Sparty corrected for bad behavior

Taping footage for a mascot competition has led to an educational opportunity for the Student Alumni Foundation.Members from the Council of Students with Disabilities said they were offended when MSU mascot Sparty was seen wandering through the Union with a white cane and referee's jersey last Wednesday.The stunt was intended to be "the blind ref gag," according to foundation coordinators, a piece that would go into a yearly mascot competition video."The statement they were making was about a referee," foundation adviser Bev VandenBerg said, adding that the students involved in the videotaping didn't realize their actions were offensive.

ASMSU ends BTM dispute

ASMSU has agreed to pay an arbitration settlement with a music promotions group because of a campus appearance from rap artist Ludacris more than two years ago.MSU's undergraduate student government paid $6,000 last month to BTM Productions, a promotions group that signed the Atlanta-based rapper to perform at the Auditorium during Homecoming Week in October 2001.When Ebony Productions, a student organization under the programming board of ASMSU, brought Ludacris to campus, there were disagreements with the promotion company about the date and location.BTM Productions officials argued the crowd in attendance didn't meet their expectations.Andrew Schepers, Student Assembly vice-chairperson for internal affairs, said the concert date was changed because it conflicted with the Cold War, the Spartan Stadium hockey game between MSU and the University of Michigan.ASMSU has a risk-management fund, Schepers said, but because of the brief amount of time the organization had to settle the arbitration, funds were taken from the $52,657.63 budget for the ASMSU Special Projects fund.A bill to move the funds between accounts will go through the next Student Assembly meeting.Barry Schlussel, the attorney who represented BTM Productions during arbitration, and a BTM Productions spokesperson could not be reached for comment.Theresa Kelley, assistant general for MSU's general counsel, represented MSU during BTM's arbitration with the university."Ludacris performed as everyone agreed, and everyone thought that was that," Kelley said.

State apple crop booming

After being left with a sour taste from last year's apple season, apple lovers throughout the state are excited about the size, quality and quantity of this year's crop. According to the Michigan Apple Committee, Michigan has about 1,100 orchards, with about 200 acres each.

Student groups to shows films Thursday

Two student groups will be showing free films Thursday night. The Armenian Student Association of Michigan State University will show Ararat, a film about the denial of the 1915 Armenian genocide, an issue that association president John Avedian said still affects Armenians today.

ELPD host meetings with students

In a relationship strained with riots and a heightened noise policy, the East Lansing police continue monthly meetings with MSU students to alleviate concerns. The East Lansing Police Department began the Police/Student Relations Committee after the March 27-28, 1999 riot.

Police briefs 10/22/03

Nature center hosts Halloween adventure

Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Road in Okemos, will host a Halloween Adventures party from 10 a.m.

West Nile cases lessen this year

The Michigan Department of Community Health reported six cases and one death from the West Nile virus this season - one year after the virus infected 644 Michiganians and killed 51 people.Although the threat in Michigan appears to be dwindling, people living in western states are being hit hard by the virus.

MSU-DCL graduate receives tax fellowship

Three years ago, Allison Ernst said she would have laughed at the thought of enjoying filing tax returns.But now, the 2002 MSU-DCL College of Law graduate has earned a one-year fellowship at the MSU-DCL Tax Clinic.

Commission defers plans for E.L. complex

A $20 million complex proposal originally slated for discussion at tonight's East Lansing Planning Commission meeting has been deferred to Dec.

LBGT leader focuses on students

Getting Brent Bilodeau to talk about himself is a challenge. But once he starts talking about students, he speaks passionately, interlocking his hands to emphasize the relationship of one marginalized group to another.Bilodeau is assistant for the Office of Lesbian, Bi, Gay and Transgendered Concerns, a program through the Department of Student Life."First and foremost, students are at the very center," he said from his office in Student Services.

Legislators want to honor McPherson

Two Michigan congressmen introduced a resolution Monday to honor MSU President M. Peter McPherson for his role in rebuilding Iraq's economy.U.S.

Police briefs 10/21/03

Web site offers free food to students

Students short on cash can get free food, pick-up or delivery from one of four East Lansing restaurants simply by logging onto a Web site. Campusfood.com, a network of collegiate restaurants, provides an Internet ordering service and is sponsoring the free food promotion along with Sidestreets Deli, The Pita Pit, D.P.

International fair offers more than credit-based trips

The Office of Study Abroad said it hopes to show that there's more than credit-based international activities.The first annual International Opportunities Abroad Fair will be held from noon to 4:00 p.m.

Bars try to limit fake IDs

Joe Becker's friends warned him against buying alcohol from 7-11, but he was "desperate" for beer.

Lansing candidates hold debate

Lansing mayoral candidates Tony Benavides and Virg Bernero met on campus Monday, in the first and only "official" debate of the 2003 election, to challenge each other's views on issues including same-sex benefits, public safety and recent allegations. The two men came together at the WKAR television studios in the Communication Arts and Sciences Building for the debate, which was moderated by "Off the Record" host Tim Skubick and WKAR radio host Matt Ferguson.

DCL looks to improve 'U' negotiation skills

MSU-DCL College of Law officials say legal disputes in the future will happen in negotiations, not in the courtroom.And they hope to train law students in negotiations in the seminar "Breaking Through Barriers" on Thursday and Friday.

Sibling stabbing leads to charging of mother

Facing child abuse charges, Tanya Marie Bigham said Sunday she is "very surprised" at the course of events since her 8-year-old son stabbed his 5-year-old brother in the back on Oct.

Dogs dress up for Halloween

Agnes Soriano Special for The State News From demonic dogs to princess poodles, owners disguised their pets in creative costumes and masqueraded more than 20 of them Saturday at the Walk in the Woods Halloween Costume Party. The contest categories included "Looks Most Like Owner," "Scariest Costume," "Most Creative Costume" and "Looks Most Like a TV/Movie Celebrity." The dogs competed for the ultimate prize: A huge basket of doggie toys and treats. The event, hosted by the Friends of Greater Lansing Dog Parks, brought in an estimated $200.