BREAKING NEWS: Sparty struck with about 9 cans of paint in worst attack on statue

Cleaning crews have been scrubbing Sparty since 7:30 a.m. today. The statue, which is believed to be the tallest free-standing ceramic sculpture in the world, was spray-painted blue and gold early this morning. Violet Hickey, an eight-year veteran of the hard-surface crew at MSU, said Sparty is vandalized with paint about five times a year - but never this badly. “In the eight years I’ve been here, this is the worst it’s been hit,” Hickey said.

Police briefs 01/29/02

Decision ripples through program

Ron Mason’s crossover from head hockey coach to athletics director will have profound implications for the world of Spartan hockey.

U offers free virus-protection software

As a new computer virus makes its way through computers on campus, Computer Center officials are preparing to release the latest virus protection to MSU students. Beginning today, MSU students will be able to download the 2002 version of Norton AntiVirus Professional Edition from the Computer Center’s Web site - for free. The software was obtained through a deal negotiated by Symantec, makers of Norton AntiVirus, and an academic group comprised of the Big Ten universities and the University of Chicago.

Band returns to East Lansing from New York for two shows

Josh Malerman is a huge fan of the recording studio. “When you’re recording you’re always trying to get the perfect sound,” said the vocalist and guitarist of New York-based the high strung.

Tennis sweeps three

On Saturday, the MSU men’s tennis team defeated Toledo and Dayton at home. MSU (4-0 overall, 0-0 Big Ten) easily defeated Toledo (3-3, 0-0 Mid-American Conference) with a 7-0 score. The Spartans followed it up with a 7-0 win against Dayton (0-2). The women’s team (1-1, 0-0) also defeated Toledo (1-1, 0-0) 7-0 on Saturday. Mark Hicks ‘U’ hits national stage Field hockey coach Michele Madison has been selected as an assistant coach for the U.S.

U tops U.S. in alcohol arrests

The MSU community had the highest number of liquor-related arrests in the nation. It also ranked in the top five for drug arrests in 2000, according to the U.S.

Replacement put on hold

Nobody really saw it coming, but now that hockey head coach Ron Mason has officially announced he’s vacating his post of 23 years, coaches across the country are expected to start printing out their résumés and sending them to East Lansing.Current MSU assistants Tom Newton and Dave McAuliffe have clearly stated they want the job, but those outside the Spartan hockey program face a stickier situation if they are interested.Rumors have Denver head coach George Gwozdecky, an MSU assistant from 1984-89, in the pole position for the job, but his No.

Students unaware of bills benefits

Jan. 22’s article (“Byrum discusses election reform with student Dems,” SN 1/22) quoted a student referring to last year’s elections where “students were disenfranchised,” and urging “changes and reforms so that what happened to me wouldn’t happen to anyone else.” The rest of the article detailed state Sen.

E.L. to mail residents annual budget report

East Lansing is giving its residents a flashback to 2001 - a year that marked the end of many long-awaited community development projects, but also one of troubled budgets and extensive cuts.

Mason makes difficult decision

After meeting with university officials three months ago to discuss possible candidates for athletics director, Ron Mason walked out of the meeting and everything suddenly clicked. “I walked away from that meeting and said, ‘You know, I think I’d be the right person for that position,’” Mason said.

Dumping junk

Anyone with an e-mail address knows the annoyance of receiving unsolicited advertisements every day, and any effort to lessen the frustration of junk e-mail is welcome. Michigan Attorney General Jennifer Granholm is initiating a fight against the intrusive marketing.

U students try to keep healthy despite tough months of winter

Jesse Bookless rarely gets sick. But when the history and philosophy junior does, his life turns upside down.“I have a sore throat, I get dizzy if I stand up too quick and yesterday I had the ‘dog cough,’” Bookless said.But he is trying to beat the normal seven-to-10-day virus that affects college students each year.

Candidates use Web for voter-outreach

The Internet is one of the fastest ways to get information these days, and this year’s gubernatorial candidates are taking advantage of voters’ need for speed. “It certainly makes us more accessible and more approachable,” said Democratic contender Alma Wheeler Smith, state senator from Salem Township.

ASMSU fills Human Resource positions

ASMSU’s Student Assembly applauded its new director and assistant director of Human Resources after they were appointed to the positions last week.

Super Bowl party features more cucumbers, less dip

When Super Bowl XXXVI kicks off at 6 p.m. Sunday, some will sit on a salon chair instead of a couch. Steven L.

The Count worth a shot

All the time I hear complaint after complaint. And I understand, believe me; I make my living complaining.

Decision ripples through program

Ron Mason’s crossover from head hockey coach to athletics director will have profound implications for the world of Spartan hockey.

SPORTS UPDATE: In wake of statue strike, MSU-Wolverine rivalry taken to higher level

A rivalry in men’s basketball? It seems so. MSU and Michigan square off at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Breslin Center, with both teams looking to rebound and the Wolverines excited about their prospects of beating the Spartans for the first time in four years. The Spartans (11-8, 2-4 Big Ten) have dropped the Wolverines (8-9, 3-4) seven straight times, by an average of 20.4 points. Both look at Wednesday’s game as a crucial conference contest - and the hype appears to be soaring.

Residents help E.L. see the Big Picture

Bruce Veltema took time away from seminars to sit down and have a snack.The East Lansing resident had attended a seminar on commercial development during Saturday’s Big Picture event.The Big Picture was held at Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road, and gave East Lansing residents the chance to get involved in the city’s comprehensive plan for the future.Veltema attended the event so he could see what his neighbors had to say about the issues in the community, he said.“They wanted input from the people, what we’d like to see in the future,” Veltema said.