State Roundup

Mount Clemens Woman accused of burning boyfriend pleads guilty MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (AP) -- A Detroit-area woman who authorities say set her boyfriend on fire and chased him with a butcher knife has pleaded guilty in the case. Forty-year-old Sheila Golly of Roseville on Tuesday pleaded guilty in Macomb County Circuit Court in Mount Clemens to assault with a dangerous weapon. She could be sentenced to time already served on May 24. A more serious assault with intent to do great bodily harm charge will be dropped. Defense lawyer Paul Stockyj says the plea agreement was in the best interests of all involved. Police say the couple argued Jan. 2 about the man's drinking and Golly poured nail polish on him. They say she used a lighter to set him afire. He was hospitalized for treatment. Port Huron Guilty plea in fraud case involving schools PORT HURON, Mich. (AP) -- An investment adviser accused of fleecing a western Michigan school district and some local governments has pleaded guilty to fraud. The FBI says Dante DeMiro (duh-MEER'-oh) of Oakland County received millions from clients but spent it on himself or others. Losses topped $7 million over a three-year period. DeMiro's clients included the Mona Shores school district near Muskegon; Lapeer County; Comstock Township near Kalamazoo; a credit union in Des Moines, Iowa; and unions. They were told their money was being put into bank certificates of deposit. The 43-year-old DeMiro pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court in Port Huron and will return for his sentence on July 12. He worked in Southfield at MuniVest Financial Group. Saginaw Police: Hospital worker sold cocaine at work SAGINAW, Mich. (AP) -- Authorities say an employee at a Saginaw hospital sold crack cocaine in the parking lot during breaks. The Saginaw County sheriff says 41-year-old Anndrea Williams of Carrollton Township has been charged with delivery of cocaine. She was arrested two months ago and no longer works at Covenant HealthCare, her employer for nine years. The Saginaw News says Williams worked in patient services but didn't deal much with patients. At a news conference Tuesday, Sheriff William Federspiel said Williams would charge $25 to $50 per rock of cocaine. Undercover police made at least four purchases. A message seeking comment was left at Williams' home. Covenant HealthCare says it's "shocked and disappointed." The hospital says it didn't know that Williams had a drug conviction 10 years ago. Detroit City gardens getting rain-collecting structures DETROIT (AP) -- A nonprofit organization that works to establish community gardens on unused land is building structures in Detroit to collect rainwater to help grow food. Detroit-based Urban Farming on Wednesday planned to celebrate the construction of the nine pergolas to mark Earth Day. The group is working with Coca-Cola Refreshments USA and home-improvement retailer Home Depot Inc. on the project. Urban Farming founder Taja Sevelle says the project "highlights the need to learn about new green technologies" and business opportunities. Each pergola collects water using the structure's roof and rain barrels. A solar panel and pump will be used to water plants with a drip irrigation system. Ann Arbor Michigan workshop explores boosting clean energy ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) -- The University of Michigan is hosting a clean energy manufacturing workshop on Thursday and Friday in Ann Arbor. The event will bring together industry leaders, government officials and students to discuss ways to promote clean energy in Michigan through infrastructure improvements and innovation. Also sponsoring the workshop are the U.S. Department of Energy, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and other state and federal agencies. Speakers are to include U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Henry Kelly, the Energy Department's acting assistant secretary for efficiency and renewable energy. Lansing Snyder approves simplified alcohol catering rules LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has approved a new law that could make it easier to cater or host a party. The bill signed Tuesday will allow caterers with the proper licenses to provide alcohol at events not on their premises. Current law sometimes requires that beer, wine and spirits be bought separately from a retailer and transported to a private event if it's not at a caterer's licensed place of business. Caterers could serve the alcohol but couldn't supply it unless they also bought and transferred another type of liquor license. The new law will make it easier for caterers with their regular liquor licenses to supply the alcohol for events hosted at private locations. They must buy an annual catering permit and provide an employee to bartend. Published: Thu, Apr 21, 2011