By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – No news – or at least very little change – in the city’s financial picture was greeted as promising news as Southgate officials offered a stable budget and nominal increase in water rates charged to residents. “The budget reflects the consistent manner in which revenues and expenses have been managed in for the last six years,” City Administrator Bryce Kelley said. “It’s cautious and conservative, but we haven’t lost any ground.” City council members considered the … [Read more...] about Budget reflects city’s continued stability
Southgate
Developer interest in city parcels continues
By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – While no official announcements are ready on three of the largest unused properties in Southgate, City Administrator Bryce Kelley said it’s just a matter of time as all signs point to continued investment. “I’m getting at least one call a week from some business or interested investor,” Kelley said. “With the questions they’re asking it means they’re taking a serious look at properties.” Earlier this year Mayor Joseph Kuspa, in his State of the City address, indicated … [Read more...] about Developer interest in city parcels continues
Man shot, found in driveway
By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – Police are investigating what happened that resulted in the discovery of a 32-year-old man who’d been shot in the shoulder. The man was reportedly found about 9 p.m. March 29 in the driveway of his house in the 14000 block of Longtin near Mercier. A neighbor called police after seeing the man, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The man was taken to a nearby hospital and had been medicated and unable to explain what happened. (James Mitchell can be reached … [Read more...] about Man shot, found in driveway
Student texting challenges schools, parents
By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – The suspensions given earlier this month to students involved in the possession or distribution of inappropriate photos was the latest reminder of a challenge facing both schools and parents. Taylor School District Supt. Leslie Hainrihar said social media and smart phones have blurred the distinction between off- and on-campus activity. “The photos originated outside of school hours, and off school property,” Hainrihar said. “Then it comes into school one day: They send … [Read more...] about Student texting challenges schools, parents
Egg hunt leads spring recreation calendar
By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – It must be spring if the Easter Bunny is planning a visit, and the city’s 10th annual Easter Eggstravaganza will help usher in the season with events for the whole family. The free event is co-sponsored by the Southgate Historical Foundation, Cultural, Arts and Special Events Commission and Southgate Parks and Recreation. The Eggstravaganza begins at noon March 19 on the grounds of the Southgate Historical Museum, 14120 Dix-Toledo, with Easter Egg hunts for three age … [Read more...] about Egg hunt leads spring recreation calendar
Man sentenced for murder of woman, son
By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – A 34-year-old man who pleaded guilty to the murders of a woman and her 10-year-old son will spend at least 45 years in prison under a sentencing agreement carried out last week. Antoine Terrail Beck was sentenced Feb. 24 to a minimum of 45 years and a maximum of 75 years in prison for the June 2015 deaths of Courtney Marie Durr, 28, and her son, Sumari Keon Das. Beck was sentenced by Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Cameron. Beck had been scheduled to face a jury … [Read more...] about Man sentenced for murder of woman, son
Mayor says last year’s success paves way for more
By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – There isn’t much that Southgate hasn’t faced in recent years, from a struggling economy that left many cities facing “emergency” conditions to natural disasters that flooded the town with problems. Yet the current “State of the City,” as described by Mayor Joseph Kuspa during his annual address last week, seems more promising than most of his seven years in office. “We accomplished many great things in 2015,” Kuspa said. “We’ve laid the foundation for continued growth and … [Read more...] about Mayor says last year’s success paves way for more
Seniors to benefit with flood-prevention valves
By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – An estimated 70 houses of qualifying senior citizens will by year’s end receive a little more insurance against future floods like the one that washed through town in 2014. The City Council during its regular meeting Jan. 20, approved a pilot program to install backwater valves courtesy of Community Block Grant Development funds provided by Wayne County Community Development. City Administrator Bryce Kelley said the back-flow preventers offer the best odds against houses … [Read more...] about Seniors to benefit with flood-prevention valves
Rotary warms hands, heads with holiday drive
By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – Few things are more basic than keeping children warm during the winter months, and the Rotary Club of Southgate once again answered the bell with more than 1,000 donated hats and mittens during its annual campaign. “Basic needs is one of our focus areas,” said Rotarian Fran Waszkiewicz, who helped coordinate this year’s collection. The international club’s “Service Above Self” motto drives the chapter’s annual events including a fishing derby for special needs students, book … [Read more...] about Rotary warms hands, heads with holiday drive
Holiday cheer in full swing city-wide
By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE – It began looking a lot like Christmas in Southgate, especially after city officials flicked the switch and let the lights signal another holiday season. The tree-lighting ceremony Dec. 4 kicked off the season with a visit by Santa Claus, Christmas carols and ice-sculpting demonstrations and displays by local businesses. Local families turned out in full force to greet the season, sip hot beverages and carry on longtime traditions. The spirit of the season continues this … [Read more...] about Holiday cheer in full swing city-wide