Starting this month, the Southgate Municipal Building will be updated to provide greater access for residents and visitors. The front steps and circular drive will be removed and replaced with a new roadway and parking area that will be closer to the main entrance. Those with mobility issues will now have handicap parking adjacent to the sidewalk in front of the building.
The new road will still start at Dix-Toledo, but will now be slightly elevated and continue past the Municipal Building and Veterans Library and on to Reaume Parkway. Some minor work will also be done on the library parking area.
In addition, a new drop box and service road will be constructed on the north side of the building. This will allow residents to drop off payments or other city related documents without leaving their vehicle.
This project will be primarily funded through a $490,000 Wayne County CDGB grant. At a recent council meeting, Mayor Kuspa thanked Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and his staff for this most recent award. “This grant will provide the catalyst to get this project done. Our front steps have been a challenge for many of our residents and we will now be able to provide better and safer access to our municipal building.”
The renovation project is estimated to be a five month project. At some point during the construction, the main entrance will be closed for a short period of time. During that time, an alternative entrance will be available so that residents will continue to have access to city offices. Look for construction updates on the City of Southgate website, southgatemi.org, and on the City’s social media sites.
On February 21st, MissyKins K-9 Grooming celebrated its official Grand Opening with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 16020 Dix. The event drew a large crowd, with the parking lot packed with attendees eager to support the new business. Owner Missy Peters, with over 30 years of experience in dog grooming, was joined by her dedicated team as they welcomed the community to their new space. With a strong commitment to building lasting relationships with both pets and owners, Missy and her staff create a calm, safe, and welcoming environment for every dog. Special attention is given to senior dogs and those with anxiety, ensuring each pet has a positive and stress-free experience.
and presented MissyKins with a ceremonial first dollar. It was a great start and a true celebration of community support, marking the beginning of what promises to be a successful venture in Southgate.
Learn more about MissyKins and their grooming options on their Facebook page, MissyKins K-9 Grooming.
In attendance to help celebrate the opening were Mayor Joseph Kuspa, City Council President Zoey Kuspa, Councilwoman Karen George, and Councilwoman Victoria Araj. Monique Reister, Senior Director of Membership Engagement from the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber, also joined the celebration
DMS titans hit the slopes
Davidson Middle School’s Ski Club recently provided students with a unique chance to try something new and exciting. With the hard work and dedication of Mr. Grabetz and Mr. Childs, the ski event was a great success, offering students a fun way to learn a new sport.
The ski trip gave students the opportunity to engage in an activity that might not be common for their own families, allowing them to explore something outside of their usual routines. It’s a fantastic way for the students to step out of their comfort zones, learn new skills, and create lasting memories with their teachers and classmates.
Happy Pi Day
March is a very special month at Preferred Insured Agency. Our Partners got married on March 14 or Pi Day and we created our agency to celebrate that.
You may have noticed the Pi symbol in our logo. The initials of our company name are PI. Our company colors are Purple and Indigo. Even our puppy is named Pi!
“Preferred Insured” emphasizes the people we serve rather than the products we offer. We are grateful to over 1,500 Michigan clients who trust our agency to put their needs above our bottom line. If you are not yet one of them, why not give us a try?
Come and see us Monday to Friday from 11am to 5pm.
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!
DOWNRIVERCU’S
Empowering Attendees One Workshop at a Time
Downriver Community Federal Credit Union’s Pizza & Power Lunch Series is Empowering People One Workshop at a Time.
For over 17 years, Downriver Community Federal Credit Union (DownriverCU) has been dedicated to helping individuals and businesses “Accomplish Great Things” by providing valuable educational workshops. Having concluded its Grow Your Business Series in 2024 with over 200 successful sessions, the credit union continues to provide valuable resources for professionals looking to grow, develop, and overcome challenges through its new Pizza & Power Lunch Series.
What is the Pizza & Power Lunch Series?
The Pizza & Power Lunch Series is a monthly workshop designed for employees, entrepreneurs, and business owners who want to take their personal and professional growth to the next level. Each session tackles important
topics such as goal-setting, leadership, financial strategies, business growth, and productivity. Participants can enjoy a slice of pizza (or bring their own lunch) while engaging in insightful discussions and learning practical strategies from industry experts.
March Workshop: “What Dream is Ready for Your Yes?”
The next Pizza & Power Lunch
will be held on Tuesday, March 18th at DownriverCU’s Southgate Office (15261 Trenton Rd.) with check-in and lunch starting at 11:45AM and the workshop lasting from 12:00 Noon to 1:00PM.
This month’s session will focus on turning intentions into action. Whether you’re working toward a personal or professional goal, you may have
encountered setbacks, distractions, or a lack of momentum. This workshop will help you:
- Clarify, leverage, and energize your goals
- Dissolve limitations and break through barriers
- Use visualization techniques to boost success
As always, the Pizza & Power Lunch workshops are free to attend, but registration is required to secure your spot. Whether you join us in person or online, this is an opportunity to gain valuable insights, network with like-minded professionals, and take meaningful steps toward your goals.
To register for any of these workshops, or to find out details regarding the speaker, topic, and date of the next workshop, please visit www.DownriverCU.com/ PizzaPowerLunch.
The Southgate Veterans Memorial Library recently asked the community to help brighten up the Youth section with artwork, and the response was fantastic! The library received so many beautiful entries that additional hooks will be needed to display all the pieces. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who contributed their time and creativity.
The artwork is currently being showcased on the library’s social media, and some pieces are already on the walls for visitors to enjoy. More will be added as soon as the extra hooks are installed. For those who haven’t seen the artwork in person yet, the library encourages them to stop by—photos don’t do the pieces justice.
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by 10th grade student, Rory
City of Southgate holds SCPSA first graduation ceremony
The City of Southgate celebrated their first graduates of the Southgate Citizens Public Safety Academy (SCPSA) on Thursday, February 27th. This eight week program, which began in early January, focused on providing an in depth look at the City’s Police and Fire Departments.
Each week, members of the Public Safety Departments met with the participants and discussed a wide variety of important subjects. These topics included emergency preparedness, police training and certifications, school safety, Downriver SWAT, crash investigations, criminal justice, and a live demonstration of the K-9 Unit. There was also a behind-the scenes tour of the Police and Fire Stations.
The Public Safety Academy was developed by Public Safety Director Joe Marsh and his staff. Marsh stated, “We wanted to create a program that provided our residents the opportunity to learn more about our public safety departments in a structured yet casual setting. But, equally important was to allow for questions and comments from the people we serve.”
Academy attendee Rose Heckman felt that the program was very beneficial. “I have always liked living in Southgate, but after attending this course, I have a renewed sense of pride in my hometown.” Fellow graduates Richard and Katherine Sands
thanked all of the officers and firefighters who were a part of the program stating, “Without question, we would recommend and promote participating in the next Southgate Citizen’s Public Safety Academy.”
Mr. Sands went on to recommend that other communities should follow Southgate’s lead and develop a similar program for their city.
Southgate Mayor, Joseph Kuspa, also attended the weekly sessions. “I enjoyed listening to each presenter and the exchanges between our officers, fire fighters and the residents who attended.” Kuspa
further noted, “This program provides transparency and insight into the inner workings of our public safety departments and I would highly recommend attending a future Academy.”
There is no cost to attend the Southgate Public Safety Academy but registration is requested. The next 8 week course is slated to begin September 18th, 2025. To register, visit the City of Southgate website www.southgatemi.org and look for the Citizens Public Safety Academy under the Police Department tab.
Titans squad takes 6th in tough regional battle
The Michigan high school competitive cheer season continued with intense regional competitions on Saturday, as eight Downriver area teams fought for a coveted spot in next weekend’s state championships in Mount Pleasant. Southgate Anderson, competing in the Division 2 regional at Fenton High School, put on a strong performance but finished in sixth place with a score of 765.96. Despite the solid showing, they couldn’t secure a spot at states.
Southgate triumphs over Jefferson on senior
night
The regional event was dominated by Allen Park, who claimed their eighth consecutive regional title with an impressive score of 785.78. They finished nearly eight points ahead of second-place Gibraltar Carlson (778.14), who also had a fantastic performance but fell short of matching Allen Park’s pace.
In addition to Allen Park, Carlson and Grosse Ile earned runner-up finishes at their respective regionals, ensuring their places in the state
competition. The regional at Fenton was especially competitive, with several highly-ranked teams, including Allen Park and Carlson, leading the charge. Southgate Anderson, ranked No. 5, had a strong start but ultimately couldn’t keep pace with the top teams. Other local teams like Dearborn Divine Child and Riverview also gave it their all, but unfortunately fell short of qualifying for the state championships. Allen Park would go on to win the Division 2 State Finals, with
On March 1st, the Southgate Anderson Girls’ Varsity Basketball team celebrated Senior Night with a thrilling victory over Jefferson, securing a 26-22 win. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as the team honored their senior players for their hard work and dedication throughout their high school careers.
As the game unfolded, it was clear that the Titans were determined to send their seniors off with a memorable win. The team’s defense was strong, holding Jefferson to just 22 points throughout the game, while Southgate Anderson’s offense showed grit, earning a hard-fought 26 points to seal the victory.
earning
Ile secured runner-up in the Division 3 State Finals.
While the regional outcome was disappointing for some teams, the talent and determination displayed by all the competitors served as a reminder of the strength of Downriver cheer programs. With hard work and dedication, the future is bright for these teams as they continue to push towards even greater accomplishments in the seasons to come.
Gibraltar Carlson
runner-up. Grosse
Southgate bowlers roll strong at regionals
The 2025 Division 2, Region 16 Bowling Regionals, held at Westland Bowl on February 20th-21st, showcased strong performances from both the Southgate Anderson boys and girls teams.
The girls finished 4th overall with a score of 2,620, just 26 pins shy of claiming 3rd place, which was secured by Gibraltar Carlson with a score of 2,646. Divine Child took the top spot with a score of 2,925, while New Boston Huron finished in second with 2,886. Despite falling two places
Anderson band shines at festival
On February 28th, the Southgate Anderson Symphonic Band achieved an exceptional milestone at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Band Festival, receiving a first division Superior rating, the highest honor available. Earning a Superior rating is a significant accomplishment and places the Anderson Symphonic Band among the best in the region. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the talent and hard work of the band members but also qualifies them for the State Band & Orchestra Festival, which will be held in late April or early May.
short of a state berth, the girls demonstrated impressive resilience and skill throughout the competition.
In the individual competition, freshman Mallory Addison had an outstanding performance, finishing 17th out of 67 bowlers. Her solid showing helped contribute to the team’s overall effort. Teammates Kaitlin Williams and Lydia Bednar also had strong finishes, securing 20th and 21st place, respectively. Senior Brinlee Kennedy had a standout moment, finishing 27th overall but recording the high game of
the day with an impressive 231. Senior Hannah Feijoo from Trenton took home the individual first-place honors with a total score of 1,121.
On the boys’ side, Southgate Anderson finished 10th overall with a team score of 2,568. New Boston Huron dominated, claiming the first-place spot with a score of 3,474. In the individual standings, David Degrazia led the Southgate boys, finishing 14th, while Kyle Nichols finished 29th and Caleb Holt placed 38th. Sophomore Brayden Siders of Carleton Airport
took first with a score of 1,410.
While neither team advanced to the state finals, the Southgate Anderson bowlers showcased resilience, skill, and teamwork throughout the regional competition. The girls’ close 4th place finish and the individual achievements from both teams set a solid foundation for future success. With a strong group of athletes, Southgate Anderson has a bright future ahead in bowling.
Hales commits to Adrian
On January 27th, Adelynn
Hales took an exciting step continuing her athletic and academic career by signing to cheer for Adrian College this fall. Surrounded by family, friends, and coaches, Adelynn celebrated this important milestone, marking the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. Her commitment to the sport has earned her a spot on the Adrian College cheer team, where she will continue to develop her skills while representing the college and carrying the Titan Pride with her.
NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com to read more news on our digital publications.
Officer Barwig honored with Community Champion Award
Officer Cade Barwig’s unwavering commitment to the community has earned him the Community Champion Award from the Rotary Club of Wyandotte. Officer Barwig’s work goes beyond his duties as a police officer; he plays a critical role in overseeing the hiring, testing, and training of new recruits, ensuring that the police department continues to serve the community with dedication and professionalism.
Officer Barwig and his wife have shown a strong commitment to local initiatives, particularly through their involvement in the Shop with a Cop program. This program, which pairs police officers with children from the community for a holiday shopping experience, has been a meaningful way for him to connect with the community and make a difference in the lives of local families.
Officer Barwig’s contributions are a testament to his character and his passion for serving others. The recognition from the Rotary Club highlights the positive impact he has made, both as an officer and as an active member of the community.
The City of Wyandotte is proud to announce that its request to significantly increase the WalkSafe Wyandotte Sidewalk Improvement Project Grant award through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) has been approved. The grant, issued by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), has been raised from $462,474 to an impressive $1,258,768—a net increase of $796,294. Downtown Wyandotte is beautiful, but many parts of our sidewalk network need major improvement. The City often receives complaints about trip hazards and uneven brick pavers. This funding allows them to address these concerns, creating a safer and more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
“This is a major win for our community,” said Joe Gruber, Director of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). “By securing this additional funding, we are able to further invest in the safety, accessibility, and longevity of our downtown sidewalks. The replacement of aging brick pavers with exposed aggregate concrete will ensure a more resilient and aesthetically pleasing streetscape for generations to come.”
PAGE 3
TBA announces 2025 Leadership Scholarships for Trenton students
The Trenton Business Association (TBA) is offering two $500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Trenton High School or Trenton residents attending nearby high schools in the Class of 2025. The scholarships available are the Bradley Davidson TBA Scholarship and the TBA Leadership Scholarship. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate leadership in their community and are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school.
To be eligible, applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.5 and show involvement in leadership activities. The application requires answers to several questions designed to assess leadership skills, community impact, and personal accomplishments. Responses should be thoughtful and well-written, with each answer requiring a minimum of two paragraphs.
The application deadline is March 1, 2025. Completed applications can be submitted to the Trenton High School counseling office or mailed to the TBA Scholarship Committee at PO Box 4, Trenton, MI 48183.
PAGE 3
During the month of February, all of the specials’ teachers at Forest Elementary were working on activities in their classes that teach kindness. In the gym, students learned about how to keep their heart healthy so they may be able to be good sports in all their activities. They performed many heart fitness exercises along with learning different ways to be a good friend and use good sportsmanship.
The music classes worked on a song called, “Count on Me,” by Bruno Mars. The song talks about friendship, kindness and always being there for people who are special to them. The emphasis of the song is loving those around you unconditionally and under any circumstances. The students had wonderful conversations about those who they love and the distance they would go for them.
PAGE 15
GR’s hockey season comes to a close Riverview Gabriel Richard’s 2024-2025 hockey season will be remembered for its resilience, leadership, and determination. Facing the toughest schedule in program history, the team still managed to capture their eighth consecutive regional title with a 5-2 win over Detroit Country Day. Their remarkable run ended in the state quarterfinals, where
Celebrating kindness through fitness, music, and art
they faced Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood on March 1st—almost a year to the day from their previous matchup.
In this highly anticipated game at Yack Arena in Wyandotte, the stakes were just as high, but the defending D3 state champions from Cranbrook came out on top with a 3-2 overtime win. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Richard’s journey was one
of growth and achievement. The team was led by stellar seniors, including Matthew Cole (#6), Teig Lucidi (#14), Tony Venturini (#22), and Jake Csekei (#27), as well as their strong leadership trio: Tony Venturini (C), Jake Csekei (A), and Connor Forster (A).
The 2024 season may have ended earlier than they hoped, but the contributions from the players, coaches, families, and fans ensured that Gabriel Richard’s hockey program continues to thrive.
PAGE 12
Grosse Ile takes the plunge
While seeing people in the water at Grosse Ile’s Sunrise Park may be common during the summer, it’s a different story when bathers are braving the cold on a chilly Saturday morning in February. This was the scene on Saturday, February 25th, when the 2nd Annual Law Enforcement United Crusade Against Suicide Polar Plunge took place at Sunrise Park.
The event was organized to raise awareness and funds to combat the rising number of police suicides across the country, while supporting mental health resources for law enforcement officers. The Polar Plunge serves as a critical reminder of the mental health challenges faced by officers and the need for greater support.
The foundation behind the event was established by Woodhaven residents Brian and Marie Sizemore,
following the tragic suicide of their 24-year-old son, Lucas Sizemore. Lucas, a police officer in Atlanta, Georgia, died by suicide, prompting the Sizemores to create The Lucas Foundation: Law Enforcement United Crusade Against Suicide to address mental health concerns within the police force.
The idea for the Polar Plunge event came from Brownstown Police Deputy Chief and Grosse Isle resident Andy Starzec. Similar to last year, officers from the Atlanta Police Department participated in the event, plunging into the icy waters of the Detroit River off Grosse Isle’s eastern shore at Sunrise Park.
PAGE 33
Non-porfit organization lands at Grosse Ile Airport
On February 22nd, Grosse Ile Municipal Airport had the honor of hosting some very special visitors— volunteers from Turtles Fly Too, a non-profit organization dedicated to using general aviation to
transport endangered species. The mission of Turtles Fly Too is to facilitate air transport for critically endangered animals while promoting conservation through education and outreach.
The highlight of the visit was the introduction of Turtle Flier One, a Cessna Skymaster aircraft donated by a long-time supporter of the organization. This aircraft marks a significant milestone for Turtles Fly Too, as it will help expand the organization’s efforts in protecting endangered species. In addition to transporting endangered animals, Turtle Flier One will also be available to support whale entanglement rescue teams and conduct marine animal surveys.
