n June 4th, Mayor DeSana had the honor of presenting a proclamation to Cecile Bouchard in celebration of her 100th birthday. Originally from Île d’Orléans, Quebec, Cecile has been a proud resident of Wyandotte for many years. She dedicated 40 years to her career at Fabricon and generously volunteered her time at the Wyandotte Hospital gift shop as well as All Saints Church in Detroit. Cecile also shared her voice as a longtime member of the St. Cyprian
of loving family, Cecile stands as a shining example of someone who is truly living her best
Last
Murphy is a spoiled lady with very specific tastes—faucet water only, please. When she’s not sipping from the sink, she’s lounging in her cat tower, ruling the house one nap at a time.
Would you like to see your pet become “Downriver Famous” in our Go Big Multi-Media empire?
Send a photo and a blurb to Sherry@ gobigmultimedia.com and we will do the rest.
Wyandotte Rotary Club and Fire Department to host open house
By ROSE SHURYAN
The Wyandotte Rotary Club cordially invites you to the 2nd Annual Wyandotte Rotary Park Picnic on Sunday, July 20th, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm!
This free event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with neighbors, enjoy a beautiful summer afternoon, and learn more about the work we do in Wyandotte. We will be gathering in Rotary Park, which has been recently renovated to make it more kid-friendly and create a welcoming space for the community to come together.
Attendees can look forward to a classic barbecue spread, expertly prepared by our local fire department, including delicious hot dogs and chips, perfect for a summer picnic! In collaboration with
the Wyandotte Fire Department, they will be cooking our dinner and hosting an open house. And what’s a picnic without dessert? We’re thrilled to have an ice cream truck on site, serving up cool and delicious treats to beat the summer heat.
At Rotary, our mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders to strengthen our community bonds. It’s a chance to meet Rotarians, discover our ongoing projects, and find out how you can contribute to making Wyandotte an even better place to live.
Whether you are a long-time resident or new to the area, we encourage you to come out and join us for an afternoon of fun, food, and fellowship. We look forward to seeing you there!
TURNING 65?
Only Odds & Herbz celebrates grand opening
NEW EYES
The City of Wyandotte welcomed a new addition to its small business community with the grand opening of Only Odds & Herbz, located at 3383 Fort Street.
This one-of-a-kind shop blends the magic of nature with the charm of the past, offering a carefully curated selection of holistic herbs, handcrafted remedies, and vintage oddities. The store specializes in herbal wellness products such as tea kits, salves, and wholesale herbs, alongside antiques, wearable art, and other timeless treasures.
With a focus on wellness and community healing, Only Odds & Herbz brings something unique to Wyandotte’s retail scene.
Perfect day for the “Save the Girls” charity golf outing
The Downriver Soroptimists hosted their highly successful third annual golf outing fundraiser on June 7th at Wesburn Golf & Country Club in South Rockwood. The event drew 126 attendees, including 108 golfers who participated in a four-person shotgun scramble that began at 8:00 a.m. With perfect weather and great energy, the $100 entry fee included greens fees, food and beverages, and door prizes. Attendees also enjoyed a variety of raffles, including gift baskets, gift cards, 50/50 drawings, and golf-related prizes. Highlights included a $500 Carl’s Golf Land gift card, $400 VIP tickets to Detroit’s Summer Cruise Series, and gift bags for participants.
The Soroptimists raised over $16,000 to support their educational scholarship programs for Downriver women and to fund vital service projects that empower women and girls through initiatives focused on human trafficking awareness, education, healthcare, and domestic violence prevention. Thanks to the leadership of golf outing chairperson Fallon Belisle and the dedicated efforts
of countless Soroptimist members, this year’s event exceeded expectations and surpassed the success of last year’s fundraiser.
