Teens charged in playground arson

Two East Lansing 17-year-olds were charged with felony arson for their involvement in the July destruction of a Harrison Meadows Park playground structure. Alex Charles Ellis and Jace Wickman were arraigned Tuesday and charged with two counts of arson of real property and one count of conspiracy to commit arson. Each offense is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and, in this case, a possible restitution payment of more than $42,000. Wickman allegedly contacted East Lansing Police Department Detective Jeff Walsh in August with information about possible suspects in the case and said Ellis was with him when the fire occurred. Walsh interviewed the defendants separately and said he discovered differences in each defendant's sequence of events.

Swapping in style

Standing in long lines and paying higher prices at book stores is a thing of the past for students who choose to buy their books online. More companies are allowing students to purchase books online at discounted prices, some even for free. According to the National Association of College Stores, on average, students paid anywhere from $801 to $904 for books and supplies during the '05-'06 school year. Sites such as SwapSimple.com, iChapters.com and allMSU.com help students purchase or trade books at a lower cost than going to a local bookstore.

Parks and Rec tutoring program receives grant

The East Lansing Department of Parks, Recreation and Arts has received a $1,170 grant for East Lansing middle and high school students who need after-school tutoring. The scholarships are designated for those students who attend tutoring sessions filled primarily with volunteers from the MSU Service-Learning Program. The grant allows for 10 students to attend the one-on-one tutoring sessions. To apply for one of the student scholarships, fill out an application available at www.cityofeastlansing.com.

Expanding into nature

Walkers, joggers and bikers will have a little more to enjoy as the city begins construction to extend the Northern Tier Trail. The trail has been a prominent feature in the city for about seven years, and runs north to south along the west side of Abbott Road for four miles.

Researcher studies tree rings to learn ash borer's patterns

In coming months MSU researchers could know how fast emerald ash borer populations move, how fast their populations grow and even when the beetles first arrived in the United States. Nathan Siegert, a visiting research associate in forest entomology, began sampling tree rings in 2004 over an area of 5,800 square miles in southeast Michigan with the goal of mapping the ash borer's spread.

Police briefs 08/16/06

Suspected terrorism not imminent threat

Within the last week, United States officials have sorted through three cases of suspected terrorist activity — two closely linked with Michigan, though experts say there isn't an increased security threat.

Dorms to implement new rule for late-night guests

MSU dorms will institute a new policy this fall, requiring any guest of a dorm resident who arrives after midnight to leave an identification card with the night receptionist. "As soon as school starts, the policy will be implemented, and the staff will be well informed," said Angela Brown, director of University Housing.

Voting for name of penguin ends tonight

By midnight tonight, a Macaroni penguin chick who has been awaiting a name since his birth on May 22 at the Detroit Zoo, will officially go by Izzo, Pudge, Rico, Scooter or Fritz. The name contest brought in 7,000 submissions from the public and was narrowed down to the top five by members of the zoo's animal staff.

Healthy donations

Beans, corn, cucumbers and lettuce — if it grows in a garden Beth Lange said she has grown it in her yard and donated it.

Police briefs 08/15/06

Experts: Void left by business tax loss must be filled

Nearly a week after state lawmakers decided to repeal the Single Business Tax, concern has risen as to how the Legislature plans to fill the hole it will cause in the state's economy. Revenues from the tax make up 22 percent of the state's general fund. The tax, which should be phased out by the end of 2007, is believed to be a burden that's keeping new businesses from locating in Michigan.

Dogs on Display

Photo essay by Kate Compton | The State News Dogs from all over Michigan followed their owners to the State 4-H Dog Show to compete for titles in agility, obedience and showmanship on Saturday. The dog show took place at the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education and was open to 4-H members ages 9-19 with up to two of their dogs. The agility classes were the first to begin at 8 a.m.

E.L. police sergeant attends FBI training

East Lansing police Sgt. Scott Wriggelsworth and Jodi Foster have at least one thing in common. Wriggelsworth left for the FBI National Academy on July 8 with seven other Michigan law enforcement personnel.

Detroit Zoo penguin could be named Izzo

Izzo could be the name of The Detroit Zoo's baby penguin, or chick, if the name receives the most votes.

Campus obstacles

Many of the orange construction signs littering campus will disappear this week, an absence welcomed by travelers both on and off the road.

Police briefs 08/14/06

First class graduates from new program

After finishing a grueling 765-hours of course work in one year, the first class graduated from MSU's accelerated nursing program. In its trial year, the College of Nursing's accelerated second degree program had 44 nurses finish and held the graduation ceremony Friday. The program is offered to students who already have one degree in nursing.

Bikes for sale

Abandoned bicycles cluttering campus during the year have been moved out and will go on sale today.

Local airport calm despite terrorist threat

There were no delays and the atmosphere remained calm at Capital City Airport on Thursday despite heightened security due to an attempted terrorist plot. British authorities arrested 24 people after they were tipped off about a plan to blow up at least 10 planes leaving for the U.S.