MIDDAY UPDATE: Husband convicted in murder of grad student

A man accused of slaying his wife, an MSU graduate student, in 2000 was convicted of first-degree murder today.Dennis Michael Salerno was led into the courtroom through a tall oak door as three television cameras captured his stone-like expression.Salerno sat with his hands clasped together wearing an orange jumpsuit and chains around his legs as Circuit Court Chief Judge Peter Houk said, “the evidence is overwhelming” to conclude Dennis Salerno deliberately intended to kill Michelle Rizzi Salerno.Patricia Rizzi, Michelle Salerno’s mother, said it has been a two-year nightmare since her daughter was reported missing on June, 30 2000.“You’re never going to have closure,” Rizzi said.

Miller leaves Spartans for pros

The first day of fall semester classes brought beginnings for most MSU students, but it signaled the end of Ryan Miller’s collegiate athletic career. Miller, a two-time All-American goaltender, forfeited his senior year of eligibility and signed a contract with the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres on Monday.

Parking annoys students

The first week of adjusting to new housing and classes can be enough to think about, but for Tom Burns, finding a place to park his car was the first thing on his agenda.The packaging sophomore said he was disappointed Friday after waiting in long lines, when he requested Lot 83 on Service Road, only to end up in the commuter lot.

Speed over size for defense

When the Spartans take the field Saturday against Eastern Michigan, don’t expect to see last year’s defense.Middle linebacker Josh Thornhill has moved on to the NFL, and the smash-mouth style MSU fans learned to love went with him.The task of replacing last season’s leading tackler goes to junior Mike Labinjo, who finished third on the team with 64 tackles last season.

Dorm adoption program revived

A program initiated to improve relations between students and East Lansing residents will begin this fall after a one-year hiatus. Colleen Lindsay, director of the Community Relations Coalition at MSU, said the program was designed to end the misconception that all students are property-damaging partygoers who don’t care East Lansing’s community.“We want students to know that East Lansing is more than residence halls and students,” Lindsay said.

Bad review

Although it’s title sounds important - the publishers did borrow its name from an Ivy League school after all - The Princeton Review’s 2003 “The Best 345 Colleges” is a joke and a waste of $20. Every year, the New York-based company - not affiliated with the university, mind you - ranks schools on everything from worst cafeteria to most read student newspaper.

211 could give callers the 411

Lansing - Cities nationwide are adding a new three-digit information number to the existing 911 services - and some Greater Lansing leaders are hoping to follow suit.

Verdict ready in Salerno case

A man accused of slaying his wife, an MSU graduate student, is set to learn his fate this morning in Ingham County Circuit Court. Chief Judge Peter Houk is expected at 11:30 a.m.

Organization, students take steps against theft

Law enforcement officials are reminding motorists to keep an eye open for potential thieves as they return to East Lansing. A spokesperson from Help Eliminate Auto Thefts, an auto-theft prevention group, said cars are at greater risk as students sometimes forget auto safety when moving into area residences. English freshman Katie Behringer said she has heard stories about items missing during move-in week.

Commission spots open

MSU students have the opportunity to have their voices heard in East Lansing government by applying for a seat on any of seven city commissions. Commission members serve the community by recommending policies concerning various aspects of the city, developing new programs, reviewing city council legislation and giving feedback to council members on how their decisions affect students. This year, there are three at-large seats open on the University Student Commission, as well as the arts, environment, housing, transportation, human relations and planning commissions. Councilmember Beverly Baten said she appreciates the opinions of the student members. “I like hearing from the students and working toward helping them understand what we do here,” said Baten, who serves as the liaison of three city commissions.

Association re-accredits museum

The MSU Museum is considered among the nation’s best by the American Association of Museums.The association recently granted the museum re-accreditation - an honor it has held since 1977.Kurt Dewhurst, MSU Museum director, said the association considers many factors when deciding if a museum is accreditation worthy.

Cher to play Breslin this fall

Tickets went on sale Friday for Cher’s final tour, which makes its way to Breslin Center Oct.

MIDDAY UPDATE: Study deems merit-based scholarships biased

White students from upper-class families tend to be the primary recipients of merit-based state scholarships ,while many minority students in need of money are being slighted, said a study released this week.Harvard University’s Civil Rights Project conducted the study analyzing the programs of four states, including Michigan.

Lansing hires counsel in gas pipeline battle

Lansing - The Lansing City Council voted Monday to obtain outside legal counsel in its battle against Wolverine Pipe Line. The company plans to construct an underground gasoline pipeline that would extend about five miles through Lansing. Differences between Wolverine and the council climaxed with the council’s decision earlier this month to deny consent for the project.

Schulers Poetry Series begins next week

Imagine having the opportunity to indulge in verses of poetry read by a professor without concentrating on the dry aspects that tests usually outline.

Police briefs 08/27/02

Off-campus living not what expected, but worth experience

Three weeks ago, I had the honor of entering my friend’s new off-campus house, which he had moved into with about nine other guys.

Weekend party lures U to Auditorium

The grassy knoll to the south of the Auditorium was scene to medieval warriors, “The Price is Right” and a foosball table Saturday night.But this was not anarchy - it was Party at the Aud.More than 300 student groups - about 20 more than last year - assembled outside the building hoping to lure some of MSU’s nearly 43,000 students into joining their organizations.“This is probably our biggest recruiting campaign,” said Charlie Cove, Fencing Club president and a food industry management senior.

Despite weather, heavy loads, move-ins without problems

The thick humidity and drizzle outside didn’t stop roommates Ben LaPlante and Eric Melone from moving in to their Mason Hall dorm room on Friday.Melone, an advertising sophomore, is an old pro at moving into the dorm - he lived in Mason last year.

Critic offers six tips for movie-watching success

I’m sure, depending on how observant you are, there have been many noticeable changes since students migrated to parts unknown in May.