Trenton Times, June 27 – July 25, 2024

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DTE Energy, Michigan’s largest producer of renewable energy, will also become a leader in battery storage as it converts a portion of its retired Trenton Channel coal power plant site to house a 220-megawatt battery energy storage center. When complete in 2026, the energy storage center is expected to be the largest standalone battery energy storage project in the Great Lakes region.

The new Trenton Channel Energy Center will support DTE’s transformational CleanVision Integrated Resource Plan and Michigan’s new statewide energy storage target, both of which align with DTE’s net zero carbon reduction goals. The facility will store electricity during times of excess generation and distribute the power to customers when they need it. This will reduce strain on the grid, decrease the need to start and stop generation as demand fluctuates, and augment DTE’s growing fleet of renewable generation – all of which benefit DTE customers.

Fax: 734-675-0492 rita@ritacole.com

“Today, roughly one-third of all electricity generated by DTE comes from carbon-free resources,” said Jerry Norcia, chairman and chief executive officer, DTE Energy. “Our world-class solar, wind, and nuclear generation facilities are delivering reliable and clean electricity to our customers, and the Trenton Channel Energy Center is

a significant milestone in accelerating our clean energy journey.”

The cost of the Trenton Channel site’s transformation is significantly offset by $140 million in tax incentives through the 2022 federal Inflation Reduction Act and its infrastructure investment provisions. These

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!

FROM THE MAYOR

Trenton’s bond: your questions answered

In recent weeks, we’ve gathered and organized questions from residents regarding the upcoming Fire, Police, and Municipal Building bond proposal. We’ve condensed these inquiries into a convenient FAQ page on our city website. On this page, you’ll also find direct links to presentations from our Police and Fire Chiefs and other city officials outlining the building proposals, complete with extensive photos and videos.

The bulk of the questions we have received from you can be broken down into a few main topics, and I will do my best to address them here!

BOND DETAILS AND ALLOCATION

The bond is scheduled for repayment over 30 years, but future City Councils could opt for an earlier payoff. This investment ensures that the new buildings will long outlive the bond payments. If approved, the bond would likely take effect on the Summer 2025 tax bill, applying to all properties in the city—residential, commercial, industrial, etc.

But what will this cost you? We understand that this is always one of the most crucial questions! Per our City Assessor, the average taxable value of a home in Trenton is just under $75,000. Just a reminder: Taxable value is NOT the same as the value of your home and is calculated according to Michigan property tax laws. You can find the taxable value of your home on the most recent Notice of Assessment you received in February or on a previous tax bill. Therefore, for a home with the average taxable value in Trenton of $75,000, this would translate to an annual increase of $209.18, or approximately $4 per week. Homes with a taxable value of $50,000 would see a yearly increase of $139.45, while those valued at $100,000 would face an

increase of $278.90 annually, and so forth.

In total, the bond amounts to $43.5 million, with nearly $30 million allocated for the construction of new fire and police stations. All city buildings, as outlined in the online building assessment online, will receive crucial investments such as ADA upgrades, roof replacements, HVAC replacements, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and foundation repairs. The Westfield Activities Center, heavily used by seniors, requires numerous updates, including foundation issues. These investments will significantly decrease the city’s annual maintenance expenses, which have notably escalated in recent years, with some costs even tripling.

CURRENT FACILITY CONCERNS

Unfortunately, renovating our current buildings isn’t cost-effective or practical for our public safety needs. Detailed building reviews are available on the city’s website and YouTube. In short, our 97-year-old fire and police stations are far older than neighboring facilities. Building new stations is more economical due to their age and the evolving requirements of our departments. These stations were built when Trenton’s population was 4,000; now, with over 18,000 residents spread across a larger area, updated facilities are necessary.

FUTURE SITE LOCATIONS AND FATE OF OLD LOCATIONS

The exact location for the new stations are still to be decided. The Fire Station is expected to be centrally located, likely near the Fort and West Road area to improve citywide response times. There’s a possibility of combining our public safety departments into one station if a suitable footprint can be acquired. However, while a combined police and fire facility could save costs, actual savings are uncertain depending on the

STEVEN RZEPPA

TRENTON MAYOR

THREE BARKS FOR THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE

Continued from page 3

property’s location. Currently, there are no plans to reuse the existing stations. Station 2 on King Road could be put up for sale, as it borders Riverview. The future of the Maple and West Jefferson station is undecided and could involve redevelopment or sale.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

The bond request reflects significant costs due to increased construction expenses for renovations and new builds, including current cost per square foot estimates. Over the past two decades, Trenton administration has reduced staffing by over 30% and trimmed budgets across all areas due to declining revenues. Unfortunately, essential capital expenditures such as roofs, HVAC systems, ADA upgrades, and energy improvements have been delayed to prioritize resident services.

