Excitement filled the Yack Arena as the Motor City Rockers, members of the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL), were officially introduced to the city during a community press conference and fan event that drew several hundred residents.
The event marked the formal relaunch of professional FPHL hockey in Wyandotte, with fans gathering (, to meet team leadership, purchase merchandise, and learn more about the organization ahead of puck drop this fall.
D0d:~te welcomed residents and visitors June 5-6 for the annual Swiggin' Pig Festival, presented by Meijer. The two-day event featured barbecue vendors, live entertainment, family activities, specialty tastings, and a crafters market.
The festival opened on Friday, June 5, with performances by Amazing Clark Magic Show, Cami Rose, Corey Dakota and Ryan Jay. Attendees also enjoyed a variety of barbecue offerings, shopping opportunities through the crafters market, a kids zone, and giant yard games.
A featured attraction on Friday was the festival's whiskey tasting event, which showcased brands including Maker's Mark, Jefferson's Reserve, Jameson, Skrewball, Crown Royal Blackberry and Detroit City Distillery, along with several other selections.
The festival continued Saturday, June 6, with additional entertainment and activities throughout downtown. Performers included Fire Skunk Acrobatic Fire Show, Ashley Marie, Y'ALL BAND and The Stone Blossoms. Festivalgoers once again had the opportunity to enjoy barbecue vendors, the crafters market, children's activities and outdoor games.
With free admission and activities for all ages, the Swiggin' Pig Festival drew crowds to downtown Wyandotte for a weekend celebrating food, music and community.
The evening featured appearances and remarks from key figures including Wyandotte Mayor Rob DeSana, Wyandotte Parks and Recreation Superintendent Jacob Bzura, FPHL Commissioner Don Kirnan, and Rockers owner Ken Andrews.
Mayor DeSana opened the program by highlighting the partnership between the city and the organization, calling it a strong fit for the community and emphasizing the affordability and family-friendly nature of hockey in Downriver.
Bzura spoke about the potential impact the Rockers will have on the Yack Arena and downtown Wyandotte, noting opportunities to strengthen youth hockey, figure skating programs, and local businesses.
Commissioner Kirnan praised ownership for helping expand and stabilize FPHL hockey in Michigan, while crediting Ken Andrews for his leadership and vision for the league's
continued growth. Andrews delivered an emotional address announcing the return of
the Rockers, describing the team as a reflection of the Downriver community's identity. He emphasized resilience, hard work, and the shared
pride between the region and its new FPHL franchise.
The event also included family activities such as face painting, stick hockey, and merchandise sales, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the arena.
With puck drop scheduled for October, officials said the introduction event marked the beginning of a new era of FPHL hockey in Wyandotte and the Downriver region.
Name:
Suggestion
Quote:
Downtown Wyandotte was packed with energy and four-legged excitement as Bark on Biddle returned for its 10th year.
Bark on Biddle took place May 29-31 along the Wyandotte riverfront, attracting thousands of dog owners and their fourlegged companions to celebrate a decade of tail-wagging fun.
Admission was $5, while children ages 12 and under were admitted free. All well-behaved dogs were welcome to attend, provided they remained on a 6-foot leash.
Despite the heat, the festival featured several drinking stations, puppy pools, and a puppy foam party where dogs could cool off.
Each pet vendor had something different to offer, such as homemade treats, unique toys, clothing, custom identification tags, and grooming services.
Local food vendors included Guy's Pizza, Whole Enchilada Mobile Kitchen, Boss Hoggs Barbecue, Different Twist Pretzel, Sugar Kanes Elephant Ear, and Razzy's Hawaiian Shaved Ice.
The Ultimate Air Dogs Jumping Competition created a splash as canine athletes soared through the air to retrieve toys from the water. Ultimate Air Dogs, the organization behind the competition, was founded in 2005 by former Detroit Tigers pitcher Milt Wilcox and his son, Brian Wilcox.
The Lucky Dogs Lure Course offered dogs the excitement of chasing an artificial lure in a controlled environment as they zoomed around the course.
One of the festival's new additions was the Michigan State Police K9 Officer Demonstrations, which highlighted real-life law enforcement techniques used by highly trained police dogs.
The Canine Contest and Show schedule featured a variety of entertainment, including the K9 Star Productions Variety Show, the biggest hairball competition, costume contests, best tricks contests, and races for Dachshunds, Corgis, and Chihuahuas.
