Jeff and Sue Kotlarek of Romulus are the winners of $100 in the Independent contest where readers were invited to write what they like about the paper or the story the paper missed covering.
Here is their first-place prize winner:
‘You really feel you play a part of the paper’
The Belleville Independent is our local newspaper, even though we live in Romulus. We love to shop, dine and visit Belleville.
With the help of the Independent, we can plan our days on what is happening in the community from local church dinners to grand events such as the Strawberry Festival. The Independent gives you all the info you need. Plus, the advertisers with coupons or menus direct our way to great eats and fantastic deals.
One of the best things about the Independent is the letters to the editor. I have sent in one or two in my time and your views are there for all to see. I do sometimes get a chuckle when Rosemary corrects or explains the letter a bit better.
But most of all, the Independent is “our” paper, or should I say the “community” paper, and you truly feel that you play a part of the paper.
Jeff & Sue Kotlarek
Romulus
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Second-place prize winner, earning $50, is Linda Burger of Florida:
‘I enjoy reading all your articles, seeing pictures’
Rosemary, Congratulations on 20 years of publication. This why the Independent is important to me.
I always read your corner of interesting info. You inform us of things that are beneficial to everyone whether you live in Michigan or like me in Florida.
Example: I’ve told a lot of people here in Florida about the Post Office closing 80-something centers and I never understood why they said they were broke. Well, you answered my question by telling us all how they have to pay for retirees 50 or 75 years in advance in only 10 years.
There is all the info on identity theft and how the scammers are doing it. And then there was the article on the train from Canada. I hope to see the train someday. Also the 12/11 article on comparisons of the cost of a gallon of stuff we buy made me think of my own area.
Then there are the obits. I miss my classmates and this does tell me when they pass on. Then, there are history articles such as the new roof on the museum on 11/27, but it brought back my memories of a 5-year-old child getting her Christmas bag of candy handed out by the firemen at the side door to the left.
I enjoy reading all your articles and the pictures on the front pages. Keep up the great work!
Linda Burger, BHS 1965
Jacksonville Beach, FL
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Third-place winner, with a $25 prize, is Irene Yaklin, who told us about a story featuring her heroic grandson that she thought was in the Independent. It wasn’t, so she is informing us of a story we missed – although she thought it was our story.
We believe the story she sent came from The View, which no longer publishes.
Dec. 30 was the date of my grandson’s birthday
To the Independent Staff:
I noticed that your contest deadline was Dec. 30. That is the date of my grandson’s 25th birthday.
Ten years ago, my grandson Matthew Parks saved the life of a young child that was swimming in the pool at the Tuscan Manor apartments. The child’s name was Lorez Wilson who was only six years old.
A lot of time has passed since then, but I wanted to say Matthew is still a great person. Since that time, he has graduated from Belleville High School (with honors) and he continues to be a caring and kind human being.
Matthew never really gave saving this child a second thought. It was just the right thing to do and luckily he was in the right place at the right time. He never wanted any attention from the media, as he turned down several interviews from the new media.
I just wanted to bring this story back up because I know that it not only changed his life, but also the family of Lorenz Wilson.
On his 25th birthday, I wanted Matthew to know that he indeed is a special person! Not only to his family, but also to another family who can enjoy their sons (grandsons, nephews) years to come in the future. Many happy and loving years!
Thank you, Matthew, for being the person you are. We all love you!
Your Grandma Irene Yaklin
Water’s Edge Apartments
P.S. I’m sending you a copy of the article that appeared in your paper. Matthew doesn’t know I am writing this letter.
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We appreciate everyone who entered our contest. Please come by to say hello during our 20th birthday part on Friday, Jan. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 152 Main Street, Belleville. Need directions? Call (734) 699-9020.
— Rosemary K. Otzman, editor