Including all necessary improvements and repairs in the bond request aims to prevent further postponements noted in the building

assessment. The assessment outlines total cost estimates and prioritizes improvements, guiding the project with decisions made by the City Council in a transparent public forum. All construction, upgrades, and improvements are expected to occur within 36 months of bond issuance. The City Council encourages and values resident involvement throughout this process if the bond is approved.

CONSIDERATION OF OTHER BUILDINGS

We have thoroughly explored all options for expansion or renovation. Consolidating from two fire stations to one restricts viable locations, presenting a challenge. The police station offers more flexibility due to officers’ mobility. City Hall has some available space that will likely be utilized during construction, with serious consideration given to housing the Emergency Operations Center there. Although constructing an addition to City Hall and creating a shared space was considered, it has not proven practical or cost-effective.

BUILD

Continued from page 1

incentives are helping make this bold new step toward a cleaner energy future possible for all Michiganders. The center will have the capacity to store 220 megawatts (or 880 megawatt hours) of electricity, enough to power nearly 40,000 homes. It also represents a major step toward DTE’s goal to more than double its total energy storage capacity by 2042 and brings the State of Michigan significantly closer to its own goals for clean energy, as outlined in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate plan.

“DTE’s new Trenton Channel Energy Center will help us strengthen our grid and produce more clean power when it’s less costly and store it for later when we need it,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “DTE got this done with support from the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, further shoring up their position as Michigan’s top producer of renewable energy. Thanks to projects like today’s, strong federal leadership,

and the Michigan Legislature’s clean energy and jobs package I signed into law last year, our future is bright. We will make more American energy using American workers, lower household energy costs, create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, and protect our air, land, and lakes. Let’s get it done.”

DTE retired its Trenton Channel coal power plant in 2022 as part of its plan to reach net zero carbon emissions. For nearly 100 years, the power plant served southeast Michigan residents, addressing the growth of Michigan’s post-World War I & II economies.

“The City is thrilled to see DTE utilize its existing site here in Trenton to create an essential new element of its infrastructure,” said Trenton Mayor Steven Rzeppa. “The Trenton plant was a fixture in our community for a century, and it’s encouraging to see DTE’s commitment to the site and the community, employing new technology here in a way that benefits DTE’s more than two million electric customers as well as the City of Trenton and its residents.”

— Jacob

“Susie

—

Marissa M.

TRENTON PARKS & RECREATION

Police station revisited: Change, and the way things are

In 1927, the City of Trenton invested in a new municipal building, which has housed the Trenton Police Department and other city offices for 97 years. On August 6th, residents will decide on the Fire, Police, and Municipal Building Improvement Bond, potentially marking a new era for the police department with a modern station to replace the aging structure at 2872 West Jefferson. Over the past few months, there has been debate regarding whether the department could renovate the building. I want to clarify that professionals from an outside agency thoroughly explored the option for renovation and quickly ruled it out. The current police station is plagued by severe structural issues that cannot be simply patched up any longer. Studies from the International Association of Chiefs of Police indicate that the average life expectancy of a police facility is approximately 50 years. Rather than asking “How did this happen?” we should recognize that past decision-makers extended the building’s use by an additional 47 years through routine maintenance and planning. Now, however, the building can no longer sustain the costly repairs needed. The pipes are corroded shut, raw sewage regularly backs up from the floor, the foundation is crumbling, and masonry walls throughout the station are cracked. Water damage has extensively damaged walls, and leaks occur through

the roof and ceilings during moderate rain. There comes a point where the expense of repairs and renovations outweighs the financial prudence. After 97 years, the police station has reached that critical juncture.

Those questioning how the building reached its current state would benefit from exploring its rich history. This century-old structure has undergone numerous renovations and adaptations to serve various functions over time. A review of the building assessment study conducted by the Collaborative group reveals the extent of its deterioration. Despite efforts over the past year to conceal deficiencies with additional drywall and fresh paint, the problems persist deep within the foundation, pipes, walls, and roof. Temporary fixes today fail to address a century of accumulated issues. We’ve engaged a series of plumbing, roofing, electrical companies, and our own Department of Public Works in a revolving door of attempts to salvage our declining station.

Comparatively, surrounding Downriver police buildings average 37 years in age, highlighting our Trenton police station’s age at 60 years older than the regional average.

