Council to give Troppo decision

The East Lansing City Council will discuss Tuesday whether to give Troppo a permit to build a second-story addition. The restaurant, 213 Ann St., is asking for a permit to build a second-story addition to the existing restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. At its last meeting June 26, the council decided to wait until this meeting before making a decision, allowing council members to speak with community members and Troppo owner Kris Elliott. The decision came after some council members and community members said they were unsure of whether Troppo was a fine-dining restaurant or a bar. Residents raised concerns that if Troppo was a bar, the increased consumption of alcohol, especially on a rooftop, would be a disturbance to those in surrounding businesses and neighborhoods. Councilmember Beverly Baten is still uncertain of what she or the council will do about the special-use permit application. “I’m definitely listening to the concerns from the community,” she said.

Michigan pay phone users face price increase this fall

With rising tuition, bus fare, housing and pop prices, students now have another price increase to contend with - pay phones. SBC Communication Inc., the parent company of Ameritech, announced it would be raising pay phone prices from 35 cents to 50 cents. Denise Koenig, an Ameritech spokeswoman, said the increase, which will be implemented across Michigan by September, was because of a number of reasons. “The change is due to increased operating costs and decreased usage,” she said.

Group presents housing option

Students who are looking for an alternative to dorm life or other off-campus options can attend the Student Housing Corporation’s co-operative open house today.

E.L. arts commission looks to fill vacancy

Art lovers may be able to see their ideas unfold in East Lansing. The East Lansing Arts Commission is looking for someone to fill an opening after a member resigned. The commission is looking for an East Lansing resident who has a background in art and an interest in sculpture. Lori VanOmmeren, the city’s urban designer and staff liaison to the commission, said the new member’s term would go through the end of 2003. She also said the commission is very important to promoting art in the city. “They advise city council on matters pertaining to art programs, review and request support for art programs and administer the public art program,” she said.

High-schoolers preview college

Many high school students spend their summers dreaming of being in college and out on their own. A few of those students are getting a taste of college life this summer at MSU.The students are members of the Minority Apprenticeship Program, a six-week program run by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Police briefs 07/12/01

Two stores to join Meridian Mall this fall

OKEMOS - Shoppers at Meridian Mall will soon be able to read a book before they head to another wing to try rock climbing. The mall, 1982 W.

Police briefs 07/11/01

Advisory team looks at law issue

When Shakespeare wrote, “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers,” in “Henry VI,” he may have been alluding to a dislike for their tactics. Lawyers have been criticized for years for lacking professionalism. This criticism has spurred Lansing’s Cooley Law School to form an advisory group to address the issue of professionalism.

Lansing firefighers beat

Lansing firefighters and police officers have routinely rolled up their sleeves and fought it out during the past two weeks. Despite the bloodshed, both forces seem pleased with the outcome. That’s because the two services were competing to raise blood for the American Red Cross.

Farmers market celebrates new locale

Students and residents won’t have to live on a farm to get fresh produce. The East Lansing Farmer’s Market will allow people to purchase fresh products when it holds its grand opening celebration Thursday. The farmer’s market, which is in its seventh year, will be moving from its location under the Charles Street parking structure to a new location on the corner of Albert Avenue and Charles Street, just east of the Marriott hotel at University Place, 300 M.A.C.

Police briefs 07/09/01

Residents can enjoy handmade treats at 27th annual Ice Cream Social

Pork chops and ice cream will go together well Wednesday night. Clowns named Porkchop and Honeybunch will entertain kids while residents eat handmade ice cream at the 27th annual Ice Cream Social at the Orchard Street Pump House, 368 Orchard St. The event starts at 5 p.m.

Farmers flock to agricultural expo

The Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education will become the place to be for farmers this week. The MSU Department of Agricultural Engineering is holding its 22nd annual Ag Expo, which runs from 9 a.m.

English council elects U prof

An MSU English professor and director of the Writing Center will be representing more than 77,000 English teachers on a national level.Patricia Lambert Stock was recently elected vice president of the National Council of Teachers of English.

Officials urge student involvement in local issues by registering to vote in E.L.

Sarah Hirsch isn’t registered to vote in East Lansing. But the finance senior said if there were no complications, she would want to be registered to vote here. “I don’t want to change addresses because I change my address every year,” she said.

Penn and ink earn book award

William Penn called home from California in May expecting a full report of the day’s activities from his wife and children.He wasn’t expecting to hear that he’d won the American Book Award.“I said, ‘Uh, yeah right,’” the MSU English professor said.

BATmobile travels across Michigan roadways

Michigan police departments are using the BATmobile to catch a few jokers on the roads.The Breath Alcohol Testing van, or BATmobile, is a vehicle used in processing drunken drivers by having blood alcohol level testing available on the scene.The van is part of the high-tech equipment police are using in part of the Drive Michigan Safely Task Force campaign, “You Drink & Drive.

Program turns empty tanks into cash for grillers

Gas grills around the state were fired up on Wednesday for the Fourth of July, but where do users go to refill their propane tanks once they’re empty? If the tank doesn’t have an overfill prevention device, or OPD, it may be difficult to find anyone to refill it. New regulations in Michigan will prohibit tanks that lack the prevention device from being filled, beginning April 1, 2002.

Company offers renewable energy

It’s not easy being green. But G is for green power, and that’s good enough for John Strickler, director of communications for the Lansing Board of Water and Light. The board has a contract with Granger Electric Co. to purchase methane gas from landfills and sell it to customers as renewable energy. Joel Zylstra, president of Granger Electric Co. said as a landfill begins to decompose it emits methane gas, which can be used just like natural gas. “It has significant environmental benefits,” he said.