Flood of fans hit area stores

A tidal wave of football fanatics will be hitting East Lansing on Saturday.But when the levy breaks, owners hope to be ready.Kent Ward, owner of Buffalo Wild Wings, 360 Albert Ave., said the restaurant will be staffed to the hilt.“I know the football stadium holds the same, but it is the extra people (in town) that make the difference,” he said.Ward said customers will start showing up by noon to watch the game.

Student-police task force discusses alcohol-related issues

One topic was the most recurring at the Student-Police Relations Task Force meeting Thursday - the video-taping of tailgaters by the police.Members of the greek community and others expressed concerns about the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety videotaping tailgaters before football games at locations across campus this semester.

State remains prepared for anthrax, terrorism

Lansing - Preliminary reports of anthrax in Kansas City, Mo. and Indianapolis have brought the threat of the potentially deadly bacteria to the Midwest, but state police say there is no reason to panic. Federal and state authorities are investigating 18 possible bioterrorist hoaxes, but have not found any anthrax in Michigan, said James Haveman, director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. No arrests have been made and the incidents are believed to be separate. Haveman said he is encouraging people to receive a flu shot to prevent worry that flu symptoms may be anthrax infection.

Critterguy Web site educates students on wildlife

Scared of snakes? Not sure if it’s safe to walk past the animals parked by the Red Cedar? Losing sleep over the strange noise coming through your window?Relax.

Culture honors lost loved ones

In honor of Dia de los Muertos, a march will begin at 4:30 p.m. today at the rock on Farm Lane. The march will proceed to the state Capitol where political activist Guillermo Lopez will speak.

Police strengthen security for game

While students, stores and sports enthusiasts have been preparing for Saturday’s football game against rival University of Michigan, local police departments were doing the same. Overnight security for Spartan Stadium and Sparty began earlier this week to prevent vandalism.

Spartan Chariot sports new look this year

Go Green, Go White and Let’s go State. No you aren’t hearing a cheer. Those are the names of the MSU horses that pull the Spartan Chariot and its charioteers with spirit and pride in each stride.The Spartan Chariot is a longtime staple in home football games and made an appearance at “The Cold War” hockey game this season.

Police briefs 11/01/01

Dorms adapt Halloween decor

The normally bright, cheerful environment of the Abbot Hall cafeteria was transformed into a spooky place to eat Wednesday night.Students entered through a tunnel guarded by a spider hanging from the ceiling, and were met inside by an alien spaceship, a glowing ghost and a bleeding, headless man.Education senior Sarah Kidd, who dressed as Winnie the Pooh, said she has been working at the hall for four years, and this year’s Halloween decorations have been the best so far.“It’s a great time for all the employees and students to have a good time for the holiday,” Kidd said.Mario Porco, who works at the cafeteria, said he and co-worker Adam Koivisto decided to decorate the cafeteria to put a smile on students’ faces.“After the bad things that happened a month ago, we wanted to do something fun,” Porco said.The cafeteria also showcased pumpkins carved by Abbot residents.

U recommends against heart devices

Automated External Heart Defibrillators, have grown in popularity across the country and are now beginning to appear on college campuses - not only for sports purposes.In August, Northwestern University installed 10 such devices throughout its campus in places ranging from academic buildings to police cruisers.

Police working to make intersections safer for all

It may be a long and hard road for some students to complete college, but MSU’s Department of Police and Public Safety doesn’t want the walk through campus to be that difficult. In coming months, police will begin stricter enforcement around crosswalk areas, trying to make the campus safer for pedestrians. A study sponsored by the All University Traffic Committee this fall using small yield signs in crosswalks around campus showed police which areas and times see heavy pedestrian congestion - and danger. MSU police Lt.

E.L. City Council faces backlash about annexation of property

An end has been found to the divisive issue of annexation that has brewed between Meridian Township and the city of East Lansing for months.Despite an occasional lapse into name-calling by citizens and trustees of Meridian Township Monday night, the board voted 7-2 in favor of adopting the annexation papers and an urban cooperation agreement.The agreement will allow the township to maintain some control over the property, the management of the area and its growth for the next 34 years.The annexation of 66 acres of Meridian Township on the corner of Park Lake Road and Saginaw Highway originally came up in August.

Program providing greenhouse training

There is only so much on-the-job training a greenhouse grower can have, but an MSU program provides the informational aspect that is also needed.The Floriculture College of Knowledge Greenhouse Grower Career Development Certificate Program kicked off its third year at the Lansing Center, 333 E.

Panel discuses 9-11s effects on economy

Mordechai Kreinin estimated Wednesday that the economic recovery costs from the Sept. 11 attacks will be $100 billion - a relatively small amount.During the Forum on the Economic and Financial Implications of September 11, Kreinin told about 200 students and faculty that the economy will likely recover in a year or so.

Crew finds clues to cougar existence in Michigan

They have been rumored to stalk Michigan forests.But unlike Bigfoot, there are some signs the myths are true.Cougars may live in Michigan.The Michigan Wildlife Habitat Foundation has found some traces of cougars in the Upper and Lower peninsulas in recent field studies.Prior to the recent traces, the last known cougar to walk on Michigan turf was shot near the Tahquamenon River in Chippewa County in 1906.The foundation released a report Monday discussing the recent findings of Patrick Rusz, director of wildlife programs for the foundation and 1986 MSU graduate.

Gay-rights group fights AFA with Web site

The Triangle Foundation, a Detroit-based gay rights advocacy organization, has unveiled a controversial Web site targeted against the American Family Association.The group unveiled the Web site, www.AFAexposed.com, Wednesday after a two-year investigation of the American Family Association.

National Guard border patrol funding extended

Michigan National Guard members patrolling the state’s international borders aren’t going anywhere - at least for now.Gov.

Neighborhood preservation arises as focus of discussion between council candidates

With the continued development of East Lansing, the city council candidates are thinking hard on how to preserve neighborhoods.Incumbent Councilmember Bill Sharp said many of the problems in neighborhoods could be solved if renters were more aware of their rights.“We have to make sure the inspections (of rental properties) are done and followed through by the landlords,” Sharp said.

Band has blast with Sparty Watch

Shots could ring out at any time, falling asleep could let the enemy in - but as long as the hot dogs aren’t burned, all is fine. Or at least that’s how some students who guard Sparty view the balance between keeping MSU’s mascot safe from University of Michigan students and having a good time. “There are grills going with dogs, brats and burgers,” said Dustin Brown, a criminal justice senior.

Patriotric spirit spurs rise in Halloween sales

Halloween sales may not be that scary for local businesses.Nikki Bernstien, manager of communications for the International Mass Retail Association, said households are spending an average of $61 compared to $43 from last year.“They are spending more money because they want to,” she said.