To inform citizens about the importance of knowing one’s HIV status, the Michigan Department of Community Health, or MDCH, recognized Sunday’s National HIV Testing Day. Across Michigan, there are more than 18,000 people diagnosed with HIV. About 4,000 of that number are unaware they have the virus and could spread the disease without understanding the complications.
Barbara Conley, an MSU cancer specialist, was selected to be the new associate director of the Cancer Diagnosis Program at the National Cancer Institute, or NCI, in Maryland. Conley will leave in mid-August after serving about five years as the chief of MSU’s Division of Hematology and Oncology, a position that enabled her to oversee projects at MSU, such as the development of the Clinical Cancer Research Center and the MSU Breslin Cancer Center.
Lansing resident Lori James gave her 9-year-old son, Daniel, his first $10 to spend but said he could only have it if he spent it wisely. Walking around the booths, activities and attractions Saturday afternoon at the Delta Rocks! Family Festival, at Sharp Park, 1401 Elmwood Road, in Lansing, Daniel James did a scan of everything before he chose what to buy. The annual festival was held Saturday afternoon from noon to 6 p.m. and showcased dozens of free, family-friendly activities, including a petting zoo, games, face painting, a business expo, concessions and pony rides.
In observance of the Fourth of July holiday, the MSU Museum will be closed July 3 through July 5. The museum will resume operation July 6, with regular hours from 9 a.m.
The Tri-County Bicycle Association’s 30th annual Women on Wheels bicycle tour will be held 7 a.m. July 24 at Mason High School, 1001 S. Barnes St., in Mason. The organization expects more than 500 women, men and children to ride country roads southeast of the Lansing area.
At a network reception with 65 other teams of finalists and about 250 people in the profession, political theory and constitutional democracy senior Maria Bianchi and political theory and constitutional democracy senior Laura Kovacek were announced as the winners on June 10. The top six teams were invited to go to Washington, D.C. during Media Scholars Week, where they meet individuals who work for advertising and marketing with companies such as Facebook, Google and CNN.
Although a three-day strike of local American Red Cross union workers did little to significantly impact blood donations, there is an increased need for certain blood types at this time, said Monica Stoneking, communications manager for the American Red Cross’ Great Lakes Region. Locations across campus, including Wednesday’s blood drive at the MSU Physical Plant, continue accepting volunteers willing to donate.
200 classes began at MSU on Wednesday as part of 4-H Exploration Days — a pre-college program designed for career exploration and hands-on learning experiences. About 2,500 students from across the state participated with ages ranging from 11-19. The sessions span a variety of categories, such as aerospace, animal and veterinary science, environmental education and outdoor adventure challenge.
Enviro-weather, an MSU-sponsored website that collects weather-related data for agricultural workers, is attempting to find private donors to counteract a $40,000 budget deficit due to state cuts in the university’s funding. If the deficit is not filled, some of the 64 statewide weather stations might have to close or reduce services.
As the university eliminates landlines in residence halls, the MSU Department of Residence Life and the MSU police are increasing the number of emergency green light phones across campus. The Green Light Telephone System involves telephones strategically placed across campus on walkways, roads, parking areas, and buildings, including the Natural Science Building, Bessey, Berkey and Wells halls. They are soon to be installed on every floor of each residence hall.
With the recent economic downturn, developers have had to take measures to make sure their land will sell. An attempt to rezone land in East Lansing, to be voted on July 20, was discussed by the East Lansing City Council on Tuesday night. Caddis Development Group, LLC is requesting to rezone a property located at 1525 W. Lake Lansing Road from restricted office business district to retail sale business district.
MSU veterinarians are taking part in a study to combat several types of cancers found in dogs, which researchers said could help improve treatments for humans. The From Bark to Bedside project is a two-year, $5.3 million study focusing on the genetics that cause cancer in breeds of canines. The project is being led by the Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids, and will focus on five cancers between five to 10 different dog breeds.
To help deal with about 14 million annual transactions, all Michigan Secretary of State offices are accepting Discover and MasterCard payments at the counter. In addition to new credit card options, branch office customers also can pay with cash or check.
The 10th annual Delta Rocks! Family Festival will take place from 12-6 p.m. Saturday at Sharp Park, 1401 Elmwood Road, in Lansing. The festival will feature numerous activities, including chalk art, clowns, pony rides, a petting zoo, a rock climbing wall, crafts, kids’ bingo, face painting, an obstacle course, a business expo and many more games.
A Brys Estate Wine Dinner featuring winemaker Coenraad Stassen will be held 7-9 p.m. Thursday in The State Room at Kellogg Center. The Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery is a Michigan-based 32-acre vineyard with more than 28,000 vines.
July 6 is the final day for Michigan citizens to register to be able to vote in the Aug. 3 primaries. Voters must be at least 18 years old by election day, U.S. citizens, residents of Michigan and residents of the city or township in which they wish to vote.
Two construction projects in downtown East Lansing will continue throughout much of the summer. Construction on the Division Street Parking Ramp, or Colorful Parking Ramp, began Monday and will include replacement of the steel stairwells, re-pouring of concrete and improvements to the window sealants. Construction also will continue outside the East Lansing Marriott at University Place east plaza.
After more than four years at the bottom of the list, Michigan has shed the dubious distinction of being the state with the highest unemployment rate in the country. Nevada took the top spot for the month of May with 14 percent unemployment, according to a report released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a federal organization that tracks labor economics and other statistics. Michigan had the second-highest rate with 13.6 percent unemployment, followed by California with 12.4 percent.
Lansing’s Old Town puckered up for the SMOOCH! Project at the Perspective2 Studio, 319 E. Grand River Ave., in Lansing, on Tuesday in an effort to reduce violence through human affection. The SMOOCH! Project is a documentary record of the human demonstration to willingly share and welcome love and affection with no regard to social, economic or political boundaries.
The Ronald McDonald House is a building that can house up to eight families at once, said Lisa Gnass, Ronald McDonald House of Mid-Michigan executive director. The house celebrated its 10th anniversary of operation Tuesday afternoon in Lansing. The anniversary event featured an open house for the public, refreshments and a silent auction. Additionally, leaders from the Lansing community, such as state Rep. Joan Bauer, D-Lansing, gathered to speak.