Local teacher competes in Ironman preliminaries

After swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles and running 26.2 miles in less than 14 hours, 36-year-old Casey Bain had completed her goal.

E.L. Planning Commission approves new building plan

Corey Partnership developers said they "burned the midnight oil" last week, adjusting their vision for the corner of Bailey Street and Grand River Avenue to comply with city and neighborhood requests. Their work paid off Wednesday night when the East Lansing Planning Commission, which previously voted against the development, recommended its approval, 7-2. The issue will go before city council on Oct.

Police warn 'U' about callers

Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth expressed concern this week with organizations calling residences and claiming to raise money for the sheriff's department. Meanwhile, on campus, an early morning whispering caller is posing as women's friends or boyfriends, making obscene comments and attempting phone sex. In a statement Wednesday, Wriggelsworth said a recent flood of misleading calls are telemarketers claiming to support law enforcement, promising better community protection or "fixing" minor violations. Similarly, the East Lansing Police Department never does fund-raising by phone, East Lansing police Capt.

Police briefs 09/24/04

Bill to regulate imported trash

A bill, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, that would allow Michigan to regulate the amount of trash imported from Canada, is moving through the U.S.

Meeting to address recent sexual assaults

An emergency meeting will be held Monday to discuss the recent sexual assaults occurring on campus. The meeting will held at 8:30 p.m.

Gay marriage ban opposed

The Michigan Education Association announced its opposition to Michigan's gay marriage constitutional amendment on Wednesday because of negative effects it would have on the bargaining rights of public employees. The state constitutional amendment, known as Proposal 2, would define marriage as the union of one man and one woman and forbid the state to recognize other unions.

Police briefs 09/23/04

Flint doctor to host child learning lecture

MSU will host an informational seminar Thursday geared toward helping children with learning and behavioral problems. Dr. Bradley Habermehl of Flint will present the Sensory Learning Program from 7-9 p.m.

Recent rape cases at 'U' raise issue of assault reports

A series of alleged rapes on MSU's campus has brought the process of handling reported sexual assaults recent publicity. After a sexual assault is reported, a variety of counselors, detectives and prosecutors are called into action, as an original police report branches out to various departments across the university and community, officials said. An overwhelming number of sexual assaults are not reported at all, both nationally and at MSU, said Dennis Martell, Olin Health Center health educator. Many people who have been assaulted but have not made reports come to Olin Health Center's HIV Education, Testing and Counseling Program, Martell said. "They want to find out what has happened anonymously," Martell said. If Olin workers suspect a student has been sexually assaulted, they offer themselves as a gateway to other services, such as counseling, Martell said. "Often people don't seek counseling for months or even years," said Holly Rosen, director of MSU Safe Place.

Accidents result from Direct Action demonstration

An anti-war protest was the site of a minor car accident and an alleged tire slashing at the intersection of Michigan and Harrison avenues Tuesday evening. The protest and march, organized by local group Direct Action, left Fountain Square at M.A.C.

Cuddle a critter event held today at Kellogg

Peoples' relationships with their pets will be discussed at the fourth annual MSU Human-Animal Bond Initiative conference Thursday and Friday at the Kellogg Center. The conference, titled "The Science Behind our Relationship with Animals: Cuddle a Critter and Call Me in the Morning," will help attendees understand how humans who interact with animals find enrichment in their lives. The event is sponsored by the MSU College of Nursing, the MSU Human-Animal Bond Initiative and the MSU School of Social Work.

Student wins iPod

Accounting and premedical junior Andrew Thompson won a green iPod Mini just for doing his homework. Thompson was the 100,000th student to log in to LearningOnline Network Computer-Assisted Personalized Approach, or LON-CAPA, an online course-management program. "When I got the e-mail, I thought it was a joke," Thompson said.

Group earns $15K in scholarships

Critical thinking won a team of four MSU graduate students first place and $15,000 in scholarships at the National Student Case Competition. The winning team, comprised of Akilah Ellis, Carlos Johnson, Laith Maddur and Kendall Sykes, were recognized Saturday at the 26th annual National Black MBA Association Conference in Houston. "We bonded very well as a team," said Maddur, a finance and supply chain management graduate student.

Applying online saves 'U' time

More students applied online for admission at MSU this year than ever before, making up more than half of all applications. For 2004, 52.3 percent of all applications submitted were done online, said Jim Cotter, senior associate director of admissions and scholarships.

Student rep openings bring forth outside applicants to committees

After spending funds on advertising and exhausting other efforts to fill Academic Governance committees, ASMSU has filled 32 of 34 student representative seats.

Halls hold safety meeting after recent attacks

In the days and weeks following an increase in reported sexual assaults on campus, MSU officials, student organizations and students say they're reacting by improving awareness and safety. About 75 students from Emmons and Butterfield halls attended a mandatory meeting on personal safety Monday night. "We wanted to educate students and allow them to ask the experts questions," Emmons Hall Resident Director Qiana Smith said. A majority of the attendees were men, said Jayne Schuiteman, personal safety coordinator for the MSU Women's Resource Center. "Female safety is not just a female issue," Sexual Assault Program counselor Barb Walkington said.

Canines, owners enjoy a little paddle at Hawk Island

Lindsey Poisson Special for The State News Lansing - Great Danes, poodles, terriers, and dogs of different breeds and sizes from the Lansing area went for a dip at the beach Friday. As part of the Friends of Greater Lansing Dog Parks' biannual "Dog Paddle," held on Hawk Island County Park's beach, dogs and owners alike waded into the water to splash and socialize. "The dogs are playing and having fun and getting their exercise," said dog owner Jennifer Kirby.

Video To Go brings rental options to Union

The newest branch of a Frandor Shopping Center video store has set up shop on campus. Video To Go has expanded from its current location to room 107 in the Union.

Economy, job market might affect student votes

Sen. John Kerry has promised to stimulate the economy and create new jobs. President Bush said he already has done that. Kerry pledged to reduce outsourcing of jobs to other countries.