State Roundup

Ann Arbor
Researchers to study algae as biofuel source
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — A team of University of Michigan researchers has been awarded a $2 million federal grant to identify and test naturally diverse groups of green algae.
An aim of the research announced Wednesday by the Ann Arbor school is to determine whether groups of green algae that can be grown together to create a high-yield, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective system to produce biofuels.
National Science Foundation funding for the 4-year project begins Sept. 1.
The effort will involve growing combinations of lake algae in 180 aquariums at a new laboratory, then field-testing the most promising inside 80 fiberglass tanks at the university’s E.S. George Reserve, a 1,300-acre biological research station near Pinckney.

Flint
Ex-animal control leader said to get severance money
FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A severance agreement says Genesee County agreed to pay the former head of its animal control department nearly $12,000 in exchange for his promise not to sue the county.
The Flint Journal reports it obtained the agreement involving former Animal Control director Walt Rodabaugh under the Freedom of Information Act. The agreement also says Rodabaugh will continue receiving county-funded health benefits until Oct. 31.
Commissioners voted unanimously July 24 to accept Rodabaugh’s resignation. Details about what led to the resignation haven’t been made public.
Before his resignation, the department was ordered by a county commissioner to stop euthanizing dogs and cats following a complaint. Last year, Rodabaugh suspended the shelter’s volunteer program after complaints about the conduct of volunteers.

Detroit
Judge is asked if tax appeals can still be continued
DETROIT (AP) — Lawyers want to know if Detroit’s bankruptcy case will prevent residents from filing property tax appeals by a Wednesday deadline.
Bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes is being asked to intervene. He’s stopped all litigation against Detroit, a typical step in a bankruptcy case. But lawyers wonder whether that means property owners can’t file appeals against the city at the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
Attorney Yuliy Osipov says it’s a delicate issue. He says violating an order that prohibits further legal action against Detroit could carry consequences. That’s why he wants the judge to make a decision as soon as possible.
In a court filing Tuesday, Detroit doesn’t object to the appeals. Osipov says he’s representing a group that pursues appeals for owners who have hundreds of properties in Detroit.

Muskegon
Woman sentenced for trying to have husband killed
MUSKEGON, Mich. (AP) — A West Michigan judge sentenced a 21-year-old woman to prison after she was videotaped trying to hire a hit man to kill her husband for his $400,000 life insurance policy.
Julia Charlene Merfeld was ordered Tuesday by Muskegon County Circuit Court Judge William Marietti to spend 5 years and 8 months to 20 years in prison.
On a hidden camera video made in April by investigators, Merfeld is heard telling a Michigan State Police detective posing as a hit man that killing 27-year-old Jacob Merfeld would be “easier than divorcing him.”
Julia Merfeld pleaded guilty last month to solicitation of murder. She had promised to pay the fake hit man $50,000 for the killing.
On Tuesday, she sought a lighter sentence. “I do not believe I’m above punishment,” she told Marietti. “My tears are for remorse.
“Fortunately the two people who matter the most have already forgiven me ... my husband ... and God. Honestly they’re the only two people who matter.”
Jacob Merfeld didn’t want the couple’s two children, ages 2 and 4, to be deprived of their mother and also sought leniency for his wife.
“I know that my wife is a wonderful person. She is a godly woman,” he told Marietti.
But Muskegon County Prosecutor D.J. Hilson argued Tuesday for prison time.
“Certainly we have to look at the actions that got us here today ... how cold she was when talking to the undercover officer, as if she was ordering groceries or ordering something off the menu,” Hilson said. “I wonder how remorseful she would be if the (murder) had been carried out, if she had gotten the $400,000.”