Grand Rapids: Mich. hospital’s custom bed aids conjoined twins
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A Grand Rapids rehabilitation hospital has provided something that long has eluded Ronnie and Donnie Galyon: comfort.
The Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital designed what they call a “positioning system” — a bed and chair where the 59-year-old conjoined twins from Beaver Creek, Ohio, sleep, eat, and spend most of their time. The Galyons previously had to take turns sleeping on a mattress because both could not lie flat at the same time.
The Grand Rapids Press reported Monday the unit was requested by Christian Youth Corps Inc. The New York-based charity recently built an addition to the Dayton-area home of the Galyon’s brother, Jim, so they could live there.
The Galyons, joined from sternum to groin, worked as a carnival sideshow act for years. They retired in 1991.
Howell: Woman, 21, charged in death of Durand man, 18
HOWELL, Mich. (AP) — A 21-year-old Pinckney woman faces a 10-year felony in connection with the alcohol-related death of an underage Durand man.
The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus and Argus Press of Owosso say Lindsay Treanor remains held at the Livingston County Jail on a $10,000 bond after being charged Tuesday with furnishing alcohol that led to the Nov. 7 death of 18-year-old Bryce Dickinson.
Michigan’s legal age to drink is 21.
Police say Treanor provided whiskey to Dickinson, who was pronounced dead at a hospital after friends found him unconscious in a car at the Pinckney train depot.
Police say Dickinson’s blood-alcohol content was 0.32, four times the legal limit.
Prosecutor David Morse declined comment. Police did not immediately know if Treanor had a lawyer.
Detroit: Islamic singer sentenced in false statements case
DETROIT (AP) — A prominent Islamic singer who pleaded guilty to making false statements during the U.S. immigration process was sentenced to time served and ordered deported.
Syrian native Mohamad Masfaka uses the stage name Abu Ratib. He was sentenced Tuesday in federal court in Detroit to one year and one day in prison, with credit for time behind bars.
Defense lawyer Doraid Elder says Masfaka was freed and will leave the U.S. after getting a new Syrian passport. He says the U.S. is losing a productive member of society.
The government says the 47-year-old was the Holy Land Foundation’s Detroit-area representative in 1997 and 1998 but didn’t mention it in a 2002 application for naturalization.
The U.S. labeled the foundation a terrorist group in 2001, saying it had helped Hamas.
Lansing: Two libraries to receive national honor on Friday
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Two Michigan public libraries are among those that will be honored later this week at the White House.
Michelle Obama will present the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service to five libraries and five museums from across the nation on Friday.
Peter White Public Library in Marquette, Mich., and West Bloomfield Township Public Library are among the recipients.
Winners are chosen based on their innovative approaches to public service and improving communities.
Pontiac: Man gets life in prison for police officer’s death
PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) — A Detroit teen who was 16 when he shot a suburban police officer to death was sentenced Tuesday to mandatory life in prison without parole.
Jonathan Belton, 18, received the sentence in Oakland County Circuit Court.
“Look, y’all know this is not over,” Belton said to his supporters in the courtroom. “This will come back on appeal.”
A jury last month found him guilty on counts of murdering a police officer and first-degree premeditated murder in the slaying of Oak Park officer Mason Samborski.
Belton was 16 and didn’t have a driver’s license when Mason Samborski pulled him over in Oak Park two years ago. Authorities said Samborski drove him to an apartment complex to have an adult take custody of the teen or identify him.
Defense attorney Geoffrey Fieger has said Samborski accidentally shot himself during a struggle with Belton.
Washington, D.C.: Obama signs ban on bighead carp importation
President Barack Obama has signed into law a ban on bringing bighead carp into the U.S. They are among two Asian carp species threatening to infest the Great Lakes.
The measure signed Tuesday adds bighead carp to a list of wildlife that cannot be imported or taken across state lines. The only exceptions would be for scientific, medical or educational purposes and would require a permit.
Bighead and silver carp have infested waterways in the Chicago area. Authorities are trying to prevent them from getting into the Great Lakes, where they would compete with native fish for food.
Silver carp are already on the banned list.
