Beneficial ban

The Ingham County Board of Commissioners’ made the right decision Tuesday in passing a ban on smoking in most county businesses. The proposal was passed by a vote of 11-2, and would require businesses that allow smoking to create a separate room with ventilation directed to the outside. Enforcement of the proposal will be done on a by complaint basis. Originally, bars, bingo halls and restaurants were a part of the smoking ban proposal, but they were excluded after owners of such establishments argued the smoking ban would negatively impact business. We agree.

U lacked desire in loss

Spartan head coach Tom Izzo could point fingers in a lot of directions following Tuesday’s 63-61 loss to No.

SPORTS UPDATE: Spartans downed in overtime at Penn State

State College, Pa. - Nearly everything went wrong Thursday for the MSU women’s basketball team as it lost 62-59 to Penn State.The Spartans played 40 strong minutes of basketball for the first time in awhile, but the problem came when the game went to overtime.Trailing by 10 points midway through the second half, the Spartans surged back.

E.L. development troubling for some shops

Like many college students, Ray Walsh needed a way to pay for his MSU education. Unlike some students, he chose not to sell plasma every week.

Life-like sculptures to liven up Lansing

Works of art by a renowned artist will be prominently displayed in Lansing this summer. The Sculpture in the Streets program will bring 15 life-size statues, made of bronze by J.

Comedian speaker to discuss civil rights movement

Dick Gregory will speak about “Entertainers in the Civil Rights Movement” at 4 p.m.

Students create childrens video

Laura and Robert Sams looked full of excitement as they playfully discussed their past achievements and future plans. Robert, a zoology senior, and his sister Laura, an agricultural and natural resources communication and education graduate student, wrote, directed and edited a video based on their cousins’ bestselling children’s book “Stranger in the Woods.” The authors of the book, Carl Sams and Jean Stoick, were inspired to make a movie after taking a video camera along with them to the woods during their photo shoots for the book, Robert said.

Junior college linebacker visits E.L., takes in game

The MSU football program could receive another commitment for the 2002 recruiting class. But unlike the 19 players who have already given MSU football head coach Bobby Williams the nod, Derrick Pope, a 6-foot-1, 218-pound sophomore linebacker from Garden City Community College in Kansas, would add some hits to the offensively heavy class.

Valentine haters, look no further than sweet, sweet escapism

Once upon a time, I was in love. During that relationship, that special girl and I spent our Valentine’s Day making googly eyes at each other and forcing people who didn’t have anyone to feel like crap, as they were forced to deal with our exquisite happiness. But now, I too have joined the ranks of those who are single on this special and depressing day.

City employees, students donate blood to Red Cross

Melissa Telfer reclined in a blue cot Wednesday, her left arm sitting on a small table. The red pump of a blood pressure indicator rested near her hand and a nurse questioned her while cleaning the crook of her arm with a cotton swab. “I’m a little nervous,” the city employee said.

Financial associate banking on giving Whitmer challenge

Gretchen Whitmer has her first challenger.Larry Ward, a Williamston Republican, announced Wednesday he’s taking on East Lansing’s Whitmer, hoping to capture the 70th district state House seat.“I have 18 years worth of experience in real working situations,” said Ward, a 40-year-old financial services associate who announced his candidacy at an MSU College Republicans meeting.The official filing deadline for candidates is still months away and as a result, Whitmer, like many incumbents, has yet to begin her re-election campaign.

Truth in stereotypes doesnt justify them

In her letter to the editor, Ellen Conser points out a certain widespread stereotype recently used in a movie poster is based upon some fact (“Stereotype contains factual information,” SN 1/11). All stereotypes are based loosely upon some small grain of truth, they are just tremendous exaggerations of these tiny bits of truth. A venture onto the World Wide Web reveals every U.S.

Students seek multicultural center building

Located in a quiet corner in the Union basement is a small facility where minority students have an opportunity to study, socialize and hold weekly meetings. But many students are unaware of the Multicultural Center, which opened in January 1999. On Wednesday, representatives from the Council of Racial Ethnic Students, or CORES, met with the MSU Board of Trustees in an effort to change that situation by proposing plans for a multicultural center building to be included in the 2020 Vision plan. 2020 Vision, the university’s master plan, was approved by the trustees in December.

Goalie gives commitment

MSU’s commitment list swelled to five when Northville goaltender Justin Tobe pledged to the Spartans. The 5-foot-11, 157-pounder plays for the Compuware Ambassadors of the North American Hockey League.

Lions next for Spartans

The MSU women’s basketball team’s goal is still to play in the NCAA Tournament. But another Big Ten loss would secure a losing conference record, therefore the Spartans (15-9 overall, 5-8 Big Ten) must run the table to keep realistic postseason hopes alive.

Senate OKs controversial Great Lakes drilling ban

A decades-old practice of directional drilling in the Great Lakes is likely coming to an end.The state Senate voted 28-5 Wednesday to ban oil drilling under the lakes.Sen.

Web site aims to help small businesses train employees

The state is reaching out to small businesses.The Michigan Department of Career Development has developed the online training program BeeFreeway, under the partnership of Michigan Virtual University and Netg, a division of Thomson Publishing, an e-learning business.Programs in business leadership and teamwork are offered for all businesses, but companies with 25 or fewer employees can use the program for free.“If we help the small businesses who really are the backbone of our economy, why don’t we help them upgrade their skills?” said Tiffany Dowling, spokeswoman for the department.The program gives small businesses a chance to give their employees training for promotions or new skills, a luxury usually not allowed in small business budgets, Dowling said.“Some employees are doing three different jobs that can’t be covered so it’s real hard for small businesses to release those workers,” she said.Small business owners partaking in the program register at the Web site, www.beefreeway.org.

Police briefs 02/14/02

MIDDAY UPDATE: McPherson wants to better serve disabled students who study abroad

Every year, students with physical or mental disabilities participate in MSU’s study abroad program.Some tell the Office of Study Abroad about their disabilities, some don’t.

ASMSU recruits U for student elections

A combination of Sparty and Uncle Sam is pictured on ASMSU’s office door, sporting a black top hat embroidered with an “S.” It points at people walking by, declaring, “We want you.” The undergraduate student government applications for its mid-March elections are due Monday. Candidates are approved to run as representatives for their colleges on ASMSU’s Academic or Student assemblies after applications are turned into 307 Student Services by 5 p.m.