Cookoff raises funds and spirits
On Sunday, February 2nd, residents of Wyandotte and the greater Downriver region gathered at the PRCU Hall for the City Club Chili Cookoff. The event, hosted by American Legion Post 447, celebrated the winners of nine clubs’ individual competitions. The city finals saw seventeen victorious chilis placed head-to-head in an adjudicated championship. Members of the public were also welcome to sample the toptier chilis and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Championship for a $5 entry fee.
While all chilis at the event were worthy competitors, Tim Jakobowski, representing the Downriver Marine Corps League, took home first place and the people’s choice championship, with Debbie Orman (PLAV Post 74) and Kelly Terry (American Legion Post 447) rounding out the top three spots. In addition to the chilis, the cookoff featured a number of raffles and auction items, including signed Lions memorabilia.
Nearly 250 people gathered for the fourth annual event, established in 2021 as a response to the difficulties of fundraising and gathering together
Watson, a member of the Groth Family of Southgate, enjoys his daily neighborhood walks, visiting his friends and meeting more along the way. He is always ready to lounge after making his rounds!
Would
SOUTHERN WAYNE COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER
Downriver’s Business Network
Join us for Downriver’s Premier Business Expo: The Black Tie Gala and Expo
Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 10, 2025, and join us for an elegant evening of networking, live music, delicious food, and endless business opportunities. Showcase your organization with a vendor booth or sponsorship, or simply enjoy the event as an attendee. This is your chance to connect with top professionals and elevate your business in style!
Ron Hinrichs, CEO/President SWCRC
Learn more and secure your tickets today: swcrc.com/events/blacktie2025
FROM THE CITY
WalkSafe Wyandotte Sidewalk Improvement Project approved
The City of Wyandotte is proud to announce that its request to significantly increase the WalkSafe Wyandotte Sidewalk Improvement Project Grant award through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) has been approved. The grant, issued by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), has been raised from $462,474 to an impressive $1,258,768—a net increase of $796,294. Downtown Wyandotte is beautiful, but many parts of our sidewalk network need major improvement. The City often receives complaints about trip hazards and uneven brick pavers. This funding allows them to address these concerns, creating a safer and more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
“This is a major win for our community,” said Joe Gruber, Director of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). “By securing this additional funding, we are able to further invest in the safety, accessibility, and longevity of our downtown sidewalks. The replacement of aging brick pavers with exposed aggregate concrete will ensure a more resilient and aesthetically pleasing streetscape for generations to come.”
“WalkSafe Wyandotte is a prime example of a project that promotes holistic and regionally significant outcomes,” said Amy O’Leary, Executive Director, SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. “In addition to spurring economic development, there is no doubt it will improve safety and mobility for people walking and biking in the greater downtown, allowing them to better access public spaces, core services, parks, and other quality-of-life amenities. SEMCOG remains committed to modernizing aging sidewalks and is proud to increase walkability in one of our region’s dynamic urban centers,” said O’Leary.
One of Mayor Rob DeSana’s key priorities has been revitalizing Wyandotte’s aging downtown infrastructure. “This investment in our city’s infrastructure is crucial for the future of Downtown Wyandotte,” said Mayor DeSana. “Not only will these improvements create a safer environment for our residents and visitors, but they will also contribute to the long-term economic vitality of our downtown district.”
This initiative marks another major boost for the City of Wyandotte as they push forward with further infrastructure upgrades and capital improvements. The project is expected to kick off in late July 2025.
For more information on the WalkSafe Wyandotte Sidewalk Improvement Project and upcoming developments, please contact the Downtown Development Authority at 734.324.7298.
Officer Barwig honored with Community Champion Award
Officer Cade Barwig’s unwavering commitment to the community has earned him the Community Champion Award from the Rotary Club of Wyandotte. Officer Barwig’s work goes beyond his duties as a police officer; he plays a critical role in overseeing the hiring, testing, and training of new recruits, ensuring that the police department continues to serve the community with dedication and professionalism.
Officer Barwig and his wife have shown a strong commitment to local initiatives, particularly through their involvement in the Shop with a Cop program. This program, which pairs police officers with children from the community for a holiday shopping experience, has been a meaningful way for him to connect with the community and make a difference in the lives of local families.
Officer Barwig’s contributions are a testament to his character and his passion for serving others. The recognition from the Rotary Club highlights the positive impact he has made, both as an officer and as an active member of the community.
