Sorority raises money for legal defense fund

The women of Delta Sigma Theta want people to open their pockets. The sorority recently began fund-raising efforts to assist the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Inc. to aid residents of the small town of Tulia, Texas. Last summer, 46 Tulia, Texas residents were arrested as part of a drug sting conducted by a special police officer brought in by the Cochran County Police Department. Of those arrested, 40 were black, three were Mexican, and three were whites in interracial relationships. According to the video, the officer had no tangible evidence to convict the citizens, except for his handwriting on his leg that he wrote during a drug deal. "I was surprised that they didn't have any evidence against them, and the only thing they had was him writing on his leg," merchandising management sophomore Glenda Olivache said. Standing in front of the room handing out brochures and pledge sheets, social relations senior Malaika Ward urged everyone to persuade as many people as they can to donate money. "And what's the word we're going to use?" asked Ward, social action chair for the sorority. "Tax-deductible," the audience responded in unison. Several residents are still incarcerated.

Police briefs 02/11/03

'U' group helps community

The calendar is always full for MSU Habitat for Humanity. Members of the community service organization travel across the Lansing area to read stories to children, nursing home residents and other individuals three times a week. Then there's the Book Buddies Valentine Party coming up this Friday. And members started building a house last fall that's almost done. MSU's chapter of Habitat for Humanity was established on campus in 1991.

Faculty to be awarded today at ceremony

Communication professor Frank Boster wishes his mentors could see him receive his Distinguished Faculty Award. "I wish they had been around to see that the time they invested in me wasn't a waste," Boster said, remembering his former MSU professors who recently died.

Legislators rally for lower drug costs

Lansing - State lawmakers are introducing legislation that would reduce prescription drug costs for seniors and uninsured citizens. A series of bills in both houses attempts to assist senior citizens on Medicaid and low-income families on Medicare or without insurance. Earlier this month, Rep.

Parents question cuts for E.L. elementary

After touring Spartan Village Elementary School, Mark Luebker said he knew East Lansing was the place to raise a family."We were just blown out of our socks by (the school)," he said.But as he joined about 150 parents at a school board meeting Monday to raise concerns over the troubled budget, he said he doesn't understand why the district's leadership is making cuts."I'm mad," Luebker said.

More students volunteering overseas with Peace Corps, according to national study

More Spartans are volunteering overseas. The MSU Peace Corps is ranked seventh in the nation in terms of the number of volunteers serving abroad, a jump from last year's rating, which put MSU in 14th place.

Board to decide fate of department, Spartan Stadium upgrades

The possible split of a language department, the restoration of Marshall Hall and improvements to Spartan Stadium are on this month's MSU Board of Trustees meeting agenda.The meeting will be held at 9 a.m.

Nature center hosts 'Owl Prowl'

Delta Twp. - While many of Mid-Michigan's animals may be in hibernation awaiting the first signs of spring, Woldumar Nature Center, 5739 Old Lansing Road, remains open. A variety of programs aimed at educating people of all ages to nature gives visitors firsthand experience. One program, "Owl Prowl," allows visitors the opportunity to observe owls on the five miles of trails on Woldumar's property and learn about their natural habitats. "The premise of 'Owl Prowl' is to expose people to owls and show what owls are doing this time of year," Program Director Bridget Booth said.

Glitch delays launch of new e-mail system

A new MSU e-mail Web site has been delayed due to a glitch in the software, computer lab officials said.The system, which would make Telnet e-mail access obsolete, will hopefully be launched before spring break, interim computer lab director Tom Davis said.Davis said the system's problem arose last week and needs to be fixed before students and faculty can access their revamped e-mail accounts.

Buddhists celebrate Chinese New Year

Drums, chopsticks and candles helped ring in the Chinese New Year on Saturday at the Spartan Village Community Center.

Indian dance team takes 1st place at Toronto competition

A group of MSU dancers has claimed top honors at an international dance competition. The MSU Sitare Punjab de Bhangra dance team took first place in the seventh annual Bhangra Nation World University Competition.

Capitol update

Murphy seeks Legislature to increase organ donors In an effort to increase organ donation in Michigan, Rep.

Israeli official speaks at Hillel

David Roet, deputy consulate General of Israel, spent his first trip to Michigan at the Annual Conference on Israel at MSU's Hillel Jewish Student Center on Friday."I'm pretty accustomed to the snow and cold weather," he said laughing.During his visit, Roet addressed Israeli issues and concerns with students at Central Michigan University, Gov.

FBI, police agencies appear at career fair

The School of Criminal Justice is hosting its annual career fair from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday in Big Ten Rooms A and B in Kellogg Center. The fair is sponsored by the American Criminal Justice Association, Alpha Phi Sigma and the Criminal Justice Honor Society in collaboration with the school.

Concert gives 'U' taste of poetry, jazz

Dawn Counts knows what it feels like to be a kid again.Standing behind the microphone, the law student compared a significant other to the joys of childhood.

Business students place well in contest

Five master of business administration students took second place honors at Wake Forest University's annual Babcock MBA Marketing Case Competition held Jan.

Police briefs 02/10/03

Relay For Life gets fraternities, sororities walking for awareness

Standing atop a wooden platform, Bindi Patel asked Roberto Alcantar to wear a pink poster on his back and walk around Munn Ice Arena. "I can't wear it!

'U' profs win community service award

Lansing - Two MSU professors have been awarded the 2003 Diana Award recognizing women in the area who lend their time and knowledge to community service and professional achievements. The first winner, Margaret Aguwa, is a professor and chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine in the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. The second award recipient, Karen Williams, is an assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology in the MSU College of Human Medicine. Both women have participated in events that had a positive effect on women and children as well as working toward the elimination of racism in the community. "I was very excited when I heard that I had received the award," Williams said. Williams was nominated by Helena Dubose, general manager of WXLA (1180-AM). She nominated Williams because of her great involvement in many community groups.