Sunday, April 19, 2026

Take a peek behind the curtain and test drive the NEW StateNews.com today!

News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Organization, students take steps against theft

Law enforcement officials are reminding motorists to keep an eye open for potential thieves as they return to East Lansing. A spokesperson from Help Eliminate Auto Thefts, an auto-theft prevention group, said cars are at greater risk as students sometimes forget auto safety when moving into area residences. English freshman Katie Behringer said she has heard stories about items missing during move-in week.

MICHIGAN

Commission spots open

Kendra Snyder
August 27, 2002

MSU students have the opportunity to have their voices heard in East Lansing government by applying for a seat on any of seven city commissions. Commission members serve the community by recommending policies concerning various aspects of the city, developing new programs, reviewing city council legislation and giving feedback to council members on how their decisions affect students. This year, there are three at-large seats open on the University Student Commission, as well as the arts, environment, housing, transportation, human relations and planning commissions. Councilmember Beverly Baten said she appreciates the opinions of the student members. “I like hearing from the students and working toward helping them understand what we do here,” said Baten, who serves as the liaison of three city commissions.

MICHIGAN

Professor testifies in trial for slaying of U student

Alison Barker
August 26, 2002

An MSU geology professor testified Friday that soil samples found on the shoes of a man accused of slaying his wife, an MSU graduate student, match the soil found on her body. Professor Thomas Vogel analyzed soil on shoes owned by Dennis Michael Salerno, 32, after he was accused of slaying his wife in July 2000. And even though the soil samples matched, Vogel said the soil on Dennis Salerno’s shoes and that found on Michelle Rizzi Salerno’s body are not made up of the same elements as dirt at the Bowling Green State University landfill in Ohio where her body was found. “You can make your own conclusions,” Vogel said. The body of Michelle Salerno, who was 26 when she was reported missing June 20, 2000, was recovered in April 2001.

MICHIGAN

Web site allows users to report food poisoning

Katie Byrne
August 24, 2002

MSU’s National Food Safety and Toxicology Center is leading state agencies in implementing the nation’s first Web site for reporting food poisoning.The site will allow people to go online, answer a 15-minute questionnaire about foods they’ve consumed in the last 48 hours and view postings from other citizens.Veterinary epidemiology Professor Paul Bartlett is heading the project.

MICHIGAN

Report suggests ways to fight alcohol abuse

Kristofer Karol
August 24, 2002

Three months after a controversial report was issued by the Responsible Hospitality Council, tempers have died down and council business has resumed.The hospitality council is made up of more than a dozen East Lansing bars and restaurant owners and managers that meet once a month to discuss possible ways to curb alcohol abuse.

MICHIGAN

Campaigners rely on students

Katie Byrne
August 24, 2002

When Republican Larry Ward began his state House campaign against incumbent Rep. Gretchen Whitmer, critics told him he didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell against the Democrat from East Lansing. Political science junior Jason Miller said he hoped to improve Ward’s chances. Miller, Ward’s campaign manager, took the back roads to Hell, Mich., in the dead of winter and had himself photographed holding a snowball next to a sign that read “Welcome to Hell.” “Hell freezes over in Michigan,” Miller said. Until MSU students and recent graduates can begin their own political careers, they pay their dues by doing what it takes to get their elders into office. Ward, a Republican candidate for the 69th District state House seat, found his campaign manager at an MSU College Republicans meeting. “He came up and picked my brain after the meeting,” Ward said of Miller, chairman of the student GOP group.

MICHIGAN

Textbooks targeted for thefts

Each year students lose thousands of dollars worth of cell phones, textbooks and other personal items because of theft. “It’s often because they’re left unattended,” MSU police Lt.

MICHIGAN

New complexes please residents

Kristofer Karol
August 24, 2002

Students are flocking in droves from downtown East Lansing to the northern city limits to settle in two new apartment complexes. Melrose Apartments, 16789 Chandler Road and the Village at Chandler Crossings, 3839 Hunsaker Street, will be the beneficiaries of students seeking a bargain.

MICHIGAN

Department prepares for more students, more alcohol

Tara May
August 24, 2002

An influx of students during welcome week means an increase in traffic, crowding and drunken driving.The East Lansing Police Department and MSU’s Department of Police and Public Safety create safeguards each year to help deal with the substantial growth in the area’s residency.East Lansing adds patrols during welcome week, football weekends and any other time period where people traffic may be high, Capt.