The Lenawee Voice — December 2024

Para noticias locales en español, por favor vaya a las páginas A11 & A12 Housing Help director talks about plans for the future » PAGE A3

Holiday concerts around the county

Croswell announces lineup of shows for 2025 » PAGE C1

» PAGES C3-C6

THE LENAWEE VOICE

ADRIAN, MICHIGAN

FREE DECEMBER 2024

LOCAL NEWS FOR ADRIAN AND LENAWEE COUNTY

3 SECTIONS | 40 PAGES

Downtown bookstore moves to new location » PAGE B1

Sieler’s Water Systems celebrates 35 years in business » PAGE B1

Josh Roth talks with customers at Maumee Street Taproom + Kitchen, which opened recently at the corner of Maumee and Main streets in downtown Adrian. ARLENE BACHANOV/LENAWEE VOICE

A new restaurant anchors Adrian’s ‘Four Corners’

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

Dermatology practice marks anniversary » PAGE B11

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‘Swing into Christmas’ with the ASO » PAGE C1

ADRIAN — For 35 years spanning the late 19th and early 20th centuries, people traveling around downtown Adrian could hop a ride on the streetcar that ran up and down Maumee Street, the city’s main thoroughfare at the time.

And as Josh Roth was looking for things about Adrian’s history to use in connection with his new business, Maumee Street Taproom + Kitchen at 101 E. Maumee St. — at Adrian’s historic “Four Corners” — he knew exactly what the business’s logo should be: one of those trolleys.

Roth, who’s also the owner of the Musgrove + Co. coffee shops in Tecumseh and Adrian, opened Maumee Street Taproom + Kitchen in October. The building was previously the site of the Rice and Barley Taphouse and then a togo eatery, Reggies Tacos.

The restaurant started out by serving dinner Thursdays through Sundays, recently got its liquor license, and has begun expanding its days and hours of operation.

Roth got his new restaurant going in collaboration with Chris Wanke of Three Dudes & Dinner, whom Roth originally approached about a year ago about helping expand the food program at Musgrove + Co.

Josh Roth stands behind the bar at Maumee Street Taproom + Kitchen. The restaurant is a collaboration between two local companies: the Musgrove + Co. coffee shops, and catering company Three Dudes & Dinner.

As it turned out, “we have very similar visions,” Roth said. Like himself, Wanke “is very interested in community, and good food is very important to him.”

Once Roth’s vision for the Maumee Street Taproom + Kitchen began to take shape, Wanke consulted on kitchen operations and helped Roth develop the menu and processes and hire the staff, while Roth brought his own front-of-

Point-of-sale inspection ordinance will go before Adrian voters in 2025 » PAGE A5

house experience and business acumen into the equation.

“I really enjoy the business side of things, as well as creating an experience for people,” he said. “And I enjoy getting to work with people as a team.”

Maumee Street Taproom + Kitchen offers a menu of what the restaurant bills

See MAUMEE STREET, page A15

Are there enough accessible parking spaces in downtown Adrian? » PAGE A8

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DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

THE AGENDA

Parking concerns and other items on local government agendas Welcome back to The Agenda, a monthly column in which we highlight issues of importance in our community and ways you can get involved.

Point-of-sale inspection debate: The debate over Adrian’s point-of-sale inspection ordinance for residential properties has been kicked down the road a little bit — but you can count on hearing a lot about it in 2025. Turn to page A5 to read about the Adrian City Commission’s decision, in the wake of a petition drive to overturn the rule, to put it up for a public vote sometime in the second half of next year.

Crimson Holdings: You may recall that a judge ordered Crimson Holdings to pay a judgment to the city of Adrian, with the money to be used for the benefit of people who had to suffer through the noxious odors coming from the company’s powdered-egg plant on East Maumee Street. The city is going to have to make a decision about how to use that

money. Attempts to gather public input, likely through a survey and some kind of open house, are expected early in the new year.

Downtown parking: Parking in downtown Adrian seems like a nearconstant point of discussion, but recent talk has focused on one thing in particular: whether there are adequate parking options for people with physical disabilities.

If you’d like to weigh in on this or any other topic, you can find city commissioners’ email addresses at adriancity.com, where you can also find agendas for upcoming meetings.

The city commission meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Monday of every month in the City Chambers Building, 159 E. Maumee St. Meetings can also be attended by Zoom.

All meetings contain an opportunity for public comment. Translation services are available to both in-person and online attendees.

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THE LENAWEE VOICE

A3

DECEMBER 2024

LOCAL NEWS Helping people find shelter

News tips and press releases can be emailed to news@lenaweevoice.com. We welcome submissions in either English or Spanish.

To meet our print deadline, news about upcoming events should be sent by the 15th of the month before the event.

Housing Help of Lenawee’s new executive director talks about the organization’s programs and priorities

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Building relationships with community partners is Sarah Buku’s first order of business as Housing Help of Lenawee’s new executive director.

“My biggest goal is attempting to work with the organizations that are in place here in Lenawee County to get us all working together in a more effective way,” she said.

Those organizations include Share the Warmth, the Catherine Cobb domestic violence shelter, Community Mental Health, Align Lenawee, and the wide range of other organizations in the county that work with people in need.

“I’m excited about all the different partnerships that we’re working toward,” she said. “I think it will really make a difference.”

Housing Help of Lenawee grew out of a recognition by community leaders that there was a need in the county for a program to assist those facing a housing crisis.

The county’s Basic Needs Task Force helped form a Housing Task Force to explore the possibilities, and in 1990, in collaboration with the Adrian Dominican Sisters, the Lenawee Emergency and Affordable Housing Corp. (LEAHC) took shape.

The organization became Housing Help of Lenawee (H2L) in 2013.

Buku became the agency’s executive director earlier this year, on Sept. 10, which is “an interesting time” to start a new job in the non-profit world because many fiscal years end on Sept. 30 and begin on Oct. 1.

“So I walked into a lot of year-ending and year-beginning stuff, including grants that needed to be written,” she said.

“I got a crash-course education in it, and my program manager, Katherine Kosino” — who had stepped in as interim executive director before Buku was hired — “has been absolutely phenomenal.”

Buku was hardly a stranger to H2L, however. She served on its board several years ago and was the property manager for a time, but having a baby at home wasn’t conducive to the job’s oftenunusual hours.

She also worked for about five years with the Michigan State Housing

Sarah Buku is the new executive director of Housing Help of Lenawee.

Development Authority (MHSDA)’s housing choice voucher program in Lenawee and surrounding counties.

Her experience in property management goes hand-in-hand with the many years she’s been a local Realtor.

She started out in real estate in 2007 at Edward Surovell, then went to Foundation Realty, and eventually opened her own company, Grata Domum in Adrian. The name is Latin for “welcome home.”

She also owns a cleaning company and was just elected Adrian Township clerk.

A Lenawee County native, Buku attended Washtenaw Community College intending to be a nurse, but as a single mother at the time, getting her necessary clinical hours was too difficult. And so, she changed her major and went into the business world instead.

She has four children: Cora, 20; Lila, 16; Michael, 7; and Margarete, 4. Her husband, Michael, is an agent at Grata Domum and works for Adrian Insurance, in addition to serving on the Adrian school board.

She applied for the H2L executive director’s position because she thought her experience, community contacts, and skill set would be assets to the organization. “I love to fundraise and I’m really good at community networking,” she said.

One of her first orders of business when she arrived there, besides all those fiscal year-end and year-beginning tasks, was to work on the situation involving the Adrian Inn. About two and a half years ago, when the Riverview Terrace on College Avenue in Adrian was closed due to structural issues, many of the displaced residents

moved into the motel, which was purchased by the city for that purpose.

H2L became the property’s leaseholder soon thereafter, and used the motel to also house other people needing temporary housing. Resident complaints about conditions at the facility became commonplace, and when Riverview Terrace reopened this August after repairs were made, Housing Help discontinued the program at the motel.

Many of the Riverview Terrace residents returned to the apartment building, but a number of people remained housed at the motel and needed to find permanent housing. “The intention of that program was always to be a transitional housing program,” Buku said, adding that H2L case managers were regularly onsite helping residents do what was needed to move elsewhere.

H2L operates several different programs designed to provide housing stability and affordable housing for lowincome people, especially those who are in crisis or at risk of becoming homeless.

The organization runs the only two family shelters in Lenawee County, both of which are in Adrian, as well as four transitional housing units. Other clients are placed in units throughout the area through a voucher program.

With the help of a grant and local donations, the agency recently purchased a house that it plans to turn into a transitional home for veterans. “We expect to have it going by fall 2025 if the stars align,” Buku said.

Additional programs include the Veterans Dire Need Fund; Housing First, which assists with issues such as past due rent and foreclosure situations; and a Permanent Supportive Housing program for people with a history of homelessness and a long-term disability.

H2L also has a wide range of other services, such as a food pantry for clients, helping those experiencing housing crisis to care for their pets, and issuing Lenawee Public Transportation Authority tokens to eligible community members.

According to Buku, in the past year 2,204 community members came to H2L looking for assistance because they were either facing a housing crisis or experiencing homelessness.

See HOUSING HELP, page A15

A4 | LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Three county commission seats change hands, but 8-1 Republican majority remains the same The Lenawee County Commission has three new members after last month’s election, but the balance of power on the commission remains unchanged.

The commission, which is Lenawee County’s governing body, consists of commissioners elected from nine geographic districts.

The Republican party holds an 8-1 majority.

District 1 (Tecumseh and Tecumseh Township): David Stimpson was reelected, defeating Democrat Bill Swift.

District 2 (Cambridge, Rome and Woodstock townships): Dustin Krasny was unopposed for re-election.

District 3 (Rollin, Hudson and Medina townships, the city of Hudson, and the city of Morenci): David Aungst was elected to replace Nancy JenkinsArno, who was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. After winning the primary, he was unopposed in the general election.

District 4 (Madison, Dover, Fairfield and Seneca townships): Beth Blanco was elected after defeating incumbent Dawn Bales in the Republican primary in August. She was unopposed in the general election.

District 5 (City of Adrian, east side): James W. Daly was elected to replace KZ Bolton, who did not run for re-election.

Daly will be the only Democrat on the commission.

District 6 (City of Adrian, west side): Terry Collins was re-elected, defeating Democrat Andrew Winckles.

District 7 (Ogden, Palmyra, Riga, Blissfield, Deerfield and Ridgeway townships): After winning the August primary, Kevon Martis was unopposed for re-election.

LOCAL ELECTIONS

POLICE REPORTS Following are reports from law enforcement agencies listed in the Courts and Law Enforcement Management Information Systems (CLEMIS) database.

ADDISON VILLAGE Nov. 3: Larceny from a yard, 200 block of Railroad Street.

Nov. 11: Intimidation, 400 block of Lake Street.

ADRIAN CITY Oct. 21: Aggravated assault, 1100 block of West Michigan Avenue. Retail fraud, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Larceny from a building, 100 block of North Main Street. Larceny from a yard, 200 block of Seeley Street. Assault, 1100 block of South Main Street.

Oct. 22: Property damage, 500 block of Division Street. Larceny from a building, 1300 block of Feeman Court. Larceny from a vehicle, 1100 block of Bristol Street. Disorderly conduct, 100 block of Union Street.

Oct. 23: Larceny from a building, 300 block of East Church Street. Larceny from a yard, 500 block of Comstock Street. Assault, 700 block of Bristol Street.

Oct. 24: Larceny, 200 block of Division Street.

Larceny from a yard, 1200 block of Division Street.

Assault, 100 block of Pleasant Knoll Drive. Drug possession, 700 block of Riverside Avenue. Property damage, 700 block of Frank Street.

Oct. 25: Larceny from a building, 300 block of East Hunt Street.

Oct. 26: Assault, 300 block of East Front Street.

Fraud, 700 block of West Michigan Avenue.

Oct. 27: Larceny from a vehicle, 100 block of South Madison Street. Assault, 100 block of East Maumee Street.

Oct. 28: Larceny from a building, 700 block of Riverside Avenue. Property damage, 400 block of West Maumee Street. Retail fraud, 800 block of South Main Street. Disorderly conduct, 300 block of Erie Street. Sexual abuse of a child, 100 block of Sand Creek Highway. Aggravated assault, 100 block of Pleasant Knoll Drive. Property damage, 900 block of East Church Street. Assault, 1300 block of South Main Street.

Oct. 29: Illegal credit card use, 700 block of South Main Street. Burglary (residential, no forced entry), 100 block of Canterbury Street.

District 8 (Raisin Township and Adrian Township east of Wisner Highway): After winning the primary, Ralph Tillotson was re-elected.

District 9 (Clinton, Macon and Franklin townships and Adrian Township west of Wisner Highway): James Van Doren was re-elected, defeating Democrat Jeff DiCenzo.

Walberg re-elected Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Tipton) won his bid for re-election, defeating Democrat Libbi Urban by a roughly 2-to-1 margin.

He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2006, defeated for reelection in 2008, and returned to office after the 2010 election.

Lenawee County is part of the 5th Congressional District, which stretches along Michigan’s entire southern border with Indiana and Ohio.

Jenkins-Arno returning to statehouse after eight years Nancy Jenkins-Arno has a new job, but it’s also her old job. She was elected on Nov. 5 to represent most of Lenawee County in the Michigan House of Representatives, where she previously served from 2011 to 2016.

