Benches to rest in E.L. lot

East Lansing officials want the stench of car exhaust to be a distant memory for visitors to downtown’s Ann Street Plaza.

Alumnus earns debate internship in D.C.

Leadership on MSU’s debate team helped a 2002 graduate become the first person from the university - and only the sixth ever - to land a prestigious Washington, D.C., internship at a nonprofit think tank.Austin Carson, who graduated with a degree in international relations, begins the yearlong William J.

Police briefs 06/20/02

Professor brings cases, experience to U

The “hands-on” philosophy of MSU’s forensic anthropology program brings prominent cases and serious students to the university. Anthropology Professor Norman Sauer’s current investigation at the campus lab could reopen a 7-year-old missing person case.

SN approves $2.16M budget for 2002-2003

The State News Board of Directors approved a $2.16 million budget for the newspaper for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.About $80,000 of that budget is covered by a $1 increase in student taxes approved in March, State News General Manager Marty Sprigg said.

DTN warns residents of terrorism

Merchandise management junior Alison Framke got a surprise when she opened the mail that came to her Capitol Villa apartment. Included with her regular mail was a warning from DTN Management Co., which owns the apartment complex at 1696 E.

Little-known program could help with rental property repairs

For years, East Lansing has offered to help rental property owners fix moldy walls, cracked ceiling and other safety concerns.

Police briefs 06/19/02

McPherson leads hunger coalition

Industrialized nations should fight hunger in Africa through increased aid and efforts to develop agriculture on the continent, according to a report by a coalition of African and U.S.

Downtown eatery starts outside dining

Cosí, 301 E. Grand River Ave., will start offering outdoor seating this week. The restaurant will have 12 outdoor seats at six tables on M.A.C.

Emergency simulated at Capital City Airport

Lansing - Emergency crews from more than 17 area agencies found one of their worst nightmares at Capital City Airport on Thursday morning.When firefighters, police and paramedics arrived on scene, they found 83 people scattered along the runway among damaged luggage and patches of blackened grass near the rear of a burning plane.Fortunately, the disaster was only a two-hour simulation required every three years by the Federal Aviation Administration to test emergency crews’ readiness for such a disaster.Some volunteers acted as wounded passengers while others played the role of casualties, with wounds made from charcoal, tissue paper and petroleum jelly.The mock disaster included a plane modeled after a Boeing 727 hooked up to a gas tank to simulate fire from an accident.

Area officials support annexation law reforms

Bath Township - Two state representatives and officials from area townships are pushing for reforms to annexation laws to prevent cities from stealing neighboring land under development.Reps.

Panda research project involves U

An MSU professor left for China on Friday as part of a six-month research project to study a 27-year-old panda reservation. The panda project, headed by fisheries and wildlife Associate Professor Jianguo “Jack” Liu, began in 1998 to study how humans impact the environment of panda bears. Researchers hope the information can be applied to areas in the United States to prevent the extinction of plant and animal species. “We’re just trying to use this species as an example with how humans impact wildlife,” Liu said.

E.L. library needs teens for reading

Teenagers are invited to volunteer for the East Lansing Public Library’s fifth annual Stories in the Garden this summer. Seventh- through 12th-graders will read picture books to younger children in MSU’s 4-H Children’s Garden.

Diversity discussion focuses on Lansing officials resignation

A forum Sunday designed to promote understanding of different cultures turned into a discussion about whether racism was a factor in the resignation of a top official in the Lansing mayor’s office.Genice Rhodes-Reed, who helped found the Unity in Community group in 1994 and serves as its coordinator, said she was forced to resign in May from her position as director of the Human Relations and Community Service Department.“We feel she has done a wonderful job in her work with the group,” said Beth Bogue, co-facilitator for Sunday’s forum.

Council to discuss city developments

The East Lansing City Council is scheduled at its Tuesday meeting to vote on whether to convert Ann Street Plaza, at M.A.C.

Police briefs 06/17/02

Local lawyer eyes Congress

Two underdog Democratic candidates are taking aim at area GOP congressmen. A 51-year-old East Lansing resident is challenging U.S.

Pizzeria adds store, menu items

East Lansing students and residents will be able to get their fix of Georgio’s pizza at two locations starting at 11 a.m.

Job search easier for bilingual students

Criminal justice students may want to be able to ask, “Usted hablas Ingles?”Experts say bilingual officers are in demand in many metropolitan areas .“There is a need for officers to work with different cultures,” said Edmund McGarrell, director of the School of Criminal Justice.