All-Star festivities entertain community

Lansing - The 2002 Midwest League All-Star Game attracted everybody and their mother to Oldsmobile Park Tuesday night. The annual event, which showcased 63 of the top prospects in the league this year, was much more than a game. As attendants entered they were given inflatable plastic noisemakers to create an enthusiastic environment and the recipients wasted little time putting them to use. Prior to the summer classic, fans swarmed the All Stars to capture their autographs on baseballs, baseball caps and programs. Many people attended to take in the game, but just as many were at the park to take in at least one of the side attractions. Lansing native Shawn Gilmore, who tries to take in at least five Lugnuts’ games a season, was one of the many individuals taking part in pregame festivities. Although he didn’t know any of the players from the Kane County Cougars or Beloit Snappers, he was more than eager to get their signatures.

Professor brings cases, experience to U

The “hands-on” philosophy of MSU’s forensic anthropology program brings prominent cases and serious students to the university. Anthropology Professor Norman Sauer’s current investigation at the campus lab could reopen a 7-year-old missing person case.

Lot fate left up to council

Lansing - An East Lansing developer tried Tuesday to sweeten its late bid to buy a city-owned downtown lot by adding an extra $1 million to its offer - more than double the leading offer.But Eyde Co.’s $4.2 million offer won’t postpone the city council’s Monday vote on whether to accept $2.2 million for the land from developers Gary Granger and Joel Ferguson, an MSU trustee, a plan that has been in the works for nearly two years.The council is expected to vote on the issue Monday.Eyde made its original offer last week for the Triangle site, located along the Grand River at the northeast corner of Kalamazoo Street and Grand Avenue.

Nickelodeons special on same-sex parenting creates controversy

Despite a staggering 100,000 e-mails and phone calls that threatened to crash its system, Nickelodeon aired a children’s special about same-sex parents Tuesday night. The half-hour show, “Nick News Special Edition: My Family is Different,” was hosted by Linda Ellerbee, included Rosie O’Donnell as a special guest and featured comments from the Rev.

No permission

It’s time the Legislature fixes a problem that’s been making neighbors into enemies for years.

Cigarette tax hike unfair for smokers

I’d like to comment on the state Legislature’s consideration of an additional 30-cent per pack cigarette tax hike. When will our elected officials stop placing the burden of state tax revenues on the most economically disadvantaged segment of our population?

Local lawyer eyes Congress

Two underdog Democratic candidates are taking aim at area GOP congressmen. A 51-year-old East Lansing resident is challenging U.S.

Friday hat draw to rule election

Mason - Two East Lansing men who tied in the city’s school board election will draw from a hat Friday. The Ingham County Board of Canvassers certified the results of the June 10 election last week and set the date for the tie-breaker.

Lillard makes perfect Shaggy, but flick fails to deliver

Look who’s back. Yes, it is I, the one and only. I just couldn’t stay away - not when there’s a movie out that not only includes a childhood fave, Scooby-Doo, but also my arch-nemesis, Freddie Prinze Jr.

U.S. team not just happy to be there

Daejeon, Korea - Expect the unexpected they say, but who really does? Anyone who expected the United States would actually beat Portugal and then allow Poland to score two goals in less than five minutes should have their garage searched for a time-traveling device, be stripped of any magic eight balls and then be questioned by Scotland Yard. The U.S.

Nuts All-Star lineup

The Lansing Lugnutsare set to enjoy the three-day All-Star break.Lansing will have five representatives at the 2002 Midwest League All-Star Game at 7:05 p.m.

Police briefs 06/17/02

Council to discuss city developments

The East Lansing City Council is scheduled at its Tuesday meeting to vote on whether to convert Ann Street Plaza, at M.A.C.

Mason takes over new assignment

After months as an observer, legendary hockey head coach Ron Mason will assume the duties of MSU athletics director starting today.Mason, who officially begins tenure July 1, takes over for the departing Clarence Underwood.

Modern relationships outdated, people may be better off on their own

Years ago, while attending middle school, I noticed a trend - a trend that has continued, for the most part, up until now, about a decade later. All my friends, the ones with whom I played video games, sports or just plain committed small-time juvenile crimes with, were changing.

McAuliffe to stay with Spartans

Assistant coach Dave McAuliffe will be back with the Spartan hockey team next season, after being passed over for the vacant Northern Michigan head coaching job.McAuliffe, 36, was one of three finalists for the Wildcat position, but the school ultimately chose former Northern player and assistant coach Walt Kyle to succeed Rick Comley.

LBGT community, supporters rally for civil rights protection

Lansing - Michael Stemmeler is no stranger to championing for rights of the lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender community.

Diversity discussion focuses on Lansing officials resignation

A forum Sunday designed to promote understanding of different cultures turned into a discussion about whether racism was a factor in the resignation of a top official in the Lansing mayor’s office.Genice Rhodes-Reed, who helped found the Unity in Community group in 1994 and serves as its coordinator, said she was forced to resign in May from her position as director of the Human Relations and Community Service Department.“We feel she has done a wonderful job in her work with the group,” said Beth Bogue, co-facilitator for Sunday’s forum.

Cher takes over Palace, proves age doesnt matter

Auburn Hills -Once an artist reaches diva status, nothing, not time or an ever-changing industry can stop her.

E.L. library needs teens for reading

Teenagers are invited to volunteer for the East Lansing Public Library’s fifth annual Stories in the Garden this summer. Seventh- through 12th-graders will read picture books to younger children in MSU’s 4-H Children’s Garden.