Rescue Row was a designated area showcasing local rescue organizations and their adoptable dogs in hopes of helping them find their forever homes. Among the participating organizations was Last Day Dog Rescue, which introduced five adoptable dogs, including lndie, Lenox, Bebe, Meatball, and Gilligan.
Julie Holiday, owner of two female Shelties, shared her experience attending the festival for the first time. "It was special because I just adopted the girls in November, and I love finding new places to take them with me," Holiday said. "Bark on Biddle is a perfect way to socialize them, get some exercise in, and really spend quality time with my dogs."
Sydney DesJardins, owner of a male Corgi, shared her experience returning to the festival. "Last year, he competed in the puppy race and placed third, so we had to return this year for the Corgi race, in which he placed second," DesJardins said. "The best moment was meeting all the other dogs and their owners. I will I 00% be returning next year for another doggy-filled day!"
Lisa McCain, owner of Dogs N Divas Grooming and Training, reflected on her experience as a vendor at the festival. On social media, she wrote, "Bark on Biddle was amazing! We saw so many of our current clients and friends and made lots of new friends too. Huge thank you to our great staff, family, and friends for making this a huge success!"
The three-day festival was organized by 360 Event Productions, a local event production company behind several annual events, including the Swiggin' Pig, Wyandotte Wine Crawl, Wyandotte Beer Fest, and Fire & Flannel Fest.
For more information about becoming a vendor or sponsor, visit barkonbiddle.com or email info@360eventproductions.com.
illions of Americans live with chronic headaches and migraine disorders that can disrupt work, sleep, family responsibilities, and overall quality of life. Migraines alone are among the most common neurological disorders and can cause symptoms far beyond head pain, including nausea, dizziness, visual disturbances, light sensitivity, numbness, and difficulty concentrating. Yet many people continue to dismiss recurring migraine symptoms as something to "push through."
June is National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month - an important reminder that persistent headaches may signal underlying neurological conditions that require specialized evaluation and care.
Headache vs. Migraine: What's the difference?
Many people use the terms "headache" and "migraine" interchangeably, but they are not the same thing.
A headache is a general term for pain in the head or neck. Migraines, however, are a neurological disorder that can cause severe throbbing pain and symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, visual disturbances, numbness, and sensitivity to light or sound.
While some headaches may come and go, migraines can last for hoursor even days - and can significantly interfere with work, sleep, family
responsibilities, and daily life.
Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders (MIND) provides comprehensive neurological care for patients with migraines and headaches throughout Southeast Michigan, including at the MIND Riverview Center, which serves the Downriver community.
"Many patients don't realize their symptoms may be migraine-related," said Dr. Lauren Aymen, Medical Director of the MIND Headache & Facial Pain Center. "Patients often live with symptoms for years before seeking specialized neurological care. Early evaluation may help patients better manage symptoms and improve quality of life."
Patients experiencing migraine symptoms, chronic headaches, or other
neurological symptoms can begin evaluation and ongoing neurological care at MIND Riverview, closer to home.
Migraine & Headache Symptoms
- Frequent migraines or worsening headaches
- Severe or throbbing head pain
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or visual disturbances
- Facial pain or nerve pain
- Numbness or tingling
While most headaches are harmless, seek immediate emergency medical care if you experience a "thunderclap" headache (the worst headache of your life that comes on suddenly) or ifa headache is accompanied by fever, a stiff neck, confusion, seizures, or weakness.
MIND specialists diagnose and manage many types of headache and facial pain disorders, including:
- Migraine headaches
- Chronic migraines
- Cluster headaches
- Tension headaches
- Vestibular migraine
- Post-concussion headaches
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Occipital neuralgia
The Riverview Center provides access to neurological evaluation, treatment management, and coordinated care for patients living with headache and migraine disorders, including:
- On-site infusion therapies for migraines and acute headaches
- Rescue infusion therapy
- Botox injections
- Trigger point injections
- Prescription medications and nutritional supplements
Many of these treatments can help avoid an ER visit.
When advanced subspecialty headache care is needed, patients also have access to the MIND Headache & Facial Pain Center at MIN D's flagship Farmington Hills location, led by fellowship-trained headache medicine specialists who provide advanced evaluation and treatment in a calming, sensory-conscious neurological environment.
To learn more or schedule an appointment at the MIND Riverview Center, call 248-553-0010 or visit MINDonline.com/riverview-center.
