Increased sales make merchants optimistic

Cory Curtisis hoping once again his sumo wrestler clocks will pull their weight in sales.The owner of Cool Creations, 209 M.A.C Ave., said the novelty items, which are sumo wrestler figurines with working clocks attached on the front, are among some of the items that are selling.And according to The Michigan Retailers Association’s Michigan Retail Index released this week, getting that kind of weight off the shelves can be expected.The report predicted sales during the next three months will increase, which will be a pleasant change from the sales slump experienced in January.“I’m being optimistic,” Curtis said.

Student takes honors at photo contest

David McCreery was cheering in silence when he noticed the judges looking at his photograph. “I was rooting like a mime,” the computer science seniorsaid.

ASMSU in need of candidates to fill vacant seats

Despite a disappointing campaign to recruit candidates, ASMSU is attempting to increase student voter turnout.

Study tests drug to treat cold sores

Don’t ask Deborah Sudduth about cold sores - she’s suffered from them, off and on, for the last 10 years. Two months ago, Sudduth, an executive assistant to the dean in the College of Nursing, participated in a MSU study that cured her cold sores in less than two days. “I’ve never had an experience like that before,” Sudduth said.

New license plates will raise money for causes

LANSING - Motorists will have a new glimpse of Michigan, just by looking at the bumper in front of them. Secretary of State Candice S.

Vet students take part in reality TV

The next dose of reality television will be prescribed by MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine.MSU’s campus will be the setting for “Vet School Confidential,” a brand new program for the Animal Planet cable network.The lives of several MSU veterinary students will be documented in the 13-episode series, to air next fall.“You aren’t going to watch it and learn how to be a vet,” said Chris Oldroyd, a producer with Rocket Pictures, which is creating the show for Animal Planet.

Nurses open new clinic in Lansing

LANSING - Gail Harvey and Vicky McAree said they have always wanted to own their own business but never knew whether their dream would become reality.But this week, when the two former Olin Health Center nurses opened the doors of the Travel Wellness Clinic, 416 Frandor Ave.

2002 Porsche raffle to benefit Executive Development Center

MSU students, faculty and alumni now have a chance to win a 2002 Porsche Boxster for only $100. The Eli Broad College of Business, along with Porsche Cars North America Inc., are raffling off a Porsche in order to benefit the new Executive Development Center under construction on the southwest side of campus. Michael Rishell, senior director of development at Eli Broad College of Business, said the new center will greatly benefit MSU. “It’s really an extension of the land-grant mission,” Rishell said.

Police briefs 03/01/01

Clinic offers residents advice for tax season

It has been said there are two things in this world that are absolutely certain: death and taxes. While it’s impossible to do anything about the first, the MSU-Detroit College of Law Tax Clinic, 541 E.

U officer changes post

MSU police Officer Lorrie Bates traded in her department-issued blue cap for a cardboard party hat Wednesday.Police and Brody Complex officials surprised the community police officer with a farewell party.

Support group combats problems, gives students with eating disorders HOPE

Erin Ruth is still in school with the help of some friends.Ruth battled an eating disorder up to her departure for college.

ASMSU seeks E.L. general funding to ease transition off campus

While MSU’s undergraduate student government did not qualify to receive Community Development Block Grant funds from the city of East Lansing, ASMSU officials said they are not discouraged.Instead, ASMSU has been recommended to receive money from the city’s general budget by the Community Development Advisory Committee.“We would have had to track the audience that the (block grant) money is spent on,” said Joe Mignano, ASMSU director of Community Affairs and a member of the advisory committee.

Spotlight program targets underage drinking

Let the buyer beware. Area cops are teaming up to curb liquor sales to minors. The East Lansing Police Department, Meridian Township Police Department and Ingham County Sheriff’s Department kicked off their new Spotlight program Wednesday afternoon at Spartan Sports Den, 1227 E.

Student researchers to show off their work

MSU student researchers will have a chance to strut their stuff at the ninth annual Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum on April 6. The event will take place on the second floor of the Union from noon to 5 p.m.

Students art chosen for worldwide exhibit

In Janna Gontcharova’s first photography class, she never expected to be in a worldwide exhibition.The international journalism exchange student’s image, “Profile,” was chosen to be on exhibit in the Photo Imaging Education Association’s Student-Teacher Photo Competition and Exhibition.Her image was chosen out of 4,711 possible pieces.

Demolition to clear way for City Center Project

East Lansing city officials probably won’t mind the buzzing, whirring and crunching in the background as they celebrate the next step toward completion of the $30 million City Center Project today.A kickoff ceremony to mark the beginning of the deconstruction of the Byrnes Building and University Mall on M.A.C.

Additional IAH courses offer more alternatives to U

The Academic Council approved a change Tuesday allowing students to substitute new courses in place of the university’s first-year Integrative Arts & Humanities requirement beginning next fall.

ASMSU pursues better lighting on campus

After passing two bills concerning the green light emergency phones placed throughout campus, ASMSU’s Student Assembly is turning its attention to a different kind of illumination.The assembly will be considering a measure Thursday encouraging university officials to provide more consistent lighting on campus.“When I walk alone, or even with someone, on campus, it’s really creepy,” said Shauna Matlen, the Undergraduate University Division representative for Student Assembly who introduced the bill.

Healthy trails ahead for U

Through treatment of a common horse disease, MSU veterinarians look to make sure the April 27 Spartan Spectacular Arabian Horse Show will go off without a hitch.The disease, called strangles, was detected by MSU Farm Manager Paula Hitzler last November.