Aquatic Center comes to E.L.

Residents still have time to shop for new bathing suits for East Lansing’s Aquatic Center after cooler-than-usual weather pushed back its grand opening. The center, 6400 Abbott Road, was approved by residents in November 1998 as part of a $3.5 million bond. The park was supposed to open Saturday, but weather is expected to be in the 60s with scattered showers, and chemical balancing of the pools still needs to be completed. The new opening is scheduled for 5 p.m.

Professor remembered for wittiness, sense of humor

Although Paul Somers’ life came to a sudden halt, those who knew the American Thought and Language professor best say there is a lot to remember, admire and even laugh about.“He could always find a way to make things less serious,” said Douglas Noverr, chairman of the Department of American Thought and Language.

Local parks offer free weekend recreation

Looking for free fun? The Ingham County Parks Department is sponsoring the second annual Memorial Day - Free Day at the Parks on Monday.

Law students bulk up their minds, replies in new boot camp program

Advantage Education, in cooperation with the University of Michigan, is giving pre-law students a leg up on their future classmates with a Pre-Law Boot Camp being held at U-M.The reason behind the weeklong seminar is to prepare future law students for a new type of learning.

Budget Plan eases energy costs

Winter energy bills might not be such a shock with a budget plan.Consumers Energy introduced its Budget Plan this month for customers who didn’t like seeing high heating bills in the winter.The plan would take a customer’s annual energy cost and divide it into 12 equal payments.“The benefit for the customer is instead of seeing very high bills in the winter, it spreads it out over the warmer months so they don’t have any surprises,” said Jeff Holyfield, Consumers Energy spokesman.The typical customer will see a monthly budget of about $80, which Holyfield said is based on past energy usage and gas prices.Last year, 22 percent of Consumers Energy’s natural gas customers were on the Budget Plan and more are expected to enroll this year.“Nobody likes surprises with their budgets, and most students have to keep houses year-round,” Holyfield said.

Drivers beware: Officers in blue out to ticket U

With the holiday driving season in full tilt, police officers all over Michigan and the United States are gearing up for a strict implementation of the “Click it or Ticket” campaign.“My advice would be if you see a police officer, make sure you’re wearing your seat belt,” Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth said.

Red Cross seeks donors for Memorial Blood Drive to prevent possible drought

With a holiday weekend sneaking up, a familiar charitable organization is hoping to be prepared. The Mid-Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross is sponsoring a blood drive Friday at Breslin Student Events Center for Memorial Day weekend. Students and residents can give blood anytime from 11 a.m.

Police briefs 05/23/01

Family dedicates garden

The life and passions of Barbara Hoopingarner will be seen by churchgoers every Sunday as they walk into the services.The Hoopingarner family dedicated a memorial garden at the University Lutheran Church, 1020 S.

ACLU members plan to discuss course of action

In the wake of the information the Lansing-area chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union received in response to a Freedom of Information Act request to the university, members are now examining the packet and considering their options. No definite action will be taken until a meeting can be held.

U honors memory of former provost

Although former Spartan Provost Lawrence Boger finished his career as an Oklahoma State University Cowboy, MSU leaders who remember his life agree that he bled green and white. “He was a member of the Spartan family in every sense of the word,” said Roger Wilkinson, former MSU vice president for Finance and Operations.

U might tap into oil, gas

MSU may be able to add more funds to its coffers - without raising tuition.Sturgeon Point Development Co. is drilling for oil and natural gas on the university’s property in Troy, Mich.

Lansing officials oppose new gas line

LANSING - David Murray said Lansing needs a gasoline pipeline, but not at the risk to the environment and residents. And Lansing City Council members agreed the risk was too great, as they urged Lansing Mayor David Hollister to do anything possible to stop Wolverine Pipeline Co. from building a gas line through Lansing. “I think the first thing we need to do is take care of the environment,” said Murray, a Delta Township resident.

Pastor seeks council ward seat

In the page 3 story “Lansing locals seek ward position,” (SN 5/17) Lester Stone was left out. Stone, 50, has been pastor at Friendship Baptist Church, 925 W.

Area politicians help Korean mayors through leadership training program

Lansing Mayor David Hollister spoke with 20 Korean mayors Monday on economic strategies and how important an image is to a city. It was all part of the event titled “Transforming Civic Society and Government in the 21st Century,” a leadership training program promoting decentralization of the Korean government.

Journal celebrates 30th year

When Tropos was published for the first time 30 years ago, it was hand-stapled and delivered to MSU’s Main Library.When the newest edition of the graduate romance language journal comes back from the publisher Tuesday, it will be mailed to the Library of Congress.“We’ve had 30 years to polish what we do,” said editor Daniel Nappo, a Spanish language and literature graduate student.

Spartan parents, kids play Western games

More than 318 children spent Friday digging through hay, riding ponies and playing with farm animals.The children came to the Western Roundup event at Spartan Village, sponsored by the Department of Residence Life and Student Parents on a Mission, an organization that provides support for student parents.Trina Burnett, family stages specialist for Residence Life, said the event brings student families together and shows them the agricultural side of MSU.“It is pretty much for community awareness of agricultural life,” she said.

Student wins national business award

When Jeff Ziarko was younger, his mom would yell at him for watching too much news on television. But now, his interest in business and politics has paid off. The political economy and finance senior was one of 50 students from across the country who won a student fellowship award from the State Farm Companies Foundation, based in Illinois.

Police briefs 05/21/01

Police briefs 05/17/01