Trenton Times, February 27 – March 25, 2024

Trenton State of the City 2024

By JOE HOSHAW JR.

Trenton Mayor Steven Rzeppa’s fifth State of the City address offered a fast-paced overview of a community burgeoning with progress on a number of fronts — most notably the recent announcement of the pending demolition of DTE Energy’s Trenton Channel plant and a potential investment of $400 million to revitalize a portion of the property there.

But that was just one of a steady stream of future plans and recent accomplishments packed into a 37-minute talk that at times challenged the audience of about 70 people on hand Feb. 5 at the Westfield Activities Center to keep pace.

The 22nd annual State of the City was once again presented jointly by the Trenton Rotary Club and the Trenton Business Association — a tradition going back to the event’s inception in 2003.

All but one of the 22 State of the City programs has been held at Westfield. In 2021, with COVID-19 vaccinations as the main talking point in most conversations, the gathering was held at Trenton City Hall in a “hybrid” live-virtual format with only a limited number of people on hand in person.

It was at that gathering that Rzeppa famously said his first full year as mayor was analogous to “drinking water out of a fire hose.” Between the ravages of the pandemic, the subsequent economic uncertainty and flaring bouts of civil unrest in Michigan and throughout the country, city operations were

Photo by Ronnie Ruelle/Trenton Rotary

May 7th ballot proposals

Initiatives to support our community’s education

Earlier this month, a letter was shared with our community regarding the exciting progress of our Energy Bond Initiative that comes at no cost to taxpayers. A sentiment was also shared that was related to time not being infinite along with the immortal words of Everett Wiley Wilson - leave things better than you found them. To that end, we are excited to announce that Trenton Public Schools is continuing the mission to make the school district exemplary!

Residents of Trenton will be asked to consider two separate initiatives on the May 7 ballot to fully fund school district operations and invest in school safety, technology, as well as infrastructure and equipment to support student learning. The TPS Board of Education approved placing both measures on the May 7 ballot during their meeting on January 22, 2024.

Both proposals are integral to maintaining the high standards of education and facilities provided by Trenton Public Schools.

The first proposal is a renewal of the district’s non-homestead millage (operating millage) —a funding source required by state law. The nonhomestead millage is levied only on businesses, vacant land, rental properties and second homes. The non-homestead millage renewal is NOT levied on primary residences (the home in which a homeown-

er lives). Currently, this revenue source contributes nearly $3.3 million annually to the operating budget and supports all programs and services provided by Trenton Public Schools.

The second proposal addresses the replacement of Trenton’s hold-harmless millage with a 2.0 mill sinking fund. Currently, only 23 school districts in Michigan have a hold-harmless millage, and the State is phasing them out due to their instability as revenue sources. Trenton experienced a reduction of over $700,000 in the hold-harmless millage last year, with further declines projected. This reduction limits the school district’s ability to maintain, repair, and enhance school facilities and programs.

If voters approve the sinking fund proposal, the hold-harmless millage will no longer be levied. The 2.0 mill sinking fund would require a tax rate increase of 0.52 mills over the current hold harmless tax rate. For the average Trenton homeowner (home with a market value of $200,000), this would result in an approximate increase of $52 per year ($4.33 per month). The sinking fund is projected to generate approximately $352,000 more per year than the existing hold-harmless millage. Ultimately, the sinking fund revenue will be prioritized to support projects falling into three main areas:

• Enhancing safety and security.

• Updating technology.

• Updating infrastructure and equipment supporting the arts.

Detailed information about the ballot proposals will be available soon on the school district’s website (www.trentonschools.com). Superintendent Mentzer assures residents that additional information about the proposals will be sent in the coming weeks. For any immediate questions, residents are encouraged to contact Superintendent Mentzer by phone (734-676-8600) or email (mentzerd@trentonschools.com).

To calculate this change and the impact on your taxes, go to this link Sinking Fund Calculator on our district website and enter the market value of your home. If you are not sure of this amount, simply go to your tax bill, look near the top of the statement, and you will see the State Equalized Value. Take this amount and multiply by 2. For example, an SEV of $150,00 would equate to a market value of $300,000. If this doesn’t work, go to your Property Tax Assessment Notice, look at #4, and you should see your State Equalized Value.

Trenton Public Schools Board of Education and Superintendent Doug Mentzer thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the education and well-being of our students.

TRENTON

highly challenging and at times chaotic — as was life in general for many.

“At the start it really felt like drinking water out of a firehouse,” Rzeppa said a few days after this year’s State of the City when asked to reflect on how his administration has evolved since those earliest days. “Because of Mayor (Kyle) Stack’s sudden and tragic passing, there was literally no transition period at all. It took a few months just to grasp so many of the operational duties that the mayor must carry out that, frankly, can’t really be prepared for until you assume the office.”

Then, as if that wasn’t already enough to deal with: “Right when things started to get more comfortable in that regard, COVID hit and we had even less precedent to work off of for what we would have to do to keep the city running and living up to its fullest potential.”

“Since then we have changed a lot of ways that we operate both internally, from a future planning perspective, and in how we deliver services to residents,” he said. “In many ways most residents won’t see the nuts and bolts of these changes, but they put us in a better position organizationally and will allow us to keep providing the highest level of service to Trenton residents for a long time to come.”

After getting through those difficult first couple years, he said, it became easier to focus on the big picture, including some major projects that will have a long-term impact on the city.

“I think over the last four years the one thing we have is less uncertainty surrounding some of the bigger projects around town, like DTE and Riverside,” he said. “While that doesn’t mean everything is crystal clear, definitely far from it; but we have so many more firm answers than we did when I first took over — between cleanup and demolition on the site, more firm projections on tax revenue, and potential development opportunities with our revamped zoning maps.”

The job of mayor in Trenton is theoretically part-time, at least according to the city’s charter. While his two most recent predecessors, Stack (2011-2019) and Gerald Brown (2001-2011), were retirees able and willing to treat the job as more or less a full-time commitment, Rzeppa, now 31, took on the duties of the office while still in the early stages of building a career. Currently he works

as legislative and political director at AFSCME-Michigan.

But as the youngest-ever council member at 21 and taking on the mayor’s job at 26, Rzeppa has already compiled a decade of experience in municipal government leadership. Enough time to gain perspective seemingly beyond his years.

“I have a quote written on my whiteboard in my office: ‘He who plants trees knowing he may never sit in their shade has begun to understand the true meaning of life.’”

Stack, for instance — who spent much of her time as mayor battling to get riverfront eyesores such as McLouth Steel and Riverside Hospital torn down — is the city’s most recent sad expression of that saying.

While Rzeppa does quite literally play a role in getting new trees planted in the community, he was mostly referencing some of the larger projects that have seemed the most daunting over the previous two iterations of city leadership.