In 1927, when the Trenton Police station was built:

• Charles Lindbergh flew the Spirit of St. Louis across the Atlantic on the first solo non-stop flight.

• Henry Ford released the Ford Model A to replace the Model T.

• Babe Ruth was chasing 60 home runs with teammate Lou Gehrig.

• The Detroit Tigers were playing at Michigan/ Trumbull in Navin field.

Change is inevitable and necessary for progress. Over the past 97 years, construction and building codes have evolved, and policing practices have undergone significant transformations. Our current facility no longer meets the needs of our officers or the public in any area. On August 6th, voters will have the chance to decide on the Police, Fire, and Municipal Building Improvement bond. This bond represents a generational investment, providing a modern facility for the police department that will:

• Enhance community engagement by fostering resident involvement and creating a welcoming atmosphere

• Provide state-of-the-art spaces for highly skilled and trained officers

• Utilize the latest technology to improve service and protection in our neighborhoods

• Support officer wellness and mental health

I encourage everyone to visit the City of Trenton website at trentonmi.org to view the facility presentation on the status of the police station. This presentation offers a photo tour of the daily problems faced in the facility. Additionally, tours will be available on Saturday, June 29th, during the Trenton Summer Festival and by request.

MICHAEL HAWKINS TRENTON POLICE CHIEF

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Safe-cracking superhero to the rescue

JUDY CHUHRAN CHAIRMAN OF THE TRENTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION

Superheroes do exist. I met one last October. His name is Ron Beasse and he restores vintage safes.

cost was considered too high. Despite additional searches, the sought-after combination remained undiscovered.

In September of 2023, one of the museum commissioners noticed several colorful safes displayed in a

The hero episode goes like this: The Trenton Historical Museum houses a vintage safe from 1906 by Hall’s Safe Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. Once property of the Village of Trenton, this safe served City Hall for many years before being donated to the museum. For years, the museum’s commissioners possessed the combination to the safe and stored a variety of record books inside. However, over time, the combination was lost. It was rumored that the combination could have been written inside the cover of an accounting book. However, despite extensive searching, the necessary combination remained a mystery. Luckily, the safe was left open when the combination was lost. To prevent accidental locking without a means of opening it, blocks of wood were wedged in the door. Locksmiths were contacted, but they either couldn’t handle such requests or the

four legged friend in the backyard, he entered the house and settled beside the safe on the floor. With careful examination, he assessed the safe’s door, noting down various numbers he attempted and his thoughts on their potential success.

One of the commissioners, John Hodgson, followed Ron’s instructions, carefully moving the dial to the right or left and to specific numbers. The rest of us observed with fascination, cheering each time a valid number was discovered. After 2 ½ hours of diligent effort, Ron successfully deciphered a viable combination for us. Despite the safe’s age and the need for coaxing, the combination actually worked. He was a knowledgeable expert in safes.

A generous and skilled individual. A real hero in my opinion. Not only did we obtain

our combination, but we also gained insight into the history of safes in America. An entertaining afternoon was enjoyed by all as we observed Ron’s work and listened to his stories.

If you happen to be driving along Westfield and notice a house with shiny antique safes displayed in the driveway, feel free to give Ron a call. He has some true treasures that you might just want to add to your own collection.

A non-safe cracking incident occurred while Ron was working on the safe: his dog chewed through her tether and escaped the museum yard. Fortunately, a kind lady found her and promptly contacted Ron. It turned out to be quite a day: Ron rescued us, and a neighbor rescued Ron’s puppy. Good deeds all around.

Be sure to look for the special safe when you visit the museum.

driveway with a sale sign and a contact phone number listed. Curious inquiries were made, leading to a conversation with Ron Beasse, a longstanding Trenton resident and the owner of the antique safes. During the exchange, the story of the museum safe and its lost combination was shared.

Could he advise us who to contact to figure out the missing combination? Turns out he was the man.

Not only was he the man for the job, but he generously offered to work on the museum safe at no cost. Confident in his abilities, he believed he could decipher the missing combination.

The day was finally here. Ron arrived with his tools and his dog in tow. After securing his

Baseball team reaches MHSAA semifinals

By HANK MINCKIEWICZ

The Trenton varsity baseball team did not reach its No. 1 goal this season. The Trojans were unable to win the Downriver League title.

However, even after that disappointment, the Trojans cut loose on a long Michigan High School Athletic Association playoff run that thrilled their fans.

Trenton won a district title –beating 2024 Downriver League champ Southgate – then it won a regional title and a state quarterfinal game before falling 4-3 in the state semifinals to eventual Division 2 state champ Flint Powers.