The Soroptimists extend their heartfelt thanks to the many generous tent, cart, and hole sponsors whose support was proudly showcased with signage throughout the event: The Willow Tree; Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber; Vreeland Market; Donny Konja Sells; Waterfront Banquet & Event Center; Advantage One Credit Union; Iron Bandogs LE/MC; Tittle Brothers Construction; Kallas Restaurant Accounting; 3Sixty5 Realty;
Allegra Printing, Christoff’s Restaurant, and Belisle Construction; contributions from Nan Begola and Susan McCusker; and Christine Kuhn Consulting; and in Memory of Joseph and Leona Saunders; Matt Speedie; Pauline Donovan; Richard Fickeisen; Emil & Pearl Crisi; Mary Batcheller; Rita Klein; and Robert “Smokey” Belisle.
Downriver Soroptimist is a dedicated volunteer organization committed to serving the community through fundraising, donations, public awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and direct hands-on support. Each year,
the group presents monetary awards to individuals to help them pursue and achieve their goals. These passionate women volunteer their time and talents to support local causes, including food pantries, Vista Maria, First Step, Sparrow Project, Stanford House, Alternatives for Girls, and various women’s health institutions. The Soroptimists also organize impactful charity events and programs, such as the biennial “Battle for Freedom” avant-garde runway hair and fashion gala, the annual “Save the Girls” charity golf outing, and the inspiring “Dream It, Be It” mentorship program for adolescent girls.
You can help improve the lives of women and girls in the Downriver area and around the world by donating to Soroptimist International of Downriver. Your donation will help fund their service projects. This is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Make an online donation via Venmo or by sending a check to Soroptimist International of Downriver, 1644 Vernon, Trenton, MI 48183.
Abshire
Abshire
Dunkin’ celebrates grand reopening
Dunkin’, located at 211 Eureka, celebrated its Grand Re-Opening on May 30th with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The event marked an exciting new chapter for the popular Wyandotte location, which now features a newly added drive-thru — a major convenience for customers on the go.
City officials, community members, and Dunkin’ staff gathered to commemorate the occasion. The strong turnout reflected the community’s continued support for local businesses.
The City of Wyandotte congratulates Dunkin’ on this new investment and looks forward to their continued success in the community.
Photo by Jim Jacek
DOWNRIVERCU ANSWERS
Paying Off Debt: Snowball vs. Avalanche
Sometimes paying off debt can feel impossible, especially if you owe a lot. So, what can you do?
There are two common methods to help stay focused on clearing debt – the snowball and the avalanche.
Snowball Method
• List all your debts – write down any debt you have from the lowest to highest amounts.
• Pay the minimum – each month be sure to pay the minimum monthly balance on each account.
• Pay extra – use any extra money you have towards clearing the total balance of the lowest bill.
As you roll your payments from the smallest balance to the next one on your list, the amount you can pay “snowballs,” giving you more funds to pay down the bigger debts!
Avalanche Method
• List all your debts – write down any debt you have from the highest interest rates to the lowest
• Pay the minimum – each month be sure to pay the minimum monthly balance on each account.
• Pay extra – use any extra money you have towards clearing the total balance of the account with the highest interest. This way, you can slide your way down the debt mountain, saving money in the long run because you’re paying off high-interest debt first, while still making minimum monthly payments on the others.
Which Method is Better?
That’s up to you. The snowball strategy can be encouraging because you’ll see debts getting paid quickly, while the avalanche attack can save money by paying less in interest costs over time. Ultimately, either method can help you stay focused on paying off all your debt. Now won’t that be cool?
Wyandotte soccer wraps up season with solid finish
By DAVE MERCHANT
The Wyandotte Bears girls soccer team capped off a strong 2025 season with a final record of 10-10-2. Under the guidance of first-year head coach John Kaneko, the team showed promise and resilience throughout the year. “We had a decent season,” Kaneko said. “Especially for having a new coach.”
The Bears opened district play with a 3-1 victory over Lincoln Park, thanks to goals from Ava
Miknyocki, Amelia Grenz, and Ashley Gonzalez. However, their playoff run ended in the second round with a tough 8-1 loss to a talented Woodhaven Warriors squad.
