Lansing schools offer free meals

The Summer Food Program for Children provides free breakfasts and lunches for children ages 18 and under.

International students seek smooth transitions

Daniel Ortega-Pacheco heard a bundle of stories about international students' struggles as an MSU International Students Association board member last year. Ortega-Pacheco, an agricultural economics graduate student from Ecuador, said Americans don't often understand the difficulties international students face. "What people don't see is these international students are running short on money, just like any other college students, they're homesick and they're miles and miles away from their families," he said. A series of meetings between international students and local businesses look to strengthen the connection between the business community and MSU international students. Led by the MSU Office for International Students & Scholars Director Peter Briggs, the meetings are part of the OISS effort to ease the struggles of international students coming to a new country, school and home. "We want to make sure our international students feel welcome here and that we improve some of the entry pathways for these students into more aspects of the community," Briggs said. International students contributed more than $90 million to Lansing's economy in 2006, according to the Institute of International Education. Last week's meeting was a brainstorming session between international students and CEOs of six local companies, he said.

Michigan pioneers latest biofuel from wood chips, biomass

Lansing — Michigan will soon be producing a new type of ethanol - not from corn but from trees. Gov.

Tax hike opponents lecture on recall rights

If the Michigan Legislature wants to raise taxes, Leon Drolet wants lawmakers to pay - with their jobs. Despite the fact that no major vote to raise taxes has been made in the Legislature, the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance has been holding seminars across the state to inform voters of their ability to recall a lawmaker, said Drolet, who serves as chair of the organization. "We're having recall boot camps to train citizens about the rules and techniques involved in recalling elected officials," said Drolet, a former state legislator and current Macomb County commissioner. Michigan is one of 18 states that allows its citizens to recall an elected official, or remove and replace them before the end of their term.

Bill proposes tougher water use standards

Michigan could see new water-use regulations under a proposal that could be introduced into the state House of Representatives as soon as Wednesday. Under the proposal, bottled water companies would need a permit to siphon 100,000 or more gallons of water per day from Michigan's lakes and streams.

Chicken barbecue for a cause

The Kiwanis Club of East Lansing took the city under its wing Thursday. Its chicken wing, that is. The 50th annual chicken barbecue, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of East Lansing, joined the city's ongoing centennial celebration to form the Chickentennial barbecue at Patriarche Park, 1100 Alton Road.

Storm shakes up Lansing area

Downed trees and power lines were the result of a Thursday storm that lasted about 15 minutes in the East Lansing area. When it was over, East Lansing resident Tom Wawitzke saw branches had fallen on power lines on his front lawn. "My power is barely on because the line is just hanging three feet off the ground," Wawitzke said.

Tour promotes safe, healthy transportation

Being on the road doesn't always mean sitting in a car. Bicycling provides riders with transportation and health benefits. It is a major cardiovascular exercises because it uses many muscle groups, said Jim Pivarnik, a professor of kinesiology and epidemiology.

Survey could help E.L. get greener

East Lansing may soon know how green its residents are - energy-wise, that is. In an effort to measure environmental attitudes, Richard Bernsten, an MSU professor from the Department of Agricultural Economics, and his students surveyed 360 East Lansing residents on topics ranging from energy-saving appliances to recycling. The students now are compiling the data and Bernsten plans to turn over the findings to the city by September. "If you want to change behavior, you have to know where people are," Bernsten said.

MSU dairy attracts German student

Marcus Hollmann has been around cows his entire life. Growing up on a dairy farm in Germany, Hollmann, 31, said he has been working with animals since he could walk - from taking care of them to taking them to cattle shows. Though he originally thought he might want to do something with electronics, Hollmann, a doctoral student in animal sciences, decided what he liked doing was working on the farm.

Hitting the open road

If there is a rehab clinic for runner's high addicts, Steve Lewnau might want to check in. Just ask his current pair of running shoes, which have been eating concrete for nearly 1,200 miles.

Police briefs 07/18/07

MSU Democrats spark heated debate on who's to blame for recent tuition hike

Incoming freshmen and their parents arriving for the Academic Orientation Program on Tuesday were greeted by MSU Democrats handing out fliers blaming Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, for MSU's 9.6 percent tuition hike.

Students earn big with dairy

Some students get financial help from parents or work part-time jobs to pay for college. Others sell farm animals.

More Pell Grant funding for college, university students could ease rising college costs

For some students, college may get a little more affordable. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed House Resolution 2669, the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, which would increase the maximum value of Federal Pell Grants by $500 through the next four years.

MSU program works to counter petty theft

"You can't stop them, but you can slow them down." These are the words MSU police Sgt.

Dairy expo and 4-H days this week

The 11th annual Michigan Dairy Expo and 4-H Dairy Days started Monday and ends Friday. The events, which are held at the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education, focus primarily on educating young people in the dairy industry.

Women on Wheels bike tour Saturday

The Tri-County Bicycle Association will host the 27th annual Women on Wheels bicycle tour Saturday. The ride is open to bicyclists of all skill levels with an emphasis on providing a safe environment for women and novice riders.

Magnet brings toys to class

Hunched over a laptop, Eric Wood typed commands, hoping to bring a toy Lego car to life. Suddenly, the car was moving in a straight line. "It's following this command button here," he said. Wood, who teaches at Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa, Fla., was among the 100 educators who traveled to MSU's College of Engineering Monday as part of the Summer Magnet and Related Training Institute.

Safety council offers first aid course

The Lansing Area Safety Council will offer the National Safety Council's Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid course to daycare providers and the general public from 6-10 p.m.