Police: Northern Tier crime rates no worse than rest of E.L., Bath

Despite students continuing to gravitate north of campus, local police departments say the area hasn't been any more troublesome than other student housing areas. The Northern Tier complexes, on Abbott and Chandler roads north of Lake Lansing Road, have drawn about 4,000 people and a growing party atmosphere since students moved to the area in 1999. "We're going to a lot more runs than an adult living community," East Lansing fire Deputy Chief Terence Lapinski said. The nature of complaints and number of runs, however, are typical of any student complex, he said. "The calls have run the gamut," said Bath Township police Sgt.

La Casa stresses changes

In its third year, McDonel Hall's all-Spanish, all-the-time floor, La Casa, has residents and professors taking a step back to evaluate its growth.

Black Student Alliance looks ahead

The first president of the Black Student Alliance, Dr. Richard Thomas, spoke at the group's Welcome Reception on Tuesday. Thomas is a history professor at MSU, who also did his undergraduate studies here.

Take a seat

As ASMSU opens up 34 seats on MSU's Academic Governance system to all undergraduate students, it is opening the doors to the fresh ideas that will come with the new representatives. Previously, the 34 spots were open only to ASMSU representatives.

City block could be demolished

Two days after economics junior Hanson Pulickal moved to a home on Virginia Avenue in August, he learned that his rental could be leveled next year. If approved for a $2.3 million loan from the U.S.

Drink smart, stay safe, freshman

When I think of fraternities, I see a house filled with party debris while students obliterate themselves with beer kegs.

APASO welcomes new students

A bright sun, big smiles, and fragrant flowers all accompanied the Asian Pacific American Student Organization Welcome Reception Monday night in the Horticulture Demonstration Gardens. With a new year comes new students with new perspectives, and last night Korean Students United, Vietnamese Student Association, Alpha Kappa Delta Phi and other organizations all set up booths to welcome the fresh crop of students. "Asian Americans need a voice in the MSU community, we don't have a distinctive voice yet," said Matt Wong, a finance junior and a racial ethnic student aide in Bailey Hall who overlooked the Pi Alfa Phi booth.

Survivor's spirit

On a hazy Saturday afternoon, Heather Boyer opens the door to her Potterville home with gusto, smiling big and sweeping a hand toward her living room in a welcoming gesture.

Smith: Stanton not starting

There is no starting quarterback for the MSU football team, but head coach John L. Smith has narrowed his selection to two candidates. At a Monday press conference, Smith said sophomore Drew Stanton wouldn't be the starter on Saturday at Rutgers, thus leaving senior Damon Dowdell or redshirt freshman Stephen Reaves battling for the spot this week. "Here's how we decide - whoever does better on punt team doesn't start (at quarterback)," Smith said jokingly. Both Dowdell and Reaves have spent the same number of years in Smith's system - two - so there is no advantage in that area. Smith said in this situation, it is probably the case the senior would get the start.

Council to discuss provost search plans

Faculty Council will meet today to discuss the search and selection procedures for the acting and permanent provost.

LCC gains needed building to ease high class sizes

A new $48 million building on the west side of Lansing Community College's campus could alleviate overcrowded classrooms as an extension of main campus. "It's holistic; there are a whole variety of things going on there," said Brian Jackson, LCC spokesman.

Despite conflict ASMSU to host Sept. conference

A year after an ASMSU representative proposed breaking ties completely with the Association of Michigan Universities, MSU will host the association's quarterly conference this September. Last September, Academic Assembly representative Adam Raezler argued against ASMSU's alliance with AMU.

Mainstream media outlets contribute to dumbing down democracy

Political and cultural commentator H. L. Mencken is credited as having issued this caution: "We get the government we deserve." Certainly, most of the blame for our dysfunctional government belongs with "we the people" for not bothering to become educated about important issues and participate significantly in our democracy.

Out of bounds

When opponents and advocates of a petition against gay marriage both speak out against an Aug. 23 Michigan Board of State Canvassers' decision, you know something is seriously wrong. The petition to ratify the Michigan Marriage Amendment act was filed on time with 464,243 properly certified signatures - outstripping the required 317,757 signatures needed to put gay marriage before Michigan voters this November.

Police: Welcome Weekend prompts increase in assaults

Local police departments said they saw more fights and parking complaints this Welcome Weekend than in previous years, but noise violations and minors in possession arrests remained consistent with past totals. East Lansing had 44 MIPs, 159 noise complaints and three arrests for operating a vehicle under the influence during the long weekend.

MIDDAY UPDATE: Vandals target local Buddhist monasteries

In Howell, a room of incense, candles and lotus lights remains under lock and key because of frequent attacks on the Americana Buddhist Temple that houses it.

Police briefs 08/31/04

Bush attacks Kerry's voting record on 20th visit to Mich.

Taylor - President Bush sharply criticized Democrat John Kerry on Monday as he addressed thousands of supporters in his fifth visit to Michigan in the past month. Bush's remarks came in response to a Kerry statement suggesting that the actions of the United States abroad can encourage terrorism. "You don't create terrorists by fighting back," Bush said.

Ingham County parks offer free services to Lansing-area residents

Fall is quickly arriving, but the last few days of summer can be enjoyed for free this Labor Day at Ingham County Parks.

McPherson considers extended stay at 'U'

Although President M. Peter McPherson has decided to step down from the university's top position, he might not be leaving MSU behind just yet.