In the state semifinal game at Kobs field on the campus of Michigan

State University, Powers were up 3-0 after three innings and seemingly cruising. But in the top of the fifth inning, Trenton’s offense exploded for five hits and the Trojans tied the game. Zach LaMay singled in a run and No. 9 hitter Carson Boike singled in two more to knot the game, which eventually went into extra innings.

“I can’t say enough about the fight that was in them,” Trenton coach Todd Szalka said. “He had a shutout (perfect game), we’re going into the top of the fifth, he’s throwing a nohitter, and then, all of a sudden, we challenge them in the dugout and we come away with five hits in the fifth inning. I mean, that’s almost unheard

SEE REACHES, Page 19

Photos by Dave Chapman

REACHES

Continued from page 18

of, especially against a good pitcher like (Grant) Garman.

“No. 1 team in the state, you’re down 3-0, stakes are on the line, you’re looking at your last nine outs and our kids just continued to fight and went into extra innings. They got the big play when they needed it, and we had gotten the big play the last three games with walk-offs. I’m really proud of the way we came out today.”

In the bottom of the eighth, however, the Chargers Gavin Darling singled off Mator and the gamewinning run scored.

Trenton ended the season with a 30-11 record.

After beating Trenton, Powers advanced to the state championship game where the Chargers beat Spring Lake 11-0.

Flint had 11 runs on nine hits. Spring Lake had just two hits in an anti-climactic championship game that ended after five innings due to the mercy rule.

The last four games of the year for Trenton were

all thrilling one-run affairs and the Trojans won three of the four.

It started with a 3-2 win over New Boston Huron. Huron was 29-6 this season.

Three Trenton pitchers, Caleb Kidd, Joel Mator and Ashton Rooney, worked for the Trojans with Rooney, the final pitcher, earning the win.

Rooney was also the hitting hero as he doubled in the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Trenton had nine hits on the game. Rooney had an RBI earlier in the game and Gary Bender drove in the other Trenton run.

Trenton then won a nine-inning 2-1 thriller over Adrian in the regional championship game.

There was no scoring until the bottom of the sixth when Trenton scored. Adrian answered in the top of the seventh and the game went into extra innings. The game-tying run scored on a steal of home.

In the bottom of the ninth, Mator doubled, sending home the winning run and giving Trenton its second consecutive walk-off victory.

There was more drama in the quarterfinals. And more walk-offs.

Trenton trailed Grosse Pointe University Liggett 3-2 heading into the bottom of the seventh, but

with runners aboard, Rooney, a junior who had a magnificent playoffs, doubled again, scoring two runs including the game-winner.

Trenton won five playoff games in 2024. It all started at districts where the Trojans beat Grosse Ile 7-0 and Southgate 4-1. Those turned out to be the easiest wins of the playoffs for the Trojans.

Trenton scored three times in the first against Grosse Ile in the district semifinal game and the outcome was never really in doubt. The Trojans added a runs in the third and there more in the sixth.

Kidd allowed no runs and six hits while striking out 11 in six innings of work. Zach DeChane had three RBIs and Zack Hitchcock was 2-for-3.

In the district championship, it was all Mator as the lefty worked into the seventh inning and allowed only one hit and one run. The run was unearned.

Boike and LaMay each had two hits and Hitchcock drove in a pair of runs.

Trenton and Southgate had divided their two regular season games before the rubber match went to the Trojans.

MHSAA.com and Trentonathletics.com contributed to this report.

Girls soccer team reaches regional finals

The Downriver League champs put together another strong season in 2024, going undefeated in league play, winning a Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 district title, and reaching the MHSAA regional finals before finally seeing its season come to a close.

The Trojans were dominant in league games this season, going 10-0 in the conference and outscoring their league rivals 49-1 in that stretch. The only Downriver League team to score on Trenton during the regular season was Dearborn Edsel Ford, who lost 2-1 to Trenton in the last league game of the regular season.

In the district tournament Trenton routed Monroe Jefferson and Carlson each 8-0 to reach the district final where they dispatched New Boston Huron 2-1.

The district final matched the champion of the Downriver League against the champion of the Huron League and it was a match worthy of two champions.

Trenton opened the scoring when Kate Haveman took

a pass from Claire Gonyea and drilled it past the Huron keeper. Late in the first half, Huron tied the game on a penalty kick.

There was no scoring in the second half and the game went to penalty kicks.

