State News The
CLOSING TIME In East Lansing, business owners have a hard time adapting to the changing dynamic of a college town. SEE PAGE 6-7
OPINION
Letter: Michigan in need of leaders for clean energy Current energy policies cost consumers more than just their paychecks — PAGE 2 T HU R S DAY, JULY 2 3 , 2 015
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Students sound off on Lawmakers dissent future smoking ban on same-sex marriage
Tobacco will be banned on campus Michigan is just one of many states with leaders still opposed tequality — PAGE 9 starting August 2016 — PAGE 4 STAT ENEWS .COM
Opinion Harper Lee’s new novel changes a literary classic
Rachel Fradette Opinion editor opinion@statenews.com @thesnewsopinion
BY RACHEL FRADETTE RFRADETTE@STATENEWS.COM
If you went to high school in the United States and took required English classes, then you read Harper Lee’s classic “To Kill a Mockingbird.” After being published in 1960, the novel became a definitive piece of American education. Atticus Finch is one of the most
admired, well-known literar y characters of the last century. His struggles with the battle against prejudice are used as examples of conflict in today’s society. Recently, Harper Lee’s sequel to the beloved novel, titled “Go Set a Watchman” was published. It was written before she even wrote “Mockingbird”. The main question here is: “Why is it being published nearly 60 years after it was written?” Lee, 89-years-old, made the decision to publish even though people are saying she was pressured and tricked into publishing the book. I think what people forget here is that she is the novelist and, despite her age, she has
complete control over her work. I respect her as a writer so I respect her choice to publish her sequel, even though it has pretty much ruined my view of the literary hero, Atticus Finch. At first, I was unsure of this new view of Maycomb County, but the new perspective is a bit refreshing to the idea of right and wrong. Everyone sees Finch and his choices in their own life. He has become a representative of American literature as has his daughter, Scout. I’m not going to reveal any major details from ‘Watchman’ in hopes people will read it and form their own opinions. However, I will say that something is revealed about
Atticus’ true character, and this reveal left me a bit empty. His moral character is what holds up Lee’s first novel, so for it to take a blow in the sequel tends to throw some readers off. Lee takes him down from his moral pedestal, and while off-putting, it is also interesting to see this change. I was extremely reluctant to read “Watchman” because of “To Kill a Mockingbird” being a major part of my literary introduction. Atticus was the perfect character, yet Lee humanizes him. She takes away his perfection. “Watchman” is not “Mockingbird” in terms of literary triumph, but it starts a conversation.
LETTER: Partisan planning threatens Michigan’s energy future On July 14, the Sierra Club announced its 200th coal plant retirement within the U.S. That’s more than a step forward for energy transitioning —that’s monumental. But GOP House and Senate leaders continue regressing when it comes to desperately-needed clean energy policies within the state of Michigan. A day after the coal retirement announcement, Senators Mike Nofs and John Proos introduced a two-bill package that works to phase out renewable energy standards from 2008’s plan-—one they both admitted was a large success. PA 295, beginning in 2008, requires utilities to meet a 10%
renewable energy usage, essentially allowing big utility companies to continue acquiring 90% of their energy from outdated and dirty sources like coal. Mandating this little use of renewable energies would be like telling an MSU season ticket holder they can’t attend one, non-conference game in their four years of attendance. It’s not asking a lot, but still proves a significant step in the right direction — a step that can’t be ignored. In fact, as consumers, we should acknowledge this program’s success and push for higher standards from the utility companies that dominate Michigan’s energy market.
But the two Republican senators say renewable energy providers should have to compete in a “free” market, despite the fact this market is skewed in the sense that only 10% of Michigan citizens can choose where they receive their energy. For the other 90% of us, that decision lies in the hands of profit-driven utility companies. The Senate plan allows utilities to “phase out” of the mandated 10% renewables in as quickly as three years. In addition to continuation of stagnant and high-energy costs, consumers will also pay the price for energy that pol-
lutes our air and water in a fossil fuel-driven system. For Lansing, this especially hits home. Living in the shadow of three large-scale coal plants, including MSU’s recently-shut-down T.B. Simon Power Plant, asthma rates show the dangers of air quality. For zip codes that host Board of Water and Light’s Erickson and Eckert coal plants, asthma hospitalization rates are double the average state rate. That’s neglect of public health and something that should concern our elected officials. But House Representative
Aric Nesbitt’s proposed plan that calls to burn Detroit’s tires and call it “renewable energy,” despite thousands of toxins released in the process, shows the failure in GOP energy planning when it comes to the health of our communities. The Republican House and Senate plans offer vague explanations of what constitutes “clean” energy, with waste incineration and natural gas (which relies on a dangerous fracking process) as options. When our government allows companies to control Michigan’s energy market, we’re opening
the playing field to energy sources that have proved both unsustainable and dangerous. It’s time to stop sweeping under the rug the devastating effects Michigan utilities’ energy usage places on our people and changing planet. Our state needs clean-energy leaders who will push for aggressive policy — bills that focus on improving air quality, reducing asthma rates and urging utilitity companies to increase renewable energy standards. Courtney Bourgoin is an international relations junior at MSU.
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46%—Yes. I procrastinate, but it works for me. I do my best work under a time crunch.
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Contents INSIDE
Examining the success of various majors postgraduation
Businesses downtown adapt to a college town environment
Many Spartan football stars have found success and opportunity in the NFL
PAGE 5
PAGE 6
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Grand Rapids resident Lena Kravchenko and her son Andrew, 2, get a closer look at “Skyrim Dragon,” July 17 at ScrapFest in Lansing. The team who created the sculpture, “We Art Junk,” won first place in 2011 and 2012. PHOTO: CATHERINE FERLAND
ONLINE
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“If Michigan leaders voted the way Michigan people wanted them to, then LGBT people would be equal to the rest of the citizens.”
W E E K LY N U M B E R
6 MSU hockey players currently participating in NHL prospect development camps. See statenews.com.
VOL . 105 | NO. 153 CONTACT THE STATE NEWS (517) 432-3000 NEWSROOM/CORRECTIONS (517) 432-3070 feedback@statenews.com GENERAL MANAGER Marty Sturgeon (517) 432-3000 ADVERTISING M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (517) 432-3010 ADVERTISING MANAGER Griffin Engel COLOPHON The State News design features Acta, a newspaper type system created by DSType Foundry.
Lansing City Council candidate Emily Divendorf on the continuing fight for LGBT equality. See page 9.
The State News is published by the students of Michigan State University, weekly on Thursdays during the summer. Subscription rates: $5 per semester on campus; $125 a year, $75 for one fall or spring semester, $60 for summer semester by mail anywhere in the continental United States. One copy of this newspaper is available free of charge to any member of the MSU community. Additional copies $0.75 at the business office only. State News Inc. is a private, nonprofit corporation. Its current 990 tax form is available for review upon request at 435 E. Grand River Ave. during business hours.
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EDITORIAL STAFF (517) 432-3070 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AJ Moser CONTENT EDITOR Michael Kransz OPINION EDITOR Rachel Fradette COPY CHIEF Amber Parsell DESIGN EDITOR Lauren Shields Copyright © 2015 State News Inc., East Lansing, Mich.