Jenkins-Arno, a Republican from Clayton, first ran for the House in 2010 after working on the staff of then-Sen. Cameron Brown. She was elected and served three terms before term limits barred her from running again, but term limit rules were changed as a result of a 2022 ballot referendum.

She defeated Democrat John Dahlgren with about 64% of the vote.

Most of Lenawee County is in JenkinsArno’s district, but there are three other Oct. 30: Property damage, 800 block of Elm Street.

Property damage, 600 block of East Michigan Street.

Disorderly conduct, 800 block of West Maumee Street.

Drug possession, Division and Beecher streets.

Oct. 31: Burglary (non-residential, forced entry), 900 block of Savannah River Drive. Assault, 400 block of East Church Street.

Nov. 1: Retail fraud, 4600 block of East U.S. 223.

Assault, 1200 block of North Main Street. Larceny, 1400 block of South Main Street. Aggravated assault, 500 block of Michigan Avenue.

Nov. 2: Robbery, South Tecumseh and Erie streets.

Larceny, 1500 block of West Maumee. Operating while intoxicated, West Michigan Avenue and Park Street.

Nov. 3: Property damage, 1200 block of West Michigan Avenue. Assault, 800 block of Erie Street.

Assault, 200 block of Finch Street. Retail fraud, 200 block of East U.S. 223.

Nov. 4: Property damage, West Maumee Street and Evergreen Road. Aggravated assault, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Retail fraud, 1500 block of West Maumee Street. Disorderly conduct, 500 block of East Hunt Street.

Nov. 5: Assault, 800 block of Addison Street.

Burglary (residential, forced entry), 700 block of North Broad Street. Larceny from a yard, 100 block of East Maumee Street. Vehicle theft, 800 block of College Avenue.

Nov. 6: Assault, 500 block of Oak Street. Assault, 300 block of East Hunt Street. Burglary (residential, forced entry) and property damage, 300 block of Rice Street. Larceny from a building, 500 block of College Avenue.

Nov. 7: Assault, 600 block of South Madison Street.

Nov. 8: Drug possession, 600 block of Springbrook Avenue. Assault, 1300 block of South Main Street. Sexual assault, 700 block of Riverside Avenue. Larceny, 500 block of East Michigan Street.

Nov. 9: Retail fraud, 800 block of North Main Street. Property damage, 600 block of South Madison Street. Assault, 200 block of East Berry Street. Larceny from a vehicle, 600 block of East Hunt Street. Retail fraud, 200 block of East U.S. 223.

Nov. 11: Burglary (residential, forced entry), 1200 block of South Main Street. Property damage, 1200 block of East Siena Heights Drive.

Nov. 12: Burglary (residential, forced entry), 1200 block of East Siena Heights Drive. Illegal credit card use, 500 block of Seeley Street. Retail fraud, 1200 block of North Main Street.

districts that include part of the county.

In the 30th District, which includes parts of the Britton and Deerfield areas, Republican incumbent William Bruck defeated Democrat Rick Kull. In the 31st District, which includes Macon Township, Democratic incumbent Reggie Miller defeated Republican Dale Biniecki. In the 35th District, which includes the city of Hudson, Republican Jennifer Wortz defeated Democrat Don Hicks.

Sala returned to the bench

Most local millages pass

Brian Radant, a member of the Tecumseh City Council, was chosen to replace retiring mayor Jack Baker. Radant defeated Mark Raine, 3,050 to 1,564.

Also in Tecumseh, Greg Lewis, Becky Brooks, Lynne Davis, Heather McGee, and Darin L. Miller were elected to the school board.

All countywide millage proposals passed in the Nov. 5 election. These were the renewal of the county’s separate tax limitation, which was approved by a margin of 27,027 to 18,785; the renewal and restoration of the senior citizen millage, which passed 34,088 to 13,367; and the renewal of funding for the county’s central 911 dispatch system, which passed 35,219 to 12,600.

The Adrian local streets millage renewal passed, 3,784 to 2,989.

In the Tecumseh area, both the city street improvement bond proposal and the school district’s sinking fund millage proposal passed, the street millage by 3,018 to 1,918 and the school millage by 5,563 to 4,923.

Deerfield Township’s fire and rescue millage renewal passed, 646 to 148.

Hudson Township’s roads and bridges millage renewal passed, 534 to 269.

The Madison township millage for roads, bridges, street lights, and public parking lots passed, 2,087 to 917.

The only millage that failed was the sinking fund proposal in the Sand Creek school district. That total was 961 yes votes to 1,039 no votes.

Nov. 13: Assault, 400 block of West Maumee Street.

Larceny from a yard, 100 block of West Maumee Street. Drug possession, State and Dawes streets.

Nov. 14: Assault, 400 block of North Main Street.

Assault, 1200 block of South Main Street. Assault, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Assault, 1300 block of South Main Street. Illegal credit card use, 700 block of Company Street. Retail fraud, 1300 block of South Main Street. Larceny from a building, 600 block of Springbrook Avenue. Assault, 600 block of St. Joseph Street. Assault, 500 block of Oak Street.

Nov. 15: Assault, 900 block of Oak Street. Assault, 1300 block of North Main Street.

ADRIAN TOWNSHIP Oct. 23: Assault, 6100 block of North Adrian Highway.

Nov. 2: Assault, 3600 block of Willow Nicole Lane.

Nov. 10: Assault, 6800 block of Rome Road.

Nov. 13: Assault, 2500 block of Bent Oak Place.

DEERFIELD VILLAGE Oct. 30: Sexual assault, 200 block of Deerfield Road.

Nov. 18: Property damage, 100 block of Raisin Street.

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP Oct. 26: Assault, 5100 block of West U.S. 12.

Nov. 13: Illegal credit card use, 1000 block of Breyman Hwy. MACON TOWNSHIP Oct. 30: Aggravated assault, 3900 block of Hack Road.

Nov. 14: Assault, Ridge Highway and Welch Road.

MADISON TOWNSHIP Oct. 23: Retail fraud, 1200 block of West U.S. 223.

Oct. 26: Larceny, 4000 block of Treat Highway.

Oct. 28: Telephone harassment or threats, 100 block of Elkington Street.

Oct. 29: Fraud, 2700 block of Parkview Street.

Oct. 30: Drug possession, 3400 block of Treat Highway.

Nov. 3: Larceny from a building, 4600 block of Treat Highway.

Nov. 4: Disorderly conduct, 34900 block of Treat Highway.

Nov. 6: Operating while intoxicated, Cadmus Road and Porter Highway.

Judge Catherine Sala was re-elected to the Lenawee County Probate Court.

Sala received 31,422 votes and there were 1,632 total write-in votes, allowing Sala to withstand a write-in challenge from Tamaris Henagan.

Brian Radant wins mayoral race in Tecumseh

Buku, Dunn, Lewis win Adrian school board race Michael C. Buku, Kayla Dunn, and Anita Lewis were elected to the Adrian school board, and Jay Marks was unseated.

Schafer wins write-in bid for Onsted village president In an unusual victory by a write-in candidate against an incumbent, Robert Schafer secured enough write-in votes to unseat village president Sam Lafata, who was the only candidate listed on the ballot. There were 343 write-in votes, of which 325 were for Schafer, and Lafata received 149 votes.

For complete Lenawee County election results, go to electionlenawee.com.

Nov. 9: Property damage, 5600 block of Bailey Highway.

Nov. 11: Retail fraud, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

MORENCI CITY Oct. 30: Burglary (residential, forced entry): 200 block of East Locust Street.

PALMYRA TOWNSHIP Oct. 31: Larceny, 3700 block of East U.S. 223.

Nov. 4: Property damage and larceny from a yard, 6100 block of East U.S. 223.

Nov. 11: Retail fraud, 6300 block of East U.S. 223.

Nov. 15: Burglary (non-residential, forced entry), 3700 block of East U.S. 223.

RIDGEWAY TOWNSHIP Oct. 25: Fraud, 6000 block of County Line Highway.

RIGA TOWNSHIP Nov. 1: Assault, 9300 block of West Yankee Road.

ROLLIN TOWNSHIP Oct. 22: Fraud, 15500 block of Rome Road.

ROME TOWNSHIP Oct. 23: Larceny from a vehicle, U.S. 223 and Woerner Road.

TECUMSEH CITY Oct. 21: Assault, 1500 block of Fox Run. Oct. 29: Fraud, 2800 block of West Chicago Blvd.

Nov. 7: Burglary (residential, forced entry) and property damage, 8600 block of Smith Road.

Nov. 9: Operating while intoxicated, M-50 and Rogers Highway. Property damage, 5200 block of Milwaukee Road.

Nov. 10: Larceny from a yard, 100 block of South Occidental Road.

Nov. 11: Stalking, 300 block of North Maumee Street.

TECUMSEH TOWNSHIP Nov. 3: Assault, M-50 and Matthews Highway.

WOODSTOCK TOWNSHIP Oct. 31: Larceny from a building, 4300 block of Shady Drive.

Nov. 12: Sexual assault, 15700 block of Donna’s Path.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

LOCAL NEWS | A5

DECEMBER 2024

Point-of-sale ordinance will go before voters next year Commissioners reject proposal to delay implementation of the inspection rule by a 4-3 margin

By Erik Gable

The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — The city of Adrian’s controversial point-of-sale inspection ordinance for residential properties will be heading to a public vote.

The rule, which was passed by a 4-3 vote of the city commission last summer, requires residential properties in the city to undergo an exterior inspection before they can be sold. Sellers must either fix any problems found by the inspection or put money aside for the buyer to make repairs.

The ordinance went into effect on Nov. 30.

Supporters say the inspections are a tool for fighting blight in Adrian.

Opponents say they are government overreach and will disproportionately impact lower-income residents.

IN BRIEF Former Blissfield resident faces sexual abuse charges BLISSFIELD — A five-month investigation by the Blissfield Police Department led to the arrest of a former resident on charges of sexually abusing a child.

On May 13, a Blissfield police officer received a report from a young woman who said that Brian Lee Goodfriend, 44, had raped her multiple times between 2012 and 2022, when she was between 7 and 17 years old. After receiving that report, the officer interviewed friends and family of Goodfriend who said he had behaved in a suspicious manner.

The officer concluded that he believed the alleged victim’s account.

Goodfriend was arrested on Nov. 4.

Blissfield police chief Dale Greenleaf thanked the Michigan State Police fugitive apprehension team for their assistance.

Rules on chickens and farms discussed in Deerfield DEERFIELD — No action was taken at a Nov. 19 Deerfield Village Council meeting that was called to discuss ordinances related to livestock and farming. Resident Andrew Noune has been petitioning the village for the past four years for changes that would allow him to open an educational farm on East River Street.

In addition to Noune, who voiced his frustration with village officials, the council heard from residents on both sides of the farming question. One resident presented the council with a petition from residents who would like to be able to keep chickens, and another spoke of the benefits of allowing people to produce their own food.

On the other side, two residents said that livestock doesn’t belong in the village limits and that farming should take place in the country.

Attorney Fred Lucas noted that there is a conflict between two of the village’s ordinances. One regulation forbids chickens within the village limits, while a separate zoning ordinance allows farming in residential districts with planning commission approval, and lists poultry in its definition of farming.

A petition drive was successful in gathering enough signatures to force the city commission to either repeal the ordinance or put it up to a public vote.

Speaking before the vote at the commission’s Nov. 18 meeting, several residents urged the commission to repeal the ordinance immediately.

“I believe the citizens of Adrian have spoken through this petition,” resident Russell Richards said.

Megan Greenwell said the city should put resources into helping people improve their properties instead of going ahead with the inspection ordinance.

“Instead of penalizing people that are already down and out, we should be a community and stand behind them,” she said.

Commissioner Gordon Gauss moved to place the issue on the ballot at the next city election and allow the ordinance to go into effect on Nov. 30 as scheduled, but not begin charging fees for the inspections until after the election.

Commissioner Bob Behnke proposed an amendment under which the repeal would still go to a public vote, but the ordinance would not go into effect at all until voters have had a chance to weigh in.

Behnke’s amendment was rejected on a 4-3 vote that fell along the same lines as the original vote to enact the inspections last summer. Voting for the amendment were Behnke, Commissioner Mary Roberts, and Mayor Angie Sword Heath, all of whom had originally voted against the inspections. Voting against the amendment were Gauss and Commissioners Kelly Castleberry, Doug Miller and Matt Schwartz, all of whom originally voted for the inspections.

After the vote on Behnke’s amendment, the motion to hold a public vote passed 5-2. Voting yes were Castleberry, Gauss, Miller, Roberts and Schwartz. Voting no were Behnke and Heath.

Roberts said she feels it is appropriate to let residents vote. Although she didn’t support the inspection ordinance, she

said she knows there are people who do support it and felt too intimidated to speak at meetings.

“A vote is something that we do in private,” she said. “I think we will get a clear rendition of how the whole public feels, not just the ones who are able to come here and are able to speak.”

The next city election will be in either August 2025 or November 2025. The reason that’s unknown is that the city charter requires a primary to be held if there are more than two candidates for any office. The mayor and three commission seats are up for election next year, so if there are more than two candidates for mayor or more than six candidates for the commission, there will be an August primary.