Trenton finishers Gonyea, Chloe Wishart, Avery Schultz, Haveman and Lily Mulford all made their shots. Huron’s first three shooters scored, but Trenton senior goalie Leila Gorno made a great save to win the game.

In the regional tournament, hosted by Dearborn Divine Child, the Trojans beat the hosts 2-1 before falling to Bloomfield Hill Marian 1-0 in the regional championship game. Marian went on to beat DeWitt 1-0 in a D2 state semifinal game before falling 1-0 to Spring Lake in the state championship game. Spring Lake had beaten Holland Christian 1-0 in its semifinal game.

Haveman scored twice in the first half of the game against Divine Child and that was enough for the Trojans.

Alyssa Berger assisted on the first Haveman goal and Mulford assisted on the second. DC scored just before halftime to make it 2-1, and that’s the way the game ended.

Trenton coach Mike Hatfield credited Gorno with two huge second-half saves to keep his team in the lead. He also praised the defensive efforts of Mulford, Kira Johnson, Miya Severino, Audrey Gerou, and Elle Dolson.

Trenton finished the year 17-6-2.

The 2024 Trojans were Hayley Pitylak, Maddie Reamer, Katie Haveman, Alyssa Berger, Elle Dotson, Lilley Mulford, Alyssa Bandy, Avery Schulz, Chloe Wishart, Kira Johnson, Audrey Gerou, Claire Gonyea, Miya Severino, Hannah Carr, Reya Johnson, Julianna Hannah, Julia Mach, and Leila Gorno.

MHSAA.com and Trentonathletics.com contributed to this report.

Why it matters now for Trenton to shine

The old saying goes, you can’t have a rainbow without the rain, and that couldn’t be more true for Trenton right now. We are incredibly fortunate: there’s a surge of new businesses, properties are poised for redevelopment, curbside recycling is in full swing, parks are bustling with pickleball players, and we’re about to host world-renowned artists for a mural festival. Trenton is consistently ranked one of the safest places to live and recently named one of the Top 10 Hottest Zip Codes” for homebuying demand, with affordability being a key factor. These things make up a beautiful rainbow arced over our city. However, the infrastructure that supports this growth and quality of life needs maintenance to keep the city strong, and that requires funding—that’s the rain. The less glamorous parts of this boom, HVAC systems, bathrooms, gutters, locker rooms, building repairs, guardrails, and more, remain hidden from the spotlight. Yet, they are all too visible to our city employees,

police, and firefighters, who deserve safe and up-to-date places to work as they support and serve our community.

During my time on City Council and serving as your Mayor Pro Tem, I led study sessions that shaped our budget, which, admittedly, were less enjoyable than brainstorming and implementing ideas for the community. However, over four years, I combed through every line of the budget.

At times, I could find, say, $2,000, that was permissible to cut, only to realize we needed to add in that $2,000 elsewhere. It’s quite a tight and delicate balance, to say the least.

It is important to note that the city budget and school district budget are completely separate. The city’s overall millage rate has remained unchanged at 24.7506 for the past decade, except for an additional mill implemented during the 2022-2023 fiscal year, which has since been phased out. We worked diligently within our boundaries to balance the budget without depleting the fund balance. Despite our efforts to streamline departments, renegotiate contracts, secure grants, share services, and restructure pension obligations, we were unable to tackle larger upgrades which

meant that many maintenance projects were placed on the backburner.

How do we continue to tell:

• Our policewomen, who change in a small bathroom, that we can’t provide them with a locker room like their male colleagues?

• Our seniors that our programs must be relocated or paused due to safety issues in the deteriorating Westfield building?

• Park and trail users that accessing Kennedy’s main thoroughfare is unsafe to access?

• Our residents in need of emergency services that we struggle to meet the NFPA’s four-minute response standard?

• The firefighters cleaning their trucks that there’s inadequate drainage for hazardous materials in the firehouse?

Asking families to contribute more is perhaps the most humbling responsibility for an elected official. Before reaching this decision, our mayor, city council, and department heads collaborated with The Collaborative, an architectural design and planning firm, to eliminate all inefficiencies

and meticulously outline the needs and costs of modernizing every city building.

As you weigh your decision on the city’s bond issue, I encourage you to actively engage with city officials at council meetings and study sessions, visit the facilities to speak with city employees, watch the YouTube videos posted on the city webpage, and submit your questions through the website questionnaire. Your involvement and understanding are crucial to making an informed choice.