Several Bears earned individual accolades for their outstanding play. Grenz had a standout season, setting a new single-season team record with 22 goals. Miknyocki also impressed, tallying 16 goals. Goalkeeper Madison Noe was a force in net, recording 180 saves.
Earning All-League honors were Grenz, Morgan
Lake, and Gabriella Portis. All-District recognition went to Lake, Gonzalez, Grenz, Noe, Miknyocki, and Jaiden Hughes. The Bears also excelled in the classroom, with All-Academic honors awarded to Addison Cleveland, Grenz, Hughes, Brianna Viera, and Jaslyn Pettis.
With 11 seniors graduating, Coach Kaneko is looking ahead to next season with optimism, confident in the team’s ability to rebuild and remain competitive.
Roosevelt AD loves his job
By DAVE MERCHANT
Michael Schley, Athletic Director of the Roosevelt Bears, brings passion, leadership, and a deep commitment to Wyandotte’s athletic community. He’s been shaping the school’s sports programs for the past three years and shows no signs of slowing down.
Before coming to Roosevelt, Schley was the Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights. He spent over 20 years coaching and teaching Social Studies at Carleton Airport High School.
“I was Head Coach in Track and Field at Carleton Airport for 21 years and won quite a few league championships and qualified many individuals and relay teams to the State Finals,” Schley said. “I coached football mostly at the junior varsity and freshman level for 13 years, I coached Cross Country for 11 years, also winning some league championships and getting teams and individuals to the State Finals each year.
I coached middle school basketball for 5 years, both boys and girls, and had the joy of coaching my own daughters in basketball when they were middle school age.”
Schley earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University and his Master’s Degree from Wayne State University. He and his wife Kristin have three children: Thea, currently attending the University of Michigan; Nora, attending Michigan State University; and Will, who is in high school.
“The best part of being an AD is watching athletes grow and develop from their Freshman year to their Senior year,” Schley said. “I also enjoy working with coaches to develop the athletes and the programs and give the student athletes at Wyandotte a great experience.”
Time management is a challenge. “One challenge is time,” he said. “There’s a lot of late evenings and nights, a lot to manage from day to day with 25 varsity programs plus the middle school.”
Schley’s official title is Athletic Director/Assistant Principal. “I spend most of my day on Athletics, but with additional middle school responsibilities I’m not doing what would be seen as normal
assistant principal duties. They are both busy jobs.”
He attends nearly every home contest and enjoys watching Wyandotte athletes compete and develop. “I played at the HS level,” he said. “I ran track and field, played basketball and ran cross country. My kids are all better athletes than I was.”
He likes being a Bear and enjoys his responsibilities. “My future is here at Wyandotte,” he commented. “This is a great school district and community.”
“We’re building programs and teams and wanting to get to a high level of competition, it’s not always a smooth process but if everybody puts the work in and builds the right way there will be improvement over time,” Schley said.
He also connects with other athletic directors in the area. “It’s good to get other perspectives. We all support each other knowing the challenges of the job, but know that each school and community is unique in and of itself.”
Bears softball ends a strong season
By DAVE MERCHANT
The Roosevelt Bears varsity softball team wrapped up a successful campaign with a final record of 21 wins and 11 losses. “We had a very good season,” said Head Coach Joseph Chlipala. “We were a very young team, and the strides they made make our entire staff incredibly proud.” Despite battling through tough injuries, the Bears pulled together, with several players stepping up to contribute across the board.
Highlights of the season included winning the Kavanagh Classic Tournament in Yale, Michigan, and competing well at the Michigan Challenge in Canton. The Bears also secured fourth place in the highly competitive Downriver League.
Coach Chlipala noted the impact of two graduating seniors, Tegyn Gourlay and Jordan Passuth, both of whom had outstanding seasons. “They will be sincerely missed,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Bears have plenty to be excited about, with a talented core returning. “We still have a lot of young players, but they’ll be led by some great role model seniors,” Chlipala added. “Don’t let young fool you—these kids can play.” He emphasized that the team is eager to continue building on the accomplishments of recent years.
