Groups speak out against Columbus Day

A group of about 25 MSU community members marched Monday evening to the rock on Farm Lane, some wearing T-shirts that accused Christopher Columbus of genocide, racism, rape and torture. Instead of celebrating the man recognized throughout history for discovering America, during Columbus Day on Monday members of several cultural student groups observed Indigenous People's Day - which honors those who lived in the Americas long before Columbus set foot on the continent. About 50 people in all attended Monday evening's events, which included a prayer, music and speeches from several group members at the rock. Those who participated in Indigenous People's Day events - including members of the North American Indigenous Student Organization and Movimiento Estudiantil Xicano de Aztlan - said they hold different views than those traditionally taught in U.S.

Web sites dub Jennifer Granholm sexiest gov.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm's political record didn't matter in a recent gubernatorial contest - her looks alone won her the title of Sexiest Governor 2005.

Safety council offers defensive driving class

The National Safety Council will offer a defensive driving course on Oct. 13 from 6-10 p.m. at the Lansing Area Safety Council, 3315 S.

Group: Storm drains not for dumping

While many students were still sleeping on Saturday morning, a group of students and faculty members met to mark storm drains in an outreach project aimed to raise awareness about water quality. The group of about 20 people met at Spartan Village and separated into different groups to go around the apartment complex and campus to put signs on storm drains that said "No Dumping.

Officials struggle to enforce candle rule

Scorch marks stain the outside edges of a Bryan Hall door, and the stench of smoke lingers in the hallway, after an entire room was destroyed by flame and smoke. An unattended candle was responsible. Candles in dorm rooms are not allowed, according to University Housing rules.

March, prayer part of indigenous people day

Instead of observing Columbus Day, some American Indians on campus are honoring their ancestors through Indigenous People's Day today. There will be a march from South Complex to the rock on Farm Lane at 5:45 p.m., followed by a prayer and drum performance. More than 100 people showed up for the event last year, said Don Lyons, hospitality business senior and co-chairman of the North American Indigenous Student Organization.

Katrina's impact on human health weighed

An open forum will be held today to discuss the impact of Hurricane Katrina on human health. The public talk will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Rescuers relate aid experiences

East Lansing Fire Department Lt. Troy Brya said he is happy to be home after spending 10 days handing out supplies and restoring order in New Orleans. As a witness to the massive devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, Brya said helping out was a positive experience despite all the loss around him, and he was happy to arrive home. "Everywhere you look down there is a mess," he said.

Alumnus new director of experiment station

The Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station recently named Steven Pueppke as its new director. Pueppke, who also will be MSU's assistant vice president for research and graduate studies, currently works at the University of Illinois, where he has been the associate dean for research in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences since 1998. His appointment will take effect on Jan.

Gandhi's teachings inspire students

By Gabrielle Russon Special to The State News Twelve-year-old Kim Emens eagerly waited for a knock at her front door Saturday morning. A few days earlier, she had learned a group of MSU students would be volunteering to help fix up her family's home in Lansing.

Water Carnival's revival draws hundreds

MSU alumni crowded around the Red Cedar River on Friday evening to witness the return of Water Carnival after a 36-year absence. What they saw in a roughly hour-long procession of 18 floats was a departure from the extravagant tradition many of them remembered. The chilly October weather gusted wind and mists of rain on the hundreds who attended Friday's event.

Oct. named Arts and Humanities month

October is being recognized by the East Lansing City Council as Arts and Humanities month. The resolution was approved at a council meeting on Oct.

Access to black box questioned

Police might not be able to use information recorded by a "black box" installed on most new cars if the state Senate deems the device the property of its owner. Sen.

Noodle shop aims to stir up E.L. clientele

Students will have another restaurant to go to for noodle dishes when Noodles & Co. opens its newest Michigan location on Grand River Avenue on Saturday afternoon. Darlene Murphy, a spokesperson for Pasta Per Trio L.L.C., Noodles & Co.'s franchise operator in western Michigan, said the restaurant's location is key to attracting the type of customers it targets. "University communities have active, healthy lifestyles," she said.

Rally on Capitol steps to support rights for Mich. women in prison

The Michigan Battered Women's Clemency Project is holding a rally at noon today on the front steps of the Capitol in Lansing. The rally is to raise awareness for female prisoners who have not received fair trials, according to the group, which supports clemency and human rights for women in prison.

Former MSU professor to be honored during memorial on Sunday

A memorial service will be held in honor of Arthur Athanason at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum Drive in Lansing. Athanason was a professor of English and theater at MSU for 35 years.

Commission to hold melee review meeting

The independent commission reviewing the April 2-3 disturbances is scheduled to meet at 8 a.m. Friday in the Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road.

Police briefs 10/07/05

Gas prices fuel mo-ped sales

Small, nimble and quick, the rides are seemingly ubiquitous across East Lansing. Sometimes driven in packs and sometimes alone, mo-peds sales are up this semester following a summer of high gas prices. Sales at College Bike Shop, 340 N.

Lansing diocese removes support for charity walk

The Catholic Diocese of Lansing is discouraging members from participating in the annual Lansing CROP Walk tomorrow because a portion of funds raised will be contributed to the purchase and distribution of contraceptives around the globe. The CROP Walk, an acronym for the Christian Rural Overseas Program, is a national fundraiser that raises funds to eliminate hunger in about 80 countries around the world. Some of the funds go to hunger agencies in the city in which it is being held, and several church groups and organizations participate in the walks. Director of communications for the Lansing diocese, Michael Diebold, said the diocese withdrew support for the walk after it became aware of how the walk's partner organization, Church World Service, or CWS, will be using the funds. "It was the feeling of the diocese that we didn't want to be a part of an organization that participated in beliefs contrary to ours," Diebold said. Diebold said they encouraged members to donate to area charities such as local soup kitchens, rather than to the walk. In Michigan, 150 fundraising walks are organized each year, and the one planned for tomorrow will mark the 29th year Lansing has participated, said Bob Barnhart, associate director of the Michigan CWS/CROP Regional Office. Barnhart said the organization was aware that the Lansing diocese withdrew support for the event. He said CWS, which is just one of the event's partner organizations, does provide contraceptives, but noted that 25 percent of all funds collected go to Lansing charities.