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Michael Kransz Content editor mkransz@statenews.com @thesnews
University decided, students mixed on smoking ban BY JOSH THALL JTHALL@STATENEWS.COM
The MSU campus-wide tobacco ban has come about in an effort to push the university to be a healthier and more progressive campus, and is the result of years of planning by the MSU Anti-Cancer Society. The ban, which was approved by the MSU Board of Trustees on June 17, 2015, was the result of the MSU Anti-Cancer Society’s drive to end smoking on campus, which their president, Tristan Worthington, said had been a goal of the organization since they became an official group at Michigan State three years ago. “At our meetings I have been challenging the Anti-Cancer Society members to go anywhere on the main part of campus and see if you can walk ten feet in any direction without seeing a cigarette butt on the ground,” Worthington said via email. “Unfortunately, no one has been able to do this as of yet.” Worthington said he believes allowing smoking on campus creates a disconnect between the reality of MSU, and how the university is
thought of around the country. “People think of Michigan State’s campus, at least our student body, as being more of a progressive sort of university,” Worthington said. “Something that is more on the cutting edge of, in particular, the health and sciences area, on the cutting edge of research with that and on the cutting edge of those sorts of things. And people often, students in particular, often view smoking as an old way of allowing things to happen on a campus.” In addition, Michigan State was simply behind the times on this issue, as more than half of Big Ten universities and over 1,500 colleges nationwide have already turned to smoke-free campuses. Worthington said he thinks the new policy will only serve to improve Michigan State and possibly the entire East Lansing area. “I am confident that this policy will make MSU a healthier place for our students, staff, visitors and environment,” Worthington said via email. “As for downtown East Lansing, I am hopeful that the campus culture will emanate to the surrounding areas.”
Abdulmohsen Alshehri
ing on campus there is not going to be a police officer writing you a ticket,” Worthington said via email. “The intent is that people will politely remind tobacco users that they are violating the university’s policy.” Abdulmohsen Alshehri, an incoming freshman and current member of the MSU’s English Learning Center’s Language Program, said he is against the ban and thinks something so big should have presented an opportunity for students to vote for or against it. “For me, I think it is a usual thing to see smokers outside the buildings smoking because they can not smoke inside. So if we don’t let them smoke inside or outside, where can we let them smoke?” Alshehri said. Megan McKee, a marketing junior, said she is also in favor of the ban because having to smell tobacco smoke around campus is something she finds annoying. “I don’t really think it’s necessary because people are going to do it regardless of if there is a rule or not, but I guess it could be a good thing to get it out of the public,” McKee said.
Andrew Zakerski
Mohan Gupta
Megan McKee
Neuroscience and psychology junior
Marketing junior
Freshman, current member of MSU’s English Language Program
Music education sophomore
“I think it’s kind of dumb. Obviously (the ban) was student led ... from what I know, or what I remember, but I think it’s kind of inconsiderate of other cultures. Especially since we’re a very international school, and I like to include international people and be considerate of their cultures — and smoking is a very cultural thing internationally.”
“I think it will be a good thing because, like, I don’t smoke and I just think it’s kind of annoying when other people do because it just smells and wafts in different directions. I don’t really think it’s necessary because people are going to do it regardless of if there is a rule or not, but I guess it could be a good thing to get it out of the public.”
“As a smoker, I don’t want it to be banned, but I think this thing would be better if all the students can vote for that. All these products are legal and sold everywhere. If you want to ban smoking at all from universities or other public places, we should just ban producing these products.”
“I was pretty excited about it. I’m not a smoker myself, so it’s kind of just a nuisance when I’m walking to class or just around on campus having to smell the tobacco smoke. I don’t think it’s necessary, but I think it is going to be benefit a lot of students and make the overall experience for visitors and students more enjoyable.”
MSU alumnus develops mobile app for exploring the state of Michigan 4
Some students have mixed opinions about having a smoking ban implemented next year. Mohan Gupta, a neuroscience and psychology junior, said he does not think a ban like this is necessary and that he has doubts about how effective it might be. “I think it’s kind of dumb,” Gupta said. “Obviously you probably just won’t see people smoking around. I don’t know how effective it’s going to be because obviously people are going to ignore it at first.” Andrew Zakerski, a music education sophomore, said he is excited he will no longer have to smell tobacco smoke when walking to class. “I don’t think it’s necessary, but I think it is going to benefit a lot of students and make the overall experience for visitors and students more enjoyable,” Zakerski said. The ban will take effect Aug. 15, 2016, and Worthington said the intent of banning smoking is not to punish students who choose to smoke, but simply to promote a healthier and more progressive campus. “The intent of this Tobacco-Free Policy is not to dole out punishments. If someone is smok-
THE STATE N E WS
BY JORDAN HOLLEY JHOLLEY@STATENEWS.COM
While stuck inside during the fall and winter months, many people dream of summer when they can finally go outside and have time for fun. But when summer actually comes people find themselves spending a lot of time bored because they don’t know what there is to do. The app Adventurate was created with the hope to remedy indecisiveness by showing outdoor activities within the immediate area. Jake Santangelo, an MSU alumnus, got the idea for the Adventurate app after going on vacation and realizing how hard it was to find something to do. Adventurate allows the user to find activities going on based on their location, as well as letting them pay for it from the app. The current locations the app has events in are Lansing, Holland, Grand
THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2 01 5
Haven, Traverse City, Detroit and Grand Rapids, and currently there is one business participating in each city. Some of the events (called “adventures” in the app) they have are bike trips, running, kayak rentals and trips, paddle board rentals and trips, canoeing trips, tours and paintball. The prices on the app are set at a discount and usually range from $1 to $5 off with the biggest discount being $25 off. The adventures available in the East Lansing area are offered by River Town Adventures and include kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding down the Grand River in downtown Lansing. Santangelo had no problem convincing companies to join the app despite its relative newness. “I told them about the idea, showed them early demos about the app and companies really liked the idea. They thought it was innovative,” Santangelo said. “I’m actually really surprised that something like this hasn’t been around longer.”
While at MSU, Santangelo studied political science and the skills he learned there helped him when working on the app. “Well, I actually came from a background in political science, so I was focused on public service and a lot of what you work on in public service is kind of ‘connect with people and understand them,’” said Santangelo. “What my experience at MSU really helped the company out with is really being able to understand what people want and try to work for it and to make it an awesome experience.” The app is still limited in both area and number of events offered, but Santangelo hopes to expand it. “I want to add things like skydiving. I would like to see a lot of outdoor adventures, but also some indoor things — rock climbing, for example — and also for things that aren’t really as much physical, things like museums and different centers.”
