Skate park construction underway

Lansing - After enduring a three-year struggle to bring skating to Lansing’s Ranney Park, construction on the city’s 20,382-square foot skate park begins today. But the fight to bring a world class skating facility to the community will continue for at least another three months, said Pete Bosheff, president of the Lansing Area Skate, Bike and Recreation Foundation. The $713,000 project is still in need of about $100,000, which led Bosheff and other area skaters to launch a three-month fund-raising blitz, “Project Skate: Help Us Build It.” “Just because we have an account to cover the costs doesn’t mean we don’t have to pay it back,” Bosheff said.

Police briefs 09/04/01

Llamafest fun, entertaining

The difference between a llama and a camel is obvious - a hump. But that’s not the only difference those who attended Llamafest 2001 may have discovered.The event, which was held Saturday and Sunday at the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education, gave attendees a closer look at the animals.More than 200 llamas were on display for the public to view and learn about.The event also gave owners a chance to display their llamas, sell them and give the public an appreciation for the diverse animal.“It’s like going to the zoo, kids love it,” said Bob Macauley who runs Paradise Ranch, a llama farm in Mecosta, Mich.Macauley and his wife, Deb, first became interested in the animals when they saw them in a parade about 10 years ago.

Survey: freshmen volunteering more than in past years

A recent survey showed the percentage of college freshmen who volunteer has steadily increased since 1990, and volunteer leaders say MSU has been no different.The survey, which was conducted by the Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California at Los Angeles, showed the percentage of freshmen who performed volunteer work in 2000 increased 15 percent since 1990.

Maze carved from maize open for fall

“Welcome: Get Lost.” That sign greeted visitors to a 15-acre cornfield maze in Webberville Friday night. In fact, getting lost seemed the primary point of entering the maze at 3770 Noble Road.

Pre-Recruitment sessions shed light on greek system

Students curious about greek life and its opportunities may want to attend information sessions to be held across campus today and Wednesday.The sessions will be held in various residence halls and at the Union and will focus on the Recruitment process later this month, and any questions students may have about the greek system.“The Interfraternity and Panhellenic Council executive boards will be presenting at these information sessions,” said Interfraternity Council President Josh Tudor.

Memorial to celebrate life of popular staffer, alumnus

To those who knew and loved him, MSU alumnus Anthony D’Angelo was more than just a friend. He was a colleague, an uncle, a brother and a son. “Tony,” as many of his friends called him, died of kidney failure on his 38th birthday on May 13.

Wireless store coming to E.L.

Students might be expressing themselves with a new cellular phone store in East Lansing.Cellular Express, 109 E.

VOX using voices to increase awareness

A new student group, VOX, which is Latin for “voices,” is planning to educate students about reproductive health. “We hope to spread awareness and to get people politically active,” said Kathryn Paquette, co-director of the group.

Live miracles wow fair crowds

Detroit - Screams from nearby carnival rides and smells of cotton candy gave way to wide-eyed youngsters witnessing more than 400 live animal births at the Miracle of Life exhibit at the Michigan State Fair during the last two weeks. MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine staffed and sponsored the Miracle of Life exhibit for the eighth year in a row. Calves, lambs, piglets and poultry are born and spend the first days of their lives under the big white tent, just off the midway. Kaylene Cipolla was one of roughly 500 people at the exhibit Monday, the fair’s final day.

Student senate offers textbook exchange

Students looking for a deal might find a book exchange has a very affordable price. The books are free. The James Madison College Student Senate has a book exchange at the beginning of every semester.

ASMSU fights for future of program

One of the best visually impaired programs in the nation was placed under a moratorium, and ASMSU representatives are fighting to keep it running.In June, the College of Education’s visual impairment program, which includes hearing and mental disabilities, was put on a year long hiatus while university officials review the program.The freeze on the program was preceded by the resignation of one of its leaders, Susan Bruce, an assistant professor of counseling educational psychology & special education for nine years.

Welcome Week celebrations quieter police say

East Lansing is seeing a downturn in partying.MSU and East Lansing police said Welcome Week celebrations and parties have become increasingly quieter, with fewer arrests and fewer problems.“It was extremely noticeable,” said MSU Sgt.

ASMSU searches for new chief of staff after summer-long vacancy

After the ASMSU chief of staff position sat empty all summer, MSU’s undergraduate student government is looking to fill the position.And this time, the group is looking for someone who will stay around for awhile.The summer marks the the sixth time in the last four years the position was vacated.

History professor fondly remembered by students, colleagues

An MSU history professor and avid skydiver, David Walker, died earlier this summer in a sky diving accident.Peter Beattie, a fellow Latin American historian at MSU, said Walker was born in Louisiana but spent much of his life in Texas.“David was a real character,” said Beattie, an associate history professor.

Llamas invade campus for Labor Day

What animal is an ideal backyard companion, requires little maintenance and doesn’t smell or make annoying noises? They’re llamas, and they’re invading campus this weekend. Up to 200 of the cute creatures can be seen at Llamafest, set for 8 a.m.

Plaza stores closed to make way for supermarket

The lanes will be replaced with isles of canned peas, and the shoes will disappear for magazines racks.Pro Bowl East, 2757 E.

Officers hope to better serve student groups

East Lansing Sgt. Nancy Hamilton spent eight of her 11 years with the East Lansing Police Department working with the canine patrol. Now she’s handling a completely different kind of animal - students. On top of her regular road-patrol duties, Hamilton will serve as the student alliance coordinator, a position created to improve relations between MSU students and police. “This is to try to get students familiar with officers,” Hamilton said.

U aids in research for online resource

Students of all ages will benefit from the creation of “Michigana,” a proposed online encyclopedia of Michigan history and culture. The Michigan Humanities Council announced Monday that Dr. Nancy Nelson Knupfer was hired as the project planning director for the encyclopedia, which will be launched in about a year. A $50,000 grant was awarded to the council for the project from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Police briefs 08/31/01