Quilters sew for charity

Sewing 40 quilts can be a daunting task — especially for people who are not familiar with needles and fabric. But that didn't stop one local group from starting a quilting project to help a Kenyan orphanage. "It might be nice for these children to have personalized blankets," said Sally McClintock, a retired educator and the board president of Linking All Types of Teachers to International Cross-Cultural Education or LATTICE, a group of MSU graduate students and educators. Members went to The Quilt Depot, a Lansing store that sells fabrics and supplies, to see if they could receive discounted materials. Instead of just getting a few good deals, LATTICE members saw the project grow as store owner Patti Parmenter decided to help. The Quilt Depot already had some quilts because the store's employees and customers donate blankets year-round.

Auction will help kids who are neglected

A silent auction fundraiser to help Michigan's abused and neglected children will take place at 5 p.m.

Credit coming soon to parking lots, garages

Each of the East Lansing's 13 parking lots and garages should be equipped to accept credit cards within the next month, said Dan O'Connor, East Lansing's parking administrator. The city purchased about $1 million in updated parking equipment in January.

Bill supports cell research

Rep. Mark Meadows, D-East Lansing, has helped propose a bill to extend scientific research on embryonic stem cells in Michigan and increase the punishment for those who violate the current restrictions. The bill would amend constraints placed on research facilities — allowing scientists to potentially use stem cell research to develop ideas or cures for diseases.

Trial continues with 2nd suspect

Lansing — Jurors were selected Tuesday for the start of the murder trial of Kumbi Salim, also known as Stanley A.

A special stage performance

Mason — In the cafeteria of Heartwood School on Tuesday, 17-year-old Kelsey Manning lifted her pastel-striped cardigan sweater out like wings and swooped into the scene like a butterfly. At the same time, Adam Clark and Angie Ellis practiced being frightened little wolves from the story "The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig" by Eugene Trivizas. The students were rehearsing for their school's upcoming play — "Pigs & Wolves & Tigers, Oh My!" — which is being directed by an MSU student. At Heartwood, special education junior Abbey O'Loughlin works with special education students, ranging in age from 16 to 26 years old. Clark, called "Ace" by the students and O'Loughlin, prides himself on his dramatic acting skills.

Construction to cover campus

While students head home for the summer, construction on campus will be in full swing as about 20 road, building, steam and water distribution construction projects are planned. The summer months are the busiest for campus construction most of the projects are scheduled to be completed by August.

City earns honor for tree care ordinance

The National Arbor Day Foundation honored East Lansing for its Tree City USA program in 2006. This is the 20th year the city has received this honor, which recognizes its tree board department, tree care ordinance, comprehensive community forestry program and Arbor Day observance.

Police briefs 04/24/07

2 new leaders join ASMSU boards

In its final meeting of the school year, ASMSU's Student Assembly elected two more students to fill its leadership roles. Two weeks after the elections of the new assembly chairpersons, the assembly elected Osman Elfaki and Stephanie Gould to oversee Programming Board and Funding Board, respectively. ASMSU is MSU's undergraduate student government. Funding Board is coming off a session in which it had to ask for an extra $32,839.74 from the Assembly to sponsor its programs this year. The board's annual budget is approximately $140,000. "I think outreach is really important," Gould, a psychology junior, said.

Council reviews parking

A "rip-off." That's how marketing senior Bill Smith described East Lansing's downtown parking rates, echoing frustration expressed by some East Lansing officials. The city operates 13 parking lots and garages in the downtown area, and drivers are charged between 50 cents and 75 cents per half hour, depending on the time of day. The city rakes in about $3.35 million annually from these charges. "It's such a rip-off," Smith said.

'Wii' can all play

By Nick Hurwitch For The State News Their techniques are generations apart, but their goal is the same: Knock down all the pins. Wilson Akujobi bounds toward the TV and swings with all his 12-year-old might.

Volunteers clean up river

As they paddled Saturday morning through the waters of the Red Cedar River, Danielle Abshagen and Carolyn Schwedler were praised for the bounty they had collected. Other volunteers yelled out compliments as the pair returned with a pile of bikes so heavy it nearly tipped their canoe. "It's always the most fun finding the interesting stuff," said Abshagen, an environmental soil science senior.

Team will add 7 new members

The MSU fight song blared from the gym in the Berkowitz Basketball Complex on Saturday. Inside, about 60 women danced together and clapped to the beat. Their faces were smiling and their moves precise.

Drag show packs the house

Tight, flashy costumes, high heels, loud music and glitter — the MSU Drag Show was glam rock at its finest. The event was sponsored by the University Activities Board and Respecting Individuals on Neutral Ground as a part of Pride Week, which highlights the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Most participants perform as members of the opposite sex, while lip-synching and dancing to popular music from many genres. Dressed in a glittery gold evening gown, Hershae Chocolatae opened the show performing songs by Tina Turner and Macy Gray. Premedical and nutritional sciences senior Eric Harper specifically came to the show to see his friend, performing on stage as Moltyn Decadence, but thought Chocolatae did a great job. "I love the host," Harper said.

Post correspondent to share Iraq experience

Pulitzer Prize winner and Washington Post Middle East correspondent Anthony Shadid will speak at 3 p.m.

Property owners question East Village

Before East Lansing's first island can be carved from the banks of the Red Cedar River, a San Diego-based developer must acquire the land necessary to begin the East Village project. On Tuesday, Theresa Nakata, the company's vice president for marketing and communications, said The Pierce Company Inc. has had progressive negotiations with the region's property owners for several months. The estimated $500 million East Village project involves redeveloping the land bounded by East Grand River Avenue, Hagadorn Road, Bogue Street and the Red Cedar River with a mix of residential, retail and entertainment properties by 2011. The project's latest concept design by Hollywood-based 5+Design calls for a man-made canal and island next to an 11-acre riverfront park, showcasing the features of the Red Cedar River. International relations freshman Kelly Steffen said she would return to the East Village if it's redeveloped, but for now, she is concerned about the student housing that could be affected by the project. "Cedar Village is the only off-campus housing that's cheap," she said.

Sparty on with UAB this weekend

The University Activities Board will hold Sparty's Spring Party from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday at Demonstration Field and IM Sports-West. This year's event kicks off with a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at IM Sports-West, with a women's bracket and an open bracket.

Businesses fight spirits tax

Michigan's economy is in a budget slump. With a $800-900 million budget deficit, industries and consumers in certain sectors are fearing tax changes could hit them hard. The Michigan Brewers Guild has prepared itself against changes that could involve an increase in beer and wine tax.

Gem residents honored by city

A bookshop owner, folk musician and community activist were each honored Thursday night during the 20th annual East Lansing Crystal Awards ceremony. The award is given to three residents who have made strides to improve the quality of life in East Lansing.