City works for prettier yards

Margarita Lara won a free month of rent Tuesday night for planting free flowers and grass seed. The fisheries and wildlife graduate student entered a raffle for the University Apartments Council of Residents’ beautification project. “It was a really good opportunity because I like flowers,” she said. The council, made up of residents from all three on-campus apartment communities, offered the free rent as an incentive to increase participation in the activity.

Bill would dip into states emergency funds

Only $33 million would remain in the “rainy day” fund under a bill passed by the state Senate to patch up budget holes. The legislation passed 37-0 and was sent to the House last June 5.

Police briefs 06/12/02

E.L. school board decreases layoffs

The East Lansing School Board failed to bring back 33 faculty and staff members at their meeting Monday night. Reinstating 75 employees was just part of passing the $39.4 million budget for the 2002-03 school year. “The whole situation was complicated,” school board President Susan Schmidt said.

Graduate students to begin budget talks to begin budget talks

The Council of Graduate Students will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at 328 Student Services to discuss a proposed budget for the 2002-2003 year.

Bill could increase sex education

Joy Whitten believes it’s time for the state to do away with the antiquated laws regarding sex education.“When teens are given honest information, they make more responsible choices,” said Whitten, community specialist for the Planned Parenthood Mid-Michigan Alliance.

Picnic honors working women of World War II

The Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame, 213 West Main St., Lansing, will hold the 18th annual Picnic on the Lawn on June 13.The theme is “Rosie the Riveter” which coincides with its new exhibit “A Few Good Women: The Role of Women in the Military during the Second World War.”The picnic will pay homage to Michigan’s “Rosies,” women who worked in the war industry plants of World War II.

Chili cook-off benefits charity

Lansing - Some of it’s red, some it’s beige, and some is green. Some of it’s chunky, some of it’s thin, and some is right in the middle.

Police briefs 06/10/02

Hospital hosts golf clinic to aid rehabilitation

Lansing’s Sparrow Hospital’s Golf Clinic will tee off June 11 to July 25.Anyone with a physical disability and an interest in learning to play golf or improve their game is welcome.The event will be from 10:15 a.m.

Lansing Center to hold annual housing expo

The fourth annual Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing breaks ground June 10 at the Lansing Center, 333 E.

Local reps introduce pipeline bill

Lansing - Pipeline companies will have to pay more to transport gas through Michigan if legislation proposed by lawmakers passes. The two bills, introduced by state Reps.

Charities begin anniversary house construction

The Habitat for Humanity/Lansing will be breaking ground on its 15th anniversary project, “The House that Lansing Built,” at 6 p.m.

U official heads to California

Former MSU President Jonathan Snyder is the reason Donald Straney came to MSU.“He cast a long shadow on the family,” said Straney, a zoology professor and assistant to the provost for faculty development.

Fathers Day festivities begin in downtown E.L.

Celebrate Father’s Day, June 16, in downtown East Lansing at the East Lansing Flea Market.More than 30 vendors will be selling a variety of goods at the market.

Riders seek repeal of helmet law

Thirty states have no laws regarding motorcycle helmets, and some Michigan riders think the state should become 31.“We’re the minority,” said Chip Ashton, treasurer of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education of Michigan.

Four hopefuls vie for school board seats

After a difficult budget year and the threatened closure of a school, four East Lansing school-board hopefuls look to fill the board’s two vacant seats.William Donohue, Daphne O’Regan, Randy Bell and Brett Gillespie all look forward to possibly joining the board when the district needs them most.All of the candidates have children who attend schools in the district, except for Gillespie, who has brothers in the district.“I want to ask questions and increase communication,” said Gillespie, a recent East Lansing High School graduate.

Chili cook-off to offer mouth-watering fun

Spicy servings of chili will bubble and make mouths water during Friday’s 2002 Down-By-The-River Chili Cook-Off . The event will feature more than 40varieties of chili supplied by different restaurants and organizations.

Legislature talks tongue splitting

Opinions are divided on whether people should be allowed to split their tongues. Tongue splitting, a procedure that separates the tongue into two separate parts, may not be allowed under legislation sponsored by State Rep.

Weakest Link looks for talent in Lansing

Lansing - When the number 67 was called, Ken Pierce stood up to introduce himself to the crowd. “My name’s Ken, I’m a safety consultant and a recovering anorexic,” the stocky Grand Ledge resident announced to erupting laughter. Pierce was one of 83 Michiganians who showed up at 9 a.m.