Speaking after the vote, Carrie Smith, one of the organizers of the petition drive, said she was disappointed but not surprised. She said opponents of the inspection ordinance are prepared to campaign for its repeal and to put up candidates for commission seats.

Commission discusses Bohn Pool plans

By Erik Gable

The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — At their Nov. 18 meeting, Adrian city commissioners heard a report on plans for Bohn Pool.

Parks and recreation director Jeremiah Davies reported on the plans the city has been developing with the help of architects from The Collaborative.

The next phase of the work, tentatively slated for 2025, falls into three categories. n Essential building maintenance: This includes replacing the shingle roof, repairing flashing and siding, repairing various damaged valves and other plumbing elements, relocating downspouts to improve drainage, and insulating the concessions area and providing climate control there. n Safety: This includes upgrading emergency egress lights and replacing the pad-mounted electrical transformer and service panel that are exposed to chlorine. n Accessibility: This includes relocating accessible parking spaces, replacing door hardware and thresholds that don’t meet Americans with Disabilities Act thresholds, retrofitting some restrooms to be ADA-compliant, and redesigning the reception desk to include an ADA-accessible area.

The anticipated cost of those projects is about $455,000.

Items that are further down the road, currently planned for 2026, include more expensive tasks like replacing the pool’s PVC membrane and the gutter that runs around the perimeter of the pool.

CITY NEWS

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Other future projects include achieving full ADA compliance, replacing natural gas lines, replacing obsolete and rusted electrical equipment, and installing cooling equipment in the lifeguard station.

Other news from the Nov. 18 commission meeting Crimson Holdings updates: Commissioners discussed how to use $50,000 that a judge had ordered Crimson Holdings to pay the city for the benefit of residents affected by noxious odors from Crimson’s powdered egg processing plant. It was originally supposed to be $100,000 but the city only received half of the amount before the company filed for bankruptcy. One possibility raised by city administrator Greg Elliott was creating a path between Dunlap Park on Treat Street and Parish Park on Erie Street.

Commissioners decided to conduct a survey and hold an open house for residents to discuss their ideas.

The city has been notified that Crimson Holdings is being purchased by a company called Veos, which intends to continue using the East Maumee Street facility for egg drying.

Align Center: Commissioners heard a report from representatives from the Align Center for Workforce Development, which is being built

at 430 E. Church St. The center will provide training for unemployed people, underemployed people, people who need to gain different job skills, and high school graduates preparing for careers.

It will also have a community center named for Paul “Chico” Martinez, a community activist who died of cancer in 2022.

Nuisance property on Front Street: A public hearing was set for declaring the property at 616 E. Front St. to be a public nuisance. Drug activity has been taking place at the house. The hearing will be during the city commission meeting on Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. If the house is declared to be a public nuisance, police will force anyone who is living there to leave, and it will be boarded up for one year.

Future demolition: The city agreed to accept the title to 214 Comstock St., which was recently foreclosed on by the Lenawee County treasurer. Accepting the title is part of facilitating the planned demolition of the house there.

Sidewalk action: Lynne Punnett thanked the city for taking action on the sidewalk at the corner of Maumee and McVicar streets. The city’s concrete contractor had been behind on work, and the lack of a sidewalk there was creating a safety hazard that people had raised concerns about at the previous commission meeting. Commissioner Mary Roberts said the city had to hire a different contractor to complete the job.

A6 | LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Wayne County judge denies bid to challenge Sala’s residency

SAVE ON TIRES

ADRIAN — A Wayne County judge has rejected a request from Tamaris Henagan to be allowed to challenge Catherine Sala’s eligibility to serve as Lenawee County probate judge.

Henagan had filed a lawsuit alleging Sala does not have her primary residence in Lenawee County and is ineligible to serve. Because all of the Lenawee County judges recused themselves from the

case, it was heard by a judge in Wayne County.

Judge Patricia Perez Fresard issued a ruling on Oct. 31 that denied Henagan’s request to be allowed to challenge Sala’s eligibility, saying that the lawsuit did not provide strong enough evidence to justify disqualification.

Sala was elected to the probate judgeship in 2018 and re-elected this year.

November 15 - December 15, 2024 State Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), second from left, speaks with Sisters Joyce Caulfield, Sharon Weber, and JoAnn Fleischaker, OP, on Nov. 12 at the state capitol. The sisters were in Lansing to urge passage of the Drive SAFE legislation package. ADRIAN DOMINICAN SISTERS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!

WITH YOUR HELP, WE WERE ABLE TO PUT CHRISTMAS PRESENTS UNDER THE TREE’S OF THOSE IN NEED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

EVERYTHING COLLECTED STAYED IN LENAWEE COUNTY

NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST!

Dominican Sisters urge passage of driver’s license legislation ADRIAN — A group of Catholic congregations, including the Adrian Dominican Sisters, are joining with other organizations and municipalities in Michigan to endorse the Drive SAFE (Safety, Access, Freedom, and Economy) legislation that is pending in the state legislature.

The Drive SAFE bill package would make non-commercial Michigan driver’s licenses and state identification cards available to people who do not have proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status.

The bill would allow undocumented immigrants to have driver’s licenses and reinstate their right to drive in Michigan, which was revoked in 2008.

Currently, 18 states and Washington, D.C., do not require proof of citizenship or immigration status to get a driver’s license.

The Drive SAFE bill package is supported by Strangers No Longer of Southeast Michigan, an immigrant advocacy organization.

Thirteen Adrian Dominican Sisters and co-workers were among more than 180 people who went to Lansing on Nov. 12 to advocate for the bills.

Members of the group included Sister Attracta Kelly, an immigration attorney and director of the Adrian Dominican Sisters Office of Immigration Assistance, as well as Sisters Joyce Caulfield, Dorothy Dempsey, JoAnn Fleischaker, Virginia King, Patricia Leonard, Carleen Maly, Joanne Peters, June Racicot, Beverly Stark, and Sharon Weber, OP. They were joined by Laura Negron-Terrones, office manager for the Office of Immigration Assistance, and Sarah Nash, an attorney with Immaculate Heart of Mary in Monroe.

The Sisters stated that they support the legislation because it honors the inherent dignity of all people and would improve the safety and welfare of all Michigan residents.

They said the legislation would make roads and communities safer and increase state revenue by up to $13.5 million in the first three years after its passage.

City of Morenci reports progress on water treatment system upgrades MORENCI — The city of Morenci’s water treatment plant has been bypassing its iron removal filtration system to replace the filter media in the four filtration tanks.

This project, supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and funded through a Community Development Block Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, aims to significantly reduce iron levels in Morenci’s water supply.

The city announced recently that all necessary repairs to the iron filtration tanks have been completed, and the installation of new filter media in all four tanks is finished. Each tank was

sanitized and backflushed while offline in accordance with EGLE requirements.

Water samples were then collected and tested, and all samples met EGLE’s safety standards.

After reviewing the data, EGLE authorized the reactivation of all four tanks on Oct. 11.

The city reported that iron content in the water supply has been reduced by 84% compared to previous levels. Residents should be noticing an improvement in water clarity as the iron-filtered water replaces the existing supply in the water towers and supply lines.

Anyone with questions can contact the city at 517-458-6828.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

DECEMBER 2024

NEW LOCATION FOR VETERANS DAY OBSERVANCE

This year’s Veterans Day observance in Adrian took place in a new location. Instead of a parade through downtown ending at Monument Park, a ceremony was held at the new military monument in Oakwood Cemetery. G. Chandler Bond Post 275 of the American Legion organized the observance. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Members of the Adrian High School marching band and flag corps took part in the Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11.

LOCAL NEWS | A7

A8 | LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

One of downtown Adrian’s handicap-accessible parking spaces, located in the Toledo Street parking lot. There are 41 accessible spaces downtown out of 575 total public spots.

Does downtown Adrian have enough accessible parking spaces?

By Erik Gable

The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Does downtown Adrian have enough handicap-accessible parking spaces? That question was discussed at the Nov. 4 Adrian City Commission meeting at the request of Mayor Angie Sword Heath.

Matt Tomaszewski, director of parks and engineering services, said that the 41 accessible parking spaces downtown are nearly double the required amount, but they are nearly all in the parking lots behind the buildings on Main and Maumee Streets. There are 575 public parking spaces downtown in total.

“We don’t have very many parking spaces on the street that are barrier-free,” Tomaszewski said. “We do have one — it’s located right next to Phoenix Rising on West Maumee.”

Tomaszewski said one of the reasons for this is that getting in and out of a car is safer in the parking lots than in the street, where on one side there is traffic and on the other there are sidewalks that have a variety of obstacles, including tree boxes, benches, flower pots and trash cans.

“We do feel that it is safer and easier to use in the lots than it would be in the street,” he said.

A particular point of concern, which Adrian resident Keith Miller brought up during the public comment section of a few recent meetings, is that it’s not especially easy for anyone who needs accessible parking to make it to city commission meetings, which take place

in the City Chambers building at 159 E. Maumee St. City administrator Greg Elliott asked Tomaszewski where he would recommend on-street accessible parking if the goal were to improve access to the commission chambers. Tomaszewski said there is a spot on Broad Street in front of Crossroads Church that might be the best option, although it would require Michigan Department of Transportation approval since that part of Broad Street is a state road.

Commissioner Matt Schwartz said the city needs to improve the accessible parking situation.

“We’ve got to do a better job,” he said.

“We don’t need to meet the minimum on this, we need to meet or exceed expectations.”

Schwartz also said it would be good to locate barrier-free parking in the middle of blocks to minimize the distance people would need to walk to reach any destination on that block.

That would also result in the parking spots being located near crosswalks, which Tomaszewski said is considered a best practice.

Commissioner Mary Roberts said she feels that although accessible parking on Main Street could be difficult and even dangerous, Maumee Street should be feasible given the presence of the bike lane that acts as a buffer between parked cars and traffic.

Mayor Heath also voiced her support for adding on-street accessible parking spaces on Maumee Street.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

LOCAL NEWS | A9

DECEMBR 2024

Adrian College junior Hannah Berenson of Dexter is pictured competing in the Bulldogs’ Tactical Athlete Competition during a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and Michigan Army National Guard “Meet the Army Community Day” in April.

Adrian College adds major in tactical strength and conditioning ADRIAN — Adrian College recently announced it is adding a major and minor in Tactical Strength and Conditioning, which athletic program training director Tina Claiborne said is the first bachelor’s degree program of its kind in Michigan.

The program aims to equip students with specialized knowledge and skills to support the unique physical demands of tactical athletes.

Claiborne said there are many emerging opportunities in the fields of athletic training and exercise science, including work with tactical populations such as military, fire and rescue, law enforcement, protective services and other emergency personnel. Tactical strength and conditioning specialists increase the performance, readiness, and longevity of tactical athletes while decreasing the likelihood of fitnessrelated injuries.

Students in the new major program will complete general exercise science courses with the added instruction of the specialized needs of tactical personnel.

At the end of the program, Claiborne said, students will be prepared for national certifications.

“In response to the growing need for professionals who understand the distinct challenges faced by tactical athletes, the program combines foundational exercise science courses with targeted education in tactical strength and conditioning,” Claiborne said.

Claiborne said this interdisciplinary approach not only prepares graduates for careers in fitness and health promotion but also fosters partnerships with key industry stakeholders. Additionally, she said the minor provides graduates with complimentary cross-disciplinary

education to support careers related to health, military and paramilitary.

“The academic minor option is perfect for students who are not exercise science majors, but want to be trained in human performance,” Claiborne said. “This minor pairs very well with criminal justice, business, psychology, and more. It will equip students with a fundamental understanding of tactical athletes’ unique physical demands and challenges.”

Claiborne said graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Tactical Strength and Conditioning will have diverse career opportunities in various sectors.

Potential career paths include strength and conditioning coaches for military or law enforcement agencies, fitness program directors, exercise physiologists, and wellness coordinators for emergency services.

The program’s emphasis on community engagement and partnerships will also facilitate networking opportunities and job placements, Claiborne said.

Claiborne has been working with specialists in the Army and Marines to develop a high-quality curriculum.

“With the increasing emphasis on health and performance within tactical professions, Adrian College is proud to position our graduates to make a significant impact in their communities and get noticed,” Claiborne said. “We have received a fantastic initial response from students, and I only expect the opportunities for specialized coursework and practical experiences to grow.”

For more information about the Tactical Strength and Conditioning program, email Claiborne at tclaiborne@ adrian.edu or visit adrian.edu.

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A10

DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

LAND & WATER Municipalities challenge clean energy zoning law

By Kyle Davidson Michigan Advance

LANSING — Almost a year after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a set of laws intended to streamline the permitting process for large-scale clean energy projects, nearly 80 Michigan counties and townships are challenging a state

regulator’s effort to implement the law, arguing it is both unlawful and unreasonable.

The law places the permitting for renewable energy projects — including solar energy developments with a capacity of 50 megawatts or more; wind facilities with 100 megawatts or more; and energy storage facilities with a capacity of

50 megawatts or more and a discharge capacity of 200 megawatts or greater — under the control of the Michigan Public Service Commission, which regulates energy companies in the state.

