Monday 10/7/13

Raise a glass to Old Town at Oktoberfest

Dozens throw on plaid for Plaidurday

Event mixes beer, music, friends in Lansing

Gathering draws crowd of plaid shirt enthusiasts Friday

The Hy-Notes perform at Oktoberfest

statenews.com | 10/07/13 | @thesnews Michigan State University’s independent voice

planning

improved SAFETY TO BE FOCUS OF OFFICIALS

By Geoff Preston gpreston@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

As East Lansing moves toward a new phase of comprehensive planning and development, city officials are striving toward creating a safer and more diverse downtown that will entertain and retain students while they are at MSU and after they graduate.

In comments made to the State News editorial board Oct. 1, City Manager George Lahanas noted several city efforts to make the community a more welcoming place for its students and long-term residents. He also touched on opening up the doors for community suggestions as the city begins its latest comprehensive planning process.

Following a string of assaults earlier this summer, police are on high alert for potential trouble across E. Lansing One major concern on the minds of city staff is the continued safety of its residents.

In the wake of four alleged sexual assaults police say were committed by 26-yearold Oswald Scott Wilder between March 30 and May 16, East Lansing police Chief Juli Liebler told The State News that safety on the streets has become even more of a priority.

“We take this very seriously,” she said. “I can’t promise you it won’t happen again, but if it does, I promise you we will work as hard as we can to solve it.”

In addition to putting more officers on duty during the past Welcome Week, the force has implemented undercover cops to look for suspicious activity and combat potentially dangerous situations.

“We do a lot to keep the community safe,” she said.

But Liebler said safety in downtown areas extends beyond fighting crime. She said a proposed ordinance brought forward by city staff that could cap the downtown occupancy for establishments serving alcohol past midnight also aims to keep people safe in the early hours of the morning.

“People are looking to See SAFETY on page 2 u

Julia Nagy/The State News

features, pG. 6

campus+city, pg. 3

storm the gates

Dantonio, program fired up after decisive 26-14 road win versus Hawkeyes

By Dillon Davis

Head coach Mark Dantonio gets fired up after a postgame prayer with his team Saturday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

The Spartans defeated the Hawkeyes, 26-14.

ddavis@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

I

OWA CITY, Iowa — It was a brief moment in time. But for Darqueze Dennard, it has been on his mind for weeks.

During the first quarter of September’s 21-6 victory against South Florida, the senior cornerMSU 26 back dropped IOWA 14 an easy interception for a touchdown, forced to watch helplessly as a ball well within his grasp fell incomplete to the finely manicured grass.

He read the play, a motion pass to wide receiver Marcus Shaw. It was exactly as he’d studied for.

Yet, when the time came, he couldn’t reel it in.

And combine that with four pass interference calls against Notre Dame, with two coming against Dennard, and it had the potential for the perfect storm in the Spartan secondary.

However, the Spartans (4-1 overall, 1-0 Big Ten) proved they’re adept at weathering the storm, as Dennard led the nation’s top-ranked defense with two interceptions to go along with 277 passing yards and two touchdowns by sophomore quarterback Connor Cook in a 26-14 win over Iowa (4-2, 1-1) to open up Big Ten play on Saturday.

“I feel like the monkey got off my back and it’s real fun to go out there and play and get two interceptions,” Dennard said. “It wouldn’t have happened without the defensive line and the linemen getting pressure and the other players in the ‘No Fly Zone’ locking up their receivers.”

After a scoreless first quarter, the Spartans jumped to a 10-0 lead in the second quarter, courtesy of a 27-yard field goal by freshman kicker Michael Geiger

spartan football

STEPHEN BROOKS sbrooks@statemews.com

Program must set sights higher after ‘W’

Khoa Nguyen/ The State News

“I feel like the monkey got off my back and it’s real fun to go out there and play and get two interceptions.”

Darqueze Dennard, senior cornerback

and touchdown reception by sophomore wide receiver Macgarrett Kings Jr. Starting the play lined up to the right of Cook, Kings caught the ball across the middle, waited for a critical block by senior wide receiver Bennie Fowler to set up and then gave a quick stutter step to beat the defender before taking it to the end zone.

The 46-yard strike now is the longest offensive play of the season for the Spartans, and it set the team up in strong position on the road.

“I saw him out of the front my eye and I was gonna cut straight up field,” Kings said.

“If I kept running straight, Bennie wouldn’t have been able to get the block so I set the block up and went outside when I saw him com-

ing, so I just stopped back and (stutter stepped).”

But the Hawkeyes stormed back and ended the first half on a 14-0 run coming on back-to-back touchdown passes by quarterback Jake Rudock, demoralizing the Spartans heading into the locker room.

Returning fresh with adjustments to open the third quarter, Cook found Fowler for a 37-yard touchdown reception to take the lead, which the team never surrendered for the rest of the way.

Clinging to a six-point lead to open the fourth quarter, junior punter Mike Sadler lit a fire under the team they carried to the finish, faking a punt before tucking the

IOWA CIT Y, Iowa — Let’s pump the brakes a little, Mark.

MSU’s seventh-year head coach called Saturday’s 26-14 road win over Iowa a “program win.”

Really?

Knocking off a team that was weaker than advertised and a program that hasn’t won a Big Ten title since 2004 is a landmark win?

That I don’t buy — and I don’t think Mark Dantonio should either. If he wants to take this program to newfound heights, see eye-to-eye with programs

like Ohio State and Michigan, then you don’t count a road win at Iowa as a notch in your belt.

“I think you define the games at the end of the season to be honest with you, but I knew that coming to this game was an important game for us,” Dantonio said.

Now, let’s be clear: Saturday’s win absolutely was paramount for the Spartans. A loss greatly handicaps them in the conference race after just one game.

Instead, the football team returns to East Lansing right-

See SPARTANS on page 2 u

Hey Diddle Diddle, Send Sadler Up the Middle Trick play adds to growing list of big calls under coach Mark Dantonio’s tenure

The Play Length: 25 yards Setting: 4th-and-7 on MSU’s 37-yard line at the start of the fourth quarter holding a 20-14 lead

“

Did you see the run? I didn’t read anything. I was just trying to get to the sideline and not die.

But everything worked out really well.”

