Building projects to develop office space in downtowns

City officials hope East Lansing and Lansing will be taking care of some business. Both cities have been working to develop office space. East Lansing’s City Center project is nearing completion and Lansing has just laid the ground work for a new 12-story office complex in its downtown area. The Lansing complex development, slated for 2004, is being developed by the Boji Group of Lansing.

Web site moves manure

Once again, it’s been proven that people really can buy just about anything on the Internet.

E.L. eateries excel in city health inspections

East Lansing is filled with individuals trying to make the grade - and the city’s bars and restaurants are no exception. Several East Lansing businesses and restaurants were found to be in “outstanding condition” during liquor license inspections this year. Inspectors found 11 of the 24 establishments to be exceptionally clean and safe, with careful attention to maintenance and cleanliness of buildings and equipment, said Howard Asch East Lansing code enforcement and neighborhood conservation director. “In some of these establishments, the inspectors found absolutely nothing wrong,” Asch stated.

Police briefs 01/09/02

Laws provide protection against domestic violence

A package of domestic violence bills will protect women in dating relationships.The 24-bill package passed into law last month by Lt.

Graduate students seek first contract

The University of Michigan might have more in common with MSU after all.The two schools, along with Wayne State University, have found their graduate employees vying for contracts simultaneously.

Move to limit tuition lacks support

Hopes for an amendment to the state constitution that would place limits on tuition rates vanished when the proposal may not receive enough support from the state Legislature. The measure, introduced by Republican Lt.

Cable station gives video archive to U

An agreement made between MSU and Michigan Government Television in December will make it easier for students and faculty to follow the state government. The complete archives of MGTV, a cable network started in 1996, are available for viewing on videotapes at University Archives & Historical Collections between 8 a.m.

Hubbard, Akers cafeterias see new hours

Students returning to Akers and Hubbard halls will take part in an experimental food service project this semester.MSU food service officials consolidated the two cafeterias Monday, meaning 2,200 students will see more options and extended hours for spring semester.“It is an improvement and realignment of food services,” said Bruce Haskell, food service coordinator.

State Senate pushes for broader Internet access

The Senate Technology and Energy Committee will meet Wednesday to begin preparing a program to increase the availability of broadband Internet access in Michigan.Chaired by Sen.

Court delays plan to limit medications

Mental health advocates and drug companies won a decision in Ingham Circuit Court Monday to push back a plan set forth by the Michigan Department of Community Health. Under the plan, a list of particular medications created by state doctors and pharmacists will not be available to low-income patients unless they show evidence they need the drug. Geralyn Lasher, spokesperson for the department, said they will appeal the decision. “If we are not able to move forward with the plan we feel there will be irreparable harm,” Lasher said.

States face future shortages in blood supply

Waiting until another tragedy like the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to donate blood could cause a severe shortage in blood supply around the country. Jim Rummel, a spokesman for the Great Lakes region of the American Red Cross, said California, Arizona, New York and Chicago all experienced shortages in the last few weeks, but not Michigan - yet. “We personally aren’t having a problem yet in the Great Lakes region,” Rummel said.

Commission announces speakers for Lansings MLK Day luncheon

On Jan 21 more than 1,200 people will step out of the Lansing Center ready to live according to Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream.

Police briefs 01/08/02

Hiring freeze limits student employment

As natural science majors across the university prepare to gain valuable field experience over the summer, many will find one of the more visible sources closed as the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Quality are under a hiring freeze. The hiring freeze affects all paid positions, including many summer assistant positions or internships, which can be vitally important to the agency, said Kelli Sobel, administrative services deputy for the DNR. “In a lot of our divisions (student assistants) are very, very important,” she said.

Distance learning a possibility for DCL

Johnnie Cochran could be among the professors who teach classes for MSU-Detroit College of Law, depending on what the American Bar Association decides. Distance education laboratories, which bring two locations together through television cameras, have become a hot topic in the world of law education as the association looks into modifying its guidelines this summer. The association, which accredits law schools, has guidelines placed on classes that use the technology, such as limiting the number of credit hours that can be taken. The association has proposals for changes to its guidelines on its Web site. John Sebert, the consultant on legal education to the association, said he will not predict what the summer meetings will bring.

Kmarts future uncertain as stock price sinks

Despite reports of higher than expected sales for the last week of December, financial analysts predicted a grim future for Kmart stock. Wayne Hood, an analyst for Prudential Securities Inc., downgraded Kmart’s stock from “hold” to “sell” Wednesday after the announcement that the company, based in Troy, Mich., had a third-quarter loss of more than $200 million. “The analysts considered weak financial results for the fourth quarter as well as weak sales and earning expectations,” said Lawrence Meyers, first vice-president of Prudential Securities in Bloomfield Hills. The downgrade preceded a 72-cent drop in price on Wednesday and a 65-cent drop on Thursday.

Cell phone users in Meridian to get clearer, improved service

A multi-provider cellular tower is being built to improve cellular phone service in Meridian Township. The 180-foot tower will be constructed within the next month between Meridian Township Hall, 5151 Marsh Road, and its adjacent public safety building. The tower was designed to resemble a three-sided clock tower with panels hiding its antennae and a clock face on each side, township officials said.

Spring semester brings buying rush to book stores, Web site

Lines at some bookstores may look extra long as students prepare for spring semester, but Shawn Bourdo said it’s never as bad as it looks.

Christmas spirit fills greeks

For the children in the pediatric ward at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit, Philip Vernengo is Santa Claus. On Dec.