Judge scolds Taylor mayor, City Council

Detroit News staff / Detroit News staff

Detroit --Wayne County Circuit Judge Susan Borman on Friday warned Taylor's mayor and City Council to act like grown-ups and work together to select a new city attorney.

"Embarrassing" is how Borman described a three-month dispute between Mayor Jeffery Lamarand and council members over the mayor's firing of Corporation Counsel Edward Plato.

Borman ruled Friday that Lamarand has authority to fire Plato, but she also insisted the council has final say in approving his replacement. She also ordered Lamarand to present a recommendation to replace Plato by Feb. 19.

Alma College board selects new president

Alma -- The board of Alma College has chosen Augustana College Dean Jeff Abernathy as its new president. He starts July 1.

Abernathy, a Richmond, Va. native, was the chief academic officer at Augustana, a 2,500-student private liberal arts college in Rock Island, Ill. He succeeds Saundra Tracy.

Detroit moves closer to borrowing $250M

Lansing --Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Friday signed legislation clearing the way for Detroit to borrow $250 million to dig out of its deficit.

The Legislature passed bills raising the cap for municipal stabilization bonds from $125 million. Detroit's plan calls for state revenue sharing funds to pay off the bonds within 20 years.

Lounge will host 'Lap Dances for Haiti'

Romulus-- So much for donating to the Red Cross. An adult entertainment club wants to help raise money for the Haiti earthquake victims in an unusual way. The Landing Strip Lounge is hosting "Lap Dances for Haiti" on Feb. 12. All proceeds generated from the lounge's $10 door cover charge will be donated to a Haiti relief fund, Brian Conway, general manager said. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the lounge at 36431 Goddard.

Hoekstra wants Army Corps to lead carp fight

Washington -- U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, has introduced a bill that would make the Army Corps of Engineers the lead agency and provide it with the authority to fight the invasion of Asian carp into the Great Lakes.

"Asian carp pose a devastating threat to Michigan's environment and economy," said Hoekstra, a Republican candidate for governor. Hoekstra's bill would authorize the corps to expedite measures to prevent the Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes, including applying fish poisons, fixing locks and installing barriers such as electrical, air-bubble and sound, which disorient fish.

Detroit News staff and wire reports.