Housing remains stable despite Shaw Hall closing

Despite the closing of Shaw Hall this year, finding housing has not put anyone out in the cold.The number of students living on campus has not changed, said Angela Brown, director of University Housing.“Our house count has been consistent over the past years,” she said.Brown said the decision to close Shaw Hall was planned ahead of time so as not to leave students uncomfortable or homeless.She said the number of over-assigned halls is less than 20 and there are plans accommodate the students in them as soon as possible.“This is very similar to the work done in (Mason and Abbott halls) when they were closed a few years ago,” she said.But landlord Fred Bauries said he still had trouble finding students to rent to for the fall.“We found we had more difficulty this year than any year I can remember,” he said.Bauries said while he found leasers for all three of his homes, he blames the lack of interest on the recent economic slowdown and the construction of new apartments.“I think the appeal up there is the new construction, and (Capstone Commons) is something I would consider a 21st century dorm,” he said.Bauries said the developers have looked at the current market and have found success in the form of profits.But while more students might be living in apartments, Annette Irwin, operations administrator for the Code Enforcement and Neighborhood Conservation Department of East Lansing, said students are still leasing homes in the city.“That is the question that some of us are wondering, are they willing to give up the proximity to campus for items that are catering right to their needs such as Internet access and the clubhouse environment,” she said.Other types of incentives such as lawn care and parking might also be playing a factor in a student’s decision to live off campus, she said.But Irwin said this is not a problem for renters.“I suspect there will always be a part of the student body that wants to live in a home,” she said.Terri Clifton, vice president of property management for Crossing Place Student Apartments, 3636 E.

Police briefs 09/05/01

Man-made damage to environment plays role in tree disease

Ash trees in the Midwest and Northeast are in danger of dying from unknown causes.Frank Sapio, forest health program manager of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, said a disease affecting the species is widespread throughout southern Michigan.“It is worse in urban environments,” he said.Sapio said a combination of other outside factors has been playing a role in some instances.“That doesn’t explain what is going on in the woods,” he said.The decline of the trees could be attributed to a disease known as ash yellow.“It is a very elusive agent, we don’t know what is exactly going on,” Sapio said.

Commission aims to improve life for terminally ill

The Michigan Commission on End of Life Care presented Gov. John Engler with a report Thursday to improve treatment for terminally ill patients and prepare physicians for end of life issues.

Web site aims to help students quit smoking

Olin Health Center is determined to get the word out about the dangers of smoking.The health center is kicking off a campaign to help students quit smoking through a new Web site geared toward college students.

Fraternity fights to regain house

The Sigma Chi house stands empty and broken windows dot the building.The house at 729 E. Grand River Ave.

Vending machine snack prices rise 10 cents on campus

Four months ago, students began paying an extra 25 cents for sodas from on-campus vending machines.

Online bookstores give U more back to school options

Students can’t walk to a bookstore in their underwear, but they can certainly surf there.Online bookstores have become an alternative way for students to shop for books.

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.