State Roundup

Grand Haven
Ex-deacon faces embezzlement in $20K church theft
GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (AP) — A former west Michigan church deacon accused of taking cash from the weekly offertory basket faces felony embezzlement of more than $20,000.
Seventy-two-year-old Joseph Finnigan of Grand Haven pleaded not guilty Monday during his arraignment. The 11-year employee of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Grand Haven was fired last week.
Finnigan faces a maximum 10-year prison term and possible fine. He’s free on a $10,000 personal bond.
Finnigan’s lawyer, James Brady, says his client has cooperated with police and church officials and “will continue to do so.”
Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids officials say the embezzlement occurred over more than a year. Father Bill Langlois tells the Grand Haven Tribune the parish feels “betrayed” but will “pray for those who injure us.”
Lawyers will discuss the case Nov. 20.
Kentucky
Michigan fugitive  hung himself
RICHMOND, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky coroner says a Michigan fugitive being held at the Madison County jail died after hanging himself.
Coroner Jimmy Cornelison told The Richmond Register that the state medical examiner’s office has confirmed the cause of 28-year-old Charles Franklin Hoffman’s death.
Jailer Doug Thomas said Hoffman, of Hastings, Mich., was wanted for violating his parole.
Thomas said Hoffman was alone in an isolation cell when jail workers found him on Sunday. He said he wasn’t sure why Hoffman was placed there, but he did not think he was under suicide watch.

Lansing
Legislation aims to boost horse racing industry
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Legislation in Lansing is designed to give Michigan’s struggling horse racing industry a boost.
MLive.com reports proposed changes to the state’s horse racing law would permit raceways to install machines allowing customers to bet based on past races. Bettors get some information provided in programs for live races, but not details to let them know the outcome in advance.
The measure was approved 91-16 last week in the House and is pending in the Senate.
Supporters say it would give horse tracks a modern gambling attraction.
Some Michigan casino interests say, however, that because of a 2004 constitutional amendment, state and local voters also must approve the change.

Highland Park
Judge: Charter schools system violated state act
HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. (AP) — A judge says the Highland Park charter schools system violated the state’s Open Meetings Act in part for failing to notify a district board member about meetings.
The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press report Wayne County Circuit Judge Robert Colombo ruled Friday in favor of Highland Park school board secretary and activist Robert Davis. His group Citizens United Against Corrupt Government sued the charter system managed by the Leona Group LLC.
Colombo says the charter system’s board failed to make minutes available. He ordered them to do so.
Leona Group says it planned to consult its lawyer before responding. It says, however, that it’s posting information about board meeting agendas and minutes online.

Lansing
State wants new look at jobless aid for lawyer
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — State officials are asking a judge to reconsider a decision granting unemployment benefits to a former assistant attorney general who was fired after hounding a gay student leader at the University of Michigan.
An Ingham County judge awarded benefits after finding that Andrew Shirvell was fired for exercising his free speech. But the attorney general’s office says the offense was not related to the First Amendment. The state says Shirvell’s conduct disrupted public business and was not protected.
The state believes Judge Paula Manderfield’s decision is wrong. Officials are asking her to vacate her October order and uphold the decision of the unemployment agency.
In a separate matter, a jury in August ordered Shirvell to pay $4.5 million to Chris Armstrong, who was student government president at U-M.

Grand Rapids
Gilda’s LaughFest announces 2013 lineup highlights
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Comedian Lewis Black, former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Jim Breuer and “Community” cast member Joel McHale are among the acts for next year’s Gilda’s LaughFest.
Organizers with West Michigan’s third annual festival of laughter are announcing lineup highlights Tuesday. The event runs March 7-17. It will include more than 200 free and ticketed shows that feature over 60 artists. It takes place at more than 40 venues in Grand Rapids, Lowell, and Holland.
LaughFest honors the memory of comedian Gilda Radner.