County enlists new rescue truck

MASON - A new Heavy Rescue Unit Vehicle, equipped with flashers, sirens and a spotlight system lined in brown and gold, branded with the insignia of the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office was introduced Tuesday.The $38,350 white Ford F550 Diesel is equipped with $11,260 worth of tools - lighting system, a generator, the jaws of life and a temporary helicopter landing site - that are used in emergencies.“We can deliver services to the public better, more efficiently and be assured the units will be there,” Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth said.Wriggelsworth announced the new vehicle Tuesday at a press conference in the sheriff’s garage.The sheriff’s office assisted seven fires and two extractions in 2001.

Program offers time with professors

David Hicks satisfied more than his appetite during a conversation in the cafeteria last semester. Hicks, a political science and pre-law freshman, and some of his classmates invited their professor for a free lunch while participating in the Hungry for Knowledge program. The program, sponsored by University Housing and Residence Life, provides an opportunity for students who live in residence halls and their instructors to meet for a free meal in any undergraduate campus cafeterias. Hicks said he saw the program as an alternative to attending office hours and an opportunity to form a relationship with his professor. “I think the object was just to get to know the guy, so we talked about our personal lives for the first hour,” he said.

Survey says more career guidance is necessary

Lisa Roddis had no idea what career she would go into when she enrolled at MSU in the fall of 1999.Now, the no-preference sophomore has an idea of what she wants to do - thanks to a seminar MSU offered.

Budget concerns groups

With plans starting for Michigan’s future following the beginning of the new legislative session and a budget proposal from Gov.

U alumni at top of fields pass on professional experiences to students

They are at the top of their respective fields and on Friday, MSU alumni Jack Epps Jr., Juli Betwee and John Scott will share their experiences with College of Arts and Letters students. The College of Arts and Letters will host its second annual Alumni Leaders Program from 10 a.m.

Rally expresses cultural issues

“Common Struggles” were the theme of Monday night’s Xicano/Latino Power Rally held in the Culturas de las Razas Unidas room in the Wilson basement.The event was part of MSU’s Xicano History Month celebration, which began Thursday.

Heartsavers recognized in Lansing

Some area groups and organizations will gather today in Lansing for American Heartsaver Day. The event, sponsored by the American Heart Association, will honor individuals and organizations that have contributed to saving lives by CPR or using an automated external defibrillator.The devices are similar to the machines used in hospitals, which deliver an electric shock to a person’s heart.An award ceremony will be held at noon today in the Mackinac Room of the Michigan House of Representatives Office Building, 124 N.

Gubernatorial race clears up

Plans are already being made for the 2002 election. Michigan Secretary of State Candice Miller said Monday that she is considering a run for Congress.

LCC may eliminate programs

Lansing Community College is considering major changes in its programs, possibly eliminating six and adding resources to others.Provost Jennifer Wimbish said that for the past year LCC has “been involved in a strategic plan to look at the future and where we want to go.”That plan, which the college announced Friday, involved reviewing programs that, based on a number of criteria, ranked near the bottom of LCC’s 60 programs.“We were looking at the average - are there jobs out there, what’s the class size, how well do these programs transfer, how satisfied are employers and what’s the cost?” Wimbish said.As a result of the reviews, President Paula Cunningham is recommending the elimination of six programs that Wimbish says didn’t meet the criteria.

Court rules stalking laws constitutional

LANSING - According to a ruling by the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals Monday, convicted stalkers will not succeed in efforts to appeal their sentences.

New Web site helps renters

Erin Carrier said she isn’t worrying about the type of people who may respond to her roommate-needed advertisement on the Web. The parks and recreation and tourism resources sophomore utilized a new online service listing roommates and rental units in the Lansing area.

Fountain Square project to oversee summer redevelopment

The East Lansing City Council will discuss a project at its Tuesday meeting that will redesign the Fountain Square at the intersection of M.A.C.

Travel-study takes alumni to England

Sara Stid said she first fell in love with England when her son was studying there in the 1980s.So when the opportunity to return came along, she took it.Stid, an office assistant with the MSU Alumni Association, participated in Odyssey to Oxford last year.

Cancer fund-raiser kicks off

About 30 people gathered around the rock on Farm Lane Thursday night with candles blazing. Their purpose: To honor cancer survivors and the memories of friends and loved ones lost to cancer.

Engler lays out budget plans

Gov. John Engler will present Michigan’s budget Thursday to a joint session of the state Senate and House appropriations committees.

Program probes suns surface

MSU Professor Robert Stein’s research has taken him to a place where no men have gone before.Through a computer-based program, Stein, a professor of physics and astronomy, is able to simulate what happens on the surface of the sun.“I have always been interested in the dynamics of the surface of the sun,” Stein said.

Residents enjoy Science Day

OKEMOS - Eight-year-old Mary Callard played with chemicals, made explosions and fought gravity Saturday.Excitement was apparent in Mary’s eyes as she watched experiments unfold like magic.

Police briefs 02/05/01

Lansing celebration strengthens marriages

Love was in the air as 370 Lansing-area residents celebrated World Marriage Day on Saturday.Couples reaffirm their commitment to their marriages during the day, which is traditionally celebrated close to Valentine’s Day and in several countries around the world.The celebration sheds an optimistic light on marriage, said Rick Peiffer, a technologist for MSU’s Vincent Voice Library who helped plan this year’s event.“It’s a day set aside to celebrate the sacrament of marriage,” said Peiffer, who will celebrate 20 years with his wife Diane in May.

State Legislature to vote on pay raise ballot proposal

The state Legislature would approve salary increases if a Senate joint resolution becomes an amendment to the Michigan Constitution. Senate Government Operations unanimously passed the proposal Thursday.