CITY OF WYANDOTTE
2025 Elected Officials, Departments, & Meeting Dates
Mayor and Council
Mayor: Robert A. DeSana | mayor@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4540
City Council Member: Robert Alderman | ralderman@wyandottemi.gov
City Council Member: Chris Calvin | ccalvin@wyandottemi.gov
City Council Member: Kaylyn Crayne | kcrayne@wyandottemi.gov
City Council Member: Todd Hanna | thanna@wyandottemi.gov
City Council Member: Rose Shuryan | rshuryan@wyandottemi.gov
City Council Member: Kelly Stec | kstec@wyandottemi.gov
Assistant to Mayor & Council: Julie Sadlowski | jsadlowski@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4544
27th District Court
Judge: The Honorable Elizabeth L. DiSanto | edisanto@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4475
Ticket Information: 734-324-4475
Youth Assistance: 734-324-7268
Assessor’s Office
City Assessor: Theodore Galeski | assessor@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4512
Deputy Assessor: Susan L. Walker | swalker@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4511
City Clerk’s Office
City Clerk: Lawrence S. Stec | clerk@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4560
Deputy Clerk: Beth Lekity | blekity@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4562
Copeland Senior Center
Senior Friendship Club: copeland@wyan.org | 734-324-7275
Department of Public Services
Call Processing (Main Number): 734-324-4580
Superintendent of Public Service: Jon Allen | jallen@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4580
Downtown Development Authority (DDA)
DDA Director: Joseph Keller Gruber | jgruber@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-7298
Engineering and Building
City Engineer: Jesus Plasencia, P.E. | jplasencia@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4558
Building Authority: Kelly Roberts | engineering1@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4555
Building Code of Appeals: Kelly Roberts | kroberts@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4551
Engineering Office Supervisor/: Kelly Roberts | kroberts@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4555
Finance and Administration
City Administrator: Robert McMahon | rmcmahon@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4545
Accounts Payable/Receivable: Dana Browning | dbrowning@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4547
Assistant Finance Director: Bob Szczechowski | bszczechowski@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4542
Business Analyst: Michael Pente | mpente@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4541
Human Resources Specialist/Benefit Administration: Anne Goudy | agoudy@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4543
City Accountant/Payroll Administration: Heather Hurd | hhurd@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4545
Fire Department
Fire Chief: Chief Jeremy Moline | jmoline@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4404
Fire Station #1: 734-324-4402
Fire Station #2: 734-324-4403
Municipal Services
Main Number: talk2wms@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-7100
General Manager: Paul LaManes | plamanes@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-7111
Museum Offices
Museum Director: Jesse Rose | museum@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-7284
Police Department
Main Number: 734-324-4405
Police Chief: Chief Archie Hamilton | ahamilton@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4420
Recreation, Leisure, and Culture
Superintendent: Sheryl Riley | sriley@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-7294
Special Events/Wyandotte Street Art Fair
Special Events Coordinator: Heather Thiede | hthiede@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4502
Treasury
Treasurer: Todd Browning | treasurer@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4570
Deputy Treasurer: Bob Szczechowski | bszczechowski@wyandottemi.gov | 734-324-4542
Council and Commission Meeting Dates & Schedules
City Council:
March 10, 24 April 7, 28
May 12, 19 June 2, 23
July 14, 28 August 11, 25
September 8, 22 October 6, 20
November 3, 17 December 8, 22
Commission Meetings (all meet in City Council Chambers unless otherwise noted):
Beautification Commission
First Thursday of each month @ 6:00 – 8:00PM
Building Authority
As needed
Building Code Board of Appeals
Second and Fourth Monday of each month @ 5:00PM
Board of Examiners of Electricians
As needed
Board of Examiners of Plumbers
As needed
Cultural and Historical Commission
Second Thursday of each month @ 6:15PM
Location: Historic Marx Home
Downtown Development Authority
Second Tuesday of each month @ 5:30PM
TIFA/EDC/Brownfield Redevelopment
Third Tuesday of each month @ 8:30AM
Firefighters Civil Service Commission
Second Wednesday of each month @ 5:00PM
Municipal Service Commission
First and Third Wednesday of each month @ 5:00PM
Planning Commission
Third Thursday of each month @ 6:30PM
Police and Fire Commission
Every other Tuesday @ 6:00PM
Location: Wyandotte Police Department
(Police Department Management Meeting immediately after the Fire meeting)
Recreation Commission
Second Wednesday of each month @ 5:30PM (except for June and July @ 8:30AM)
Location: Yack Arena
Retirement Commission
Third Friday of each month
Zoning Board of Appeals & Adjustments
First Wednesday of each month @ 6:30PM
COOKOFF
Continued from COVER
during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organizing committee, known as Wyandotte Working Together, functions as a coalition of local nonprofits who share calendars, resources, and ways to best give back to the city and its residents.
