State Roundup

Ann Arbor Contamination cleanup updated ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) -- A plan to deal with groundwater contamination in the Ann Arbor area caused by the disposal of chemicals used to manufacture medical filters is being updated. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment says cleanup requirements have been changed for Pall Life Sciences. A Washtenaw County judge approved the agreement Tuesday to deal with groundwater contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a suspected carcinogen. The contamination in parts of Ann Arbor and neighboring Scio and Ann Arbor townships is from Gelman Sciences, Pall's predecessor, and was found in the mid-1980s. Changes include the installation of more monitoring wells and an expansion of the area where officials say people shouldn't drink well water. A March 30 public meeting is planned for Ann Arbor to discuss the cleanup and revised plan. Grand Rapids Ex-Mich. college student shot by deputy files suit GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) -- A former Grand Valley State University student who was shot by an Ottawa County sheriff's deputy during a drug raid two years ago has sued the deputy, the county and the sheriff's department. Derek Copp's complaint was filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court and alleges the shooting was "not an accident." The suit claims Deputy Ryan Huizenga was guilty of gross negligence and assault when he shot the then-20-year-old in the chest during a 2009 drug raid. Copp says officers with the West Michigan Enforcement Team were negligent, reckless and used excessive force. Copp was shot in the chest and suffered two fractured ribs, and liver and lung damage after Huizenga's gun, a .40-caliber Glock, discharged as officers entered his apartment. An undercover officer previously had purchased small amounts of marijuana at least three times there. "Huizenga pulled the trigger while the gun was pointed at an unarmed, non-threatening, harmless citizen," Copp's attorney, Fred Dilley, wrote in the lawsuit. His client spent nine days in the hospital and, since his recovery, has had trouble sleeping and required counseling, Dilley wrote. Copp was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Dilley says police should have known Copp didn't pose a threat, because they had been in the apartment for previous undercover pot buys. Ottawa County Undersheriff Greg Steigenga declined comment on the case, but county attorney Doug Van Essen says the shooting was an accident. Copp, who graduated with a degree in film and video, is spending a few months at a Tennessee monastery that focuses on inner transformation through yoga and meditation before moving onto a film-related job this summer, Dilley said. Huizenga was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm and sentenced to probation, community service and a fine. He also was removed from the West Michigan Enforcement Team and reassigned to road patrol. Copp was sentenced to probation, community service and a fine on a marijuana charge. Lansing Public library can keep guns out a while longer LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- A judge says Lansing's public library can bar gun-toting patrons for at least a while longer. Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Rosemarie Aquilina on Tuesday extended an order restricting patrons from openly carrying firearms onto the property of the Capital Area District Library. It's now in effect t until June. The gun rights advocacy group Michigan Open Carry is seeking to allow the public to bring guns to the library. Aquilina has broadened an earlier restraining order against members or associates of the group from doing so. The judge says she believes the library has the authority to create weapons regulations. Published: Thu, Mar 10, 2011