Our city experienced rapid growth in the mid-to-late twentieth century, which brought many benefits. However, a downside is that numerous buildings of the same age now require simultaneous repairs. This bond represents our best opportunity to prevent these structures from falling into irreversible decay due to continued delay. It will ensure our budget remains stable, allowing us to sustain the high-quality services we cherish and to attract and retain top-notch employees who will serve Trenton well into the future. Together, let’s set the stage for our home today, tomorrow, and for the decades ahead.

WENDY PATE

Celebrating 50 years out of high school

Saturday, October 12, 2024

The Trenton High School Class of 1974 is excited to announce plans for their 50-year reunion. This milestone event will take place over the weekend of October 11-12, 2024, with a series of activities designed to reconnect classmates and celebrate their shared history.

Friday, October 11, 2024

The festivities will kick off with attendees gathering to support the Trenton High football team. The game is set to begin at 7:00 pm. Following the game, classmates are invited to continue the evening at Del’s Pizzeria, located at 2833 W. Jefferson, Trenton.

Saturday’s events will start with a Memorial Service at Trenton High School, beginning at 10:00 am, to honor and remember the classmates who have passed away. This will be followed by a tour of the high school at 10:30 am, providing an opportunity to revisit old memories and see the changes that have taken place over the years. The highlight of the reunion will be the dinner held at the Chateau on the River in Elizabeth Park. This event will take place from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Tickets for the dinner are priced at $74.00 per person.

Ticket Purchase Information

Dinner tickets can be purchased in two ways:

1. By Check: Send to Tom Iacobelli at 19544 Devonshire Dr., Brownstown, MI 48193

2.Paypal: Search for “classof74reunion” and select “Laurie Miller” (with the Trojan Head picture). Enter the amount of $74 per person. Select “Friends and Family” to avoid additional fees. Note: If using a credit or debit card, a $2.45 fee will be added. Linking the payment to a bank account will avoid this fee.

Stay Connected

To ensure you stay updated on all event details, please provide your contact information.

Facebook: Trenton High School (MI) - Class of 1974

Email: trentonhighclassof74@gmail.com

We look forward to a wonderful reunion and hope to see many familiar faces from the Class of 1974!

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• Replacement of both the 97 yr. old Station and 60 yr. old Station with ONE new Central Station

• Ability to house and maintain all fire trucks and ambulances needed for community responses

• Training space for firefighter AND public education opportunities

• Proper storage and decontamination areas for equipment and firefighter gear

• Most important…

TRENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT:

Past, present, and future...

For nearly a century, the Trenton Fire Department has been a cornerstone of safety and service, dedicated to protecting our residents with unwavering commitment and valor. Since our inception in 1927, the department has continually evolved to meet the changing needs and challenges of our growing community.

In its early days, Trenton was a small village with fewer than 2,000 residents. The construction of our first fire station in 1927 marked a pivotal shift from horsedrawn equipment to motorized fire trucks. Strategically located in the center of town, this station ensured rapid response times, reflecting our early commitment to protecting the community. Firefighters took turns sleeping at the station to respond quickly to fire calls, using tactics focused on placing large amounts of water on a blaze as swiftly as possible. In those days, buildings and furniture were made of natural materials like wood and cotton, which burned more slowly than today’s synthetic materials. Despite the slower fire development, firefighters were often ill-equipped to battle blazes from within, lacking modern selfcontained breathing apparatuses, which had not yet been invented. Emergency medical services (EMS) were also not a component of the fire department’s responsibilities at that time.

The 1960s saw the addition of Trenton’s second fire station located on King Road. This expansion coincided with the emergence of EMS as a crucial community service. During this era, Trenton began providing basic EMT services using Cadillac ambulances. Firefighting methods also improved with the invention of self-contained breathing

apparatuses (SCBA) and enhanced protective gear. Fire trucks were now capable of carrying water internally and transporting a wider range of tools necessary for tasks like vehicle extrication during car accidents. At this time, the Trenton Fire Department reached its peak workforce with 36 firefighter EMTs, overseen by a Chief, Deputy Chief, and Fire Marshal, who collectively handled fewer than 2,000 calls annually.

Today, the TFD has adapted to the modern era with 27 Firefighter/Paramedic positions, including myself, a Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal, and our indispensable part-time administrative assistant, Kristy. Our team operates in three shifts of nine firefighters, though due to vacation allowances and staffing shortages, we often function with six or seven firefighters across our two stations. This staffing level ensures that we can keep a fire engine or ladder truck and two ambulances in service at all times. However, it also requires our shift captains to constantly adjust deployment strategies based on real-time analysis of available resources. Currently, we respond to nearly 3,000 calls annually, covering both fire and EMS incidents. Although the number of fires in Trenton has decreased, the intensity and speed of fire development have increased significantly, necessitating timely responses and strategic positioning of our stations and personnel.

