Harassment suit filed against former city council member

Former Lansing Councilmember Lou Adado is being sued for $3.5 million for sexual harassment. Heather Eman, a Lansing City Council receptionist, filed suit against Adado on Wednesday. The lawsuit, which also names the city and the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association, where Adado is chief executive officer, seeks damages for lost earnings, loss of career opportunities and emotional distress. Council Vice President Carol Wood said Eman first stopped working in February, using her sick days and vacation time.

U hosts Victory Games

It’s a good thing it didn’t rain Friday. “I go nice and slow when it rains,” Jeannie Striedl said.

Residents worry about proposed gas line

A proposed gas pipeline to be installed along Interstate 96 in south Lansing has residents and public officials worried about the possibility of the gas leaking into the local groundwater.About 25 people spoke to the Lansing City Council at its Monday meeting about the pipeline, including a large majority of residents and two representatives from the Lansing Board of Water and Light who were opposed to the project.Wolverine Pipe Line Co., 2691 Lake Lansing Road, wants to replace a 65-year-old, 8-inch diameter pipeline with a 12-inch pipeline that would run for about 26 miles along I-96, but residents near the highway are worried about gas contaminating the area’s water supply.Jim Roth, the manager of Lansing’s Planning and Neighborhood Development Department, said the company was originally looking at two different options after the Michigan Public Service Commission denied permission to build the new pipeline in Meridian Township, citing safety concerns.The first plan would have the pipeline run along I-96, but would veer off in a few locations; the second plan would have it run nearly all of the pipeline’s length along the highway.When the company finalized its application to the Michigan Public Service Commission, they chose the plan that stayed along I-96, Roth said.The pipeline would be 4-feet deep for most of its length, Roth said.“I’ve testified in front of the Michigan Public Service Commission,” he said.

Black lights, security help catch fake IDs

It’s not as easy as it used to be for underage students to sneak into East Lansing bars. Technology and increased interaction between community bars and the East Lansing Police Department means tighter security. Black lights check for problems with licenses and ensure the hologram on Michigan licenses is real, The Peanut Barrel Restaurant general manager Eric Skusa said. “It will pick up discrepancies,” he said.

Local police provide tips for vehicle protection

Education senior Valerie Deininger’s black Saturn will not be in her driveway anymore. The car was stolen from her home around 4 a.m.

New cub bearing it at zoo

Lansing - Tommy Bell ran with excitement from the petting zoo to the display that held Potter Park Zoo’s newest arrival. “I’ve seen a baby bear cub, I’ve seen a baby bear cub, it’s so cute, it’s so cute,” the 8-year-old Haslett resident said. The zoo, 1301 S.

Legislation to require registry for child care

Dwayne Sortor, a history senior and parent, won’t leave his child with just anyone.“You’re trusting your children to someone,” he said.

Takeover of arts program concerns some

East Lansing resident Sally Gilmore looks forward to her East Lansing Recreation & Arts water color class every week.“I’m learning something I’ve always wanted to learn,” she said.

Families to determine whether to exhume childs body

Ingham County Medical Examiner Dean Sienko revoked a court petition Monday to exhume the body of a 13-year-old boy who authorities believe may have been switched with his friend. Sienko said the body will be exhumed with the consent of the victim’s family members. “Upon further review, we decided we don’t have to go through the courts,” he said.

Professor appointed to city council

Friends, family and supporters of an MSU professor waited for more than three hours to see the newest member of the Lansing City Council sworn in Monday night.Saturnino Rodriguez, or “Nino” as he is called by friends and fellow council members, was officially sworn in for the at-large council member spot left open by the resignation of Lou Adado.An election will be held in November to permanently fill the seat.

Facility aids safety

“This is a new facility which is supposed to be dedicated to research - Research on materials, pavements, and structures.” said Rigoberto Burgueño, assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and director of the new Civil Infrastructure Laboratory.

U to begin new project

Leiann Mensinger didn’t set out in her college career to discover if attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder actually occurred in adolescents and adults. “I wouldn’t say at the outset it was at the top of my list,” the clinical social work graduate student said of the ailment.

Police briefs 05/15/02

Locals to visit China, add sister city

MSU faculty and members of several local Lansing groups will travel to China to exchange research methods and form a sister-city bond.

Students have mixed feelings about dorms in summer

About 300 students unloaded their clothes, alarm clocks, computers and minifridges from cars, trucks, trailers and minivans this weekend, carrying the items to their new rooms.Mason, Abbot and Owen Graduate halls are the only dorms offering housing for students taking summer classes.No-preference sophomore Alyse Cleaver and her friends on the MSU crew team moved into Abbot Hall on Thursday.Cleaver, who previously lived in Wonders Hall, said moving in without elevators made it difficult.The dorm doesn’t offer elevator service in the three-floor building.Cleaver also had problems with older dorms’ bathrooms.“It’s hard to adjust to the community bathrooms,” she said.But Cleaver’s friend, communication sophomore Lauren Hamel, disagreed, saying the bathrooms are not that bad.

Families await judges decision to exhume body in possible mix-up

Antonio Planas The State News A judge will decide whether or not to exhume the body of Kyle Karp to determine if he was switched with his friend Thomas Schneider. The decision is scheduled for today, but Ingham County Medical Examiner Dean Sienko said he thinks it will be postponed. Sienko is currently conducting an investigation on events that occurred the night of April 6, 2001, when a drunken driver killed Karp and Schneider, both 13-years-old, as they were walking home from a skate park on Lake Lansing Road.

Rezoning manufactured housing gives schools, city officials hope for profit

By Katie Byrne The State News In a move to rezone a manufactured housing development to bring more students and taxes to East Lansing, city officials say “everybody wins.” Bob Owen, East Lansing’s planning and zoning administrator, said building 453 single-family homes on 278 acres currently zoned for manufactured homes would reach a broader market. “This will be more attractive for first-time home owners,” Owen said.

GEU contract increases pay, benefits

One hundred and eighty-seven members of the Graduate Employees Union voted in favor for the ratification of the first contract developed by the union and the university Tuesday.

Eatery opens shop in E.L.

By Katie Byrne The State News A new restaurant rounds out the soon-to-be completed City Center Project with its non round bagels. Cos

U may use Cheney visit to lure students

MSU officials may use the appearance of Vice President Dick Cheney at graduation as a promotional tactic to entice prospective students. MSU spokesman Terry Denbow said that the university could use Cheney’s visit to promote the university in brochures as well as the alumni magazine.