By J. PATRICK PEPPER Times-Herald Newspapers DEARBORN — Attorneys for Burton-Katzman Development Co. last week filed for a two-week extension in order to reply to a breach of contract and fraud lawsuit filed by city attorneys in January. The suit alleges that the Bingham Farms-based company breached a 2003 development agreement it signed with the city by failing to complete several aspects of the project. On Michigan Avenue between Howard and Tenny at the former site of Jacobson’s department store, the agreement … [Read more...] about Developer files for extension in city lawsuit
Stories
Police make arrest in arson-for-hire cold case
By J. PATRICK PEPPER Times-Herald Newspapers DEARBORN — A man arrested in August for bribes connected to the FBI’s investigation of the city’s Building and Safety Department has found himself in more trouble. Musaid Ahmed Saeed, 57, was held without bond after being arraigned in Branch County District Court Thursday on two counts of first-degree murder and one count each of arson and conspiracy to commit arson. Saeed already is on probation from the 19th District Court for his involvement in the building and safety … [Read more...] about Police make arrest in arson-for-hire cold case
Police and fire departments commended
By BROOKE STEVENSON Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — The Police and Fire departments were praised for their progress during Mayor Gary Burtka’s State of the City Address. Each department made changes in 2008 that helped to keep costs down, while boosting morale among employees, he said. The city settled contracts with police that saved the city approximately $79,000 last year. The agreements include a new policy on sick time usage and eliminating the performance evaluation plan, which reportedly has … [Read more...] about Police and fire departments commended
Two burglaries on the same day
ALLEN PARK — Two separate burglaries occurred during the same time period last Saturday. Thieves struck a house in the 22000 block of Winona sometime between 7:30 and 10 p.m., and a house in the 6600 block of Cortland was robbed sometime between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. The owner of the house on Cortland locked all of the doors and left his dog to roam inside before he left. He said he originally had left some lights on, and that when he returned, the first thing he noticed was that the house was dark. Entry was … [Read more...] about Two burglaries on the same day
Dingell to reach longevity milestone this week
By J. PATRICK PEPPER Sunday Times Newspapers WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-Dearborn) is set to achieve a unique milestone this week, when he will take over the title of longest-serving House member in history. On Wednesday, Dingell will surpass former Mississippi Congressman Jamie Whitten for the singular distinction. The historic occasion will occur earlier than first thought, however, as House historians initially had the date pegged for Valentine’s Day. But a day-by-day count of their time in … [Read more...] about Dingell to reach longevity milestone this week
Mayor’s youth council plans more events
TAYLOR — Members of the largest Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council in the city’s history are planning a variety of events with their peers in mind. The 23-member council consists of students from Harry S Truman and John F. Kennedy high schools and Trillium Academy, all in Taylor. The group just finished staging an overnight “lock-in” at the Taylor Recreation Center that drew 200 seventh- through 12th-graders who played basketball, wallyball, racquetball and video games, sang karaoke, worked out and enjoyed performances by … [Read more...] about Mayor’s youth council plans more events
Mother of abandoned baby comes forward
By BROOKE STEVENSON Sunday Times Newspapers WYANDOTTE — Police now know the identity of the woman who left her newborn baby at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital Jan. 28. The woman, whose name and age are not being released, left her infant daughter wrapped in a blanket inside a public bathroom sink at the hospital about 2 p.m. Jan. 29. The baby was found shortly after. Police say the baby is less than two weeks old and appears to be in good health. She has been turned over to Wayne County Child Protective … [Read more...] about Mother of abandoned baby comes forward
Board criticized over separate counsel
By BROOKE STEVENSON Sunday Times Newspapers WYANDOTTE — The recent decision by the Wyandotte Public Schools Board of Education to hire its own legal counsel caught criticism during Tuesday’s meeting. The district already has spent $48,000 of the $60,000 legal budget for the year on the current firms, Thrun Law Firm and Clark Hill PLC. The board’s Jan. 20 vote authorized $10,000 of the remaining budget for new counsel for members, separate from that of the district. The Jan. 20 vote was 4-2 to hire separate counsel, … [Read more...] about Board criticized over separate counsel
Dingell reflects on 54 years in office
On Wednesday U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-Dearborn) will become the longest-serving House member in U.S. history. In over a half century of service, the 82-year-old Dingell has been front and center for some of the most important moments in American history. He has worked with 11 presidents, debated legislation in 37 different Congresses, and held court with countless leaders and other dignitaries. As Dingell approaches this unique milestone, the Times-Herald/Sunday Times asked him a few questions about his successes, his … [Read more...] about Dingell reflects on 54 years in office
Business tries to work around nudity ordinance
By BROOKE STEVENSON Sunday Times Newspapers WYANDOTTE — Even though the city officially has banned businesses holding liquor licenses to allow nudity on their premises, one business hopes for special consideration. Monday marked the final reading of an ordinance that would prohibit nudity in any establishment that is licensed, or subject to licensing, by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. The new statute prohibits a business from obtaining a cabaret license if it still holds a liquor license. Cabaret licenses allow … [Read more...] about Business tries to work around nudity ordinance