Municipalities joining in the challenge include Blissfield, Deerfield, Ogden, and Riga Townships in Lenawee County. They argue that an Oct. 10

order from the MPSC implementing the provisions of Public Act 233 violated the Administrative Procedures Act, which dictates the rulemaking process for state agencies.

The plaintiffs argue that the MPSC’s definition of a “compatible renewable energy ordinance” eliminated local input and is therefore unreasonable.

A changing climate means changes in agriculture Have you noticed that frost is coming later in the fall and that winter ends a little earlier? You aren’t alone. According to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center, the average first fall freeze date for Lenawee County in the 1970s was around Oct. 9. In the 2010s, the average first fall freeze date was over a week later, Oct. 18.

Last spring frost dates are also shifting: in the 1970s, May 6 was the last spring frost and in the 2010s, that average last frost was over a week earlier, April 27.

In addition to these seasonal shifts in temperature, Michigan is also expected to get wetter overall, with bigger storms and possible flood events.

While Michiganders thankfully don’t have to worry about the threat of hurricanes or wildfires like in other parts of the country, the trends of increasing temperature and precipitation do have considerable impacts on how we grow food in our state. Farmers are noticing the lengthening of the growing season, altering of crop pest life cycles, and intensifying rainfall events interspersed with periods of drought. In response, farmers are rethinking the way they combat pests and weeds and considering ways to improve water management.

Like any problem, it’s important to consider the root of what is causing harm to prevent being shortsighted and simply slapping a band-aid on the wound. In the case of the climate change we are seeing in our community, our solutions must incorporate ways to reduce our contributions to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, adapt to the changes already here, and build resiliency for what’s to come. This three-pronged approach is the way forward for climate-smart agriculture.

Let’s start with on-farm GHG mitigation. According to the EPA, agriculture in the U.S. accounts for 10% of the nation’s GHG emissions. While the majority of emissions globally contributing to climate change come from carbon dioxide, the agricultural sector differs in that the majority of its emissions come from methane and nitrous oxide. Both methane and nitrous oxide are more potent gases than carbon dioxide, methane being 84 times more potent and nitrous oxide being 298 times more potent.

On cattle and dairy farms, methane is generated directly from enteric

ALLEGRA BAIRD fermentation, a process of microbial fermentation during digestion in ruminant animals (cows, goats, sheep).

On cropland, nitrous oxide is formed as a byproduct when nitrogen fertilizers are applied to fields in excess of what crops can take up.

Precision nutrient management is a promising solution that is cost effective — fertilizer is applied at a variable rate based on varying soil nutrient levels or yield potentials throughout the field, rather than broadcasting the same rate resulting in nutrient losses that hurt both pocketbooks and water quality. Anaerobic digesters, which can capture the methane gas from manure decomposition to then be sold for energy, have also come on the scene, though their high capital costs make them prohibitive to most.

Historically, intensive tillage of agricultural soils has led to losses in soil carbon in the form of carbon dioxide amounting to approximately four gigatons in the U.S. alone. Tilling the soil seasonally has traditionally been attractive for its ability to kill competing weeds, stimulate nutrient cycling through microbial decomposition of organic matter, and break-up compaction in the short term.

However, turning over the soil frequently destabilizes soil aggregates, decreases organic matter, and increases compaction in the long term. While tillage may not be the largest contributor to agriculture’s GHG emissions, reducing our usage of tillage (termed conservation tillage) and planting an overwintering cover crop will allow us to absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the soil. Building soil carbon is essential for a healthy soil food web and healthy crops.

In addition to the potential for farmland soils to recapture carbon from the atmosphere, thereby mitigating climate change, farmers can also adapt to climate change by being prepared for the changes in weather happening yearto-year. Drainage water management

is critical for conserving water in fields when we face a dry spell and for releasing extra water into drainage ditches when fields are flooded. Tile outlet control structures allow farmers to control the water levels in their fields, providing an extra safety net for when disaster strikes.

Another newer technology being explored by many farmers is drone technology. The ability to make aerial passes over the field for fertilizer, pesticide, or cover crop seed application when ground conditions prohibit tractor passage is a great tool to have in the adaptation toolbox.

If farmers want to create long-lasting resiliency that will stabilize yields in bad-weather years and increase profits in good-weather years, we need to evaluate whether or not farm management aligns with repairing and improving the natural ecological cycles and diversity that sustain crop productivity. These foundations for healthy and resilient crops include soil health and diversified cropping systems. Building on solid foundations, restored ecological functions emerge like enhanced nutrient cycling by soil biota, integrated (natural) pest control, and pollinator services. The pathways for making these ecological transformations a reality are a suite of practices, termed climate-smart practices.

Climate-smart practices can address root problems to both climate change and on-farm natural resource concerns, achieving mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency for farmers. For example, diversifying crop rotations and incorporating perennials achieves mitigation goals by sequestering more carbon in the soil over time, and meets resiliency goals by diversifying on-farm income and interrupting pest life cycles in the soil. Converting to no-till can address the underlying field conditions like poor soil structure or erosion. This practice meets mitigation goals by effectively decreasing necessary fertilizer inputs and transport contributing to nitrous oxide emissions, and meets resiliency goals by improving soil water retention and drainage.

These operational and structural management changes require investments — learning how to incorporate a cover crop into the rotation, paying for equipment upgrades

like variable rate technology or a striptill tool, and potentially experiencing lower yields during the lag period as ecological function is restored. There is a silver lining. Many of these foundational practices are investing in the return of ecosystem services, which are free, rather than commercial products on the market affected by inflation and regulation.

Climate-smart practices, once learned and incorporated, are typically less time consuming and require less inputs, improving profit margins even if yields are lower. Increasing efficiency and profitability is the name of the game for farmers, and climate-smart practices can most definitely meet that standard.

To support the adoption of climatesmart agriculture, the U.S. federal government under the Inflation Reduction Act has supplemented $19.5 billion toward existing USDA conservation programs.

Additionally, USDA is investing $3 billion toward new climate-smart commodities projects which will help expand the market for commodities produced in a climatesmart way. One of these projects touches Lenawee County, named the Michigan Climate Smart Farms Project (MCSFP).

The project aims to develop a climatesmart verification program, similar to the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), so that food produced on a climate verified farm will be a value-added product and worth more to consumers. MCSFP is currently seeking small and underserved specialty crop growers in Lenawee, Washtenaw, Monroe, and Wayne counties to participate in the five-year pilot program. Participants will be able to access special funding to implement on-farm climate-smart improvements. Farmers interested in the project should contact the project manager Megan Phillips Goldenberg at 734-302-8715, or visit the project website at miclimatesmart.org for more information.

Of those impacted by climate change, farmers are on the front line facing head-on the heightened risks and uncertainties. It is in these times that they feel the equal pressure to change and adapt. This transition isn’t easy, and farmers will need the support of many — political representatives, agricultural retailers, neighbors — to lead the way.

Allegra Baird is a conservation specialist with the Lenawee Conservation District. She can be reached at allegra.baird@macd.org or 517-263-7400.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

A11

DICIEMBRE 2024

NOTICIAS LOCALES

Aceptamos envíos de noticias locales en inglés o en español. La fecha límite de cada artículo es el día 15 del mes anterior. Las noticias pueden ser enviadas por correo electrónico a news@lenaweevoice.com.

¿El Centro de la Ciudad de Adrian tiene suficientes espacios de estacionamiento accesibles?

Artículo original por Erik Gable Traducido por Lizbeth Perez-Cazares ADRIAN — Durante la reunión del 4 de noviembre, la Comisión de la Ciudad de Adrian discutió los espacios de estacionamiento accesibles para discapacitados en el Centro de la Ciudad.

El tema fue puesto en la agenda del día a petición de la Alcaldesa Angie Sword Heath.

Hay 575 lugares de estacionamiento público en el Centro de la Ciudad y 41 de ellos son accesibles para discapacitados. Matt Tomaszewski, Director de Parques y Servicios de Ingeniería, dijo que es casi el doble de la cantidad que la ciudad está requerida a tener. Sin embargo, casi todos ellos están situados en lotes de

El Centro de Adrian tiene 41 espacios de estacionamiento accesibles para discapacitados, pero casi todos están ubicados en lotes de estacionamiento detrás de los edificios del Centro de la Ciudad, no a lo largo de las calles.

estacionamiento detrás de los edificios, en lugar de en la calle.

Tomaszewski dijo que podría haber algunas preocupaciones de seguridad con más espacios accesibles en la calle, en parte debido al tráfico y en parte a los obstáculos en las aceras.

No obstante, algunos comisionados de la ciudad dijeron que creen que es importante tener espacios de estacionamiento accesibles en la calle, no solo en la parte trasera de los edificios.

El Comisionado Matt Schwartz dijo que el hecho de cumplir el estándar mínimo no es suficiente. También dijo que sería útil poner espacios sin barreras en medio de las cuadras, para que las personas con discapacidades físicas no tengan que caminar una cuadra entera para llegar a su destino.

La Comisionada Mary Roberts dijo que, siente que si bien el estacionamiento accesible en la calle Main (Main Street) podría ser difícil e incluso peligroso, la calle Maumee (Maumee Street) debería ser factible dada la presencia del carril para bicicletas que actúa como amortiguador entre los autos estacionados y el tráfico.

La accesibilidad a la Cámara de la Comisión de la Ciudad (City Commission Chambers) también es motivo de preocupación. Tomaszewski dijo que una forma de aumentar el acceso a estacionamientos cerca de la Cámara de la Comisión sería agregar un espacio accesible frente a la Iglesia Crossroads (Crossroads Church) en la calle Broad (Broad Street), aunque eso requeriría la aprobación del Estado.

Los residentes votarán sobre la ordenanza de inspección de bienes raíces Traducido por Lizbeth Perez-Cazares ADRIAN — La controvertida ordenanza de inspección de puntos de venta para propiedades residenciales de la Ciudad de Adrian se dirigirá a una votación pública.

La ordenanza, que fue aprobada por 4 votos a 3 el verano pasado, requiere que las propiedades residenciales de la ciudad se sometan a una inspección exterior antes de que puedan ser vendidas. Los vendedores deben reparar cualquier problema encontrado por la inspección o reservar una cantidad de dinero para que el comprador realice las reparaciones.

La ordenanza entrará en vigor a partir del 30 de noviembre.

Los partidarios dicen que las inspecciones son una herramienta para combatir el deterioro. Los opositores dicen que es una extralimitación del gobierno

y que afectará desproporcionadamente a los residentes de bajos ingresos.

Una campaña de petición logró reunir suficientes firmas para obligar a la Comisión de la Ciudad a derogar la ordenanza o someterla a votación pública. En una votación de 5 a 2 el 18 de noviembre, los comisionados decidieron incluirlo en la boleta electoral. Las elecciones serán en agosto o noviembre del próximo año.

En otras noticias de la reunión de la Comisión Municipal del 18 de noviembre: n Los comisionados discutieron cómo utilizar los $50,000 que un juez había ordenado a Crimson Holdings pagar a la ciudad en beneficio de los residentes afectados por los olores nocivos de la planta procesadora de huevos en polvo de Crimson. Originalmente se suponía que serían 100.000 dólares, pero la ciudad solo recibió la mitad de la cantidad antes de que la empresa se declarara en quiebra. Una posibilidad planteada

por el Administrador de la Ciudad, Greg Elliott, fue crear un camino entre el Parque Dunlap (Dunlap Park) en la calle Treat (Treat Street) y el Parque Parish (Parish Park) en la calle Erie (Erie Street).

Los comisionados decidieron realizar una encuesta y realizar una jornada de puertas abiertas para que los residentes discutan sus ideas. n Los comisionados escucharon un informe de representantes del Centro Align para el Desarrollo de la Fuerza Laboral (Align Center for Workforce Development), que se está construyendo en 430 Este de la calle Church (E. Church St.). El centro brindará capacitación a personas desempleadas, personas subempleadas, personas que necesitan adquirir diferentes habilidades laborales y estudiantes de preparatoria graduados preparándose para carreras universitarias. También tendrá un centro comunitario que llevará el

nombre de Chico Martínez, un activista comunitario fallecido en 2022. n Se programó una audiencia pública para declarar la propiedad en 616 Este de la calle Front (E. Front St.) como una molestia pública. En la casa se han producido actividades relacionadas con drogas. La audiencia será durante la reunión de la Comisión Municipal el 16 de diciembre a las 6 p.m. Si la casa es declarada una molestia pública, la policía obligará a todos los que vivan allí a marcharse y permanecerá cerrada durante todo un año. n Lynne Punnett agradeció a la ciudad por tomar medidas en la acera en la esquina de las calles Maumee y McVicar.

El contratista de cemento de la ciudad se había retrasado en el trabajo y la falta de una banqueta estaba creando un peligro para la seguridad. La Comisionada Mary Roberts dijo que la ciudad tuvo que contratar a un contratista diferente para completar el trabajo.

