By SUE SUCHYTA Times-Herald Newspapers DEARBORN – City Councilwoman Erin Byrnes said Jan. 21 that the potential renaming of the Hubbard Ballroom, at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, has garnered significant interest in the community. Byrnes, who spoke at the city council’s Committee of the Whole meeting Thursday — which is held five days before each city council meeting, to focus on agenda items — said that the topic, which evoking strong reactions among residents, is a serious issue. Orville Hubbard, who … [Read more...] about Dearborn Council may rename Hubbard Ballroom
Let’s cut the Michigan income tax
By JAMES M. HOHMAN Michigan lawmakers passed a temporary income tax hike in 2007 that’s still with us, and despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan’s finances are looking good. Lawmakers can afford to lower the income tax if it is important to them. Lowering the income tax rate makes Michigan more competitive for businesses. It lets residents keep more of what they earn, further encouraging economic growth. And letting taxpayers control more of what they earn is the fair thing to do if the state can operate on less. Lowering … [Read more...] about Let’s cut the Michigan income tax
Trump is dumped
It’s ludicrous that some of the white supremacists who participated in the Capitol riot are actually disowning Donald Trump, even though he made their bigotry fashionable again, at least among the tens of millions in his base. In their view, Trump became a traitor when he yielded to pressure from the few remaining sane members of his shrunken staff and called off the same riotous mob he had incited with a video “plea” to “go home.” Even though he added “we love you” and “you’re very special,” it was not enough to placate some of … [Read more...] about Trump is dumped
Welcome, President Biden
Joe Biden is the 46th president of the United States. We welcome him, and recognize that he enters the White House facing challenges as daunting, or nearly so, as any president who has come before him. Even before he settles into his Oval Office seat, his desk is piled high with pressing challenges that must be immediately addressed. COVID-19, a flagging economy and disunity among the American people all demand his urgent attention. The new president must focus almost entirely on those issues; most other matters on his priority … [Read more...] about Welcome, President Biden
How seniors can make their bathrooms safer and easier to use
Dear Savvy Senior, What tips can you recommend for making a bathroom senior-friendly? My 78-year-old mother has mobility problems and fell getting out of the bathtub last month. I’d like to modify her bathroom with some safety features that can help keep her safe. Concerned Daughter Dear Concerned, Great question! Because more accidents and injuries happen in the bathroom than any other room in the house, this is a very important room to modify, especially for seniors with mobility or balance problems. Depending on your … [Read more...] about How seniors can make their bathrooms safer and easier to use
Suspect caught trying to steal pot from house
By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers WYANDOTTE — A 54-year-old Ecorse man was arrested the morning of Jan. 14 after he used a crowbar to enter a house in the 3000 block of 18th Street, and filled a plastic bag with marijuana plants found within. The suspect apparently waited for the resident to leave for work before breaking into the house. A tip from a witness alerted police officers to his suspicious behavior. When police officers arrived to investigate, they discovered the crowbar damage to the rear door. They announced … [Read more...] about Suspect caught trying to steal pot from house
Con artist steals $15,000 from elderly man
By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers WYANDOTTE — A con artist claiming that an elderly man’s credit card had been overcharged convinced him by phone Jan. 11 to reveal his credit card number and other bank information so he could be issued a refund. However, the criminal instead used the information to illegally withdraw and charge more than $15,000 from his victim’s accounts. Deputy Police Chief Archie Hamilton said awareness and education are the best way to prevent susceptibility to fraud. “It is up to all of us to … [Read more...] about Con artist steals $15,000 from elderly man
Fences reported missing from backyard
By ZEINAB NAJM Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — The owner of a rental property on Cleveland Avenue told police Jan. 7 that two rusted chain link fencing gates were stolen from the backyard. He said that the tenant living in the house told him the gates were gone and last seen on Jan. 5. After doing a walk through of the property, it was discovered that a patio umbrella was missing along with a cement construction block. The total amount of the stolen items is approximately $500. The victim said he has no known suspects … [Read more...] about Fences reported missing from backyard
Caller attempts to scam resident
By ZEINAB NAJM Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — A woman living in the 3100 block of Palmetto Court contacted police Jan. 13 regarding a scam related phone call. She reported that about 7:30 p.m. she received a phone call from Texas. The caller, who identified himself as David Benjamin, advised she had been entered in a contest for senior citizens where she won $1.3 million and a new 2020 Chevy pickup truck. He then asked for the resident’s address so they could drop off the prizes to her house. The resident gave her address … [Read more...] about Caller attempts to scam resident
Wallet thief runs up credit cards
By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE — A thief who stole a wallet between Jan. 17 and 19 from a Chevy Colorado pickup parked in a driveway in the 13000 block of Mark Street ran up nearly $500 in credit card charges before the resident discovered the missing wallet and reported the theft. The victim said three credit cards and his driver’s license were stolen with his wallet, as well as a power cord and an electronic equipment cable. He said the unauthorized credit card charges were made at a Meijer, Home Depot … [Read more...] about Wallet thief runs up credit cards