Earth Day Fest brings speakers, bands

Earth Day Fest invaded Ann Street Plaza on Sunday to raise environmental consciousness in the East Lansing community. E-day, in its ninth year, was sponsored by the East Lansing PRIDE Team and East Lansing merchants. It raised an awareness of environmental concerns that generally are overlooked, showcased gadgets to improve health and materials on the proper way to recycle. Teri Parks, owner of Bohemian Barber, 223 M.A.C.

Service group surprises

It was still dark when Julie Ziobro’s roommate and a friend got her out of bed and led her to Beaumont Tower around 6 a.m.

CATA to increase pass fares for fall

Capital Area Transportation Authority rates will increase for the fall semester in the

Cancer survivors relay for victory

Emily Gelbaugh laughed, sang and draped her arms over her friends’ shoulders Saturday night, while proudly displaying the words “Had it, fought it, survived it” on the back of her T-shirt.Gelbaugh was one of 17 cancer survivors who took a victory lap around the concourse area of Munn Ice Arena on Saturday night to the song “I Will Survive” as part of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.Gelbaugh, co-coordinator of MSU’s Cancer Support Network, underwent 17 rounds of chemotherapy, 27 radiation treatments and surgeries to battle a type of cancer called Ewing’s sarcoma.

Student prepares for diversity job

Posters of Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali and Tupac Shakur will grace the desk of ASMSU’s new director of racial, ethnic and progressive student affairs when he begins work in the fall.Economics sophomore Jamein Cunningham said he is excited to be a resource for diverse student groups on campus as he sat in his soon-to-be undergraduate student government office, considering how he is going to decorate the wall behind his computer.“I felt this was a very good way to get involved with ASMSU, and to serve a diverse community at Michigan State University,” said Cunningham, who was one of six applicants for the position.

Bill could help families purchase homes

Lansing - Young couples who may have trouble finding enough money for a down payment on their first house soon could receive help from the federal government. A bill co-sponsored by U.S.

Group marches against sexual assault

As Alyssa Baumann stepped up to the microphone at Beaumont Tower on Friday night, the women lingering in the field stopped their conversations and listened.

Legislators introduce plan to lower prescription costs

A proposal by three Michigan representatives would create a regional cooperative to help senior citizens purchase prescription medicines at lower cost. In a Wednesday press conference, Reps.

Campus briefs

Community health department provides grants for college mentoring programs The Michigan Department of Community Health announced earlier this month a $325,000 grant to be spread among 13 Michigan universities for the Campus Connections Program. MSU will receive $30,000. Campus Connections is a mentoring program that links incoming-freshmen volunteers with upper-class mentors.

Governor unveils alternative energy proposal

In Dearborn on Thursday, Gov. John Engler announced a plan designed to make Michigan the world leader in alternative energy. The plan includes tax benefits for companies researching the topic and a NextEnergyZone, which would be a 700-acre area near Ann Arbor where research on the topic will be centered. Much of the alternative fuel issue has centered on fuel cells in automobiles, but Engler spokeswoman Susan Shafer said the plan hopes to generate just as many advances in other everyday activities. “We’re probably not going to see it in our cars soon,” she said.

Student fills management position

Not many students can leap into a leadership position without rising through the ranks first.But Dan Kimmel has accomplished that feat.

State terrorism laws to take effect Monday

A package of bills designed to fight terrorism will officially become law Monday. The package defines the crime of terrorism in Michigan and sets penalties for any person involved, whether committing the crime, aiding the crime or impeding a law enforcement officer. State Sen.

Group forms to educate about Hindu religion

A new organization for students who want to learn about Hinduism was formed last week, despite a lack of support from students of the same racial and ethnic background.The Hindu Students Council received e-mails from Indian students who said the organization would cause conflict because of the many religions in the country.But Satish Patel, a council member, said the feedback won’t affect the group members’ purpose - to teach others about their religion and culture.“I think people don’t really think about what they say before they say it,” the human biology senior said.

Police briefs 04/19/02

Businesses struggle with E.L. taxes

An East Lansing discussion of taxes and restaurant licenses has raised the question over the role of independent businesses in the city. During Tuesday’s city council meeting, council members discussed the possible denial of license renewal for six local businesses because of taxes delinquent as of last week. Since then, the list has dropped to three businesses - Domino’s Pizza, 966 Trowbridge Road; Famous Taco, 901 Trowbridge Road; and Sidestreet Deli of East Lansing, 605 E.

Weekend events round out Black Greek Week

Black Greek Week commences this weekend. The Black Greek Unity Party will be held at 9 p.m. Friday at IM Sports-West.

Health center may get funds

The Otto Community Health Center funding may now be restored, five months after the money was cut. An additional $24 million is included in the 2002-03 School Aid budget to fund Otto and 27 other Adolescent Health Program services.

Bill to amend law for inspecting rabid dogs

In Ypsilanti in 2000, an angry dog bit a 3-year-old girl on the head - sending her to the emergency room where she received 40 stitches.Doctors worried the child had come into contact with a rabid dog.

SN editorial adviser begins work

Perry Parks knows the importance of a professional adviser.As a high school freshman, Parks, the first editorial adviser for The State News, discovered what he was most interested in - journalism.

Cancer Relay for Life begins on campus

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Munn Ice Arena and will continue until 10 a.m.