Central Michigan Life

A rise to power

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Today marks the 13th time the presidency of Central Michigan University has changed hands.

And interim university president Kathy Wilbur is prepared to take on that role.

"It's a tremendous opportunity," she said. "I've been here for seven years, and during that time, I was very pleased to work with (Former University) President (Michael) Rao and work with other members of the community.

Act could bring music taxes to radio stations

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Radio stations in America may soon be charged a fee to play music.

Last month, the Performance Rights Act, a bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. John Conyers, D-Detroit, was approved by the House Judiciary Committee by a 21-to-9 vote and currently awaits the House floor's approval.

New walkway lights around Warriner Mall to cost more than $173,000

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

A new administration isn't the only thing being installed around Warriner Hall this summer.

New walkway lights are currently being installed around Warriner Mall and Washington Avenue by Wightman Hall.

Steve Lawrence, associate vice president for Facilities Management, said 67 new lights are being installed around the administrative building, bringing the total number of lights around campus to 1,347.

Yeagley chosen as police chief

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Mount Pleasant Director of Public Safety William Yeagley was chosen as Central Michigan University's next police chief following a national search.

Yeagley said he is both excited and humbled by the decision.

"It's an outstanding organization," he said. "It's a weight on my shoulders, but I have great excitement.

MSU game to be nationally televised on ESPN or ESPN2

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The 53 players on the football team from the state of Michigan will take part in a nationally televised game against a team they may have watched growing up.

CMU will play Michigan State at noon Sept. 12 in East Lansing at Spartan Stadium. The game was recently chosen to be shown on ESPN or ESPN2.

FAFSA could be simplified

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid that students have to fill out to be considered for federal loans could be seeing some major changes by early 2010.

President Barack Obama announced plans last week to streamline the college aid application making it easier for students, specifically low- and middle-income students.

EHS holds first classes Monday

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

It's finally open.

After more than two years of construction, students are walking through the doors of the new Education and Human Services Building to attend class for the first time this week.

The four-story, $50 million building, which spans 137,000-square feet, is the new home for Central Michigan University's College of Education and Human Services and the Center for Charter Schools.

Fireworks and festivities

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Several events throughout mid-Michigan are set up for Saturday's July 4 festivities.

In Clare, the city's annual "Summer Fest" begins Thursday at Shamrock Park, 221 Wilcox Parkway, and continues until Saturday. Fireworks, concerts, airport plane rides and a free picnic are some of the events featured, Jennifer Heinzman, the city chamber of commerce manager, said.

Shapiro appointed as interim provost for second time

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Gary Shapiro is returning to Warriner Hall.

The dean of the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences was named interim provost by interim university president Kathy Wilbur earlier this week.

Shapiro served as interim provost in 2007 before current Provost Julia Wallace was appointed in 2008.

Planning Commission to review Isabella Bank plans Thursday

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

A proposed text amendment to the Mount Pleasant Zoning Ordinance and a site plan review for the Isabella Bank and Trust building, 1416 E. Pickard St., are both on the agenda for this Thursday's Mount Pleasant Planning Commission meeting.

The meeting will be at 7 p.

Tips on keeping cool this summer

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Those who don't have air conditioning this scorching summer need not fear, there are plenty of ways to stay cool during the summer in Mount Pleasant.

Tubing down the Chippewa River is one way residents can enjoy the summer heat. Mike Anderson, manager of Chippewa River Outfitters, said the company offers single tubes for $11 and double tubes for $20.

Library showcases battle of the bands

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

A battle of the bands Saturday at the Chippewa River District Library, 301 South University St., allowed area middle and high school students to showcase their ability to rock.

The library's Summer Reading Program's Battle of the Bands had two finalists performed: Shock and Strength in Numbers.

Tournament first major event at new county disc golf course

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Jordan Bruursema has been waiting for this week for two years.

After developing the new disc golf course at Deerfield County Park, located at 2425 W. Remus Road, the Zeeland graduate student's project will see its first tournament this weekend,: the J-Bird Players Series Disc Golf Tournament.

Michigan Story Festival receives grant from state humanities council

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The 2009 Michigan Story Festival will receive $15,000 in support from the Michigan Humanities Council.
The funding is part of the Michigan Humanities Council's "Michigan People, Michigan Places � Our Stories, Our Lives" program, which awarded $151,581 to 12 organizations across the state.

CMU Portal gets upgrades today

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Central Michigan University's Portal, My Site and Team Site are getting upgrades.

Changes to the portal include enhancements such as blogs, surveys, wikis and RSS feed capacities to both My Sites and team sites.

"Essentially, once the portal changes and students go there, it will look a little different," said Duane Kleinhardt, manager of Information Technology Communications.

Journalism Hall of Fame introduces 2009 class

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Six Central Michigan University graduates are being inducted into the CMU Journalism Hall of Fame in November. Induction ceremonies will be held Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Soaring Eagle Inn and Conference Center, 5050 E. Airport Road.

Jeffrey R. Caponigro

Caponigro serves as president and CEO of Caponigro Public Relations, Inc.

SUMMER FEST | Games, fireworks highlight annual event

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The 25th annual Mount Pleasant Summer Festival took place last week at Island Park. From carnival rides to concerts, fireworks to tractor viewings, the city of Mount Pleasant had thousands of people attend the annual festival. On Sunday, the festivities concluded with a rubber duck race down the Chippewa River.

Kelly/Shorts Stadium to undergo visual makeover

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

In the world of college athletics, specifically college football, it takes more than knowing X's and O's to lead a program.

Football coach Butch Jones said he sees his operation - the football team - as a major cooperation or business, rather than just a team.

Shingles to stay as head of University Recreation

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

In the last month, Stan and Rene Shingles had to make one of the toughest decisions of their professional careers.

Stan, the director of University Recreation Services, and his wife Rene, a professor in the physical education and sport department, were offered nearly the same positions at their alma mater, Illinois State University.

Crucible Week

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The football team was put to the test last week as they ended "Crucible Week" which was a camp headed up by the strength and conditioning program.

Dave Lawson, the director of strength and conditioning said the "Crucible Week" was an idea he had in order to change things up for players used to the "same old" working out.

EDITORIAL | Wilbur's lengthy list of priorities

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Kathy Wilbur may the president of Central Michigan University only temporarily, but she needs to use the position to move the university forward rather than keeping it running. She has an entire year to make her mark on the university and she should focus on helping the students.

EDITORIAL | Use new EHS Building

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

With classes beginning Monday in the new Education and Human Services Building, it is finally being used for the purpose it was designed for: serving students. Now that it is fully operational, students and faculty on campus should strive to make using the building a priority, especially this fall.

CARTOON | The Other Guy

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Click on the thumbnail to the right to view today's cartoon.

DRESDEN | A tough time

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

To say that I'm nervous about the future here at Central Michigan University is an understatement.

Going into my sophomore year here, I have already experienced an almost unnatural amount of changes at this university. From University President Michael Rao's departure, to the ending of the CMU Promise, to the decision that there would be a new medical school, I would say last year had a ridiculous amount of change for a student just trying to get settled in.

STOVER | Dumars needs to find the right guys

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

A championship can buy anyone in professional sports some job security, and Joe Dumars is living in that safe haven as we speak.

Architect of the 2004 NBA Champion Detroit Pistons, Dumars masterfully crafted his team.

He traded icon Grant Hill in a package that garnered a little known defensive specialist big man.

VIDEO: Mount Pleasant Summer Festival

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Click on the video below to see coverage of last weekend's Summer Festival in Island Park.