The junior varsity Bears also impressed, finishing their season with a 17-5 record and proving the program’s strong foundation and bright future. “I’m already looking forward to tryouts,” Chlipala said. “Go Bears!”
Several players were recognized for individual achievements this season.
Grace Papler, Brooklyn Chlipala, and Ellie Isenegger earned All-League honors, while Papler, Chlipala, and Peyton Sabo were named All-District. Ellie Isenegger was voted Most Valuable Player, and Devlyn Massengill was named Most Improved. Emma Jordan and Brooklyn Chlipala shared the title of Co-Bear of the Year, and the Coach’s Award went to senior Jordan Passuth.
Schley
Photos by Dave Chapman
GREAT LAKES MOMENT: Creating a U.S. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail
By JOHN HARTIG
The Eastern Seaboard has the East Coast Greenway and the Appalachian Trail. The Western Seaboard has the Pacific Crest Trail. The Rocky Mountains have the Continental Divide Trail. Right now, the Council of State Governments, Midwestern Office (CSG Midwest) is working with the eight Great Lakes states, and other trail partners, to explore creating a U.S. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail to meander along the shorelines of the largest freshwater system on Earth.
Imagine a trail of national significance connecting visitors and residents to 20% of the standing freshwater on the Earth’s surface. This is precisely what is being envisioned as the U.S. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, showcasing the history, ecology and culture of this bioregion. It will also have several connections to Canada’s Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.
Examples of transboundary trail crossings include:
- The Seaway International Bridge connecting Cornwall, Ontario and Massena, New York.
- The Peace Bridge connecting Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York.
- The soon-to-open Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan.
- The Grand Portage-Pigeon River border crossing that connects Grand Portage, Minnesota with Neebing, Ontario.
This trail will be a collaborative effort among the eight Great Lakes states, building on the foundation of existing and planned trails, over time completing trail gaps. The goal will be to welcome as many non-motorized users as possible and provide unforgettable trail experiences along the Great Lakes.
in rural and northern regions), and 11% is on provincial highways with enhanced shoulders.
Canada’s Great Lakes Waterfront Trail uses interim routes to achieve connectivity, which is critical to motivating community participation and ensuring public confidence in the initiative. Trail communities and the Waterfront Regeneration Trust work continuously to improve trail alignment and expand the connections to and from the trail.
No such meandering greenway route currently exists along the U.S. shoreline of the Great Lakes, although many segments of such a trail exist. That is why CSG Midwest is facilitating collaboration among the Great Lakes states and other trail organizations to create a U.S. version of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail that will have connections to Canada’s.
In 2024, the initiative received a non-financial, technical assistance grant from the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program. Both RTCA landscape architects and
design a trail system that is resilient, connected and rooted in place.
“CSG Midwest and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus are excited to be facilitating this initiative to create a U.S. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail across our eight Great Lakes states,” said Jessica Lienhardt, Great Lakes Program Director, CSG Midwest. “With connections to Canada, it will become a continentally-significant, binational, recreational trail along the largest chain of freshwater lakes in the world, connecting communities and businesses along spectacular scenery.”
The benefits of this trail collaboration are enormous, including expanding outdoor recreation and ecotourism economies, promoting conservation, encouraging healthy lifestyles and enhancing quality of life.
It is well known that trails allow communities to increase commerce, support and create jobs, increase property values, reduce commuter costs, and provide lowcost health benefits.
CSG Midwest is leading this initiative through an ongoing set of roundtable discussions among the eight Great Lakes states and other key trail organizations. A consensus vision provides direction to this initiative: all residents and visitors of the eight Great Lakes states are connected to and benefit from world-class freshwater, wildlife, recreation and history through the U.S. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.
