Ann Arbor
Foundation gives $4.35M to U-M for business research
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The William Davidson Foundation has awarded $4.35 million to the University of Michigan in part to fuel innovation driven by research, the school announced Wednesday.
The aim of the funding is to speed the transfer of ideas to the marketplace and spur economic activity in southeast Michigan. The school said the money will count toward the $4 billion goal of the “Victors for Michigan” fundraising campaign that kicked off last year.
“Entrepreneurship is thriving at the University of Michigan. Our faculty and students are committed to developing new technologies and systems to strengthen the Michigan economy, and we are grateful for the support,” school President Mary Sue Coleman said in a statement.
One grant will support the Medical School’s Fast Forward Medical Innovation effort with $2.9 million over three years. A second will provide $1.45 million for programs in the Ann Arbor school’s Office of Technology Transfer and Center for Entrepreneurship over two years.
Davidson died in 2009 at age 86. He owned the Detroit Pistons and was chairman of glassmaker Guardian Industries Corp.
The William Davidson Foundation, which was established in 2005, previously provided a $7.5 million gift in support of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. In recognition of his support, the university’s Player Development Center was named in his honor.
Flint
Crime Stoppers of Mich. to work in Genesee County
FLINT, Mich. (AP) — Crime Stoppers of Michigan plans to take over efforts to help authorities solve criminal cases in Genesee County after a Flint-area organization ended its work.
John Broad, Crime Stoppers of Michigan president, announced the update Tuesday along with leaders from local, state and federal law enforcement.
The Flint Journal reports that Flint Area Crime Stoppers was forced to stop service after 25 years in the area due to a lack of funding.
Rewards for tips also are expected to increase.
Port Huron
Woman convicted in deaths tied to drugged driving
PORT HURON, Mich. (AP) — A 30-year-old Port Huron-area woman has been convicted in the deaths of two young men while driving under the influence of drugs.
The Times Herald of Port Huron reports Lisa Bergman was found guilty Tuesday of charges including two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of operating under the influence causing death. The woman from St. Clair County’s Port Huron Township faces sentencing Feb. 28.
Bergman’s pickup truck collided July 20 in Kimball Township with another truck occupied by two 19-year-old Russell Ward and 20-year-old Koby Raymo.
Witnesses testified that Bergman’s vehicle crossed the center line, causing the collision.
Prosecutors say it wasn’t the first time she drove under the influence of drugs. Defense lawyer Robert Ladd argued she only should be judged on what happened that day.
Portage
Man, 58, pleads guilty to murder of estranged wife
PORTAGE, Mich. (AP) — A 58-year-old man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his 56-year-old estranged wife, whose body was found inside her southwestern Michigan apartment.
Clinton E. Smith made the plea Friday in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court. The plea means he won’t face the possibility of a jury convicting him of first-degree murder.
First-degree murder bars parole, while second-degree murder includes the possibility of parole.
Judge Gary C. Giguere Jr. plans to sentence Smith Feb. 18.
Police say Delores Mae Smith’s body was found Sept. 12 in Portage after police responded to a request to check her welfare.
Marlette Twp
Dad, son charged in death of young sleepover guest
MARLETTE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — Authorities in Michigan’s Thumb have charged an ex-con and his pre-teen son in the accidental fatal shooting of an 11-year-old sleepover guest.
MLive.comsays that Sanilac County Prosecutor James V. Young filed the charges Tuesday in the Nov. 23 death of Tyler Dunn.
He was killed by a shot from a lever-action rifle at home in Marlette Township, about 65 miles north of Detroit.
The names of the defendants weren’t immediately released.
Young says the man is charged with possessing a firearm as a felon and with contributing to the delinquency of a child.
The son is charged with careless discharge of a firearm causing death.
Authorities say there was no adult at the house when the shooting took place.
