By ZEINAB NAJM Times-Herald Newspapers HEIGHTS — Dearborn Heights District 7 has a new superintendent for the third time in three years. Former Supt. Jeffery Bartold returned to the district on an interim basis after Supt. John Frazer resigned Sept. 26. Frazer turned in his resignation letter of the board of education with 30 days notice and it was accepted on Oct. 4. A specific reason for resigning was not given by Frazer to the board. Frazer was hired as D7’s superintendent last year with a three-year contract after he … [Read more...] about D7 superintendent resigns
Dearborn Heights
Children create cards for veterans, deployed soldiers
By ZEINAB NAJM Times-Herald Newspapers HEIGHTS — Children gathered around a table at John F. Kennedy Jr. Library, 24602 Van Born Road, to create cards for veterans, wounded warriors, deployed troops, new recruits and first responders. During the create-a-card party Nov. 3, craft materials filled a section of the library set aside for those interested in creating a letter or card. Library Paraprofessional Venus Wilker started the create-a-card party after planning for the summer reading program. “I started thinking about the … [Read more...] about Children create cards for veterans, deployed soldiers
Heights approves $22.5 million contact with beleaguered waste management company
By ZEINAB NAJM Times-Herald Newspapers HEIGHTS — The City Council voted in favor of a new contract with Canadian-owned company Green For Life Environmental previously known as Rizzo Environmental Services. The council approved the eight-year, $22.5 million contract with the company with a 4-2 vote during its Oct. 25 meeting. Councilwoman Lisa Hicks-Clayton pushed to add a six-month terminate-out clause and grounds for termination if indictments, bribery, fraud are committed in the contract. “This was one of the most … [Read more...] about Heights approves $22.5 million contact with beleaguered waste management company
Heights police officer allegedly drove drunk, crashed into semi-truck
By ZEINAB NAJM Times-Herald Newspapers HEIGHTS — A Dearborn Heights detective allegedly crashed into a parked semi-truck after he was possibly driving drunk Oct. 18. WDIV Channel 4 reported that the detective has more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement, including as a Dearborn Heights sergeant. The incident occurred at the intersection of Van Born and Haggarty roads in Canton Township after he left an event were he was allegedly driving with other police officers. He was off duty at the time of the … [Read more...] about Heights police officer allegedly drove drunk, crashed into semi-truck
Heights council OKs trial period for early public meeting comments
By ZEINAB NAJM Times-Herald Newspapers HEIGHTS — The Heights City Council approved a 90-day trial period to allow residents to speak before agenda items are voted on during regular and special meetings. Members voted unanimously to approve the temporary policy for agenda during the during the Oct. 11 council meeting. “This is very good because we want to encourage citizen engagement comments before we vote,” Councilwoman Lisa Hicks-Clayton said. “I don’t see the harm. I only see the benefit of giving our residents the … [Read more...] about Heights council OKs trial period for early public meeting comments
Heights Goodfellows group photo to be taken at Oct. 17 meeting
HEIGHTS — The Dearborn Heights Goodfellows will meet at 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Justice Center, 25637 Michigan Ave. The organization’s annual picture will be taken for the front page of this year’s Goodfellows newspaper. A short meeting following will review committee reports planned for this year’s paper sale. For more information, call Goodfellows President Kim Constan at 313-791-3600. … [Read more...] about Heights Goodfellows group photo to be taken at Oct. 17 meeting
Competency examination ordered for father charged with killing 4 children
By ZEINAB NAJM Times-Herald Newspapers HEIGHTS —The Dearborn Heights man charged with the murder of four children will face a mental competency examination and evaluation for criminal responsibility before a preliminary examination of the evidence against him. Gregory Green, 49, appeared before 20th District Court Judge Mark Plawecki Oct. 5 for his probable cause hearing where the prosecutor read the request. Prosecutor Trisha Gerard said she and Green’s defense attorney, Charles Longstreet II, “have had discussions over the … [Read more...] about Competency examination ordered for father charged with killing 4 children
Heights council to allow public comments at start of meeting
By ZEINAB NAJM Times-Herald Newspapers HEIGHTS — The City Council is working toward allowing residents to speak before agenda items are voted on during public meetings. The idea was brought up by Councilwoman Lisa Hicks-Clayton when she drafted and presented a letter to other council members Sept. 11. A study session was then held on Sept. 20 regarding the change. Under the new meeting procedure, residents will have the chance to speak or ask questions about about agenda items. A time limit of three minutes is being … [Read more...] about Heights council to allow public comments at start of meeting
Dearborn Heights purchases first of 15 flood-prone houses
HEIGHTS — The city purchased its first house in the city’s Ecorse Creek flood zone for demolition. City officials applied for the $2.8 million Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Grant after the August 2014 flood to address the flooding. Dearborn Heights residents Brian and Deb Lauer were the first to sell their house to the city under the project. “We loved our home and neighborhood and will miss family and friends that were within walking distance,” Deb Lauer said. “While this whole process is bittersweet, … [Read more...] about Dearborn Heights purchases first of 15 flood-prone houses
Two sisters killed in semi-truck crash
By ZEINAB NAJM Times-Herald Newspapers HEIGHTS — Two Dearborn Heights sisters were killed when the car they were driving ran a red light and crashed into a semi-trailer truck Aug. 25 at the intersection of Beech Daly and Van Born. Their grey Ford Focus was traveling north on Beech Daly when it ran a red light at about 9 a.m., hitting the semi truck that was traveling west on Van Born. The vehicle went under the truck and was dragged 200 yards from the intersection, leaving it totaled. Police identified the two women as Heidi … [Read more...] about Two sisters killed in semi-truck crash