Canada’s Great Lakes Waterfront Trail has been in existence for more than three decades. This Ontario trail stretches from Lake Superior to the St. Lawrence River at the Ontario-Québec border — approximately 2,250 miles. It is a greenway route of interconnecting roads and off-road trails. This greenway system will join 177 communities along the Canadian Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River waterfronts — including Indigenous nations.
A celebration of nature and culture, the Canadian Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is part of a strategy to protect the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth and connect people to them. It is a legacy project of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, a charity, and its community partners.
The long-term goal of Canada’s Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is to be as close to the water’s edge as ecologically feasible. Today, 13% of this route is dedicated paths and quiet residential streets, 76% is on secondary roads (often
Purdue University geographical information system experts are working with state partners to map this trail along 84 counties and complete a gap analysis.. RTCA is also assisting The Council of State Governments with facilitation and partnership-building.
The first state to be mapped was Indiana. This trail is locally known as the Marquette Greenway and is approximately 60 miles long and 76% complete.
“Indiana will be honored to have the Marquette Greenway become part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail in the United States,” said Mitch Barloga, active transportation manager with the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission. “Being part of this Great Lakes Waterfront Trail initiative will help promote our portion of the greenway and will help bring more outdoor enthusiasts to and through our trail, accessing several popular destinations on Lake Michigan, which in turn will provide a boost to our local businesses.”
Preliminary maps have also been prepared for Pennsylvania, Illinois and Minnesota, soon to be followed by Wisconsin, Ohio and New York. Michigan will be the last state mapped because it has the most Great Lakes shoreline and, therefore, most challenging.
In addition, this initiative has received support from the University of Michigan’s School of Environment and Sustainability for an eco-design capstone project. Graduate students are helping Pennsylvania engage with local trail stakeholders and assess, synthesize and help
Examples of economic benefits include:
- A 2019 Rails to Trails Conservancy report found that the net economic impact of trails in Wisconsin is as much as $1.5 billion USD.
- The Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota has reported that non-motorized trail users spend $2.7 billion USD annually and support 37,000 jobs in Minnesota.
- An economic benefits study of The Great Lakes Way in Michigan found that the total estimated economic impact of greenways, water trails, parks, unique natural areas, waterfront reclamation, connections to Canada, and historical and heritage attributes was approximately $3.75 to 5 billion USD annually.
- In 2023, the Trans Canada Trail released a report quantifying the world’s longest trail’s economic, environmental, and public health impacts. Based on this study, the total economic, environmental, and public health impacts of the Trans Canada Trail in Ontario (a large percentage of this is the Canadian Great Lakes Waterfront Trail) was $9.8 billion CAN.
CSG Midwest has thus far received letters of support or support statements from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the Great Lakes Commission, the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus, The Great Lakes Way, The Marquette Greenway, Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission, the Wisconsin Nonmotorized Recreation and Transportation Trails Council and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative.
If a local trail organization is interested in becoming a collaborator, please contact CSG Midwest at gllc@csg. org.
John Hartig is a board member at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. He serves as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Windsor’s Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research and has written numerous books and publications on the environment and the Great Lakes. Hartig also helped create the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, where he worked for 14 years as the refuge manager.
^ Great Lakes Waterfront Trail Concept Map
Ahhhhh, you’re on vacation…
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!
Estate Planning 101 Which plan do
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!
SOUTHERN WAYNE COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER
Downriver’s Business Network
Ron Hinrichs,
The 9th Annual Taste of Downriver returns on August 12 in Downtown Trenton! Sample the region’s best cuisine while enjoying a beautiful summer evening in one of our local downtowns. Stroll from eatery to eatery and experience the very best of the Downriver region.
Monthly recap with Rep Linting
State Representative
There are several things I have been working to bring home to our Downriver community. I wanted to update you on these targeted investments for our area that involve local infrastructure, public safety and more.
our Downriver communities an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
One budget request I made was a full bridge replacement on West Road in Trenton. The bridge’s failing condition has already forced the closure of two lanes of traffic, creating bottlenecks and safety concerns for motorists and rail traffic.
