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Charity holds fashion show at Meridian Mall

The American Cancer Society is hosting their 2004 Fashion Extravaganza from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday at Younkers in the Meridian Mall. The event will benefit the cancer society's Capital Area Service Center and feature a fashion show, a silent auction and the opportunity to win prizes such as a quarter-carat diamond and a new car. Local personalities, including former MSU athletics director Clarence Underwood will be on hand, and the runway models include area cancer survivors. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased through Younkers in the Meridian Mall, 1982 W.

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E.L. council seeks student voices

East Lansing officials are seeking students who could represent the college population to city government. The University Student Commission is accepting applications for three students who are not affiliated with a university organization to serve as at-large members for one-year terms. The 11-member group, which meets every other Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., has eight students representing various MSU organizations.

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Dorm security elevated

Emmons Hall residents are pulling their IDs out of their wallets more frequently this semester. When the students moved into their dorm rooms, they found themselves on the site of the first security improvements to a residence hall in more than 10 years. The hall is now equipped with several swipe card machines on two exterior doors and all floor wing doors.

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Bush twins to visit MSU Union to support dad

Elizabeth Piet

September 16, 2004

President Bush's twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna, will visit MSU today to rally the MSU Students for Bush group. The event is open to group members only and will be held at the Union at 3 p.m. Barbara and Jenna Bush, 22, pledged to participate more in their father's campaign after their joint speech at the Republican National Convention.

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David Cobb asserts role as hard-working 'real Texan'

Shawn Smith

September 16, 2004

In the shade of the Capitol building, Green Party presidential candidate David Cobb blew bubbles of green chewing gum and smiled. Without armies of security guards or an entourage of campaign spokespeople, Cobb was comfortably approachable.

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Gray wolf conference held on campus today

A public hearing on the endangered and threatened species status of the gray wolf's eastern U.S.

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Pre-trial date set for assault suspect

An MSU marketing freshman is in jail awaiting his pre-trial court date for allegedly raping a fellow student earlier this month. Travis Eichten was charged with one count of third degree criminal sexual conduct Tuesday, Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III said.

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Award-winning writer to appear, sign books

Torey Oberst

September 15, 2004

Okemos author Jack Spencer will sign copies of his new novel at 6 p.m. Thursday at Schuler Books & Music at Meridian Mall in Okemos His book, "Melvin Smallman: A Tale from the Forest Floor," is a fictional story of a mouse named Melvin and his battles with an invading enemy.

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Federal assault weapon ban expires after 10 years

Elizabeth Piet

September 15, 2004

Customers at Yvonne Joseph's gun shop can now purchase assault weapons equipped to hold larger amounts of bullets or that have mounted bayonets. As of Monday, Classic Arms Company, 1600 Lake Lansing Road, in Lansing, can stock its shelves with an array of gun types and accessories that have been banned for 10 years.

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Time running out for drivers still owing money to state

Elizabeth Piet

September 15, 2004

For those caught driving without proof of auto insurance over the past year, deadlines to pay a $300 state bill are approaching. In the beginning of September, about 19,000 drivers received a bill for $300 from the Michigan's Department of Treasury under the Driver Responsibility Law passed last October.

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'Parlour' owner opens upscale Okemos grille

Hostesses behind a polished, round front desk greet customers as they walk through the front doors of Gilbert & Blake's Seafood and Steak Grille in Okemos.

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Dunnings to discuss career at bookstore

Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III will discuss what it is like to be a prosecutor at 7:30 p.m.

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Ash borer program to feature local experts

East Lansing and Okemos will be among the cities featured in a new documentary based on the emerald ash borer beetle. The series "Michigan At Risk" will premiere its 16th season with tonight's broadcast of "Emerald Ash Borer: Path of Death." The show will air at 8 p.m.

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Council to address E.L. rental housing restrictions

Kris Turner

September 14, 2004

City council members will discuss an ordinance amendment at a work session tonight that establishes boundaries for neighborhoods with residents who want to limit new rental housing. The ordinance, which gives people the power to petition the council to create "residential rental restriction overlay districts," would prohibit future rental housing or limit those that already exist. The amendment would define what constitutes neighborhood lines, City Manager Ted Staton said. Without well-defined boundaries, the location of neighborhoods are "somewhat ambiguous," he said. "It makes it more clear how to draw the boundaries," he said. Signatures from two-thirds of property owners are needed in order for a petition to be considered.

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Sparrow CEO accepts job offer in N.C., interim president sought

Sparrow Health System President and CEO Joe Damore is leaving Lansing to take a job as president of Mission Health and Mission Hospitals in Asheville, N.C. The move comes after Damore was recruited by Mission Health, which ranks among the top 100 hospitals in the nation, he said. "It's considered a really excellent organization - a really high-quality medical community - in a beautiful location in the Blue Ridge Mountains," Damore said, adding that he has family in the Carolinas. The decision was difficult to make, he said, adding that his family has lived in Lansing for 19 years and the city holds a special place in his heart. After becoming president of Sparrow in October 1990, Damore led the health system through a series of advancements, notably the creation of a Level I Trauma Center, the only of its kind in mid-Michigan. Established in 1996, the trauma center treats seriously ill or injured people.

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Prof spurs student, councilmember discussion

Shawn Smith

September 14, 2004

East Lansing officials and MSU students gathered in a classroom Monday to discuss the qualities of an ideal community. Family and child ecology Professor Rosemary Walker invited city officials to speak to her class in an effort to further communication between the two groups. East Lansing City Councilmember Beverly Baten led the four-person panel of city officials, which included East Lansing City Clerk Sharon Reid, Code Enforcement Specialist Bob Dutcher and parking and code enforcement Sgt.

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Fraternity fire creates local, national awareness

Shawn Smith

September 13, 2004

After a fire at a University of Mississippi fraternity house led to the deaths of three students in August, East Lansing city officials are urging residents to raise their awareness of fire safety.

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Capital City Airport sets record for fliers

There seemed to be little fear of flying at Capital City Airport last month. The Lansing airport reached a record high in its total number of passengers during the month of August, with 67,580 outgoing and incoming passengers. The August total is the highest individual month of travel in the 75 years the airport has operated.

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Word on the street

"It's inevitable that the campaigns are going to exploit it. It's an easy topic, and there's not much rebuttal to it like there is when discussing other issues like war records or abortion.

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Community remembers 9/11

By SCOTT MICHAEL ATKINSON Special for The State News A twisted piece of metal stood at the center of gathered police officers, soldiers, firefighters, local residents and public figures Friday evening.