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RELIGIOUS GUIDE
Postgrad employment survey yields encouraging results
Look for this directory in the paper every Thursday and online at: www.statenews.com/religious
BY CAMERON MACKO CMACKO@STATENEWS.COM
Each year, MSU conducts a survey of the graduating class to track where each graduate has found employment six months postgrad. The results for 2014 shed some positive light on what has recently been a tough job market. MSU’s overall post-graduate employment rate — those who found jobs that are “career-related” within six months of graduation — is 92 percent, the survey concluded. The survey does not track if someone’s employment is related to their field of study, although officials comb through the data after six months to remove any discrepancies or responses that might be just a volunteer opportunity or clearly not career related. The statistics of employment between students of different colleges within MSU rarely fluctuate from the university average. For example, the College of Communication Arts and Sciences has a placement rate of 96 percent and the College of Engineering has an employment rate of 93 percent. Six months was chosen as an appropriate span of time due to the different employment procedures for different fields. A lot of STEM field graduates obtain jobs before they graduate, but those with majors in advertising or communications find that employers in their field typically wait until a candidate graduates to hire them. “It’s so interesting that we have such a high percentage of students that graduate without a job; top students, but that’s the way it is across the industry that those fields, in general, they just aren’t looking to do anything until you’ve ... graduated,” Karin Hanson, director of employer relations and professional transitions for the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, said. However, the data can run into misleading trends when reporting on majors with very small numbers of graduates, such as philosophy. In 2014, there were 11 students who graduated with a philosophy degree and of the 10 who responded, 100 percent were employed. The placement rate also includes those who have started their own business and aren’t traditionally employed, as well as those who choose to further their education. Also tracked are those who have “other commitments,” a category which encompasses those who trav-
Ascension Lutheran Church 2780 Haslett Rd., E. Lansing Between Hagadorn & Park Lake Rds. (517) 337-9703 Sunday Worship: 10am Sunday School: 9am Adult Bible Study: 9am ascensioneastlansing.org
R E S U LT S O F 2 0 1 4 S U R V E Y
MSU’s overall post-graduate employment rate:
92%
College of Communication Arts and Sciences
Faith Fellowship Baptist Church 1001 Dakin St. Lansing, MI 48912 517-853-9897 Sunday Morning Worship: 11am Sunday School: 10am Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study: 6:30pm Van service available to church Campus Bible Study: Thursday at 7:30pm in Chemistry Bldg. www.ffbc.us
96% Searching but could not find a job
2.7% College of Engineering
93% Philosophy major
100% Overall survey response rate: 82% Source: Karin Hanson, director of employer relations and professional transitions for the College of Communication Arts and Sciences
el abroad, those not looking for a job, or those who start a family and have no plans to become otherwise employed. A final category includes those who are actively searching, yet are unable to find a job; a figure which was 2.7 percent for Communication Arts. Regarding this category, Hanson said if a student graduates and fails to find career-related employment soon, then they didn’t put enough time into things like networking or other career-building activities. “There definitely are jobs out there, (but) it depends on how much time is it going to take you to move into a position within your industry and if you’re prepared upon graduation, you will move into one,” she said. “Graduating without a job doesn’t mean anything, but if in four months you don’t have a job, then I would say you weren’t prepared adequately.”
Downtown Starbucks closed until Aug. 9 for remodeling The East Lansing Starbucks located at 401 E. Grand River Ave. will be closed for remodeling until Aug. 9, according to a sign posted on the store’s window. Jim Thorington, working on the remodel with Thorington Electric, LLC, said Starbucks’ stores usually remodel every 10 years. “It was just time for them to do it,” Thorington said. The three other E.L. Starbucks, located at 1141 E. Grand River Ave., 114 Wells Hall and 1350 W. Lake Lansing Road, Wyatt Thorington, a construction worker, works on the remodel will remain open. of Starbucks July 20 at 401 E. Grand River Ave. PHOTO: CATHERINE FERLAND —RYAN KRYSKA THUR SDAY, JULY 23, 2015
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First Baptist Church of Okemos 4684 Marsh Rd. Okemos, MI 48864 (517) 349-2830 www.fbcokemos.org/worship Sunday worship: 10:45am Zelos Wednesday: 7pm night worship for summer
Little Flock Christian Fellowship A Non-DenominationalEvagelical Church MSU Alumni Chapel (Basement Hall) Sunday Worship Service: 10am-12 Noon. Fellowship Lunch after the service Weekly Bibly Studies & Students’ Meetings. littleflock.msu@gmail.com littleflock@hotmail.com www.littleflock.org Martin Luther Chapel 444 Abbot Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 332-0778 martinlutherchapel.org Sunday: 9:30am & 7:00pm Mini-bus pick-up on campus (Fall/Spring) Okemos Community Church 4734 Okemos Rd. Okemos, MI 48864 (517) 349-4220 www.okemoscommunitychurch.org Sunday Worship: 10am Sunday School: 10am-11:15am Adult Studies: 9am & 11am
One Community-Lutheran (ELCA)/ Episcopal (TEC) Campus Ministry Greater Lansing 1020 South Harrison Rd. Church of Christ East Lansing, MI 48823 310 N. Hagadorn Rd. (517) 332-2559 East Lansing, MI 48823 www.facebook.com/on(517) 898-3600 ecommunitymsu Sunday Worship: 8:45am Sundays: 9:30am (at Sunday Bible Study: 10:15am University Lutheran Sunday Evening: Small Group Church) Sundays: 8am, Wednesday Bible Study: 10am (at All Saints 7:00pm Episcopal Church) www.greaterlansingcoc.org Peoples Church Hillel Jewish Student Center 200 W. Grand River Ave. 360 Charles St., E. Lansing East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 332-1916 (517) 332-6074 www.peoples-evolution.org Friday Night Sunday Worship: 8:30am, Services: 6pm, Dinner: 7pm 9:30am September - April Tuesday: Love Life: 7-9pm Wednesday: Dinner at Islamic Center of East 5:30pm, Journey at 6:30 Lansing 920 S. Harrison Rd., East Red Cedar Friends Lansing, MI 48823 Meeting (517) 351-4309 1400 Turner St. www.Lansingislam.com Lansing, MI 48906 info@Lansingislam.com (517) 371-1047 1st Friday Prayer: 12:15 pm redcedarfriends.org 2nd Friday Prayer: 1:45 pm Sunday Worship: 9:00am, 10:30am
St. John Catholic Church and Student Center 327 M.A.C. Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 337-9778 stjohnmsu.org Sunday: 8am, 10am, Noon, 7pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 12:15pm Trinity Church 3355 Dunckel Rd. Lansing, MI 48911 (517) 272-3820 Saturday: 6pm Sunday: 9:15am, 11am trinitywired.com Unity Spiritual Renaissance 230 S. Holmes St. Lansing, MI 48912 (517) 484-2360 or (517) 505-1261 Sunday: 10:30am Wednesday: 6:30pm meditation Office: Monday-Thursday 9:30-12:00 University Baptist Church 4608 South Hagadorn Rd East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 351-4144 www.ubcel.org 10 AM Worship service 11:15 Coffee Hour 11:30 Sunday School University Christian Church 310 N. Hagadorn Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 332-5193 universitychristianwired.com Sunday: 11:15 am Sunday Bible Study: 10:15 am University United Methodist Church MSU Wesley 1120 S. Harrison Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 351-7030 universitychurchhome.org msuwesley.org Sunday: 10:30am 9:00am Garden Service in the summer TGIT: 8:00pm Thursdays Sept. - April WELS Lutheran Campus Ministry 704 Abbott Road East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 580-3744 www.msu.edu/~weisluth 6:00pm Saturday
Religious Organizations: Don’t be left out of the Religious Directory! Call 517-432-3010 today to speak with an Account Executive 5
Spotlight Businesses downtown sink or swim during summer slow season To cope with the severe drop in customers during the summer, local restaurants are forced to adjust services or even close their doors BY RYAN SQUANDA RSQUANDA@STATENEWS.COM