Looking towards the future, the proposed consolidation into a new, centralized fire station represents a crucial step forward for the Trenton Fire Department (TFD). If the Fire, Police, and Municipal Building Bond is approved by residents, the TFD will relocate to a state-of-the-art facility in the Fort St. and West Rd. area. Geographic Information System (GIS) data shows that this move will significantly improve our response times citywide. By

centralizing our assets, we can deploy the appropriate apparatus more efficiently, ensuring the right resources are available for every type of call.

The new station will feature state-of-the-art training spaces, designed not only for our firefighters but also for community engagement and awareness programs. Modern design standards will be incorporated, including decontamination zones for properly cleaning gear, equipment, and personnel. The new apparatus area will accommodate both current and future fire trucks, including potential electric fire engines, which are already in service in some large cities. As we look ahead, our new station will be built to adapt to emerging technologies and evolving needs,

ensuring we are prepared for whatever challenges the next 50 years may bring.

As we honor nearly a century of service, it is essential to position the department to meet Trenton’s future needs. A new centralized fire station will enhance our operational efficiency and ensure the safety and well-being of our community for generations to come. Together, we can ensure that the Trenton Fire Department continues its tradition of excellence and dedication.

For more information on the Fire, Police and Municipal Building Improvement Bond, please visit the city website at trentonmi.org

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Bruce Milkins named Grosse Ile Rotary Club’s 2024 Citizen of the Year

... For the past 50 years, Milkins has worked with several charitable organizations, such as the Goodfellows, the Salvation Army, and Ducks Unlimited, a wetlands and waterfowl conservation organization. However, the majority of his time is split between the Monroe Exchange Club and the Grosse Ile Rotary Club. In fact, during the late 1980s, he held the presidency for both clubs while also serving as the Commodore of the Grosse Ile Yacht Club in 1988.

Milkins has been involved in the Rotary Club’s global efforts to completely eradicate polio for the past 15 years. Long-time friend and fellow Rotarian, Doug Cryderman, highlighted many of Milkins’ additional acts of service, such as hosting a Rotary exchange student from Germany, housing Veterans, and working on numerous fundraisers. He then jokingly told the crowd to see him later for the “short list” of the honoree’s accomplishments and involvement. Milkins has made significant efforts in facilitating donations for local scholarships and diaper drives, supplying artwork materials to

Grosse Ile Schools, and participating in numerous community events. John Burgan, Co-President of the Grosse Ile Rotary Club, also shared a story about Milkins, who, as recently as last week, donated his old Harley Davidson for the upcoming motorcycle ride without hesitation.

Bruce Milkins is especially well-known for giving boat rides to disabled and handicapped children, along with their families, aboard his tug boat, the Duck Factory. His most recent excursion took children out on the Detroit River to witness April’s solar eclipse, creating quite the memorable experience for all involved. Milkins emphasized that the success of these rides wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Grosse Ile Yacht Club, who have provided transportation, lunch, and entertainment, like music and games, for the children...

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Team Rubicon to the rescue Disaster training event is a huge success

On the last weekend of April, the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy partnered with the Township Greenways/Open Space Committee in hosting the Team Rubicon “Chainsaw Proficiency Project,” which turned out to be a win-win-win for all concerned. Conservancy properties and Open

Space preserves provided plenty of disaster training experiences for the group known throughout the United States as local disaster relief specialists, who assist FEMA when nature’s chaos hits.

Gary Gamble, Southeast Michigan Team Rubicon leader, emphasized the importance of their mission: “As storms, wildfires, diseases, and conflict wreak havoc, it’s the local communities that need us most. With our global connections and our Team Rubicon Greyshirts already part of neighborhoods around the world, our people can make the most impact, closest to home.”...

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Restored

The Roosevelt High School Auditorium welcomed back its cherished murals, lovingly restored to their former glory. Created in the early 1940s by artists Henry Roberts and Walter Speck, five oil on canvas

masterpieces had weathered the passage of time, showing signs of wear and tear. But with restoration efforts from the RHS Mural Restoration Committee, conservators, donors, and all who made this restoration possible, the community eagerly anticipated the grand unveiling. On May 12th, supporters gathered for a celebratory ceremony, witnessing the resurrection of these historic artworks.

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Michigan robotics team takes on VEX Worlds

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the boys’ robotics team 3547J “The Juggernauts,” sponsored by Monroe County Community College, and part of the VEX Virus 3547 organization,

made their mark at the prestigious VEX Robotics World Competition. As just one of seven teams from Michigan, the team proudly represented their program, embarking on a journey filled with challenges and triumphs.