Since opening its doors last spring, the MIND Riverview Center has been dedicated to making sure Downriver families don't have to travel far for comprehensive, specialist-led neurological care.
Care That Truly Listens
What makes the Riverview team unique is the personal connection between our providers and their patients.
Our Patients Say It Best:
"Fromthe momentI arrived,the staff was kind,attentive, and highlyprofessional.Theytruly took the time to listento my concernsand mademefeel heardandunderstood."
AngelaC.
Comprehensive Care in a Single Stop
The 6,500-square-foot MIND Riverview Center offers care for conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nervous system and is designed with patient convenience in mind. From neurological evaluations and EEGs/ EMGs to infusion therapies, patients can often complete their testing and treatment in a single visit.
Expert Treatment for the Downriver Community
Alzheimer'sdisease& memorydisorders
Parkinson'sdisease& movementdisorders
Multiplesclerosis
Headache,facial pain & migraines
lnterventionalpain management
Neuromuscularconditions requiringinfusiontherapy
Members of the Wyandotte Board of Education were recently recognized by the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) for their commitment to professional development and continued service to public education.
Board members Theresa Crnkovich, Kathy Kane, Wendy LoCicero, and Nick Beaven-Parshall received recognition through MASB's awards program, which honors school board members who participate in ongoing
training and educational opportunities designed to strengthen their leadership and governance skills. The program encourages board members to stay informed on educational issues, policy developments, and best practices that support student success and effective district leadership.
School officials congratulated the honorees and thanked them for their dedication to serving Wyandotte Public Schools and the community.
The Wyandotte Lady Bears softball team wrapped up a successful season with an overall record of 22-10, highlighted by a second-place finish in the Downriver League.
The Lady Bears posted a 14-3 league record, finishing just behind Allen Park in the conference standings after a strong regular season. Their success earned them a first-round bye in district competition and positioned them as one of the league's top teams heading into the postseason.
In district play, Wyandotte advanced to the semifinals, where its season came to an end with a 14-4 loss to Downriver League champion Allen Park.
While the postseason run was cut short, the Bears completed an impressive campaign that included 22 victories, many win streaks, and a runner-up finish in one of the area's most competitive leagues.
The season also marked the final chapter for seniors Ellie lsenegger, Emma Jordan, and Natalee Lesko, who helped lead the Bears throughout the year and leave behind a strong foundation for the program moving forward.
While both the girls and boys track teams turned in impressive seasons, two Wyandotte Roosevelt track and field athletes advanced to the MHSAA State Finals after strong performances throughout the postseason. Malik Daniels qualified in the long jump, while Noah Amori earned a state berth in the 3200-meter run.
The Bears turned in several notable performances at the Downriver League Meet. The girls team placed fifth overall, led by Emma Puscas, who won the 300-meter hurdles and finished second in the I 00-meter hurdles to earn All-League honors. Serenity Knight also earned All-League recognition with a third-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles, while adding fifth-place finishes in the long jump and highjump and a seventh-place finish in pole vault. Sophia Toboy contributed
a runner-up finish in the discus. On the boys side, Wyandotte Roosevelt finished third in the league standings. Amori was the league champion in the 1600-meter run and placed second in the 3200-meter run to earn All-League honors. Zach Greene also earned All-League recognition with a fourth-place finish in the 3200-meter run and seventh place in the 1600-meter run. Daniels placed third in
the long jump, Konn er Turner finished second in the event, and Esteban Quintanilla took third in the 300-meter hurdles.
It was at the regional meet where Daniels secured his spot at the state finals by winning the long jump with a school-record leap of 21 feet, 11½ inches; and Amori qualified for states with a third-place finish in the 3200-meter run, crossing the line in 9:29.
Competing against the state's top athletes at the MHSAA State Finals, Daniels recorded a jump of21 feet, 4.75 inches to place 15th in a field of 25 competitors. Amori finished 31st out of 40 runners in the 3200-meter run with a time of9:45.35.
The state finals appearance capped off a successful season for both athletes and highlighted Wyandotte Roosevelt's strong representation at the league, regional, and state levels.
The Wyandotte Lady Bears capped off a historic inaugural season by competing in the 2026 Michigan Girls High School Flag Football State Championship Tournament at Ford Field on June 6- 7.
When the season began, the team's goal was simple: earn a trip to Ford Field. Not only did they accomplish that goal, but they also advanced to Championship Sunday and finished among the top eight teams in the state.