It was the morning of June 30 and Derrick Austin stood outside a restaurant on Grand River Avenue, looking up and down the empty summer streets of East Lansing. It was hard to believe it was actually over. To the dismay of Austin and many others in the East Lansing and MSU community, Moe’s Southwest Grill, the restaurant he’d managed for the last three-and-a-half years, was closing for good. This is a scene that has become all too common in East Lansing as of late, as Moe’s was the third notable East Lansing restaurant to close this summer — along with What Up Dawg? and Firehouse Subs. “Trust me, we didn’t want to leave,” Austin said in a prior interview with The State News. “Trust me, it sucks … I met a lot of friends here, lots and lots of friends ... lots of families.” As a result of these numerous closures, many students and people around East Lansing have begun to take notice. “I think it’s funny because we actually just drove by Moe’s and said something like ‘I don’t know how it closed down so fast,’” MSU student and redshirt junior wide receiver Tres Barksdale said. “I just started liking it. I’ve always been a Chipotle person, but I
started to like Moe’s and it’s just crazy that it just closed downwards.” For Moe’s and so many other restaurants in the East Lansing area, their failure can ultimately boil down to just one reason — their inability to generate enough revenue during the summer months of this college town. YOU HAVE TO BE CAREFUL IN A COLLEGE TOWN “I’ve been in the food industry for 30-plus years,” Austin said. “(A) college town is different. I would say it’s its own world, especially East Lansing … once school starts, boom, you’re crazy busy ... and boom, (the students) are gone and your business slows down big time. “You have to be careful in a college town.” For both Barksdale and fellow MSU football player and student Tyler O’Connor, two guys who have spent the last four summers in East Lansing, they’ve come to realize there’s no way the people who remain in East Lansing during the summer can make up for all those who leave when the school year is over. “During the summer, I think it’s understandable just because there’s way less people on campus and everything, and being a college town there’s not a whole lot of business outside of students,” O’Connor said. “But I don’t know. I don’t know if it’s a lack of
Zoology senior Jeffrey Gbur creates a wrap July 17 at Conrad’s College Town Grill on 101 E. Grand River Ave. Gbur has been working at Conrad’s for about a month. The first Conrad’s opened in 2007. Since then, two more locations were founded. PHOTO: JOSHUA ABRAHAM 6
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THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2 01 5
Sweet Lorraine’s Fabulous Mac n’ Cheez! opened in September 2014 on 547 E. Grand River Ave., taking over the space once occupied by Wanderers Tea House and Cafe. PHOTO: CATHERINE FERLAND
advertising or what, but I think Moe’s is kind of like an unknown secret in a way just because it’s kind of down at the other end of the block.” In addit ion to t h is, Aust i n explained chain restaurants like Taco Bell or McDonald’s are able to survive the summer because they can spread the wealth from other stores within the franchise. However, for the Moe’s franchise Austin works under, it only has one other store, located in Royal Oak. Sam Short is an East Lansing resident and restaurant entrepreneur in the Lansing area who previously served as president of BarFly Ventures. He played a huge role in the opening of the Grand Rapids Brewing Company and HopCat East Lansing. Today, Short has shifted his focus to his role as co-owner of the Potent Potables Project — the parent company of several Lansing restaurants such as Zoobie’s Old Town Tavern, The Cosmos and The Creole. CONNECTING WITH CUSTOMERS Throughout his career, Short has learned a thing or two about the restaurant business. And he said there are several things that need to be addressed before one can even think about opening a restaurant. These include getting in touch with the city and the people one is going to work with on a daily basis, as well
as contacting the local enforcement such as fire chiefs to check the liquor licensing laws in the area. When it comes to operating a restaurant in a college town such as East Lansing, Short said the main target shouldn’t be college students. “The goal isn’t to shut them out,” Short said. “It’s just that you have to focus on your regular crowd first. Look, college kids are going to come. They’re going to come out and they’re going to drink ... They’ve got disposable income … They’re young. They’re vibrant. They’re interesting.” “What you need to pick up on is the three to five months a year
where college kids aren’t around. And to be able to do that, you’re going to need to be able to identify what your locals are interested in and try to give that to them. And if you can do that, if you can hit that mark, it doesn’t matter in the summer.” IT CAN BE DONE Still, businesses can be successful in East Lansing. Short pointed to numerous restaurants that have been around East Lansing for years — Harrison Roadhouse and Rick’s American Cafe, to name a few. For Barksdale, he sees some of
Joey Berakovich, son of the owners Erik and Trisha Berakovich makes a waffle cone July 19 at Velvet ~ A Candy Store on 507 E. Grand River Ave, the site which once housed InFlight, a smoke shop. PHOTO: JOSHUA ABRAHAM
Michael Kransz Content editor mkransz@statenews.com @thesnews
these mainstays as a potential reason for why newer restaurants fail. “I think people just have their Potbelly and their Pita Pit, Cosi and Chipotle that people are so stuck on,” Barksdale said. “So I think maybe people see all those places as the places they go to. Some people just don’t expand and go out to different places, so that might be another reason.” However, all of this is not to say people have stopped trying, or aren’t excited about new opportunities in the area. Black Cat Bistro, Sweet Lorraine’s Fabulous Mac n’ Cheez! and most recently Velvet ~ A Candy Store are all businesses that have opened up within the last few years. “We are excited for a new adventure and ready to have a year-round store,” Velvet co-owner Trisha Berakovich said. She and her husband Erik Berakovich moved their store from previous locations on Mackinac Island and Harbor Springs. “We love the community and we are excited to see how we do,” Trisha Berakovich went on to say. “I think we are different. We look fancy, but we have reasonable prices and it’s all homemade. What sets us apart is that we make almost everything here and the fact that we are a family-owned business.” Short also said in some cases a restaurant will close and attempt to come back and rebrand itself; that’s essentially the case with What Up Dawg?. The restaurant closed in May, but by the end of June, a GoFundMe page started by the former general manager surfaced online, asking the community for help to bring What Up Dawg? back as a mobile hot dog
cart business. “I’ve been thinking about the community and the multitude of relationships I’ve had the opportunity to build while serving great food, and I hope I can continue to have the chance to create a context for lasting memories,” MSU alumnus and former What Up Dawg? general manager Corey Austin wrote on the GoFundMe page. But to find a man who has found a way to perfectly cater to MSU’s students, look no further than Joe Conrad. BECOMING A MAINSTAY Conrad is a former MSU student who brought his Conrad’s College Town Grill business to East Lansing in 2007. Today, his business has expanded to include three restaurant locations around MSU’s campus, with the latest opening up in the Frandor Shopping Center. “I think I just relate with my customers more than other businesses in town … just because I’m actually here,” Conrad said. “Being in the stores is the thing that gives me a big advantage of really knowing what our customers are looking for and just understanding the trends of East Lansing and when business is going to be good and when business is going to be bad and just understanding (that) just because you have a storefront on Grand River, that doesn’t mean that you’re automatically going to be successful.” Restaurants in East Lansing can be hit or miss, as previously demonstrated. Each and every generation of MSU students might know and frequent a different set of restaurants
Inside the former location of Tony’s restaurant on 350 Albert St. The restaurant recently closed and will be replaced by Pho Viet, a Vietnamese restaurant scheduled to open soon. PHOTO: CATHERINE FERLAND
as different businesses come and go, just as every four years a different set of students come and go. Still, at the end of it all, Short said there’s more to opening a restaurant than meets the eye. “Essentially, I think a lot of people think, ‘Oh, it’d be so cool and awesome and I’m so good at cooking this cuisine.’ Realistically, while all those things may be true ... the nitty gritty is that you’re opening a small business,” Short said. “And as exciting and fun as restaurants can be, if you’re not considering all of the rest of it, what I would consider to be generally much more important than, you know, like your wallpaper choice and your table design, you’re starting at a disadvantage.”
