E-mail sparks union debate

In one MSU staff union election this week, five incumbents were re-elected to its Executive Board — following a controversy surrounding an e-mail sent on the union's listserv. On March 15, Chairman of the Administrative-Professional Association, Leo Sell, sent a personal e-mail to members of the union he had "marginal connection" with — about 200 of the union's 1,700 members. Some union members who received the e-mail were upset because they could not respond or see other recipients of the message. The APA chapter at MSU is a middle-level union, largely for clerical and technical faculty. Among concerns of low voter turnout and reminders to return ballots, Sell wrote in the e-mail, "I am concerned about an attempt by way of the current ballot to replace current, experienced, diverse Executive Board members with people from a single unit, with a parochial interest and view, not to mention, NO experience in APA leadership or bargaining or otherwise. "Should they be successful in whole or in part, it will weaken our union." The union's current board has 11 women and two men.

Warmth brings ice cream

With the coming of warm weather and sunny days, the taste of an ice-cold, creamy substance titillating the tongues of East Lansing residents nostalgically returns. And the owners of Melting Moments, 313 E.

MSU student wins seat on Mich. group

A pair of MSU students ran for positions in a statewide group of collegiate Republicans on Saturday, but only one came out victorious. Jeff Wiggins and Steve Japinga, chairman and secretary of the MSU College Republicans, respectively, ran for yearlong positions with the Michigan Federation of College Republicans, or MFCR. The MFCR is an umbrella organization designed to interconnect groups of college Republicans across the state. Wiggins defeated Western Michigan's Megan Buwalda to win his race for co-chairman, while Japinga lost his race for chairman to University of Michigan's Justin Zatkoff. "He ran a great race, and I ran a great race," Japinga said of Zatkoff.

Fraternity volunteers to help community

By Jenna Ulicki For The State News For many MSU students, volunteering while in college is as important as academics. While the university runs a variety of community service programs, there also are other ways to get involved.

Library creates new lab spaces

A new digital presentation room and Intel Mac Lab opened at the Main Library last month, giving students and faculty another resource when developing multimedia group projects. The first-floor presentation room features a camera built in to the ceiling, which records speeches and presentations, and an Interactive Smart Board computer screen that uses touch navigation in place of a mouse. On the second floor, the new computer lab contains two Intel Macs with multimedia software, including 3-D animation, video editing programs and Web content tools.

Serving her community

Her friends call her an inspiration to the Hispanic community. "Every day, she is doing something to help someone," Maria Theresa Penman said.

Research help fight brain disease

Tremors, rigidity, loss of balance. More than one million Americans suffer from Parkinson's disease. There are drugs to treat some of the symptoms during the disease's early stages of development, but once it progresses, little can be done. John Goudreau, an associate professor in the departments of neurology and pharmacology and toxicology, is conducting a study that might help slow the progression of the disease. "If you can find patients early, and keep them in the early stages of development, that's as close to a cure as we can get," he said. The study will look at the effect creatine has on the disease. "I don't want people to go out and start taking creatine for their Parkinson's disease," Goudreau said.

Lansing officials cancel parade

There will be plenty of music and confetti this summer in downtown Lansing, but for the first time in 16 years, it won't be because of the Michigan Parade. "The skinny on the parade this year is that we decided to cancel it," said Calvin L.

Weather changes, prompt precautions

The sunshine and warmer than 60-degree weather that has blanketed Mid-Michigan during the past several days doesn't just mean spring is here. It also means the possibility of severe weather. This week marks Michigan's Severe Weather Awareness Week, which has been recognized since 1991 as a way to help the public prepare for natural emergency situations. "We can't stop the weather, but we can mitigate the impact it has on our lives," said Sgt.

Chipotle gives free burritos to advertise

With all the burrito joints on Grand River Avenue, one restaurant believes giving away thousands of meals is the key to winning brand-loyal customers. Chipotle Mexican Grill, 539 E.

Bill could halt trash import

With approval from the federal government, the state of Michigan could put a halt on importing Canadian trash. New legislation sponsored by Michigan Reps.

Opera to further Brazil, MSU relations

Florencia Grimaldi is a famous opera singer traveling on the Amazon River in search of her long-lost lover. As she journeys down the world's largest river to the Brazilian city of Manaus, she encounters fantasy and mysticism along with the other travelers. The College of Music will perform Grimaldi's tale in the opera "Florencia en el Amazonas," or "Florencia in the Amazon." The opera's first performance will be held at 8 p.m.

WEB EXTRA: MSU to hold horticultural event with competitions, workshops

MSU horticultural students can put their skills to the test Thursday through Sunday during the 31st annual Professional Landcare Network's Student Career Days. The event will feature students from 55 universities competing in a wide range of competitive challenges, from tree climbing to sales presentations.

WEB EXTRA: Student organization to host prayer

University Christian Outreach, an MSU student organization, will host a healing prayer meeting today. The meeting will consist of singing, worship and a short presentation.

WEB EXTRA: Film festival to bring short videos of outdoor activities to MSU

Have you ever experienced intense rock climbing, exhilarating skydiving, rip-roaring skiing and heart-pumping mountain-biking all in a two-hour period? Probably not. However, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour that comes to MSU on Thursday will feature a set of short videos that capture the background details of many outdoor activities. The MSU Outdoors Club has brought this event to campus for more than 10 years, guiding both beginners and veterans who are interested in outdoor activities to the proper destinations. This year's festival will show eight films, ranging from 3-25 minutes long.

Party links women, environment, health

Pink and green condoms. A 12-hour, washable alternative to tampons and sanitary napkins. Homemade soap and lip gloss. Student groups hope a discussion tonight about these health options will explain the correlation between women's rights, health and the environment. The Pink and Green Party, sponsored by Eco and Women's Council, takes place at 8 p.m.

Police briefs 03/28/07

6 new students elected to COGS

A young starting lineup hits the executive board next month for the start of a brand-new season with the Council of Graduate Students, or COGS.

Lifelong education

Aside from being a member of the East Lansing City Council, Kevin Beard spends about 10 hours each week on MSU's campus — as a student.

Meeting will cover new, unfinished plans

An ordinance that would make it illegal for homeless people to reside in public parking structures once again is up for discussion by the East Lansing City Council. Council members also will discuss possible changes to Hagadorn Road and the progress of an ongoing and over-budget development on Virginia Avenue.