LCC gets $1M to add fuel-cell program

Lansing Community College students soon will be able to learn about fuel-cell energy, a field in need of employees that utilizes cells to convert hydrogen into electricity and other forms of alternative energy.LCC received a $1 million appropriation from the federal government Monday to set up the alternative-energy program.Because of the small amount of pollutants emitted by the cells, they are looked at by some as a possible solution for pollution problems created by automobiles.The school previously had earned a $250,000 grant from NextEnergy, a Michigan group dedicated to furthering alternative energy.

Man embezzled from church, police say

East Lansing police say Kevin Schaibley, 24, embezzled nearly $150,000 from the Ascension Lutheran Church, which he served as treasurer.The Lansing man was arrested and charged this week, East Lansing police Capt.

PBS terrorist film to show Monday night

The Foundation for the Defense of Democracies will present the PBS documentary "Terrorists Among Us: The Jihad in America" on Monday.The film details investigation of journalist Steve Emerson about the existence of terrorist groups in America.The film will be played at 7:30 p.m.

Web site to help evaluate lead poisoning

Determining the lead-poisoning risk level of children in the United States can now be done over the Internet, as MSU researchers developed a predictive Web site that aids in the process. The site allows users to enter contributing factors of lead poisoning, including the child's address, housing condition, family history of lead poisoning and socioeconomic status, and provides the user with a risk-assessment evaluation. The Web site already has gained acceptance from various Michigan lead-poisoning awareness groups, including the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, a group that supports the coordination of lead-poisoning prevention and testing services for children in Michigan. "The ideal result would be that medical clinics use this as the means of deciding who should be tested," said Stan Kaplowitz, MSU professor of sociology and one of the Web site's creators.

Eco campaigns for renewable energy

An MSU student environmental group will again be lobbying for renewable energy through a proposed student tax.Eco hopes once again to gain support for a plan to implement a $5 increase in ASMSU's per semester tax to fund either wind turbines or a solar panel system, which are both considered environmentally friendly sources of energy.Amy Gregory, a general science senior and Eco member, said the tax was introduced to MSU's student government last year, But because than 50 percent of the MSU student population voted in the election, so the issue it must once again be brought to a student vote in March.For each student at MSU, the university burns about 24.4 pounds of coal each day, Gregory said.More than 44,000 students attend MSU, and the renewable energy tax would provide $220,000 each semester.

Puerto Rican culture celebrated

Events with catered food tend to feature lukewarm mostaccioli and bland chicken. This was not so at Lechonada on Thursday night at the Puerto Rican pig roast, which featured traditional staples such as baked pork, flan and arroz con gandules, a rice dish. "We have culture to share with everyone," said Natalia Mercado, Puerto Rican Student Association vice president.

Ads recruit future LPD cops

There are some different types of commercials popping up lately in the holes between television shows.

Police briefs 11/21/03

Man injured in fight

A man is being treated at Lansing's Sparrow Hospital for head injuries after he was assaulted while breaking up a fight outside Beggar's Banquet early Thursday, East Lansing police said.As the man intervened in the scuffle, he was pushed or shoved, causing him to fall backward and strike the back of his head against the pavement.

Amid budget cuts, group plans school overhauls

Members of the MSU Council of Graduate Students elected a focus group Wednesday night to discuss the restructuring of the colleges with MSU Provost Lou Anna Simon.MSU administrators are planning fundamental changes to six of MSU's colleges for the spring semester to make up for the drastic funding cuts from the state.Nine members were selected to attend the Dec.

Police briefs 11/20/03

Pageant winner proves age just another number

She sang "New York New York," wore a black evening gown and dazzled a panel of judges with her gleaming personality. But it was the beauty of age and experience that led 66-year-old Beverly Hunt-Sherrod to win the 25th annual Ms. Senior Sweetheart of America Pageant. Hunt-Sherrod, a Lansing resident with silver and black hair and bejeweled fingernails, won the national pageant over 34 contestants on Nov.

Meter ordinance unchanged

A proposed parking ordinance amendment was unanimously struck down by the East Lansing City Council during its Tuesday meeting, following almost a month of debate.

Stabenow to address graduating class

Sen. Debbie Stabenow, an MSU alumna, will return to her alma mater in December as one of three speakers to address graduates at this semester's commencement ceremonies.Stabenow will be joined by Lewis Coleman, president of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and Bernard Kerik, who served as Iraq's interim minister of interior.The ceremonies will be held Dec.

MSU-DCL officials elect board member

MSU-DCL College of Law officials elected a new member to the MSU-DCL board of trustees. Louis Kasischke is a nationally recognized lawyer, businessman and mountaineer.

Police briefs 11/19/03

Decision nears in pipeline clash

The city of Lansing and the Wolverine Pipe Line Co. are awaiting a decision by the Michigan Supreme Court as to whether city approval is needed to build a 26-mile gasoline pipeline.The two sides argued their case before the court Thursday in what was the latest in the company's almost three-year struggle to construct the pipeline.

Credit union hosts free theft seminar

Residents wishing to receive information regarding identity theft are invited to attend a free seminar at the MSU Federal Credit Union, 600 E.

Mitch Albom to sign books in E.L. store

New York Times best-selling author and columnist Mitch Albom will visit Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 333 E.

English center holds meeting on Thursday

The English Language Center is hosting a meeting for provisionally admitted international students interested in admission to a U.S.