Exhibit offers healing outlet

When faced with an almost overwhelming family ordeal, John Magnan decided to turn pain into art.After his wife, Mary, was diagnosed with an advanced stage of ovarian cancer in April 1999, the professional sculptor and New Bedford, Mass., native began crafting various artistic works to help him cope with her illness."I'm an artist, and this was my way of dealing with the trauma of my wife's fairly severe diagnosis," Magnan said.The pieces eventually became the 15 compositions forming the "Body Image/Body Essence" national art exhibit tour.

Police briefs 03/11/03

New ASMSU budget reflects economy

Between $1.7 billion, $30 million and $35 in budget cuts, ASMSU chose the last option. MSU's undergraduate student government couldn't escape having to crunch budget numbers along with the MSU and state of Michigan this spring. On Feb.

Arbitration hearing between union, 'U' delayed by weather

Arbitration of a grievance between members of the Graduate Employees Union and MSU officials has been postponed.The final step of the union's grievance procedure was set to occur Wednesday, but heavy snow prevented the Southfield-based arbitrators from making the trip to East Lansing, union President Scott Henkel said.A new date has not been set."We have been talking about this for so long, since August," Henkel said.

Program faces expanding community challenges

MSU Extension's Citizen Planner, a six-part program designed to teach interested participants about facing the challenges of a growing community, begins March 19. The program will focus on the basics of planning, reviews of site plans, legalities, best practices and running productive meetings.

Council to discuss city parking issues

East Lansing officials are looking at new marketing tactics and innovative permits to attract motorists to use the city's parking system.With fewer people parking in the system, the city is looking for opportunities to improve customer convenience and efficient usage of the garages.The city council will discuss the parking budget at 6 p.m.

Forum dedicated to health care needs, problems of uninsured

A forum at noon today will address the importance of health care for the uninsured. The forum, held in Room A-133 Life Sciences Building, is part of a series of events recognizing national Cover the Uninsured Week through Friday.

Couple says 'I do' on horseback at Pavilion

Instead of cascades of white decorations in a church adorned with elaborate flower arrangements, they opted for a barn filled with hay, dirt and the occasional steaming pile of horse manure.

'Weigh In' works to fight cancer, promote healthy lifestyles in U.S.

In an effort to fight obesity and promote healthy lifestyles, Weight Watchers and the American Cancer Society held the first Great American Weigh In.Last week, events occurred around the country, including locally at Lansing's Weight Watchers, 500 N.

Capitol Update

Legislators look for replacements in case of call to active duty As the threat of war increases, state legislators are working to create a constitutional amendment to ensure a replacement for any legislator called to active military duty. The resolution states the governor would appoint a temporary replacement for the legislator during his or her military obligation. The resolution also states that the replacements must be from the same district and party as the legislators they are replacing.

Loose horse injures participants at expo

A man and woman were injured by an out-of-control horse during the Michigan Horse Council's Horse Expo 2003 at the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education on Sunday.Witnesses say something spooked the horse, causing it to go on a four-minute rampage inside the pavilion.MSU police Sgt.

Garden clubs from across Michigan to participate in show

The Lansing Home & Garden Show will take place March 13-16 at the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education.

Student group launches site

Students Protecting and Representing Education, or SPARE, has gone interactive. SPARE, a student organization focused on combating possible university cuts and tuition increases, has put its message out on the World Wide Web - hoping students will log on and sign up. "We should be taken seriously, and this is a great way to disseminate information," international relations junior Ahmed Baset said. Baset, a SPARE member, said the group's purpose is directed at all Michigan students, and the Web site is a great tool for them to learn about the group. "SPARE is representative of everyone," he said. Baset also is the director of legislative affairs for ASMSU, MSU's undergraduate student government.

Lansing City Council to honor residents

Lansing - Three tributes for hard-working members of the Lansing community will take place at the 7 p.m. city council meeting today. The council will honor John and Judith Peakes for their work on stage productions at BoarsHead Theater, 425 S.

Second speaker in series to discuss social justice issues

The MSU 2003 IDEA Coordinators presents speaker Milton J. Little Jr. on Thursday as a part of its Social Justice Series. Little is the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the National Urban League. The event will take place at 7 p.m.

Police briefs 03/10/03

Zulu baskets set for exhibit this weekend

More than 150 Zulu baskets will go on exhibit and sale today. The baskets will be on display at All Saints Episcopal Church, 800 Abbott Road, today from noon until 9 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m.

Forum informs students about cloning, bioethics

To Oscar Caballero, Wednesday night's animal biotechnology forum was a dream come true. Three years ago, the cell and molecular biology graduate student heard a presentation from the environmentalist group Greenpeace calling genetic engineering an "evil" action that messes with "Mother Nature's grand design." "People who do not have the knowledge about biotechnology come out of there thinking, 'I'm never going to allow another piece of transgenic food in my mouth again,'" Caballero said.

'U' members discuss MTV greek portrayal

Sitting among his fraternity brothers watching the debut of MTV's "Fraternity Life," Matthew Castel expressed his disgust at some of the scenes. "That's really disgusting," the electrical engineering junior, a member of Delta Tau Delta, said after a Sigma Chi Omega brother talked about defecating on the top of a toilet instead of inside the bowl on camera. Both "Sorority Life 2" and "Fraternity Life" debuted on MTV on Wednesday night.

Activists rejoice after court ruling on protests

After a Supreme Court ruling earlier this week giving protection to protesters from racketeering and extortion charges, some local protest groups are rejoicing at the decision. The case dealt with anti-abortion demonstrators that were charged with blocking clinic entrances, attacking doctors, patients and clinic staff and destroying equipment.