digging deep into their pockets and working long hours to make ends meet.

Environmental magazine now available online

EJ Magazine, a product of MSU's Knight Center for Environmental Journalism, will now be available to readers on its Web site, www.ejmagazine.com. The magazine launched the Web site on Friday after circulating in print since 2002.

Association offers low-cost law courses

Call Lansing home to the $20 law degree. Or some derivative of it. For about 0.0006 percent of what a person would pay for a law degree at a typical university, People's Law School offers a $20 eight-week course on law topics. There's no law degree, but it offers students a cursory study of topics, ranging from real estate to criminal law. "Law school is a pretty serious commitment," said Jesse Green, communications director for the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association, which runs the school.

International films to air weekly on campus

MSU's Department of History is organizing a series of international films at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in room 107 of South Kedzie Hall. Beginning today, the films will be shown weekly through Nov.

Proposed policy could devalue student housing

Developing student housing in the downtown area isn't a top priority for East Lansing officials. The City Council will discuss a policy that would give preferential treatment to housing projects targeted at permanent residents and young professionals at its 7 p.m.

Police briefs 09/12/06

Commemorating 9/11

Lansing — Beyond the blare of bagpipes and men bearing American flags, four rows of fire and police officials marched in the streets of Lansing — a sign of solidarity for their 343 "brothers" who died trying to save people after the Sept.

MSU Honors Sept. 11

Displayed in rows near the bank of the Red Cedar River, 2,977 miniature American flags stood in the drizzling rain early Monday morning — each flag for someone who died during the Sept.

TV station recognized for 4th consecutive year

Meridian Township's HOM-TV Channel 21 won four national honors for programming from The National Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.