Over the years, the group has raised nearly $20,000 for local projects, including school clubs, the Wyandotte Goodfellows, Wyandotte Soup Kitchen, PS Center Stage Players, and other local mutual aid projects.
This year, the group raised $5,000 for the Wyandotte Public Schools Scholarship Foundation. During the selection process, organizing committee members expressed their interest in being able to directly support Wyandotte students’ futures, whether they are headed for college, trade school, or another postsecondary credential. The Scholarship Foundation, which has distributed nearly $2M to Wyandotte graduates since its establishment, seemed like a natural fit for their fundraising goals.
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Clare M McMillan CFP®, AAMS™
An Edward Jones financial advisor is waiting for you. Get started today.
An Edward Jones financial advisor is waiting for you. Get started today.
Financial Advisor
565 Oak Street Wyandotte, MI 48192 734-285-0224
Clare M McMillan Wyandotte, MI 48192 734-285-0224
Clare M McMillan , AAMS™ Financial Advisor 565 Oak Street Wyandotte, MI 48192 734-285-0224
This year, the group raised $5,000 for the Wyandotte Public Schools Scholarship Foundation.
“Everyone comes to this event ready to support the community, and they leave knowing they helped improve someone’s life ... and hopefully full of chili,” said Tony Borden, a spokesperson for the event.
“We’ve been excited to see it grow over the years — we’re planning something special for our fifth annual, so make sure you mark your calendars for February 2026.”
Any local nonprofit who serves Wyandotte residents is welcome to join Wyandotte Working Together meetings and participate in next year’s cookoff. Interested parties should contact me at kstec@ wyandottemi.gov.
Roosevelt cheerleaders win MHSAA district title
By HANK MINCKIEWICZ
The Roosevelt competitive cheerleading team hosted and won a Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 district competition on February 15th, and thereby qualified for the Division 1 regionals.
The top four teams at each regional then will qualify for the state competition at Central Michigan University February 28th - March 1st.
The Bears led wire-to-wire in winning their district championship. They scored 235.4 points in the first round – the highest among the 14 teams in attendance – and then they scored the highest total in each of the next two rounds.
Wyandotte won the title with a final score of 781.16. The Bear’s Downriver League rival Woodhaven was second with 771.86, followed by Bedford (762.54), and Westland John Glenn (729.32). All four schools qualified for regionals.
Wyandotte was part of a group of Downriver League teams flexing their muscles at the state level. Five of the league’s nine teams qualified for regionals this year. Joining the Bears are Woodhaven, along with Southgate Anderson, and powerhouse programs Carlson and Allen Park.
Trenton, another Downriver League team – missed qualifying for regional by one place.
The strength of the league was on display at the Downriver League championships hosted by Anderson on February 15th. Three eventual district champs and five total regional qualifying teams were at the local event.
Allen Park won the league title by less than a point over runner-up Carlson.
The Jaguars scored 791.28 to Carlson’s 790.71. Southgate was third with a score of 774.1
The rest of the field lined up this way, Woodhaven fourth (761.34), Wyandotte fifth (753.8), Trenton sixth (734), Lincoln Park seventh (666.7), and Taylor eighth (607). Edsel Ford did not field a team.
For regionals, Wyandotte and Woodhaven were at Troy Athens High School and Allen Park, Southgate, and Carlson were at Fenton High School.
RHS cagers turn their attention to playoffs
It’s been a difficult season for the Roosevelt basketball team but the Bears, 0-19 as of this writing, have a chance to put that all behind them with the upcoming MHSAA state playoffs.
The Bears began the tournament at a district hosted by Lincoln Park.
The district schedule has the Bears facing off with Allen Park on February 24th, with the winner to face Riverview on February 26th.
On the other side of the bracket, Taylor faces Anderson on February 24th, with the winner meeting host Lincoln Park on February 26th.
The district finals are February 28th.
The girls district tournament begins a week later.
Roosevelt’s girls, 10-8 as of this writing, will go to Allen Park for districts. The draw has not been posted, but the other teams in the district are host Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Riverview, Southgate, and Taylor.
