Med school committee appoints project liaison

Another step in the effort to move MSU's College of Human Medicine to Grand Rapids was taken last week, with the appointment of a new discussion facilitator. Steven Heacock, a former Kent County Commission chairman, was asked to join a group of stakeholders in the transition, which includes leaders from MSU, Spectrum Health, Saint Mary's Health Care and Grand Valley State University. The group is led by David Van Andel, the chairman and chief executive officer of the Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids. Heacock will work with the team of leaders to gather perspectives so each member of the group will have the same background information.

East Village 'blighted'

During break, the East Lansing City Council officially designated the East Village blighted. The council approved a motion to deem the properties, which include Cedar Village, an area of community rehabilitation, revitalization and renewal, with a vote of 4-1. Comprised of 35 acres, the blighted area is bounded at the north and south by Grand River Avenue and the Red Cedar River, and on the east and west by Bogue Street and Hagadorn Road. "We are trying to provide many tools to redevelop the area," said Tim Dempsey, the city's community and economic development administrator. The designation makes the city more attractive for state incentives, like financial help, Dempsey said. While the city plans to use the title as a tool, some students feel it might have a negative impact. "We aren't in support of being included in that area," said Cody Dawson, vice president of external relations for the Interfraternity Council.

Jones Soda labels showcase Sparty

After being named last year's number one mascot, Sparty has something else to cheer about - his picture on thousands of bottles of soda. MSU and Jones Soda Co., a Seattle-based beverage maker, came to an agreement in December to feature pictures of Sparty, the Universal Cheer Association's 2004 Mascot of the Year, on a series of bottles. About 60,000 bottles of the soda, in green apple and cream soda flavors, will feature six different labels with pictures of Sparty around campus.

Students make bike for child

Third grader Thomas Gore has the coolest ride in his class at Henry H. North Elementary School in Lansing, said MSU mechanical engineering seniors. A metallic red bike, which sports silver flames on a faux gas tank, was designed and built by Laurie Emerson, Neal Koenig, Kelly Stahley, Jeff Staniszewski and Tim Strand as part of the Shell Humanitarian Project.

BoarsHead considers relocation

Shakespeare might soon have to hang his collared tunic at another address. The BoarsHead Professional Theatre, 425 S.

City technology centers attract businesses

As Lansing and East Lansing officials move toward creating a technology center to attract high-tech businesses, similar centers in the state are already seeing positive results. Commonly referred to as SmartZones, the technology hot spots are located in 10 other Michigan cities, including Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. Both SmartZones were established in 2002, officials said. The Grand Rapids SmartZone is located downtown and is working with 15 new businesses, said Susan Shannon, Grand Rapids' economic development director. Success has come through partnerships between the city, medical facilities and Grand Valley State University, Shannon said. "That core group has partnered very closely to bring all the resources necessary to the area," she said.

Police briefs 12/10/04

Lansing hosts workshop

In an attempt to maintain their coolness factor, or become a "Cool City," local Michigan officials gathered Thursday at the Lansing Center for a community development workshop. The seminar, "Tipping to Cool: Next Steps in Linking Culture, Community and the Economy" is a continuation of the "Cool Cities" initiative began by Gov.

Officials: 'U' to continue providing pop options

In the face of large money contracts from soda companies for exclusive "pouring rights" on campus, MSU continues to provide both Pepsi and Coca-Cola to students. More than half of all Big Ten universities have exclusive contracts with either PepsiCo, Inc. or the Coca-Cola Company, with some contracts totaling more than $20 million. But MSU will continue to provide soda from multiple companies, said Marta Mittermaier, manager for MSU Food Stores and the official in charge of beverage contracts. "This gives us more opportunities to meet our customers' needs," she said.

Police briefs 12/10/04

FDA looks at benefits, risks of female sex-enhancing patch

The Food and Drug Administration is considering a patch that increases female sexual desire and pleasure, but it's too early to tell who will benefit, said Elaine Plummer, spokesperson for manufacturer Procter & Gamble. "We hear from women loud and clear that there is this medical need and we are committed to answering that need," Plummer said.

Class studies dogs, companion animals

Nell goes nuts when she's kept indoors. But when the 7-year-old border collie spied a pen of four nervous sheep in the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education arena, she got down to work. Owner George Good swept an arc in the air with his arms, and with a "whooshing" whistle, Nell shot into the pen.

Student government Web site not working

ASMSU's Web site has been inoperable for the past two weeks because its Web designer is awaiting information from ASMSU's staff, Student Assembly Chairperson Andrew Schepers said. He added that the Web designer has given a personal commitment to the Web site so it will be working by the first of the year. "It's awful that we don't have a Web site," Schepers said. The Web site has been awaiting improvement since October, when the Student Assembly passed money for a new Internet server. The Web site would contain information about representatives, passed bills and general activity of the student government.

Helping hand

As she prepares to hand out free blue books at Berkey Hall on Thursday afternoon, Michelle Beaujean, a psychology junior, watches another student go by.

Part of Coolidge Road open to 2-way traffic

The portion of Coolidge Road north of Grand River Avenue, which has been closed to southbound traffic in previous years, opened as a two-way road on Tuesday. Traffic can now turn off Saginaw Street onto Coolidge Road to travel south to Grand River Avenue.

Police briefs 12/09/04

Bill aims for easier hunting donations

Michigan hunters will have an easier time donating their game to the hungry if a recently passed House bill becomes law. The bill, introduced by Rep.

New term begins for Ingham County sheriff

Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth was sworn into a new term Wednesday afternoon. The event marked the beginning of Wriggelsworth's fifth term as sheriff.

Tree burning display at LCC teaches fire safety

By Jennifer Dodyk Special for The State News Firefighters from the Lansing Fire Department stressed the importance of fire safety and awareness to middle school students at a yearly Christmas tree burning demonstration in Lansing.

Study links lack of sleep to weight gain

Students might think twice about pulling all-nighters for final exams with the news that sleeping for five hours or less per night could cause weight gain, according to a psychiatry and behavioral sciences professor from Stanford University. Emmanuel Mignot, who conducted the study in connection with the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study, said the study included about 1,500 subjects divided equally by gender.