Gas prices unlikely to raise CATA rates

Capital Area Transportation Authority officials say though they are keeping watch over rising gas prices, they don't anticipate increased costs for their riders. "We are keeping a close eye on gas prices since it's such a big part of our budget," said Pat Gilbert, CATA director of marketing. Although CATA ridership has been "booming," there has never been a "proven correlation between high gas prices and increased bus riders," Gilbert said. "It's amazing what people will pay to stay in their cars," she said. She said there are no plans to raise prices or change routes in the area. But despite consistent prices, English junior Emily Laskowsky said she is hoping the spring weather will soon bloom in East Lansing, so she can toss aside her car keys and avoid budget-busting gas prices. "I'm definitely looking forward to the warm weather," she said.

Roly Poly opens its doors, pulls in student business

Roly Poly, the Georgia-based sandwich shop specializing in rolled sandwiches, opened its doors in East Lansing on Tuesday. Yonni Hanson, the store's general manager, said the grand opening yielded a steady crowd and hopes it is a sign of more to come. "We're excited to see students and faculty," he said.

Local business man dies at 58

After more than 25 years of business in East Lansing, Wazoo Records closed on a sad note. Owner James Patrick Lindsey, 58, died Thursday after suffering a heart attack in his home. Rebecca Lindsey-Kennedy, who was once married to Lindsey, said the fate of the music store doesn't look good after the death of its founder. "There is no one to really run it now," she said.

Big Boy on 'cursed corner' says farewell

The storefront located at 101 E. Grand River Ave. at the corner of Abbott Road is once again vacant.Movers carried out furniture and equipment from the East Lansing Big Boy on Saturday because the restaurant didn't make enough money.

'U' to host forum discussing legal aspects of U-M case

Less than one month before the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on the University of Michigan's admissions policy, representatives from both sides of the debate will argue their points at MSU.The MSU-Detroit College of Law and the office of MSU President M.

Exhibit offers healing outlet

When faced with an almost overwhelming family ordeal, John Magnan decided to turn pain into art.After his wife, Mary, was diagnosed with an advanced stage of ovarian cancer in April 1999, the professional sculptor and New Bedford, Mass., native began crafting various artistic works to help him cope with her illness."I'm an artist, and this was my way of dealing with the trauma of my wife's fairly severe diagnosis," Magnan said.The pieces eventually became the 15 compositions forming the "Body Image/Body Essence" national art exhibit tour.

Police briefs 03/11/03

New ASMSU budget reflects economy

Between $1.7 billion, $30 million and $35 in budget cuts, ASMSU chose the last option. MSU's undergraduate student government couldn't escape having to crunch budget numbers along with the MSU and state of Michigan this spring. On Feb.

Arbitration hearing between union, 'U' delayed by weather

Arbitration of a grievance between members of the Graduate Employees Union and MSU officials has been postponed.The final step of the union's grievance procedure was set to occur Wednesday, but heavy snow prevented the Southfield-based arbitrators from making the trip to East Lansing, union President Scott Henkel said.A new date has not been set."We have been talking about this for so long, since August," Henkel said.

Program faces expanding community challenges

MSU Extension's Citizen Planner, a six-part program designed to teach interested participants about facing the challenges of a growing community, begins March 19. The program will focus on the basics of planning, reviews of site plans, legalities, best practices and running productive meetings.

Council to discuss city parking issues

East Lansing officials are looking at new marketing tactics and innovative permits to attract motorists to use the city's parking system.With fewer people parking in the system, the city is looking for opportunities to improve customer convenience and efficient usage of the garages.The city council will discuss the parking budget at 6 p.m.

Forum dedicated to health care needs, problems of uninsured

A forum at noon today will address the importance of health care for the uninsured. The forum, held in Room A-133 Life Sciences Building, is part of a series of events recognizing national Cover the Uninsured Week through Friday.

Couple says 'I do' on horseback at Pavilion

Instead of cascades of white decorations in a church adorned with elaborate flower arrangements, they opted for a barn filled with hay, dirt and the occasional steaming pile of horse manure.

'Weigh In' works to fight cancer, promote healthy lifestyles in U.S.

In an effort to fight obesity and promote healthy lifestyles, Weight Watchers and the American Cancer Society held the first Great American Weigh In.Last week, events occurred around the country, including locally at Lansing's Weight Watchers, 500 N.

Capitol Update

Legislators look for replacements in case of call to active duty As the threat of war increases, state legislators are working to create a constitutional amendment to ensure a replacement for any legislator called to active military duty. The resolution states the governor would appoint a temporary replacement for the legislator during his or her military obligation. The resolution also states that the replacements must be from the same district and party as the legislators they are replacing.

Loose horse injures participants at expo

A man and woman were injured by an out-of-control horse during the Michigan Horse Council's Horse Expo 2003 at the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education on Sunday.Witnesses say something spooked the horse, causing it to go on a four-minute rampage inside the pavilion.MSU police Sgt.

Garden clubs from across Michigan to participate in show

The Lansing Home & Garden Show will take place March 13-16 at the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education.

Student group launches site

Students Protecting and Representing Education, or SPARE, has gone interactive. SPARE, a student organization focused on combating possible university cuts and tuition increases, has put its message out on the World Wide Web - hoping students will log on and sign up. "We should be taken seriously, and this is a great way to disseminate information," international relations junior Ahmed Baset said. Baset, a SPARE member, said the group's purpose is directed at all Michigan students, and the Web site is a great tool for them to learn about the group. "SPARE is representative of everyone," he said. Baset also is the director of legislative affairs for ASMSU, MSU's undergraduate student government.

Lansing City Council to honor residents

Lansing - Three tributes for hard-working members of the Lansing community will take place at the 7 p.m. city council meeting today. The council will honor John and Judith Peakes for their work on stage productions at BoarsHead Theater, 425 S.

Second speaker in series to discuss social justice issues

The MSU 2003 IDEA Coordinators presents speaker Milton J. Little Jr. on Thursday as a part of its Social Justice Series. Little is the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the National Urban League. The event will take place at 7 p.m.