Southgate

By TEREASA NIMS Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – Having six weeks in the police chief seat, Brett Selby has identified some of the changes he wants to make to ensure the department’s well-being. Working with Public Safety Director Jeff Smith, who was the previous police chief for four years, the pair made a list of changes they would like to pursue with the command and patrol officers. “Law enforcement is ever-changing, always evolving, especially when it comes to technology,” Selby said. “The administrative aspect of the … [Read more...] about Southgate top cop talks about department’s future

By TEREASA NIMS Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE — In the midst of controversy, Brian Klonowski didn’t take the reins of police chief as expected Aug. 27, leaving the city still looking to fill the position. Mayor Joseph Kuspa made announcement at the Sept. 7 City Council meeting. City officials said that the storm of outrage from residents regarding Klonowski’s past coupled with the promotion forced him to pass on the position. Klonowski, a lieutenant, will return to overseeing the Detective Bureau. Public Safety Director … [Read more...] about Klonowski declines Southgate police chief job

By TEREASA NIMS Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – A 26-year-old Melvindale man who claims he was a victim in the shooting-death of a co-worker, is expected back in court Sept. 19 for a preliminary examination of the evidence against him. Devon Hampton allegedly shot and killed a co-worker about 11:30 p.m. Sept. 2 at AJM Packaging, 11800 Reeck Road. He was charged with first-degree murder, felonious assault, felony firearm and carrying a concealed weapon. Police are not releasing information about the victim who was shot in … [Read more...] about Murder suspect expected back in court

By TEREASA NIMS Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE — Mary Lebowski isn’t happy with her city’s new police chief’s past, but said he paid for the crime and deserves another chance. “Who doesn’t have things in their past that aren’t so pleasant?” she said of Brian Klonowski, who was expected to become police chief Aug. 27. Lebowski is not among the 1,600 residents who recently signed a petition to recall police Klonowski before he begins the job. “Obviously, someone saw fit to put him where he is,” resident James Oberlin … [Read more...] about Amid petition, controversy, new police chief sworn in

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – In spite of what Mayor Joseph Kuspa called “media-led” concerns, City Council unanimously approved contracts last week for a new police chief and public safety director to take affect after current Director Thomas Coombs retires at month’s end. The appointment of Detective Brian Klonowski as police chief was strongly supported by City Council and other officials, although the promotion brought back to the surface a 2004 assault charge against Klonowski that resulted in his … [Read more...] about Retirement, promotions bring changes to public safety

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – Following last week’s primary balloting, there will be fewer city elections in the future as voters approved a proposal to lengthen terms and impose term limits on elected officials. A strong majority – 64 percent – of voters during the Aug. 2 primary election approved lengthening the current two-year terms of office for mayor, clerk, treasurer and city council members to four years, and to prohibit re-election after three consecutive terms. According to unofficial results, … [Read more...] about Voters approve revised term lengths, limits

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – City officials would be subjected to fewer elections for local offices, the terms of which would be limited, if voters approve a proposed revision to the city charter. Along with county and state primary contests, Southgate voters will be asked on Aug. 2 to approve a city amendment establishing four-year terms for the offices of mayor, clerk, treasurer and city council, currently elected to two-year terms of office. The amendment also prohibits re-election for those who … [Read more...] about Term lengths, limits up to voters

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – The city’s long-awaited free summer concert series kicks off at 7 p.m. June 28 with “Toppermost,” a Beatles tribute band, as the first of four live music events scheduled for the Market Center Park amphitheater. Presented by Southgate Cultural Arts and Special Events, the Beatles tribute will be followed by Elvis Night featuring Fred Wolfe on July 12; Wisteria on July 26 and “Park It” night on Aug. 2 featuring live entertainment, vendor booths and an outdoor movie. The … [Read more...] about Concert kicks off summer series at amphitheater

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – Ownership of Wendy’s, 18902 North Line Road, joined police in investigating how pieces of glass ended up in a hamburger served to a 3-year-old girl, who was recovering last week after the incident was discovered. A woman who identified herself as “Vanessa” in reports, said she took her daughter to the fast-food restaurant June 27 after a visit to the dentist. The woman soon heard crunching, and discovered pieces of glass in her daughter’s hamburger. Restaurant staff were … [Read more...] about Shattered bulb likely source of glass in fast-food meal

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – The makeup of the Southgate Community Schools Board of Education was again revised with the removal of Rebecca Reed as president of the panel. During a special meeting June 14, trustees voted to replace Reed with Vice President Paul Knott. Reed said the decision was based on her having a “conflict of interest” during recent discussions involving a video for which a teacher was disciplined. “It comes down to the fact that my son was involved,” Reed said of the … [Read more...] about School board replaces president