—Mike Sadler Danyelle Morrow/The State News

fully confident, feeling it can manage anything this watered down 2013 schedule throws at it.

Dantonio’s word choice is the nag here. It gives the impression that his program is content with average, whether or not that’s true, because nobody outside of the Midwest is impressed with that win.

Sophomore qua r terbac k Connor Cook , who is making great strides with each game he starts, put it better, calling it a “statement” game.

He’s right. It was much less

an earthshaking victory than it was a memo to the rest of the conference that MSU is for real.

“Things are on the line,” Cook said. “If we lose this game, that really hurts us. We want to go to the Rose Bowl, we want to play in the Big Ten championship game. If we lose this game, that really, really hurts us.”

For the first time since 2011, the Spartans looked like a complete team. Everything came together at the ideal time.

See COLUMN on page 2 u

To view a video recap and analysis of MSU’s road victory at Iowa Saturday, visit statenews.com/multimedia.

testimony

Text messages, video continue to stand out in trial

By Katie Abdilla kabdilla@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

Margaux Forster/The State News

Okemos resident and alleged murderer Connor McCowan and defense attorney Linda Widener discuss after Friday’s trial.

In the early morning of Feb. 23, Okemos resident Connor McCowan received a text from his sister, Shay McCowan, saying her boyfriend, MSU student Andrew Singler, had broken one of her ribs.

“I’ll beat the s*** out of him,” his reply read. “I’ll f***ing knock his teeth out.”

A c c or d i n g to te s t i mo ny brought forward in Ingham County Circuit Court last

week, Connor McCowan drove to Singler and Shay McCowan’s apartment that night to confront Singler and allegedly fatally stabbed him. He was charged with open murder for Singler’s death, and if convicted, he faces life in prison.

As the trial continues this week, Ingham County Assistant Prosecutor John Dewane will continue to use the text messages and other elements of the case in an attempt to prove McCowan’s intent to harm Singler.

Shay McCowan is slated to

testify Monday. The trial could last another week.

Messages show that Andrew Singler was texting his girlfriend, Shay, earlier trying to end their relationship On Friday, Meridian Township police Detective Greg Harris read the texts between Connor McCowan and Shay McCowan, as well as texts between Connor McCowan and Singler. Connor McCow-

an texted Singler that night to tell him where Shay McCowan was and was met with an angry response.

“You’re gonna regret saying that,” Connor McCowan replied. “I offered you my undivided attention and you f***ing blew it.”

At the same time, police said a drunken Singler was texting Shay McCowan, apparently attempting to end their relationship after the two had an argument earlier that night.

See COURT on page 2 u

2 | T he State N e ws | M onday, Octo ber 7, 201 3 | state ne ws.com State News blog roll Academics and Admin.

Most U.S. universities ignore global rankings, a recent Chronicle of Higher Education article alleged, but MSU doesn’t follow that norm.

MSU’s Office of Planning and Budgets keeps track of its rankings in the three most credible global systems, which happen to be dominated by U.S. institutions. Most of the Big Ten usually makes the top 100 of each ranking system, including MSU. The article says ignoring the global rankings could hurt U.S. universities in the future.

They might “find themselves falling behind in a race they didn’t fully realize they were running.”

But they aren’t losing yet. Eight of the top-10 universities in the Academic Ranking of World Universities, compiled by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, are in the U.S. The QS World University Rankings put 11 U.S. institutions in its top 20. In 2012, Times Higher Education ranked 200 universities, 76 from the U.S. But the article noted the country’s higher education is sliding, with 30 fewer universities on the Shanghai rankings this year compared to its first publication about a decade ago.

MSU has stayed in top 100 of two of the three rankings for several years, and bobs up and down on the scale.

The article emphasizes rankings as a mechanism of attracting international students — something MSU has done a good job of, with hundreds flocking to campus from around the world every year.

Justine mcguire

Three-day forecast

Monday Rain High: 57° Low: 43°

Tuesday Partly Cloudy High: 64° Low: 43°

Wednesday Partly Cloudy High: 70° Low: 43°

editorial staff (517) 432-3070 Editor in chief Ian Kullgren managing editor Beau Hayhoe DIGITAL managing editor Darcie Moran Design editor Becca Guajardo PHOTO EDITOR Julia Nagy ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Danyelle Morrow Opinion editor Summer Ballentine campus EDITOR Robert Bondy City Editor Lauren Gibbons sports editor Matt Sheehan Features editor Isabella Shaya copy chief Caitlin Leppert nn

Professional staff General Manager Marty Sturgeon, (517) 432-3000 Editorial adviser Omar Sofradzija, (517) 432-3070 CREATIVE adviser Travis Ricks, (517) 432-3004 Web adviser Mike Joseph, (517) 432-3014 Photo adviser Robert Hendricks, (517) 432-3013 Business Manager Kathy Daugherty, (517) 432-3000 advertising adviser Colleen Curran, (517) 432-3016

spartans

Dantonio credits win to strong turnaround by team, coaching staff at halftime and in late parts of game from page one

ball away and scrambling ahead for a 25-yard gain.

The gain was MSU’s longest rush of the day, while also outgaining Iowa’s overall combined rushing effort by two yards — a fact which Sadler noted through a wide grin in his postgame press interview.

“Did you see the run? I didn’t read anything. I was just trying to get to the sideline and not die,” Sadler said. “But everything worked out really well.”

Geiger added three more field goals from 35, 49 and 40 yards, respectively, to pad the

safety

City officials are looking to keep East Lansing safe while providing fun atmosphere for residents, students from page one

get in and get the most amount of alcohol for the least amount of money, and that ’s what we are concerned about,” she said.

“I don’t think if you build more bars, you’re going to get more people.”

Since 2007, the downtown occupancy for alcohol serving establishments open after midnight has increased 20 percent, Lahanas said. None of the current establishments would be affected by the proposal.

“We don’t want to cut any thing off, we’re not going to be a place where students don’t want to go.

It’s a college town — there are going to be plenty of places for people to go.” he said.

As the city moves forward with its comprehensive plan, Lahanas said a main goal of city staff is to retain students after they graduate by diversifying living, dining and entertainment

lead and spoil the Hawkeyes’ homecoming before a crowd of 69,025 fans.

Head coach Mark Dantonio said the experience of the team and its coaching staff allowed for critical adjustments to return strong in the second half — and it ultimately set the Spartans up for the victory.

