MIDDAY UPDATE: Program looks to help students from migrant families gain education

Fifteen-year-old Juan Rodriguez-Martinez has reached what Michigan 4-H state program leader Randy Bell calls “that critical age” for students from migrant families.“Once the kids reach fifth or sixth grade, they can and do begin to work in the fields with their parents,” Bell said.Juan’s family migrates more than 1,600 miles from Weslaco, Texas, to work the fields in Michigan for the summer months, leaving behind friends and family every year.To help students 11 to 17, the Michigan Department of Labor donated $1.7 million in 2001 to fund Project CAMINO, or Comprehensive Approach for Migrant Youth Introducing New Opportunities, for students such as Juan to participate in during the summer.“What we had in CAMINO was a chance to capture the junior high or high school aged kids,” Bell said.For more information about this report, see Wednesday’s edition of The State News.

Survey reports residents feel terrorism threat

When assessing the year since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, East Lansing resident Chris Gottschalk often finds himself keeping a slightly more watchful eye. “You shouldn’t be paranoid, but by the same token you can’t think it can’t happen to you,” he said.

MIDDAY UPDATE: State to receive millions for reducing abortion rates

Michigan will receive $19.8 million in federal grants for reducing out-of-wedlock births and decreasing state abortion rates, Gov.

MIDDAY UPDATE: E.L. develops plan to help small businesses

The East Lansing City Council is expected to approve a proposal that will increase retention of small businesses in the downtown area.The Small Business Rental Assistance Program will offer a grant to businesses who “need to buy some time to sort things out,” said Jim van Ravensway, East Lansing’s director of planning and community development.Van Ravensway said the program was developed in response to concerns expressed to the council by small businesses.

Candidate questions memo from mayor

Michigan Republican gubernatorial hopeful Dick Posthumus announced Monday he had evidence his opponent Jennifer Granholm has been asked to grant contracts and positions in exchange for campaign support. Posthumus claimed to have a memo written to Granholm by Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick in which guaranteed votes to Granholm if she promised positions to Wayne County officials.

Nursing about desire, not financial issues

The State News published a series of reports about the nursing profession (“Career in crisis” SN 9/18 to 9/20). The feeling I got from that series was the profession is underpaid, underserved, overworked and not respected. Having been a nurse at Ingham Regional Medical Center for almost 10 years, I don’t feel this to be the case. I worked three 12-hour shifts a week.

New students shouldnt let hard times make them leave U

I recently found out one of my friends from high school just dropped out of MSU, and I’m mad about it.

Bernero, Democrats working to obtain majority in Senate

Virg Bernero is excited about this year’s Democratic ticket. The Democratic representative, running against Rep.

Emerging activist

Kim Borowicz wants people to look past her disability. As president of the MSU Council of Students with Disabilities, Borowicz is recognized by some national equal rights leaders as one of the nation’s top young activists. Borowicz, who is legally blind, spent the past summer as an intern with the American Association for People with Disabilities. “She blew everyone away,” said Ollie Cantos, general counsel and director of programs for the association.“Kim really makes an impact everywhere she goes. “She’s also just plain, darn good.

U honors late leader

A group of students and faculty members met for the first time last week to brainstorm ways to honor an MSU student leader who died this summer.

Chan, Hewitt disappoint in James Bond imitated Tuxedo

Chris Tucker must not have been available to co-star in Jackie Chan’s action comedy “The Tuxedo.” Of course, the story would have to be altered to make room for Tucker and his big mouth personality since it doesn’t exactly fit the “Rush Hour” profile. Instead, a more passive role was filled by Jennifer Love Hewitt.

Talk it out

The Graduate Employees Union is continuing to hunt for a resolution with the university concerning teaching assistant pay, and it’s time for the two sides talk over the issue in a timely fashion. The union might seek arbitration sessions with the university after a grievance filed last week was rejected by Provost Lou Anna Simon.

Center of the Universe an accurate portrayal of family life

Lansing - Theatergoers are apt to see shades of their own families in “The Exact Center of the Universe,” the newest production of the BoarsHead Theater. Starring Carmen Decker, Tim Jacobs and Kate Berry, the play tells the story of an imperious Southern debutante and her doted-upon 35-year-old son, Appleton.

Festival exhibits U.S. heritage

Lansing - Nora Richmond waved at the oxen cart packed with giggling children as she smoothed the folds of her crimson hoop skirt.“That’s my sister’s team of oxen,” the 13-year-old Leslie resident said, pointing to the two cattle pulling the children.Richmond, who made her nine-panel hoop skirt by hand, was one of hundreds of volunteers at the Woldumar Nature Center’s American Heritage Festival 2002 demonstrating aspects of American history last weekend.Richmond, who demonstrated pioneer life in early America, said she loved the variety of displays - including Civil War demonstrations, Native American artifacts, a giant model train display, music and dance performances, food samples and animals.The festival was held at the 188-acre educational nature center, 5739 OldLansing Road, and offered snippets of life from 1700 to the early 1900s.“People can come here and find a representation of their past,” Woldumar executive director Lori McSweeney said.

Johnsons historic career properly recognized with Hall-of-Fame induction by friendly rival

It was pure magic from the beginning of a momentous career that has left millions spellbound. On Friday, Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s talent culminated in an induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. The honor of the Lansing native and Spartan alumnus is well deserved, as Johnson’s basketball feats have left an impressive legacy that will not soon be forgotten. The 13-year NBA veteran won five championship titles with the Los Angeles Lakers during the three-time league MVP’s career.

Speaker talks of U, South Africa

Sheila Sisulu, South African ambassador to the United States, spoke to a crowd of more than 70 people Friday about her country’s struggle to rebuild itself after the end of apartheid.“I would like to thank MSU for the role you’ve played as a true friend, partner and ally

Replacement for U official reduced to 4

The search to fill one of the top positions within MSU’s Office of the Provost has been narrowed to four faculty members. MSU officials have spent nearly three months on an internal hunt for a new assistant provost for undergraduate education after Barbara Steidle announced her retirement in July.

Kundi wrong not to support war in Iraq

Unfortunately, Rishi Kundi missed many important things in regard to Iraq (“Iraq policy has turned 180 degrees as U.S.

Playboy ranking not too important for U, celebrations are part of the Spartan tradition

It seems MSU just can’t get away from lists that rank the nation’s best collegiate shindigs.Adult entertainment magazine Playboy lists the university as No.

Police briefs 09/30/02