Trial continues with 2nd suspect

Lansing — Jurors were selected Tuesday for the start of the murder trial of Kumbi Salim, also known as Stanley A.

A special stage performance

Mason — In the cafeteria of Heartwood School on Tuesday, 17-year-old Kelsey Manning lifted her pastel-striped cardigan sweater out like wings and swooped into the scene like a butterfly. At the same time, Adam Clark and Angie Ellis practiced being frightened little wolves from the story "The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig" by Eugene Trivizas. The students were rehearsing for their school's upcoming play — "Pigs & Wolves & Tigers, Oh My!" — which is being directed by an MSU student. At Heartwood, special education junior Abbey O'Loughlin works with special education students, ranging in age from 16 to 26 years old. Clark, called "Ace" by the students and O'Loughlin, prides himself on his dramatic acting skills.

Construction to cover campus

While students head home for the summer, construction on campus will be in full swing as about 20 road, building, steam and water distribution construction projects are planned. The summer months are the busiest for campus construction most of the projects are scheduled to be completed by August.

City earns honor for tree care ordinance

The National Arbor Day Foundation honored East Lansing for its Tree City USA program in 2006. This is the 20th year the city has received this honor, which recognizes its tree board department, tree care ordinance, comprehensive community forestry program and Arbor Day observance.

Police briefs 04/24/07

2 new leaders join ASMSU boards

In its final meeting of the school year, ASMSU's Student Assembly elected two more students to fill its leadership roles. Two weeks after the elections of the new assembly chairpersons, the assembly elected Osman Elfaki and Stephanie Gould to oversee Programming Board and Funding Board, respectively. ASMSU is MSU's undergraduate student government. Funding Board is coming off a session in which it had to ask for an extra $32,839.74 from the Assembly to sponsor its programs this year. The board's annual budget is approximately $140,000. "I think outreach is really important," Gould, a psychology junior, said.

Council reviews parking

A "rip-off." That's how marketing senior Bill Smith described East Lansing's downtown parking rates, echoing frustration expressed by some East Lansing officials. The city operates 13 parking lots and garages in the downtown area, and drivers are charged between 50 cents and 75 cents per half hour, depending on the time of day. The city rakes in about $3.35 million annually from these charges. "It's such a rip-off," Smith said.

'Wii' can all play

By Nick Hurwitch For The State News Their techniques are generations apart, but their goal is the same: Knock down all the pins. Wilson Akujobi bounds toward the TV and swings with all his 12-year-old might.

Volunteers clean up river

As they paddled Saturday morning through the waters of the Red Cedar River, Danielle Abshagen and Carolyn Schwedler were praised for the bounty they had collected. Other volunteers yelled out compliments as the pair returned with a pile of bikes so heavy it nearly tipped their canoe. "It's always the most fun finding the interesting stuff," said Abshagen, an environmental soil science senior.

Team will add 7 new members

The MSU fight song blared from the gym in the Berkowitz Basketball Complex on Saturday. Inside, about 60 women danced together and clapped to the beat. Their faces were smiling and their moves precise.

Drag show packs the house

Tight, flashy costumes, high heels, loud music and glitter — the MSU Drag Show was glam rock at its finest. The event was sponsored by the University Activities Board and Respecting Individuals on Neutral Ground as a part of Pride Week, which highlights the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Most participants perform as members of the opposite sex, while lip-synching and dancing to popular music from many genres. Dressed in a glittery gold evening gown, Hershae Chocolatae opened the show performing songs by Tina Turner and Macy Gray. Premedical and nutritional sciences senior Eric Harper specifically came to the show to see his friend, performing on stage as Moltyn Decadence, but thought Chocolatae did a great job. "I love the host," Harper said.

Post correspondent to share Iraq experience

Pulitzer Prize winner and Washington Post Middle East correspondent Anthony Shadid will speak at 3 p.m.

Property owners question East Village

Before East Lansing's first island can be carved from the banks of the Red Cedar River, a San Diego-based developer must acquire the land necessary to begin the East Village project. On Tuesday, Theresa Nakata, the company's vice president for marketing and communications, said The Pierce Company Inc. has had progressive negotiations with the region's property owners for several months. The estimated $500 million East Village project involves redeveloping the land bounded by East Grand River Avenue, Hagadorn Road, Bogue Street and the Red Cedar River with a mix of residential, retail and entertainment properties by 2011. The project's latest concept design by Hollywood-based 5+Design calls for a man-made canal and island next to an 11-acre riverfront park, showcasing the features of the Red Cedar River. International relations freshman Kelly Steffen said she would return to the East Village if it's redeveloped, but for now, she is concerned about the student housing that could be affected by the project. "Cedar Village is the only off-campus housing that's cheap," she said.

Sparty on with UAB this weekend

The University Activities Board will hold Sparty's Spring Party from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday at Demonstration Field and IM Sports-West. This year's event kicks off with a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at IM Sports-West, with a women's bracket and an open bracket.

Businesses fight spirits tax

Michigan's economy is in a budget slump. With a $800-900 million budget deficit, industries and consumers in certain sectors are fearing tax changes could hit them hard. The Michigan Brewers Guild has prepared itself against changes that could involve an increase in beer and wine tax.

Gem residents honored by city

A bookshop owner, folk musician and community activist were each honored Thursday night during the 20th annual East Lansing Crystal Awards ceremony. The award is given to three residents who have made strides to improve the quality of life in East Lansing.

MSU relay to benefit cancer research

Spartans can walk it out and help find a cure for cancer at the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life at 6 p.m.

Group aims to inform men on sexual abuse

After working with male domestic violence offenders, Ted Bunch saw the need to integrate men into the fight against domestic and sexual abuse against women. Bunch is the senior program director of a domestic violence accountability program in New York.

Olin to offer help for nicotine addicts

A new nicotine anonymous 12-step program will take place from noon to 1 p.m. every Wednesday in 247 Olin Health Center starting on May 9. Those who would like to be free of their nicotine addiction may attend, even if they are still currently smoking.

MSU to build first disc golf course

The biggest opponent the MSU Disc Golf club faces in its quest to build a new course on campus? Dogs. "We don't want dogs chasing after the Frisbees or jumping on the players or participants," said Angela Michael, assistant director of Intramural Sports and Recreative Services. The club is set to begin construction next week on a disc golf course located at the 40-acre Ag Expo lot on south campus.