New fiber optic sign saves local business money, energy

It isn’t a Lite-Brite but East Lansing will be turning on the magical color light.Urban Options, 405 Grove St., has installed a new energy-efficient sign using fiber-optic light.By using fiber optics and a light pipe design system, energy is saved by using one bulb that transmits light over the distance of the outdoor sign.This is a more efficient use of energy because neon signs involve heating up neon gasses and keeping them lit.

Family festival teaches diversity

For Robert Henderson, attending events with his family like the Fourth Annual Meridian Heritage Festival is a great opportunity. “I think it’s great that you can let people know the heritage of races,” said the Lansing resident, as his wife Taunya and daughters Alexis and Alana observed ducks nearby. “We try to go to at least one ethnic festival every summer.

Say Huh? Karaoke rocks International Center

Hitting those high notes and flaunting slick dance steps was all the rave Friday at the International Center.The annual event, Say Huh?

Undercover procedure determined by board

The university’s policy on undercover police surveillance of student groups was established Friday by the MSU Board of Trustees.The resolution said undercover investigations can only begin under “extraordinary circumstances” and with the approval of the university president.Board members expressed an interest in reviewing guidelines to be set by the Task Force on Student-Police Relations, which was created following the investigation of the placement of an undercover officer into a student group last year.“This affirms the university’s commitment to invoke such procedure only in extraordinary circumstances,” Trustee Dee Cook said.

Police briefs 09/24/01

Campuswide e-mail causes concern among students

Tucked among the e-mail from Sara Makowski’s friends and family was an unfamiliar message that made the pre-med freshman worry a little Friday afternoon.MSU’s Department of Police and Public Safety sent out a universitywide e-mail asking students to help identify three Pakistani men who had been involved in an incident at the Business College Complex’s Eppley Center on Wednesday.“I was a little concerned at first,” Makowski said.

RHA conference gives government, caucus students ideas on leadership

On-campus student leaders gathered at Brody Hall on Saturday for the second annual Residence Halls Association Leadership Conference.Nick Kovacic, RHA president, said the conference was a training seminar to help student leaders from hall governments and caucuses become better leaders.“We wanted to give them helpful information they could use when they go back, and I believe we succeeded at that,” he said.The conference, which was also sponsored by Residence Life, consisted of leadership sessions presented by RHA executive board members about their positions.Jeff Donofrio, RHA director of public relations, discussed how to get a group’s name out by targeting student issues during his session.“These student leaders came out of my session with the skills and resources they needed, and hopefully, they’ll be back next year,” Donofrio said.Rodney Patterson, director of the Office of Racial Ethnic Student Affairs who spoke at the conference, talked about leadership characteristics students need to excel in their various positions.“He said student leaders have to be able to understand the school system and administration - basically cutting through the red tape,” Kovacic said.David Demps, a psychology freshman and representative for North Campus Black Caucus, said he was surprised by the outcome of the conference.“I’ve been to conferences like these before, and I usually end up socializing,” he said.

Public Response provides E.L. residents with voice

Sometimes a silenced voice can become the loudest of them all. In 1998, Jim Cuddeback was tired of citizens’ concerns falling on what he considered to be deaf, indifferent ears and made it his personal job to have those voices heard in the East Lansing community. He began a grass-roots Internet newsletter and Web site called Public Response, providing an open forum for discussion among its subscribers.

Trustees challenge helps upgrade Madison library

Renovations to the library in James Madison College had Haley Sinclair saying the room may now be the most attractive place to study in Case Hall.A challenge issued by MSU Trustee David Porteous raised funds for $140,000 worth of library improvements.

Locals stream to banks to rid rivers of pollution

Local environmentalists gave a hoot and cleaned up after those who pollute.The MSU Sportfishing Club, the Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council, 416 S.

Economics majors have new home; department moves

The Department of Economics has a new address. And students who wish to pursue their degree in the subject can take a new route.The department, which was formerly part of the Eli Broad College of Business, is now part of the College of Social Science.Charles Ballard, an economics professor, has been instrumental in “hammering the nuts and bolts out of the new curriculum.”“In terms of the curriculum, it changes things a little bit,” he said.

Police briefs 09/21/01

Tobacco settlement spending challenged

Michigan Attorney General Jennifer Granholm is calling on the state Legislature to re-examine its priorities in appropriating Michigan’s share of the $206 billion national tobacco settlement.Granholm hosted Mississippi Attorney General Mike Moore, who led lawsuit efforts against the tobacco companies in 1994, for meetings with MSU students and state leaders Thursday.

Sister city to Hollister: Terrorist acts disgraceful

When Lansing Mayor David Hollister opened his mail Sept. 12, he saw a familiar return address - St.

Dean to replace Cooley founder as new president

For Cooley Law School Dean Don LeDuc, becoming the next president of the school was a natural next step.“There won’t be a lot of surprises,” he said.

President to have final approval in extraordinary circumstances

A resolution regarding surveillance of student groups by MSU police is expected to come to a vote at today’s Board of Trustees meeting. The resolution was created based on a report from an independent panel investigating the placement of an undercover officer into United Students Against Sweatshops, now called Students for Economic Justice, beginning Feb.

Patriotism abounds as Legislature resumes

Lansing - When the state House met in full session Thursday for the first time since June, some members wore red, white and blue to show their American pride. With thoughts still focused on the Sept.

Students distribute patriotic ribbons

Green and white took a second on campus when yellow began taking over last week.Students, faculty, staff members and their cars have been donning yellow ribbons since they were passed out by a group of three MSU students early last Friday.Kristen DeJardine, Sarah Palmer and Amber Johnson wanted to show their support for America and their grief for the lost lives.

Web site a forum for discussion

Students are getting a chance to point and click their way to the MSU police.The Web site created for the Task Force on Student-Police Relations, www.taskforce.msu.edu, features a forum for discussion about student and police issues, as well as an area to e-mail ideas, suggestions or complaints to administrators.“You can see that there’s two ways you can make your voice heard,” said Deb Pozega Osburn, director of Media Communications.

Teach-in hopes to educate U about terrorist tragedy

Citizens for a Peaceful Response, a group founded Sept. 11, is holding a teach-in to challenge racial myths, discuss alternatives to war and begin a public discussion regarding an appropriate response to the terrorist attacks on the United States. The event will be held at 6 p.m.