Las Hermanas Dominicas respaldan la legislación sobre las licencias de conducir Traducido por Lizbeth Perez-Cazares

Proporcionar acceso a licencias de conducir e identificaciones estatales a todos los residentes de ADRIAN — Un grupo de Michigan, independientemente de su congregaciones católicas, incluyendo documentación, le daría a los residentes las Hermanas Dominicanas de Adrian, la capacidad de cuidar a sus familias e se están uniendo a otras organizaciones ir y regresar del trabajo y/o la escuela y municipios de todo Michigan para sin temor a ser arrestados, detenidos y respaldar la legislación Drive SAFE (Seguridad, Acceso, Libertad y Economía) deportados. Esto también permitiría a que está pendiente en la legislatura estatal. los residentes participar en actividades diarias en sus comunidades que El paquete de ley Drive SAFE proveería requieren una identificación. licencias de conducir no comerciales Las Hermanas dijeron que la legislación de Michigan y tarjetas de identificación beneficiaría a todos los residentes de estatales a disposición de personas Michigan al hacer que las carreteras y que no tengan prueba de ciudadanía las comunidades sean más seguras y estadounidense o un estatus migratorio. El aumentaría los ingresos estatales en hasta proyecto de ley permitiría a los inmigrantes $13,5 millones en los primeros tres años indocumentados obtener licencias de conducir y restablecer el derecho a conducir después de su aprobación.

Junto a las Hermanas Dominicas en Michigan, un derecho que fue revocado de Adrian en este respaldo están en 2008. Actualmente, ese derecho existe las Hermanas Dominicas de Grand en otros 18 estados y en Washington, D.C. Rapids; Hermanas Siervas del El paquete de proyecto de ley Drive SAFE cuenta con el apoyo de Strangers No Longer Inmaculado Corazón de María, Monroe; Congregación de San José, Detroit; del Sudeste de Michigan, una organización Hermanas Visitadoras Domiciliarias de defensa de los inmigrantes.

Las Hermanas declararon que apoyan de María de Detroit; y Siervos de Jesús, Detroit. Los líderes de estas la legislación porque honra la dignidad congregaciones son miembros de la inherente de todas las personas y Conferencia de Liderazgo de Mujeres mejoraría la seguridad y el bienestar de Religiosas de Estados Unidos. todos los residentes de Michigan.

Sentados, de la izquierda a la derecha: Patricia Leonard, Laura Negron-Terrones, Attracta Kelly, Dorothy Dempsey, June Racicot, y Beverly Stark. De pie, de la izquierda a la derecha: Virginia “Ginny” King, JoAnne Fleischaker, Joanne Peters, Joyce Caulfield, Carleen Maly, y Sharon Weber.

Trece Hermanas Dominicanas de Adrian y compañeros de trabajo estuvieron entre las más de 180 personas que fueron a Lansing el 12 de noviembre para abogar por los proyectos de ley. Los miembros del grupo incluyeron a la Hermana Attracta Kelly, Abogada de Inmigración y Directora de la Oficina de Asistencia de Inmigración de las Hermanas Dominicanas de Adrian (Immigration attorney and director of the Adrian Dominican Sisters Office of

Immigration Assistance), así como a las Hermanas Joyce Caulfield, Dorothy Dempsey, JoAnn Fleischaker, Virginia King, Patricia Leonard, Carleen Maly, Joanne Peters, June Racicot, Beverly Stark y Sharon Weber, OP (Orden de Predicadores). A ellos se unieron Laura Negron-Terrones, Gerente de la Oficina de Asistencia de Inmigración (Office manager for the Office of Immigration Assistance), y Sarah Nash, abogada de IHM en Monroe.

A12 | NOTICIAS LOCALES

DICIEMBRE 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Cambios en Conciertos Navideños en la zona de Adrian la Comisión del Condado de Lenawee Traducido por Lizbeth Perez-Cazares

Traducido por Lizbeth Perez-Cazares ADRIAN — La Comisión del Condado de Lenawee (The Lenawee County Commission) tiene tres nuevos miembros después de las elecciones del mes pasado, pero el balance del poder en la comisión sigue permaneciendo sin cambios.

La comisión, que es el organismo gubernamental del Condado de Lenawee, está formada por comisionados elegidos de nueve distritos geográficos. El Partido Republicano mantiene una mayoría de 8 a 1.

Distrito 1 (Tecumseh y Municipio de Tecumseh): David Stimpson fue reelegido.

Distrito 2 (Municipios de Cambridge, Rome y Woodstock): Dustin Krasny fue reelegido.

Distrito 3 (Municipios de Rollin, Hudson y Medina, la Ciudad de Hudson y la Ciudad de Morenci): David Aungst fue elegido para reemplazar a Nancy JenkinsArno, quien fue elegida como miembro de la Cámara de Representantes de Michigan.

Distrito 4 (Municipios de Madison, Dover, Fairfield y Seneca): Beth Blanco fue elegida después de derrotar a la titular Dawn Bales en las primarias republicanas en agosto.

Distrito 5 (Ciudad de Adrian, lado este): James W. Daly fue elegido para reemplazar a KZ Bolton, quien no se postuló para la reelección. Daly será el único demócrata en la comisión.

Distrito 6 (Ciudad de Adrian, lado oeste): Terry Collins fue reelegido.

Distrito 7 (Municipios de Ogden, Palmyra, Riga, Blissfield, Deerfield y Ridgeway): Kevon Martis fue reelegido.

Distrito 8 (Municipio de Raisin y Adrian, al este de la carretera Wisner): Ralph Tillotson fue reelegido.

Distrito 9 (Municipios de Clinton, Macon y Franklin y Municipio de Adrian, al oeste de la carretera Wisner): James Van Doren fue reelegido.

La Comisión se reúne el segundo miércoles de cada mes a la 1:30 p.m. en el antiguo Palacio de Justicia, 301 N. Main St., Adrian. Para obtener más información, vaya a www.lenawee.mi.us.

La tienda de comestibles del centro se muda a una nueva ubicación Traducido por Lizbeth Perez-Cazares ADRIAN — La Compañía de Intercambio Marks (Marks Trading Company), una tienda de comestibles en el Centro de Adrian que abrió en 2022, se mudó a una ubicación más grande.

La tienda ahora está ubicada en 142 N. Main St. Se especializa en alimentos locales frescos, como productos agrícolas, lácteos y productos horneados. También se encuentran disponibles productos enlatados, aderezos para ensaladas, pastas, salsas, bocadillos y dulces, junto con alimentos a granel como pasta, cereales y granola.

Con el espacio adicional en su nueva ubicación, los propietarios Gwynne y Jay Marks planean ampliar su línea de productos para incluir una línea de productos de carnes frías, más comidas internacionales y sándwiches. También esperan obtener una licencia para añadir cerveza y vino envasados.

ADRIAN — Varios grupos locales están planeando conciertos navideños en Adrian durante el transcurso de diciembre.

The River Raisin Ragtime Revue presentará “A Ragtime Christmas” (ragged-time, «tiempo rasgado») el domingo 8 de diciembre a las 4 p.m. en la Preparatoria de Adrian (Adrian High School), en 785 Riverside Ave. El concierto incluirá canciones navideñas populares interpretadas al estilo de tiempo rasgado y se cantará un villancico.

Los Balardistas (The Balladiers) de la Preparatoria de Adrian se unirán a la presentación. Los boletos cuestan $20 para adultos y la entrada es gratuita para jóvenes menores de 18 años.

El Colegio de Adrian (Adrian College) presentará su Servicio anual de Lecciones y Villancicos. El domingo 8 de diciembre a las 7 p.m. en la Capilla

Herrick (Herrick Chapel). El concierto comenzará con media hora de los favoritos de las festividades navideñas.

Luego habrá un servicio tradicional que incluye una procesión coral a la luz de las velas seguida de lecturas y villancicos. Este concierto es gratuito.

El Chiaroscuro, un grupo local coral masculino, presentará su concierto de Navidad. El miércoles 11 de diciembre a las 7:30 p.m. en la Capilla del Santo Rosario (Holy Rosary Chapel), 1257 East Siena Heights Drive. Se aceptarán donaciones voluntarias.

La casa de la Ópera Croswell (Croswell Opera House) presentará un concierto de música navideña mezclada con canciones de teatro musical. El viernes 13 de diciembre a las 7:30 p.m., el sábado 14 de diciembre a las 2:30 p.m. y 7:30 p.m. y el domingo 15 de diciembre a las 2:30 p.m. Los boletos cuestan $35 para adultos y $25 para estudiantes y se pueden ordenar en croswell.org.

El concierto anual de la Orquesta Sinfonica de Adrian (Adrian Symphony Orchestra) tendrá lugar el sábado 14 de diciembre a las 7:30 p.m. en el Auditorio Dawson (Dawson Auditorium) en el campus de Adrian College. La cantante de jazz Sarah D’Angelo será la solista.

Esa noche también contará con los Balladiers de la Preparatoria de Adrian.

Los precios de los boletos oscilan entre $25 y $39, con tarifas con descuento de $25 a $37 para adultos mayores y de $13 a $20 para estudiantes. Las entradas se pueden pedir en adriansymphony.org.

El concierto navideño anual del Coro de la Comunidad de Lenawee (Lenawee Community Chorus) será el domingo 15 de diciembre a las 3 p.m. en la Capilla Herrick (Herrick Chapel) en el campus del Colegio de Adrian (Adrian College). El concierto será una mezcla de villancicos tradicionales y canciones modernas.

Los boletos cuestan $15 para adultos y la entrada es gratuita para los niños.

El Parque Comstock se iluminará para la Navidad

una visita con Santa. El Parque Heritage (Heritage Park) está ubicado en 3221 North Adrian Highway.

ofrecerá un servicio conmemorativo a la luz de las velas. El domingo 15 de diciembre a las 6 p.m. en el Campus de Santa María de la Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia (St. Mary’s Campus of Holy Family Parish), 305 Division St., Adrian.

El paseo navideño por el Parque Comstock (Comstock Christmas Riverwalk), que comenzó hace 10 años, estará iluminado a partir del 6 de diciembre.

Esa noche, un desfile por el Centro de Adrian comenzará a las 6:30 p.m.

La exhibición de luces del Parque Comstock se iluminará a las 7:30 p.m. El paseo del río incluye árboles decorados por residentes, empresas y organizaciones de la zona. El paseo del río permanecerá iluminado durante la temporada navideña.

Papá Noel en el Centro Stubnitz Los Clubes de Leones del condado de Lenawee (The Lions Clubs of Lenawee) serán los anfitriones de “Una noche con Santa”. El sábado 14 de diciembre de 5:30 a 8 p.m. en el Centro de Educación Ambiental de Stubnitz (Stubnitz Environmental Education Center) en el Parque Heritage (Heritage Park).

Las familias están invitadas a disfrutar de manualidades, juegos, refrigerios, paseos en carruajes con paja a través de las exhibiciones de luces del Parque Heritage, obsequios especiales y

Hospicio ofrece ceremonias de encendido de árboles para recordar a sus seres queridos El Hospicio de Lenawee (Hospice of Lenawee) ofrecerá varias ceremonias de encendido de árboles este mes, brindando una oportunidad para que las personas recuerden a sus seres queridos que han fallecido. Las ceremonias tendrán lugar el domingo 8 de diciembre a las 6 pm. Las ubicaciones son: n Adrian: Hospicio de Lenawee (Hospice of Lenawee), 1903 Wolf Creek Highway. n Blissfield: Ese lugar (That One Place), 121 South Lane St. n Clinton: Centro Comunitario Smith Kimball (Smith Kimball Community Center), 211 Tecumseh Rd. n Hudson: Centro Comunitario Hudson (Hudson Community Center), 323 West Main St. n Onsted: Banco Michigan (Michigan Bank), 112 South Main St. n Tecumseh: Ayuntamiento de Tecumseh (Tecumseh City Hall), 309 East Chicago Boulevard.

El hospicio de Lenawee también

Las Hermanas Dominicas serán las anfitrionas de la celebración del solsticio de invierno Mientras marcamos la noche más oscura del año, las Hermanas Dominicas de Adrian (the Adrian Dominican Sisters) invitan a la comunidad a unirse a ellas en la celebración del solsticio de invierno de 3:30 p.m. a 4:30 p.m. El domingo 22 de diciembre, en el Centro de Conferencias y Retiros Weber (Weber Retreat and Conference Center).

La Hermana Esther Kennedy, OP (Orden de Predicadores), dirigirá este ritual de “Invocar la Sabiduría de los Ancestros” y se reunirán en un círculo para cantar y bailar con el corazón lleno de gratitud.

La celebración es gratuita y abierta a todos. No es necesario registrarse.

El Centro Weber está en el campus de las Hermanas Dominicanas de Adrian, en 1257 East Siena Heights Drive.

— Traducido par Lizbeth Perez-Cazares

Cosas por las cuales estar al tanto al visitar a familiares mayores durante los días festivos Artículo original por el Departamento de Envejecimiento del Condado de Lenawee Traducido por Lizbeth Perez-Cazares Para muchas personas, los días festivos son un momento para reunirse con familiares a quienes quizás no ven con mucha frecuencia. Si usted estará visitando a adultos mayores de su familia, es posible que desee estar atento a señales de cambios que podrían afectar su capacidad para seguir viviendo de forma independiente. Estar atento a estos pequeños cambios y hacer ajustes puede ayudar a un miembro mayor de la familia a seguir viviendo con independencia y dignidad el mayor tiempo que sea posible.

Una cosa a tener en cuenta es el estado de su hogar. ¿Está más desordenado y hay más acumulación que de costumbre? ¿Hay comida en mal estado en el refrigerador o en las alacenas? ¿Hay facturas no se están pagando a

tiempo? ¿Los artículos del hogar se están guardando en lugares inadecuados?

