Professor aims to revive state tree

A joint program between MSU professors and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources could lead to the resurgence of the state tree - the white pine.Deb McCullough, an associate professor of forest entomology, has been collaborating with the DNR on several projects designed to minimize deforestation of the white pine.“For a number of reasons the white pine has had a lot of trouble regenerating,” McCullough said.

Levin addresses taxes, students

LANSING -U.S. Senator and Detroit Democrat Carl Levin made his way to several Michigan colleges Tuesday, including a stop at Lansing Community College. “I thought we’d talk a bit about the economy,” Levin told the audience of about 40, which filled up a college classroom.

Police briefs 02/21/01

Racial profiling analysis entails more than data

A newspaper analysis of Michigan State Police traffic stop data fails to tell the entire story of why minorities are more likely to be searched by troopers, a department official said. According to a Detroit Free Press study of 2000 police data, black and Hispanic men were about 2 1/2 times more likely than white men to be searched involuntarily.

Law schools work to recruit

February is National Minority Law Student Recruitment Month, and local law schools are hosting several related events.The National Black Law Student Association, which has a chapter at MSU-Detroit College of Law, is holding its Midwest Region Convention today through Sunday at the Kellogg Center.

Greeks to lip-sync in support of Sparrow

Members of the greek community will be lip-synching their hearts out for Lansing’s Sparrow Hospital Coaches for Kids as part of the “MTV Fundraising Night” tonight at the Auditorium. The money raised from the event will be given to the hospital for its effort to construct a new children’s wing. Jackie Kim, co-chairwoman of greek week, said she’s hoping the annual event will attract the community’s interest. “Everyone’s going to be performing, hoping that their friends and the community will want to come watch them,” the nutritional science senior said. The event is open to the public with admission costing $3 or $2 with a canned good.

Police briefs 02/21/01

Gas prices decrease, future prices weigh on Middle East

For the first time this year, Michigan motorists are paying less for a gallon of gasoline than they did in 2000.The cost of self-serve regular gasoline plummeted 7.1 cents to $1.47 - nearly three cents a gallon less than during this week of last year, according to a AAA Michigan gas study released this week.AAA spokesman Jim Rink said a slowing economy is helping motorists save at the pump.“If the economy continues to slow down as it has been, then the overall world oil market will probably feel that and respond by lowering prices,” he said.However, there is evidence indicating that gas prices could rise again, he said.“The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries will be meeting in March to talk about production cuts, and if that happens, that will increase gas prices,” Rink said.

Dean selection hits the Web

For Elaine Bush, it has always been difficult to contribute to decisions within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources - until now. Bush, director of Manistee County’s MSU Extension office three hours from MSU, is one of hundreds who can now help with the college’s dean selection process through a new Web site. Because her staff makes the trip to campus only once or twice a year, it’s convenient for MSU Extension staff to get involved without leaving their desks, Bush said. “I am really impressed that they are keeping us appraised of the situation,” she said.

Working exhibit inspires women

LANSING - “We can do it.” That phrase, used by the ficticious Rosie the Riveter during World War II to inspire women to take over jobs that had been vacated by men who were filling the role of soldiers, also touched Bonnie Krystoff nearly 60 years later. The teacher and photographer from Auburn Hills, Mich., created “A-B-C’s of Working Women: Women in Non-Traditional Work,” a traveling photography exhibit of women working in every job from archeologist to zoo biologist to help prove to the younger generation of girls they can do anything they want. “I want to draw (girls) into this because they’re the ones we want to reach,” Krystoff said.

Bridges need repair, report says

Michigan bridges are considered less sound than the national average, according to a national study released Monday. Almost one-third of Michigan bridges are less than adequate, compared to the national rate of 29 percent, according to data from the U.S.

Student contest created to design state quarter

ASMSU’s Academic Assembly wants MSU students to have a say in what the Michigan quarter will look like when it’s released in three years.The assembly passed a measure Tuesday that will create a contest for students to design the coin.

City looks to protect diminishing wetlands

Protecting East Lansing’s wetlands is a top priority for East Lansing’s Commission on the Environment.More than a year ago the East Lansing Planning Commission asked the environment commission to write up a wetlands ordinance for the city.

U looks to treat high blood pressure

Some MSU scientists are looking to make a breakthrough in the fight against high blood pressure.Dr. Donna Wang, professor of medicine, has been researching blood pressure and its effects on cardiovascular diseases like hypertension - commonly known as high blood pressure - for more than 14 years.“Hypertension has been studied for a long, long time but we still can’t define the cause of the disease,” Wang said.

Student receives royal honor

MSU student Ken Washburn has experienced the splendors of Buckingham Palace firsthand.Last November Washburn and two of his research colleagues received the Duke of Edinburgh’s prize for the British Sub Aqua Club at Buckingham Palace in London.

Center sponsors trip to Israel

Hiking, visiting landmarks and making new friends are all things students say someone can expect to find on a trip to Israel.

Council to consider dance floor requests

The East Lansing City Council is expected to approve requests from the Spartan Sports Den and Troppo to include dance floors in each restaurant.

Police briefs 02/20/01

Web site hopes to encourage global interaction

MSU may seem like just a dot on the map geographically, but the university wants to extend its reach around the globe.The Internet has provided a portal for MSU’s newest international initiative - the MSU Global Access Web site.MSU President M.

Students create art for Vagina Week

Margaret Malsom spent her Saturday afternoon making vagina art. Using paint brushes and crayons, she joined other students at the MSU Union to create works that symbolized female sexuality.