By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — The numbers don’t lie, and declining enrollment may be at the heart of the looming budget deficit faced by Trenton Public Schools. Among other considerations for the board education is whether the time is right to become a limited school of choice, and if that window of opportunity remains a viable solution. School board president Mike Hawkins wondered if that window of opportunity remains a viable solution. “Is it too late to get on board,” Hawkins said. “A lot of schools … [Read more...] about District weighs school of choice, budget options
Trenton
DPW staffer bound for circuit on gambling charges
By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — After waiving his right to a district court preliminary exam, Trenton Department of Public Works employee Kevin Sargent was expected to be arraigned Friday in Wayne County Circuit Court on racketeering charges. Sargent, 35, and Flat Rock Police Sgt. Charles Sanders Jr., 46, face up to 20 years in prison for 14 counts of racketeering and operating an illegal gambling operation. A year-long investigation by the Michigan Attorney General’s office and the Federal Bureau of … [Read more...] about DPW staffer bound for circuit on gambling charges
Time to get wet
Photo by Ilene Flanagan Think spring (and summer) by jumping into the aquatic programs offered by Trenton Parks and Recreation. Last year’s classes both indoor and outdoor in the summer sun included Rob and Dora Scoville, seen here. Registration is now open for Patent-Tot Swim and Swimnastics, with classes running from March 21 through May 23. Call 734-675-7300 or register online through the city’s website, www.trentonmi.org. … [Read more...] about Time to get wet
Policy clarifies school limits for sex offenders
By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — A change in visitation policy is “preventive,” Trenton Public Schools Superintendent Larry Leapley said, and not an invitation for registered sex offenders to frequent the district’s classrooms. “It’s more of a situation where we don’t want to have to be reactive,” Leapley said. “We want our policy sitting there, saying that this is what will transpire.” During its regular meeting Monday, Feb. 27 the Trenton Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a policy … [Read more...] about Policy clarifies school limits for sex offenders
Time to get wet
Photo by Ilene Flanagan Think spring (and summer) by jumping into the aquatic programs offered by Trenton Parks and Recreation. Last year’s classes both indoor and outdoor in the summer sun included Rob and Dora Scoville, seen here. Registration is now open for Patent-Tot Swim and Swimnastics, with classes running from March 21 through May 23. Call 734-675-7300 or register online through the city’s website, www.trentonmi.org. … [Read more...] about Time to get wet
Council awards federal funds for roads, seniors
By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — Spring construction projects include an anticipated $70,000 worth of road and street repairs courtesy of Community Development Block Grant Funds approved last week by city council. City Administrator Jim Wagner said that Monday’s meeting concluded with a plan for $120,000 worth of CDBG funds. City officials also approved $20,000 to continue senior transportation, $20,000 for housing rehabilitation and $10,000 for administration. Community Development Block Grant funds are … [Read more...] about Council awards federal funds for roads, seniors
Rape charges to air in Circuit Court
By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — A jury trial is scheduled for Wayne County Circuit Court to try a 30-year-old Trenton man accused of sexually assaulting a girl under 13 years old. Casey Branden Griffor was bound over by 33rd District Court Judge Michael McNally on one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, punishable by 25 years in prison, and three counts of second-degree CSC, a 15-year felony. Testimony during preliminary hearings in Woodhaven included the girl’s account of being molested … [Read more...] about Rape charges to air in Circuit Court
Bomb-threat trial set for April 3
By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — Nearly a year after a pair of explosive devices were planted in the city and a bomb threat was made to the high school, John Robert Kennedy will face federal weapons charges beginning April 3. Kennedy was indicted in July by a grand jury which issued six charges following Kennedy’s arrest in Flat Rock by agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Michigan State and Trenton police departments. Police and investigators believe Kennedy … [Read more...] about Bomb-threat trial set for April 3
City worker faces exam
By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — A preliminary examination of criminal charges against a Department of Public Works employee — the outcome of which will determine his continued municipal employment — will be heard next month in 33rd District Court. Kevin Sargent, 35, was arraigned last month on racketeering charges built upon a year-long investigation by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A review of the evidence against Sargent and Flat Rock Police Sgt. Charles … [Read more...] about City worker faces exam
DPW worker on unpaid leave while awaiting gambling trial
By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — A city Department of Public Works employee remains on staff but is on unpaid pending the outcome of criminal gambling charges. DPW employee Kevin Sargent, 35, was arraigned last month in 33rd District Court, along with Flat Rock Police Sgt. Charles Sanders Jr., 46, on racketeering charges. The 14 criminal counts against Sargent and Sanders followed a year-long investigation by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Sargent and … [Read more...] about DPW worker on unpaid leave while awaiting gambling trial