Hike in gas prices forces drivers to rethink habits

Okemos resident B.J. Rycus has been shutting his car off at drive-thrus, consolidating car trips and spending less time on the road, he said. With Lansing-area gas prices approaching $4, Rycus said he is getting more pessimistic at the pump because of the amount of driving his work requires. Gas companies will continue increasing prices until people make changes in the way they consume gas, he said. AAA Michigan spokesperson Jim Rink said Sunday’s gas average in Lansing was $3.82 per gallon.

ELPD still searching for Cedar Fest information

Matthew Kirvan won’t give up his Cedar Fest video footage to the police for any price. Kirvan, a marketing junior and co-creator of the YouTube.com video “Cedar Fest 2008: Michigan State 101,” said he was e-mailed by a detective inquiring about the video but is avoiding contact with the police. “Everybody has a right to videotape any type of public gathering,” Kirvan said.

Benefits banned

Although Penny Gardner has been with her partner for 11 years, they still don’t depend on each other when it comes to their health. As a visiting professor in Women, Gender and Social Justice, Gardner isn’t enrolled for health benefits due to her fixed term on campus.

MSU student advances to 'Jeopardy!' semifinals

After her win in the quarterfinals of the “2008 Jeopardy! College Championship” on Friday, Tara Franey, a biosystems engineering senior, is now one step closer to the $100,000 grand prize as she moves on to the semifinals. Nine students will compete in three episodes for a place in the two-game final match this week, according to the Jeopardy!

Meetings cover Spartan Village concerns

Mother's Day activities draw crowds despite rain

Though Mother’s Day came in the midst of dreary weather and an even drearier economy, local business owners and event organizers said the holiday was still a success. Despite the rain, an outdoor Mother’s Day event hosted by Woldumar Nature Center and the Mid Michigan Photography Club drew 300 to 400 people. “We had a splendid turnout, I couldn’t believe how many people came,” said Lori McSweeny, executive director for Woldumar. The event, Wildflower Weekend, was held Saturday and Sunday at Woldumar Nature Center, 5739 Old Lansing Road in Lansing and featured an art show and pancake breakfast.

Smoking ban gives E.L. mixed feelings

A statewide bill that would ban smoking in workplaces, including bars and restaurants does not make exemptions for businesses like hookah lounges and cigar bars — and at least one East Lansing business owner is concerned.

Mexican eatery opens doors

Arnulfo Ramirez wanted customers walking into Los Tres Amigos, 1227 E. Grand River Ave., to feel like they were leaving Michigan for a brief vacation to Mexico. The bright colors, Mexican-style music and spicy entrées fresh off the grill contribute to the atmosphere of Ramirez’s new restaurant, which opened May 2. Los Tres Amigos has been providing customers with its own genuine Mexican food since the first Los Tres Amigos opened in 2001 in Jackson. The new location was originally scheduled to open in March, but Ramirez pushed back the grand opening for construction purposes.

Summer course teaches students wilderness skills

Fake blood, simulated heart attacks and being lost in the woods are some of the potential pitfalls awaiting participants of Wilderness First Responder, a summer class that ran May 4-12. While most students might not be able to treat a poisonous snake bite, the nine-day class tested students’ decision-making abilities and increases students’ confidence in critical situations, said Joe Arvai, program coordinator and MSU associate professor who teaches risk, values and decision making. “It’s not really a class where students have to memorize a long list of protocol,” Arvai said.

Students show design skills

Most high school, elementary and junior high students don’t typically get the chance to design a house for Tiger Woods, but those involved with the Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society, or MITES, convention got the once-in-a-lifetime chance with their projects. Students entered projects in fields including wrought metal, plastics, graphic arts, construction and woodworking.

Man on stilts brings cause to Lansing

Neil Sauter is walking tall through Lansing this weekend — literally.

E.L. police use Web site to help find those involved in Cedar Fest

Investigations are still underway for the East Lansing Police Department regarding last month’s Cedar Fest.

Local jury finds suspected serial killer guilty on five counts

Matthew Macon, 28-year-old Lansing resident and suspected serial killer, was found guilty on five counts, including two counts of first-degree murder and one count of assault with intent to commit murder this afternoon at the Veterans Memorial Courthouse, 313 W. Kalamazoo St. in Lansing.

Look back and recap

It was an up-and-down year. The MSU men’s basketball team made it to the Sweet 16, only to be knocked out of the NCAA Tournament.

'Jeopardy!' features MSU student

he’s an MSU student who made history earlier this month by wearing a hat on one of America’s most famous game shows. Who is Tara Franey?

Campus specialty coffeehouses to become convenient stores

Two MSU specialty coffeehouses will close their doors this fall and both be replaced by Sparty’s Convenience Stores. Barista Cafe, open since 2000 in Case Hall, and Aroma Borealis, open since 2007 in Snyder-Phillips Hall, will become Sparty’s Convenience Store hybrids, Joe Garza said, manager of Sparty’s. Both will offer both coffeehouse and convenience store items.

ASMSU plans budget for fall concert

Members of ASMSU’s Student Assembly will consider a bill during tonight’s meeting asking representatives to determine how much money to allocate for the iVote concert planned for this fall.

Children of university employees gear up for potential futures at MSU

Children and parents alike learned what it means to be a Spartan on Thursday as part of MSU’s Take Your Child to Work Day.

Tourism investments to boost Mich. economy

Although the Michigan Legislature signed a package of bills into law temporarily increasing tourism funding last Thursday, legislators are already thinking about making the boost more long-term.

Murder, arson, assault trials continue into summer

While The State News will be on hiatus during the next couple weeks, the court system will not rest. Here is a look at the upcoming cases, as well as those that will take place in the next few months.