The competition unfolded over three intense days in Dallas, Texas, where Tyler Kowalski, Quentin Kreyger, Colin Swift, and Tristan Sypula competed in 10 qualifying matches against other skilled opponents from across the globe. They had the chance to collaborate with other teams, strategizing maneuvers to excel in each match. The team demonstrated their expertise in autonomous programming skills events, making a lasting impact on the global stage.

Despite facing stiff competition, team 3547J demonstrated resilience and skill, ultimately securing an impressive 38th place out of 82 teams in their division. Their remarkable performance fell just shy of the finals rounds, with a narrow margin of 9 points separating them from further advancement...

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Anderson High School students take over city hall

On Wednesday, May 15th, students from Anderson High School stepped into the shoes of Southgate government officials for Student Government Day. This annual event offers a unique opportunity for young people to experience the inner workings of municipal government, fostering a deeper understanding of civic duties and responsibilities.

The day began with breakfast at the Southwinds Golf Course Clubhouse, where students and city officials gathered for an informal meet-and-greet. Following breakfast, City Clerk Jan Ferencz

administered the Oath of Office to the honorary officials, officially instating them in their roles for the day.

Participants then embarked on a comprehensive tour of the municipal campus, including the Police Department, District Court, and Fire Station. These tours provided students with an inside look at the essential services that keep the city safe and operational.

After the morning tours, everyone returned to the clubhouse for lunch. During this time, the honorary officials had the chance to sit with their real-life counterparts and discuss their roles and responsibilities...

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Southgate alumni skaters make new memories

... Memories came flooding back as skaters converged for the 3rd Annual Southgate Hockey Alumni Game on May 18th. A mix of graduates from four Southgate High Schools (Anderson, Aquinas, Schafer and Southgate) teamed up with former youth players in the Southgate Hockey Association.

“As long as we keep playing, reminiscing and hanging out, the memories of our awesome youth days in Southgate, along with the greatest game, will keep us forever young,” David Blanton, a Southgate Hockey youth player and Trenton High School ‘87 graduate.

While many skaters still live in the Downriver area, David Blanton flew in from Georgia to play in his second game. Said Blanton, “Already looking forward to next year!” Added Dan Drys, Anderson ’86, playing in his third game, “Gets better every year...

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History enthusiasts gather for pie, ice cream, and art

For the first time in years, visitors to the Wyandotte Museum were able to purchase pie, ice cream

and art all in the same weekend. In partnership with the Wyandotte Historical Society, the event at the Ford MacNichol Home featured the annual Pie and Ice Cream Social and the Local Artists Guild Art Show. History fans were invited to enjoy a scoop of ice cream and a piece of pie while relaxing on the porch of the museum, tour the historic home, and meet with the artists who created the works of art on display, including paintings, drawings, postcards, bookmarks, jewelry, and other special designs.

Sue Wilson (left) and Sharon Slovinac of the Artists Creators Guild display some of their artwork during the Local Artists Guild Art Show...

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Wyandotte welcomes Wing Zone

In an exciting development for wing enthusiasts and foodies alike, Wing Zone has officially opened its doors in Wyandotte, marking its first location in Michigan. This exciting milestone marks a sig-

nificant expansion for the popular wing chain and solidifies Wyandotte’s status as a hub for unique dining experiences. Wing Zone is located at 3183 Fort Street.

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Trenton Police Department Announces New Smartphone App

The Trenton Police Department is excited to announce the release of a custom smartphone application. This app will serve as an innovative way for the police department to connect with Trenton residents and visitors, providing information quickly and efficiently to anyone with a smartphone.

The app was developed by ThePoliceApp.com, a brand of OCV, LLC., which specializes in mobile app development for police departments and public safety organizations across the country. This app offers quick access to items of public interest and is easy to use. In just a few clicks, users can access features such as:

Chief’s Corner Divisions

Customer Service Survey News & Events Join Our Team Sex Offenders Contact Us Submit A Tip More!

“Over 80 percent of people in the United States own and use smartphones as their primary means of communication,” OCV Partner and CRO Kevin Cummings said. “Mobile apps offer agencies a better way to alert, inform and prepare the public. Apps allow public safety agencies the ability to reach and serve their citizens where they are: their smartphones.”

The Trenton Police Department app is available to download for FREE in the App Store and Google Play by searching “Trenton Police Department, MI” or by going to apps.myocv.com/share/a116848183