Monday, December 22, 2025

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COMMENTARY

Writer shouldn't be afraid to post title

On May 28 on the Opinion Page of The State News, a highly critical response ("Give McPherson a break this summer," SN 5/28) to a letter by Professor Andrew Hogan (" 'U' much better off without McPherson," SN 5/22) appeared to be written by Michael Kiley, Okemos resident.

MSU

Director to leave Wharton Center

The curtain will fall on the career of the man responsible for much of Wharton Center's success during the past 11 years.Executive director William Wright announced Tuesday he will step down from his position at the end of the 2003-04 season."I am a person of many interests and wish to have the time to explore these interests," Wright said in a statement.

COMMENTARY

Citizens who don't vote in elections should lose privileges

After weeks of a rude British critic insulting talented singers in front of millions of riveted fans, "American Idol" climaxed to a breath-taking finish two weeks ago, leaving millions of viewers aching for more Ruben, more Clay and yes, more rude British critic. As a sign of the show's popularity, 24 million people voted in the tally to determine the final winner.Compared to the latest national election, in 2002, when roughly 80 million people cast their ballots, 24 million does not seem overwhelming, especially since many viewers of "American Idol" likely cast multiple votes.

NEWS

Community members to aid African politics

Three MSU faculty members and an East Lansing official will travel to Africa and help further the democratic development of two nations.University representatives Robert Glew and Daniel Hester depart for Malawi on Thursday as part of a yearlong exchange program among MSU, U.S.

MSU

LCC to hire officers with federal grant

Lansing Community College Police & Public Safety department will be hiring two more full-time police officers to protect its growing student body.LCC was awarded a $150,000 federal grant through the Community Oriented Policing Service's Universal Hiring Program to employ the officers.

COMMENTARY

Privacy invasion

On a public university campus, students have expected certain freedoms. But thanks to a government act, those freedoms no longer exist in places such as the library.With more than 40,000 students on campus, research is expected, whether it be in physics, biochemistry, microbiology or various other fields.

BASEBALL

Lugnuts land comeback win over River Bandits, 7-4

Lansing - With so much riding on Tuesday night's game, it appeared the Lugnuts were in danger of folding to the Quad City River Bandits.But Lansing designated hitter Donny Hood was not about to let that happen.With the Lansing (36-25) trailing 4-3 in the sixth inning, Hood hit the only home run of the night to put the Lugnuts ahead for good.The game started well for the Lugnuts when in the second inning, Lansing took its first lead of the night off a wild pitch by River Bandits starter Jason Miller.

NEWS

Pet pound hot topic at meeting

Mason - A standing-room only crowd spoke out against Ingham County's policy of selling animals to research facilities at Tuesday's Ingham County Board of Commissioners meeting, which county officials debated whether to continue the practice. The board was expected to make a decision, but no call was made by press time. Prior to the meeting, more than 75 people gathered on the courthouse's steps to memorialize animals sold at the Ingham County Animal Shelter.

COMMENTARY

Merit mishap

Over at the state Capitol, Democrats and Republicans are doing something that doesn't happen too often: agreeing on an issue affecting Michigan residents.

MSU

'U' consultant receives award

Barbara Steidle is not used to being in the spotlight.As the university's consultant, she spends most of her time working behind the scenes making sure MSU runs smoothly.But on Tuesday, Steidle stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight to receive the 2003 Distinguished Woman in Higher Education Leadership Award from the Michigan American Council on Education Network for Women Leaders in Higher Education."She's a woman pioneer at MSU and in the state," said Martha Tack, the state coordinator for the network.

NEWS

Contraceptive costs climb

People who use Olin Health Center as their birth control provider got a shock to their pocketbooks when the campus pharmacy raised some of its prices. Olin officials say a variety of generic versions of the pill are now available and they are driving up costs for all types of birth control pills. Costs for different formulations of the pill rose by as much as $20.

MSU

Hey Sparty, it's your BIRTHDAY

A 9-foot 7-inch ceramic statue celebrated its 58th birthday Monday. Sparty, considered to be the world's tallest free-standing ceramic sculpture, had a party thrown by him by Johnny Spirit.

COMMENTARY

Rooming with a stranger has some disadvantages

With butterflies in the pit of my stomach and a letter opener gripped tight in my suddenly sweaty hand, I stood frozen, staring at the envelope that would reveal my fate. I had been waiting for this moment all summer, and now that it had arrived, I didn't know what to do.Excitement and nervousness ran through me as I swiftly opened the letter that would identify my future roommate.

SPORTS

IM sports provide escape from stress

If during the course of the school year you get tired of studying, or you don't study at all, look no further than intramural sports as your escape from college life. Each semester, MSU's IM facilities offer a variety of sports for everyone from beginners to hard-core athletes. In the fall, the IM facilities offer football, three-on-three basketball, soccer and volleyball, along with roller and floor hockey, badminton and individual golf and tennis tournaments. Basketball, indoor soccer, inner-tube water polo, volleyball,softball and track are all available in the spring. "With all of the studying and things students have to do, the IMs offer an outlet from all the stress," Johnny Allen, IM sports assistant director said.

BASKETBALL

Spartans hope for success in upcoming season

Last March, three wins in seven days at the 2003 NCAA Tournament laid a season of skepticism surrounding the MSU men's basketball team to rest - and woke up the groggy sleeping giant of MSU basketball fandom.But even though the Spartans' run to the Elite Eight in the 2003 NCAA Tournament was an improbable - albeit unexpected - step back to championship-caliber expectations, players and coaches are looking toward the national crown this season regardless.Last season, all talk was about "bridging the gap" between the Spartans of 2003 and the 2000 national championship team that cut down the nets at the Final Four.