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MSU

Pesticide effects on MSU inspire a new film series

Craig Trudell
May 30, 2007

Nearly 50 years ago, student Richard Snider heard a crunch with each step he took on, what were then, Michigan Agricultural College campus sidewalks. The crunch came from a pesticide called DDT, which was dropped over campus by World War II jets in pellet form to combat elm bark beetles and mosquitoes. Now an MSU professor, Snider recalls research conducted by one of his mentors that warned strolls through campus would be without the sound of chirping birds if the crunches continued. In a new documentary filmed and co-produced by nine, MSU students, "Dying to Be Heard" sounds off on research conducted by MSU Professor George Wallace on DDT, and its deadly effects on birds and other wildlife on campus. Findings from Wallace's research were used in Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring," a book that helped plant the seed in the modern environmental movement.

MSU

Highway construction closes US-23 lanes

Cash Kruth
May 29, 2007

Construction will begin at 8 p.m. March 29 on Interstate 96 between M-52 and M-59. The construction will take place at night Sunday-Thursday throughout June. There also will be a single lane closure starting at 8 p.m.

MSU

MSU trustees approve Dubai program

Ryan Beene
May 25, 2007

Palm trees and sandy beaches are not things that come to mind when thinking about MSU, but that will soon change. The MSU Board of Trustees unanimously approved the pursuit of degree and research programs in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 18. A group of deans from five MSU colleges visited the Southern Persian Gulf city in March to investigate starting programs in Dubai. "We've had an institutional interest to find a location in the Middle East to expand our presence in the region," said John Hudzik, MSU vice president of Global Engagement and Strategic Projects.

MSU

Two MSU grads win Sudler Prize for artistic success

Jennifer Orlando
May 25, 2007

Five summers ago, Jonathan Sage began working at the Ohio Light Opera as a carpenter. Now, the 2007 theater design graduate has worked his way up to technical director for the company located at the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio, where he is preparing for an upcoming production of the "Sound Of Music." Sage has Kirk Domer, associate chair and head of design of the department of theater, to thank for bringing him to Ohio all those summers ago and for nominating him for the Sudler Prize in the Arts award. Sage caught wind that he was nominated by Domer but was unsure he would actually receive the award. "I had heard my nomination was through," Sage said.

MICHIGAN

Fifth-grader funds research

Rachael Zylstra
May 25, 2007

As royal blue bracelets reading "Be Brave" wrapped around children's' wrists at Williamston's elementary schools Thursday, 11-year-old Dan Warschefsky sat in a chair to take everything in. Students from Discovery and Explorer Elementary schools flocked outside into the sunny, mid-80-degree weather, danced to music, walked a fitness path and donated to a research fund - exactly what Dan had set forth to do. "I just wanted to raise money for my brother's fund," Dan, a fifth-grade student, said.

MICHIGAN

E.L. refutes economic comparison

Sarah K. Norris
May 24, 2007

Flint, Detroit and East Lansing - one of these is not like the other. Yet, a Brookings Institution study released this week identifies those cities, Saginaw, Muskegon and Kalamazoo as six of 80 industrial cities that are economically weak. The news that East Lansing is as financially troubled as these cities was alarming to City Manager Ted Staton. "There's a famous quote by Benjamin Disraeli, 'There are lies, damn lies and statistics,'" he said.

MSU

Secretary of State closed on holiday

Cash Kruth
May 24, 2007

Branches of the Michigan Secretary of State office will be closed on Monday in observance of Memorial Day. Licenses and plates that expire on the day the offices are closed can be renewed the following day without penalty.

MSU

Jazz band invites listeners

Craig Trudell
May 24, 2007

Toes tapped, fingers snapped and heads swayed as Caleb Curtis' fingers busily ran up and down the keys of his golden alto saxophone. With eyes closed, the jazz studies senior's face slowly turned red as the quick, clean tones of the Caleb Curtis Quintet filled the dimly lit room at Gregory's, 2510 N.

MSU

Legislation supports scholarship fund

Brian McVicar
May 24, 2007

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Barack Obama, D-Ill., have introduced legislation to create 350,000 $1 coins marking the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Proceeds from the coins will go to the United Negro College Fund's scholarship program.

MICHIGAN

Practice makes perfect

Cash Kruth
May 24, 2007

Practice makes perfect and the training exercises of the East Lansing Fire Department create intense situations for its officers. Along with Meridian Township, the firefighters went through real-life training simulations Wednesday afternoon at former Alpha Tau Omega, or ATO, houses, located at 243 and 237 Louis St. The departments have an opportunity unlike any other.

MICHIGAN

Pet, family abuses linked

Rachael Zylstra
May 23, 2007

State Rep. Barb Byrum, D-Onondaga Township held a town hall meeting Monday to spread a message in Ingham County: Animal abuse can be an indicator of domestic violence and child abuse. A small group of social workers, officials and concerned citizens met at the Ingham County Animal Control Shelter, 600 Curtis Road in Mason, to find out what they can do to help. "I just wanted to increase awareness of the link between animal cruelty, domestic violence and child abuse," Byrum said.