ONLINE
Black Cat Bistro server and bartender Alex Johnson mixes drinks July 20 at the restaurant on 115 Albert Ave. The restaurant opened in May 2014.
To keep up with businesses downtown as they open and close, stay tuned to statenews.com for breaking updates.
PHOTO: CATHERINE FERLAND T H U RS DAY, J U LY 2 3, 201 5
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Crossword
L.A. Times Daily Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
Features
Michael Kransz Content editor mkransz@statenews.com @thesnews
HUMANS OF EAST LANSING BY JORDAN HOLLEY | PHOTO: JOSHUA ABRAHAM
ACROSS
1 Pros handling returns 5 Nos. that affect connecting flights 9 Like dry mud on cleats 14 1979 DownBeat Hall of Fame inductee, familiarly 15 Beer ingredient 16 “Spider-Man” director 17 Cats’ request on seeing birds through the window? 19 Brother of Miriam 20 Obeyed the doctor 21 Romp 23 Suffix with Capri 24 Actress Kunis 25 Attention-getting craze? 27 “Bravo, señor!” 29 “Blah blah blah”: Abbr. 31 Bavarian article 32 Kid-lit detective __ the Great 34 Speck 37 Dangerous bacterium 41 Ottoman ruler’s pier? 44 Senate Finance Committee chair Hatch 45 Sundance’s gal 46 Like Gen. Powell 47 Storm, on the Beaufort scale 49 iTunes purchase
51 Sign of success 52 “L.A. Law” actress’ work period? 57 California’s __ Valley: Reagan Library site 59 Porter, e.g. 60 Wind with a wide ange 61 __-Dazs 64 Choir platform 66 Optimistic Spanish ruler? 68 Taboos 69 Banjo spot 70 Tennis edge 71 Ring setting 72 Proverbs 73 Trim on a curtain
DOWN
1 Animation units 2 Court entry 3 Skydiving device 4 Riyadh native 5 No-nonsense 6 Stuff on the street 7 Hebrew alphabet opener 8 Topic for Strunk and White 9 Ingredient in the stew étouffée 10 Financial rating 11 Russian ballet name 12 Act badly?
13 Eatery with its own lingo 18 Fire __ 22 “’Tis true!” 26 Put in a log 27 Savvy about 28 Portrayer of a big scaredy-cat 30 Soft drink choice 33 Works on books 35 Elmo fan 36 Old Spice rival 38 Sal Tessio portrayer in “The Godfather” 39 Folk icon Seeger 40 Stevenson villain 42 Podunk-like 43 Footwear for the Step Brothers 48 Penpoint 50 “La Vie en Rose” chanteuse 52 Fixes, as a heel, perhaps 53 “Middlemarch” novelist 54 Easy kind of question 55 Where roads divide 56 Singer __ Marie 58 Taj __ 62 Bigger than big 63 Hawaiian goose 65 It’s quite a stretch 67 Source of pliable wood
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Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk SOLUTION TO WEDNESDAY’S PUZZLE
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THE STATE N E WS
THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2 01 5
Nicole Schenk St. Francis DeSales High School student, visiting MSU for Green and White Day. Her father is an alumnus of MSU.
“I like the park type of areas you guys have, like I have always had the dream (where), you know, you sit under a tree doing homework and you guys have a lot of beautiful areas to do that stuff in.”
Features
Michael Kransz Content editor mkransz@statenews.com @thesnews
MI leaders among those who still express dissent on same-sex marriage ruling BY JESSICA STEELEY JSTEELEY@STATENEWS.COM
#LoveWins was doing laps around the Internet on June 26, 2015, when the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in favor of same-sex marriage. “It’s a good thing that our government has, at least in a way, recognized sexual orientation and our right to get married,” political science junior Richard Metaj said. Despite the ruling, some states are still fighting against same-sex marriage by pushing to have religious freedoms be protected and suspending same-sex marriage licenses for 25 days. “We did expect this kind of push back when we saw that there was a good chance same-sex marriage would be legalized,” local Lansing LGBT advocate and former executive director of Equality Michigan Emily Dievendorf said. However, Dievendorf said freedom of choice was always going to allow religious leaders’ the right to deny ceremonies. “We respect and defend churches’ rights to not have same-sex marriage ceremonies, but we hope they will be welcoming,” she said. But she said judges shouldn’t be allowed to deny same-sex marriage licenses to couples. “Judges … are appointed to treat everyone equally,” Dievendorf said. Although same-sex marriage has been legalized, Metaj said the LGBT community should think about what they can do next, such as combating discrimination and homophobia through educating people about the LGBT community and sexuality. He also called on the Michigan Legislature to be more progressive, stating that although he has experienced acceptance at MSU, he experiences unfriendliness and homophobia in other parts of Michigan, including Lansing.
“It’s important to respect #SCOTUS decision, focus on dignity” Gov. Rick Snyder, @onetoughnerd via twitter
“For MSU it will continue to have at least a more positive integration with students,” Metaj said. But he said Michigan should have more anti-discrimination policies. As one of the states that didn’t allow same-sex marriage before the Supreme Court decision, Michigan is often grouped with states who have called for holds and religious freedom bills. This is what Gov. Rick Snyder had to say in a June 26 statement about the decision: “Same-sex marriage has been a divisive issue in Michigan and across our country. Recognizing that there are strong feelings on both sides, it is important for everyone to respect the judicial process and the decision today from the U.S.
Supreme Court. “With this matter now settled, as Michiganders we should move forward positively, embracing our state’s diversity and striving to treat everyone with the respect and dignity they deserve.” Aside from Snyder, Dievendorf, who is running for Lansing’s City Council, had this to say: “Michigan is tied in with these states because Michigan has actively been trying to push back on LGBT progress for a while; in Michigan it’s still legal to fire someone for being LGBT. “Michigan often parallels these states because Michigan representatives don’t reflect the values of our citizens. If Michigan leaders voted the way Michigan people wanted them to, then LGBT people would be equal to the rest of the citizens.” The following compares five of the most conservative reactions to the legalization of samesex marriage.
