State Roundup

Howell Mayor asks residents for prayer requests HOWELL, Mich. (AP) -- The mayor of Howell is asking residents to send him prayer requests so that he can distribute monthly lists of prayer intentions to the community. WHMI-FM and the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus of Howell report that Phillip Campbell announced the initiative last week on his blog. The effort initially was called "The Mayor's Prayer Chain" but later changed to "My Private, Personal, Non-City Affiliated Prayer Chain." He said on the blog that he's seeking the requests as a private citizen using his personal email. Campbell says he hasn't used city resources for the project. Howell is located about 45 miles northwest of Detroit. City Manager Shea Charles said the prayer chain was "not a city of Howell matter" and instead was a personal initiative. Mount Clemens Jury deadlocked in assault case against Mich. man MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (AP) -- A jury was unable to reach a verdict in the case of a former medical resident who authorities say sexually assaulted and critically injured his girlfriend's 13-month-old daughter. A hearing about a new trial for 33-year-old David Montaldi was set for Feb. 21 in Macomb County Circuit Court after a hung jury was declared Tuesday. He's charged with first-degree child abuse and two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Deliberations took place Friday, Monday and Tuesday. Prosecutors plan to try the case again. Caro Man sentenced in dragging death of teen CARO, Mich. (AP) -- A Michigan man accused in the death of a teen who was run over and dragged beneath a car has been sentenced to prison. The Huron Daily Tribune and The Bay City Times report 18-year-old Cody Kalis was sentenced Tuesday in Tuscola County Circuit Court to at least 30 months in prison. He pleaded no contest earlier this year to operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death. Kalis says he thinks every day about what happened. He told the court he prays for forgiveness. Kalis had faced charges of open murder and manslaughter with a motor vehicle. He was 17 when accused in the March hit-and-run death of 16-year-old Zachary Harp. Police say Kalis hit Harp with his vehicle in Gagetown, about 90 miles north of Detroit. Traverse City Former teacher accused of sexual act with student TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) -- A teacher and coach who recently resigned from Traverse City West Senior High School has been charged with having sexual contact with a student. The Traverse City Record-Eagle says Lisa Placek (PLAY'-sek) is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct. She was denied bail during her arraignment Monday and is jailed until a Feb. 10 preliminary hearing. Placek worked for the school district as a volleyball coach since 1997 and as a teacher since 1999. Superintendent Steve Cousins says she resigned last week. Court documents say police believe Placek committed a sexual act on a 15-year-old male student in her vehicle in Leelanau County's Elmwood Township on Dec. 31. District officials contacted police after getting an anonymous tip. A message seeking comment was left with Placek's attorney. Published: Thu, Feb 2, 2012