By TEREASA NIMS Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — When the city’s Lighted Christmas Parade makes its way in the downtown area at 6:30 p.m. Friday, there will be many marching bands to honor late parade co-chairman Bruce Haberkern. "One of the last words he said to me was, ‘We have a couple more bands,'" chairwoman Sharon Broglin said. "We'll have lots of music in this parade," she said, adding that Haberkern would be happy. She said there are bands making an appearance that haven't been in the parade in a while. … [Read more...] about Lighted Parade, co-chair honored
Allen Park
Retaliation cited in current lawsuit against AP
By TEREASA NIMS Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — Allegations of retaliation and denying a former employee from applying for another city job has the municipality in court again. Former Parks and Recreation employee Ken Briere is suing the city for wrongful termination after he was fired 45 days after filing an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint against the city. Briere’s attorney, Ray Guzull, said his client was an 11-year employee who was denied the ability to apply for a foreman job. Guzall said the case … [Read more...] about Retaliation cited in current lawsuit against AP
Names released in motorcycle/SUV crash
By TEREASA NIMS Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — The names of two motorcyclists killed in a head-on crash on I-94 near Oakwood Boulevard Nov. 7 were released Monday by Michigan State Police. Marko Cigatino Rubin, 48, of Macomb and France Kevan Bowers, 49, of Southfield were killed when a 34-year-old Inkster woman driving a Ford Escape struck their motorcycles head-on. Rubin and Bowers were pronounced dead at the scene, MSP Lt. Michael Shaw said. The area was closed off while police investigated the crash and cleaned up … [Read more...] about Names released in motorcycle/SUV crash
Students host veterans in classrooms and honor them in assemblies
By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK – Allen Park High School students invited veterans into classrooms Wednesday morning to share their stories, and honored them at two music-filled afternoon assemblies at Allen Park Center for the Arts. English teacher Andrew C. Jackson said the program, which began 10 years ago, is a valuable opportunity for students to listen to and honor veterans and active military personnel. “There is a war that started basically after (9/11) that really is still going on,” Jackson said. … [Read more...] about Students host veterans in classrooms and honor them in assemblies
Elks Halloween party for disabled its largest ever
By CHARITY B. SMITH Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — A large group of monsters, witches and ghouls with mental challenges gathered at Elks Lodge 2194 for the annual Pumpkin Patch Halloween Party. The Elks is a supporter of the mentally impaired and has hosted this party for 27 years. This year 115 people were in attendance. "This is probably one of the best turnouts," Elks Secretary Rose Tarcia said. "We combined with the Downriver Guidance Center this year. We had numerous groups here." Children of all ages came from … [Read more...] about Elks Halloween party for disabled its largest ever
AP council candidate dies 3 days before election
By CHARITY B. SMITH Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — Bruce Haberkern, who was a candidate for the Allen Park City Council in the Nov. 3 election, died at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital the morning of Oct. 31, three days before the election. He still was able to draw 784 votes posthumously. Since his passing was so close to the election, his name remained on the ballot. Clerks were not allowed to say anything to anyone about his passing unless they asked directly because it might sway the vote. "He would not, obviously … [Read more...] about AP council candidate dies 3 days before election
Allen Parkers, meet Spark the fire dog
By CHARITY B. SMITH Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — Firefighters were awakened early Halloween morning when a local man rang the doorbell at 3 a.m. and presented them with a concrete Dalmatian statue. Dan Sonder had heard of the missing Sparky the fire dog statue and decided to find the department a new dog. He located one on Craigslist and went to Sterling Heights, after getting off work at midnight, to pick up the statue, which was being given away by Linda Helfmann. Helfmann said Sonder told her he got off at … [Read more...] about Allen Parkers, meet Spark the fire dog
AP voters face tough decisions in Tuesday’s election
By CHARITY B. SMITH Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — Voters here are not only going to decide upon a mayor and city council in Tuesday’s general election, but face a millage proposal for the roads, and residents in Precinct 16 will decide on a millage for the Southgate Community School District. The mayoral race is between incumbent Mayor William Matakas and Councilman Dennis Hayes, both attorneys. Matakas is a lifelong Allen Park resident and a graduate of Allen Park schools. He obtained his law degree from the … [Read more...] about AP voters face tough decisions in Tuesday’s election
AP police host 2nd crime prevention meeting
By CHARITY B. SMITH Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — Allen Park residents were informed about the status of crime in their city and ways to prevent and stop it, by police Sgt. Wayne Albright Oct. 28. Albright, a 21-year veteran of the force, is coordinating and executing the meetings on his own time to inform residents of what is going on within their city and the department. "I want to bridge the gap between the Police Department and the citizens," said Albright, who is also a resident of the city. "With today's … [Read more...] about AP police host 2nd crime prevention meeting
Firehouse statue, Sparky, stolen during open house
By CHARITY B. SMITH Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — Sparky, a Dalmatian statue that sits just outside the fire station, was stolen during the Fire Department open house Oct. 11. Sparky is a full-sized fiberglass statue that was donated by a resident last spring. "We were so busy with the open house, I guess somebody was able to wander off with it," Fire Chief Douglas Lafond said. Sparky was there in the morning, but photos from the open house show that he was gone sometime between noon and 3 p.m. Lafond decided to … [Read more...] about Firehouse statue, Sparky, stolen during open house