Workshop to explore environmental journalism issues

Journalism majors and journalists have the chance to learn more about the environment at MSU. Starting Tuesday, the fifth annual Great Lakes Environmental Journalism Training Institute, a four-and-a-half-day workshop, will be held for journalists to learn about environmental issues. “The conference will focus on environmental journalism and teaching the most recent climate changes on the Great Lakes region,” said Jim Detjen, director of the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism at MSU.

Spartys Coney Island closes doors for good

Nick Bofferding wishes he had discovered Sparty’s Coney Island sooner.The mechanical engineering senior said he is very disappointed the restaurant, 1127 E.

Study reveals premature babies may adopt behavioral problems later in life

Behavioral problems developed by children later in life might be attributed to their low birth weight, according to a new study. Nigel Paneth, chairman of the Department of Epidemiology, co-authored an international study published in the May 26 issue of The Lancet, a medical journal.

E.L. to unveil aquatic center today

East Lansing residents may not have to break out their sunscreen for the expected cool weather today, but they can put on bathing suits and get ready to have fun at East Lansing’s newest attraction. The Aquatic Center, 6400 Abbott Road, will celebrate its grand opening at 5 p.m.

Nutrition store to enter E.L.

A new East Lansing store will soon be here to pump you up.A General Nutrition Center is scheduled to open June 9 at 217 E.

Jaye begins life after expulsion

Former state Sen. David Jaye isn’t letting being unemployed get him down.“I am trying to get my life back together by doing things for my family,” the Washington Township Republican said.Jaye was expelled from the Senate on Thursday by his colleagues, who voted 33-2 to oust him.

Lawmakers hope to offer Choose Life license plates

Michigan motorists may soon be able to support pregnancy centers via their back bumpers, but only if the centers don’t counsel patients on abortion. Two Republican lawmakers, state Sen.

Hockey player to receive congressional award

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers will honor MSU hockey player Ryan Miller with an award of congressional recognition today at MacDonald Middle School, 1601 Burcham Drive.The junior goaltender will accept the prize in front of eighth-graders, including his younger brother, Bryce Miller.“We’re both pretty excited,” Miller said.

Police briefs 05/30/01

Underage drinkers may get harsher sentencing

Michigan’s zero-tolerance laws could soon get more intolerant because of legislation passed by the state House of Representatives last Wednesday. The bill would force youths convicted of multiple underage alcohol violations to complete substance abuse programs or spend up to 90 days in jail or juvenile detention centers, in addition to existing fines and penalties. “It’s not really harsher,” said state Rep.

Online class offers alcohol advice

Students at MSU may have the choice to take an online course on alcohol education in the future.The course is called AlcoholEdu, and was created by Outside the Classroom.

Local zoo houses rare oryx

Two-year-old Gabby Kindig smiled when her mother, Barb Kindig, told her they were looking at a baby scimitar-horned oryx. “A baby,” Gabby Kindig said. The scimitar-horned oryx are a new exhibit at Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S.

Area officials join together for new sewer services

East Lansing and Lansing Township are embarking on a new partnership.East Lansing will be providing the sewer services to the new 190-acre Eastwood Towne Center retail complex, which includes an 18-screen theater, on the northwest corner of Lake Lansing Road and U.S.

Police briefs 05/24/01

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.