Olin provides free condoms, safety tips for students

Emily Showalter, a Wonders Hall mentor, decided to participate in Olin Health Center's Condom Connection program because she wanted students to have "positive sexual health habits." "Even though the parents don't think the residents (have sex), mentors know what happens when parents aren't around," said Showalter, a general business administration and pre-law junior. According to the 2004 National College Health Assessment, 76 percent of MSU students are sexually active, which Dennis Martell, Olin health education services coordinator, defines as having intercourse. Martell helped create Condom Connection about five years ago, and since then data have shown the number of students using condoms has increased. In 2002, the health assessment showed 49 percent of students always or mostly used condoms.

'Parlour' owner opens upscale Okemos grille

Hostesses behind a polished, round front desk greet customers as they walk through the front doors of Gilbert & Blake's Seafood and Steak Grille in Okemos.

Award-winning writer to appear, sign books

Okemos author Jack Spencer will sign copies of his new novel at 6 p.m. Thursday at Schuler Books & Music at Meridian Mall in Okemos His book, "Melvin Smallman: A Tale from the Forest Floor," is a fictional story of a mouse named Melvin and his battles with an invading enemy.

MSU gets $500K grant for democracy forum

The National Endowment for the Humanities named MSU a recipient of the $500,000 challenge grant to help fund the LeFrak Forum. MSU is one of 17 grant recipients across the country.

Federal assault weapon ban expires after 10 years

Customers at Yvonne Joseph's gun shop can now purchase assault weapons equipped to hold larger amounts of bullets or that have mounted bayonets. As of Monday, Classic Arms Company, 1600 Lake Lansing Road, in Lansing, can stock its shelves with an array of gun types and accessories that have been banned for 10 years.

Time running out for drivers still owing money to state

For those caught driving without proof of auto insurance over the past year, deadlines to pay a $300 state bill are approaching. In the beginning of September, about 19,000 drivers received a bill for $300 from the Michigan's Department of Treasury under the Driver Responsibility Law passed last October.

Police briefs 09/15/04

Council debates department move

The Executive Committee of Academic Council spent the majority of their meeting Tuesday talking about where to send a proposal that would change what colleges hold the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.

Pre-trial date set for assault suspect

An MSU marketing freshman is in jail awaiting his pre-trial court date for allegedly raping a fellow student earlier this month. Travis Eichten was charged with one count of third degree criminal sexual conduct Tuesday, Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III said.

Study examines methods for safe sex, birth control

When deciding between using birth control pills or condoms to protect her during sex, Dina Tashjian, a pre-medical freshman, chooses both. "I'm not sleeping around, I have a boyfriend, but it seems safer - a double protection - to use condoms as well as pills," Tashjian said. According to a study, paid for in part by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Tashjian is right to be careful.

Gray wolf conference held on campus today

A public hearing on the endangered and threatened species status of the gray wolf's eastern U.S.

YouVote encourages students to cast ballots

MSU's nonpartisan voter task force is beginning a late push to register students for the upcoming presidential election. YouVote began the first of its five residence hall voter registration drives Tuesday in Brody Hall, and will continue until Oct.

Dunnings to discuss career at bookstore

Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III will discuss what it is like to be a prosecutor at 7:30 p.m.

Council to address E.L. rental housing restrictions

City council members will discuss an ordinance amendment at a work session tonight that establishes boundaries for neighborhoods with residents who want to limit new rental housing. The ordinance, which gives people the power to petition the council to create "residential rental restriction overlay districts," would prohibit future rental housing or limit those that already exist. The amendment would define what constitutes neighborhood lines, City Manager Ted Staton said. Without well-defined boundaries, the location of neighborhoods are "somewhat ambiguous," he said. "It makes it more clear how to draw the boundaries," he said. Signatures from two-thirds of property owners are needed in order for a petition to be considered.

New committee to meet, discuss ASMSU revisions

ASMSU will soon review its services and procedures in a committee proposed last spring. The Constitutional Convention Committee will meet to discuss MSU's undergraduate student government after they fill three committee seats reserved for at-large students. ASMSU's Steering Committee met Friday to recommend both the Student and Academic Assembly chairpersons to draft letters to college deans requesting students to sit on the committee.

Groups map out barriers

An online map indicating the accessible areas on campus was completed last week and is due to be available on the MSU Web site this month. The map project was brought to Director of the Office of Affirmative Action, Compliance, and Monitoring Paulette Granberry Russell's attention last year by Council for Students with Disabilities members.

Prof spurs student, councilmember discussion

East Lansing officials and MSU students gathered in a classroom Monday to discuss the qualities of an ideal community. Family and child ecology Professor Rosemary Walker invited city officials to speak to her class in an effort to further communication between the two groups. East Lansing City Councilmember Beverly Baten led the four-person panel of city officials, which included East Lansing City Clerk Sharon Reid, Code Enforcement Specialist Bob Dutcher and parking and code enforcement Sgt.

Sparrow CEO accepts job offer in N.C., interim president sought

Sparrow Health System President and CEO Joe Damore is leaving Lansing to take a job as president of Mission Health and Mission Hospitals in Asheville, N.C. The move comes after Damore was recruited by Mission Health, which ranks among the top 100 hospitals in the nation, he said. "It's considered a really excellent organization - a really high-quality medical community - in a beautiful location in the Blue Ridge Mountains," Damore said, adding that he has family in the Carolinas. The decision was difficult to make, he said, adding that his family has lived in Lansing for 19 years and the city holds a special place in his heart. After becoming president of Sparrow in October 1990, Damore led the health system through a series of advancements, notably the creation of a Level I Trauma Center, the only of its kind in mid-Michigan. Established in 1996, the trauma center treats seriously ill or injured people.

Olin to hold Saturday clinic appointments

Olin Health Center will hold once-monthly Saturday gynecology clinics from 10 a.m.-1p.m. Kathi Braunlich, Olin's spokeswoman, said weekend clinics have been implemented at the requests of students.

Celebration to highlight 'U' history

University officials are warning students to get ready to party with Sparty. By highlighting MSU's international and academic reputations while recognizing its lengthy history, those planning the university's 150th birthday, or sesquicentennial celebration, say the year-long soiree will be one to remember. "The events will showcase our intellectual energy," said Sue Carter, co-chairwoman for the sesquicentennial.