University to dedicate collection to couple

The vibrant orange, yellow and red daylilies outside of the MSU Main Library represent more than just an addition to the Beal Botanical Garden. The Jean and Alfred Goldner Hybrid Daylily Collection is a small token of thanks for the $1 million-1.5 million endowment for the gardens. The final amount of the endowment depends on the sale of a plot of land from the Goldner family, said Frank Telewski, professor of plant biology and curator of the garden. Alfred Goldner, a 1941 MSU graduate, passed away in the fall of 2003, leaving one of his farms for the university to sell so that an endowment for the garden could be set up as he and his wife, Jean Goldner, had planned to do. Alfred Goldner's personal work has left a mark on horticulture, with the creation of more than 50 hybrid plants and the introduction of exotic plants to the landscape architecture field, Telewski said. Alfred Goldner took a special pleasure with the daylilies.

Efforts to oust MSU law dean continue

Debate as to whether MSU administrators can override strides by tenured faculty of the MSU College of Law to remove Dean Terence Blackburn continue, while some say the problem reveals a broader struggle about conflicting policies between the law college and the university. A majority of the tenured faculty members at the law college submitted a statement of objection in April to Provost Kim Wilcox saying Blackburn should be removed from his position as dean.

Police briefs 07/26/06

Self-defense Act approved, but worries legislators

Legislation that provides stronger guidelines and regulations for self-defense rights has some Democratic lawmakers concerned. The Self-Defense Act, which was made up of a package of bills, was signed by Gov.

Outside the box

Hickory Corners — The large manor overlooking Gull Lake appeared even more extravagant with the extensive gardens surrounding it in full bloom.

State ready to vote on '07 budget

The state Legislature is expected to vote on the state budget today, almost two months before the deadline for the next fiscal year. The 2007 fiscal year budget must be passed before the fiscal year begins on Oct.

Police briefs 07/25/06

Playground arson draws reward for information

An East Lansing City Council member pledged a $250 reward for information concerning arsonists responsible for the destruction of a playground structure in Harrison Meadows Park earlier this month. Council member Kevin Beard personally added the sum to an already established $5,000 reward for information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of suspects involved. Police are looking for two high school-aged men suspected of burning down a multicolored plastic playground structure between 10 and 11 p.m.

Resident refiles petition to recall Lansing mayor

Lansing — A Lansing resident is waiting for the Ingham County Election Commission to approve language in a petition he created to oust Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero. John Pollard originally filed his petition in early July, but it was rejected because the wording was too vague, he said.

Apartment complex experiences multiple robberies

Civil engineering senior Troy Grunder arrived at his first-floor Treehouse West apartment last month to find the door wide open.

Election officials prepare for Aug. 8 primary

East Lansing is on target in preparing for the Aug. 8 primary, city officials said. East Lansing City Clerk Sharon Reid said the city is collecting absentee ballots and preparing and testing new machinery geared at voters with disabilities.

Karate group turns 30

A karate instructor called out and a group of children quickly formed a circle around the smallest boy, towering over him at twice his size.

Board's retreat focuses on Simon's performance, goals

The MSU Board of Trustees discussed the past, present and future state of the university at its annual retreat Thursday and Friday in Traverse City.

Police briefs 07/24/06

Republicans battle for House seat

Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, is facing an opponent in his bid for a fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives in the Aug.

Car show to be held in Lansing this weekend

The Cruisin' the Gut Car Show will be held Saturday in downtown Lansing. The event starts at 3 p.m.

Crisis simulation

A muffled, inaudible radio transmission crackled in the air Thursday afternoon as a firefighter took a sledgehammer to a second floor apartment window in the now-empty University Village apartments. Three firefighters were trapped in the smoke-filled room below. Shattering the glass, three firefighters went to work wiping away jutting shards from the window frame before climbing inside the room.

Shows to enrich E.L. downtown culture

Life just got a little bit sweeter for East Lansing's thespians. The Peppermint Creek Theatre Company is teaming up with the city of East Lansing to bring residents five different shows and a theater festival during the next year. "Peppermint Creek has been building an audience in the area for several years now and is doing some very cutting edge and high quality productions," Deputy City Manager Jean Golden said.

MSU researches plant bacterial disease

Crop damage due to plant diseases could be minimized after MSU researchers discovered how one disease attacks crops. MSU researchers have been studying a bacterial disease that has been affecting tomato crops across the country and has caused serious crop loss in recent years. The researchers discovered how the disease destroys the plants and compared it to the way a disease attacks a human. "Through our research, we have discovered that the pathogen is actually attacking the plant's defense mechanism," said Sheng Yang He, an MSU professor of plant biology, plant pathology and microbiology and molecular genetics and head researcher in the study.

Police briefs 07/20/06