Si usted nota estas cosas, tal vez haya cambios en la movilidad o la visión que restringen la capacidad de realizar estas tareas con facilidad. El movimiento limitado de los hombros puede impedirles guardar cosas en las alacenas superiores, o la artritis en la rodilla puede dificultar que se agachen a las alacenas inferiores.

Los problemas de visión pueden dificultar la lectura de las facturas o el pagarlas correctamente. Una conversación acerca de agregar apoyo para mejorar su independencia podría justificarse.

También puede estar atento a los cambios físicos en sus familiares. ¿Tienen una pérdida de peso inexplicable? ¿Están usando ropa que está sucia? ¿Están teniendo dificultad con cosas como bañarse y cepillarse los dientes? ¿Se han caído recientemente o parecen tener problemas con el equilibrio? Hablar

de estos temas con un médico puede ayudarle a desarrollar un plan para mejorar su salud y movilidad por medio de la administración de medicamentos, terapia física u ocupacional, comidas a domicilio o apoyo en el hogar.

Finalmente, esté atento a los cambios de comportamiento. ¿Están faltando a citas médicas, servicios religiosos u otras actividades a las que normalmente asisten? ¿Muestran cambios de personalidad o cambios de humor? Estos cambios pueden ser aterradores de ver, pero nuevamente, discutirlos con un médico puede ayudar.

El Condado de Lenawee (Lenawee County) tiene muchos recursos para ayudar a los adultos mayores a seguir viviendo de forma independiente. Para obtener más información, llame al Departamento de Envejecimiento del Condado de Lenawee (Lenawee County Department on Aging) al 517-264-5280 o a Servicios WellWise (WellWise Services) al 517-592-1974.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

LOCAL NEWS | A13

DECEMBER 2024

IN BRIEF Woodworking institute gets option on purchasing part of Witt Farm land

WLEN’S THANK-A-VET FUNDRAISER HAS RECORD-BREAKING YEAR

ADRIAN — At its Nov. 18 meeting, the Adrian City Commission approved granting an option for the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute to buy about 21 acres of city-owned land for a planned future campus.

The land is part of what is known as the Witt Farm, which was purchased by the city about 25 years ago for future economic development.

The option agreement does not mean the woodworking institute will definitely buy the land, but it is a preliminary agreement that fixes terms for the expected sale. The woodworking institute will pay $1,000 for the option.

If the option is exercised, the woodshop will pay $8,000 per acre for the approximately four acres that are currently farmland, and $10 per acre for woodland that is not slated for development. The agreement approved by the city commission states that construction must begin within 18 months of the woodworking institute taking title, and substantial construction must be completed within 36 months.

The city can take the property back if the conditions are not met.

If the woodshop does not exercise the option within one year, it can be converted into a three-year right of first refusal for an additional fee.

The Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute is a nonprofit organization that offers both postsecondary career training programs and classes for the general public.

It has become a familiar sight every Veterans Day in Adrian — people lining the sidewalk outside the Lenawee Broadcasting Co. studio on West Maumee Street, waving flags as motorists pull up to make donations to benefit local veterans. This year, Lenawee Broadcasting — the locally owned company that operates WLEN 103.9, WQTE 95.3, and 96.5 The Cave — hit a new milestone. In just 12 hours, the stations raised a record $55,179.45 for the Veterans Dire Need Fund, which is distributed through Housing Help of Lenawee. This fund supplies local veterans with many things, including rent, mortgage payments to avoid foreclosure, utility bills, rental facilities to store possessions when they are displaced, transportation stipends, and even things as simple as a pair of boots to secure employment. Since the beginning of the Thank-A-Vet fundraiser, WLEN and its sister stations have raised more than $500,000 to help veterans in Lenawee County. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Lenawee County man charged in sex trafficking case JACKSON — A Lenawee County man is among five suspects who were arraigned on Nov. 18 in Jackson County on charges of accosting a child for immoral purposes and using a computer to commit a crime, according to Local Buzz Radio.

Eddie McElroy, 34. is accused of being involved in underage sex trafficking and prostitution in the Jackson area. He also faces one count of carrying a concealed weapon in connection with a Nov. 15 undercover operation in which police posed as underage girls. The investigation was carried out by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Michigan State Police Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, and the Jackson Narcotics Enforcement Team.

Three of the other suspects are from Jackson County and one is from Ingham County.

Sand Creek man killed in motorcycle crash SENECA TWP. — Lenawee County sheriff’s deputies responded on Oct. 21 to a motorcycle crash on Weston Road near Clement Highway.

A 2013 Harley-Davidson motorcycle had been traveling west on West Weston Road when the motorcyclist, a 37-yearold man from Sand Creek, lost control, laid the bike down and crossed the center line. He became separated from the motorcycle and was struck by a 2017 Jeep Renegade driven by a 25-year-old man from Indiana who was traveling east. The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet and died at the scene. Deputies do not believe that drugs or alcohol were a factor.

Domestic shooting incident leads to suspect’s death after police pursuit FRANKLIN TWP. — On Nov. 6 at approximately 4:15 p.m., Lenawee County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to investigate a domestic violence incident between two brothers in the 500 block of Pentecost Highway.

Deputies found that a 34-year-old man and his 31-year-old brother were physically fighting when the 31-year-old produced a handgun and shot his older brother in the hand.

The victim was taken to ProMedica Hickman hospital by another family member and his injuries were determined to be minor.

According to Lenawee Voice news partner Local Buzz Radio, the suspect was Jacob Hikes of Onsted.

The suspect was located in Jackson County by law enforcement officers there.

When they tried to stop him, authorities say he fled and began firing at police during the chase, also tossing several homemade pipe bombs out of the vehicle and into the road, where they exploded.

When officers and deputies stopped the van, police say, he fired at them and they fired at him, striking him fatally. Although lifesaving measures were attempted at the scene, he was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital. A Jackson police sergeant who was hospitalized after being wounded by gunfire during the chase has since been released.

Pretrial conference set in death of Jasper man, 81

Man gets life sentence in 2023 drive-by shooting

ADRIAN — A pretrial conference is scheduled for Dec. 18 in the case of a Jasper man who died after being assaulted outside his home in May. Kevin Turski, 37, is accused of striking 81-year-old Jerry Fike in the head with a brick, causing his death about a week after the attack.

According to Local Buzz Radio, a trial for Turski has been delayed as he undergoes psychiatric evaluation.

ADRIAN — Local Buzz Radio reports that a Detroit man convicted of a February 2023 drive-by shooting at the intersection of Frank and Tecumseh Streets in Adrian has been sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder with no chance for parole.

The sentence was handed down in Lenawee County Circuit Court by Judge Michael Olsaver.

Kenyatto Sylvertooth, 48, was convicted by a jury in September for killing Jonathan Simmons, 27.

Dale Warner to stand trial next fall for wife’s death A six-week trial has been set for next fall for Dale Warner, 56, who has been charged with an open count of murder in connection with the death of his wife, Dee. Dee Warner had been missing since April 2021. Her remains were found in August of this year inside a resealed anhydrous ammonia tank this past August on property the Warners owned in Franklin Township. Dental records were used to confirm her identity.

Local Buzz Radio reports that Judge Michael Olsaver has scheduled the trial to begin Sept. 2, with the expectation it will take until Oct. 14 to complete proceedings.

Warner, who has been lodged in the Lenawee County Jail since his arrest nearly a year ago, also faces a charge of tampering with evidence.

Adrian man arrested after apparent overdose death ADRIAN — A 43-year-old Adrian man was arrested in November by narcotics officers who were assisting a Blissfield police investigation into a suspected overdose death.

Eric Cooper was arraigned on 14 felony counts, including delivery or manufacture of narcotics, maintaining a drug house, and felony firearm charges.

Detectives from the Region of Irish Hills Narcotics Office say they executed a search warrant at the Friendly Village Mobile Home Park in Adrian while aiding Blissfield police in their investigation into the death of Paul Jones of Blissfield, who was found unconscious on Nov. 7 and was later pronounced dead. Officers said they seized more than 800 grams of suspected heroin, cocaine and fentanyl.

A14

DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

PERSPECTIVES

Letters to the Editor should be 350 words or fewer and may be emailed to letters@lenaweevoice.com.

Please include your town of residence and a phone number for verification purposes.

EDITORIAL

To our readers on our first anniversary

It was roughly one year ago that the first edition of The Lenawee Voice rolled off the presses at the Tecumseh Herald. It’s been quite a year, and on the occasion of our first anniversary, we want to take a moment to reflect on the goals we set one year ago — and to thank everyone who has made this project possible!

When we launched this newspaper, we bet on the idea that we could make a difference in our community by making reliable, high-quality local news freely available to as many people as possible. In a fragmented media ecosystem where the news we see is too often dictated by what gets surfaced by our social media feeds, we felt that there was real value in the seemingly old-fashioned medium of the printed newspaper. And we felt that the best way to achieve our goals as quickly as possible was to put that newspaper into people’s mailboxes every single month — for free.

It was a big gamble. But so far, we’re pleased to say that it seems to be working.

One year ago, we laid out the following core goals: promoting civic engagement and volunteerism; increasing citizen involvement in government; strengthening local businesses and institutions; and helping people feel more connected to their community. Over the past 12 issues, we have tried to fulfill all of those goals through highlighting news about upcoming local government decisions, publicizing local businesses, promoting the activities of service clubs and other organizations that are doing good work in our community, and writing features about interesting people doing interesting things.

One thing we’re particularly proud of is that, over the past year, we have publicized the launches of 35 new businesses in Lenawee County and celebrated milestone anniversaries or other achievements for 27 more. Nearly all of these businesses are locally owned — and we’re not afraid to show a little favoritism toward the businesses that originate in our community, reflect our neighbors’ hopes and dreams, and make up the backbone of our local economy.

This paper has grown a lot over the past year, from 20 pages in our first issue to an average of 40 pages per issue today.

What we’re able to offer our community has been gradually growing as well.

We don’t do a lot of breaking news coverage ourselves, but a new partnership with Local Buzz Radio, operated by Doug Spade and Mike Clement, allows us to take the news that they break online and publish it in print, making the newspaper a more complete digest of what happened in our community over the past month.

Over the past few months we’ve also started publishing more news in Spanish as well as English, and this month — in partnership with Lizbeth Perez-Cazares, who many of our readers may know from her role as bilingual library assistant at the Adrian District Library — we have expanded that effort into a dedicated section of Spanish-language news. Part of our mission is to make local news as widely accessible as possible, and we feel that this new Spanish-language section is an important step in realizing that goal.

We also have a lot more to do!

Although we’ve published a lot of stories in the past 12 months, the stories we have covered are still outnumbered by the interesting, important and newsworthy stories that we haven’t.

In the months to come, we hope to do more to reflect the great work that’s happening in our local schools. We hope to improve our coverage of local elections. And we hope to turn this Perspectives page into a truly useful local forum where residents can discuss ideas for making Lenawee County a better place to live.

We would be remiss if we didn’t thank the more than 100 businesses and organizations that have advertised in these pages over the past year. Their support is what allows us to keep this newspaper free. We are humbled by the trust they have placed in us — and we hope you will support them!

Finally, we want to thank you. Thank you for reading. Thank you for going on this journey with us.

And, as we embark on our second full year of publication — stay tuned!

THE LENAWEE VOICE

A15

DECEMBER 2024

Maumee Street from page A1 as “gourmet-style comfort food.” The main dishes will generally stay the same, while the starters and snacks, as they’re called, change regularly.

Roth describes the menu as “things we’re familiar with but elevated,” with nostalgic choices like fried chicken, country-fried steak, roasted turkey, and a turkey pot pie that, at least as of the restaurant’s first couple of months in business, was hands-down its most popular entree.

Much of the decor in Maumee Street Taproom + Kitchen draws inspiration from the streetcars that once ran down Maumee.

Right now, the salads have locally sourced ingredients, and Roth anticipates working with area farmers to source his restaurant’s meats in addition to the produce. “We live in an agricultural area.

It was really important to us to have local foods,” he said.

Similarly, he has established, or is working on, partnerships with area brewers and distillers including Four Keys Brewing in Blissfield, Pavlov’s Brewing in Temperance, Mammoth Distillery in Adrian, and Manchester’s River Raisin Distillery.

The restaurant’s first months of operation have gone extremely well, Roth said. In fact, “business has exceeded expectations. People enjoy coming in for dinner, and we’ve had return customers.”

And, he added, the reaction to the food has been positive.

As Roth was getting the building ready and thinking about how to incorporate Adrian history into it, an hours-long visit to the Lenawee Historical Museum one day to look through their holdings

Housing Help from page A3 She provided the following figures for the fiscal year running from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024: n 256 households consisting of 299 adults and 274 children applied for prevention assistance. n 296 households consisting of 342 adults and 178 children were enrolled in rapid rehousing. n 6 families consisting of 7 adults and 14 children were housed in the two-year Transitional Housing Program. n 9 residents with a history of longterm homelessness stayed housed in Legacy Housing. n 7 households consisting of 8 adults and 23 children were housed in our two emergency family shelter homes. n 38 households consisting of 51 adults and 69 children were provided emergency motel vouchers. n 16 households consisting of 20 adults and 38 children applied for and were denied emergency shelter services due to lack of space and funding for motels and/or family shelters.

