E.L. to discuss housing inspections
The East Lansing City Council will discuss the necessity of all-trade inspections for rental houses and apartments in the city at its work session tonight. Under city rules, each rental home is given an all-trade inspection every ten years, no matter the condition of the house. The extensive inspections, which bring in plumbing, building, mechanical, electrical and fire inspectors to check the safety and efficiency of the house, are billed to the building's owner - often at a costly price. "Most of the houses are in good shape, and I can't personally see why we should put an expense on a landlord that has good inspections every year," Councilmember Bill Sharp said. Sharp estimated that an all-trade inspection could cost up to $3,000. With the proposed changes, all-trade inspections only would be administered under certain conditions.
Rock of ages
As a first-time shopper at Elderly Instruments in Lansing, you might think you've come across a musician's Mecca. From one side of the main showroom comes a full-out assault of Sunburst Fender Telecasters.
Students to dine with legislators
In an effort to stop future cuts to higher education, ASMSU members are working to change legislators' perceptions of college students through a dinner next month. At Thursday's Student Assembly meeting, MSU's undergraduate student government passed a bill for $800 to fund the dinner, which will bring 14 legislators and about 30 students together. "It's important for us to be proactive," said Andrew Bell, ASMSU's director of legislative affairs.
Author shares her Aboriginal heritage
Quiet dignity and strength radiated from the deep brown eyes of author Doris Pilkington as she stood before MSU students and faculty to share the struggles of her family Monday evening in the Union. Students, faculty and community members began filling the conference room to hear the story of Pilkington's mother, Molly Craig, who escaped an Aborigine reservation in Australia and traveled more than 1,500 miles home on foot.
Health experts wary of drug club
Relatively high prices for prescription drugs in Michigan have left some residents and legislators seeking cost-saving alternatives. Buying pharmaceuticals from Canada, which traditionally has provided lower prices, is becoming a popular but controversial method for Michiganians to buy their medications.
Spring Break fairs put priority on 'U' safety
The Women's Resource Center will host several spring-break safety fairs in the next two weeks. MSU Department of Police and Public Safety, Olin Health Education Services, the American Cancer Society at MSU, Sexual Assault Crisis and Safety Education and Self Defense for Women also will pass out information on safety at the fairs.
Author to speak on aboriginal treatment
Doris Pilkington, author of "Following the Rabbit-Proof Fence" will speak at 7 p.m.
ASMSU allots extra funding
Three weeks into the spring semester, ASMSU's Programming Board ran out of money. With several more groups still looking for event funding, ASMSU's Student Assembly passed a bill at its Thursday's meeting that adds $10,000 to the programming budget. Several representatives from minority and progressive student groups attended the meeting to support the bill.
RHA passes bill to add $10 karaoke fee
At Wednesday's Residence Halls Association meeting, a bill was passed by a 26-1 vote to amend the organization's bylaws regarding rental equipment. The item most affected by the changes is RHA's karaoke machine.
Hot 'N Now to open in E.L. in May
Following a lengthy development period, Hot 'N Now Burgers is expected to open its East Lansing store some time in May. Building permits for the East Lansing Hot 'N Now, 403 E.
E.L. Library hosts 11th annual medieval fair
Bothe wee and olde assembled at noonday on Sunday to partake in medieval ribaldries at the East Lansing Public Library. The 11th annual Dragon's Faire brought more than 400 people to the event, which combined medieval sword-fighting exhibitions and dancing with children's crafts and bright green "dragon punch." Wide-eyed children stared and cheered as swords clashed in metallic exuberance as The Ring of Steel, a theatrical combat troupe, exhibited various types of fighting. The Dexter-based team, equipped with weaponry of all shapes and sizes, spoke to the audience about violence, chivalry and sword safety. In one segment of the exhibition, troupe Executive Director Chris Barbeau explained some of the tricks that moviemakers use to convey reality without putting any of the actors in harm's way. Barbeau has worked with many actors, training them to sword fight, including Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman for "Hook" and Bruce Campbell for "Army of Darkness." "Facial scars do nothing for our acting careers, let alone our chances with the ladies," he said.
RHA, Olin game show tests love connections
By Daniel Thai Special for The State News "The Newlywed Game" is alive and well at MSU. The Residence Halls Association and Olin Health Center came together Friday to sponsor the first MSU Couples Challenge as part of Women's Healthy Sexuality Month.
WEB-ONLY: Group meets to discuss traffic issues
Improvements to traffic and pedestrian safety across campus were discussed Wednesday during a special public forum.
Abortion veto set for House vote
A state House committee voted 3-2 Thursday to allow the House of Representatives a vote to override Gov.
Affirmative action group disagrees with petition
A civil rights group filed a lawsuit Thursday against the State Board of Canvassers due to the wording of a petition aimed at banning racial preferences. The lawsuit was filed in the Ingham County Circuit Court and hearings will begin March 4. If the petition gathers 317,757 registered voters' signatures by July 6, a state constitutional amendment banning racial preferences in employment practices and public university admissions will be put on the November ballot.
Abrams Planetarium to feature Milky Way show
MSU's Department of Physics and Astronomy is offering their latest installment in public shows featured at Abrams Planetarium. This weekend, Abrams Planetarium is offering "Milky Way Legacy" for general audiences at 8 p.m.
Authors to appear at Lansing book signing
Husband and wife authors Michael Datcher and Jenoyne Adams will read and sign their best-selling books from 7 to 9 p.m.