Trenton

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — The days of outdoor movies are back in Trenton as the city’s Parks and Recreation Department begins this week its monthly summer Outdoor Movies in the Park series on Wednesday at the Bridge Cultural Center, 2427 West Road. This year’s film events kick off Wednesday with Steven Spielberg’s “The Adventures of Tintin,” bringing to animated life the international adventures of a young reporter. Shows begin at dusk, and Parks and Recreation Director Joann Perna said that … [Read more...] about ‘Tintin’ opens summer movie series

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — Although not a substantial amount, city officials hope that unused grant funds can help brighten one or two local projects. A public hearing is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. Monday at Trenton City Hall, 2800 Third St., to consider proposed projects to benefit from $28,000 in unused Community Development Block Grant Funds. City Administrator Jim Wagner said that the unused funds from the 2010-11 Wayne County grant — projects from that year did not spend the entire amount … [Read more...] about Hearing Monday to identify grant projects

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — Police are looking into the theft of nearly $20,000 cash — the entire amount in $1 bills — from a basement vault. A 58-year-old man in the 2200 block of Ruskin Street told police he saved the dollar bills over many years, letting them pile up and wrapping $100 stacks that were kept in cardboard boxes stored in a cement-blocked vault. The man said he went on vacation beginning May 23, and shortly before leaving he argued with a painting contractor over payment for work … [Read more...] about Vault theft nets thousands in cash

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — The people at the nonprofit animal rescue agency Basil’s Buddies wonder who has Downriver’s most “Pawsitively Cute Pet” as they host their first photo contest fund-raiser. Basil’s Buddies, founded in January 2009, is accepting entries until Friday, and will display 4 x 6 photos of each submitted dog or cat at the St. Cyprian Church Earth Day event June 9 in Riverview. Votes will be cast with contributions to the cause in jars beneath the cute pet photos. Basil’s … [Read more...] about Animal agency seeks ‘Pawsitively’ cute pets for contest

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — A 30-year-old Trenton man accused of sexually assaulting a girl under 13 years of age will face an August trial presided over by recently appointed Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Margaret Van Houten. Casey Brandon Griffor was charged in January with two counts of criminal sexual conduct, one each first and second degree, punishable by 25 and 15 years in prison respectively. The charges were bound over to Wayne County Circuit Court in March, and were originally scheduled … [Read more...] about Rape trial reset for circuit docket

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — Laying off teachers or cutting any salary positions is never easy, but Trenton Board of Education President Mike Hawkins said that Monday’s decision by the city council to lay off eight teachers was far less troubling than this time last year. “This is the lowest number (of layoffs) that most people on the board can remember,” Hawkins said. The board approved last week a motion to lay off eight teachers, only three of whom are general education instructors. Hawkins voted … [Read more...] about Fewer layoffs forced by budget

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — A U.S. District Court trial for a man alleged to have planted two explosives devices in the city last year is now scheduled to begin in August. Weapons charges against John Robert Kennedy were clarified in a July 2011 grand jury indictment. Kennedy was charged with six counts of weapons and explosives charges after allegedly placing two bombs in Trenton in April 2011, one in the high school parking lot and the other near a hardware store on Van Horn Road. U.S. District … [Read more...] about Bomb trial delayed until Aug.

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — A 50-year-old Taylor man suspected of fleeing a robbery died when he crashed into a Fort Street building Wednesday. Trenton Police Chief James Nardone said the suspect may have been in a panic after being spotted by police, and possibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs. “He may have been impaired at some level,” Nardone said. The man’s name was withheld Friday pending further investigation and notification of next of kin. Trenton Police were notified at about 1 … [Read more...] about Robbery suspect dies in crash after chase