A $10 million appropriation would enable Wayne County to begin construction on a new bridge and get shovels in the ground within the next fiscal year while the county also puts funding into the project.
For more information and to purchase tickets, swcrc.com/events/taste2025.
AUGUST 12, 6:00
A road funding plan I voted for would dedicate more than $3 billion to local roads across Michigan annually, including Downriver –without raising taxes! Riverview would see a road funding increase of nearly $2 million from current year distributions. Southgate would receive over $5 million more, Gibraltar ($1.5 million), Wyandotte (over $4.6 million), with Trenton (over $3.1 million) and Wayne County, which includes Grosse Ile Township, would receive $239.8 million.
This additional money would provide local road agencies that often lack resources with what they need to make repairs. That nasty pothole that you see while out running errands can get filled, and that street that’s needed to be re-surfaced for years can finally get paved. A bill I sponsored as part of this plan would hold school funding harmless, so we aren’t shifting money away from our kids and classrooms to pay for our roads.
Public safety is also a huge priority for people I talk with across our region – and I took those sentiments to Lansing. I voted to ramp up resources for our communities through a new public safety trust fund to help upgrade equipment, retain officers, and keep our neighborhoods and families safe. Southgate would receive nearly $170,000 in additional public safety funding if this plan became law, and Wyandotte would receive over $103,000. Similar to the road funding plan, other Downriver communities I represent would also receive additional public safety resources, including Riverview (over $37,000), Trenton (over $30,000) and Grosse Ile Township (over $2,700).
We are also continuing to work on our House budget plan and right-size spending for Michigan. As part of this budget process for the upcoming fiscal year, I am fighting for critical funding proposals that will make
I am also pushing for funding to fix both bridges that Grosse Ile Township residents use to get on and off the island. The toll bridge is in desperate need of repair to continue operations. The other bridge, which is free for motorists to use, is owned by Wayne County, which has requested funds to begin the process of permitting and engineering for a full bridge replacement. I have requested $40 million to go toward repairing these two bridges because it’s critical for both to operate so that residents have a way on and off the island if one closes for maintenance.
Other funding project requests I have made include natural gas reciprocating internal combustion engines to increase electric capacity and meet rising demand in Wyandotte and new water mains for residents in Southgate.
I will continue fighting for our communities and serving as your voice in Lansing!
State Rep. Rylee Linting serves the 27th House District in Wayne County, which includes the township of Grosse Ile, the cities of Gibraltar, Riverview, Trenton and Wyandotte, and a portion of the City of Southgate.
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NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
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Downriver group dedicated to women helping women
Members of the Downriver chapters of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) held their annual Soup and Salad Social recently at St. James Episcopal Church’s historic Galloway Hall to great success, advancing the cause “where women motivate, educate, and celebrate women.”
Founded in 1869 by seven female students at Iowa Wesleyan College, the nonprofit organization has grown to over a quarter of a million members throughout the world strengthened by the bonds of sisterhood, friendships, and benevolent works. Chapter AF-BU President Sue Anderson was pleased with the evening’s event, “Our annual fundraiser was a really fun night. Not only did we have a great social event, but we were able to raise money to support our P.E.O. mission ‘to celebrate the advancement of women, educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, and loans—all the while motivating women to achieve their highest aspirations.’”
The guest speaker for the evening was no stranger to philanthropy and paying it forward. Long time educator, Andrea Stevenson has been the beneficiary of grants from the National Science Foundation that advanced her as a state awardee for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science teaching. For the past seven years she has been the treasurer of the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation providing educational grants to both the community and schools. In addition to other charitable work, she spoke that evening of establishing the Blessing Box ministry at St. James Episcopal—a 24 hour food
pantry serving those in need.