The Lady Bears opened tournament play on June 6 with a hard-fought 12-7 victory over Wayne Memorial. The win advanced Wyandotte to the next round against top-seeded St. Joseph. Isabella Alacron was recognized as the Bear of the Game after stepping onto the big stage at Ford Field and making several
key flag pulls. Her performance highlighted the growth and confidence she displayed throughout the season.
Following their victory over Wayne Memorial, the Lady Bears advanced to
the Elite Eight, where they faced the tournament's No. I seed, St. Joseph. Although Wyandotte was defeated, the team took pride in its accomplishment, especially as St. Joseph went on to
capture the state championship.
The season marked a memorable first chapter for the Lady Bears' flag football program. Along the way, the team captured the Never Relent League Championship and finished with an impressive 5-1 record.
Players, coaches, and supporters celebrated a season filled with milestones, determination, and success. The Lady Bears not only exceeded their expectations but also established a legacy for future generations of Wyandotte flag football athletes.
The program thanked its supporters for their encouragement throughout the season and reflected proudly on a remarkable journey that concluded on one of Michigan's biggest stages.
The Wyandotte Roosevelt girls tennis team capped off a dominant season by going undefeated in Downriver League play to secure the league championship, followed by a second-place finish at the league tournament.
Wyandotte's consistency across the lineup powered its league title run, with multiple strong performances at every flight throughout the season. First-place finishes at the league tournament were earned by Olivia Blackledge at No. 1 singles, Ry lie Hawkins and Annie Zieger at No. 1 doubles, and Annabelle O'Brien-Hockey and Madison Krogol
at No. 4 doubles. Kiera Byrne and Megan Murray finished second at No. 3 doubles.
The team's success continued into regional competition, where Wyandotte Roosevelt finished second in overall points at the MHSAA Regional Tournament to qualify for the MHSAA State Finals.
At regionals, Hawkins and Zieger captured first place at No. 1 doubles, while several teammates earned runner-up finishes, including Blackledge, Byrne, Murray, Claudia Danziger, Emmalee Eskin, O'Brien-Hockey, and Krogol.
The Taylor Automotive Group has expanded its presence in Southgate with the acquisition of Moran Buick GMC and the Moran Collision Center, located at 15800 Eureka, strengthening its footprint across vehicle sales, service, and collision repair in the Downriver region. With the acquisition, Taylor Chevrolet expands its selection of Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC vehicles, along with a broad inventory of pre-owned options. The company continues Montante to emphasize a customerfirst approach, including financing programs designed to assist customers across a wide range of credit situations.
A major upgrade at the Southgate location is the collision center, which offers OEM replacement parts, factory-trained technicians, theft recovery repair capabilities, price matching, and complimentary loaner vehicles. The facility also services Michigan State Police vehicles, reflecting its ability to handle high-volume and specialized repair work.
The Taylor Automotive Group traces its origins back to 1988, when Bill Perkins purchased his first dealership in Kansas City. He later expanded into the Downriver market in 1993, building what would become the Taylor Automotive Group.
Under Perkins' leadership, the organization has earned national recognition from industry groups including NADA and NAMAD. He was a Time Magazine finalist for Dealer of the Year in 2013 and remains active on several major automotive industry
boards.
Leadership within the organization includes Monte Perkins, recognized as a Rising Star by the National Association of Minority Automotive Dealers, and John Kujik, named 2025 Buick & GMC Top Salesperson of the Year. Kevin Dodson and Ron Curtis are also among the top Chevrolet sales professionals nationally.
Mark Montante, who has been with the organization for nearly 20 years, oversees dealership operations and is credited with helping build a strong internal culture centered on accountability, consistency, and customer service.
Beyond business operations, the Taylor Automotive Group remains active in the community, supporting local organizations including Taylor North Little League, the Taylor Firefighters, Special Olympics, the Taylor Police Department, the Taylor Animal Shelter, Oakland Family Services, and
Through ongoing initiatives such as food drives, coat drives, youth sponsorships, and local safety programs, the organization continues to position itself as a long-term community partner.
The acquisition underscores the group's continued growth strategy focused on expanding services, improving accessibility, and strengthening its presence in Southgate and the surrounding Downriver area.
For more information about Taylor Automotive Group and its full range of automotive sales and service offerings, visit Taylor Chevrolet (1380 I Telegraph Road; (734) 287-2600; taylorchevy.com), Taylor Buick GMC (14000 Telegraph Road; (734) 946-8112; taylorbuickgmc.com), or Taylor Service and Body Repair (15800 Eureka Road; (734) 2822598; taylorbody.com).
