Michigan high schooler with Down syndrome gets new shot at playing hoops

A Michigan high school student with Down syndrome deemed too old to play basketball in his upcoming senior season may get a shot after all, FoxNews.com has learned.

Eric Dompierre, a 19-year-old junior at Ishpeming High School, received new hope on Monday when the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced it was asking its member schools to make an exception and waive its maximum age limitation under “narrowly defined” circumstances. The move came after an Internet campaign generated nearly 100,000 signatures supporting Dompierre's right to suit up as a senior.

“I told him yesterday after school and he seemed very pleased,” Eric’s father, Dean Dompierre, told FoxNews.com. “This whole process has been great for him. He’s empowered and feels as if he’s helped himself.”

No student is currently permitted to complete in MHSAA athletics if the student turns age 19 prior to Sept. 1. Dompierre, who plays on the boy’s varsity basketball and football teams, was held back in kindergarten and first grade.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/05/08/michigan-high-schools-to-vote-on-challenge-to-age-limit-rule-by-student-with/?test=latestnews#ixzz1uN2bwBtp

Michigan lotto winner charged with welfare fraud

LINCOLN PARK, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan woman who continued to get food stamps after winning a $1 million lottery jackpot was arraigned Tuesday on welfare fraud charges.
Amanda Clayton, 25, of Lincoln Park was arrested on Monday. If convicted of the two felony charges, she could face up to four years in prison.
"It's simply common sense that million dollar lottery winners forfeit their right to public assistance," Attorney General Bill Schuette said in a statement Tuesday. "We will continue to work with local, state and federal authorities to uphold state laws intended to ensure wise stewardship of taxpayer dollars."
Clayton stood silently during her arraignment at Lincoln Park's 25th District Court. Defense lawyer Stanley Wise said he hopes to have charges dismissed at her next court hearing April 24. He didn't elaborate.
"She's upset but she'll be fine," Wise said.
Clayton chose a $700,000 lump sum, before taxes, last fall after winning the jackpot on "Make Me Rich!" a Michigan lottery game show. More

Mich. Residents Receive Letter Calling Christmas Lights 'Pagan'

ABC NEWS

Homeowners in Hudsonville, Mich., have been singled out for displaying what an anonymous letter-writer calls "pagan" lights and decorations on their properties.

On Wednesday night, residents of Vintage Drive found a letter attached to their mailboxes suggesting that anyone with Christmas lights or decorations should re-think their beliefs, becauseChristmas displays honor the "Pagan Sun-God" and do not pertain to the birth of Jesus, according to ABC News affiliate WZZM.

The letters start out on a friendly note, with "Hi Neighbor, you have a nice display of lights." But the self-described "love note" quickly changes tone, explaining how the "pagan tradition" of putting up lights began.

"I laughed because I think it's ridiculous that people would get upset over Christmas lights," said Danette Hoekman, who received the letter.

Besides speaking against holiday lights, the note claimed that the use of mistletoe, wreaths and yule-logs were in no way representative of Christmas.

Those who received the letters said they do not know who wrote them.

"It's a sin to judge other people and to tell people that if they have Christmas lights they are pagans. We're not pagans, we go to church regularly, my kids go to the Christian school," Hoekman said. "I think next year we should put on a huge display!"

7-Year-Old Michigan Boy Steals Car, Drives It 20 Miles To Visit His Dad (VIDEO)

A seven-year-old Michigan boy who had to stand up to reach the gas and brake pedals while driving was pulled over by police on Monday morning after traveling more than 20 miles in his stepfather's car.

The boy, who lives with his mother and stepfather 100 miles northeast of Detroit, was barefoot and wearing pajamas when police caught up with him, the New York Daily News reported.

"He was crying and just kept saying he wanted to go to his dad's," Caseville Police Chief Jamie Learman told The Associated Press. "That was pretty much it. He just wanted to go to his dad's."

The boy drove the red Pontiac Sunfire as fast as 70 mph, according to the Daily News, and veered onto the shoulder several times.

The boy's mother, who works a late shift, was sleeping when the youngster got behind the wheel.

The Department of Human Services and the Huron County Prosecutor's Office have not determined if any charges will be filed, although Tim Rutkowski, the county's prosecutor, said on Wednesday thatthere is no evidence that the boy was taught how to drive.

WATCH: