A trifecta of recognition
Southgate Councilwoman Karen George has garnered a lot of attention lately. Her long service to the community has brought accolades from various City departments and her fellow elected officials.
Leading the way was a presentation by Mayor Joseph Kuspa during the November 20th City Council meeting. At the work study session, the mayor presented Karen George with a special Crystal Gate Award commemorating her record breaking tenure on council. At that meeting, Councilwoman George’s service reached thirty years and one meeting. That beat the previous record of thirty years held by the late Ray Torres. Mayor Kuspa stated that, “Karen is a shining example of public service and dedication to this community.” He went on to indicate that, “Although it is important to recognize Karen’s milestone achievement, it is equally important to realize that, election after election, Councilwoman George
gained the trust and support of our Southgate votes.”
Karen George served under three City administrations: Mayor James Kandrevas (1983-1989), Mayor Norma Wurmlinger (1990-1999) and Mayor Kuspa (2009-present). While on
Council she also served with several other notable Southgate council members, such as: Anna Renaud, Suzanne Hall, Barbara Farrah, Dale Zamecki, and Ray Torres.
But Councilwoman George’s service did not start and end in the Council chambers. Through the years, Karen has been an avid sports enthusiast. Although her sport of choice is softball, Karen has also received numerous medals in various activities during the Downriver Senior Olympics. For decades, she coached and managed youth softball and soccer. But the surprise in the mix is that Karen is also an accomplished marksman receiving 2nd place in the 1989 Taylor Combat Pistol competition hosted by the Southgate, Wyandotte, and Taylor Police Departments
Councilwoman George’s affection for sports led her to organize numerous events in Southgate. She has also been a sponsor of Southgate Girl’s Softball teams for over 28 years.
In recognition of Karen George’s See TRIFECTA, Page 6
KINGSFORD & SQUIRREL
Kingsford
DCFCU’s Distinctly Downriver: a picturesque success
On November 14th, Downriver Community Federal Credit Union hosted its 1st Annual “Distinctly Downriver: A Photo Exhibit” event, showcasing the top 24 photos submitted to the Downriver Community Photo Contest. The exhibit featured stunning images that highlighted the beauty and character of the Downriver area, including local landmarks, cityscapes, seasonal scenes, and nature from Wayne and Monroe counties.
The photo contest encouraged photographers to capture what makes Downriver unique, with categories including landmarks, “Welcome” signs, landscapes, and other distinctive scenes from the community. Participants were urged to explore beyond the usual riverfront images and capture a broader range of locations from the surrounding areas to stand out in the competition.
At the event, the winners of the photo contest were announced: Gerald Thomas took first place, Adam Blake earned second, and Christopher Stearns claimed third.
In addition to the exhibit, attendees were the first to receive the 2025 Downriver Community Calendar, which features the top 12 photos from the contest. The calendar is available for free, while supplies last, at the Southgate branch located at 15261 Trenton Rd.
The event was a great success, drawing attention to the region’s vibrant and diverse landscapes while giving local photographers the chance to share their work with the community. The 9th edition of the Downriver Community Calendar is a beautiful tribute to the area, and a wonderful keepsake for anyone who appreciates the local scenery.
TRIFECTA
Continued from page 1
commitment to supporting and promoting sports in the City, the Southgate Parks & Recreation Commission recently inducted her into the Southgate Sports Hall of Fame. The induction process is very difficult and requires a consistent and positive contribution to the field of sports in Southgate. Since the inception of the Hall in 2006, only 18 inductees have been admitted to the Southgate Sports Hall of Fame. During the November 21st ceremony, dozens of residents and former teammates gathered in the Southwinds Club House to join in on the celebration and support the Councilwoman’s achievement.
One more significant recognition is slated for Karen George. But, this time it will involve Southgate’s Veterans Memorial Library. On Wednesday, December 11th, the Southgate Library Commission hosted an event to officially name the library’s meeting room in honor of Councilwoman George. During her service on Council, Karen has been a supporter of the public library and served as the Library Liaison to Council for many years. In response to all the awards and recognition, Councilwoman George is very thankful and reflective, “I appreciate all the attention I have received over the past few weeks. I thank all of the people I served with and continue to work with. The best part for me is that so many have become friends over the years.”
Estate Planning 101 Which plan do you need?
Time to clear up the confusion about Estate Planning ... The following definitions lack legal precision, but makes it easier to get a clear picture of what may be needed in your case.
■ Will – letter of intent of where you want your personal property to go – or not go.
■ Living Will – Documents your wishes during your final days including final healthcare choices and possibly your burial wishes.
■ Trust – This is a “company” that you start, and you become the CEO, “Trustee” and “Settlor.” The company outlives you, but continues to manage your assets as if you were alive by the successor CEO – whom you designate.
■ Power of Attorney – Financial and Healthcare – you need both – the first so someone can pay your bills, the second, sometimes called a Patient Advocate, designates someone to make “hallway at the hospital” decisions to take the stress off the family.
■ Ladybird Deed – probably the best thing that has happened to owning a home. I love these deeds – you grant yourself a life estate – in your own property - but retain the power to sell or borrow against the property. If you do not sell before you pass, this “springs” the house out of your estate, and your heirs have instant ownership, subject to any mortgage or taxes owed or similar.
Again, this is just a general description of the more popular terms – no one choice is a “silver bullet” but depending on how your estate gets planned out you can expedite a clean and clear process for the assets you worked a lifetime to save. Why wouldn’t you want to do that? Stop by or call and make an appointment and I’ll tell you what you’re going to need to do this right.
To my numerous former clients – thank you for allowing me to draft your estate plan!
Rotary Club of Southgate hosts District Governor
The Rotary Club of Southgate recently welcomed Rotary District 6400’s District Governor, Nick Krayacich, for his official visit at Downriver Community Federal Credit Union. The day began with a productive board meeting, followed by the formal gathering where several new members were sworn in by District Governor Krayacich and President Kevin Bowlby. The new members included JJ Harzel, Derrick DiBrano, and Nichole Zello from Riverview, as well as Brad Alderman, Ron Palmer, Mary Greener, Paul Knott, and Donald Corbin from Southgate.
During the meeting, the club presented a donation of $1,684 to support the Eradication of Polio campaign, raised through the club’s Pancake Breakfast fundraiser. In addition, Nick and Kevin were presented with Rotary jerseys, and the club made a book donation in the District Governor’s name to the local library, contributing “The Butterfly Story” for the community.
Sharing the holiday spirit: YMCA’s Thanksgiving outreach
The Downriver YMCA recently had the privilege of providing Fresh Thanksgiving Baskets to 184 families in the Downriver community, a gesture that brought the warmth and spirit of the holiday season to many homes. The initiative, which aimed to support families in need, was a success thanks to the collective efforts of the YMCA’s staff, board members, and generous sponsors.
The organization expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support that made this project possible. The YMCA’s Thanksgiving Basket program is just one example of the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting families and individuals throughout the Downriver area. With the help of its dedicated team and community partners, the Downriver YMCA continues to make a positive impact, strengthening the bonds that unite the community during the holiday season and beyond.
Titans kick off 2024-25 basketball season
By HANK MINCKIEWICZ
While the Titans faced a loss against Melvindale on November 25th, turned things around the next night and they beat Carleton Airport during its home-opener 44-24.
Anderson jumped out to a 13-8 lead after one period against Airport and continued to expand its margin. It was 20-13 at halftime and 34-23 at the end of the third quarter.
On opening night against the Cardinals in Melvindale, Anderson got off to a cold start and never recovered. The Titans trailed at one point in the second quarter 30-9. Both games were non-league affairs.
The Titans now face a pretty pre-holiday schedule with eight games slated to be played before the Christmas break. Five of the eight games are Downriver League games.
The Titans opened the 2024-25 league season on December 3rd against Taylor. That game was played after the Southgate Star’s press deadline.
After that, Anderson is set to face Roosevelt on December 10th, Allen Park on December 12th, Trenton on December 17th, and Woodhaven on December 19th.
When the Titans return from Christmas break, they will face Monroe Jefferson and Riverview in a pair of non-league battles before resuming Downriver League play.
2024-25 Roster
Roster
0 Noah Andrade 1 Chris Natera 2 DeAngelo Stewart 3 Alfredo Cantu
Thomas Laskowski 5 DeShaun Thompson
Juan Llanes
Oliver Cummings 13 Hunter Druchniak
14 Logan Tatman
15 Connor Taurance
21 John Parrish
22 Nicolas Rogowski
23 Mark Brandin
24 Vincent Iwaugwu
25 Josh Kennedy
50 Nathan Hovis
55 Jayden Mason
2024-25 Schedule
Dec. 10 at Roosevelt
Dec. 12 Allen Park
Dec. 17 Trenton
Dec. 19 Woodhaven
Jan. 6 at Monroe Jefferson
Jan. 7 at Riverview
Jan. 9 at Edsel Ford
Jan. 14 Carlson
Jan. 16 at Lincoln Park
Jan. 21 at Taylor
Jan. 24 at Clarenceville
Jan. 28 Roosevelt
Jan. 30 at Allen Park
Feb. 4 at Trenton
Feb. 7 at Woodhaven
Feb. 13 Edsel Ford
Feb. 18 at Carlson
Feb. 20 Lincoln Park
Feb. 24 Districts
Titan diver wins MHSAA regional title
Ella Manor, a member of the combined Southgate Anderson-Lincoln Park varsity swimming team, recently won the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 diving regional at Birmingham Seahold High School.
Manor was not in first place after her first two regional dives, but she nailed her final dive and took home the gold medal.
Manor’s final dive scored a massive 338.65, by far the highest score of the meet, and that effort pushed her into first place. Manor’s final dive was 9.45 points higher than the next best score.
The regional win qualified the Titan diver for the state finals at Oakland University where she was just one of 38 divers to compete at the finals.
Unfortunately, Manor did not get out of qualifying and did not place at the state meet.
Earlier this year, Manor also captured the Downriver League diving championship.
Titans get early wins
Last year, the Downriver Unified hockey team, with Southgate Anderson as its lead high school, won just two games all season.
The 2024-2025 season is just five games old for the DU squad, and already they have surpassed last year’s win total.
The team opened the year with back-to-back wins over North Oakland, another unified team. The Southgate squad won the first game 7-4 and two
nights later they won again, this time 7-3.
The team lost to Tawas Area 6-2, but bounced back to demolish New Boston Huron 9-1. Just after Thanksgiving, the club lost to Dexter 7-1.
In the season-opening win over North Oakland, Brant Kujawski and Kaden Petrarca each had two goals to key the victory. In the second win over the Eagles, Kujawski and Jack Lister had two goals each.
Peter Prevost got the start and the win in the first North Oakland game and Chloe Martin state and won the second.
In the big win over Huron, Lister’s three-goal hat trick led the way. Petrarca and Jack Moul each had two goals. It was a five-point night for
Moul and a four-point night for Lister. Prevost started in goal and got some mop-up work from Owen Calhoun.
Girls hoopers to kick off season
The Anderson girls basketball team kicked off the 2024-2025 season on December 2nd against Monroe Jefferson in a game that was played after the Southgate Star’s press deadline.
If you’d like to check out the Titans, you have a few chances before the Christmas holiday and many afterward.
The Titans will be at home on December 10th to face Roosevelt. They will be at Allen Park December 12th, and home against Trenton and Woodhaven on December 17th, and December 19th, respectively.
On Nov. 9 the Southgate Vikings Junior Varsity football team took the field against the Allen Park Bulldogs in the Downriver Junior Football League championship game, commonly known as “The Peanut Bowl.” It was a big day offensively for the Southgate boys as they ran up 36 points and beat their Allen Park rivals 36-21 to capture the 2024 DJFL junior varsity championship. In addition, the Viking freshman cheerleading squad took home first-place at the Peanut Bowl and the Viking varsity cheerleaders finished second.
GREAT LAKES MOMENT
Michigan’s Port of Monroe fosters a blue economy that welcomes wildlife
By JOHN HARTIG
Historically, the prevailing thinking was that society could have either a healthy economy or healthy biodiversity, but not both. But over time many businesses have proven this wrong. Michigan’s Port of Monroe is one, showing how a thriving maritime industry can go hand-in-hand with exceptional biodiversity.
Nestled on the banks of the River Raisin in Monroe, Michigan is the Port of Monroe — what mariners affectionately call the “Biggest Little Port” on the Great Lakes. However, this St. Lawrence Seaway System node not only welcomes limestone, synthetic gypsum, natural gas pipeline sections, steel coils, wind energy components and containers, but it also welcomes wildlife.
The port is 35 miles south of Detroit, Michigan and 17 miles north of Toledo, Ohio. It is Michigan’s only port on Lake Erie and is the gateway to the state’s far-reaching multimodal transportation network.
In 2023, the port received about 2.5 million tons of cargo. The port can transfer cargo between rail, truck or vessel. In 2023, the port received $16 million in state and federal grants to build a terminal that will allow the port to handle container shipments, the most common and efficient shipment method for goods. This will make Port of Monroe the first container terminal in Michigan when it comes online in 2025, making it one of the most state-of-theart ports on the Great Lakes.
The Great Lakes Seaway Partnership has documented that
the Port of Monroe and its maritime commerce support: 1,659 jobs, $96 million in economic activity, $121.1 million in personal income and local consumption expenditures and $38.5 million in federal and state tax revenue.
Port of Monroe is also getting a reputation for its exceptional wildlife
Western Lake Erie and the Port of Monroe are situated at the intersection of the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways. The flyways are ideal for migrating birds because they provide food, water and shelter. The Port of Monroe happens to be surrounded by approximately 1,742 acres of conservation lands — Sterling State Park, Ford March Unit of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, and wetland and prairie habitats that are part of the Monroe Power Plant — and the waters of western Lake Erie.
Lake Erie has been recognized for its biodiversity in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (one of 67 areas of continental significance to North American ducks, geese and swans), the Canada-U.S. Lake Erie Lakewide Management Plan, and the Lake Erie Biodiversity Conservation Strategy produced by The Nature Conservancy. It has been identified as a priority area for waterfowl conservation by Ducks Unlimited.
Western Lake Erie and the lower River Raisin are a magnet for waterfowl because they provide stopover habitats where birds rest, refuel and find shelter during their migration between breeding and wintering areas. Such sites are critical for bird survival, as migration is the most dangerous part of their life cycle.
“More than 300,000 diving ducks
like canvasbacks, bluebills, redheads and mergansers migrate through the area each year,” said Richard Micka, a lifelong outdoorsman and member of the River Raisin Public Advisory Committee and the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance. “We also have dabbling ducks that do not dive beneath the surface, including blue-winged and green-winged teal, pintails, black ducks and mallards. It should be no surprise that this area has long been a birding and waterfowl-hunting mecca.”
To help support osprey recovery efforts, the Port of Monroe worked with DTE Energy to relocate an active osprey nest at the port and then constructed two osprey platforms on its property. These platforms provide nesting habitat and have been successful in attracting this “species of special concern” in Michigan.
The Port of Monroe also welcomes many other avian visitors. For example, Caspian tern, a threatened species in Michigan, has been a regular visitor to the port that inspires a sense of wonder in both port workers and deckhands from visiting ships.
Lake Erie has the highest biological diversity and fish production of all the Great Lakes, and as a result, one of the largest freshwater fisheries in the world. Located at the mouth of the River Raisin is the 3,279-megawatt Monroe Power Plant owned by DTE Energy with Wildlife Habitat Councilcertified habitats. This plant is literally in the shadow of the port. The thermal discharge from the plant prevents the water from always freezing in the winter and attracts large numbers of fish from Lake Erie’s world-class fishery. This, in turn, attracts fish-eating bald eagles — often more than 100.
The interest in seeing so many bald eagles in one place has led to an annual bald eagle tour sponsored by DTE Energy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. These tours have been held on power plant property for 14 consecutive years. Interest in seeing our National Symbol is so great that individuals have to be selected by lottery.
“We have seen up to 200 bald eagles while we are breaking ice with a tugboat at the port in winter,” said Paul LaMarre, director of the Port of Monroe. “It often feels like we are in a wildlife sanctuary, instead of a maritime port. This is something I wish more people could experience.”
Not only is the Port of Monroe growing its operations and maritime economy, but it is also a partner in cleaning up the River Raisin Area of Concern and stewarding its natural resources.
“The Port of Monroe is a shining example that industry and environment can coexist,” said LaMarre. “The synergy of community, wildlife, and commercial waterway is at the heart of what we as a public port are striving to protect.”
Originally published by Great Lakes Now. John Hartig is a board member at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. He serves as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Windsor’s Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research and has written numerous books and publications on the environment and the Great Lakes. Hartig also helped create the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, where he worked for 14 years as the refuge manager.
Photos courtesy of the Port of Monroe
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NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
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Pioneers fall in finals of D8 football playoffs
A sensational season came to an end for the Gabriel Richard football team in the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 8 state championship game at Ford Field on Dec. 29.
The Pioneers, who finished the season 11-2, reached the state championship game with four consecutive playoff victories, but in the title game they ran into an inspired Beal City team and lost 43-14.
Beal City is one of the real blue bloods of smallschool football in Michigan. The Aggies have been in the state championship game 10 times in their history, winning three state titles. The Aggies were 12-2 this season with losses to Reed City and McBain, coming by a total of eight points. Last year, Beal City lost in
the state semifinals to eventual D* state champion Ubly.
Richard scored first against the Aggies in the championship game and the TD came on a thrilling play as Richard quarterback Nick Sobush hit Derek Lesko with a perfect 53-yard bomb to give the Pioneers a 6-0 lead.
Richard’s 1,000-yard running back Joey Calhoun then scored a two-point conversion and it was 8-0 less than a minute into the championship game. The opening drive lasted three plays and covered 72 yards. It was a great start for the Riverview squad, but the Pioneers could not maintain the lead as Beal City scored on three of its four first first-half possessions and led 22-8 at halftime.
Beal City got a good kickoff return to start the season half and went on to score again to make it a 29-8 game.
Richard got back into it with a 76-yard drive that lasted 16 plays and chewed up nearly eight minutes of the game clock. Sobush paid off the drive with a oneyard sneak. The two-point try failed and it was 29-14.
But that was Richard’s last trip to the end zone of the season and the Aggies added two fourth-quarter scores to get the final to 43-14.
Beal City finished with 332 total yards, all but 17 of it on the ground.
Gabriel Richard had 251 total yards. Sobush was 9-for-18 through the air for 120 yards. Sobush was also the team’s leading rusher with 58 yards, Calhoun had 46 rushing yards and Kris Vigers added 31.
Defensively, Sobush, Lesko and Eric Busbee led the Pioneers in tackles. Lesko, Calhoun and Max Riney all had tackles for a loss.
The Pioneers came into the game pretty banged up and first-year coach Mark Shea gave his team praise for hanging tough while playing shorthanded.
PAGE 14
Riverview welcomes new elementary principal
RCSD wants to give a big Pirate welcome to the newest member of the administrative team, Mr. Erik Browe. Erik was named the new principal at Memorial Elementary for the 2024-2025 school year and comes to the position with 16 years of experience in education. Mr. Browe earned his Bachelor’s in education from Western Michigan University and his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Madonna University.
Erik grew up in Southgate and comes to Riverview
from Melvindale where he served as an Assistant Principal and prior to that was a Special Education Teacher in Allen Park. He also has experience coaching football and basketball.
Mr. Browe is excited to be part of the community and looks forward to continuing the great traditions at Memorial Elementary. He is dedicated to fostering a positive, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for all students.
PAGE 4
Grosse
Ile skaters off to a quick start in
2024-25
The 2024-25 high school hockey season is young, really young, but the Grosse Ile Red Devils have already notched a crucial victory.
Last year the Red Devils kind of ran off with the Michigan Metro League West Division title, but Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard was one of Grosse Ile’s closest pursuers.
On Nov. 20 Grosse Ile made sure there was still
some space between the two squads when they skated away with a 7-5 victory on home ice.
The Red Devils led 3-1 after one period and 5-3 after two before settling for the 7-5 final score.
Three Red Devils – Colten Dwarzski, Max Myers and Adalar Hovis – scored two goals each to key the offense. Evan Raithel had the other Grosse Ile goal. Dwarzski also had two assists to complete a fourpoint night and Dom Cucinella matched that effort with four assists. Six other Red Devil players had assists, including Jake Oliver, who had two. Grosse Ile opened the season with a 7-4 win over archrival Riverview. The Bucs are now a co-op team with Cabrini and the past few seasons have been kind of an uphill battle for the program. The climb continues, so it would appear, as Grosse Ile had a relatively easy time with the Pirates.
PAGE 18
Football season could have been an historic one
By any measure the recently concluded high school football season was a fine one for the Trenton Trojans.
Trenton won six games this season and qualified for the Division 3 state playoffs. Along the way the Trojans scored 42 points in wins over both Wyandotte and Dearborn Edsel Ford and 52 in a shutout win over Taylor.
The Trojans were the only team to beat league champion Carlson during the regular season and they were one of only two teams (Carlson was the other) to beat league runner-up Allen Park.
On balance it was a good season that deserves a place of honor in the school trophy case. But, it does not take a lot of imagination to realize what an historic season 2024 could have been.
Incredibly Trenton lost four games this season by a total of six points. Six points! And, the Trojans lost the first game of the season by one point and the last game of the season by one point. They also lost to non-league Chelsea by a point and to Woodhaven by a field goal.
Trenton drew neighboring Riverview in the first round of the state playoffs. The Bucs and Trojans met in the first round last year, too, with Riverview snaring a 27-25 victory.
This year’s game – if you can believe it – was even closer as Riverview ventured down Fort Street to Walter Farrer Field and beat the homestanding Trojans 22-21 in a thriller that went down to the final seconds.
Trenton led 7-0, 7-6 and 21-14 but could not hold on against the relentless Pirates.
It was a bit of an unusual game as the teams raced up and down the field in the first quarter and scored a combined 28 points before settling down and scoring just 15 the rest of the way.
Trenton opened the scoring with a lightning bolt from their senior thoroughbred running back Ashton Rooney, who got loose on one of his electrifying runs, this one covering 47 yards to the end zone. The PAT made it 7-0.
The Bucs had an answer and that answer was a long, determined drive and ended with a Nate Pinkava one-yard scoring run. The try for two failed and Trenton retained a one-point lead. The Riverview drive covered 75 yards.
PAGE 19
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
A big thank you to the Wyandotte Beautification Commission for helping get Downtown Wyandotte ready for the holiday season! Their hard work and dedication have brought festive cheer to the community for years, making it a great place for Downriver to visit during end-of-year festivities.
