One of Ithaca's premier live theaters will open the doors to its new, spacious building for the first time next Wednesday, September 1st.  The move has been a long time in coming, and while the new space offers amenities back stage and in the front of house alike, the design of the new theater reflects the mission and appeal of the old Clinton House space.  That 'in your face' focus on material and performance and the improved version of the old thrust stage with its three-sided auditorium make it clear that while the Kitchen Theatre Company may have moved out of the kitchenette, they are still the Kitchen.

"I think our audience will be excited at what has not changed in terms of intimacy," says Managing Director Stephen Nunley.  "And also excited about what has changed that has enhanced what we thought the theater was about."

What happens to our students after they graduate from Lansing High School?  How well does the school prepare them for life, college, and careers?  As the Lansing School District develops its long term strategic plan, school officials are anxious to use as much data as is available to help shape it.  High School Principal Eric Hartz presented a piece of that data Monday when he shared poll results with the Lansing Board Of Education (BOE).  The survey asked graduating seniors to rate their experience in the Lansing schools.

"This is the first of three surveys," said Superintendent Stephen Grimm.  "This one was administered before they graduated.  Then there is one that is three years out, and one that's five years out.  They stay in touch with the young adults, who are surveyed those other two times.  It also helps them stay in touch for class reunions and things like that."

Richard Hanna was among about a half dozen candidates that were at the Lansing Harbor Festival two weeks ago.  Hanna is challenging U.S. Congressman Michael Arcuri for the second time.  Two years ago their race for Congress was reportedly the closest in the country.   Here is what he had to say about the race, issues, and what will be different in this year's campaign.

Lansing Star: Things are starting to heat up.  What's different this year?  How are you going to win it?

Richard Hanna:  Winning is not guaranteed.  But everybody has a strategy.  I'm not a career politician.  Strategy is something that I find an odd word, because it somehow implies almost a trickery.  I'm going to be myself.  I'm going to say what I think and I haven't changed my story.

Until a few weeks ago the race for Lansing's U.S. Congressman was between  Democrat incumbent Michael Arcuri and Republican challenger Richard Hanna.  A new challenger entered the race almost at the last minute.  Logan Bell, a Texas native and currently a Lansing resident, was at the Lansing Harbor Festival garnering signatures, meeting voters, and talking about what he says is a unique and independent approach.

Lansing Star: You are running for Congress as an Independent?

Logan Bell: I am running as an independent nominated by the Libertarian Party.  I have no affiliation with the Independence Party.  I'm seeking to be a true independent because I think the political establishment has failed us.  I think the people need to be represented and that's why I'm running as an independent.

The Fall season in Lansing athletics brings a lot of changes, not the least of which is a new athletic director.  Physical Education teacher and soccer coach Adam Heck has taken on that mantle, and it has forced him to broaden his scope as he prepares the season for almost a dozen varsity, junior varsity, and modified teams.  Other changes include a new athletic code of conduct and new coaches for varsity cross country, football, and volleyball.  But Heck says that the season promises to be a good one for Lansing athletes.

"It's been an adjustment.  I started in July and there has been a lot to do to make sure things are ready for the fall coaches," Heck says.  "To make sure the equipment and the schedules are all set... it's been an adjustment, but I've very excited.  Things are moving in the right direction."

Wells College Ranked 95th Among American Colleges and Universities by Forbes, and in the Top Tier Among National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report

The college has earned high rankings among national colleges and universities, in different annual reports released by Forbes and U.S. News Media Group, publishers of U.S. News & World Report.