Lansing high school senior among five candidates vying for council seat

Vincent Villegas has two big plans for the summer. One: Receive his diploma from Lansing’s Eastern High School on June 16. Two: Try to win a spot on Lansing’s City Council. But to do that he will have to defeat one of two council incumbents - Louis Adado or Larry Meyer. Adado, 41, was elected to the council in 1997 and wants to stay on board to help improve Lansing’s budget process by maintaining payroll costs. “But, my number one concern is the neighborhoods,” said Adado, Michigan Licensed Beverage Association’s chief executive and city council president.

Man-made islands proposed

Instead of looking out at the water, residents living along the shore of Lake St. Clair may be looking at man-made islands with homes.The proposed 18 islands, which would link Interstate 696 to Eight Mile Road, two miles offshore from the Grosse Pointes and St.

Officials push to renew funds for community policing program

Local police and legislators met Monday to raise the issue of funding for police all over Michigan.High on the list of concerns was the Community Oriented Policing Services program, which provides funds for approximately 3,400 officers in the state.“This works,” U.S.

Doctors, athletes unite to help kids

LANSING - Medical experts and some MSU coaches and athletes met up to kick off the new “Athletes for Kids” program Friday at the Lansing Center. “We got together and decided we wanted to do something for the whole community,” said Dr. Tony Briningstool, a physician at Lansing’s Sparrow Hospital and a former MSU football player.

Program receives governors award

MSU employees got caught lending a helping hand and received the appropriate attention for the matter.On May 21 in Grand Rapids, MSU Extension received the 2001 Governor’s Service Award in the corporation/business category of the annual Governor’s Service Awards program.

Teams to go 100 miles

Ann Stine will walk 50 miles and Carolyn Bennett will walk 50 more, to be the team that walks 100 miles to meet at Meridian Township’s door. Dressed in a pink dress, black tights and her walking shoes, Stine, an East Lansing court recorder, came to work Tuesday at City Hall, 410 Abbott Road, ready to walk her daily two miles. Stine, along with East Lansing city employees and Meridian Township employees, is taking part in the Meridian Township/East Lansing Employee Fitness Challenge. “I am doing it for the challenge,” Stine said.

Group takes credit for second research arson

The Earth Liberation Front, which took credit for a 1999 Agricultural Hall arson, is claiming responsibility for a fire last month at the University of Washington’s Center for Urban Horticulture.The group posted a statement on its Web site, saying members broke into the office of research Associate Professor H.D.

Bill stiffens penalties to protect construction workers

Motorists who don’t “Give ’em a Brake” could find themselves broke and behind bars if they are responsible for injuring or killing a construction worker while traveling Michigan roads.The state Senate on Tuesday approved a set of bills concerning construction worker safety.

Police briefs 06/06/01

Online program lets U earn masters

The College of Education is looking to meet the needs of teachers in the age of technology. A new online program has been launched, allowing students, as well as those looking to continue their teaching education, to earn their master’s degrees in education. The program aims to concentrate in the areas of technology and learning, special needs students, school leadership, literacy education and science and mathematics. Carole Ames, the dean of the college, said the new program will suit students’ needs because it will favor anyone’s schedule. “(It is) more responsive to (students’) schedule,” she said.

Construction poses few problems

Everyone who lives in Michigan knows the old joke: “In Michigan there are two seasons - winter and construction.” But with construction going on all over Lansing and East Lansing with Interstate 496 and U.S.

E.L. Aquatic Center offers fun for all

Two-year-old Elaine Loomis has learned the breast stroke and blown up her floaties. And she was ready for the opening of the East Lansing Aquatic Center, 6400 Abbott Road, on Thursday. “I want to go swimming,” she said, staring at the pool in her bathing suit and floaties, waiting for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Project inspires pride in community recycling

Unlike most other fifth-graders, Lizzy McDonald didn’t sleep in Saturday. She woke up early, shimmied into a bright yellow rain poncho and volunteered at East Lansing’s seventh annual Project Pride.“My mom and me did this last year,” 11-year-old McDonald said.

Police briefs 06/04/01

Council to vote on increase of parking fees; will match U

East Lansing residents may find parking in the city a bit more expensive after the East Lansing City Council votes to change parking fines Tuesday. Gary Murphy, the city’s finance director, said he will recommend to the council that the parking fines for meters and reserved parking or no parking spots go up $5. “Most tickets are $20 now, they are recommending $25, if it is an expired meter, which is $10, it will go up to $15,” he said.

Police briefs 05/31/01

Area officials crack down on pole advertisements

Concerts, weight loss, high-paying jobs and a great new club opening. Walking down a city street, most people take the postings on telephone poles and buildings for granted.But they may not be there much longer.

Daycare center gains accreditation

Childtime Children’s Center is now a part of the elite 5 percent of childhood programs in America.

ASMSU chief of staff leaves for new space

For the sixth time in the last four years, the key to ASMSU’s chief of staff office has been turned in early.Nimri Niemchak, the undergraduate student government’s most recent chief, turned his key ring in Wednesday in exchange for a NASA ID card.Niemchak will intern at NASA this summer.“I wish Nimri the best and I don’t blame him for leaving ASMSU,” said Quinn Wright, Student Assembly chairperson.

Congress, eighth-graders honor Miller

Bryce Miller knew his older brother didn’t need a lavish introduction - so he kept it simple.“That’s my brother Ryan and - um - so yeah,” he said before handing the microphone over to MSU hockey’s superstar goaltender, Ryan Miller.