Stories

‘I can only imagine that the overseas corporations are lining up to eat the fat from the trough of opportunity that the (U.S. automakers’) loan package will provide them.’   — Councilman James Flynn   By BROOKE STEVENSON Sunday Times Newspapers   ALLEN PARK — Several suggestions for the Big Three automotive industries were expressed during a recent City Council meeting.   Members recently passed a resolution to support the carmakers brought by Councilman Francesco Tucci. He believes the success of Chrysler, … [Read more...] about City officials speak critique Big Three moves

By BROOKE STEVENSON Sunday Times Newspapers   ALLEN PARK — A committee has been formed to make recommendations to aid the city’s unprofitable animal shelter.   A financial analysis by Finance Director Kim Kleinow recently found that the shelter, 16850 Southfield behind City Hall, has been losing an undisclosed amount of money over the last year.   “We need to restructure it and take a look, because we’re not profitable and we need to be,” Mayor Gary Burtka said.   The committee comprises City Administrator … [Read more...] about Committee to review shelter’s financial outlook

Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter will host Cool Cat Casino Night from 7 p.m. to midnight Feb. 28 at Fr. Patrick O’Kelley Knights of Columbus, 23663 Park, Dearborn.   Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door, and may be purchased at www.dearborn-animals.com or by calling the shelter at (313) 943-2697. Admission includes open bar, appetizer buffet, door prizes and raffles. Gaming consists of Blackjack, Let It Ride and Texas Hold ’em.   Proceeds will go to the FFDAS to help programs such as a spay/neuter voucher … [Read more...] about FFDAS hosts casino night

By BROOKE STEVENSON Sunday Times Newspapers   WYANDOTTE — Police encourage residents to watch for anything suspicious after a series of recent burglaries.    There has been an influx of breaking and entering offenses in the city over the last two weeks, most of which happened in the middle of the day while residents were at work.    Detective Rick Weise said it is not rare to have such burglary spates throughout the year, and the same one or two people often are the ones burglarizing.   “It appears there are a … [Read more...] about Residents advised to be aware of burglaries

By BROOKE STEVENSON Sunday Times Newspapers   ALLEN PARK — Lt. Douglas LaFond was sworn in as Deputy Fire Chief on Tuesday.   He was promoted to increase the efficiency of the Fire Department, and with the expiration of a collective bargain agreement between the city and the International Association of Firefighters Local 1410, the position of deputy chief was returned to the ranks. The promotion takes effect immediately.   The last active deputy chief was Gary Jones, who served from 1999 to 2005. LaFond has been … [Read more...] about City has new deputy fire chief

TAYLOR — Mayor Cameron Priebe is the first recipient of the individual Greening Downriver award presented by the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber.   The awards were introduced by the chamber this year to recognize those who “exemplify economic, social and ecological sustainability of the Downriver region through green practices.”   “Due to Mayor Priebe’s efforts, the city of Taylor has been recognized locally, regionally and on the state and national levels as a leading ‘green community,’” said Sandy Mull, vice … [Read more...] about Mayor wins chamber’s first solo ‘greening’ award

By TOM TIGANI Times-Herald Staff Reporter   TRENTON — Trenton Public Schools Board of Education members heard from parents Monday about proposed changes in the district’s elementary schools, and decided that they need to hear more before any changes are made.   About 20 parents turned out for a discussion that Supt. John Savel said went “positively.” Afterward, members asked that the administration hold community forums at each elementary school on the challenges facing the district. Among those challenges are declining … [Read more...] about Information sessions set on possible school moves

TAYLOR — The city’s annual Daddy-Daughter Dances are scheduled for Feb. 7 at the William D. Ford Senior Activity Center, 6750 Troy.   Two dances are scheduled, one from 4 to 6 p.m. and the other from 7 to 9 p.m. The Valentine-themed event includes hors d’oeuvres, a corsage for the girls, dancing and a keepsake photo. Because dances always sell out, organizers recommend buying tickets early.   Tickets cost $20 for a father-daughter pair, $5 for each additional daughter and are available at the Parks and Recreation Office, … [Read more...] about Daddy-daughter dances are Feb. 7

By J. PATRICK PEPPER Times-Herald Newspapers   HEIGHTS — Despite the largest yearly drop in home values in history and a double-digit unemployment rate, Mayor Daniel Paletko gave an optimistic outlook for the city at his sixth State of the City address on Tuesday.   Speaking to a group of about 130 at Warren Valley golf course, Paletko hailed the opening of some new businesses, the restoration of some old ones and another year under budget for the city.   “I’m pleased to report the city of Dearborn Heights is in good … [Read more...] about Despite economy, city marked progress in 2008

By BROOKE STEVENSON Sunday Times Newspapers   WYANDOTTE — The city’s new Downtown Development Authority executive director has high hopes for his new position.   Brandon Wescott was approved by the City Council on Monday to fill the position of DDA director. His first day on the job will be Feb. 17.   He currently is the community and transportation planner and transit coordinator for the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission in Hinesville, Ga.   Hinesville has a population of over 30,000 and is home to the 3rd … [Read more...] about New DDA director has big plans