Districts begin March 3rd. Regionals begin March 10th.
Photos by Dave Chapman
Roosevelt eyes coming MHSAA hockey playoffs
After a near .500 (12-11) regular season, the Roosevelt hockey team is about to embark on the Michigan High School Athletic Association state playoffs.
Bracketed this year in Division 2, the Bears will go to Trenton for regionals.
Roosevelt opens play with a game against Temperance-Bedford on February 22nd at 7:30 p.m. That game will be preceded by a game featuring the host Trenton Trojans and the winner of the first-round game between Adrian and Woodhaven.
The regional championship game will be in Trenton on February 26th at 7:30.
The winner of the Trenton regional will advance to the state quarterfinals to play against the winner of the Allen Park regional.
That tournament is on the same schedule as Trenton with U-D Jesuit taking
Bears send four to state finals
The Wyandotte Roosevelt wrestling team had four wrestlers qualify for the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 individual state meet.
Competing at a regional at Saline High School, the Bears got a first-place effort, a third-place effort, and a pair of fourths. The top four finishers in each weight division advanced to the state finals, which will be held at Ford Field February 28th - March 1st.
Gabe Gibbons, Wyandotte’s 138-pound senior, claimed his championship without having to wrestle the championship match. After scoring a pair of technical falls to reach the title bout, Gibbons saw his final opponent, Gavin Holcombe, retire because of injury.
Gibbons, who beat opponents from Ann Arbor Huron and Livonia Franklin on his way to the regional title, will head to the state finals with a 50-1 record.
Gibbons also won a district championship the week before, beating Logan O’Connors with a 15-0 technical fall in the title match.
Roosevelt’s third-place regional finish came from senior Steve Andreone, who went 3-1 at 190 pounds to punch his ticket to Ford Field.
In the match to decide third and fourth place, Andreone faced off against teammate Landen Williams, a sophomore. Andreone beat Williams by a 12-0 major decision, but both wrestlers will attend the state finals.
Andreone and Williams were also to have met in the district final a week earlier, but Williams was injured and could not compete.
Andreone beat Enzo Mastroianni of Northville and Tobin Becker of Monroe to reach the qualifying match. Williams beat Titus Reed and Dan Harris to reach the final round. Williams’ first loss at regionals came against eventual champ Lee Kruger of Novi Detroit Catholic Central.
Ben Demmer, Roosevelt’s 215-pound sophomore, also claimed third at regionals. He was pinned by eventual 215-pound champ Connor Bercume of Catholic Central in his first match, but rallied back to beat Emmanuel Cruz-Santiago of Livonia Churchill and Jericho Powe of Saline to reach the match for third and fourth place.
on Grosse Pointe South at 5 p.m. and Allen Park playing Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice at 7:40 p.m. on February 22nd.
That regional championship game is also February 26th at Allen Park’s Frank J. Lada Arena.
The state quarterfinals are March 1st and the semifinals and finals run March 6th-8th at USA Arena in Plymouth.
In his final match, Denner was pinned by Joe Portman of Plymouth
The Bears had three other wrestlers at the regional tournament, each of them wrestled twice and lost.
Junior Donavan Stone was third at 165 pounds at districts, freshman Gage Ball was fourth at 113 pounds at districts, and junior Nolan Allman was also fourth at districts.
The Bears kicked off the “playoff” portion of the 2024-25 schedule with a thirdplace showing at the Downriver League championships hosted by Southgate earlier in February.
Gibbons was Roosevelt’s only individual champ, winning at 144 pounds. He had two pinfalls and two technical falls in beating Aiden Huizar of Taylor, Mautaz Saad of Edsel Ford, Nate King of Southgate, and Bennett Szucz of Carlson.
Blake Schroeder (126 pounds), Allman (150), Stone (165), and Demmer (215) all finished second and Ball (113) and Andreone (190) collected third-place honors.
Matt Campbell, Zach Greene, Chris Luna, Zach Tomczyk, and Elijah Czarnik also scored for the Bears at the league meet.
Host Southgate won the team title with 266.5 points. Carlson was second with 253.5 and Wyandotte was third with 193. The rest of the league finished in this order, Edsel Ford, Allen Park, Trenton, Woodhaven, and Lincoln Park.
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!
Empowering Attendees One Workshop at a Time
Downriver Community Federal Credit Union’s Pizza & Power Lunch Series is Empowering People One Workshop at a Time.
