Southgate

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – A jury trial has been set for a Southgate man accused of murdering a woman and her 10-year-old son. Antoine Terrail Beck, 33, was charged with two counts of first-degree homicide following the June murders of Courtney Marie Durr, 28, and her son, Sumari Keon Das Beck. During a calendar conference on Nov. 20, Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Cameron said jury selection will begin on Feb. 22, 2016. Police and prosecutors said Beck was living in Durr’s La Collonade … [Read more...] about Trial set for man accused in dual homicide

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – Voters approved a city street tax renewal and school bond proposal during Tuesday’s low-key general election. The two measures – neither of which will generate new or additional taxes – joined unopposed races for elected officials and city council seats. On the city ballot, voters overwhelmingly approved the renewal of a five-year, 2-mill levy for street repairs and improvements. According to unofficial results 3,111 yes votes (77.4 percent) outpaced 908 votes against the … [Read more...] about Tax, bond questions approved by voters

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – If it were a report card, the budget audit findings received last month by the Southgate Community Schools Board of Education would have earned mostly A’s, with some challenges still to address, but mostly passing grades. During the board’s Oct. 20 meeting, school officials were told that that the general fund deficit had been reduced by more than $2.5 million. According to representatives from the accounting firm Yeo & Teo, just $1.4 million of deficit remains to be … [Read more...] about School debt shrinks, deficit plan remains on schedule

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – When he accepted the position this summer, City Administrator Bryce Kelley was aware of the challenges facing most of the region. The potential for growth and development existed – at least on paper – and the response to recent projects only confirmed his expectations. “I’ve learned is how strong the interest is in supporting development,” Kelley said. “Southgate has a wonderful menu of activities and interests, and more depth to the city in terms of loyalty, dedication and … [Read more...] about Administrator charts foundation for redefined city

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – Hearings for a Southgate man charged with the murder of a woman and her 10-year-old son were rescheduled last week due to a calendar conflict in the prosecutor’s office. Antoine Terrail Beck, 33, is accused of having killed Courtney Marie Durr, 28, and her son, Sumarii Keon Das, in June. According to police reports, Beck had been living in Durr’s La Collonade apartment in the 14500 block of North Line Road. Durr’s throat was slashed and the child was strangled. Assistant … [Read more...] about Hearing postponed in death of woman, child

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – With the district’s finances seemingly stabilized after challenging years that included the shuttering of three buildings, Southgate Community Schools officials hope voters will approve a $20 million bond for basic upgrades to six school buildings, each more than a half century old. Supt. Leslie Hainrihar said the board earlier this month approved placement of a bond question on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. Voters will be asked to approve a 25-year bond in the amount … [Read more...] about Ballot to include $20.1 million bond for building upgrades

By JAMES MITCHELL
 Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – What fire officials determined to have been a kitchen fire left management of Red Robin, 15777 Eureka Road, uncertain when the restaurant will reopen for business. Firefighters responded at about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to a blaze that broke out at the restaurant. Staff and customers left the building safely with only a few minor injuries that were treated on site by responding paramedics. Fire Chief Doug Gildner said the fire started in the kitchen. “It was a cooking … [Read more...] about Restaurant closed after fire

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – Two men who robbed and kidnapped a 69-year-old man – in partnership with the man’s teenage girlfriend – were sentenced to a minimum of 12 years in prison. Alphonso Lamarr Straughter Jr., 31, of Dearborn was found guilty by a jury earlier this month of five felony counts. Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Maria Miller said Straughter was sentenced on July 17 to a prison term of 16.5 to 25 years in prison for armed robbery and unlawful imprisonment. Straughter also was found … [Read more...] about Pair sentenced for kidnapping, carjacking