ASMSU to upgrade room after debate

It all came down to a question of money.An ASMSU bill requesting up to $50,000 to refurbish the MSU undergraduate student government's conference room and offices was heavily debated at the March 27 meeting, mainly because some representatives did not feel all the components of the bill were necessary.The original bill called for installing a television and computer system, similar to those used in classrooms, along with re-carpeting and painting, creating a plaque and scholarship for former association director Charles Beachnau, installing a new phone system and upgrading computer systems."I can't see why a projector and a computer that prints transparencies and a budget for Sharpies couldn't do the trick," said Derek Wallbank, Student Assembly representative for the Residence Halls Association.

SPARE rally not as 'U' hoped

Lansing - Students came from across the state sporting school sweatshirts and banners - all 50 of them. Students Protecting And Representing Education, or SPARE, held a rally at the Capitol on Wednesday to maintain higher education state funding as the state faces a budget crisis with a $1.7 billion deficit. "This is embarrassing," said Jared English, SPARE member and ASMSU director of university and governmental affairs.

School to hold dinner

MSU's School of Hospitality Business will sponsor a black tie reception and dinner on Saturday called Les Gourmets.

Police briefs 04/03/03

Dorm security recommendations set

Remote electronic door sensors and a neighborhood watch are on the list of recommendations released Wednesday by a group assembled to study residence hall security after a student was attacked Jan.

Former Secretary of State to speak at 'U'

Former Secretary of State James Baker will speak at 6 p.m. today at the Great Hall at Wharton Center.From 1976 to 1992, Baker served as secretary of the treasury and commerce and led campaigns for Presidents Gerald Ford, George H.

Final Four loss: March 27-28, 1999

On March 27-28, 1999 a riot occurred at in areas of East Lansing near campus following MSU's loss to Duke in the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

Police receive tips on weekend rioters

MSU and East Lansing police have received several tips that might lead them to participants in weekend disturbances that caused up to $40,000 in damage, police officials said Tuesday. "We're hoping for some good public input," MSU police Inspector Bill Wardwell said.

Munn field: May 1-2, 1998

On May 1-2, 1998, a riot occurred at Munn field on MSU's campus. The following stories are from The State News' archives: May 2, 1998: Riot May 2, 1998: Riot escalates as night wears on May 2, 1998: Officials exude disappointment May 2, 1998: Munn field: 'catalyst for student protest' May 4, 1998: Students react to rioting May 4, 1998:17 arrested in weekend riot

Gunson Street: Sept. 7, 1997

On Sept. 7, 1997 a disturbance occurred on Gunson Street in East Lansing. The following stories are from The State News' archives: Sept.

Low sign-up cancels trip

Angel Salinas said his parents are glad he's not going to Ecuador this summer.Salinas was one of nine students planning to study abroad in Ecuador this summer, but was notified via e-mail Wednesday the education and society program didn't fill its quota of students and was canceled."That might have been the reason the program was canceled, because my family was praying," the Spanish sophomore said.

NCAA Championship celebration, April 3-4, 2000

On April 3-4, 2000, a celebration occurred at in East Lansing and on MSU's campus after the Spartans won the NCAA men's basketball championship.

State gas prices drop despite war with Iraq

While oil fields in Iraq remain safe, gas prices in Michigan have dropped nearly 16 cents per gallon in the past two weeks.AAA spokesman Jim Rink said war fears have not come forth and have allowed for the decrease in gas prices."Initial fears that the oil fields in Iraq would be sabotaged have not taken place," Rink said.

Police briefs 04/02/03

E.L. School Board approves budget cuts

After about two months of listening to public comment, reviewing programs and buildings' uses, the East Lansing School Board unanimously approved the districts 2003-04 budget recommendations. The budget prepares for a projected $4.2-million shortfall.

Temporary extension keeps Amtrak running

After weeks of negotiations, Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation have reached a temporary deal allowing the railway to continue operating its two state-funded train lines for at least the next three months.Amtrak officials and department representatives settled the deal in a conference call Monday, with both sides agreeing to a three-month contract setting Amtrak's funding level at $1.425 million through July 1.Department spokeswoman Stephanie Litaker said the deal provides the Legislature more time to pass a bill lifting a $5.7-million cap in state funding Amtrak annually receives, while still securing Michigan's passenger rail service."This deal is somewhere in between," Litaker said.

Faculty member voice for diversity

Colleagues of Gilbert Williams knew the telecommunication professor as a strong voice for minority issues.Known as Gil to his friends, he died March 26 at age 51 after a battle with Lou Gehrig's disease."There have been very few people of color in the telecom department," said Professor Bella Mody, who worked with Williams for 17 years.

Conference dispels Asian stereotypes

For Maggie Chen Hernandez, Asian Pacific American women are more than the media makes them out to be.And the Asian Pacific American Women's Conference, titled "Real Faces Banishing the Doll," held in the Union on Saturday, reinforced positive images of Asian Pacific American women's identity through a variety of workshops.

Officials try to avoid public service cuts

Residents of East Lansing might face increased sewer and water rates and higher parking prices as city officials attempt to spare public services and still adjust for a $1.4-million shortfall in the city's nearly $53.5-million budget. Officials will present the 2003-2004 budget to the city council at 7:30 p.m.

Volunteers continue to listen at a new location

The Listening Ear Crisis Intervention Center moved to its new location Monday without missing a phone call.