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.

Public forum to debate road improvements

The public is invited to attend a hearing at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on pedestrian- and biker-safety recommendations to East Grand River Avenue. The open forum will be during the East Lansing City Council meeting in Courtroom 2 at 54-B District Court, 101 Linden Street.

E.L. road construction shuts down roadway

The first of three phases of construction on Albert Avenue began Saturday. Albert Avenue from M.A.C.

SN board to discuss new semester budget

The State News Board of Directors will meet at 1 p.m. on Friday in 150 Student Services. The board will discuss and vote on the proposed budget for the 2002-2003 semester.

City works for prettier yards

Margarita Lara won a free month of rent Tuesday night for planting free flowers and grass seed. The fisheries and wildlife graduate student entered a raffle for the University Apartments Council of Residents’ beautification project. “It was a really good opportunity because I like flowers,” she said. The council, made up of residents from all three on-campus apartment communities, offered the free rent as an incentive to increase participation in the activity.

Bill would dip into states emergency funds

Only $33 million would remain in the “rainy day” fund under a bill passed by the state Senate to patch up budget holes. The legislation passed 37-0 and was sent to the House last June 5.

Police briefs 06/12/02

E.L. school board decreases layoffs

The East Lansing School Board failed to bring back 33 faculty and staff members at their meeting Monday night. Reinstating 75 employees was just part of passing the $39.4 million budget for the 2002-03 school year. “The whole situation was complicated,” school board President Susan Schmidt said.

Graduate students to begin budget talks to begin budget talks

The Council of Graduate Students will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at 328 Student Services to discuss a proposed budget for the 2002-2003 year.

Bill could increase sex education

Joy Whitten believes it’s time for the state to do away with the antiquated laws regarding sex education.“When teens are given honest information, they make more responsible choices,” said Whitten, community specialist for the Planned Parenthood Mid-Michigan Alliance.

Picnic honors working women of World War II

The Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame, 213 West Main St., Lansing, will hold the 18th annual Picnic on the Lawn on June 13.The theme is “Rosie the Riveter” which coincides with its new exhibit “A Few Good Women: The Role of Women in the Military during the Second World War.”The picnic will pay homage to Michigan’s “Rosies,” women who worked in the war industry plants of World War II.

Chili cook-off benefits charity

Lansing - Some of it’s red, some it’s beige, and some is green. Some of it’s chunky, some of it’s thin, and some is right in the middle.

Police briefs 06/10/02