For over 17 years, Downriver Community Federal Credit Union (DownriverCU) has been dedicated to helping individuals and businesses “Accomplish Great Things” by providing valuable educational workshops. Having concluded its Grow Your Business Series in 2024 with over 200 successful sessions, the credit union continues to provide valuable resources for professionals looking to grow, develop, and overcome challenges through its new Pizza & Power Lunch Series.
What is the Pizza & Power Lunch Series?
The Pizza & Power Lunch Series is a monthly workshop designed for employees, entrepreneurs, and business owners who want to take their personal and professional growth to the next level. Each session tackles important
topics such as goal-setting, leadership, financial strategies, business growth, and productivity. Participants can enjoy a slice of pizza (or bring their own lunch) while engaging in insightful discussions and learning practical strategies from industry experts. March Workshop: “What Dream is Ready for Your Yes?”
The next Pizza & Power Lunch
will be held on Tuesday, March 18th at DownriverCU’s Southgate Office (15261 Trenton Rd.) with check-in and lunch starting at 11:45AM and the workshop lasting from 12:00 Noon to 1:00PM.
This month’s session will focus on turning intentions into action. Whether you’re working toward a personal or professional goal, you may have
encountered setbacks, distractions, or a lack of momentum. This workshop will help you:
- Clarify, leverage, and energize your goals
- Dissolve limitations and break through barriers
- Use visualization techniques to boost success
As always, the Pizza & Power Lunch workshops are free to attend, but registration is required to secure your spot. Whether you join us in person or online, this is an opportunity to gain valuable insights, network with like-minded professionals, and take meaningful steps toward your goals.
To register for any of these workshops, or to find out details regarding the speaker, topic, and date of the next workshop, please visit www.DownriverCU.com/ PizzaPowerLunch.
Did Your Doctor Just Break Up With You
Diamonds & Denim A night of impact and celebration for men’s health
In 2016, It’s In Your Jeans was founded by Cindy Gorno-Czarnik and Vonda Grant with a clear mission: to raise awareness and provide critical support for men’s health, particularly focusing on cancers such as colorectal, prostate, and testicular cancer. The idea for the nonprofit was born out of personal tragedy, both founders having experienced the devastating loss of loved ones to these diseases. Their shared goal was simple: to fill the gap in resources and knowledge surrounding men’s health, particularly when it came to early detection and preventive screenings.
For Cindy, the loss was her father, who passed away in 2009 from colon cancer. He had missed his colonoscopy by two years and was diagnosed at stage 4, too late for effective treatment. For Vonda, the tragedy struck with the loss of her nephew to testicular cancer at a young age. These losses sparked a shared frustration—too many men neglect regular doctor visits, and too often they suffer in silence when it comes to talking about their health.
Recognizing the need for change, It’s In Your Jeans was born with the dual mission of educating the community about men’s health and providing financial assistance for
those in need. The organization assists men in the Downriver area battling cancer by covering a variety of non-insurance expenses such as transportation, childcare, deductibles, medication, and integrative medicine.
Additionally, It’s In Your Jeans funds educational programs and preventive screenings, aiming to reduce the number of late-stage cancer diagnoses by encouraging early detection and healthier habits.
In its years of operation, the nonprofit has raised and distributed nearly $260,000 to local men facing cancer, funding medical treatments, diagnostic equipment, acupuncture programs for cancer side effects, and screenings for uninsured or underinsured individuals. The organization partners with local hospitals, including Corewell Trenton and Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, to further its mission of improving cancer care in the Downriver area.
On January 25th, 2025, It’s In Your Jeans Downriver held its 7th annual Diamonds & Denim fundraising event at Crystal Gardens. This year’s event was a true testament to the community’s dedication and the organization’s continuing success in its mission to support men battling cancer. The evening was filled with
for the nonprofit’s programs.
The Diamonds & Denim event is one of the nonprofit’s signature fundraisers, providing an opportunity for community members, local businesses, and supporters to come together for a fun-filled evening while making a real difference in the lives of men affected by cancer. The event features a mix of elegant and casual attire, symbolizing the balance between the glamour of fundraising and the down-to-earth nature of the cause. Guests enjoyed dinner, live entertainment by Wisteria, a silent auction, and opportunities to learn more about the organization’s work.