SEE PAGE 14
GI Fire Department issues bridge safety reminder
With the on-going bridge closure impacting traffic on and off Grosse Ile, the Grosse Ile Fire Department is reminding drivers of proper protocol when encountering emergency vehicles— particularly while crossing the toll bridge. Emergency responders frequently need to cross the island’s bridges with lights and sirens activated. In these situations, it is crucial for drivers to understand that they should not stop while on the bridge. Stopping can create dangerous conditions, as it is extremely difficult for emergency vehicles to pass on the narrow bridge, especially when there is oncoming traffic.
Instead, GIFD advises that drivers continue at a safe, steady speed until they have completely crossed the bridge. Once off the bridge and in a safe location, drivers should then pull to the side of the road at the earliest safe opportunity to allow the emergency vehicle to pass.
It’s important to note that this guidance applies specifically to vehicles that are on the bridge. In all other situations—on regular roadways—drivers should still follow the standard emergency vehicle protocol: pull over to the side of the road and slow to a safe stop. Do not stop in a travel lane without pulling over, as this forces emergency vehicles into oncoming traffic to maneuver around the stopped vehicle.
SEE PAGE 5
GR boys track makes history with MITCA state title
The Riverview Gabriel Richard boys track and field team etched their names into the record books this season by capturing the MITCA Team State Championship for the first time in school history. The Pioneers dominated the competition, finishing more than 185 points ahead of runner-up Kalamazoo Hackett.
Leading the way was Joey Calhoun, who won the 100-meter dash in 11.1 seconds. Derek Lesko took the 200-meter dash title with a time of 22.38. The sprint relay teams were equally impressive. The 4x100-meter relay team of Antonio Sobush, Nick Sobush, Lesko, and Calhoun won with a time of 44.17. The 4x200-meter relay team, Calhoun, Wisdom Nwadioha, Antonio Sobush, and Lesko,
claimed first place with a time of 1:30.05, breaking the MITCA meet record in the process.
Nwadioha added another first-place finish in the long jump, soaring 21 feet, six inches. The 4x400meter relay team of Antonio Sobush, Kris Vigars, Andreas Laskaris, and Nick Sobush broke a school record that had stood for 32 years.
The Pioneers also clinched their second straight Regional Championship with 171 points, well ahead of Southfield Christian’s 101. Regional champions included the 4x800-meter relay team of Vigars, Dominic Barretto, Rich Fanti, and Jacob Ferdubinski; Calhoun in the 100-meter dash; and the 4x100-meter relay team of Antonio Sobush, Lesko, Nick Sobush, and Calhoun. Additional regional wins came from Vigars in the 300-meter hurdles, Brady Begeman in the high jump, and Nwadioha in the long jump.
The 4x200-meter relay team once again made headlines by breaking a school record that had stood for 48 years with a time of 1:30.00.
SEE PAGE 18
Seitz Middle School girls take on the future
A group of talented eighth-grade girls from Seitz Middle School recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in the annual STEM
Savvy Conference at Wayne County Community College (WCCC). This inspiring event, designed to encourage young women to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), provided an engaging and hands-on learning experience.
The students—Payton Sterling, Reagan Merrell, Bellina Frattarelli, Violet Soucie, Isabelle Wakeman, Adrienne Pletcher, Cameron Coates, and Sophia Belles—immersed themselves in interactive workshops that challenged their creativity and problem-solving skills. Throughout the day, they explored various STEM fields, gaining valuable insights into potential career paths and the impact of STEM in everyday life.
The conference featured dynamic presentations, hands-on experiments, and mentorship opportunities with professionals in STEM-related fields. The girls had the chance to collaborate, innovate, and engage in multiple learning experiences that sparked their curiosity and enthusiasm for STEM subjects.
Reflecting on the event, the students expressed their excitement about the new concepts they explored and the connections they made. They left the conference feeling empowered and inspired, ready to take on future STEM challenges with confidence.