Texans hold the same beliefs. Political theory and constitutional democracy sophomore Sam Jefferson, an MSU student from Austin, Texas, said he believes same-sex marriage should be allowed everywhere. This is what he had to say about Texas’s opinion: “I’ve seen [resistance] already — my county is one of the only democratic counties — I don’t think it’s right. “The majority of counties around where I’m living are trying to get it appealed. “Texas as a whole is against same-sex marriage, I would say it’s a 40-60 split. “I think mostly it’s because in Texas we have been an outlier, so we like doing things our own way.” MISSISSIPPI
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, @KenPaxtonTX
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made clear his dissent with the decision in his June 26 statement: “But no court, no law, no rule, and no words will change the simple truth that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. Nothing will change the importance of a mother and a father to the raising of a child. And nothing will change our collective resolve that all Americans should be able to exercise their faith in their daily lives without infringement and harassment. “Displays of hate and intolerance against people of faith should be denounced by all people of good will and spark concern among anyone who believes in religious liberty and freedom for all. “Despite this decision, I still have faith in America and the American people. We must be vigilant about our freedom and must use the democratic process to make sure America lives up to its promise as a land of freedom, religious tolerance and hope.” In a statement on June 28, Paxton urged judges to deny marriage licenses if it conflicts with their religious beliefs. “It is important to note that any clerk who wishes to defend their religious objections and who chooses not to issue licenses may well face litigation and/or a fine. But numerous lawyers stand ready to assist clerks defending their religious beliefs, in many cases on a pro-bono basis, and I will do everything I can from this office to be a public voice for those standing in defense of their rights.” Though Paxton is against the decision, not all
TENNESSEE
“For the Court to tell all Tennesseans that they have no voice, no right to vote, on these issues is disappointing” Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Slattery III
TEXAS
“Following #SCOTUS flawed ruling, the next fight is religious liberty”
has disregarded the choice made by the people of Alabama in its decision today.”
“Today, a federal court has usurped that right to selfgovernance and has mandated that states must comply with federal marriage standards.”
Though Tennessee said it will enact the decision, state Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III still had this to say in his statement: “Today’s United States Supreme Court decision not only changes the definition of marriage, but takes from the states and their citizens the longstanding authority to vote and decide what marriage means.” “For the Court to tell all Tennesseans that they have no voice, no right to vote, on these issues is disappointing.” However, Tennessee state rep. Andy Holt is introducing a bill to help protect pastors’ rights to deny same-sex marriages their services. LOUISIANA
Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant
From Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant’s statement: “Throughout history, states have had the authority to regulate marriage within their borders. Today, a federal court has usurped that right to self-governance and has mandated that states must comply with federal marriage standards.” ALABAMA
“This ruling must not be used as pretext by Washington to erode our right to religious liberty” Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, @BobbyJindal via twitter
“I always respect the people’s vote, and I am disappointed that the Supreme Court has disregarded the choice made by the people of Alabama in its decision today” Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley
In his short June 26 statement, this is part of what Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley had to say: “Regardless of today’s ruling by the Supreme Court, I still believe in a one man and one woman definition of marriage. The people of Alabama also voted to define marriage as between a man and woman. I always respect the people’s vote, and I am disappointed that the Supreme Court
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As one of the states that created a 25-day hold on same-sex marriage licenses, along with Alabama, Attorney General Buddy Caldwell’s statement should be no surprise: “It fails to respect traditional marriage as defined by Louisiana voters, and is yet another example of the federal government intrusion into what should be a state issue.” Aside from Caldwell, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who is running for president, had this to say: “The Supreme Court decision today conveniently, and not surprisingly, follows public opinion polls, and tramples on states’ rights that were once protected by the 10th Amendment of the Constitution. Marriage between a man and a woman was established by God, and no earthly court can alter that. This decision will pave the way for an all-out assault against the religious freedom rights of Christians who disagree with this decision.”
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Features
Michael Kransz Content editor mkransz@statenews.com @thesnews
MSU alumna Shanna Draheim joins the race for E.L. City Council BY JAKE ALLEN JALLEN@STATENEWS.COM
SHANNA DRAHEIM
Shanna Draheim, a Southern California native, fell in love with East Lansing during her undergrad years at MSU. After bringing her family to live in and be part of the community 11 years ago, Draheim has decided to run for East Lansing City Council. Draheim has a background in community and environmental sustainability and said she is ready to help propel “what is already a really attractive community” forward to become one of the great university towns. Part of her plan to is to invest in education and engage MSU students. “I’d like to see what the city could do to host groups of faculty and have students be a stronger part of the conversation around the future of East Lansing,” Draheim said. “Where students want to live, (and) what would it take to keep them living here after graduation are things I would like to get input from students on.” Draheim, who has a bachelor’s degree in public policy from MSU and a master’s degree in environmental policy from Indiana University Bloomington, would also like to partner with the city’s East Lansing school district to ensure there are great learning spaces at the K-12 level.
East Lansing City Council elections will take place November 3. Three councilmembers, including Mayor Nathan Triplett’s, Mayor Pro Tem Diane Goddeeris’s and councilmember Kathleen Boyle’s, terms are up. Elections are every two years with a rotation of three terms ending in an election and two terms ending in the next. ONLINE
“People come here because of our schools and we need to maintain and enhance that. It’s important that the city partners with the school district,” Draheim said. Draheim is currently a board member for Michigan Energy Options and was the commissioner of East Lansing Environmental Commission from 2005-12. She helped develop a sustainability plan as part of the commission. Draheim also worked for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as a Great Lakes res-
“Where students want to live, (and) what would it take to keep them living here after graduation are things I would like to get input from students on.”
Shanna Draheim, East Lansing City Council candidate
toration specialist and as an environmental protection specialist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Draheim said she would like to use this background to build a more sustainable East Lansing while saving money. “If the city were to invest in energy efficiency at our facilities, if we helped curb sprawl, there
At the first meeting in November, after the election is certified, the newly elected councilmembers will be sworn in and immediately elect a Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. Marie Wicks, city clerk, swears the members in and then runs the election for Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. Afterwards, the Mayor takes over. There are seven candidates vying for the three open spots.
are cost savings that would be really important for the shrinking budgets,” Draheim said. Draheim said she believes money saved through sustainable efforts could be reinvested in future sustainability efforts. She said she would also like to address the aging infrastructure in the city, focusing not only on roads, sewers and water, but also public spaces and parks. She said she would like to hear community input on these issues. Draheim’s plan includes touring the neighborhoods of East Lansing to hear what issues residents want addressed. She also said when it comes to problems that need to be addressed, money is not always the fix. “I keep talking in terms of really needing to invest in East Lansing’s future and so sometimes that’s dollar investments, but lots of times that’s investing our energy,” Draheim said. The election will take place in November with three council seats up for vote. “I am really optimistic about the city of East Lansing. I think sometimes people run for offices because they are frustrated or disappointed,” Draheim said. “I really am enthused about the possibility of being on City Council because I think this is a great city and there’s just so much more opportunity to come.”
