Tourism center to fold after 22 years

In the '80s, a political cartoon was published asking the last person leaving the state of Michigan to turn off the lights, said Donald Holecek, the director of MSU's Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center. It symbolized economic depression - and the amount of people leaving the state to find employment elsewhere. From that thought, the Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center was created in 1985.

Police briefs 06/26/07

Dairy Month milks success

Correction: Information regarding the history of June Dairy Month is incorrect. As the heaping mound of blue moon ice cream slowly started to melt, 9-year-old Reese Morgan caught each drop of the sugary-smooth concoction with a few quick licks. Eating the frozen treat out of a cup was not an option for the Fenton native, but he made sure none of the ice cream took a messy plunge down the side of his sugar cone.

License plates looking less blue

Michigan could receive a $4 million boost as motorists replace their old license plates and say goodbye to "old blue." Although the plate changeover comes with an $11 million price tag - taken from the Michigan Transportation Fund, which, among other things, funds road and bridge projects - the new plate changeover is expected to cover its costs and turn a profit, said Kelly Chesney, spokeswoman for Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land. The new plates will come at no extra cost to motorists, Chesney said.

State plans stricter DUI laws

Correction: One out of every seven convicted drunk drivers in Michigan is required to use a Breathalyzer. A two-bill package was introduced into the State House this month that would require breathalyzers to be installed in the cars of repeat drunken drivers and those with their blood alcohol content, or BAC, almost double the legal limit. The first bill would create an additional charge for drunken drivers with a BAC of .15, almost double the .08 legal limit. "Now we charge them for drunk driving," said Rebecca DeVooght, a legislative director for Rep.

Students compete in summer job market

Students may need to start their search early if they're looking to land a summer job. Lee Cote said he spent the first half of his summer looking for one. "I actually turned in at least 50 applications in Grand Ledge, Lansing, Eastwood Towne Center and everywhere on Grand River Avenue," the hospitality business sophomore said. Cote started his job at Backyard Bar-B-Q, 313 E.

Police briefs 06/25/07

Some chili enthusiasts like it hot

For John Nicholson, the perfect bowl of chili has two effects: watery eyes and a runny nose. "I like it hot," the MSU alumnus said.

Panel to explore statewide economic woes

ASMSU is sponsoring a panel discussion Monday led by Rep. George Cushingberry Jr., D-Wayne County, that will address Michigan's economic troubles and the solutions that have been presented so far.

MSU theater troupe shines in weekend performances

When Elizabeth Chase presented book reports in elementary school, she offered more than a simple presentation.

State officials pass bill to balance budget

The Michigan Senate passed the final piece of legislation to balance the 2007 fiscal year budget. The bill would free up to $94 million in surplus revenue from the Michigan Merit Award Trust Fund and make it available for use in the state's General Fund. The surplus revenue will then go toward zeroing out the remainder of the $800 million deficit for the current fiscal year.

Chili cook-off gets cooking in Lansing

The 12th annual Lansing Board of Water and Light Chili Cook-off will take place from 5-9 p.m. today, along more than a quarter mile of Grand River's east bank, north of the Lansing Center. For $5, attendees can sample chili from about 40 restaurants and organizations.

Report on McGraw filed last year

An MSU employee charged Wednesday with embezzling more than $20,000 from the Department of Theatre initially had a report filed against her on Dec.

Student goes for sweet record

It's a regular business office in City Hall, but the air smells like a birthday party. The sugary-sweet aroma of cupcakes draws in almost anyone who enters the second floor where Meghan Schwarb works.

Forum highlights research

The role research universities will play in revitalizing Michigan's economy was the theme of a forum sponsored Thursday by the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research. Participants of the forum, titled "Michigan's Research Universities: Their Impact on the Economy," discussed a study by the Anderson Economic Group.

Concert series to kick off in downtown E.L. this weekend

East Lansing's Ann Street Plaza Concert Series will begin at 5 p.m., Saturday as part of the city's Centennial Birthday Bash.

Shop holds skate day festivities

Compared with the 7-year-olds who regularly walk into his Lansing skateboard shop, Steve Darling is a bit older. That's how the nickname "skate dad" stuck, the 21-year-old said. Today, Darling will join his clientele - who range from elementary school to middle-aged - on the ramps to celebrate Go Skateboarding Day. Go Skateboarding Day, which Congress has recognized since 2004, raises awareness about the skateboarding culture. "Basically, it's just a day to go skateboarding.

Police briefs 06/21/07

Forum on disabilities educates

Bill Milzarski was sifting through applications from disabled high school students who hoped to be placed in his leadership forum.

4-H queen reinstated after charges dropped

The Oakland County Fair Board has reinstated animal science junior Kate Mills as the 4-H queen, according to reports from The Associated Press. Mills' title had been taken after charges were filed against her and her family for animal cruelty and torture at their Imlay Township family farm.