The event also served as an important moment to honor individuals who have gone above and beyond in supporting It’s In Your Jeans and its mission. This year, the organization proudly awarded Patricia Cook Anderson with the Distinguished Volunteer Award in recognition of her years of dedication and service to the organization. Patricia, who has also served as the board chair, has been a vital part of the nonprofit’s growth and success. Her hard work and passion for the cause have helped It’s In Your Jeans expand its reach and support even more men in the community.
As It’s In Your Jeans continues its journey, both Cindy and Vonda remain deeply committed to their mission. The funds raised at the Diamonds & Denim event will directly support ongoing initiatives, such as providing cancer screenings, funding educational programs, and offering financial aid for men dealing with the personal and medical expenses that accompany cancer treatment.
With a shared vision of a healthier community, Cindy, Vonda, and the dedicated team of volunteers and supporters are working toward a future where no man faces cancer alone. They aim to continue building awareness, providing vital resources, and ensuring that men in the Downriver community have the tools they need to fight cancer—and to survive it.
For more information about It’s In Your Jeans, or to find out how you can get involved as a volunteer, sponsor, or donor, visit the organization’s website or reach out for support at itsinyourjeansdownriver.org.
heartwarming moments, inspiring speeches, and generous donations, all while raising critical funds
Photos by Jim Jacek
NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
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Grosse Ile’s rah-rahs have been golden in 2025
It’s been an amazing start to 2025 for the Grosse Ile competitive cheerleading team, a squad that won a pair of invitationals and finished second in a Huron League jamboree during the month of January.
The high-flying Red Devils struck gold at the 22nd annual Cougar Spirit Invitational at Stoney Creek High School in Rochester and then again more recently at the Woodhaven Invitational.
The team started the 2025 portion of the schedule by fishing second to Airport at the first league jamboree.
At Woodhaven on Feb 1. The Red Devils won the Division 3 title. It was an 11-team, threedivision competition and the Red Devils had the third highest score among the teams regardless of division.
PAGE 14
Titans storm to league wrestling title
On the strength of two individual championships and four runner-up finishes, the Southgate Anderson wrestling team topped the field at the recent Downriver League championship meet and with that victory the Titans wrapped up the 2024-25 league crown.
The Titans outscored meet runner-up Carlson 266.5-253.5 to secure the title. The rest of the league finished in this order: Wyandotte (193), Dearborn Edsel Ford (154.5), Allen Park (150.5), Trenton (150.5), Woodhaven (123) and Lincoln Park (79).
Leading the way for the Titans were 120-pounder Habibullah Majedi and 150-pound Sean King, each of whom won individual league titles.
Majedi started his day with a bye, then pinned Woodhaven’s Humza Iqbal in a minute. He then tech-fell Cole Scrinenti of Trenton 17-1. In the finals, Majedi scored a 5-3 decision over Carlson’s Tyler Kamm.
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Popcorn Pirates provides a tasty treat at RCHS
Popcorn Pirates, led by school social worker Marci Heulitt, is a school-based enterprise (SBE) which provides realistic and practical work-based learning experience. High school students make and sell fresh popcorn at Riverview High School. For many students, this program provides their first work experience; for others, this program provides an opportunity to build management, supervision and leadership skills. The Popcorn Pirates are comprised of over 30 students who are at different levels of learning how to run a small business. The Popcorn Pirates also work with other outside agencies such as The Guidance Center and Michigan Rehabilitation Services which also provide business classes and work readiness skills classes. The Popcorn Pirates are socially responsible by donating money to local community organizations. Popcorn Pirates is a socially conscious business and is learning about how to
share with others. We appreciate our customers most of all and love to provide fresh and delicious popcorn for the staff and students.
PAGE 13
Three generations of hunting fun
Abel Seipelt, a third-grader from Brownstown, made a memorable mark this past September by harvesting his first deer during the Michigan Youth Hunt. His successful hunt is the latest chapter in a long family tradition that began 38 years ago, when his family first started hunting a farm in Hillsdale, Michigan. This tradition, now spanning three generations, has seen each new member of
the family add their name to the growing list of successful hunters on the farm, with Abel being the youngest to do so.
The Seipelt family’s connection to this property dates back to 1986, when a local farmer and his family graciously allowed them to hunt on their land. Over the years, this kind gesture blossomed into a lasting, intergenerational friendship. Abel’s father, Justin, shot his first buck on the same farm 26 years ago during a youth hunt. He was joined by his sister, Rachel, and their father, Doug. From that point on, the tradition of hunting together became a key part of their family’s bond and continued to grow with each passing year.
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