3 new languages could enter MSU's curriculum
Khmer, Indonesian and Uzbek could be additions to the course catalog as new language programs this fall if funding from the federal government is approved, said Marilyn McCullough, assistant director of the Asian Studies Center. Uzbek is the official language of Uzbekistan, and Khmer is spoken in Cambodia.
Partnership to create Big Ten TV Channel
A new deal between Big Ten universities and ABC and its affiliates could not only bring more financial help to schools like MSU, but exposure as well. The deal, announced June 21, would extend coverage of men's football and basketball, women's basketball and volleyball to ESPN and ABC sports for another 10 years.
July forum to give residents chance to question candidates
People will get a chance to question candidates running for the 68th and 69th District seats in the state House of Representatives at a forum in July. The forum, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Lansing Area and other organizations, will start at 7 p.m.
Trial dates set for alleged Hubbard assailant
Criminal trial proceedings for Roy Lee Holt, arrested and charged in connection with a Feb. 23 assault in Hubbard Hall, are scheduled to begin July 11 at the Ingham County Circuit Court. The 38-year-old will appear in front of Judge James Giddings and faces 10 charges, including home invasion, conspiracy to commit home invasion and felonious assault with a dangerous weapon. On Feb.
Heating up downtown
After the dust and din of construction settles along the corner of East Grand River and M.A.C. avenues, two businesses will give residents a taste of something old and something new. B-Tan, a popular tanning salon, has moved four stores down on East Grand River Avenue to a freshly renovated building.
Drugs' environmental impact to be studied
What happens when a fish ingests Viagra? Scientists aren't sure, but MSU researchers are looking for ways to prevent pharmaceuticals from reaching unintended patients, specifically, marine life in lakes and rivers. An MSU study on how microbes break down pharmaceutical components that are discharged into the environment received a grant of more than $375,000 from pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, Inc. "Pharmaceuticals are reaching the environment because it's used in humans and animals; yet, in some cases, we do not know about the environmental fate of these chemicals," said James Tiedje, director of the Center for Microbial Ecology and one of the principal investigators for the study. Hui Li, an associate professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, and Mary Beth Leigh, a research assistant at the Center for Microbial Ecology, are also helping lead the study. When a person ingests medicine, what is not absorbed into the blood stream passes out of the body with stool and urine that is flushed down the toilet, said Amy Perbeck, a toxicologist at the Water Bureau of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The waste water then goes to a treatment plant and is released into streams and rivers or is sprayed out to fields or sand basins, Perbeck said.
Approved pipeline to be appealed
An Ingham County Circuit Court judge ruled in favor of the construction of 20 miles of gasoline pipeline through south Lansing on Friday. Judge James Giddings said Michigan's Constitution is not being violated by Wolverine Pipe Line Company building the pipeline along Interstate 96. Tom Shields, a spokesman for Wolverine Pipe Line Company, said they were happy with the ruling. "We were very pleased with the judge's decision and also glad to see that the new state law was being followed as well," Shields said. He added that the law says the state, not the city, has unlimited access to working on fenced-in highways or expressways like I-96. The company wants to add the 20 additional miles to existing pipeline that runs from Jackson to Meridian Road.
Local health officials promote free HIV testing
Go get tested. It's free, and it will only take a few minutes. That's what health experts from around the area are saying as Tuesday's National HIV Testing Day approaches. Both Olin Health Center on MSU's campus and the Lansing Area AIDS Network, 913 W.
Judge delays attempted sexual assault hearing
The preliminary examination for Walter Thomas Webster, charged with home invasion and assault with intent to commit sexual penetration, is adjourned until Thursday. Webster was transported from the Ingham County Jail and appeared on Friday morning at the 54-B District Court for his preliminary examination, which was rescheduled after the prosecution's witness failed to appear. The woman, who fought off an assailant who broke into her second-floor apartment on June 8, was scheduled to testify at the preliminary examination. Kristen L.
Festivals aim to liven up Old Town
Old Town is Lansing's ornamental Times Square. This charming little section of the state Capitol serves as an exclusive hub for art, arresting character and scenic appeal. Many Lansing residents and officials refer to it as an untapped resource.
Pet show, parade will be held Saturday
The first Parade of Paws and Pet Show will begin Saturday at 10 a.m. at the East Lansing High School parking lot.
Zoo cavies' killers euthanized, 5 new rodents en route
The two dogs that killed three rare animals at Potter Park Zoo June 17 are dead after being found in the zoo again this week, said Ingham County Animal Control Director Jamie McAloon Lampman. The dogs first entered Potter Park Zoo last weekend and killed three Patagonian cavies.
Shop while you walk
Area stores are taking their business to the streets this weekend during the annual East Lansing Sidewalk Sales. Starting June 22 and running through Saturday, downtown businesses, in conjunction with the city of East Lansing, put on the sales hoping to draw more customers to the area. Matt Rouhan, manager of Silver Streak and Krazy Katz, 317 E.
Police arrest suspect in local stabbing case
A man was stabbed Wednesday night at College Park Apartments, 2722 E. Grand River Ave., according to neighbors in the complex. Meridian Township police Sgt.
Hubbard defendants to appear in court
Two men arrested in connection with the alleged Feb. 23 Hubbard Hall assault are scheduled to appear for their preliminary examinations Friday, according to one lawyer's assistant. A preliminary examination determines if there is enough evidence to go to trial. MSU student Albert Reginald Robinson and non-student Joel Ross Hamlar were arrested Feb.
MSU hosts 4-H exploration
MSU's campus began flooding with people Wednesday as more than 2,500 4-H members and chaperones lined up to sign in for the 36th annual 4-H Exploration Days youth development conference.