Olin offers needle-free flu vaccinations, survival packs

As cold and flu season heads into full gear, the MSU community is working to fight the contagious infections.The Olin Allergy and Immunization Clinic is offering flu vaccinations in shot and needle-free versions.In the meantime, Olin Health Center and the Residence Halls Association distributed 5,000 free cold and flu "survival packs" this week containing hand sanitizer, one-use thermometers and various other preventative products."The packs are an extremely responsible way to use money and will help students who are affected by cold and flu," said Dennis Martell, the interim health education coordinator at Olin.Martell said the pack initiative is one of the first of many data-driven programs soon to come from Olin health advocates.

Grill struggles with location

More than three months after opening in the Northern Tier, Maggy's Sports Grill remains the only bar and restaurant combination in the area - battling safety concerns and a thriving downtown bar scene.

ACLU defends student

John Swift lay sleeping in his bed Saturday night of Welcome Weekend while his roommate Drew Thomas tried to keep students away from their house. In fear of being suspected of partying, Thomas and his friends attempted to keep mass crowds walking down M.A.C.

Simon says maintain liberal arts programs

MSU Provost Lou Anna Simon is campaigning to keep liberal arts and sciences in MSU's future.Three discussions will be held in the next month to consider the programs in light of anticipated budget reductions."It's important to have intellectual framework for moving forward; to get the ideas and approaches from faculty, so that as we deal with budget reductions, we have a firm intellectual foundation on which to proceed," Simon said.The first discussion will take place at the Kellogg Center on Monday, Nov.

APASO presents Taste of Asia in Holden tonight

It's a little less than a feast and a little more than a smattering. This year's Taste of Asia will be held today at 8 p.m.

Council awarded 10-percent pay increase

A 10-percent pay increase went into effect Nov. 1 for East Lansing City Council members. It's the first increase since 1999.

Police briefs 11/06/03

'U', Penn State out for blood

Brandon Bartoszek's eyes grew and then relaxed Wednesday afternoon as the needle approached the underside of his forearm and pierced the skin.It is the sixth time the urban and regional planning sophomore has donated blood since his start in high school.

'U' faculty, Mich. teachers return from Nepal

Jay Rodman is going to have a lot of picture-sorting to do.Rodman, special projects coordinator for MSU's Office of International Studies and Programs, was part of the group of 10 Michigan K-12 teachers and four MSU faculty and staff who traveled to Nepal last month.

Panel backs admissions ruling

A panel of lawyers, legislators and school officials met at the MSU-DCL College of Law Building on Wednesday to support affirmative action and educate people to fight for it in Michigan. Hosted by the Wolverine Student Bar Association/Black Law Students Association at MSU-DCL, the discussion "Affirmative Action: Is It Still Necessary?" examined the issue from legal, political and social perspectives. Music composition graduate student Harold Cowherd, who attended the discussion, said he was dissatisfied by MSU officials' lack of comment on affirmative action.

CNN hosts plan visit to Mich.

Arguably, two of the nation's most visible political analysts are coming to Michigan on behalf of MSU's Michigan Political Leadership Program. James Carville and Tucker Carlson, two co-hosts of CNN's "Crossfire," will speak at the Laurel Manor in Livonia on March 4 and the Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids on March 5 for fund-raising events that will benefit the program. Shannon Horvath, program administrator for the Michigan Political Leadership Program, said the program is geared toward people already in the workforce who dream of becoming political leaders in Michigan. "We train and inspire tomorrow's political leaders," she said.

CATA transports health care to Lansing

Lansing - Buses weren't the only thing receiving maintenance checks at the Capital Area Transportation Authority Transportation Center on Wednesday. The center, located at 420 S.

Mayor, Bernero to join forces

While the race for mayor in Lansing was a six-month campaign, the city might not have as much time to brace itself for future state cuts. And after months of fierce campaigning and public arguments, Mayor Tony Benavides and state Sen.

Auction to benefit area foster children

Members of Caring About Kids and the Michigan Family Independence Agency will auction, raffle and sell donated items today to benefit Ingham County children in foster care.

Lansing gallery to host free concert

The Otherwise Gallery will host musical act The Rachanee at 7 p.m. Friday. The concert is part of the eclectic music program of the nonprofit gallery, located at 1207 Turner St.

Officers train to help prevent crime

Fifteen police officers and one regional loss-prevention manager united on campus this week to learn more about crime-prevention techniques and bring resources back to their communities around Michigan.Randy Tripp, associate director of the Michigan Drug Abuse Resistance Education Training Center, said the weeklong session is the first time this type of basic prevention school has been in Michigan."Having police officers come in gives them additional skills to recognize situations in their community," Tripp said.The MSU School of Criminal Justice Five-Day Basic Crime Prevention School began Monday and will continue through Friday, addressing a variety of different topics from a multi-faceted approach.Presentations are based on problem-solving, stimulating communication skills, public-speaking skills, problem-based learning and technical assistance from a community-based focus, Tripp said.The school was organized by The Michigan Regional Community Policing Institute at MSU in partnership with the Crime Prevention Association of Michigan.Despite the opportunity offered to statewide law enforcement officers, security personnel, school resource officers, crime-prevention practitioners and private-industry personnel, only 16 of the 24 available spots were filled for the training session.Officers from the Detroit, Flint and Grand Rapids areas were in attendance, but no local officers had registered to attend weeklong crime-prevention school."There's many different reasons why there may not be as many local people here," Tripp said.

Police briefs 11/05/03

Gov. tours state for budget ideas

From staff and wire reports Traverse City - Early releases of prison inmates and a freeze on hiring state troopers were among the surprises Gov.

'U' opens abroad program in Nicaragua

MSU students who hope to study abroad but want a taste of it before committing to an entire semester will have another option.A new week-long program in Nicaragua will be offered through the MSU Office of Study Abroad starting in the spring.

Mongolian Barbeque to fund Make-A-Wish

MSU assistant hockey coach Tom Newton and his wife Eve will make their debut as grillers from 6 to 9 p.m.