Longtime WKAR Radio talk-show host dead at 55

The deep, midday voice of WKAR’s Steve Jensen unexpectedly signed off one last time last week.Family and colleagues were stunned when word spread that the veteran reporter and talk-show host for the university-owned public radio station died early Friday morning of a brain hemorrhage.“Him having this was completely out-of-the-blue,” said Melissa Ingells, classical music producer for WKAR (870-AM). “We heard him doing his last show on Thursday and it seemed fine.“We’re all still pretty much in shock around here.”Jensen, 55, was brought to Lansing’s Sparrow Hospital Thursday night shortly after wrapping up his final broadcast.He died hours later.The Okemos resident had worked full-time at the station, which is affiliated with National Public Radio, since 1967.

Jewish students organize peace rally to mourn victims, call for cease-fire

In response to the violence that continues in the Middle East, the Hillel Jewish Student Center has organized a rally calling for peace that will be held at 5 p.m.

Innovative ethanol fuel hits Lansing as cheap alternative

DIMONDALE - Area politicians and representatives from the Department of Agriculture stopped by an area gas station Friday to promote a new fuel source for cars - corn.Lt.

Presidential candidates key advisers debate on environmental issues at U

While the major-party presidential candidates stumped in swing states this weekend, two top advisers to foes Vice President Al Gore and Texas Gov.

Police arrest 5 U-M vandals

Several University of Michigan students were arrested early Thursday morning for trespassing on campus and defacing property with trademark blue block M’s.An MSU greencoat security member on watch-duty at Sparty on Wednesday night noticed a blue block M painted on the side of Spartan Stadium as well as five suspicious-looking males walking through campus, and reported it to the police desk, MSU police Detective Tony Willis said.At about 4 a.m.

Fraternity educates voters with program

Dionna Davis is already a registered voter. Now, thanks to the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, she’s an informed voter, too.The fraternity hosted a debate Wednesday night in Brody Hall’s multipurpose room, which featured representatives from MSUCollege Democrats and Republicans.Before the debate, Davis said she was undecided about choosing a candidate, and felt uninformed about the political scene.“I’m voting for (Democratic Vice President Al) Gore,” she said after the debate, which offered facts and issue stances about the two major presidential candidates.

Debate skims affirmative action issue

As far as disagreements between presidential candidates go, students feel the discussion about affirmative action during Tuesday night’s presidential debate could have been louder and longer.Instead, it showed a difference in the candidates’ views without answering many questions.Republican Texas Gov.

CNN journalists to speak on campus

Political pundits Mark Shields and Robert Novak will discuss the heated 2000 presidential election on campus next week. They will be the featured speakers for the third annual Broad Distinguished Lecture Series. The nationally known journalists will visit MSU on Tuesday for “Novak & Shields Debate Campaign 2000,” a discussion about the state of politics in Washington and the presidential campaign. The event, sponsored by the Eli Broad Graduate School of Management, will be held at Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre at 6:30 p.m.

Breast cancer awareness program educates women

At 24, Gina Davidson was diagnosed with breast cancer. She could have been diagnosed a year earlier, but the St.

Couple awarded for aid to international studies

The East Lansing City Council discussed more than just plans for the city Tuesday, presenting the Citizens of the Year Award to Paul and Linda Roberts.The East Lansing couple was recommended as worthy recipients of the award by Stanley Wronski, president of the Greater Lansing United Nations Association.The award is given to the person or people every year who have contributed an outstanding accomplishment toward world peace and freedom.The Roberts have been avidly involved in international studies programs for MSU as well as cultural understanding and communication skills with other countries.Paul Roberts, who serves as the associate dean for international programs in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, has been with MSU and the MSU study abroad program since 1979.“Even though I am really honored to be presented with this award, I think there are many others who have done just as much if not more for the international program than I have,” Roberts said.Study abroad opportunities have expanded from one to more than 30 programs in the last 10 years since Paul Roberts started working in the program.

Police briefs 10/20/00

Can drive funds United Way

Holden Hall government and SYNERGY, a community service group, began collecting bottles and cans by the hundreds Thursday night to raise funds for the Capital Area United Way. The event is one of several efforts to increase MSU’s contribution to this year’s United Way campaign throughout campus.MSU has pledged to raise 10 percent of the campaign’s $6.9 million goal, which will benefit service-providing agencies in the Lansing area.A challenge among the residence halls to raise the most funds will continue through October.

EPA awards Lansing grant to redevelop polluted areas

Lansing’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority received a $200,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to identify contaminated properties in the city.The money will help the agency find contaminated sites within the city that can be developed with some environmental improvements, said Tracy Carney-Miller, a development specialist with the Economic Development Corporation.

Students let loose at Rumble

Respondents strutted in donning sunglasses and the petitioners danced out to the Caribbean beat of “Who Let the Dogs Out” by the Baha Men.The first annual MSU-Detroit College of Law Professor Moot Court Competition - The Rumble in the Jungle - proved to be oh-so-different from what law students are used to.The sold-out event, sponsored by The National Black Law Student Association, was held Wednesday night in the MSU-DCL Moot Court room.

U snags recognition for skillful alcohol educating

Years of effort in tackling campus drinking has finally paid off for MSU. The state officially recognized the university Thursday for its innovative approach to educating students about the effects of alcohol.State Rep.

Dinner program tantalizes taste buds

At the Culinary Construction Zone, the only tool students need is an appetite.This fall, University Housing has brought a traveling theme dinner to the residence hall cafeterias in which Residence Halls Food Service staff members construct meals in front of students.“It showcases the talent we have in the department that students don’t normally see,” Food Service Coordinator Bruce Haskell said.“We’re showing them what we can do and seeing if they like it.” The event will be presented at each residence hall cafeteria, with the last stop slated for April.

Disagreement over posting of evaluation forms continues

The debate over whether to post SIRS forms online continued Tuesday, as members of the University Committee on Academic Policy and ASMSU addressed concerns about the proposal at this week’s Faculty Council meeting.A plan to allow students access to a version of SIRS, or Student Instructional Rating System, forms online has been in the works since 1997.

Prices drop to clear out E. L. store

Jacobson’s department store is holding a storewide liquidation sale where everything must go. One week ago the new Jacobson’s opened in the Meridian Mall in Okemos, leaving behind a large surplus of office equipment and store fixtures at the old location, 333 E.

Police crack down on campus traffic violations

Crossing the street on campus may be getting a little safer.In response to concerns of students and other MSU community members about crosswalk and bicycle traffic safety, the MSU police department has stepped up enforcement on campus.“If the community is saying they’re concerned for their safety and that we need more enforcement at the crosswalks and intersections, we’re going to do that,” said MSU police Sgt.

Police briefs 10/19/00