Corey,
Welcome to the Network!
Your light problem "could" be as simple as a loose belt. Make sure the alt belt is tightened to within spec.
Another possibility is that the o-ring on your P/S pump needs replacing. If the pump is sucking air, it would cause the hard steering, and, possibly the drag on the belt path, causing the belt to slip and the lights to come on.
Then, of course, there's always the alternator going out.
Go to the "how to" personal locker for instructions on the o-ring fix.
As far as the noise with the panel switches, I have the same problem, but, only with the rear defogger. I've noticed that I have a couple of the elements that do not heat. I'm guessing there are broken circuits there. Considering that one of the dual antennas for the radio is on the rear windshield, I just figured it was electrical noise caused by the open circuits. I don't have the same problem with the mirrors or the other elements you mentioned.