The candidates include incumbent Mayor Nathan Triplett, Erik Altmann, Shanna Draheim, Steve Ross, Jermaine Ruffin, John Revitte and former mayor Mark Meadows. For more profiles of city council candidates visit statenews.com
Record-breaking machine designed by MSU student BY JAKE ALLEN JALLEN@STATENEWS.COM
Steven Price, a mechanical engineering senior from Canton, Mich., broke the world record for most dominoes toppled in the U.S. on July 18 at the Michigan Science Center in Detroit. Price and his team of 15 builders also attempted to break the world record for most steps in a Rube Goldberg Machine, but were unsure if that record was broken. The team didn’t know when the official results would be in. A Rube Goldberg Machine is a complicated system of chain reactions and energy transfers used to accomplish a simple task. Price began building these machines when he was in middle school. “When you first start building you don’t even see that there are opportunities with this hobby,” Price said. “I just thought that you could post videos on YouTube and share it with a few other people and impress some people, but beyond that I never expected that there was a way you could actually host events or make money by building these machines.” According to Price, the launch on Saturday went “great.” A few parts of the machine failed, but there were back-ups in place that were effective. “It went really well, everyone loved it and we were really proud of what we accomplished,” Price said. Price, who has built machines on The Rachael Ray Show and made it to the quarter-finals building machines on season eight of America’s Got Talent, said the “incredible science machine,” as it was called, that he built on Saturday was bigger than any project or machine he has worked on before. “This project completely blows any previous project out of the water,” Price said. Price’s former largest machine used six tables. Saturday’s machine used a total of 16 tables, took up 5,000 square feet of 10
THE STATE N E WS
space and involved 200,000 dominoes. The “incredible science machine” featured different colored dominoes used to form 3D objects, such as a rocket ship, and portraits, such as one of Isaac Newton. The simple task it performed was to turn on a giant light switch. Price said he was glad to share his passion with a larger audience. Shannon Mackie, senior marketing manager for the science center, said there was an audience of 200 people at the live event with an additional 150 watching a live streaming of the event inside the center.
Steven Price prepares for his competition at the Michigan Science Center. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARCEL
The team of 16 builders, including Price, were in Detroit physically building the machine from July 9 until July 17, but for Price the work began months before. He started contacting the builders in January, created a Kickstarter to raise money in April, then began compiling ideas and floor plans. But what may sound like
THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2 01 5
work to some has been nothing but fun for Price and his team. “We really love to build. We spend all of our free time thinking of new ideas and new things that you could use for these machines. We just love to create things that will blow other people’s minds,” Price said. “Every time we complete a project, we are always thinking about the next big project. We want to do something bigger and better every time.” Price owns his own company called Sprice Machines, which sells domino-related products, builds machines for creative advertisements and includes YouTube videos Price shares. His YouTube channel is called Sprice Machines. Price expects the final video of the “incredible science machine” to be a big success and plans for it to be uploaded sometime within the next two weeks. The engineering student with interests in food mechanics and aerodynamic engineering said he would like to design chain reaction building kits for kids, but also would like to continue building large machines. Price said he would love to work on future projects with his team, perhaps building one “extremely impressive machine” a year. He also hinted at going after more world records. “We are open to breaking any world records as long as we can get all the builders in one place with plenty of time and a flat surface to build on,” Price said. “We would definitely consider doing another one.” It appears as though this passion for Rube Goldberg Machines, which has burned for eight years, will continue for Price. Price said he believes building these machines and the way of thinking it demands are important for a number of different reasons. “It’s important because people need to learn how to be more creative and be able to think outside the box, look at an object and see it a different way that gives you a new perspective on what you are doing ... it can teach you a lot of things like patience and perseverance,” Price said. “It gives you the ability to tackle challenges in a new way.”
Sports Linebacker Darien Harris reflects on leadership role in MSU football BY MATT ARGILLANDER MARGILLANDER@STATENEWS.COM
Before senior linebacker Darien Harris became a leader for the MSU football team he began his athletic career playing soccer and baseball. It wasn’t until he turned 11-years-old that Harris began playing football —his father played college football for Virginia Tech and one of his former teammates started a youth football program in Darien’s neighborhood and Harris checked it out. “We went out there when I was 11-years-old, that was my first year playing I was actually terrible at it,” Harris said. “I was actually playing left tackle and a lot of center because I was the biggest kid on my team.” It didn’t take long for Harris to fall in love with the game, the following summer he had a six-inch growth spurt and he began to play in positions he felt more comfortable in. Harris went from playing youth football to starring at DeMatha Catholic High School. “I had pretty good high school career at DeMatha Catholic and I got recruited to play (at MSU),” Harris said. “I came on my visit and I immediately fell in love with this place, with East Lansing, with the campus, the family atmosphere that coach Dantonio has provided for us here and I knew this was the place to be and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Harris described his first years as a learning process aided by the presence of former Spartans Max Bullough, Denicos Allen and Chris Norman.
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Harris is a fifth-year senior who already finished his first degree program earning a bachelors in journalism, he is now working on a human capitol degree in the social science department
co-defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett spoke about Harris as a leader. “Darien Harris is one of the top leaders not only on our defense but on our entire team,”Bar-
Then-junior linebacker Darien Harris celebrates recovering Wyoming’s running back D.J. May’s fumble during the game against Wyoming on Sept. 27, 2014, at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Cowboys, 56-14. STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO
with a focus on economics and business. Harris believes he stepped into a leadership role when he became a full-time starter last year as a junior, but now as a senior he is ready to take it to the next level. In a recent press release that announced Harris being named to the Butkus Award Watch List,
nett said. “He’s well respected by his teammates. Darien is a smart football player and an outstanding tackler.” This year with the expectations for MSU football as high as they’ve ever been Harris feels it’s important that the team takes it one day at a time.
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EASTWOOD TOWNE Center is looking for a P/T Receptionist. 10-20 hours/ wk. Must be available nights, weekends, and over breaks. Submit resume & availability to guy@rpai.com
MANDARIN CHINESE Translator wanted. We are looking for someone fluent in both Mandarin and English to act as a translator, along with other responsibilities. Work is P/T, but with lots of avail in August and September. Contact Tom at Collegeville - 517-922-0013.
GREAT 1 & 2 occupant apt. Grand River & MAC; FREE heat and water! mmarcinko@landmarkcres.com / www.unionplacemsu.com.
2 BDRMS, lic for 3, pets allowed, fenced yard, walk to campus 1572 Melrose Ave. a/c, laundry, quiet neighborhood
SPACIOUS HOUSE on Burcham, available Aug, 4 bed/1.75 bath, w/d, 2 car garage, enclosed porch and rooftop patio, hardwood floors and fireplace, perfect for students, only $1900/mo. Call 517-3497355 or visit rpm4rent.com for details.
INSTRUCTORS NEEDED. Olivet College (30 miles south of MSU campus) is seeking Adjunct Instructors of Writing and Composition. Required: Master’s degree, experience teaching, writing and ability to teach during the daytime. Send resume and letter of interest to the writing program director at: kchaney@olivetcollege.edu. Founded in 1844, Olivet College was the first college by charter in Michigan to admit women and people of color. As part of its commitment to a values-based mission of Education for Individual and Social Responsibility, the College actively seeks diversity in its student, faculty and staff. Women and members of historically underrepresented groups.