Connor Cook’s career day throwing the ball helped lead MSU to the 12-point road win “It’s pretty unique because we’ve been together so long, so if something is broken, we can fix it and the players understand that as well,” Dantonio said.

“It was really a matter of those two plays (to end the first half) and playing better on those situations.”

After the game, much of the talk surrounded the standout performance of Cook and his receiving corps.

“We don’t want to cut anything off … there are going to be plenty of places for people to go.”

George Lahanas, City manager

options downtown. He said a vibrant downtown is key to keeping MSU graduates and other young professionals in East Lansing.

“You want to have people come downtown and do something different,” he said.

Lahanas said retaining MSU talent is becoming a problem for East Lansing and is something city officials are working on resolving.

“It kind of gets to the issue that young people want to live a urban downtown lifestyle. ...

I think Michigan communities are a little late on getting that message,” he said. “Michigan is great at educating people ... but they lose too many people elsewhere.”

This October, city staff are hosting a series of events inviting students and residents to comment on ways the city could improve in the future.

Fowler had a career-high nine receptions for 92 yards and one touchdown while Kings, sophomore Aaron Burbridge and junior Tony Lippett came up with multiple timely catches all day.

Cook surpassed his previous career high in passing, which came in a 202yard performance against Youngstown State, and saw his only real blemish on an interception in the fourth quarter.

Asked about how the confidence of the offense is tied to the performance of the defense, Cook said the Spartans have a specific game plan to match the team’s high-powered defense.

“We go into every single football game knowing if we score three touchdowns, we’re gonna win,” Cook said. “We feel like our defense can hold the opponent under 17 points every single game, so our goal as an offense is to come out and score three touchdowns and,

court

Trial arguments center around discrepancies between roommate’s previous statements, examine 911 call from page one

Meridian Township police obtained footage at a Speedway gas station from Feb. 23 that showed Connor McCowan stopping for gas on his way to Singler’s home at Castle Pointe Apartments.

In the footage, Connor McCowan was wearing different clothing than he was seen in when he was arrested the next morning, Meridian Township police Det. Edward Besonen II said. He said the clothing had been washed before it was handed over to police.

S i n g l e r ’s r o o m m a t e Tyler Aho, who witnessed the stabbing, testified last week. The alumnus said he brought Singler home that night. Shortly after he came home from work, Aho said Connor McCowan showed

Continued you know, expect to win.”

The Spartans now are set to return home Saturday for a homecoming date with Indiana (noon, ESPN2). The Hoosiers (3-2, 1-0) are coming off a 44-24 thrashing of Penn State this weekend, but have yet to venture away from Memorial Stadium in the 2013 campaign.

Dantonio called the weekend’s win over Iowa “a program win,” citing the necessity for the Spartans to gain confidence for Big Ten play.

“Iowa had won four straight and had a lot of positive things going on. We, on the other hand, were sort of getting beat around,” Dantonio said. “We needed to look from within our team and find ourselves.”

up at the apartment with a knife in his right hand.

Defense attorney Chris Bergstrom attempted to identify a discrepancy between Aho’s testimony and his initial interview with police, when Aho said he did not see the knife until after Singler was stabbed. Besonen said it is common for witnesses to recall such details late after a traumatic event occurs.

Part of last week’s trial also included the 911 call Aho made while driving Singler to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing after he was stabbed.

Aho admitted he did not give emergency responders the address to the apartment because he feared authorities would discover marijuana plants in his closet.

McCowan’s trial resumes 8:30 a.m. Monday.

column

Brooks: Expectations for Michigan State as a team, program should be higher despite big road win from page one

Was it a must-win game?

Probably, considering the ease of MSU’s schedule this year.

Was it a long overdue breakout performance from the offense?

Absolutely, and it probably couldn’t have waited another week.

Most importantly it validated the formula Dantonio stood behind since day one, that if his offense could get anywhere close to matching the effort of the tormentors he has on defense, the Spartans would be as formidable as they come in the Big Ten. “I’ve always said when our offense gets a little more confident, things are going to blossom,” Dantonio said. “And we saw some confidence today and that’s gonna happen. And when we get our offense playing at our same level as our defense is playing, great things are gonna happen.”

But a future-altering, monumental win for the program?

Nah. Saturday was a big game for MSU. But if the folks inside that program consider it a program win, it’s time to reevaluate their perspective.

Expectations are higher here now thanks to Dantonio. There are bigger things to play for these days than solid road wins against middling foes.

Iowa was just the first step in achieving something truly worthwhile this season.

Stephen Brooks is a State News football reporter. Reach him at sbrooks@statenews.com.

Crossword

L.A. Times Daily Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

VOL. 104 | NO. 125

Index Campus+city 3 Opinion 4 Sports 5 Features 6 Classifieds 5

Level: 1

2

3 4

nn

Corrections If you notice an error, please contact Managing Editor Beau Hayhoe at (517) 432-3070 or by email at feedback@statenews.com. nn

The State News is published by the students of Michigan State University, Monday through Friday during fall, spring and select days during summer semesters. A special Welcome Week edition is published in August.

Across

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.

to contact the state news (517) 432-3000 For distribution/circulation questions, email distribution@ statenews.com nn

Copyright © 2013 State News Inc., East Lansing, Mich. n n

Advertising M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(517) 432-3010 Advertising manager Brandon Ventimiglia

SOLUTION FRIDAY’S PUZZLE SOLUTION TO TO SATURDAY’S PUZZLE

10/7/13

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

© 2013 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

1 A dromedary has one 5 Smart guy?

10 Exec’s “I need it now!”

14 Black-and-white snack 15 Military training group 16 Actress Hatcher 17 Like a clock reading 5:05 at 5:00 18 “Eat!” 19 Tenant’s expense 20 *Space-saving computer monitor 22 Fateful March day 23 Equipment on a balance sheet, e.g.

24 Immunity builder 26 Cuban dance 30 Defective cars 33 Devious laughs 36 “That stings!”

38 Often __: about half the time 39 Foofaraw 40 Untidy waking-up hair condition, and what the first word of the answers to starred clues can be 42 Historical span 43 Posh 45 Freezer bag feature 46 Bluish hue 47 Go away 49 Southern speech feature 51 Turn out to be

53 Zodiac transition points 57 Arizona Indian 59 *Title racehorse in a 2003 film 63 Mont Blanc, par exemple 64 Rabbit relatives 65 Foreign Legion cap 66 Falsehoods 67 “Fame” singer Cara 68 First family’s garden site?