One of the keys to helping people find and keep housing is to help remove barriers, such as obstacles to

introduced him to the streetcar that at one time ran right past the building he now owned.

As a result, the streetcar not only serves as the restaurant’s logo and graces its Facebook page, but images of it also have prominent spots on two walls.

Another wall has a large reproduction of an early postcard showing the streetcar coming down Maumee Street, along with an enlarged replica of a ticket entitling a rider to: One Ride in City of Adrian, Mich.

On the cars of Adrian Street Railway Company only.

Also on that wall are a replica of a monthly statement from the Bond Steel Post Co., which was once located on Adrian’s east side and was part of the city’s once-significant fence industry, and a steel nameplate reading “Oliver of Adrian.”

Roth’s entrepreneurial spirit was sparked as a boy thanks to his grandfather, Otis Lang, who traveled around selling archery targets that he had designed.

“He was a very creative guy,” Roth said, “and as I was growing up he always supported and encouraged me in what I wanted to do.”

A Tecumseh native, Roth became a businessman way back in kindergarten when he sold worms. “Other kids had lemonade stands. I sold nightcrawlers,” he said, laughing.

He did a variety of handyman-type jobs in high school and, after graduation, moved to Florida and worked in construction. Eventually, though — while he admits he definitely preferred Florida’s winters to Michigan’s — he decided he wanted to come home.

“I missed the small-town feel,” he said.

He opened both Way of Life Wellness Center and Musgrove + Co. in Tecumseh in 2020, expanding the latter to its second location in Adrian two years later.

It was Musgrove + Co. that “really built a passion for the community in me,” he said, as well as instilling in him an appreciation of the wider community it takes to produce the coffee, which comes from a farm in Costa Rica, in the first place.

As of mid-November, the Maumee Street Taproom + Kitchen had nine employees and Roth was working on adding more as the business expanded operations. Because having good food

employment, and H2L case managers can provide both emergency support and help connect people with other resources. “We want to help [our clients], but we want to give them a hand up, not a handout,” Buku said.

H2L does a number of different fundraisers throughout the year but the agency is always in need of donations, whether it be financial gifts or donations of food, personal items, or socks, gloves and hats. Money for emergency shelter needs runs out the fastest, Buku said, “so we’re always looking for unallocated funds that can be used wherever the need is.”

She’s looking forward to serving the community in her new role and to be working with all the partners needed to help H2L’s clients.

“Lenawee County is such a cool place,” she said. “I feel like we’re really unique in the services we have here that can meet all sorts of needs. The community is such a generous community.”

H2L is located at 307 E. Church St., Adrian. Its hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Thursday (closed from noon to 1 p.m.) and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. To reach the agency, call 517-264-0782 or email info@h2lenawee. org. More information is available at www.h2lenawee.org.

has to go hand-in-hand with providing good service, “at the end of the day it’s all about hiring and staffing,” he said, and he’s intent on providing a welcoming workplace where people want to come to work each day.

Roth is very excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for his new enterprise.

He wants the spirit of Adrian’s past, embodied by the trolley that’s now a Maumee Street Taproom + Kitchen icon, to infuse not only the restaurant, but the city and its downtown in general.

At the time that iconic trolley line was in operation, “Adrian was a very bustling town with a lot of industry,” he said. “We want to harness that energy. It can be done.”

Maumee Street Taproom + Kitchen’s current hours and other information can be found on its Facebook page and online at www.maumeestreet.com.

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DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Launch Lenawee invites entrepreneurs to take part in 2025 business success program » PAGE B4 Roadside Bakery & Farmstand opens in Raisin Twp. » PAGE B5

BUSINESS

State Farm agent marks 60 years in business » PAGE B6

Expert offers tips for winter driving safety » PAGE B12

THE LENAWEE VOICE SECOND SECTION DECEMBER 2024

Downtown bookstore moves into new location Tropetastic Books & Gifts now has its own storefront on West Maumee Street.

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Now in a new location, Tropetastic Books and Gifts is open and ready to serve customers looking for used books and related gift items.

The shop has moved to a new location at 112 W. Maumee St. in downtown Adrian.

Tropetastic Books and Gifts, which was previously located inside Rad Raptor Comics on North Main Street, moved to its new location on Nov. 16. The new storefront is between Musgrove + Co. and The Brick Wall Pub & Grill.

Owner Julie Maurer said she made the move to West Maumee because she likes the location next to the coffee shop. She also liked the idea of being closer to the heart of downtown Adrian.

See BOOKS, page B2 Julie Maurer is the owner of Tropetastic Books and Gifts, which is now located at 112 W. Maumee St. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE

Sieler’s Water Systems marks 35 years in business

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Back in 1973, when Les Sieler was a high school student working part-time hauling heavy bags of salt for Miracle Water of Lenawee, he never would have thought that in 2024 his own water treatment company, Sieler’s Water Systems, would be marking its 35th year in business.

“Growing up, I just figured I’d be working in a factory and farming,” he said.

Sieler went from that early experience with Miracle Water of Lenawee’s owner, Sam Smith, to working for him half-days as a Vo-Tech student and, later, as a fulltime employee. Even after he left Smith’s company for a completely different

line of work in order to earn more, he and a friend continued repairing water softeners on the side.

Many twists and turns later, all involving side work in the water-treatment business, it was 1989 and Sieler had left his main job to open Sieler’s Water Systems in Ann Arbor. He expanded into Adrian at 136 E. Maumee St., Suite 11, in about 1995, and that eventually became the business’s sole site.

Finally, nine years ago, Sieler purchased the building in which his business is located, transforming it from the Home Design Gallery into the Gallery of Shops.

Sieler’s Water Systems sells, services, and provides preventive maintenance for a full range of products including water softeners; purification systems that

remove tannins, iron, and sulfur; reverse osmosis systems; and bottled water coolers. It also offers free water testing and sells and delivers salt.

Lease and rent-to-own options are available.

Building a successful business took “a lot of hard work and perseverance,” Sieler said, but today the company’s residential, commercial, and industrial customer base stretches across Lenawee County as well as other locations around southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio.

And its customer satisfaction is very high, as evidenced by its earning Best of Lenawee honors from The Daily Telegram for nine years in a row.

See SIELER’S, page B2

The Sieler’s Water Systems team includes, from left to right: James Ryan, service manager; Cameron Osworth, service technician; Julia Harke, marketing manager; Les Sieler, owner; Tyler McCrate, office manager; and Mary Sieler, bookkeeper.

DECEMBER 13 - DECEMBER 15 THE CROSWELL | 129 E MAUMEE ST | CROSWELL.ORG | 517.264.SHOW

B2 | BUSINESS

DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Books from page B1 “I wanted to be closer, in the heart of downtown, for all the events,” Maurer said.

She said First Fridays and other events were good for business, but she saw potential for more traffic in being closer to the center of downtown.

Tropetastic carries used, or “preloved” books, as well as gifts. Maurer shops in thrift stores and online to find the books she carries. She will also buy books from individuals, and will consider books that are no more than 10 years old.

Maurer said the average price for a book is around $7.99. Children’s picture books are always $1. Gifts, such as bookmarks, pencils, coffee cups, tea and journals are also for sale.

Maurer is working to establish permanent hours for the store. Up-todate information can be found on the store’s Facebook page.

For more information, go to tropetasticbooks.com or email tropetasticjulie@gmail.com.

Sieler’s from page B1 What’s the key to having so many satisfied customers? “My clients are my friends,” he said, and he and his staff are committed to providing quality service.

“We do what we say we’re going to do, and we follow up,” he said.

“Do we get it right every time? No. But we keep working at it.”

And as a result of that customer focus, “we’ve consistently grown over these past years.”

In fact, “people that I serviced years ago, I’m getting their grandkids,” he said. “And our referrals are through the roof.”

On the personal side of life, Sieler has been married to his wife, Mary, for close to 45 years now. Mary serves as the business’s bookkeeper and “is the glue that holds everything together,” he said.

They have two children, Tyler, who owns Sieler’s Landscape & Design in Adrian, and Tiffany, the owner of Downtown Dempsey’s Restaurant in the Gallery of Shops.

Considering that he once thought his life was going to be about factory work and farming, the second half of that equation at least proved to be true. The Sielers went on to purchase his family’s farm in Raisin Township, where he raises beef cattle and cash crops including corn, soybeans, and alfalfa.

In that same vein, Sieler’s Water Systems is a regular fixture at the Lenawee County Fair by participating in the 4-H auction every year.

“We try to give back to the community,” Sieler said.

Sieler may not have foreseen, all those years ago, that he’d still be working in the water-treatment field in 2024, but he definitely still enjoys the challenges involved in dealing with water-quality issues. In fact, he still goes out on service calls himself.

He is quick to give credit for his business’ success to the people who work for him. The company currently has 10 full- and part-time employees.

“We’re very proud of what we’ve grown,” he said, “and without our team, we wouldn’t exist.”

Sieler’s Water Systems’ office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday. The business can be reached at 517-225-1499 or 517-265-2029, or by email at office@sielerswater.com. More information is available at www.sielerswater.com or on Facebook.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

BUSINESS | B3

DECEMBER 2024

Downtown grocery store settles into new location

A ribbon cutting was held Nov. 4 at Marks Trading Co.’s new location, 142 N. Main St., Adrian.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREATER LENAWEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Marks Trading Company, a downtown Adrian grocery store that opened in 2022, has moved to a larger location.

The store is now located at 142 N. Main St. The old location had about 2,400 square feet, while the store’s new home has about 7,400 square feet — 3,000 in the front, and 4,400 in back.

It specializes in fresh, local food such as produce, dairy and baked goods.

Canned goods, salad dressings, pasta, sauces, salsa, snack foods, and candy are also available, along with bulk foods like pasta, cereal and granola.

With the additional space at their new location, owners Gwynne and Jay Marks plan to expand their product line to include a deli for sliced meats and cheeses, more international foods, and sandwiches.

They also hope to get a license to add packaged beer and wine.

Educational classes are also in the works.

Marks Trading Company is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but their goal is to eventually be open seven days a week.

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Gratitude The Season of

As we continue to work in our community, we want to express our gratitude for the continuous support from our donors. From everyone at Lenawee Now, we thank all of our supporters and we wish everyone a happy holiday season.

Thanks to our 2024 Supporters

For a full list of supporters, visit lenaweenow.org

B4 | BUSINESS

DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Launch Lenawee invites entrepreneurs to take part in its 2025 LLEAP program ADRIAN — A report released in November by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce says that sales at small businesses rose by an average of nearly 10% in comparison to last year at this time, and the upward trend is expected to continue.

The types of businesses experiencing growth include retailers, restaurants and service-based businesses.

“For people debating on starting their own business, now is the time to take the leap,” said Sheila Blair, team leader for

Launch Lenawee, a local program that educates entrepreneurs and business owners to ensure their success and, ultimately, boost the local economy.

The Adrian Armory will host a program orientation on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at 6 p.m. in its lower level. The orientation is for the Launch Lenawee Entrepreneurial Action Program (LLEAP).

LLEAP is a learning series that combines in-person and online learning as well as guest presenters and mentors, who have experienced business success.

“The orientation is open to anyone who has a business idea or wants to be a business owner,” Blair said. “We’ll go over the entrepreneurial lifestyle and what people can expect out of the LLEAP program.”

The program is the only one of its kind offered in Lenawee County. Participants can gain the skills and tools needed to run their own small business.

“In the last seven years, Launch Lenawee has launched many successful businesses,” said Mark Murray, one of

Launch Lenawee’s founding principals.

Some of the businesses that have come through the program include The Marks Trading Company, Pets in Focus, W4 Entertainment, and Harvest Chocolate.

The classes also will offer Spanish translation services, provided by the Hispanic of Lenawee Alliance (HOLA), to expand the opportunity for Spanishspeaking residents of Lenawee County to participate.

For more information, contact Sheila Blair at sheila@launchlenawee.org.

With Michigan sick leave law set to take effect in 2025, business groups lobby lawmakers to make changes

By Kyle Davidson Michigan Advance

LANSING — Following a decision from the Michigan Supreme Court over the summer, new laws on paid sick leave are set to take effect in February, requiring employers to provide each of their employees with 72 hours of sick leave. However, lawmakers are currently exploring options to tamp down these new requirements following an outcry from multiple business organizations.

“I’m not asking for everything to be taken back to where it was, but I am asking for sort of common-sense negotiations and back-and-forth,” said state Rep. Graham Filler (R-Duplain Twp.), who has introduced legislation to address some of the business groups’ concerns.

On July 31, the court determined the Legislature — which was then controlled

by Republicans — had subverted the rights of citizens in 2018 by adopting and amending laws outlined in two ballot initiatives, effectively gutting the proposals. As a result, Michigan businesses with fewer than 10 employees must offer up to 40 hours of paid sick leave and 32 hours of unpaid leave while employers with 10 or more employees must offer a full 72 hours of paid sick leave when the Earned Sick Time Act takes effect on Feb. 21, 2025.

The other initiative, which will also take effect on Feb. 21, will gradually raise Michigan’s minimum wage to $15 and phase out the tipped minimum wage over the next several years.