“Between DTE and Riverside like I mentioned, but also the Rotary Park redesign we have incoming, the art mural festival, and so many more creative events, we have a lot happening in Trenton that should benefit the whole area positively for a long time to come.”

Throughout his comments at last month’s State of the City — as he gave department-by-department overviews of what he considered the achievements of the past year — Rzeppa heaped praise on his administration, department leaders and city employees.

“What I personally think is the greatest win for Trenton with my re-election this past fall, Rzeppa told the audience, “was the ability to keep our team of department heads in place to continue to do all the great work they’ve been doing and leading their talented teams that help deliver these big wins for Trenton every day.”

He elaborated on that point again near the end of his talk:

“Thank you to each and every one of our city employees, volunteers, and commission members. These are the people that make all of this possible,” he said. “Whether it is a police officer or paramedic helping someone after an accident, a DPW employee working to plow roads or fix a busted water main, a clerical employee at City Hall processing voter registrations or building permits, or a department head stuck at a council meeting late in the evening, our city would not be what it is today without all

of them ...”

The freshly revealed plan for the DTE site is the newest boost to the seemingly endless effort to chart a new course for the community’s waterfront. It was new and favorable news to many that demolition is imminent.

“DTE has submitted plans and have been working through the permitting and demolition process on site to make sure the site is ready for future economically and environmentally sustainable developments,” Rzeppa said. “Additionally, they have submitted plans to use under 40 acres of the site for a battery energy storage facility that would continue to generate power to sustain the electrical grid. This portion of the plan, which constitutes development of less than one-third of the total site, will be a $400 million investment from DTE into the Trenton site.”

He said discussions remain ongoing about the future of the rest of the site, with “all options” remaining on the table.

“DTE has agreed that, barring any interference with future development, there will be some sort of boardwalk and public access points along the riverfront sometime after cleanup completes,” he said. “We have also been working through fun administrative things like land swaps and old property deeds with DTE that will help preserve the city’s current assets and, sometime down the line, improve upon our recreational opportunities.”

He described his update on the former McLouth site as less substantive.

“We have also continued discussions with leadership at MSC to find funding opportunities for development and chances to proactively market the site at the state, national, and international levels. Thus far no plans have been submitted or proposed but we are always advocating for it.”

The long-lingering Riverside demolition project, he said, “fingers crossed,” should be wrapping up in the coming weeks.

“Much like the McLouth site no firm development plans have been submitted at all, but we are excited for the opportunities to develop what will be frankly one of the best pieces of available real estate on the Detroit River, with opportunities on the street frontage along Jefferson and certainly along the waterfront,” he said.

Rzeppa also offered a big reveal on plans for “major upgrades” at Rotary Park, the location of the city-owned boat launch at the foot of Harrison.

different park, but that might not be too far off of a statement,” he said. “A couple years ago we initiated a plan and redesign for the park to improve upon the boardwalk, shoreline restoration, parking, bathrooms, community space, and overall use of the park to make it more modern and the community focal point it deserves to be.

Continued from page 1 SEE CITY,

“I won’t say it will look like a whole

“Unfortunately these things aren’t cheap and the financing options weren’t exactly making everyone jump for joy, but thanks to funding from the city’s Downtown Development Authority and an extraordinarily generous grant from the Howey family through the Chuck and Dee Howey Foundation, we were able to make it happen. Plenty more to come on this but we are certainly going to make sure they get all the recognition they deserve as we know thousands of Trenton families are going to have the opportunity to enjoy this place for a long time to come.”

Rzeppa said the DDA also has been hard at work, spearheading several new projects across the district.

“Things are really starting to roll, and we are excited to bring on a full-time DDA director in the coming months to help facilitate continued growth in our downtown while also working on some economic development projects alongside our friend Jim Wagner. Another exciting 2024 event to look forward to is the DDA-sponsored art mural festival coming to downtown Trenton in late summer/ early fall, where artists from across the world will be painting massive murals in seven permanent locations downtown that will help add a sense of vibrancy to the area and paying tribute to Trenton’s history and identity.

A very capsulated overview of some of the mayor’s department-by-department reports is provided below. While this is just a condensed sampling of what was included in the talk, anyone interested in getting more details by viewing the full State of the City program should be able to do so fairly easily online or on local government access television. Online the video can be found via links provided from several sources, including the city’s website, www.trentonmi.gov. It also is posted on YouTube on the @ DownriverTV channel, and on both the Trenton Rotary and TBA Facebook pages.

Rzeppa’s remarks start at about the 14-minute mark of the 53-minute video.

Police Department: The department was restructured to bring back a traffic bureau and enhanced its operations

I wish I could buy another house immediately just to experience working with her again! Susie is attentive, caring and thoughtful. She walks you through the process, making sure you understand everything thoroughly. She’s also on top of it. She was always sending me new listings and seemed to be one step ahead!” — KK

“HIGHLY RECOMMEND!”

Susie has your back, anticipates issues and has solutions, able to back up recommendations with data and navigates through the process for smooth sailing. Knowledgeable about every step with what to expect. A succinct communicator that keeps you informed throughout the process. Highly recommend! “ — LG

Continued from page 4

division with two 3 p.m.-3 a.m. support shifts. It subsequently reduced department overtime by 13 percent; instituted proactive police efforts to enhance visibility and enforcement resulting in a 21 percent increase in activity; revamped the promotional process to identify the highest quality candidates and build future leaders of the department; new body cameras were purchased in June from LensLock to increase transparency, accountability, enhance public trust, and protect officers; new department handguns were purchased in June to transition to Glock 9mm with a red dot optic; also, four new officers were hired to address staffing shortages.

Fire Department: In total the department responded to nearly 3,000 calls for service; 82 percent of these were calls for emergency medical service, the other 18 percent were fire-related incidents including structure fires, fire alarm response, and vehicle fires. The department began department-wide Rapid Intervention Training. While the firefighters study and practice the necessary skills for fighting fires and rescuing victims in a burning structure, another critical skill is the ability to rescue themselves and other firefighters when the situation calls for it. This program is a four day, eight hours a day rigorous program that pushes the firefighter physically and mentally to be prepared when a rescuer becomes trapped, lost, or entangled in a burning building.

Department of Public Service:

The DPS has replaced/hired 21 new employees since 2015 and has a total work force of 30. The Water Department last year repaired 48 water main breaks and leaks and replaced 30 old or inoperable fire hydrants with new ones. The city replaced nine lead water service lines in 2023. The Water Department handled more than 2,000 Miss Dig requests by marking underground utilities. The DPS Sewer Department cleaned and televised 54,366 lineal feet of sewer main. The Sanitation Department launched a new curbside recycling program launched in July of 2022 and it has been a great success. In 2023 it collected and delivered 1,552,000 pounds of recyclable material to the recycling facility. The Forestry and Grounds Department started out in February 2023 with a devastating ice storm that

caused widespread damage to city trees. The weight of the ice caused structural damage to more than 60 trees. City forces spent a month cleaning up the damage, removing, and trimming trees that posed a risk. The forestry crew was busy as well, removing 138 dead, diseased, or overgrown trees and trimming an additional 357. The DTE Foundation and ReLeaf Michigan donated 20 trees. These trees were planted in Lexington Park as part of a volunteer community project with assistance from the DPS. City crews made significant repairs to two baseball diamonds in the spring and prepped and lined fields for 116 baseball and softball games.

City Clerk’s Office: The office is gearing up for four elections this year — the Feb. 27 Presidential Primary, a May 7 special election for Trenton Public Schools, the Aug. 6 State Primary and Nov. 5 Presidential General Election. With the passage of Proposal 2 in 2022, voters now have the right to vote inperson at an early voting site prior to Election Day. Trenton’s early voting site will be located at City Hall. All qualified electors in the City of Trenton have the right to mark a ballot and deposit the ballot in a tabulator beginning on the second Saturday prior to the election and ending the Sunday prior to the election. For the Feb. 27 Presidential Primary early voting will be available from Saturday, Feb. 17 through Sunday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Parks & Recreation: The Kennedy Recreation Center has continued to grow, adding more teams, including six high school varsity teams, two junior varsity teams, 35 youth teams and 50 adult teams. The Kennedy Aquatic Center, the pool deck replaced this past spring and will see many new improvements over 2024 after being awarded the $1 million SPARK Grant from the State of Michigan. The Parks also began planning for the future as funding for Rotary Park to be rebuilt was secured from the DDA and the Howey Family Foundation. Lexington Park also saw a new playscape added along with a special-needs swing.

Rzeppa concluded his remarks by thanking residents for being so “heavily invested” in the community.

“I’m looking forward to another prosperous year together where we all do our part to help make Trenton the best place to work, live and play that it can possibly be. I truly have never been more confident in the direction Trenton is headed. Remember, alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much.”

Florida Keys Vacation!

Beautiful

$295*

Ahhhhh, you’re on

Your morning in paradise starts with sipping your coffee sitting at your nautical teak table overlooking lush tropical landscaping on your private balcony or taking a short stroll to the tiki hut at the end of the pier to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic. The perfect start in paradise.

After a fun filled day of boating, fishing, scuba diving or soaking up the sun relaxing by one of the largest pools in the Florida Keys or relaxing by the pool overlooking the marina and Atlantic ocean, or even sinking your toes in the sand like the song says “only worry in the world is the tide going to reach your chair” on our private upland sunning beach. There is always something for everyone!

Paradise isn’t over yet as you walk through your own private courtyard, a bricked patio garden with relaxing furniture, then up just one flight of stairs, your private oasis awaits you…where you can unwind from a fun filled day. You can cook your fresh day’s catch in your fully equipped new kitchen with lots of natural light glistening off the solid surface countertops and the stunning stainless steel appliances and eat in comfort. Or go “out on the town” and relax in some of the best restaurants in the area where you are pampered as your fresh catch is being prepared to your specifications as you relax drinking a glass of wine watching the beautiful Florida Bay Sunset. The perfect end to a wonderful day in paradise.

After dinner retreat to your 1480 sq. ft. Newly Decorated Beautiful two bedroom townhouse with a smart open floor plan, 14’ vaulted ceilings. Relax with ELEGANT Tommy Bahama furnishings and a 65” HDTV in the great room.

Now time for a perfect night’s rest as you enjoy a wonderful view from the master bedroom giving the feeling of nestling in the trees. A beautifully tropical draped four-poster, king size bed with ultra comfort mattress assures a perfect night’s sleep and offers the ideal spot to view the 48” flat screen TV. An en suite bath features a corner spa tub, the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing.

Welcome to 901 Mariners Club! We are glad to have you here!

Science Alive sparks wonder at Anderson

Exciting times at Anderson as Science Alive paid a visit, bringing the magic of science to our classrooms! Known for their hands-on approach, this educational powerhouse engaged students in the classroom with live presentations featuring reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals. A big thanks to the Anderson PTO and Science Alive for making learning an unforgettable adventure for our students.

Exciting initiatives from Anderson Elementary Student Council

The Anderson Student Council is off to a wonderful start in the new year. During this month’s meeting, the Student Council members discussed and initiated several exciting projects. Here’s a glimpse of what’s happening:

Valentine Grams: Students will soon have the chance to show appreciation by purchasing Valentine Grams. This initiative not only allows students to send cards to friends or book buddies but also contributes to raising funds for Adaptive Swing Seats and Soccer Nets for the playgrounds.

Valentine Week Dress Up: Get ready for some festive fun! Students can participate in themed dress-up days during Valentine Week - wear hats on Monday, dress like Taylor Swift or your favorite Celebrity Tuesday, red/pink on Wednesday, hearts on Thursday, and don comfy PJs on Friday.

Kids Against Hunger: Third, fourth, and fifth-grade students are invited to join in packing food bags on Saturday, March 9, collaborating with Kiwanis in the noble cause of addressing hunger.

Presented by: Fred’s Friends

3200 West Road Trenton

Thursday, April 11, 2024 —

6:30PM

Buddy Bench Designation: The Student Council is introducing Buddy Benches on the playground. These benches serve as a visual cue for children seeking support or friendship. Others can join them for a chat or invite them to play, fostering a sense of inclusivity.

School Paper: Exciting news! The Student Council, under the sponsorship of Mrs. Tait and Mrs. Wilson, will be launching a School Paper. Students will meet regularly before school to collaborate on this creative endeavor.

Ideas in the Works: The Student Council in collaboration with the PTO are exploring the possibility of organizing a Talent Show and Spelling Bee, adding more flair and educational engagement to the school community.

Stay tuned for more updates as these projects unfold, and let’s continue making a positive impact together!

Pasta for paws: animal shelters to host dinner

By DAVE GORGON

The largest fundraiser of the year to support three Downriver agencies that care for animals is a spaghetti fundraising dinner set for 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at the PRCU Banquet Hall at 1430 Oak in Wyandotte.

Volunteers of the Wyandotte Animal Adoption Center, the Downriver Central Animal Control and Pound Pals Downriver will host the dinner, which invites area animal lovers to support the cause.

Tickets are $10; children ages 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets are sold at the door. Many raffle baskets, 50.50 drawings, a cash bar and a wine pull are included in the day’s festivities.

Pound Pals Downriver is a nonprofit, tax-exempt, all-volunteer group that assists in the care of animals at the Downriver Central Animal Control facilities that include animals from Wyandotte, Southgate, Riverview and Allen Park.

Since its inception in 2006, volunteers have promoted adoptions, cleaned cages, cared for injured animals and implemented an adoption and spay/ neuter program. The presence of animal advocates working in collaboration with a city municipal shelter has successfully reduced the euthanasia rate from 80 percent to less than 10 percent each year.

As part of the partnership with the four communities, Pound Pals provides services such as dog walking, spay and neutering and emergency veterinarian visits while the municipalities handle management of animal control officers.

“Before Pound Pals, an animal would come into the shelter with injuries ranging from broken bones, upper respiratory, flea infestation, eye infections or worse,” said Pound Pals founder Kim Moore. “Without funds to get them better and improve their health, there was little chance of them getting adopted and a serious chance they might have to be euthanized. This changed when Pound Pals was established and was able to raise money to help them.”

The hard-working group members not only provide services, they also work hard to raise money. Pound Pals is grateful for any donation that could assist the organization. Every donation makes a difference, regardless of size; generosity alleviates animal suffering and the loss of life for nearly 2,000 animals impounded at Downriver Central Animal Control.

“We work hard as volunteers to work, clean, walk and medicate the strays,” said volunteer Eve Howell. “But to fulfill the mission, we must work equally as hard to raise the funds.

“Countless lives have been saved from our efforts. Also, every animal that is adopted by us has been spayed or neutered.”

To make a donation to the 501c3 organization, to become a shelter volunteer or to get more information, send an email to wacvolunteers@gmail.com or follow the Wyandotte Animal Shelter Facebook page.

TRENTON PARKS & RECREATION

Spring is just around the corner at Trenton Parks and Recreation! As the season changes there are plenty of new programs and opportunities for community members of all ages to join in the parks & rec fun.

We will be offering the Spring Fit & Well session at a discounted rate:

$120 unlimited six-week pass

$48 6 class pass

Get out there and do something this spring!

To facilitate our spring and summer programs and activities we are looking to hire the following positions:

SNAP Director

SNAP Assistant

SNAP Counselors

Nurse for the SNAP Camp

Kennedy Aquatic Center Lifeguard Manager

Kennedy Aquatic Center Lifeguard

Aquatic Supervisor

Westfield Attendants

To apply for any of these positions please visit us at the Trenton Parks & Recreation office or visit trentonmi.org to download the application.

Trenton Education Foundation awards grants across the district

The Trenton Educational Foundation (TEF) grants, distributed strategically across the district, have played a pivotal role in enhancing the learning experience for our students. These grants have supported innovative projects, technological advancements, and creative initiatives that go beyond conventional educational methods.

The grants have not only improved the quality of education but have also empowered teachers to explore new teaching methodologies, ensuring a dynamic and engaging classroom experience.

Anderson was recently awarded four grants, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing the educational experience for our community. Mrs. Crooks plans to purchase flexible seating for her class , Ms. Miles will acquire pickleball equipment for Physical Education, Mrs. Langlotz plans to purchase classroom timers, and Mrs. Kryk will be getting some additional Maker Space materials for her STEAM classroom.

These grants, carefully secured through a competitive process, will play a crucial role in advancing various aspects of our educational initiatives. The funds will be dedicated to specific projects and programs designed to enrich the learning environment and provide valuable resources for both students and educators.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Trenton Education Foundation for their unwavering commitment to advancing education in our district. Their dedication to providing financial support for projects that align with our educational goals has been a driving force behind the positive transformations we are witnessing.

Can a stacked deck be beaten?

One of the inherited partners from my father’s time is thoughtful enough to be interested in my clothing businesses, and as a result, tries hard to read articles and pass them on to me if he finds anything I might get something from. My father used to pass on the articles to me, with notations he made that he found interesting. For my part, they were and still are virtually meaningless to me, always being about Wall Street chains like Gap or Men’s Wearhouse, or about fashion through the eyes of New Yorkers who write about fashion - - - not exactly resonant with my local business here in Wyandotte, Michigan.

But he recently sent an article written by a guy named John M. Grondelski titled What the fall of men’s clothing stores says about America. It tells the story I’ve told about the fall of independent menswear stores…from the viewpoint of a shopper, lamenting what was lost as most of us went by the wayside. He describes an unsatisfying purchase from Amazon, which he sent back but found himself growing weary of the monotonous task of standing in line at the UPS store having bought something that didn’t fit or the quality was super poor or whatever.

He remembers going to Roger’s menswear in Perth Amboy, NJ. Remembers a specific guy that was always there to help him on all the ways menswear staff does. He remembers being listened to as a young (that alone stops me right there), then responded to. He learned stuff from his guy there that he never forgot. He got real help finding things in the store, and honest advice

along with it.

Mr. Grondelski feels that as menswear stores went away, so did actual relationships with actual people well-dressed men. It’s a bit of an overstatement, perhaps, but it’s a valid point. I personally feel that “casual Fridays” rapidly devolved to “Sloppy Everyday. I have to resist the urge to digress a lot when I write about my own industry, but on that point alone I must: Men that dress as if they care command far more respect and deference than men who don’t. It may seem silly and shallow, but who cares - - - it’s a fact. People seeking information and leadership will ALWAYS gravitate to the men in the room (women, too, but that’s another story) that project self-confidence and dress as if they mean it. We project our own self-image through our dress, and people RESPOND. The “brilliant” minds that went down the “who cares” path of dressing deliberately gave away an edge in business and in life, for all of their employees.

But (again with the dots) the dots I talk about have been lost to Mr. G. HE may be waking up now, but he’s a part of the demise of real menswear stores across the country. The honest, earnest helpfulness of people in my business is not an act. When business gets diverted from the store he patronized, not to another local competitor that gave better service, but to a national chain, or in this case, to Amazon, the business he once supported withers away. It’s not a complicated algorithm; it’s the dots, silly. A single menswear store in a Main Street USA town is likely not the primary reason that a city is a bustling place to be, serving its residents and guests. But when it fails, employees that ate their lunches in town

stop doing that. Recommendations for where to get their dry cleaning done stop cold. Animated conversations about the Lions, now a thing of the past. And on and on. A store is a cog in a wheel, not usually the wheel itself. The absence of that single cog damages the whole, though, hurts the traffic of other stores around them that are left to carry on. And the knowledge, helpfulness and friendliness that emanated from that store, for that one thing, is lost, almost always never to be replaced. So now what? What, you look it up on Google? Let’s see, OK: “How am I supposed to dress?” Ugh. What a sad, distant, heartless replacement. Seriously: How stupid.

John Grondelski is coming to terms with the reality of what our collective actions have wrought. “Oooh, the MALL”! Oooh, the OUTLET mall”. “Oooh, online”! Followed by “Oh, wow, what happened to that men’s store here in town?!?” As he points out in his blog:

“One loses things, too, with the disappearance if the local men’s clothing store. It Might be convenient to get a pair of pants in the mail. But the Rust Belt is not just decaying factories. It’s also commercial trades that are gone, hollowing out not just business, but American towns and social life. What have we lost in the trade-off?”

I’ve described exactly this already. This is the very first time I’ve had anyone tell me a different version of the same story. It makes me sad. When I first became alarmed about Walmart and what they do to towns they infest (which is their rallying cry to put everyone in town, all of them, out of business), I’d get blank, glazed over stares as they immediately made their way to that disgusting place. Same thing with Amazon. A whole lot of

people do NOT want to be educated, do not want to admit they’ve failed to see it for themselves.

But it’s not all bad news. A whole lot of people get great satisfaction from doing business with real people, not robots and automatons in places far away, in business after business. A whole lot of people have realized that the mission of putting all the local businesses out of business is not reserved for the likes of Walmart, Amazon, Progressive, and Applebee’s. EVERY entity that is listed on the NYSE is a predator, a parasite that saps the vitality out of independent businesses and the cities they call home. More people have realized that the connecting of the dots is a MUCH bigger issue than retail sales in brick and mortars across the nation. The moronic, fraudulent nonsense theory of trickle-down economics is enough to make one’s blood run cold.

All the indie menswear stores are not gone. Those of us that prevailed are finding new audiences with people that innately sense the dots. New, younger shoppers are joining the growing crowd of people that want real and authentic. They want to actually enjoy a far more satisfying way to shop. They like the feeling of being THANKED and appreciated. They like the accountability of such transactions, and the eagerness with which indies accept that responsibility. They like everything about local and independent more, MUCH more.

Try this: If you don’t know, simply ask: “Is this an independent operation?” If the answer is NO, you just might find yourself wondering what you’re doing there. Am I right?

PETER ROSE

Us

Trojan girls rolling through league competition

BY HANK MINCKIEWICZ

The Trenton High School girls basketball team has been the class of the Downriver League for the past few seasons and 2023-24 has been no different.

Coach Chuck Perez’s Trojans lost their first two games of the year – both non-league affairs – and they lost three of their first five.

But once it got that little start-of-the-season hiccup out of the way, Trenton has been nearly unbeatable. Since posting that 2-3 mark to start the season, Trenton has been on a tear, running up a 13-1 record.

Trenton is 13-0 in Downriver League play and since Dec. 7, the team’s only loss is a 39-35 loss at non-league Flat Rock. The only teams to beat Trenton this year are non-league teams. They are Livonia Churchill, Riverview, which currently leads the Huron League, Dearborn Fordson and Flat Rock,

Many of Trenton’s Downriver League games have not even been close. There was a 56-15 win over Taylor, a 49-12 win over Lincoln Park and a 51-19 win over Allen Park. The Feb. 15 game between Trenton and Dearborn Edsel Ford fit that pattern, too.

The Trojans, playing on their home floor where they are undefeated, dominated from the opening tip.

It was Trenton’s swarming, pressing, trapping defense that was the major difference in the game. Edsel was often unable to get the ball over halfcourt and it led to countless easy baskets for the home team.

Edsel Ford managed just two baskets in the first quarter and after only eight minutes the game was virtually over as Trenton led 26-8.

Brianna Thomas was the lynchpin of the defensive effort as she roamed free behind the Trenton pressers and swooped in to steal the long passes the Thunderbirds attempted.

Thomas’ defensive plays led to many easy baskets for her and she led all scorers with 20 points, but it also led to many opportunities for her teammates, too. Emma Chappelle had 11 points, Alencia Mace had eight and Molly Edmunds had seven.

The game was closer from that point on, but it was mainly due to the Trojans clearing the bench. Everyone played in the game and nine players scored.

With the exception of Thomas, who stayed in the game to run the show, Trenton shuttled in squads of players throughout the final three periods.

The Trojans hosted Lincoln Park in a game Feb. 22 and they’ll go to Wyandotte Feb. 27 before wrapping up Downriver League play on Feb. 29 with a home game against Woodhaven.

Over the course of Trenton’s past few years of success, the one team to regularly challenge them has been Woodhaven. It’s true again this year.

Trenton beat the Warriors in Woodhaven 50-44 back on Jan. 26 and that stands as Woodhaven’s only league loss this season, so if each team holds serve between now and Feb. 29, that game will be for a share of the league title for the Warriors and for the outright championship for the Trojans.

Once the league champion is determined and the regular season is over, teams, including Trenton, will head off into the Michigan High School Athletic Association state tournament.

While other Downriver area Division 1 teams are playing in districts at Allen Park or Edsel Ford, Trenton got grouped this year in a district that is being played steps from the Ohio state line. The Trojans will go to Temperance-Bedford for districts

this year.

Joining the Trojans there will be the host Mules, Carlson, Monroe and Woodhaven

2023-24 Roster

3 Leah Tanguay

4 Devyn Dorey

5 Mia Maldonado

11 Claire Gonyea

13 Lauryn Holder

15 Julia Mach

20 Emma Chappelle

23 Alencia Mace

24 Brianna Thomas

32 Molly Edmunds

44 Brooklynn Taylor

Trenton Get Involved Fair

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming Trenton Public Schools Spring Open House, “Get Involved Fair”, an event designed to replace the sparsely attended spring teacher conferences and showcase a wide array of opportunities and activities aimed at engaging students, parents, and the community.

This district-wide “open house” will provide valuable information and resources to support our school community for years to come.

Join us March 14th, from 5:30 to 7:30 at THS, AMS, Anderson and Hedke.

Extracurricular Activities/Clubs:

Learn about the diverse range of student clubs and organizations available within the district, covering interests from academic pursuits to hobbies and interests.

Sports Teams:

Discover the various sports teams offered at Trenton Public Schools and find out how to get involved in school athletics.

Fine Arts:

Explore opportunities in music, drama, and art, including clubs, programs, and performances.

Community Service Opportunities:

Local Partnerships: Connect with local organizations offering volunteer opportunities for students, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and service.

STEM Programs:

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math: Get information on STEM programs, clubs, and competitions, including robotics, coding, and other hands-on activities.

Career Exploration:

Meet with staff regarding onsite DCTC programs related to Horticulture, Criminal Justice, Auto Shop, Woodshop, TV/Media Productions, etc.

Resources: Access resources for college and career

planning, including information on college fairs, scholarships, and vocational training programs.

Parental Involvement:

Get Involved: Discover ways parents can get involved in school activities and join parentteacher organizations, as well as information on parent workshops and seminars.

Health and Wellness:

Wellness Resources: Access information on physical and mental health resources, as well as wellness programs and initiatives offered within the district.

Student Leadership Opportunities:

TPS students have a number of opportunities to have their respective voices heard. Find out about opportunities for students to take on leadership roles, including student government and leadership development programs such as Student Council, the SLC, Clubs, Activities, and more.

Technology Showcase:

Innovative Learning: Explore innovative uses of technology in education and discover digital learning initiatives and resources available to students.

Support Services: Learn about special education programs and inclusion initiatives, as well as resources available for students with diverse learning needs.

By offering a diverse range of opportunities and resources, the Trenton Public Schools Get Involved Fair aims to cater to the interests and needs of all members of our school community, fostering a sense of engagement and support within the district. We look forward to seeing you there! Shuttle buses will be available, as well as snacks and refreshments (provided by Chartwells), as well as food trucks at our elementary schools.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to your building administrator(s).

Trenton’s Brock Culpepper is a state-meet qualifier

The Trenton wrestling team sent five wrestlers to Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 regional at Warren-Woods Tower on Feb. 16 and when the dust settled one of the five – Brock Culpepper – was a state-meet qualifier.

Culpepper, a sophomore wrestling at 190 pounds, started his regional run with an 8-4 decision over senior Nico Johnson of Madison Heights Lamphere.

Culpepper then ran into eventual regional champion Henry Feller of Southgate Anderson and suffered a pinfall, dropping him into the loser’s bracket.

There the Trojan 10th-grader rebounded with a pin of Redford Union’s Lavalle Odom. The win over Odom assured Culpepper of a place in the state finals, but he went out and beat Johnson again, this time 6-1 to finish third in the weight class.

Others who wrestled for Trenton at the regional were 106-pound Cole Scrimenti, 138-pound Liam Totten, 120-pound Kevin Fritz and 113-pound Blake Scrimenti. Totten and Fritz each won matches at the regional.

To reach the regionals, Culpepper was a thirdplace finisher at the Monroe Jefferson district tournament. Fritz was a second-place district finisher, Totten was a third-place finisher, Cole Scrimenti was a fourth-place finisher and Blake Scrimenti was a fourth-place finisher.

Culpepper’s path at districts featured many of the same faces he saw at regionals. Culpepper started with a quick pin of Gabe Hall of Jefferson. He then ran into Southgate’s Feller and lost 6-1. He then beat Southgate’s Valentine Rush before pinning Redford Union’s Odom in the match for third and fourth place.

Fritz did not lose at districts until the 120-pound finals. He pinned three straight opponents before being pinned himself by district champ Dan Gemmel of Huron. En route to the finals, Fritz pinned Hayden Bovair of Airport, Carson Bezeau of Riverview and Justin Cooper of Annapolis, the eventual third-place finisher.

Totten, who had a first-round bye, pinned Jon Tarczynski of Airport before losing on a technical

fall to eventual second-place finisher Ryder Mulhern of Airport.

Once in the loser’s bracket, Totten decisioned Redford Thurston’s Brandon Smith 8-1 and pinned Landon Julio of Huron to nail down the third-place position.

Culpepper will now head to the MHSAA state finals at Ford Field March 1-2.

On the team side of things, Trenton hosted a district tournament, welcoming in Downriver League rival Southgate, Riverview and River Rouge.

The district finals were hardly competitive as Southgate hammered Riverview 71-9 and Trenton pounded River Rouge 72-11, setting up an allDownriver League district final.

Trenton dominated the first few bouts and the last few, but in between Southgate was able to make enough hay to pull out the win 39-36. Southgate was then beaten in the regional semifinals by Monroe Jefferson, who as of this writing was still alive. The state quarterfinals were Feb. 23 and the semis and finals were Feb. 24.

Photo by Dave Chapman

Action from Trenton’s team district final match against eventual district champion Southgate.

Many people - most, perhaps - go to an optometrist, get an eye exam and then follow the lady in the white coat over to the wall of frames and pick out a new set of glasses.

The story ends with the customer paying way more than he or she ever expected.

If that pretty much describes you, Bob Schmittou says there is something you should know: He can save you money, maybe lots of money.

Schmittou, a proud military veteran, owns New Eyes Optical, located on 1616 Ford Avenue, right at 16th Street in Wyandotte.

There are no doctors at New Eyes, just lots of frames and Schmittou, who can get you into fashionable new glasses for a lot less than all of the other chains and franchises out there.

Just bring your eyeglass prescription to him and see what kind of magic he can work for you.

“I am kind of like what the pharmacy is to your doctor,” Schmittou said. “Your doctor writes you a prescription. He doesn’t try to sell you the drugs. You go to the pharmacy. The same is true with us. You bring us a prescription and we will fill it.”

New Eyes Optical does not accept insurance, but their low prices mean that is often not an issue.

Schmittou has been in the eyeglass game for a long time. He enlisted in the Army after graduating from Lincoln Park High School and Uncle Sam sent him to school to learn how to make eyeglasses.

He did that in the Army for nearly four years and then worked for Lenscrafters and for private doctors after that.

In 2012 he opened New Eyes Optical and has been there ever since.

Schmittou said he has over 2,000 frames in his building and can make arrangements to get others if customers come in with a specific brand or style in mind.

For sunglass lovers, Schmittou said he has the largest selection of Ray Ban and Oakley sunglasses in the area.

If you come in, you will deal with Schmittou himself. He and his wife Pam are the only employees. Schmittou does the fitting of the eyewear, and Pam orders frames and keeps the shop looking fresh by arranging the frame displays and decorating.

So, if you are in the market for new glasses, would like a little personal attention and a really low price, give Schmittou a call at 313-587-4204, drop an email at neweyesoptical2012@gmail. com or contact them through their Facebook page, Facebook.com/neweyesoptical.

Trojans cap strong season, eye state playoffs

BY HANK MINCKIEWICZ

Well, the prelims are over and the Trenton hockey team pretty well dominated them.

Trenton capped the regular season with a 3-0 win over Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook on Feb. 16. The win left Trenton with a final record of 19-4-2. The Trojans also won the Blue Division of the Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League.

The only teams to beat Trenton this season were state-ranked teams. Trenton fell to Houghton, Hartland, Orchard Lake St. Mary and Novi Detroit Catholic Central.

In the regular season-ending win over Cranbrook, Trenton was led by Nolan Murray, who scored back-toback goals three minutes apart in the second period. That was enough for the win as goalie Evan Sivi stopped all 32 shots he faced.

Murray scored from John Medviuch and Liam Summitt at 14:22 of the second period and again at 11:23 of the period. Boston Bennett and Tyler Kemp assisted on the second goal.

Bennett capped the scoring with a goal late in the third period with assists from Medvich and Landon Leone.

All three goals were even strength.

The victory sent the Trojans into the MHSAA state playoffs riding a seven-game unbeaten streak.

Among those final seven games were two wins at the annual MIHL

Showcase hosted by Trenton’s Kennedy Arena. The MIHL Showcase is undeniably the strongest showcase field in the state each year and Trenton looked right at home against the region’s beat teams.

Trenton beat Marquette 3-2 and Toledo St. Francis 5-2.

Trenton then finished the season with dominant wins over Southgate, Grosse Ile and Cranbrook and a 2-2 tie with Salem.

Other big moments this season for the Trojans included wins over Birmingham Brother Rice, Allen Park, Gabriel Richard, Livonia Stevenson and U-D Jesuit.

Trenton will host a Division 2 regional tournament and games began on Feb. 21 with 8-17 Carlson taking on winless Woodhaven in a firstround game. That winner advanced to play Trenton Feb. 24. Also on Feb. 24, Adrian faced Temperance-Bedford.

The winners of the regional semifinal games will face off for the regional championship at Trenton on Feb. 28.

The regional winner will advance to the Division 2 state quarterfinals, against the winner of the Allen Park regional. Teams at the Allen Park regionals are the host Jaguars, Wyandotte, Farmington, Livonia Churchill U-D Jesuit.

The D2 quarterfinal will be hosted by Allen Park on March 2.

Trenton cheer squad wraps up 2023-24 season

The Trenton competitive cheerleading team capped the 2023-24 season with showings at the Downriver League meet and at a Michigan High School Athletic Association district tournament.

At districts, where teams compete for the right to advance to regionals, Trenton finished seventh in a 13-team field, The top four teams qualify for regionals. The district, hosted by Ypsilanti-Lincoln High School, saw Carleton Airport score a stunning upset and win the title. The Jets trailed state power Carlson through the first two rounds, but then scored a whopping 316 points in the final round and zoomed past the multiple-time state champs.

Airport finished with 770.58

points. Carlson had 768.88. Riverview was third with 744.56 and Southgate Anderson rounded out the regional qualifiers, finishing fourth with 736.40 points.

Trenton finished behind the regional qualifiers and also behind Dexter and New Boston Huron. The Trojans finished with a final score of 682.88.

At the Downriver League meet, hosted by Lincoln Park High School, Trenton claimed fifth place, ahead of Southgate, Lincoln Park and Taylor. The Trojans scored 677.98 points.

Carlson finished first, edging the Downriver League’s other state power Allen Park 789.14-785.38. Wyandotte (781.04) was third and Woodhaven (762.94) was fourth.

Photo by Dave Chapman

Photo by Emily Caruso

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!

Ambitious redevelopment effort draws nearly 100 residents

Trenton residents, along with those from River Rouge, Ecorse, Wyandotte, and Riverview flocked to two public meetings last month to learn about an ambitious economic development effort with potential positive impacts for their communities.

The meetings, held on January 16 at Ecorse City Hall and January 17 at the Riverview Community Center, focused on the Downriver Economic Development Planning Assistance Project.

The project aims to create or assist in redevelopment plans for former industrial sites in the five Jefferson Avenue/Detroit Riverfront communities including two recently decommissioned DTE coalfired power plants. The plans will focus on identifying strategies for the five communities to collectively capitalize on these and other shared assets by:

• Identifying and prioritizing underutilized properties

• Reviewing existing community plans and priorities for economic enhancement

• Developing project frameworks for strategic investments

• Identifying target locations for the preparation of site-specific reuse/ reinvestment plans

• Preparing implementation plans that include funding and financing strategies

The project is funded by an Economic Development and Planning Grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). The Downriver Community Conference (DCC), the organization heading the project, received the grant in 2022. The five communities were chosen because of their location between two recently decommissioned DTE coal-fired power plants.

At the two public meetings, consultants hired by the DCC laid out detailed proposals on dozens of boards for members of the public to examine and comment on.

Thirty-five people attended the Ecorse meeting, and the Riverview meeting drew more than 60. Attendees were given sticky notes and dots to indicate their preference among the alternatives presented for their community. They were also encouraged to share information about their cities and ideas for redeveloping the former industrial sites.

• On the Trenton displays, for instance, the team asked for comments on initiatives such as:

• Replacing the aging Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge with a modern span with greatly enhanced bicycle and pedestrian

facilities

• Creating direct river access elements like kayak/boat launches and marinas

• Enhancing and restoring shoreline ecosystems

• Undertaking cleanup of the Detroit River and Trenton Channel

• Creating a multi-use trail and greenway along the river and creek

• By the end of the evening, many boards bristled with dozens of comments and stickon dots.

At the Riverview meeting, as visitors milled around, Paul Frost of Trenton, a member of the Downriver Waterfront Conservancy, said of the project, “It’s a good start. And to make good things happen you’ve got to make a start. There’s a lot to do, it’s going to take effort and time and more.”

John Leon of Grosse Ile isn’t a resident of the five communities but said he came out to see the plans because “any improvement along the Detroit River improves the health” of his island as potential solutions are aired for restoring the shoreline.

John D’Addona, Brownfield Program Manager for the DCC, said his organization is interested in seeing how the two defunct coal-fired plants can be reused, but also in taking a wider look at improving the communities’ habitat, infrastructure, recreational possibilities and more.

“The hope,” said D’Addona, “is to compress the timeline and cost for companies interested in repurposing some of the existing brownfields”.

Typically sites with former industrial uses, brownfields are properties with environmental challenges needing cleanup and remediation.

D’Addona said the five-city initiative is being seen as a pilot for a wider examination of the 20 communities that comprise Downriver.

The project began in fall 2022 and is scheduled for completion in December 2024. A second round of public meetings where residents will have the opportunity to view and comment on draft redevelopment plans for their communities is expected to be held later this year.

For more information about the project visit the DCC website at dccwf. org. For additional details or to comment on the project, contact DCC Economic Development Administrator Jazmine Danci at jazmine.danci@dccwf.org or 734-362-7038.

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com to read more news on our digital publications.

gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand

“Lucky” 13 for Rock CF Run

Date set for March 17th

Coming next month, there’ll be another type of St. Patrick’s Day parade to say “Erin Go Bragh” as Grosse Ile will host the 13th annual Rock CF Road Races on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. And for those runners, walkers, and volunteers the day may prove to be doubly lucky in a challenge to stay healthy and raise funds to eradicate Cystic Fibrosis.

The director and founder of Rock CF, Emily Schaller, daughter of former Grosse Ile residents, Lowell and Deb Schaller, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at eighteen months old. As a child, she dealt with multiple hospitalizations a year. Cystic Fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections, but also affects the pancreas, liver, kidneys, and intestines. CF causes the body to produce thick and sticky mucus, which clogs the lungs and pancreas making it hard to breathe and absorb nutrients from the food that is eaten...

On page 1

Scouts take first place at Klondike Jamboree

Scouts BSA troop 1261 took first place in the Klondike Jamboree for a second year in a row, and the second time ever for the troop. The 80 year-old troop traveled to D Bar A Scout Ranch in Metamora to compete against numerous other troops

in Michigan for the Sled trophy. Cheering them on were Webelo and Arrow of Light Scouts from Cub Scout pack 1261, who also traveled up from Grosse Ile.

The Klondike Jamboree is an annual competition where scouts compete in various skills to see which troop has the most skills. The winning spot is awarded to the troop with the overall best score. This year, activities focused on Winter Survival in the wilderness and featured skills such as Ice Rescue, River Crossing, Accident Victim triage, and Emergency Shelter-building. During the event, the temperature was around 10 degrees, making the activities more challenging as the boys fought off the cold using layering, hand warmers, and exposure to a nearby fire pit when they could. Scout Jonah Hopkins recently moved from Taiwan and is getting his first true winter experience, saying “I was concerned about our Klondike trip because it was very cold and snowy. But, our leaders prepared us and I had a great time”...

On page 4

2024: The year of celebrations for GIMA

... “Grosse Ile Municipal Airport in Grosse Ile MI is a perfect example of a general aviation airport doing everything it can to maintain and grow its operations. The new spirit behind this growth is the

airport manager, Ms. Janel MacNee.

Janel’s spunky, feisty spirit is driving major developments at Grosse Ile, including their latest improvements, Taxiway A. This $6M project removed 10,000 CY of old dilapidated concrete and replaced a failing taxiway with a beautiful new HMA surface that will provide safe taxing for ONZ’s pilots for the next 20 years.

In addition to that project, Janel is working hard with local state and federal authorities to create a new space at the airport to allow more people to come and learn about and share the enthusiasm she has for aviation. Under her leadership, we anticipate the airport will continue to thrive for many years to come!”....

On page 6

gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register

Riverview girls still chasing Huron League title

...The fired-up Bucs came out and looked like they were going to blow the archrival Red Devils right

off their home court.

Riverview scored the first 15 points of the game and held Grosse Ile scoreless for half of the first quarter.

But the Devils took a deep breath, got their inside game working and set about chopping into Riverview’s formidable lead.

After being outscored 19-11 in the first quarter, Grosse Ile won the second, third and fourth quarters. The Devils caught the Bucs late in the fourth and eventually tied the game at 40-all. Grosse Ile had a chance to win the game with 3.4 seconds left to play in regulation, but the Devils missed two free throws.

In the extra period, Riverview made 5-of-6 free throws and outscored Grosse Ile 5-3 to walk off the court with a hard-fought, bruising 45-43 victory.

On page 1

In honor of Riverview’s school board volunteers

... rough their dedication, collaboration with other school district sta , their governance and

advocacy, they are building the future of education in Michigan.

We encourage all members of the community to thank a board member. Let them know you appreciate their servant leadership. Talk with them and begin to better understand how our Riverview Board of Education trustees work together to prepare today’s students to be tomorrow’s leaders. e men and women serving the Riverview Community Schools District:

Tim Bohr, President, has served 8 ½ years, appointed in July 2015

Matthew Dominski, Vice President/City Liaison, has served 5 years, elected in 2019

Andy Davis, Treasurer, has served 7 years, elected in 2017

Sheila Walker, Secretary, has served 7 years, appointed in January 2017

Sandy Meeks, Trustee, has served 3 years, elected in 2021

Gary O’Brien, Trustee, has served 10 years, elected in 2012 and again in 2022

Matthew Toth, Trustee, has served for 3 years, elected in 2021...

On page 22

gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star

State of the City Address

Another successful year for our community Progress across the board made 2023 “another successful year for our community,” said Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa in his annual State of the City Address.

Advances in municipal financing, public safety, parks and recreation, infrastructure, information technology and other areas made the year one to remember, the Mayor said before an enthusiastic crowd on January 24 at Crystal Gardens.

Kuspa touted major projects, programs and initiatives over 2023 and set the stage for the months ahead in the city he has led for 14 years.

“Reliable infrastructure, safe neighborhoods, sound government and enhanced recreational options increase the quality of life for our residents and make our community more attractive to visitors, future residents and business owners,” the Mayor said. Kuspa spent a large portion of his address touting public safety improvements that show Southgate firefighters and emergency medical personnel responding to runs in just over four minutes – nearly half the time of the national average of eight minutes...

On page 1

gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior

Chelsea stands the test of time

Venerable men’s clothier entering it’s eighth decade in business

Chelsea’s Menswear in Wyandotte has been around for eight decades and owner Peter Rose, whose

grandfather Benjamin started the business back in the 1940s, has been there for 52 of those years.

Rose pretty much grew up in the downtown clothier, but wasn’t really called to the business until after finishing high school.

Rose went to Cranbrook/Kingswood Schools in Bloomfield Hills for high school and, while he admits he enjoyed his time at the boarding school and the freedom it allowed, he also said that after spending three years in a dormitory setting he was less than eager to do it again in college.

So, he stayed home and began attending Wayne State University.

Then he heard the song of retail and he was hooked.

The more studied the family business and the more he learned about it, the more fascinated he became and before too long he decided that Chelsea – and the retail life – was for him...

On page 1

Bears among girls basketball league leaders

... The victory was Wyandotte’s third in a row, coming on the heels of wins iver Allen Park (35-9) and Gabriel Richard (37-23).

So far this season, Roosevelt has beaten Edsel Ford, Allen Park, Southgate Anderson and Lincoln Park in Downriver League games. In addition to holding Allen Park to single digits in scoring, the Bears also pitched a rare 48-0 shutout against Lincoln Park. Wyandotte’s lone loss inleague play came against Woodhaven, which beat the Bears 46-38 on Dec. 21. In non-league games, Roosevelt has defeated Richard and New Boston Huron and lost to Grosse Ile and Airport.....

On page 16

Best Wall Hugger Recliner $499

Available in several colors

Available as a rocker recliner Made in the USA

Best Wall Hugger Recliner $629

Available in several colors

Available as a rocker recliner Made in

Best Power Rocker Recliner $799

Available in several colors

Available as a rocker recliner Made in the USA

Best Leather Rocker Recliner $799

Available in several colors

Available as a rocker recliner Made in the USA

Best Rocker Recliner $749

Available in several colors

Available as a rocker recliner Made in the USA

Archie B.C. Dogs of C-Kennel

One Big Happy ® Wizard of Id