By CHARITY B. SMITH Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — The city experienced a rise in wallet thefts late last month, with three cases reported to police between July 22 and 25. About 8 p.m. July 22, a woman left her purse on her front porch. She told police did not realize she had left it until 4 p.m. the next day. When she went to retrieve her purse from the porch she discovered that her wallet was missing from her purse. The black and gold wallet contained $80 in cash, a credit card, Social Security card and her driver's … [Read more...] about Rash of stolen wallets reported
Allen Park
All 4 incumbents advance in AP Council primary
By CHARITY B. SMITH Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — All four city council members running for re-election were among the 12 candidates who advanced to the November runoff in Tuesday’s primary election. Councilwoman Tina Gaworecki with 1,012 votes, and Councilmen Angelo DeGiulio with 903, Larry Templin with 758 and Harry Sisko with 674 votes will all move forward along. Newcomer Gail McLeod received the most votes in the primary with 1,319. Her mission, according to her Facebook page, is “to ensure that Allen Park moves … [Read more...] about All 4 incumbents advance in AP Council primary
Music day campers keep the beat and beat the heat
By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK – Day camp participants learned to keep the beat and beat the heat inside the air-conditioned comfort of Inter-City Baptist School last week as they let their inner musician flourish. “Lights, Action, Music,” held its second annual summer day camp for elementary age children July 27 to 31 at Inter-City Baptist School, 4700 Allen Road. Kindergarten through third-graders met from 9 to 11 a.m., while fourth- through sixth-graders met from 1 to 3 p.m. ICB music teacher Deanna … [Read more...] about Music day campers keep the beat and beat the heat
Eagle Scout candidate’s community garden provides produce for those in need
By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK – The vegetables in St. Frances Cabrini's community garden boxes might not multiply as quickly as the legendary loaves and fishes, but the harvest will soon provide fresh produce for those in need. Eagle Scout candidate Ben Trela, 17, of Allen Park, of Boy Scout Troop 1052, a recent graduate of Cabrini High School and a parishioner, was approached last fall by Karen Carmody of Allen Park, who had been growing produce in a courtyard adjacent to the elementary school, where about … [Read more...] about Eagle Scout candidate’s community garden provides produce for those in need
AP city council holds first meeting in new chambers
By CHARITY B. SMITH Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — The City Council held its first meeting at the new city hall July 14, a month and a half after moving to the new facilities. "The holdup was because the Building Department was essentially using our new chambers as a storage area, until they got all their files and things put in the correct place," Mayor William Matakas said. The only thing that was not set up in time for the meeting was the audio and video capabilities. The meeting was not filmed for the public to … [Read more...] about AP city council holds first meeting in new chambers
AP debates banning sky lanterns
By CHARITY B. SMITH Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — The fire chief, with the help of city attorneys, has drafted a new city ordinance that would ban the use of sky lanterns in the city. "After seeing some of the conversations on Facebook, I got a feeling from the community that it was something they wanted me to do," Fire Chief Douglas Lafond said. The city has had no major fires caused by sky lanterns but there have been some problems with them landing on cars, roofs and yards. "We are being proactive," Lafond said. … [Read more...] about AP debates banning sky lanterns
Moore residents find vehicles spray painted orange
ALLEN PARK — Residents on Moore Street reported that their vehicles were spray painted orange on July 4. One of the two residents also had their house spray painted orange. At 6:43 a.m., police responded to a call from a resident in the 14500 block of Moore. The woman told officers that sometime between midnight and 6:43 a.m. her house and car were spray painted orange. The rear bumper and license plate on the vehicle which was parked in the driveway was spray painted. The front of her house and front door were also covered in … [Read more...] about Moore residents find vehicles spray painted orange
Parent-friendly evening camp combines learning with fun
By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK – Twilight camp, an evening version of day camp, enabled local parents to volunteer and participate in their sons' Cub Scout summer camp last week at Cunningham Park without missing work. While day camp is still the norm for many districts, parents and other adult volunteers in the Mahican district indicated that holding a non-overnight camp in the evening would allow more working adults to volunteer, and more Cub Scouts to attend. Siblings in grades 1 to 5 may join in the … [Read more...] about Parent-friendly evening camp combines learning with fun
Mysterious Photo at City Clerk’s Office
By CHARITY B. SMITH Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — A mysterious photograph arrived at the Allen Park city clerk’s office shortly after the 2013 street fair. People ever since have been wondering who’s in the photo or why it was sent. "We have no idea who the photograph is of or why it was sent to us," said Matthew Para, assistant deputy elections clerk. The photo was addressed to the old City Hall. It had no return address, only a woman's name. "We had saved the envelope for quite some time," City Clerk Michael … [Read more...] about Mysterious Photo at City Clerk’s Office
‘Welcome to City Hall; please pardon our dust’
By CHARITY B. SMITH Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — City Hall and the Police Department have found a new temporary home at 16630 Southfield Road, alongside the Ford Breadboard Lab. The building is the former location for Stautzenberger Institute. The new location is a welcome change for city officials and residents, who have been dealing with a very dilapidated building, that was prone to flooding, for more then a decade. “We are really appreciative and grateful,” Treasurer Maureen Armstrong said. “I think it is very … [Read more...] about ‘Welcome to City Hall; please pardon our dust’