Sail away

A recent report issued by the U.S. Sailing Association shows a considerable decline in participation in sailing. The report detailed statistics showing 100,000 fewer sailors have enjoyed the sport every year since 1992. In response, the national governing body of sailing in the United States is aiming to restructure itself in order to promote further involvement by the public. However, the current decline in the public's interest in the sport does not especially concern MSU Sailing Center Director Ken Warshaw. "The national decline in recreational sailing is due to the emphasis placed on racing," said Warshaw, who has been with the center since 1997.

Support group honors 10 years

The fear of germs and worrying about safety is quite normal, but when fears and worries begin to interfere with professional, social and personal relationships, OCD Support Group of Lansing officials say people might have a condition called Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Science center hosts local animal event

Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing will host "Animal Super Saturday" this weekend. The event is part of their "Super Saturday"-themed events. "The Animal Super Saturday" exhibit will be open from 11 a.m.

Part of Grand River Ave. shut to traffic

Traffic will be restricted on Grand River Avenue from High Street to Pennsylvania Avenue for about two months. The City of Lansing Department of Planning and Neighborhood Development said the closure is required to accommodate sewer separation and road construction due to Lansing's Combined Sewer Overflow Separation Project. Businesses adjacent to the closed area still will maintain local access.

East Lansing receives $24K biodiesel grant

East Lansing was awarded a $24,500 grant from the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth Energy Office to help fund a new biodiesel refueling storage tank. The new biodiesel fuel, which is a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel, is an alternative fuel made from renewable resources such as soybeans.

Lawmakers at odds over state budget proposals

With the fate of this year's $250 million deficit and next year's state budget on the line, lawmakers still are struggling to reach an agreement on Gov.

Court upholds ruling

A U.S. Supreme Court decision that came down Monday upheld a Nevada judgment, stating individuals who refuse to give their names to police can be arrested, even if they have done nothing wrong. Michigan was not one of about 20 states with similar statutes to the Nevada one that sparked the 5-4 Supreme Court decision, but local officials say although they now have the right to carry out the court's policy, students still have nothing to worry about.

Sewer failure closes down Service Road

Due to a sanity sewer failure, Service Road located on MSU campus between South Harrison Avenue and Farm Lane is closed for two weeks.

New complex raises concerns

The expansion of an existing apartment complex has many city residents concerned that a new development will bring traffic congestion, flooding and too many people to an area they say is already overly crowded. "There's already enough apartments surrounding our little neighborhood and now they want to add more," East Lansing resident Ann Chick said. Hollander Development Corporation submitted an application in April to expand the existing Deerpath Apartment Complex, near Haslett Road in East Lansing.

Police briefs 06/21/04

Slaves' emancipation honored

Lansing - July Fourth is, to some, the most patriotic of all U.S. holidays. It is celebrated to memorialize the formal separation of the colonies from Great Britain, which ensured America's freedom. However, many Americans observe another day of independence not found on most calendars. June 19, also known as Juneteenth or African American Emancipation Day, has yet to be recognized by legislators as an official holiday. Hundreds gathered in Lansing this past weekend for a three-day celebration titled "Beyond Emancipation - Toward Empowerment" to make a push toward getting legislation to make a holiday of Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when the remaining slaves in Galveston, Texas, were notified of their freedom after the Civil War. "Recognition is due," said Debra Plummer, chairwoman for the Lansing Juneteenth Committee.

Festival plans to enlighten

Lansing - As one of the smallest racial-ethnic minority groups in Lansing, less than 1,000 American Indians make up the city's population.

Police briefs 06/17/04

All tickets gone for President Fox's visit

Mexico President Vicente Fox will be appearing from 5-6 p.m. today at the Lansing Center. Two thousand tickets already have been given out and event organizers do not expect to add any more passes. Fox will be discussing immigration issues and migrant workers within Michigan.

Police spot, arrest 2 suspects on campus

MSU police made two separate arrests Monday involving one suspect who fled from IM Sports-West, ending on the roof of Munn Ice Arena and another who has admitted responsibility to at least 20 thefts of property from various campus buildings, MSU police Sgt.

Global Warming rally backs energy efficiency

Lansing - Audiences gasped as New York City was caught in the grasp of an immense tidal wave before being swallowed up in the most detrimental snow storm in 10,000 years. "The Day After Tomorrow" put weather issues into the movie spotlight by illustrating the destruction and disaster resulting from unsupervised global warming.

Search begins for superintendent

With a board election just days behind them, officials on the East Lansing Public School Board still don't have time to relax - now they're on the lookout for a new superintendent. Interviews of six leading candidates began this week, and a new superintendent will be announced by the end of the month. School board members began considering applications for a new administrator over Memorial Day weekend, when they each took time to review 41 applicants from across the United States, before narrowing the list down to six. "Though we were all with our families over the holiday, a lot of us were inside during our downtime, working and looking over candidates," School Board President Barbara McMillian said. The process began in September 2003, when former superintendent Thomas Giblin's contract was terminated by the school board in a 4-3 vote.

Police briefs 06/15/04

67 million affected by allergies

Though 67 million people suffer from some type of allergy, many of those afflicted most likely haven't felt a reaction for quite the same reason as Erin Robertson did when she was 16. "We went to (toilet paper) someone's car and they had just mowed the lawn," the biosystems engineering junior said.

Study: College students lack political motivation

While a recent study showing college students as being apathetic about politics makes sense to young adults, legislators don't all agree on the findings.