69 Oater stronghold 70 Tickle pink 71 Cubicle furnishing

Down

1 Labor leader who vanished in 1975 2 Range dividing Europe and Asia 3 Southwestern tablelands 4 Kiln users 5 Adaptable, electrically 6 Wilderness home 7 Rim 8 Reacts to a tearjerker 9 Pet’s home away from home 10 Some hotel lobbies 11 *Start-up capital 12 “Rule, Britannia” composer 13 Depressing situation, with “the” 21 Early Beatle Sutcliffe

25 Enjoy King and Koontz 27 Cohort of Curly 28 Future blossoms 29 Felt pain 31 Director Ephron 32 Kenton of jazz 33 Difficult 34 Falco of “The Sopranos” 35 *Jalapeño, for one 37 Listen to 40 Polar explorer Richard 41 Menu words 44 Most off-the-wall 46 Sounded like a chicken 48 Buttocks, informally 50 Loos, for short 52 Necklace gem 54 Soft leather 55 Plumber’s concerns 56 Reek 57 Football game division 58 Hodgepodge 60 Real estate measurement 61 Curved 62 “That makes sense”

Get the solutions at

statenews.com/puzzles

Campus+city community

stat e ne ws.co m | T he Stat e N ews | mon day, octob er 7, 2013 |

3

campus Editor Robert Bondy, campus@statenews.com CITY EDITOR Lauren Gibbons, city@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075

Greek

Males sport high heels in anti-domestic violence event

By Celeste Bott

Attendees wear their red heels on Sunday on the corner of M.A.C Ave. and Linden street during the "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" event.

The event advocated against sexual assault.

cbott@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

Julia Nagy/The State News

Lansing residents Emily St. Clair, right, and Sarah Coston chat Friday during Old Town Lansing Oktoberfest. Coston said she dresses up each year for Oktoberfest.

old town oktoberfest festivities draws crowds to lansing area

By Derek Gartee dgartee@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

The smell of beer and the sounds of Bavarian bands filled the streets of Old Town in Lansing this weekend for the 8th annual celebration of Old Town Oktoberfest.

Hundreds of people, including many students, gathered in downtown Old Town Friday and Saturday to embrace t he longsta nding Ger ma n tradition.

Old Town Oktoberfest has been in place for eight years and aims to bring more new people into Lansing The festival is hosted by the Old Town Commercial Association, or OTCA, an organization focused on rebuilding and revitalizing the district.

Oktoberfest is the second largest festival to be put on in Old Town each year.

In addition to providing a cultural celebration, Oktoberfest aims to support the Lansing area and show people how far Old Town has come, OTCA Executive Director Louise Gradwohl said.

“We want to show people (Old Town) is a destination location,” Gradwohl said.

She said the organization focuses on festivals like Oktoberfest to bring new people into

the area.

The festival attracted many MSU students that might not have made the trek from East Lansing to Old Town otherwise.

Economics senior Brad Howell said coming to Oktoberfest was his first experience in Old Town, and said he would be interested in coming back.

“Old Town is a really cool place — I would like to come here again,” Howell said.

Oktoberfest also supported many local businesses.

The festival featured several Michigan-made beers and hard ciders, as well as food vendors from across the state.

Entertainment included several cultural Bavarian-themed bands.

This year, Oktoberfest musical headliners also included alternative bands such as Michigan-based indie rock group Mike Mains & The Branches.

Although turnout is generally large, the higher temperatures this year has caused the turnout to be better than years past.

“We have rea lly decent weat her t his year, it was much colder last year,” said Joe Prevo.

Prevo and his son, Joe Prevo Jr., are Old Town Oktoberfest veterans.

“This is our third or fourth year — we go together each year,” Prevo said.

They are drawn back every year by the music, celebration, and of course, the beer.

Check out The State News online:

www.statenews.com

MSU fraternity brothers stepped outside their comfort zone for a good cause by strapping on high heels Sunday for a walk dedicated to raising awareness about harassment and sexual assault.

The “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event is a national awareness campaign brought to MSU by the greek community.

The walk began on the corner of M.A.C. Avenue and Linden Street, and participants walked around the neighborhood with purple balloons that were released when they returned.

The first 100 participants to arrive were provided pairs of red high heels to sport during the event.

Registration for the event cost $7 per participant, with proceeds going to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation. The organization works with the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence, which provides services to people who have faced sexual assault or domestic abuse.

Alyssa Miller, recruitment chair for MSU’s Alpha Chi Omega chapter, was

Georgina De Moya /The State News

inspired to help organize the event through personal stories on sexual assaults she heard at an event last year.

“I went to Alpha Chi Omega’s National Convention last year, where a lot of women presented stories about how sexual assault affected their lives,” Miller said. “This year, we put on an even bigger event to get community support for such a serious issue.”

Other volunteer organizations set up booths along M.A.C. Avenue to raise awareness, including MSU’s Women’s Initiative for Leadership Development, or

WILD. Allison Taormina, WILD volunteer and dietetics junior, touched on the impact of sexual assault and harassment.

“It’s not just knowing about the situations when they happen, but realizing how it emotionally affects both women and men, as well as their families,” Taormina said.

Interfraternity Council President Tony Biallas said it was especially encouraging that fraternity brothers were taking a stand on the issue.

“It’s something a lot of people, especially guys, don’t talk about,” Biallas said. “But we

need guys to notice it as well, and with the sexual assaults that have happened recently, it’s important to get East Lansing and MSU involved.”

MSU long-snapper Taybor Pepper took a break from football to participate in the event, pointing out that sexual assault is a common issue that can happen to anyone.

“This is something that can happen at parties,” Pepper said.

“I think a lot of people just don’t know it’s such a bad issue.”

The event raised about $2,220 for the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, Biallas said.

N at u r e

Locals clear pathways for recreational use in Red Cedar River

By April Jones ajones@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

Chainsaws, canoes and cleaning crews filled the Red Cedar River Saturday afternoon to clear pathways to maximize the river’s full potential for local residents.

