Sparrow, Blue Cross make deal

While some MSU professors and staff heaved a sigh of relief last week for the continuation of their health care at Sparrow Hospital, others are seeking alternatives for the future.Sparrow Hospital and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan reached a temporary agreement Tuesday.The agreement will continue health coverage at Sparrow facilities for 67,000 Mid-Michigan residents while attempts are being made to come up with a long-term contract.The deal was music to the ears of some MSU faculty covered by the insurance company, including physics and astronomy professor Norman Birge.

Local stores weather tough holiday season

Despite a slump in the nation's economy, some local businesses still report a strong Christmas season. Store managers from several local businesses along Grand River Avenue said business was the same or even better than past years.

Kilwin's chocolate shop closes

Students craving sugary treats now have one less place to satisfy their sweet tooth.Kilwin's, 403 E.

Police briefs 01/06/03

Professor receives prestigious award

Anil K. Jain, university distinguished professor in the department of computer science and engineering, joined a list of about 150 people worldwide as a recipient of the prestigious Humboldt Research Award. The award was created by the nonprofit Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, which was established by the Federal Republic of Germany for the promotion of international research cooperation.

Winter offers icy reception

As students slowly migrated back onto campus, snow surrounded them. It wasn't exactly the remains of a blizzard, but its cold-and-icy return has stirred up bad memories for students. Some wondered if the weather was a tease or a warning - a test - or a sign of things to come.

Benavides to fill Lansing mayor seat

Lansing - Tony Benavides will soon take over as mayor when current Mayor David Hollister leaves his term early to join Gov.

Class offers insights on cattle feeding

A course in cattle feeding and nutrition will be offered in two sessions at four locations in late January and early February.

Center to offer free programs for faculty, staff, area students

The MSU Women's Resource Center will sponsor free programs this month. The center sponsors at least 10 programs a month and gears the presentations toward faculty, staff and students. Judy McQueen, educational program coordinator for the center, said the programs exist for multiple reasons. "It is really important because it keeps men and women informed politically, financially and emotionally," she said. McQueen, who has been with the center for 20 years, said the programs cover topics such as divorce, aging and child care.

Group uses bugs to educate, display art

Two bees stood at the front of the room and sang Baha Men's "Who Let the Dogs Out."Except the words were changed."Who let the bombs drop?

New group migrates north to 'U'

Ducks Unlimited has migrated to MSU. The MSU chapter's mission is to conserve wetlands and waterfalls and to support research by raising money to purchase the acreage, club officials said.

Milk producers vote on ads

Michigan dairy producers will receive a ballot in the mail next week to vote on whether to continue a statewide marketing and educational program promoting milk.Public Act 232, which must be renewed every year, provides funding toward advertising dairy products and nutrition education in schools and throughout the state.

Students enjoy Hanukkah

When she was young, graduate student Emily Reetz and her family would enjoy dinner in the dark on the last night of Hanukkah amid only the soft glow of 45 candles."When I was little, I remember my family and I lighting five menorahs during Hanukkah," she said.

Dept. stresses holiday safety

Christmas lights and decorations are filling Lansing homes with a glow, but if residents don't take precaution, the holiday lights could turn into a blazing fire.A fire safety demonstration held to kick off the Holiday "Safety First" program in Lansing demonstrated that message Thursday.The demonstration, held at the Lansing Fire Training Academy, 3015 Alpha St.

Student wins award in holiday contest

Studio art senior Heidi Campbell won the 10th annual Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center holiday card design contest. Campbell's design features the slogan "May Your Season Be Bright" and a green background with two lights. "You have a lot of creative students on campus," Kellogg Center General Manager Joel Heberlein said.

Motorists should be cautious at the gas pump

Many pumping gas are too annoyed to wait outside for their tanks to fill as the weather gets colder.The Lansing Fire Department noticed a recent increase in the fueling of running vehicles while the drivers sat in their cars.

Residents criticize fines, city's towing guidelines

Some residents in the Americana Apartments, 1128 Victor St., are waging war in the parking lot as they battle against the towing of their registered cars.And Anthropology junior Susie Cain is planning to take her fight to court next month.She says MAC's Towing company is being too overzealous by towing resident's cars.

Police briefs 12/06/02

Area men will be remembered at WWII rededication

The 32 East Lansing men who died in World War II once laughed, learned and played within the walls of what is now the East Lansing Hannah Community Center.More than 60 years ago, the center was a school for hundreds of area children, including the 32 men.On Saturday, an honor roll with their names will be dedicated to the building that was once their classrooms, lunch areas and playground.The plaque, which previously hung in City Hall at 410 Abbott Road, will be rededicated at 2p.m.

Seniors raise money for class gift to 'U'

MSU's senior class hopes to have more students donate for the class gift than the University of Michigan - and beat them in the competition for the third year in a row. The Senior Class Challenge has a goal of raising more money than they did last year, which was just more than $25,000.