Beer keg deposits increase to $30

Forget about rising gas prices - the minimum deposit price for a beer keg tripled last month. As of May 11, Michigan's Liquor Control Commission increased the deposit price on half- and quarter-barrel kegs from $10 to $30. Thousands of beer kegs have not been returned to breweries because people are taking the kegs to scrap yards, who will pay by the pound for the metal with which the keg is constructed, allowing the keg to be sold at a profit, according to the Associated Press. Major breweries lobbied for the increase, saying that it costs a beer manufacturer about $152 to replace stolen or scrapped beer kegs, according to the Associated Press.

Second Artisans' Market on Sunday

Meridian Township's Parks and Recreation Department will host its second Artisans' Market on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

MSU department ranked nationally

The MSU Department of Family Medicine was ranked seventh in the nation by the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Big Three universities' research aids economy

MSU could play a key part in keeping the state's economy afloat, with cuts being made to higher institution education in Michigan and a heavy reliance on a worsening domestic auto industry. The University Research Corridor, an alliance comprised of MSU, Wayne State University and the University of Michigan, recently released preliminary data from a study stating the collaboration generated $6.5 billion - 2 percent of the state's entire economic activity. The independent analysis was conducted by the East Lansing-based Anderson Economic Group and outlines how the URC has contributed to the state's economy.

Recycling event helps local charities

The environment wasn't the only beneficiary at Project Pride, an event aimed at helping East Lansing residents recycle and reuse. Local charities accepted much-needed donations such as bikes, household appliances and clothing for a variety of causes.

Fresh veggies, fresh thinking

On their hands and knees, 12 people dug small holes, pressing young, summer squash plants into the soil on a football field-sized plot of land. Sweating in the hot sun, some of the dirty-kneed and often barefooted, planters squinted as they glanced up at Jeremy Moghtader, MSU Student Organic Farm manager and instructor, to learn how to properly plant the squash - ensuring the plants would grow strong until they could be harvested. "See how that part is sticking up?

History of E.L. streets revealed at center

The East Lansing Historical Society will host "The History of East Lansing's Street Names" 2 p.m.

2 local gas stations penalized for leakage, soil contamination

Eight Michigan gas stations, including one in East Lansing and one in Okemos, have been fined by the state Department of Environmental Quality for failing to comply with state regulations. The eight stations, all formerly owned by BP Amoco PLC, were fined a total of $869,150 for not submitting required reports about contamination because of leaking underground storage tanks. "These fines are simply for their failure to properly address the contamination as required by Michigan law," said Bob McCann, DEQ spokesman.

E.L.'s Project Pride cleanup Saturday

Unconventional recyclables such as tires, used furniture and scrap metal will be accepted at the city of East Lansing's Project Pride cleanup Saturday. Items can be taken to the Abbott Center parking lot, 1400-1500 Abbott Road, for disposal.

E.L. Family Aquatic Center opens

The East Lansing Family Aquatic Center, 6400 Abbott Road, opens today for the summer season. The center features a 190-foot tube water slide, play structures and sand areas.

Spend trails day in Northern Tier

The 15th annual National Trails Day is Saturday and the city of East Lansing is encouraging everyone to spend time on the Northern Tier Trail or one of the several trails in the Lansing area. For more information, call the Department of Parks, Recreation and Arts at (517)333-2580 or a map of the Northern Tier Trail can be found at www.cityofeastlansing.com.

Police briefs 06/01/07

VP to focus on students

Vennie Gore's daughter tells him he talks for a living. With his recent appointment to assistant vice president for Housing & Food Services at MSU, effective August 13, he expects that to continue. Gore is currently the associate director for Housing and Food Services at the University of Washington. He meets with students, faculty, campus clients and other to talk about plans for the university - and his job at MSU will be much of the same. Gore is used to a life with no routine, he said.

Student Organic Farm planting party

The MSU Student Organic Farm will have it's summer planting party Saturday. Participants will plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and other vegetables at the farm located at 3291 College Road in Holt from 9 a.m.

Capitol revisits 1907, commemorates Roosevelt

Lansing — From the dark green vintage REO automobile parked on the Capitol's front lawn, to the Civil War garb worn by period reenactors Thursday, Lansing turned back the clock 100 years.

City assessor to retire after 30 years of service

Bob Johnson knows every home in East Lansing from top to bottom, but now that he is retiring as East Lansing's city assessor, city officials are left trying to fill his shoes. Almost 30 years of documenting city homes and determining their value.

Local gospel music celebration Sunday

Central United Methodist Church will host its annual "Celebration of Music in Worship" Sunday.

Police briefs 05/31/07

MSU helps mentor program in Lansing

Lansing — Outside Gier Park Elementary School, a 6-foot wooden pole stands decorated in the name of peace, with paintings by students in a plot filled with mulch and flowers. The pole's objective is to promote peace to improve the sometimes rocky relationship between Gier Park Elementary School at 401 E.

E.L. considers new dog park

East Lansing has dogs on its mind. The city wants to create a dog park where "man's best friend" can run free, unhampered by leashes. And dog owners want a place where they can bring their four-legged friends without worrying about keeping them on a leash, Wendy Longpre, assistant director of the East Lansing department of Parks, Recreation and Arts said. "We really do want to provide an area where people can recreate with their dogs," she said.