Federal bank board takes on Porteous

MSU Trustee David Porteous was appointed to the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank this week. "The opportunity to serve on a board like the Federal Home Loan Bank is a wonderful opportunity for me as well as the people of Michigan," Porteous said. The Indianapolis-based bank works with smaller banks and specializes in promoting home ownership. Porteous said a portion of the bank's earnings go toward grants for communities that want to increase housing through programs such as Habitat for Humanity. The Reed City Republican, who is chairman of the MSU Board of Trustees, also is chairman of the Michigan Strategic Fund, vice-chairman of the Michigan Economic Growth Authority and sits on the board of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Porteous is an attorney and president of Porteous Law Office PC, in Reed City. Melissa Sanchez

Kids booking it over to E.L. library for storytelling

Four-year-old Livia Belman was among about 20 children trying to wiggle out of their winter clothing as quickly as possible Monday evening. Livia was anxious to begin her first StoryTime at the East Lansing Public Library.

Gender report moves on

A report urging the university to include a gender-identity footnote in its anti-discrimination policy is closer to reality. The Academic Council's executive committee voted Tuesday to send the issue to the full Academic Council after hearing the recommendations of five smaller groups representing students, faculty and administrators. The report has been in the works since it was brought to Academic Council by ASMSU, MSU's undergraduate student government, more than a year ago. A special committee was assigned to develop the argument in favor of the proposal which has been in the hands of the five smaller groups since November. Although three of the five committees said they had some uncertainties about the report, they voted to pass it to the full Academic Council anyway. "I am very happy that it was essentially accepted as we presented it, because we worked extremely hard on it," said Matt Weingarden, ASMSU student assembly chairperson. Weingarden served on the committee which oversaw the report. "There's got to be a push from the student body," he said.

Police continue hunt for Linden attacker

East Lansing police haven't received any new leads since Monday afternoon in the Friday assault of an MSU student, Lt.

AOP changes tours, activities

The freshman Academic Orientation Program at MSU will undergo some changes this summer following input from students who participated in the overnight program.One of the major changes in the orientation will be the tour, which gave the participating freshmen a look at the university's campus, said Megan Bracket, assistant director of AOP."Surveys showed that the students thought a walking tour would be better than a bus tour," the journalism senior said.AOP, which takes place during the summer months, is required for all incoming students.

'U' reacts to clearing of death row

A recent decision by former Illinois Gov. George Ryan to commute the death sentences of 167 inmates has members of the MSU community talking. Ryan, who left office Monday, said the move was necessary because of errors in "trials, sentencing, the appeals process and the state's failure to reform the system." Bryan Crowe said he agrees with Ryan's decision. The engineering arts senior said the state was better off being cautious than wrongfully executing inmates. "My immediate reaction was 'that's ridiculous,' but he did the right thing in not allowing the state to execute innocent people," he said.

Film series to feature German documentary

The Friday Night Film Series continues at 7 p.m. Friday in W449 Main Library. The movie featured is "Germany in Autumn," a documentary about terrorism in Germany in 1977.

Hollister confirmed by Senate committee

Lansing Mayor David Hollister was the first of Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm's appointments to go in front of the Senate Government Operations Committee in a series of hearings to examine candidates for top spots in the governor's cabinet Tuesday. A state Senate committee unanimously confirmed Hollister as the director of a new state department on labor and economic growth. "He will represent Granholm very well," said Mary Dettloff, spokeswoman for Jennifer Granholm.

RHA offers free tickets for Ja Rule, Eve concert

MSU's Residence Halls Association is sponsoring a visit from R &B artists Ja Rule and Eve - and students can win tickets to the event. The concert, held in cooperation with the University Activities Board, will take place at 7:30 p.m.

Council to see revised graduate student document

The University Graduate Council presented three years worth of revisions to the Graduate Students Rights and Responsibilities to the executive committee of Academic Council.The document sets academic regulations governing MSU graduate students.The graduate council will again present a list of the proposed changes at next month's Academic Council meeting.

Continental animal contest to be hosted by 'U'

MSU will host the North American Animal Welfare Judging Contest on Feb. 28 during its annual Agriculture and Natural Resources Week. Participants will evaluate animal welfare in given situations.

Extension programs look for 'creative way' to balance budget

Two of MSU's educational programs for state residents are looking for creative solutions to upcoming funding problems - and hoping to avoid layoffs that may be inevitable. The Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, MSU Extension and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station were counting on nearly $4 million in state money to make up for a 2 percent cut to higher-education funding.

City, LCC combine to build education

Delta Twp. - With a combined cost of $43 million and a slow economy, Lansing Community College has reached out to local businesses and community partners to help pay for its new technical centers.As an extension of LCC, Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) and Technical Training Center are scheduled to open next year.The M-TEC cost the city nearly $34 million and the training center close to $9 million.

Police briefs 01/15/03

Council to see revised graduate student document

The University Graduate Council presented three years worth of revisions to the Graduate Students Rights and Responsibilities to the executive committee of Academic Council. The document sets academic regulations governing MSU graduate students. The graduate council will again present a list of the proposed changes at next month's Academic Council meeting.

Survey reports average starting salaries

When education freshman Amanda McNutt decided to be a teacher, her thoughts were not about how much money she would make after graduation, but instead of her love for children and helping others. "I don't need to have the top car and biggest house," McNutt said.

Students target of RHA cancer pamphlet campaign

MSU Residence Halls Association will distribute cancer self-exam cards in on-campus resident mailboxes Jan.

Experts discuss state tax revenue

With Michigan's top three budget experts meeting today to estimate Michigan's tax revenue, Gov.

Rogers chosen to be on energy committee

Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, has been appointed to serve on the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce in the 108th Congress. Rogers' subcommittee assignments will be announced in the next few weeks. The committee, which was formed in 1795, provides principal legislative oversight related to telecommunications, consumer protection and food and drug safety. The committee also oversees public health, air quality and environmental health and the supply and delivery of energy, as well as interstate and foreign commerce.

Police briefs 01/14/03