Trenton

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — A man facing six weapons and explosives charges for allegedly placing bombs in the city in April 2011 and phoning in a bomb threat to Trenton High School is expected to enter a plea agreement in U.S. District Court on Aug. 29. John Robert Kennedy was charged in July 2011 by a grand jury indictment after allegedly placing two bombs in the city, one in the high school parking lot and the other near a hardware store on Van Horn Road. Court officer Rod Hansen said, Kennedy is … [Read more...] about Plea expected in bomb trial

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — City officials want their relationship with a restaurant group and sports bar to succeed, but they need some money first. The city council learned Monday that the Kennedy Restaurant Group, operators of the Legends 1926 bar and grill in the Kennedy Recreation Center, 3101 West Road, owes the city more than $35,000 in back rent, utilities, equipment rental and concessions. Mayor Kyle Stack said Trenton Parks and Recreation entered into a 2011 agreement with restaurant … [Read more...] about Mayor puts Legends on notice

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — City officials lifted a hiring freeze last week and approved the hiring of three police officers after adjustments were made to public safety pensions. City Administrator Jim Wagner said that two vacancies were created with recent retirements, and that last month’s approved budget allowed the city to hire a third officer in an effort to reduce overtime. “We replaced the two positions and, hopefully, will reduce overtime costs and better police the community,” Wagner said. … [Read more...] about Police add staff after budget, contract approved

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — A Trenton Public Works employee pleaded guilty last week to charges of running a sports gambling operation while on company time and using city-owned resources. Kevin Sargent, 35, and Flat Rock Police Sgt. Charles Sanders Jr., 46, were charged in January with 14 counts of racketeering and conducting illegal gambling operations after a year-long investigation by the Michigan Attorney General’s office and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Sargent pleaded guilty to 14 counts … [Read more...] about DPW staffer admits guilt in gambling ring

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — Nothing says summer like an outdoor concert, and the Trenton Cultural Center’s calendar offers a variety of music for all tastes and ages, and an evening movie for the family. Trenton Parks and Recreation Director Joann Perna said the schedule brings an eclectic lineup of local performing artists to the center, with two series of events to delight young and old. The center, located at the corner of West and Edsel roads, includes a barn, two-storey farmhouse, a display by the … [Read more...] about Cultural Center packs summer calendar

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — A year ago the Trenton Board of Education made the decision to cancel general education busing for the 2011-12 school year. That cancellation was prevented in August when an unexpected bonus from the Wayne County tax assessor sent news of delinquent fees owed the district, and bus service was restored for the year. Last month, the school board faced similar budget numbers, and after six months of consideration voted to outsource district busing for the 2012-13 school … [Read more...] about Trenton schools to outsource transportation

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — Fourth of July fireworks at Trenton’s Rotary Park is nothing new, a tradition of more than 30 years’ standing, Parks and Recreation Director Joann Perna said. This year, however, the spectacle will be set to music. “It’s going to be a huge show, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Fritz Enterprises,” Perna said. “This is the first year they will be choreographed to music.” The fireworks beginning at dusk on Wednesday will be set to music and simulcast on WXYT-FM 87.7, … [Read more...] about Blast with a beat: Fireworks show set to music

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — More than 400 acres are waiting to be developed, and part of the solution may cost only $1. The city council Monday confirmed the all-but volunteer service of city planner Benjamin Tallerico as economic development director, a position short on compensation — Tallerico agreed to an annual salary of $1 — but broad in scope. City Administrator Jim Wagner said that he began discussions about the city’s needs several months ago with Tallerico, who currently serves as planning … [Read more...] about Planner to tackle city development, for $1

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON – Police are reviewing information regarding a collision that occurred shortly before 3 a.m. June 17 and took the life of a 21-year-old Lincoln Park man. The collision, involving a Ford Focus and Jeep Grand Cherokee, took place near Meyer Ellias Park at the intersection of West Jefferson and Helen Street. Trenton Police Chief James Nardone said the man’s name had yet to be released pending notification of family and conclusion of the investigation. “The young man … [Read more...] about Fatal crash investigated