Tax guides available to help file forms easily, accurately

Tax season is here again, and Sen. Beverly Hammerstrom, R-Temperance, hopes to make the filing process a little simpler. “There were dozens of changes that taxpayers need to be aware of in order to file their taxes correctly,” Hammerstrom said in a written statement. The tax books include a summary of tax laws, including information on tax credits and the Single Business Tax. A sample form and phone numbers for more assistance are also included.

Community center pool nearly finished

The sweet smell of success has been wafting through the halls of the East Lansing Hannah Community Center. The community center, 819 Abbott Road, has been experiencing a good deal of foot traffic from tours, parties and business conferences. But soon a major piece of the center’s recreational equipment will be finished. At the end of the month a big attraction, the center’s pool, will open.

Wireless Western has U wondering about benefits

Last fall, MSU finished wiring students on campus to Ethernet. This spring, students at Western Michigan University went wire-free. Phase one of the Wireless Western project was completed last week, giving the university’s core campus in Kalamazoo Internet access from anywhere. The new system will serve as a supplement to the standard Internet cable connection in most buildings about Western’s campus.

Gardens open for use

The Garden Project, sponsored by the Greater Lansing Food Bank, allows area residents to have their own garden and grow any kind of annual produce, from tomatoes to watermelons. “The idea came out of the 1982 recession when all the GM workers were out of work,” said Bob Kirkby, a coordinator for The Garden Project.

Businesses seek to prevent theft with greeting

As students walk into local businesses, it may not be unusual to receive a simple “Hi” or “Hello.” Most students don’t think twice about such greetings, but most students aren’t shoplifters. Joe Orlowski, store manager for Steve & Barry’s University Sportswear, 515 E.

Theorist speaks to groups about misperceptions

Alan Berkowitz spoke to members of the Community Relations Coalition and the Responsible Hospitality Council on Thursday evening about improving the relationship between East Lansing residents and MSU students. About 20 people packed into the board room of the Administration Building from 4:30-6 p.m.

Varicella vaccine is useful to students

An Emmons Hall resident was diagnosed with varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, last Friday. Emmons Hall residence director Glen Midkiff said the student went to Olin Health Center Friday after noticing a rash.

Catholics prepare for Easter

Each year Amy Frazier tries to give up something for Lent. And each year, she forgets to stick to her choice. “I’m giving up chocolate this year,” the education sophomore said.

Police briefs 02/15/02

Officer reflects on career

Lansing - Growing up in Oscoda, Ray Hall’s favorite TV show was “Hill Street Blues.” The early ’80s police drama show helped influence Hall’s decision to enter law enforcement. Hall, who is serving his last day as a lieutenant with the Lansing Police Department, will be promoted to captain within the department on Saturday. “I thought it would be cool having a job where I got to catch people and help people out,” he said.

Speech to empower women

Maria Zavala suffered second- and third-degree burns on her face and hands last November in an accident involving a gas stove. For Zavala, a community organizer for the Chicano Development Center in Lansing, said she hopes discussing the accident will help strengthen women in the community when she speaks at Saturday’s Dia de la Mujer Conference. “I am pretty scarred, and it’s very visible,” said Zavala, one of the conference’s founders.

Fraternity to spend Saturday reading to kids

Members of Phi Sigma Pi will spend time with local youths Saturday. Fraternity members will be taking part in a drop-in story session for children from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

E.L. development troubling for some shops

Like many college students, Ray Walsh needed a way to pay for his MSU education. Unlike some students, he chose not to sell plasma every week.

Life-like sculptures to liven up Lansing

Works of art by a renowned artist will be prominently displayed in Lansing this summer. The Sculpture in the Streets program will bring 15 life-size statues, made of bronze by J.

Comedian speaker to discuss civil rights movement

Dick Gregory will speak about “Entertainers in the Civil Rights Movement” at 4 p.m.

Alcohol-education advocate to speak in E.L.

Renowned William Smith College Professor Alan Berkowitz will be speaking to members of the Community Relations Coalition, the Responsible Hospitality Council and others at 4:30 p.m.

Breast cancer walk to raise funds

Last summer Lisa Priebe’s grandmother died of lung cancer. When Priebe recently discovered her friend’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, she felt like she needed to help. “My grandma was the first person close to me to die of cancer,” the communication senior said.

U commits to limited tuition increase

As the university is preparing to tighten its finances, MSU has formally committed to a deal that would freeze state appropriations and limit tuition increases to 8.5 percent this year.MSU President M.

U-M offers low-cost software

At the MSU Computer Store, students and faculty can purchase brand-name computing products at a discount - better than the prices available in retail stores.But with many products, students in Ann Arbor get a better deal.Some software companies offer “educational pricing” to universities and research institutions.

Campus briefs

Judge Robert Weiss was reappointed to the MSU-Detroit College of Law Board of Trustees Wednesday. Weiss was first appointed to the MSU-DCL board in 1996 and served on the MSU Board of Trustees until Feb.