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Southgate soldier interred at Arlington
On April 29th, Colonel John Paul Kuspa (Ret.) was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, a place reserved for the nation’s most distinguished military service members. His career spanned 32 years, 26 in the U.S. Army, and six as a civilian with the Department of Defense.
The full military ceremony reflected the magnitude of Colonel Kuspa’s life of service. A military band, honor guard, rifle salute team, and bugler paid tribute as family, friends, and fellow veterans gathered. Pastor Mike McKinley of Sterling Park Baptist Church delivered the eulogy, noting, “No one can buy their way into Arlington. The only way is to earn it. And John Kuspa most certainly did.”
More than 90 people attended the ceremony. Among them was Donna (Hale) Slankster, a Southgate resident and high school classmate of John. “I’ve known John for over 60 years,” she shared. “He was a man of unwavering faith, integrity, and quiet strength. I watched with pride as he went on to do
great things.”
Joseph Kuspa, John’s youngest brother, recalled a man who was a mentor, dedicated family man and patriot. “John encouraged us all to challenge ourselves and to be our best,” he said. “When I was around six, he taught me to play chess. His funeral at Arlington was a fitting exclamation point on a life of purpose and honor.”
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Southgate alumni skaters honor former coaches
Southgate residents and former coaches John Rafferty and John Petrlich helped organize the 4th Annual Southgate Hockey Alumni Game on May 17th with a ceremonial puck drop as skaters competed in a new format with three teams in three games.
Rafferty was among several Southgate police officers who coached in the Southgate Hockey Association. He began coaching the Mite division Red Wings in the 1970s with colleague Barry Soper. His son, Jeff Rafferty, and grandson, Brendan Rafferty, were opposing goaltenders in the alumni game. Barry’s son, Todd Soper, also played in the alumni game.
“Once a year, I look forward to lacing up the skates and playing the game of hockey with old friends and players from my childhood,” said Jeff Rafferty. “It also gives me the opportunity to play against my son, Brendan. This year was extra special because we honored my dad, who was my first coach and got me into hockey when I was young. This year, having my father drop the puck with my son and I on the ice is a memory that I will never forget.”
Petrlich, a former Aquinas High School varsity coach in the 1980s, was joined on the ice by his sons John and Mike Petrlich as Raiders alumni fielded a white, black, and gold team for the first time in the event. Petrlich started his hockey coaching career in 1969 when the city built their original outdoor ice rink. He coached through the Southgate Parks & Recreation Department into 1979 before leading the Aquinas High School hockey program.
The games included 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.
“Who says you can never go back? Oh yes you can, if only for a day!” said David Blanton, a Southgate Hockey youth player and Trenton High School 1987 graduate.
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Veterans Memorial Library hosted its annual Writers Showcase on June 14th, a vibrant
celebration of creativity, community, and the written word. The event highlighted the talents of local writers and honored the winners of the library’s recent creative writing contest for adults.
Guests gathered for an inspiring afternoon filled with powerful readings and heartfelt storytelling, as selected contest participants shared their original works with an engaged audience. The showcase offered a platform for writers to express themselves and connect with others who share a love of literature and language.
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Trenton baseball ends season in regional finals
The Trenton Trojans varsity baseball team wrapped up a strong 2025 season with a trip to the Regional Finals at the University of Michigan on June 7th. The Trojans opened the day with an impressive 8-1 win over Riverview in the semifinals but fell short in the final, losing 2-0 to the Chelsea Bulldogs.
In the semifinal matchup against the Riverview Pirates, Trenton wasted no time taking control.
Pitcher Ashton Rooney opened the game by striking out two batters and allowing just one hit in the top of the first. The Trojans’ offense backed him up right away, scoring two runs on two hits in the bottom of the inning to grab an early 2-0 lead.
Trenton added to their advantage in the second, plating three more runs. Zach LaMay contributed with a key RBI double to help make it 5-0.
On the mound, Talon Vanhovel struck out the side in the top of the third, continuing Trenton’s dominance.