For the past 12 years, the Lansing Oar and Paddle Club has organized a team to clear log jams, hanging trees and pollution that often makes the river unusable. This year, club members gathered at the Harris Nature Center to begin the 13-mile cleaning process.

The work was cut up between two five-member

teams. One team started at Grand River and ended at the nature center, while the other team began at the center and finished at Dietrich Park in northern Lansing.

Club President Jay Hook said the Red Cedar River is a popular stream for kayaking and canoeing, and when people use the river and it is plugged up, it will lead to disappointment and lower the river’s reputation.

“We are most concerned about the young couple or family who wants to go canoeing, but when they get here, there’s a tree in the way,” Hook said.

“They expect the river to be safe and that’s what we’re trying to maintain as best we can.”

The two teams were able to

clear 19 marked spots that needed to make the river more navigable and accessible for canoes.

The 10 club members used four boats, two chainsaws, rope and other water equipment to tackle the dirty job.

Club member and Mason resident Richard Bailey dressed in river waders, rubber boots and a chainsaw in hand to lead his team downstream.

“The whole concept is to paddle until you find something that has to be opened up,” Bailey said. “The goal is to make enough of a passage for a canoe and kayak to get through without destroying the natural habitat.”

The club started in 1988 to promote interest in all aspects

of human-powered watercraft in the mid-Michigan area.

Haslett resident and club member Tina Ciaramitaro works for the U.S Department of Agriculture Agency out of Giltner Hall, conducting research for wood-boring insects. She said her interest in the great outdoors lead her to joining the club four years ago, and she’s enjoyed every moment thus far.

“I love being out in the water and I’ve had a lot of good times with the club trips,” Ciaramitaro said. “It’s a good chance to volunteer and give back.”

More online …

To watch a video on the river clean-up, visit statenews.com/multimedia.

4 | Th e Stat e N e ws | m o nday, o c to be r 7, 201 3 | staten e ws.com

Opinion

Featured blog ASMSU, Students United team up

Ou r v o i c e | E d i t o r i a l C i t y C o u n c i l RACE ‘ 1 3

registering to vote, voting a necessity EDITORIAL BOARD Ian Kullgren editor in chief Summer Ballentine Opinion editor Celeste Bott staff representative Anya Rath minority representative Olivia Dimmer staff reporter

T

oday is the last day to register to vote in East Lansing. So hop to it.

The general election for East Lansing City Council members will take place Nov. 4 and will happen without accurate student representation unless enough young people feel that voting is vital to the well-being of students, which it is.

City council decisions directly affect students.

For example, the party litter ordinance city council enacted in 2011 created $50 to $400 in fines for cluttering lawns and streets with postparty trash. The council also has the power to cap the number of patrons at bars in town, pending input from the Planning Commission, which

ASMSU is teaming up with MSU Students United for a resolution to petition for a tuition freeze for the 2014-15 academic school year.

— Nolly Dakroury, State News reporter

would affect nightlife. If city council members IM Sports-West.

Sure, voting back know that a large portion of students will vote, they will tailor their campaign to meet student home with an absenneeds and coincide with student interests. But tee ballot always is an if students don’t care about city council, why option, but voting absenwould city council care about us? Maybe they tee has been notoriouswill, but they likely are not going to consider a ly confusing. Remembering when to get the student’s perspective out of the goodness of their hearts.

Today is the last day ballot and when to Registering to vote is only to register to vote. To mail it back could prove a challenge, and one small sliphalf the battle. Actually getup could mean the ballot isn’t ting to a precinct and casting a register, print a form counted. ballot is the challenge. Please, from michigan.gov/ With traditional voting, polls don’t let apathy get in the way are open between 7 a.m. and of making the student voice be vote and turn it into 8 p.m. When the time comes, heard. It is a civic duty, after all. the city clerk at 410 messing with an absentee balRegistering is as simple as Abbot Road. lot might be more of a hassle printing out an online form than expected. from michigan.gov/vote and Another assumption that might be holding turning it in to the city clerk at 410 Abbot Road. would-be voters back is the untrue notion that Convenient, right?

The Secretary of State will change the address changing their residency during registration listed on the photo ID or driver’s license of any will affect financial aid.

For most students, registering to vote in a person who has registered to vote in a different city or township, making it easy to re-register state that is not their home state will not affect in East Lansing. In addition, polling locations any federal aid. Residency for voting and resare located on campus. Voters can cast ballots idency for the purpose of tuition benefits are in Brody Hall, the Union, IM Sports-East and not affiliated, and the former is generally an

Comments from readers

Read the rest online at statenews.com/blog.

easier process, according to the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law. Out-of-state students have the right to vote in their home city via an absentee ballot. They also can vote in East Lansing if they change their current address.

Even if a student is from out of state, there’s no reason not to register to vote.

Voting is common sense. Students should play an active role in the decision-making process in the city they live in.

As long as a student is 18 years old, or older, and a U.S citizen, they should help to make decisions that will affect East Lansing and MSU. So register to vote. Get to the polls on Nov. 4. Bring a photo ID if possible and most importantly: cast that ballot.

Just so you know

nn

“Unreported” “I might have said while I was drunk that I was okay with having sex with the guy, but I was in no state to be doing that.”

JUST SO YOU KNOW

monday’s poll results No 30%

25% One 23%

Are you registered to vote in East Lansing?

Regret != Rape I sympathized in the beginning because the first case sounded tragic and like a clear rape. But the second, no.

You go out, have some drinks, meet a guy, tell him you want to have sex, have sex, and the next morning he’s a rapist? !=?, Oct. 4

Today’s state news poll

62% 13% 0

10

20

30

40 50 60 PERCENT

70

80

Are you planning to stay in Michigan after you graduate?

To vote, visit statenews.com.

Yes No, I’m registered somewhere else No, I’m not registered to vote

Total votes: 55 as of 5 p.m. Sunday

Women have the right to say no at ANY point and they deserve to be respected in that decision. That being said, I think its fair to say that a woman has to actually say “no” at some point. You can’t always expect it to be implied.

editorial cartoonist

msualum, Oct. 4

Alcohol is not consent. Plain and simple. student, Oct. 4 Michael Holloway mholloway@ statenews.com

In general, why is it also the guys (or girls) fault that an alleged assault occurs? If both parties are equally intoxicated and both consent, how is it possible for one to wake up the next morning and claim it was rape? If a girl accuses a guy, can the guy then accuse the girl, or vice versa?

