Christian music finds its niche

The Christian music genre has been dubbed one of the fastest growing markets in the industry, according to the Gospel Music Association. With crossover artists such as P.O.D., Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin hitting the airwaves with contemporary inspirational music, the mainstream has taken greater notice of the genre. Kirk Franklin brought Christian music to new heights when “The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin” debuted at No.

Sun shines on festival

Lansing - As the rain fell Tuesday morning, many worried that the third annual Common Ground Festival would be washed out, but Mother Nature came through in the end. With the festival set to kick off in less than two hours, the rain stopped and the sun shone through. “I’m really happy the weather brightened up, something knew this was going to be a wonderful day,” volunteer Kathryn Reed said.

Israel occupation has led to problems

To understand the crisis in the Middle East, you must not underestimate the importance of Israel’s military occupation and the suffering it causes the Palestinian people.

Mason signs 5-year deal

Athletics director Ron Mason signed a five-year contract and will garner an annual salary of $270,000.

Sonic Youth remains fresh on Murray Street

With any artist’s music, the object should be to move something within the listener - if it does that, it’s a unique piece of work, like “Murray Street” by Sonic Youth, the group’s newest album that grooves on almost every song. This rock group began in the early 1980s and is still hot.

Glassjaw defies categorization

Once in a while, a band comes along set to change how music is perceived. A painfully passionate and unique band who endures the selfish music industry to create an outlet for themselves and its devoted fans.

Area seeks safer swimming after weekend drownings

Bob Tobey doesn’t feel in danger while he’s in the water. “I know my limitations,” said the volleyball camp counselor while swimming at IM Sports-West on Tuesday.

McCain aids friend in race

State Sen. John “Joe” Schwarz enlisted the help of fellow military veteran U.S. Sen. John McCain to encourage voters to cast their votes for the Aug.

Religious behavior shows true feelings

The past weeks have shown the passionate efforts of individuals bent on honoring God and country by mentioning him in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Possibility of added commercial business causes upset in community

Lansing - Residents near a busy shopping district on the city’s south side voiced their opposition Monday to Chris Baryames Jr.’s plans to lease his property to a commercial business at 4720 S.

Police briefs 07/10/02

Gianiodis promoted to associate head coach

MSU swimming head coach Jim Lutz announced the promotion of assistant swimming coach Matt Gianiodis to associate head coach.

Race will emphasize family, fun and fitness

The ninth annual Ellen’s Race 5K Run and Walk is set for 9 a.m. July 28 at Pinecrest Elementary in East Lansing and will continue through area neighborhoods. The event began to celebrate the life of Ellen Osborn who died in 1993 when she was in the fourth grade and it now also emphasizes the importance of family, fun and fitness. Contestants can apply for $15 or $40 for a family of three or more before July 18.

Binge barriers

The Responsible Hospitality Council’s efforts to curb binge drinking in East Lansing are likely well-intentioned, but sadly, they are quite misdirected. As a college town, East Lansing is populated by a large number of citizens who routinely enjoy consuming alcohol.

Titanic survivor dies

One of the four remaining survivors of the Titanic sinking of 1912 died in East Lansing on July 4 at the age of 98. Winnifred Quick Van Tongerloo was only 8-years-old when the Titanic went down on its maiden voyage after hitting an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean.

Crows continue with good tunes

What can I say? If you’ve ever bought a Counting Crows album and enjoyed listening to its mellow blend of rock and folk, then you’ll undoubtedly love this one, too. When its first radio hit, “Mr. Jones,” constantly badgered airwaves across the nation in 1993, the band was bound to catch on quickly. Nine years later, the seven-member band has released its fifth album, “Hard Candy,” a sweet collection of 14 tasty tracks (one hidden) proving that singer Adam Duritz still longs to be Bob Dylan. Produced by Steve Lillywhite (U2, Dave Matthews Band), the Crows have done what few bands can do - stick with what they’ve always done and not follow the current trend of sellouts.

Police dog brought to patrol, search, protect

The newest member of Meridian Township Police Department comes straight from the Netherlands and listens to all her commands in Dutch.Full of energy and generous with her kisses, 2-year-old Asta is the new township police dog.Asta, a Belgian Malinois, was flown in after a dog trainer in the Netherlands recommended her to Brian Gregory, vice president of Northern Michigan K-9.After two months of training, Asta is worth about $10,000.

Outdated Web site irks city residents

The World Wide Web may seem like a world wide wait for Lansing residents seeking updated and accurate information from their city government. Last Monday, the city clerk’s Web site had city council agendas through June 17, but meeting minutes were only available through May 13. Neighboring communities are providing more up-to-date information online, including voter registration. East Lansing’s city clerk Web page links to the Secretary of State’s home page, but Lansing’s leads to the National Mail Voter Registration Form, which hasn’t been revised since June 25, 2000. Disclaimers on both city Web sites say the information provided on the Internet is unofficial and should be used at one’s own risk. Liza Estlund-Olson, director of Lansing’s Department of Management Services, said the disclaimer is needed because city departments control their own Web content. Estlund-Olson said the city is in the process of hiring a team of people to work on the Web site. The Lansing City Clerk’s home page has an additional disclaimer saying all documents provided there by the office are unofficial and may contain errors.

Police briefs 07/08/02

E.L., township differ on land-deal details

It seems East Lansing and Meridian Township officials are having a tough time seeing eye-to-eye. The city council approved a fourth draft of a proposed land-share agreement between the two municipalities 3-0 on Wednesday afternoon - days after township leaders rejected the city’s previous proposal. If the two municipalities cannot strike a deal by Aug.