'Bad driver' bill awaits governor's signature

Michigan residents who have paid fines for failure to provide proof of insurance to police officers might soon have the opportunity to receive reimbursement. Legislation was passed Wednesday that would amend laws passed last year intended to punish people who drive without having car insurance. Under current laws, referred to as "bad driver" laws, drivers could pay fees reaching up to $435 over a two-year period in addition to $300 in assessments for failure to provide proof of insurance. The amendment would allow Michigan residents who can prove before the court that they had insurance at the time of citation to only pay a $25 administrative fee, which was charged before "bad driver" laws were put in place.

City seeks talent for 'Veggie' variety show

The City of East Lansing is asking for individuals or groups to participate in the second annual Vegetable Soup Variety Show. Last year's show included comedy, music and theater routines. Applications are due by April 9 and can be picked up at the Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road, or found online at cityofeastlansing.com. The East Lansing Prime Time Seniors' Program and the Hot Spot Teen Club will host the event at 6 p.m.

RHA adds new representatives

A new position created within the Residence Halls Association earlier this semester has been filled. Current RHA Secretary Kevin Newman will act as chief of staff for the organization after a unanimous confirmation by the General Assembly on Wednesday.

WEB ONLY: File sharing class scheduled for weekend

MSU's Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media is offering a class on peer-to-peer file sharing this weekend. The class, "Peer-to-Peer Filesharing: From Download Nation to Collaborative Technology," will meet Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.

'U' Republicans endorse civil rights initiative

The MSU College Republicans unanimously passed a resolution supporting the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative on Wednesday night. The passage comes during the same week Ward Connerly, chairman of the Sacramento-based American Civil Rights Initiative, will visit East Lansing. The event is Saturday at 1 p.m.

WEB ONLY: Council passes efforts to rename schools, change structures

The Executive Committee of Academic Council passed most items of its agenda concerning university structures and policies without additional consultation during its Tuesday meeting.

Dunnings to run again

Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III has announced his plans to run for re-election as the county's head lawyer. The position is a four-year term and pays about $100,000 a year.

Police briefs 03/19/04

MSU-DCL to get tech upgrades

TV screens big and small filled the courtroom Wednesday as MSU-DCL College of Law students caught a glimpse of new technological gadgets that soon will be coming to campus. MSU-DCL student Deb Davis-Korpi said she was more that just a little nervous when she stepped up to use the equipment for the first time as her class visited the federal courtroom in Lansing on Thursday evening. For more than a month, the technology has been housed in Judge David McKeague's courtroom.

Elementary students get brainy with help from 'U'

At the front of teacher Dennis McCarthy's fifth-grade classroom, a group of students gathered excitedly around a table, eyes wide, whispering to each other. They weren't staring at the latest toy - they were touching real human and animal brains. As a part of Brain Awareness Week, sponsored by the Society for Neuroscience, MSU faculty and graduate students traveled this week to more than 10 local elementary, middle and high schools with hands-on presentations about the organ. McCarthy's class attends the Grand River Elementary Magnet School, 1107 E.

Arrest tally normal for Irish holiday

While many people flocked to downtown bars or held parties of their own to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Wednesday, police said arrests and incidents were normal for the holiday. "There was nothing out of the ordinary," said East Lansing police Capt.

Area students' request for 'coaching' lesson granted

"What are wolverines good for?" "Roadkill!" This chant might seem odd coming from a group of kindergartners, but considering their guest visitors, it doesn't seem all that strange.

Cafeterias offer low-carb options

MSU cafeterias might not label its food "Atkins-friendly" in the midst of a nationwide low-carbohydrate dieting craze, but officials say they offer plenty of options. "Given what we offer, people can pick and choose," said Bruce Haskell, food service coordinator for the Division of Housing and Food Services.

Month celebrates Asian Pacific Americans

Culture and entertainment will combine on campus over the next few weeks as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month rocks into full swing at MSU.

Student government revises internal code

On Tuesday night, ASMSU's Academic Assembly modified its internal code, and one additional change might be discussed at its last meeting of the session. The assembly passed seven modifications by consent, without a vote.

Professor to be honored in ceremony

Colleagues and friends of Ruth Simms Hamilton have planned a memorial service and symposium to honor the former MSU professor's life and work. "This memorial service will be an opportunity for the campus community to celebrate the life of one of its most distinguished colleagues," said David Campbell, associate dean of the College of Social Science. Hamilton, 66, was found dead in her Meridian Township home on Nov.

'Can Man' memorial service open to public

A memorial service will be held Saturday for Ernst Lucas, known to many members of the MSU community as "Ernie the Can Man." Lucas died in January at the age of 68.

Turkey could be fast-food item

Hoping to go beyond the traditional Thanksgiving dinner table, turkey enthusiasts plan to make the meat a staple on fast-food menus through a federally funded project at MSU. Wyoming, Mich.-based Michigan Turkey Producers Cooperative recently received a $55,574 federal grant to research new turkey products that U.S.

New whiskey targets college crowd with local promotions

A new 100-proof liquor is making its way to local shot glasses this week as the product is unveiled in various Midwestern college towns. The Cutty Black whiskey, distributed by Skyy Spirits LLC, is being geared toward a college-age demographic with a "dedication to American male culture and the timeless feeling of American rock n' roll." Promotional parties at East Lansing and Lansing bars and restaurants include Michigan's "100 Proof Girls," nine scantily clad women tying into the liquor's advertisements that feature medieval, fantasy-themed women. "Cutty Black is an edgy, irreverent brand targeting consumers in these high-energy markets who are on the cutting edge of music and trends and enjoy a pleasure-seeking lifestyle," said Marc Bromfeld, a brand manager at Skyy Spirits LLC., in an e-mail to The State News.

WEB ONLY: Lansing convention addresses future of telecommunication industry

The excitement of new technology was in the air at the PoliTech 2004 convention held Wednesday at the Radisson Hotel, 111 N.