Focus on bigger issues, ignore bad

Aren't we Spartan's showing our thin skin and inferiority complex. Too bad Jason Richardson and others have brushes with the law.

Board votes to keep dealers out of shelter, but not 'U'

Mason - The Ingham County Board of Commissioners responded to an outpour of concerned citizens Tuesday night when they voted to discontinue selling shelter pets to animal dealers. The county still will sell animals to MSU, University of Michigan and Wayne State University for scientific or veterinary purposes. University Laboratory Animal Resources, in charge of acquiring animals for MSU research, would not comment whether the ban would inhibit the university's ability to obtain a sufficient number of animals. MSU purchased 39 dogs and cats from Class B dealers between July 2001 and June 2002, whereas 42 were purchased from Class A dealers and 155 were bought directly from animal shelters, including the Ingham County Animal Shelter. Discussion and debate between commissioners lasted more than two hours following a public hearing where about 50 people - including animal activists, shelter volunteers, medical researchers and veterinarians - shared their opinions. "When it all came together we were able to fashion a compromise that three-fourths of the board was able to accept," Commissioner John Nevin said. In an after-midnight vote the board decided 12-3 to ban the sale of shelter pets to dealers.

Right direction

Members of the Episcopal Church took a large step late last week. The Diocese of New Hampshire elected the Rev.

'Hail' superb effort

Radiohead has some pretty big shoes to fill - their own. The reclusive and decidedly brilliant band has made a career of putting out excellent albums such as "The Bends" and "Kid A" while simultaneously garnering a massive fan base and multi-platinum record sales with little aid from mainstream outlets such as MTV. But the real question surrounding the long-awaited new release "Hail to the Thief" is whether it lives up to the standard set by the band on its previous releases. To answer this question in its simplest form, "Hail to the Thief" is not as sonically pleasing and thoroughly enjoyable as "Kid A," "OK Computer" or "The Bends." That's not to say it's a bad album by any means.

'U' will benefit from 'Basketbowl'

Did every single State News staff person who has some sort of affinity toward sports leave for the summer?

Bush's war lies impeachable offense

A few years ago we had a president who lied to us about his sexual adventures. It was amusing and not very serious.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lugnuts fall 5-3, lose first place

Lansing - The Lugnuts fell to the Quad City River Bandits 5-3 in a 12 inning battle Monday at Oldsmobile Park, losing control of first place in the Eastern division for the first time since May 18.Lansing starter Justin Jones (3-3) allowed only one earned and one unearned run during the first inning, though the Lugnuts (35-25) spent most of the game playing catch-up.Quad City (28-34) hurler Scott Tyler threw a no-hitter through five innings of work, keeping the Lugnuts off the scoreboard until the fourth inning.

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.

Notre Dame, 'U' 1966 showdown on display at College Football Hall of Fame

An exhibit of the legendary 10-10 tie game between Notre Dame and MSU during the 1966 season was put on display Tuesday at the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind.The exhibit commemorates the highly controversial finish to the contest.

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.

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.

Police briefs 06/11/03

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.

'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.

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.

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.