Go Green, Oct. 4

To share your thoughts on this story or any other stories, visit statenews.com.

We want to hear your thoughts.

The State News welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must include your year and major, email address and telephone number.

Phone numbers will not be published. Letters should be fewer than 500 words and are subject to editing.

How to reach us Questions?

Contact Opinion Editor Summer Ballentine at 517-432-3070.

By email opinion@statenews.com By fax 517-432-3075 By mail Letters to the Editor, The State News, 435 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823

opinion column

Desolate streets, cat calls threatening to walkers

I

’ve trekked across Washington, D.C. in the dead of night by myself without blinking an eye. I’ve made my way home from downtown to my apartment in Philadelphia unsupervised and never thought twice. And I’ve walked home from The Peanut Barrel to my apartment past Harrison Road more times than I can count.

Most of the time the worst part about the journey is how long it takes me to get from a booth in What Up Dawg? to my memory foam bed, but my walk home Saturday was outright miserable.

I was too stubborn to take my friend up on an offer to walk me back. It’s not a short trip, and I didn’t want to inconvenience him. I can take care of myself, or at least I like to think I can.

So I started power walking, motivated by the prospect of munching on the chips and queso waiting for me in my apartment.

I wasn’t stupid enough to delude

guys as I trudged down a desolate myself into believing that I’d join Michigan Avenue late at night didn’t hands with strangers and sing showexactly make me feel comfortable. tunes on my way. I once saw a man That never happened to me in D.C. or lurking in the bushes on my walk Philly, and it’s shameful that I somehome in D.C. near the U.S. Departtimes feel less safe ment of Homeland walking on CollingSecurity. It was a opinion editor wood Drive than I did Tuesday night. in West Philadelphia.

But I didn’t expect Unfortunately I don’t men to lean out have an aunt and uncle of their car winin Bel-Air to live with. dows and scream The city crime “p---y” at me as rates pale in comparthey zoomed down ison with PhiladelMichigan Avenue. phia and D.C., but I Not exactly an sometimes feel less uplifting message Summer Ballentine safe walking home to hear at the end sballentine@statenews.com alone here because of your night. there aren’t even othAt first, I wrote er pedestrians I could call out for it off as a group of drunk guys tryif someone decided to attack me. ing to be funny (likely the case).

Philadelphia was the scariWords hurt, but I likely wasn’t est city I’ve ever lived in. Still, I in any real danger from them. could hover behind a group of peoThen it happened ple so it didn’t look like I was walkagain. And again. ing alone. I had the courage to check I’m not saying it’s dangerous to walk in East Lansing if you’re a wom- on a drunk woman who was being grabbed by a man because somean, but getting called a whore (and one else noticed and went with me. worse) by three separate groups of

The police can’t be on every corner, but we had each other’s backs in the City of Brotherly Love.

I shouldn’t be so terrified of walking the streets of East Lansing that I hole up in my apartment or drive everywhere. If everyone felt that way, no one would use the streets and it would pose more of a threat.

I’m not going to stop walking at night, although I’m not saying “no” the next time my friend offers to escort me home. I’ll certainly think twice the next time I’m alone and want to avoid a cab ride for the sake of saving $3, and I’d recommend the same for anyone else.

Don’t be afraid of the streets, and don’t make walking any more uncomfortable than it has to be.

Walk with friends and stay alert for things that don’t look right. If you see someone walking alone, don’t scream aggressive, lewd comments at them.

I’m sure they’d appreciate an offer to walk a few blocks together much more than a nasty cat call. I would.

Summer Ballentine is the State News opinion editor. Reach her at sballentine@statenews.com.

state n e ws.com | The State N ews | monday, oc tob er 7, 2013 |

Sports

5

#SNDailynumber

sports editor Matt Sheehan, sports@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075

volleyball Read online

statenews.com

Men’s soccer beats no. 5 northwestern

T

he last time the men’s soccer team took the field in Evanston, Ill., they won the Big Ten Tournament in an overtime match against Michigan.

In their first return trip to Lakeside Field since then, the Spartans (7-1-1 overall, 1-0-0 Big Ten) opened up Big Ten play with a 3-2, double overtime win against No. 5 Northwestern (7-30 overall, 1-1-0 Big Ten).

Junior forward Adam Montague netted the game winner with just 46 seconds to play in the second overtime period.

“It’s meant to be for me to move to Chicago someday,” Montague said.

— Zach Smith, The State News

Spartans beat Illini, Wildcats and little sister

By Omari Sankofa II osankofa@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

1996 saw one of the greatest years in MSU volleyball history.

With a 26-7 overall record and dominant 12-0 Big Ten start for a team that finished 18-2, thenhead coach Chuck Erbe took his team to an Elite Eight finish.

It’s impossible to predict where the 2013 volleyball team will finish. But in a season where success will be judged by an extended tournament run, the Spartans have so far put themselves in position to match 1996’s year.

With weekend sweeps over Illinois and Northwestern, the No. 9 volleyball team (15-1 overall, 4-0 Big Ten) is off to its best season start since Erbe’s team.

The Spartans have now won 13 straight matches. MSU and No. 10 Nebraska are the only teams who remain undefeated in Big Ten play. Fittingly, the two teams will face each other on Saturday.

Mindful of the promising start, head coach Cathy George said the team is taking the season one game at a time.

“It’s a long, long, long season,” she said. “It’s just such a difficult conference from time to time. So we just stay right there and not even worry about end of the sea-

Classified TO PLACE AN AD …

son goals.”

MSU beat Illinois on Friday in straight sets, 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-17).

It was a battle marked by sibling rivalry as senior setter Kristen Kelsay faced her sister, Illinois freshman setter/defensive specialist McKenna Kelsay.

It was an emotional night for Kristen, who hadn’t seen her younger sister since leaving for preseason play in early August.

“I’m kind of speechless right now,” Kristen said after the match. “I’ve had every emotion.

I knew it was going to be a cool night, then she got on the floor, and I was smiling. Then they started beating us, and I was (angry).”

Kristen had a game-high 22 assists, and McKenna had a teamhigh 14 assists for Illinois.

