State Roundup

Traverse City Medical pot law called no defense for state drivers TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) -- The Michigan appeals court says the state's medical marijuana law doesn't shield people from prosecution if they are caught driving after using pot. The decision released Wednesday is another significant ruling involving the 2008 law that allows marijuana for medicinal purposes. A three-judge panel ruled in favor of the prosecutor in Grand Traverse County and restored a criminal case against Rodney Koon. A blood test revealed marijuana's active ingredient in Koon's body after he was stopped for exceeding the speed limit by nearly 30 mph. He was charged with having drugs in his system under Michigan's no-tolerance law, but two courts dismissed the charge, citing the medical marijuana law. The appeals court says there's nothing in the law that gives immunity to people who use medical marijuana and drive. Negaunee Water boil alert is expanded in UP's Negaunee NEGAUNEE, Mich. (AP) -- More streets have been added to the boil water advisory issued in the Upper Peninsula community of Negaunee. The Mining Journal of Marquette reports work is under way to repair three valves in the city's water system. After water pressure is restored, city staff will flush the system to release any air or discolored water and collect samples for analysis. Until the water is confirmed as safe, residents on designated streets are advised to boil drinking water and water used to prepare food for three to five minutes. Residents who see discolored water due to the system flushing are advised to run their taps until the water clears. Lansing Autism coverage soon to become part of state law LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Legislation that will require insurance companies to offer coverage for autism treatments will soon be part of Michigan law. Gov. Rick Snyder's office announced that the bills will be signed in a Wednesday afternoon ceremony. Lawmakers gave final legislative approval to the measures last month. Snyder supported the legislation. It was championed in part by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, who has a daughter with autism. Previous efforts to mandate insurance coverage for autism had failed in Michigan. But a bill backed by Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville helped soften opposition by setting up a fund to help reimburse some companies for paid claims related to diagnosis and treatment of autism. Jackson Consumers sees more problems with dog bites JACKSON, Mich. (AP) -- Consumers Energy says it's been having more problems recently with dogs attacking its workers. The unit of CMS Energy Corp. says Wednesday that it had three employees bitten by dogs in the first three months of 2012 following six bites all of last year. The Jackson-based utility is asking people to make sure dogs are leashed or confined away from natural gas and electric meters. Pontiac Authorities: Boy stabs 9-year-old on playground PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) -- Authorities in southeast Michigan say a 14-year-old boy stabbed a 9-year-old boy in the back with a kitchen knife following what was described as a playground skirmish involving several young people. The Oakland County sheriff's department says the younger boy was treated for a minor stab wound following the Tuesday night fight in Pontiac. The older boy, who investigators say got the knife from his home, was taken into custody at the scene of the stabbing and held at Children's Village. Sturgis Body of missing woman, 84, found in SW Michigan FABIUS TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) -- Authorities say foul play isn't suspected in the death of an 84-year-old woman in southwestern Michigan who was found following a search that took place over two days. The Sturgis Journal reports the body of Joanne Holden was found Tuesday near a trail in St. Joseph County's Fabius Township, about a half-mile from her home. She was last seen Saturday and was reported missing Monday. Dozens of people took part in the search. Published: Thu, Apr 19, 2012