City manager lauded for service to community

More than just local residents are noticing the work of East Lansing's City Manager Ted Staton.Staton was awarded the Outstanding Service Award from the Michigan Municipal League, a nonprofit association representing more than 500 Michigan cities and villages, for his leadership in actively campaigning to restore funding to local communities."Ted has been an absolute go-to person for us," said Mike Brady, the Michigan Municipal League director of state and federal affairs.

Greeks raise cash for boy's dream

Members of Sigma Pi fraternity and Chi Omega sorority stood on a dimly lit stage hidden behind open umbrellas while Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River" played in the background.Another curtain rose behind them, revealing a faux brick wall spray painted with greek letters and the words "Greek Week 2003."The lights grew brighter, the song cut off abruptly and the greeks revealed themselves, going into a dancing frenzy to fast hip-hop beats.The two greek organizations were just one of many dance acts presented during "MTV Fundraiser Night" on Tuesday at the Auditorium.

Crime Stoppers helps solve student assault

A case of three MSU students who were assaulted at gunpoint hit the airwaves Wednesday night to aid the search for a suspect.Last night, Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan announced the Lansing Police Department is looking for 21-year-old Edward Griffith, who's believed to have affiliations in Lansing and Detroit, but is expected to be in the Lansing area.The assault occurred Feb.

ASMSU to upgrade room after debate

It all came down to a question of money.An ASMSU bill requesting up to $50,000 to refurbish the MSU undergraduate student government's conference room and offices was heavily debated at the March 27 meeting, mainly because some representatives did not feel all the components of the bill were necessary.The original bill called for installing a television and computer system, similar to those used in classrooms, along with re-carpeting and painting, creating a plaque and scholarship for former association director Charles Beachnau, installing a new phone system and upgrading computer systems."I can't see why a projector and a computer that prints transparencies and a budget for Sharpies couldn't do the trick," said Derek Wallbank, Student Assembly representative for the Residence Halls Association.

SPARE rally not as 'U' hoped

Lansing - Students came from across the state sporting school sweatshirts and banners - all 50 of them. Students Protecting And Representing Education, or SPARE, held a rally at the Capitol on Wednesday to maintain higher education state funding as the state faces a budget crisis with a $1.7 billion deficit. "This is embarrassing," said Jared English, SPARE member and ASMSU director of university and governmental affairs.

School to hold dinner

MSU's School of Hospitality Business will sponsor a black tie reception and dinner on Saturday called Les Gourmets.

Police briefs 04/03/03

Dorm security recommendations set

Remote electronic door sensors and a neighborhood watch are on the list of recommendations released Wednesday by a group assembled to study residence hall security after a student was attacked Jan.

Former Secretary of State to speak at 'U'

Former Secretary of State James Baker will speak at 6 p.m. today at the Great Hall at Wharton Center.From 1976 to 1992, Baker served as secretary of the treasury and commerce and led campaigns for Presidents Gerald Ford, George H.

Final Four loss: March 27-28, 1999

On March 27-28, 1999 a riot occurred at in areas of East Lansing near campus following MSU's loss to Duke in the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

Police receive tips on weekend rioters

MSU and East Lansing police have received several tips that might lead them to participants in weekend disturbances that caused up to $40,000 in damage, police officials said Tuesday. "We're hoping for some good public input," MSU police Inspector Bill Wardwell said.

Munn field: May 1-2, 1998

On May 1-2, 1998, a riot occurred at Munn field on MSU's campus. The following stories are from The State News' archives: May 2, 1998: Riot May 2, 1998: Riot escalates as night wears on May 2, 1998: Officials exude disappointment May 2, 1998: Munn field: 'catalyst for student protest' May 4, 1998: Students react to rioting May 4, 1998:17 arrested in weekend riot

Gunson Street: Sept. 7, 1997

On Sept. 7, 1997 a disturbance occurred on Gunson Street in East Lansing. The following stories are from The State News' archives: Sept.

Low sign-up cancels trip

Angel Salinas said his parents are glad he's not going to Ecuador this summer.Salinas was one of nine students planning to study abroad in Ecuador this summer, but was notified via e-mail Wednesday the education and society program didn't fill its quota of students and was canceled."That might have been the reason the program was canceled, because my family was praying," the Spanish sophomore said.

NCAA Championship celebration, April 3-4, 2000

On April 3-4, 2000, a celebration occurred at in East Lansing and on MSU's campus after the Spartans won the NCAA men's basketball championship.

State gas prices drop despite war with Iraq

While oil fields in Iraq remain safe, gas prices in Michigan have dropped nearly 16 cents per gallon in the past two weeks.AAA spokesman Jim Rink said war fears have not come forth and have allowed for the decrease in gas prices."Initial fears that the oil fields in Iraq would be sabotaged have not taken place," Rink said.

Police briefs 04/02/03

E.L. School Board approves budget cuts

After about two months of listening to public comment, reviewing programs and buildings' uses, the East Lansing School Board unanimously approved the districts 2003-04 budget recommendations. The budget prepares for a projected $4.2-million shortfall.

Temporary extension keeps Amtrak running

After weeks of negotiations, Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation have reached a temporary deal allowing the railway to continue operating its two state-funded train lines for at least the next three months.Amtrak officials and department representatives settled the deal in a conference call Monday, with both sides agreeing to a three-month contract setting Amtrak's funding level at $1.425 million through July 1.Department spokeswoman Stephanie Litaker said the deal provides the Legislature more time to pass a bill lifting a $5.7-million cap in state funding Amtrak annually receives, while still securing Michigan's passenger rail service."This deal is somewhere in between," Litaker said.

Faculty member voice for diversity

Colleagues of Gilbert Williams knew the telecommunication professor as a strong voice for minority issues.Known as Gil to his friends, he died March 26 at age 51 after a battle with Lou Gehrig's disease."There have been very few people of color in the telecom department," said Professor Bella Mody, who worked with Williams for 17 years.