“After Thursday’s workout we’re just looking forward to Friday’s workout, after Friday’s workout we’re just looking forward to Monday’s workout and as we take things one day at a time everything will fall into place,” Harris said. Harris won’t let the team become complacent after consecutive top-five finishes— No. 3 in 2013 and No. 5 in 2014. “We always have to play with a chip on our shoulder,” Harris said. “We have not arrived yet, those teams (that finished No. 3 and No. 5) belong to the seniors of years past, we have to write our own history and our own legacy.” The senior linebacker believes the sky is the limit for this team and he expects big things out of the upcoming season. “I want (us) to be remembered as one of the best teams to come through Michigan State, I think we have all of the talent in the world to do that,” Harris said “This senior class is incredibly strong and we knew that when we came in, in 2011, that we would be able to do big things here and now it’s time to walk the walk.” On the field Harris wants to be remembered as a great teammate and a great leader, off the football field he wants to be remembered as the example of a consummate student-athlete. “We’re just students like everybody else here, we’re no more special than the next person,” Harris said. “We’re thankful to be here we understand it’s a privilege to be here, not a right, so I just want to conduct myself in the best possible way so that I’m an example on this campus.”
MARKETING REPS needed in East Lansing. Full/part time avail. Salary plus commission. Call for immediate interview. Looking for outgoing personality. Great summer job. Call now 1-800589-8507 ext 3. REPAIR/CLEANING & maintenance work for house/ apt. Aug 1-3. Flex hrs. $8/ hr. 517-294-8474. mclane@ msu.edu
Apts. For Rent 1 BDRM, 1 bath, affordable luxury, downtown EL. Whirlpool, marble and granite. 517-204-7488
ROOMMATE NEEDED 2/1 apt. Berrytree off Hagadorn and Mt. Hope. Unfurnished room w/ large walk-in closet. Must be OK with cat. Lease can start now $574/month 248-504-8841
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Houses/Rent 1 bedroom apt. and 2, 3 OR 4 bedroom house for rent. Orchard St. just off of Grand River. Call 517-290-7400 for more details.
2015-16 HOUSE(S). Licensed for 3 or 6. Super Location & Condition! 517490-3082. AUG ‘15. 4 bd house, $480 per month. 627 Evergreen E.L. 734-717-8513. August to August lease. LARGE BEDROOM in a big Cape Cod house walking distance to MSU. $650/ month including utilities. August 2015 to August 2016 lease. Contact 517993-7676.
Animals HORSE STALL available Small private boarding barn. Williamston. 12 x 15 indoor arena. heated tack room. Bathroom. Trails. 517-2431793
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Sports
Michael Kransz Content editor mkransz@statenews.com @thesnews_sports
MSU football players go pro, try out BY RYAN KRYSKA RKRYSKA@STATENEWS.COM
With NFL training camp approaching at the end of July, eight Spartan rookies from this past season will look to make their mark in the NFL, while two others are currently on CFL rosters. Trae Waynes, Jeremy Langford, Tony Lippett, Keith Mumphery, Andrew Gleichert, Kurtis Drummond, Taiwan Jones and Marcus Rush will be attending training camps and Matt Rea and James Bodanis are currently on CFL rosters. Waynes, Langford, Lippett and Mumphery were drafted and are locks to make their respective NFL teams’ 53-man roster. Gleichert, Drummond, Jones and Rush will fight to make their teams
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as undrafted free agents. Waynes, who was recently invited to a private gym workout with Floyd Mayweather, as reported by TMZ, was drafted No. 11-overall in the NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Mike Wobschall of vikings.com recently sat down with Vikings’ defensive back coach Jerry Gray in a video interview. Gray talked about Waynes and said he has learned a lot and has a great attitude. “We know there are some things that God gave him that we can’t, which is great speed and height, the burst and the close,” Gray said to Wobschall in the Vikings.com interview. “So we are giving him some things that are probably uncomfortable right now so when it gets down to training camp and the season we can kind of back off that and then let him take over the game.” Langford received praise by Chicago Bears’ general manager Ryan Pace at a press conference following the NFL draft in which Langford was selected 106th overall by the team. “Langford’s a guy our running backs coach likes a lot,” Pace said, as reported by Larry Mayer of chicagobears.com. The Bears’ running back coach Stan Drayton coached against Langford at Ohio State University. Lippett, who was drafted 156th overall by the Miami Dolphins, played wide receiver in college but has been converted to cornerback. Lippett played two-ways at receiver and corner during the 2015 Cotton Bowl and showed his potential at Dolphin OTA’s by recording three interceptions in a single day’s seven-on-seven scrimmage, according to miamidolphins.com. Dolphins’ head coach Joe Philbin spoke at a press conference following Lippett’s successful day at OTA’s. “He doesn’t have a ton of position experience there (at cornerback) in games, but he seems to be a guy that’s learned the system pretty well,” Philbin said, as reported by Alain Poupart of dolphins.com. “Every rep that he gets is extremely valuable at this stage of his development. I caught a couple of (the interceptions), and he went up and high-pointed one of the balls. He was in the right place at the right time.” Mumphery, who was drafted 175th overall by the Houston Texans, was recognized
a chance and should have a chance to really help us on special teams,” O’Brien said at a press conference. “So we’re really looking at him to be in this weekend to start
Then-junior cornerback Trae Waynes reacts to a Michigan incomplete pass during the game against Michigan on Oct. 25, 2014, at Spartan Stadium. Waynes was recently drafted to the Minnesota Vikings. STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO
off and learn the core special teams, punt, punt return, kickoff cover, kickoff return, be a part of all that. Then, obviously, try to find his niche at receiver. We felt like he was an outside receiver that could do some
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Then-senior wide receiver Tony Lippett runs in for a touchdown on Oct. 25, 2014, during the game against Michigan at Spartan Stadium. Lippett was recently drafted to the Miami Dolphins. STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO
on Sportscenter’s July 14 edition of NFL Live for his rookie progress thus far. Texans’ head coach Bill O’Brien spoke at Rookie Minicamp in May about Mumphrey’s contribution to the team. “For Mumphery, we thought he may have 12
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season with the Eagles, made the team last year in the way Gleichert may this year, by establishing himself in blocking and special teams, as reported by ESPN in May.
things on the inside and be a special teams contributor.” Gleichert was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as a rookie free agent and will look to make the team as the 4th tight end on the roster. Trey Burton, now in his second
Drummond was signed by the Houston Texas as a rookie free agent. Drummond played safety at MSU and the Texans’ secondary question marks have provided him with the opportunity for a roster spot. Drummond has held his own against NFL veterans at OTA’s and Rookie Minicamp, as reported by P.D. Starr of scout.com. Jones was signed by the New York Jets as a rookie free agent. Jones has been working as an interior linebacker this offseason and, according to thejetsblog.com, said “expect [Jets’ head coach Todd] Bowles to lobby his front office to find a way to keep a developmental prospect like Jones.” Rush was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as a rookie free agent. Rush played defensive end at MSU, but reports state he has been working out as an outside linebacker. An analysis of Rush by ninersnation. com said his chances of making the roster are slim, but the opportunity for him to be on the practice team “makes a lot of sense.” Former MSU punter Mike Sadler had a tryout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but rookie punter Kirby Van Der Kamp from Iowa State University was the kicker invited to Rookie Minicamp, according to news from the Buccaneers official website. Matt Rea is currently a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and James Bodanis is a member of the Montreal Alouettes. These teams will face each other on Sept. 27, as reported by theonlycolors.com.