Former Spartan adapts to state House

A former Spartan and one of the youngest state representatives elected to the Michigan House in November is set to begin her first week in the Legislature.It only seemed natural for Gretchen Whitmer, D-East Lansing, who’s been involved in politics ever since her days at MSU.“With term limits, I took a look at the seat,” Whitmer, 29, said of her decision to run for the position in the state House.“It’s my hometown and I care who represents us.

Bushs appointees enforce his magical myth

Picture it: a Republican National Convention with racial minorities parading on stage, a cabinet full of women and racial minorities, and sexy Latino star Ricky Martin singing at President George W.

What do U want?

I’ve always been pretty good at accepting criticism. Being a music critic, I’ve become accustomed to it.

Thieves sell valuable library books online

Libraries are on the look-out for thieves who steal rare books, cut out valuable resources and sell them on the Internet. An e-commerce site, eBay, lists more than 1,000 old and rare books in its online auctions.

Good Friday can be celebrated

I am writing in response to Eric Bjornstad’s letter about having a day off in honor of Jesus Christ (“Christ deserves day off like MLK,” SN 1/22). The last time I checked, this was a public university, not a private one.

Newly elected commissioners ready for issues

Six new faces, all Democrats, have joined the Ingham County Board of Commissioners -

Residence Life seeks director

The Department of Residence Life has a new director but it’s heading in the same direction, officials say. Cindy Helman became acting director of Residence Life in January, following the death of former director Ann Bolger. “We are all grieving the loss of Bolger, which was quite a shock for all of us,” said Kate Murphy, assistant director of Residence Life.

Goalie perfect in shutout victory

MSU played to its strengths Tuesday night at Munn Ice Arena.Rustyn Dolyny and Andrew Bogle gave the Spartans an early two-goal lead and the nation’s best defense and goaltender took care of the rest as the top-ranked Spartans notched a 3-0 win over Lake Superior State (10-17-0 overall, 6-14-0 CCHA).“If you can get two goals early on, especially at home, it makes all the difference in the world,” head coach Ron Mason said.With the win, the Spartans (21-1-4, 14-1-3) equaled the 2-year-old school record by running their unbeaten streak to 23 games (20-0-3).And sophomore goaltender Ryan Miller tied the all-time NCAA record for career shutouts with his 16th, including five in his last six starts.

Police briefs 01/23/01

Relief effort sought for quake victims

Members of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternidad Inc., a Latino greek organization, are sponsoring a relief effort for survivors of a Central American earthquake. A 7.6-magnitude quake ripped through El Salvador on Jan.

Wearing a safety belt is economical

This is in reply to Mary Krizan’s opinion in The State News (“Problems of safety belt law overlooked,” SN 1/19), which mistakenly tracked a racist plot behind the mandatory safety belt law and didn’t recognize the economic nature of the issue. Public traffic holds risks and dangers because people cause accidents.

Icers prepare for LSSU rematch, goalie could break record

If the possibility of knocking off the No. 1 team in the nation isn’t enough motivation for Lake Superior State tonight at Munn Ice Arena, they will also have revenge on their minds. Nine days ago, top-ranked MSU (20-1-4 overall, 13-1-3 CCHA) looted the Lakers on their home ice and stole four CCHA points from Sault Ste.

Sororities in search of new sisters

Armed with smiles, bright T-shirts and information about their chapters, representatives from MSU’s 16 sororities gathered Monday night in the Union Ballroom, hoping to recruit new members. Information sessions explaining greek life and giving an overview of the sorority system were held every 15 minutes.

Hannibal hits Berlin film festival

BERLIN - Ridley Scott’s “Hannibal” and a version of Fritz Lang’s 1926 silent classic “Metropolis” with a new score are among 16 world premieres scheduled at the 51st Berlin International Film Festival, to be held Feb.

Election 2000 proved politics are home grown

I was born in a small town. I went to high school in the same small town. But I don’t plan on dying in one, or ever living in one again.

First U wetland to be completed next year

MSU will soon play host to its first wetland.In collaboration with MSU’s WATER - Watershed Action Through Education and Research - the artificial wetland will be built by a new parking lot on the south side of Farm Lane near the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education.“Constructed wetlands are a widely accepted way to mitigate non-point source pollution,” said Scott Witter, chairman of the MSU Department of Resource Development.

Roberts walks away with Golden Globe, Gladiator triumphant

The Roman arena epic “Gladiator” was named best dramatic motion picture at Sunday’s Golden Globes, while “Almost Famous,” Cameron Crowe’s fictionalized story about his experiences as a teenage rock journalist in the 1970s, won best comedy film.Julia Roberts won best drama movie actress for “Erin Brockovich” and Tom Hanks won best dramatic actor for “Cast Away.”Roberts said of the real-life lawyer’s aide whose battle over water pollution inspired her film: “Erin Brockovich, the real gal, is awesome and should be a lesson that we are all powerful individuals that can make a difference in the world.”No one film dominated the night’s awards.

Relief effort sought for quake victims

Members of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternidad Inc., a Latino greek organization, are sponsoring a relief effort for survivors of a Central American earthquake.A 7.6-magnitude quake ripped through El Salvador on Jan.

Council to consider altering local traffic

The East Lansing City Council will discuss building a roundabout at the intersection of Albert Avenue and Charles Street at today’s work session. The roundabout, like those found on campus, would be built to accommodate the City Center Project that is scheduled to open in 2002.

Cagers consider NBA

The only thing elevating more than Jason Richardson dunking over opponents this season could be his professional stock as an NBA prospect. Richardson is averaging 16 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists this season and has scored in double figures in 14 of No.