Trials for March rioters scheduled to begin

Those charged with crimes committed during the March 31 riot will be sent to pretrial May 28 and 30. Ian Bailey, Bala Mucki, Daniel Callton, James Luellen, Kimberly Martin and Miguel Miranda will go to pretrial May 28 and a preliminary exam May 30 before Judge David Jordon. Timothy Ricker and Tony Warren will go to pretrial May 30 and a preliminary exam June 2 before Judge Richard Ball. These students are being charged for crimes committed in the riot which caused more than $40,000 in damage to MSU's campus. University and city officials pursued rioters by formulating a task force offering a $2,500 reward for tips leading to the arrests and convictions of people involved. Joseph Montes

Police briefs 05/15/03

Weather raises risk of West Nile virus

Summer humidity and heat could bring an explosive mosquito population, increasing East Lansing's risk for the West Nile virus, city officials say. "The greater the mosquito population, the higher the concern that more people will get West Nile," said Dave Smith, environmental specialist for East Lansing. The city of East Lansing is implementing a program to monitor and control a large increase of mosquitoes during the summer months. East Lansing, along with many areas throughout the state, are at risk because of standing water and retention ponds which is creating mosquito breeding grounds, Smith said. The city has not had a mosquito control system in place in recent years, but the issue could be crucial this year, Smith said. "We have not done anything up until the point because mosquitoes were nothing more than a nuisance problem - now it is a human health issue," he said. Employees in the East Lansing Department of Public Works are identifying mosquito breeding grounds and placing donut-like cakes of larvicide to keep new mosquito populations down. The cakes, or "dunks," are composed of a natural bacteria found in soil that kills mosquito larvae. "We are trying to get ahead of the situation because there will most likely be cases of West Nile virus, it's just a question of how many and how severe," public service administrator Angela Mabin said. At a work session Tuesday, department officials explained the affects of spraying a higher-toxicity insecticide to combat the mosquitoes. "Targeted spraying would be the last resort," Mabin said.

Police chiefs celebrate 75th anniversary

During anniversary celebrations of the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety on Sunday, four police chiefs will come together to celebrate 75 years of protecting the campus community. East Lansing police patrolled MSU's campus until September 23, 1947 when an independent campus department formed.

Victory Games kick-off Thursday at 'U'

The 28th annual Michigan Victory Games begins Thursday at IM Sports-West. More than 100 athletes with physical and visual impairments from Michigan and surrounding states will compete in events including table tennis, bocci ball, track and field, power lifting, cycling and cross country.

Bernero confirms run for Lansing mayor

State Sen. Virg Bernero, D-Lansing, confirmed his candidacy for Lansing mayor Tuesday morning."I'm running for mayor because I believe Lansing needs bold and effective leadership and we need it now," he said.Bernero said he plans to work toward increasing the safety of the city and revitalizing Lansing's downtown, Old Town and the Riverfront area.

Aid helps low-income students choose 'U'

University officials say a recent study regarding low-income students choosing not to attend elite universities does not reflect conditions at MSU.The study, conducted by the Century Foundation in Washington, D.C., found students who are accepted to universities choose other higher education options because they, along with their families, cannot afford to pay the increasing cost of tuition.

Construction chaos

Traffic cones and ice cream cones will both be staples on campus this summer, leaving students stuck in lines both for treats and classes. Students traveling on campus will encounter detours and road closed signs on Farm Lane, Service Road and Brody Road. Dennis Hansen, construction superintendent at the MSU Campus Park and Planning division, said the construction is part of the university's maintenance program to improve the road conditions on campus.

Chairman charged in $25K slander suit

A chairman of the Department of Horticulture was ordered to pay $25,000 in a slander suit involving a former MSU employee.Joan Runkel filed a lawsuit in August 2001 against Ronald Perry, chairman of the department, after he made comments to other staff members accusing her of trespassing on his property, entering his residence and destroying property.

E.L. bars combat alcohol abuse, receive awards

Two East Lansing bar owners were honored for their commitment to encourage responsible drinking by the Responsible Hospitality Council on Tuesday.Joe Bell, owner of The Peanut Barrel Restaurant, 521 E.

Police briefs 05/14/03

Research sheds light on evolution

What happens when you put together a biologist, a theoretical physicist, a philosopher of science and a computer scientist?With the added help of digital organisms from a computer, the answer is a new way of dealing with Darwin's theory of evolution."You can think of (digital organisms) as being like computer viruses, but ones that can mutate and evolve on their own," said Robert Pennock, associate professor of philosophy for Lyman Briggs School.

Student takes on race for City Council seat

Along with three incumbent members, one MSU student will be running for a seat on the East Lansing City Council.

Faculty receive honors

James Tiedje and Michael Thomashow's minds could be tapped by the United States government to consult on science policy issues.That's one of the perks of being elected to the National Academy of Sciences, an elite pool of U.S.

Bernero leans toward joining mayoral race

State Sen. Virg Bernero, D-Lansing said he is "seriously thinking about running" for Lansing mayor. "I am moving closer to a decision, I am leaning toward running," he said.While Bernero has not filed an application with the city yet, he is expected to publicly confirm his decision today.

Police briefs 05/12/03

'U' faces funding cuts, tuition hikes

At her first meeting as interim president, Provost Lou Anna Simon addressed MSU's monetary situation as a state budget crisis has forced the university to prepare for massive cutbacks and possible tuition increases. As the legislature makes its final decision on state appropriations for public universities, MSU could face up to a 6.75-percent funding cut. To manage about a $60 million funding cut, the university will continue to trim department budgets, Simon said. "This is certainly a challenge to the university in terms of quality," she said. Simon cited the cancellation of 12 academic programs and 17 moratoriums, including those taken on by the Department of Audiology and Speech Sciences as part of cutbacks which have already occurred at MSU. Restructuring employment will continue to be a part of dealing with a decrease in state funding, Simon said.

Officers pass cycle school finals

MSU police Officer Shaun Mills rides his motorcycle with precision around small orange cones on one of the hardest courses a rider can be tested on.Scoring 98 percent on his final exam, Mills has just graduated Police Motorcycle Operator Training, a program run by MSU's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.As program instructor, Doug Wolfe handed Mills his graduation certificate he made mention of Mills high score and stopping ability."Mr. balanced stop," Wolfe said.

Ceremony officially opens third floor

One woman's generosity and vision has resulted in a 12,000 square-foot expansion of the International Center. Okemos resident and MSU alumna Delia Koo contributed the largest donation to the university by an international alumna and the largest donation ever to the international studies program, according to Charles Webb, MSU vice president for University Development.

State legislators closer to handing down higher ed cuts

Public universities in Michigan might see varying cuts in funding under a budget proposal approved by a higher education subcommittee in the state House on Wednesday.