For MSU, senior outside hitter Lauren Wicinski posted 17 kills, four digs and three blocks, and freshman outside hitter Reinig had 12 kills and two blocks.

MSU returned to action Saturday night to defeat Northwestern, again in straight sets (25-20, 25-12, 25-20).

Wicinski and Reinig continued their strong offensive attack.

Wicinski finished with 19 kills, six digs, four service aces, and three blocks. Reinig added 11 kills, four

1-5 DAYS $2.10/line/day 6-9 DAYS $2.00/line/day 10+ DAYS $1.90/line/day Classified liners appear online at no additional charge.

Cash, check, credit cards accepted

Houses/Rent

Houses/Rent

CULINARY SERVICES Seeks student emps.

10/15 hrs/wk. Flexible shifts starting ASAP. Build your resume.

Apply at eatatstate.com/ employment.

ONE BEDROOM apartment in house on 500 block of Grove St. D/W. Parking spot. No pets.

332-8600. Rent negotiable. Move in now.

140+ HOUSES & Apts.

May/Aug, lic 1-9. 517-3510765 or hrirentals.com.

Now leasing.

ABOVE AVERAGE 264 Lexington Lic. 4, Eamon Kelly 714.654.2701 or enkellyjr@gmail.com

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS $13.50 base-appt, flex sched around classes call 333-1700 or at workforstudents.com

Duplex/Rent

2 NEW contemporary townhouses. 2 blocks to MSU Union, 5 bdrm, 2.5 bath, great-room, rec room, garage. A/C. 3328600. No pets.

AVAIL AUG Lic. 4-7.

Walk to campus. msushrentals.com, call Julia at 517-214-9354

LOOKING FOR independent sales rep. Earn $500-$1,000 per contract. Business to business marketing. www. nasworkathome.info PET CARE looking for hardworking individual F/T days and wknds.

Animal exp preferred.

Resume to Melissa @ PO Box 277 Haslett 48840.

WAIT STAFF, all shifts.

Immediate openings.

Apply at Paul Revere’s Tavern. 517-332-6960.

Apts. For Rent AVAIL AUG ‘14 Studio, 1,2, and 4 bedroom Apartments. Great location, Top cond. Check out our visual tours at hudginsrealty.com Call 517-575-0008, no pets.

1-6 PEOPLE, Aug ‘14.

Flower Pot neighborhood, Near Breslin. Nice home. 927-1338.

1-7 PERSON Houses plus apts. Across from MSU. Visit us soon at housesforrent.com to tour our top quality houses through photos and videos and see their great locations. 332-8600. No pets. Signing leases now. Open Saturday.

1230 LILAC. 3 lg rm avail now, w/d. New updates. $500 per room. Near Breslin. 927-1338.

‘14 AUG great homes.

Variety of prices. Lic. 4, 5, 6. 517-336-7006 homes4spartans.com ‘14 AUG Houses for rent.

Lic. 2-6. 517-749-4767 or www.gutowmgt.com.

2014 4-6 bdrm houses.

Close to MSU. Craigslist. boydrentals.com.

517.896.2247.

2014 HOUSES: lic 4-6 PRIME locations. Search Craigslist keyword Yama Mgmt, 517-927-4832.

2014 HOUSES. Lic 3-9.

517-202-0920, msurentals@gmail.com, www. msustudentrentals.com 2014 HOUSES. Licensed 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Super Locations + Conditions!

517-490-3082 2014 NICE HOUSES! lic 3-8. A+ locations! Well maintained. 481-6313, bairdrentals.com.

3-4 BR Houses for rent near campus. 2014/2015 Call for list. 517-4823624.

323 + 324 DURAND. Close, residential. 4 bdrm. lic. 4. No smoke/ no pets. (813) 695-3660.

4 BDRM/lic family owned, clean! full bsmt.

Stoddard. 5 min. bike to MSU. 517-676-4641.

AVAIL. AUG ‘14. 346 MAC Ave, lic. 4, 4 bdrm, 3 bath. City Center 2047488.

BEST LOCATIONS 520 + 526 + 532 Park Ln. Lic 2,4 + 5. 118 Beech St. Lic 4. 313-595-0181. kashdevelopment.com CUTE HOUSE, 251 Gunson. Lic. 2.$650 per person. No smoking, hot tub, a/c, w/d, 333-9595 LIC 4-5. Close to campus.

Excellent rates. Call 517410-1198 or 517-2035157.

SPACIOUS 4/6 BDRM Lic. 6/4. d/w + w/d. security deposit + utilities 517 599 5731

Automotive 2010 HONDA Civic Coupe EX. 38 mpg, 79,000 mi. 517-282-4545 for more info.

S T U D E N T PAY O U T S .

COM Paid survey takers needed in E.L. 100% Free. Click Surveys.

10 IS THE EASIEST DAY — 0 THE MOST CHALLENGING

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 5 — Love is easier to find these days. Show your appreciation.

Be respectful. You’re irresistible. Take notes on what works.

Cleanliness is a good thing.

Co-workers are successful.

Shop carefully, and sign with a flourish.

AD ACCEPTANCE All ads are subject to editing, alterations, approval, or rejection by The State News management.

Apts. For Rent

LINE ADDITIONS Changes resulting in additional lines will be treated as a new ad and return to the first-day rate.

COPY ERRORS The State News is only responsible for the first day’s incorrect insertion. Liability is limited to the cost of the space rendered.

REFUNDS No cash refunds will be issued for cancellations. Credit will be applied to subsequent ads for one year.

PAYMENT All ads must be prepaid unless credit has been established with The State News.

NOTE TO READERS The State News screens ads for misleading or false claims but cannot guarantee any ad or claim. Please use caution when answering ads, especially when sending money.

Apts. For Rent

Apts. For Rent

Apts. For Rent

Apts. For Rent

* 1 , 6 $ ( /

/ / )$

6 1 , * %(

5 ( % 2 7 & 2

7+

20

Business Opp.

Horoscope By Linda C. Black Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is a 5 — Venus enters Sagittarius today (until Nov. 5). Follow your heart, and stick to it. For four weeks, traveling is easier. Check out an interesting suggestion, and rely on logic. Choose words carefully. Connect with a teacher.

Keep practicing.

blocks and hit at a .562 clip.

