E.L. officials to address unbalanced budget

High health care costs and low census numbers are just two of the factors leaving East Lansing’s proposed 2001-02 budget unbalanced. The budget includes a plan to use $325,000 in savings to help cover gaps left by those factors and the scale-tipping costs of new recreational facilities. Gary Murphy, East Lansing’s director of finance, said the city council will have to resort to reducing costs or raising revenue if it wants to avoid dipping into savings. “Neither are easy,” he said.

Union mural to display distinguished, influential faculty

MSU faculty, students and visitors walking into the Union Station Cafeteria will be greeted by 13 faculty members who have been part of the university since 1855.While the people will not be able to shake the visitors’ hands, they will be present in a 55-foot mural on the north wall of the cafeteria.“These 13 individuals are some of the most influential faculty members since the beginning of the university,” said James Sheppard, director of the Union.

Locals take advantage of warm weather

The sun shined at times on Monday on MSU’s campus - reminiscent of last weekend’s weather, when warmer temperatures and sunny skies brought people outdoors.Some people barbecued, others warmed up for upcoming exams by reading in the sun, and a few even tried for a summer tan.But within 24 hours of the 70-degree temperatures and clear skies, the reality of April showers set in.

Activists criticize new domestic abuse law

A new law aimed at decreasing domestic violence has some activist groups saying it will have a negative impact on those who are abused.The law allows doctors to provide police the names of abusers of domestic violence without consequence.

U hosts Model United Nations conference

Nick Kowalczyk wants Soviet troops to pull out of Afghanistan.The senior at Novi High School was one of more than 80 students participating in MSU’s first-ever Model United Nations conference, which puts high school students in the roles of U.N.

Assembly leaders to be elected

As MSU’s undergraduate student government continues efforts to fill its representative seats, the time has come for the election of new leaders as well. During business meetings Tuesday and Thursday, ASMSU representatives will elect chairpersons and vice chairpersons for both the Academic and Student assemblies’ new sessions.

Residents enjoy moonlight stroll

OKEMOS - Before they camped out in a tent in the living room for the night, six-year-olds Renee Bieler and Marissa Cash came to Harris Nature Center to see the moon and maybe some deer. But what they really wanted Friday were moon deer. The best friends agreed the fictional creature they imagined is all white with a “moon nose” - certainly a different breed than the white-tailed deer normally found snacking around the nature center. The two girls and other nature enthusiasts gathered at Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Road, for the first Moonlight Stroll of the season.

Dinner displays students gourmet talents

Students in the School of Hospitality Business were able to showcase their talents Saturday evening with the 50th anniversary of Les Gourmets.Les Gourmets, an annual student-run event, offers guests a fine dining experience put on by students and graduates.

Womens basketball team helps fight child abuse

LANSING - Gray skies and rainy weather didn’t stop the MSU women’s basketball team from completing the 11th annual 5K walk/run Saturday to help combat child abuse in Lansing. “I haven’t put one of these on since track season last year,” said 6-foot-1 freshman forward Julie Pagel, while pinning her race identification number on her shirt.

Police briefs 04/09/01

CMU approves same-sex partner benefits

MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University is extending same-sex partner benefits to its administrators and other nonunion employees.

Mural exhibits baseball, cars

LANSING - It was a night of firsts for Lansing Lugnuts fan Jim Manley, who attended the team’s home opener against the West Michigan Whitecaps on Thursday at Oldsmobile Park. It was the first time the former Oldsmobile employee and the 6,500 fans in attendance saw the minor league baseball team play this season and the first time they could view a colorful “Hall of History” mural on the south wall of the stadium, which is dedicated to Lansing’s automobile and baseball heritage. Two things Manley knows well. “It shows how much cars are a part of American culture - just like baseball,” he said.

Scholars gather to speak on race relations

Educators and professionals from across the country joined MSU students on campus this week to delve into issues of race and ethnic diversity in the new millennium. The event, “Race In 21st Century America: A 2nd National Conference,” is put on by James Madison College and the Midwest Consortium for Black Studies, a group that includes MSU. Curtis Stokes, an assistant professor in James Madison College and chairman of the conference planning committee, said in its second year, the event has blossomed. “We crafted this idea and it has become a national phenomenon,” he said.

New RHA president shares goals for future

Nick Kovacic’s term as the new president of the Residence Halls Association doesn’t begin until Wednesday, but his goals for the 2001-02 year are ready for action.Among them, Kovacic said he wants students to view RHA as an organization committed to serving and representing them.“If students have issues or concerns about anything, they should be able to come to us,” Kovacic said.

E.L. cable service topic of meeting

Although Nick Bofferding and his six roommates split the roughly $50 bill for digital cable each month, the price is still a little high for the mechanical engineering junior. But he doesn’t care. “I’m sure if it were just me paying, I might care more,” he said.

Victims remain hospitalized

Hospitality business junior Justin Jones remains in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit at Lansing’s Sparrow Hospital after being assaulted in East Lansing on Saturday. Jones, a St.

Model UN educates high-schoolers about world viewpoints

Some of the world’s biggest problems are about to be placed in the hands of high-schoolers.More than 80 students from across the state will participate in MSU’s first Model United Nations conference at the Kellogg Center this weekend.The conference, sponsored by the International Relations Organization, gets under way at 7 p.m.

Court places hold on judges U-M decision

DETROIT - A federal appeals court Thursday put on hold a judge’s order that the University of Michigan law school stop using race as a factor in admissions. A three-judge panel of the 6th U.S.

Debate team excels in national tourney

The Spartan basketball team isn’t the only program at MSU showing consistency in Final Four appearances.Last week, two members from MSU’s debate team reached the semifinals in two National Championship debate tournaments for the second consecutive year.

Forum allows U to show creativity; research work

Some of MSU’s best and brightest students will soon have their day in the sun.The third annual University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum will take place from noon to 5 p.m.