Downriver's Business Network
The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber's annual "Taste of Downriver" is back!
Join us on August 11, 2026, in Downtown Allen Park for the return of this signature event. Sample the region's best cuisine while enjoying a summer evening in one of our local downtowns. Stroll from eatery to eatery and experience the very best of the Downriver region. Downriver's premier restaurant
The Wyandotte Police Department recently welcomed four new officers to its ranks.
Officers Alexander Benkarski, Ethan Heinrich, Nicolas Biundo, and Jared Poslaiko graduated from the Wayne County Regional Police Academy. Following their graduation, the officers officially joined the department after taking the oath of office on May 18.
The addition of the four officers strengthens the department's
commitment to serving and protecting the Wyandotte community. Family members, friends, and department personnel were on hand to celebrate the milestone as the new officers began their law enforcement careers.
The department congratulates Officers Benkarski, Heinrich, Biundo, and Poslaiko and wishes them success as they begin serving the residents of Wyandotte.
The Soaring Eagle is the highest honor given by the Leading Producers Round Table of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals. It recognizes producers who achieve the highest level of success in the industry
and set the standards for excellent
business practices. Recipients of the Soaring Eagle exemplify the dedication that it takes to be a leading producer and serve their clients with the highest standards of ethics, knowledge, service and productivity.
We are delighted to announce that
FIVE-STARRATING! Don't just take Elizabeth Abshire and Shaun Abshire both received this recognition from the preeminent organization for health insurance and employee benefits professionals established in 1930. thelrworclforlt. We are the only health insurance O~r clients ~ave agents serving in Downriver to qualify Aid many nice f h. h' things about us or t 1srecognition t 1syear. Do you In their Google only want the very best? Call us for an 5-Star reviews! appointment 11am to 5pm weekdays.
Founded by Brandon Cowan, Ace Services, Inc. will celebrate its 10year anniversary on June 17, 2026. Built after Cowan's own negative experiences with contractors, the company was created to offer a more trustworthy, transparent remodeling experience.
What began in a small space has grown into one of the largest showrooms in Southeast Michigan, supported by a full team, warehouse, and in-house delivery operation.
Ace provides a true one-stop shop, handling both materials and labor
internally. Customers work with one sales professional from start to finish, simplifying the process into just a few meetings with clear, detailed estimates.
Known for kitchen and bathroom remodels, the company also offers exterior services and has earned recognition including the Angi Super Service Award. Beyond projects, Ace is proud of its strong customer relationships and ongoing community support, reflecting its commitment to quality, honesty, and long-term trust.
It's a hot summer day in Michigan. Your car's air conditioning suddenly stops working-or worse, your home AC goes out. You call for repairs, and the bill comes back: $1,000.
Now what?
For a lot of folks in our Downriver area, that kind of surprise expense can throw everything off. And that's not unique to our region-according to the Federal Reserve's Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households, about 37% of Americans would have difficulty covering a $400 emergency expense using cash or savings.
If $400 is a stretch for many households, a $1,000 emergency can feel even more overwhelming.
Why It Matters
When there's no savings to fall back on, most people turn to a credit card or a quick loan. That may fix the problem today, but it can linger a lot longer than you'd like.
That $1,000 repair can end up costing quite a bit more once interest starts piling up.
Start Small-It Adds Up
The good news? You don't have to figure it all out overnight.
A few small changes can go a long way:
- Set aside $25 or $50 a week
- Cut back on takeout or unused subscriptions
- Put a tax refund or extra cash toward savings
At $25 a week, you could reach $1,000 in about IO months. Double that, and you're there even faster.
A Simple Challenge
Here's something to try this week:
Set aside your first $20-no matter how small it feels.
That one step gets you started. From there, it's about consistency.
Make It Easier on Yourself
One of the simplest ways to build that safety net is to keep it separate-out of sight, but there when you need it. Setting up automatic transfers can help take the pressure off.
Places like Downriver Community Federal Credit Union work with local families every day to make saving feel manageable, not overwhelming.
The Bottom Line
Around here, we look out for each other-and that includes planning ahead when we can.
A $1,000 emergency doesn't have to turn into a long-term headache. With a little consistency, you can be ready for it.
If you haven't started an emergency fund yet, that's okay. Start today-even $20 is a step in the right direction.