Senior middle blocker Alexis Mathews had six kills and tied a season-high with nine blocks.

With a perfect Big Ten record, Wicinski said it definitely feels good to start the season off right.

“In the Big Ten, it’s hard to get four wins in a row,” she said.

“We’re going to go back to the books. We have Sunday to celebrate, we’re back to work on Monday and we have two tough opponents coming up this weekend.”

LINER ADS 2 p.m., 1 class day prior to publication CANCELLATION/CHANGES 2 p.m., 1 class day prior to publication CLASSIFIED DISPLAY 3 p.m., 3 class days prior to publication

Apts. For Rent

Houses/Rent

Margaux Forster/ The State News

DEADLINES

Employment

1041 ANN Street/309 Gunson. 3 bdrms per side avail, w/d, garage, $475/person. Call 517272-1000

Freshman Chloe Reinig, left, and senior Alexis Mathews block Northwestern rightside hitter Katie Dutchman Saturday at Jenison Field house.

Your campus marketplace! www.statenews.com/classifieds

RATES

BY TELEPHONE (517) 432-3010

BY FAX (517) 432-3015 IN PERSON 435 E. Grand River Ave.

BY E-MAIL classads@statenews.com ONLINE www.statenews.com/classifieds OFFICE HOURS 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.

LANDSCAPE+SNOW Removal positions. Must have reliable transportation. Willing to work around class schedules.

Call 339-8840.

2

More rushing yards gained by punter Mike Sadler (25) than Iowa’s entire offense (23) in Saturday’s win.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 6 — Give in to a brilliant idea. You’re irresistible for a month. Ponder the situation. Others ask your advice.

The career groove is just right.

You can achieve great rewards.

Education provides access to a whole new world.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is a 5 — Allow yourself more quiet time to follow a passion. Some of your theories succeed. Finish an old job.

Build security by having more than you show. Revel in the abundance. Be a budgetarian.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 5 — Listening is the key to communication. Your reward comes later. Ask for what you need in partnership. Accept a generous offer. Gather materials. Tidy up and prepare for a trip. You’re building something of lasting value.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is a 5 — Home and family take priority. Get a project under way. Do it for love, not money.

Seek solid data, and check all details twice. Stick to logic. It’s a good time to find household bargains.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Today is a 6 — Confer with your team.

You’re extra persuasive, and word travels. More planning is a good idea. Put in corrections. Toss unnecessary papers and junk. Celebrate success privately. Compromise comes easier. Begin a fresh dialogue.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 6 — Trust your heart to lead you, and increase your profits.

Keep track of earnings. There’s no need to do it the hard way. Accept assistance and a brilliant suggestion. You get farther than expected.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 5 — Group activities go well over the next month.

Create a buzz. Push your own agenda. Offer encouragement.

Share adventure stories. Make a private presentation. You’ll find the numbers fascinating. You’re developing expertise. Respectfully spread your wings.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Today is a 5 — Your work becomes more fun. Consult a significant other. Get family to help. Invest in your business. Your insistence on perfection makes the difference. Maintain decorum (at least with customers). Add adventure to the mundane.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is a 6 — Prepare your best argument. You’re the star, and your words get farther than expected. Accept suggestions and great ideas from colleagues near and far. Share heartfelt thanks.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 5 — Get social this month.

Go out and play! Get your chores done first. Nurture your strongest connections. More income becomes available ... it’s a deciding factor. Negotiate openly. You’re very quick now.

Push past old barriers.

&HGDU 9LOODJH 7KH 2DNV &HGDU &H & HG GDU 9LOO 9LOODJH 9LOOD JH 7 7KH 7K KH K H2 2DN N &DSLWRO 9LOOD %XUFKDP %HUU\WUHH :DWHUEXU\ 3ODFH +RXVHV 'XSOH[HV @dtngreen

dtnmgt.com

6 | Th e Stat e N e ws | m o n day, o cto ber 7, 201 3

staten e ws.com

Features lansing

Features editor Isabella Shaya, features@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075

leisure

Plaid all the rage in Old Town Fri. Dance event shakes up crowd

Attendees square dance Saturday at Lansing Central United Methodist Church.

By Olivia Dimmer odimmer@statenews.com THE STATE News N N

A sea of plaid covered the Brenke Fish Ladder in Lansing’s Old Town this Friday as part of the third annual celebration of Plaidurday, the brainchild of MSU alumnus Justin “Bugsy” Sailor.

“It started in 2010 when a coworker made fun of me for wearing plaid flannels so often,” Sailor said. “They did a lot of joking, so I figured I would wear more plaid. The name came first: Plaidurday. I thought I could make something out of that. I purchased the domain name online and ran with it from there.”

Plaidurday takes place on the first Friday of October and it’s purpose is simply to celebrate plaid. This past Plaidurday, Sailor encouraged attendees to bring a plaid shirt to donate to the City Rescue Mission of Lansing, which planned to give them to the area’s homeless. More than 100 shirts were donated, Sailor said.

This year, 89 people attended the Plaidurday celebration and dogs sported plaid bandanas and even cutoff shirts.

“We went to Goodwill and found some plaid shirts for our dog. While long-sleeved ones were adorable, it didn’t let her walk,” Lansing resident John Buckler said. “So we gave her a cutoff. We thought she would be a good addition to the celebration.”

Many MSU students attended the celebration as well, which happened along with Oktoberfest.

“Plaid is such a common, everyday thing that comes in different shapes and patterns,” mechanical engineering senior Jake Sparks said, adding that he enjoyed being at the event Friday.

More online …

To read more on Friday’s event, visit statenews.com.

Julia Nagy/The State News

statenews. com To read about the event and hear from attendees, visit statenews.com.

Margaux Forster/The State News

Lansing resident John Buckler and his dog Cora dress in plaid and hang out while they wait for a group photo to be taken Friday at the Brenke Fish Ladder. Buckler heard about Plaidurday from his friend and MSU alumnus Justin “Bugsy” Sailor who created the event two years ago to celebrate plaid.

haircuts with free... stress relieving head, neck & shoulder massage

relaxing hand ritual makeup finishing touch aroma sensory journey

aveda comforting tea

517.351.0746

all services performed by senior students under the direct supervision of licensed instructors

Career in a year. Enroll Today. douglasj.edu