In the months following the Supreme Court decision, a number of business advocacy groups have raised concerns about both initiatives, arguing the provisions of the new sick leave law would force businesses to rethink their existing leave policies.

In a statement issued earlier this month, members of the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM), Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Business Leaders for Michigan, Detroit Regional Chamber, Michigan Manufacturers Association and the Grand Rapids Chamber outlined their top five concerns with the paid leave policy as it stands.

The new law, they said, would force employers to separate paid sick leave from other forms of leave offered and eliminate exemptions from offering sick leave for businesses regardless of size or the types of employees, which they said would be both costly and force businesses to rethink their staffing and hiring trajectory.

They also raised concerns about the law’s language around notifying an employer about sick leave, with the law stating: “If the employees need for the earned sick time is not foreseeable, an employer may require the employee notice of the intention [to use earned sick time] as soon as is practicable.” Employers may also require documentation that earned sick time has been used for an approved purpose if used for more than three consecutive days. The business groups argued that the new law would allow employees to no-call, noshow, exacerbating staffing shortages.

They argued provisions in the law around allowing employees to take legal action for violations of the act favored the employee’s side.

The business groups argue the law would bar employers from frontloading employees’ time off at the beginning of the year, with the new structure allowing paid sick leave to accrue over time, though a list of frequently-asked questions on the law from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) states “Employers limiting the use of earned sick time to 72 hours or more may provide the total amount of allowed hours at the beginning of the 12-month period (often referred to as ‘frontloading.’)”

More than 70 business groups have laid out a list of proposed changes to the law including: n Exempting employers with paid leave policies that meet or exceed the number of hours required under the act. n Adding a small employer exemption or expanding the current small employee threshold, as seen with the federal Family Medical Leave Act. n Require notification on the use of paid sick leave prior to the start of a shift unless an employee is incapacitated. n Removing the language allowing a private right of action and reputable presumption, with the coalition stating “Enforcement and penalties should be handled by the State, not the courts.” n Allowing employers to frontload time off.

The Michigan Agri-Business Association issued a similar list of requested changes to the law, with two additional proposals: Allow covered employers to accrue and permit the usage of leave in half-day increments — arguing many farms and small rural employers do not have systems in place to work with smaller increments — and allowing employers to maintain one overall leave category if they choose.

While Sen. Tom Albert (R-Lowell) brought forth a proposal in August to

keep the state’s current policy on paid sick leave in place, Filler is currently working on legislation to mediate between the new law and the concerns of businesses.

Alongside Rep. Nate Shannon (D-Sterling Heights) — who recently lost his reelection bid to his GOP challenger, Ron Robinson — the two lawmakers introduced a package of bills intended to moderate the changes of the new laws.

While Shannon’s House Bill 6056 deals with the minimum wage changes, Filler’s House Bill 6057 is centered on the new sick leave law.

With changes to Michigan’s minimum wage, tip credit and paid sick leave policies set to take effect at the same time, Filler said he and other lawmakers from both parties are concerned changes to all three components at once could have a cataclysmic effect on Michigan businesses.

“What we’re starting to do now is open conversations with the governor, with House Democrats and House Republicans, Senate, people from both sides, and saying, ‘Hey, things are already hard enough for the Michigan business community. Let’s find a reasonable compromise to allow workers to have a good run and their rights protected, and also businesses survive in the state of Michigan, especially small businesses, and especially the restaurant industry,’ ” Filler said. “I think that we already have tons of support on both sides and we just need to work it.”

Danielle Atkinson, the national executive director and founder of Mothering Justice, which brought the case that led to the Michigan Supreme Court, said her organization is deeply concerned at the introduction of legislation to alter the paid sick leave law.

She also encouraged anyone in opposition to the Earned Sick Time Act to read it, arguing that many of the concerns brought up in opposition to the bill were born of ignorance.

“Employers who have a more generous policy are able to use their policy as long as it allows for the instances that are outlined in the law. And this is to make sure that everyone is protected, right?”

Atkinson said.

“We want to make sure that we are taking into consideration how people love, live, and care, and so with that in mind, the idea that people have a designated amount of hours that they can take off, for sick days, for appointments, for emergencies, such as domestic violence instances, where people have to hide or run. It’s important that those are explicit in people’s policies, and that those are taken into consideration,” she said.

Mothering Justice challenged a number of the concerns and proposed changes to the Earned Sick Time Act, including concerns that employers will have to separate sick leave from general paid time off.

According to the LEO FAQ on the law, employers who provide 72 hours of paid sick or general leave covering the same purposes and offer the same protections listed in the law do not need to create a separate bank of earned sick leave.

The group also challenges proposed exemptions to the law for businesses with fewer than 50 employees, as seen in the current state law, as well as part time and seasonal workers.

“The proposal to exempt businesses with fewer than 50 employees, part-time workers, and seasonal workers would gut the law and remove as many as 1.8 million Michiganders, or 40% of the workforce from the law’s protections,” the response reads, additionally warning this change would disproportionately impact women, caregivers and individuals who are Black, Indigenous and people of color.

When asked about the proposal requiring paid sick time to be used in halfday increments, Atkinson voiced concern about how this change would affect those in lower-wage positions.

“When you’re talking about someone who’s making not very much an hour and they need to go to a doctor’s appointment that would only take two hours, or, you know, they had trouble getting out of their driveway because we had a snow emergency or a delay in school, that pay is essential for them, and to be able to say that they have to take off a certain amount, it’s really hard for those employees,” Atkinson said.

She also addressed proposals to require notice ahead of a shift to utilize paid sick leave.

“If someone gets rushed to the emergency room because they’re unconscious, it’s pretty hard to call ahead and you still need that pay, because you’re going to have a hell of a copay, probably, once you get out,” Atkinson said. “Or again, if you have to keep your situation private, because you’re running from someone from a domestic violence situation, those are things that it would make it really hard to call ahead.”

Atkinson also addressed the nocall, no-show concerns, citing her own experience running a business for 13 years. She pointed to abuse of paid sick time as a management issue to be addressed by the employer, noting this goes for abuse of any workplace policy.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

BUSINESS | B5

DECEMBER 2024

Local entrepreneurs open Roadside Bakery & Farmstand

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

RAISIN TWP. — Roadside Bakery and Farmstand, located at 2977 Gady Road, is open for online orders for baked goods, loofah sponges and tallow-based soaps. Owners Amber Patterson and Tyler Sterling started the business this past spring at local farmers markets, and moved to the roadside stand in June.

Patterson said she started baking at home as a business when she wanted to work from home.

“I’ve been baking for a while and I love baking for people,” she said. “I became a stay-at-home mom and it gave me something to do.”

Roadside Bakery and Farmstand features mostly sourdough items, such as breads and pretzels, and other baked goods like cookies, brownies and specialty seasonal breads like pumpkin bread and zucchini bread. Also featured are fresh eggs from chickens the couple raises themselves.

All the seasonal products are made with ingredients, such as strawberries and pumpkins, that Patterson and Sterling grow themselves. The baked goods are created from local fresh eggs, organic flour, homegrown and locally grown fruit.

The baked goods do not feature frozen, store-bought ingredients, and are made in a kitchen that uses non-toxic cleaner.

Patterson has completed the Michigan Cottage Food Law course through Michigan State University.

New to their inventory are loofah sponges, made from loofah that Patterson and Sterling grow themselves.

Also new is tallow soap, which they make

Amber Patterson and Tyler Sterling, right are pictured inside Roadside Bakery and Farmstand. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE themselves as well. They started selling the soap in November.

“It’s a tallow base that’s made out of beef fat,” Sterling said. “It’s rendered down into tallow, and I mix it with lye and make the soap product.”

Patterson said the soap helps with skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.

Right now, Patterson and Sterling are working on growing their business by

trying to get their name out there, Sterling said.

Patterson said promoting their unique line of products is another priority.

“We just try to get healthier options out in the community right now,” she said.

As well as creating their line of products, Patterson and Sterling are also consumers of what they create and sell.

“We use all of our own products as well,” Patterson said.

Roadside Bakery and Farmstand is located just west of the corner of Occidental Highway and Gady Road in Raisin Township.

Orders for baked goods and other products can be made through their Facebook page (search for “Roadside market and bakery”), or by email at roadsidebakeryandfarmstand@gmail. com. Roadside Bakery and Farmstand does not take orders over the phone.

B6 | BUSINESS

DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

A family tradition Dave Dennis’ father was a State Farm agent when he was growing up.

Now he’s been pursuing the same vocation for 60 years.

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Like a good neighbor, as the slogan goes, Dave Dennis has served Lenawee County as an agent for State Farm Insurance for 60 years.

Dennis opened his first State Farm office in Hudson in 1964, and moved to Adrian three years later.

Dennis studied at Adrian College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business. He got his interest in being a State Farm Insurance agent from his dad, who was a State Farm agent when Dennis was growing up.

“I grew up with it, basically,” Dennis said.

“I figured I’d want to do that one day,” he continued. “I just knew that I was going to someday.”

After he graduated from Adrian College, Dennis said that he thought that he would go into the military, but things changed

and he realized that he needed to find a job. Dennis spoke to his dad, who spoke to State Farm management, and he started working for State Farm as an agent.

Over his 60 years of working for State Farm, Dennis said the actual job of insuring people hasn’t changed since he opened his agency.

“What we do has not really changed,” he said. “What’s changed are rules and regulations.”

“The way we solicit insurance has changed tremendously,” he continued.

“Back in the day, we knocked on doors, then we dialed them up [on the phone], and now we’re doing the same thing, but instead of dialing them on the phone, we do it on the internet.”

Dennis said that he doesn’t see any competition between his agency and those agents working for newer State Farm agencies.

“They do business a little bit differently,” he said. “Obviously,

Dave Dennis is pictured at his State Farm agency in Adrian. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE they’re more active, but no, there’s no competition between us and any of the new agencies.”

“They’re still a State Farm agent and they have the same purpose,” he said.

Dennis said that being flexible is how he’s been able to stay in business for so long.

“Rules change, regulations change,” he said. “You have to deal with it.”

After 60 years of selling State Farm insurance, Dennis said he is not planning on retiring anytime soon.

“My story is that I had a plan, but I forgot,” he said.

Dave Dennis’ State Farm agency is at 995 S. Main St., Suite B in Adrian, next to International Diamond & Gold, and across the street from Auto Zone. He can be reached by phone at 517-263-6757 and by fax at 517-263-6758.

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

To advertise in this space, call 313-300-2300 or email publisher@lenaweevoice.com

THE LENAWEE VOICE

B7

DECEMBER 2024

NEIGHBORS Catherine Cobb honors Everyday Heroes Submitted by the Catherine Cobb Safe House

ADRIAN — The Catherine Cobb Safe House hosted its ninth annual Everyday Heroes Celebration Event on Nov. 19 at the Adrian Armory to honor individuals and groups who have shown courage, kindness and unselfish acts of heroism in the Lenawee County community. The event saluted heroes in 12 categories with 18 award winners.

A total of 30 nominations were received. The only requirements were that the nominees must be residents of Lenawee County or employed within Lenawee County, or the acts or events they are being recognized for must have taken place in Lenawee County. Though the awards honor recent actions, lifetime achievement can also be a consideration.

Animal Rescue Hero — Asam Acres (Chris Bergman and Christy Asam).

Asam Acres, an animal rescue, is now the home of Cows and Coffee, where community can come and experience life on the farm. By opening their farm to the community, they have created an experience unlike any other in Lenawee County. People can stop in and wander around and engage with cows, horses, donkeys, pigs, chickens, fox, sheep and more.

They have not only been a sanctuary for the animals on the farm, but many people continue to come back regularly because they also find sanctuary on the farm.

Community Hero — My Cousin Vinny’s Barbershop. Since they opened, the barbers at My Cousin Vinny’s Barbershop have provided a trendy place for community members to enjoy getting their hair and beards trimmed. The barbers have made a name for themselves as being kind, patient, talented and caring. Not only do they enjoy what they do, but they are passionate about making people feel good and this passion extends well beyond those who can afford to stop in for regular cuts. For three years now, My Cousin Vinny’s has opened their doors to children in the community who are getting ready to go back to school.

They partner with local businesses and give free haircuts, provide snacks and backpacks filled with school supplies, and raise money to be donated to Associated Charities.

Laura Haviland Human Service Professional Hero — De’Angelo Boone.

De’Angelo Boone has been advocating for change and working to make this community better since 2007. He has devoted much of his time to working with incarcerated individuals and the homeless population. He is the founder and senior pastor of City of Refuge Ministries International and the founder/director of the Meal Assistance Program. The Meal Assistance Program utilizes a mobile application and website to quickly get food to people in the Adrian area. MAP has multiple pantries located in the community to meet the needs of specific groups, such as families with children in school, college students, and low-income housing residents. He also organizes fresh food distributions throughout the community.

In addition to the MAP, Boone was instrumental in the formation of the A3-All About Adrian Resident Coalition which started when he worked for Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County.

A3 strives to reshape the east Adrian community and to empower its residents.

The Catherine Cobb Safe House hosted its ninth annual Everyday Heroes Celebration Event on Nov. 19 at the Adrian Armory to honor individuals and groups who have shown courage, kindness and unselfish acts of heroism in the Lenawee County community.

Fire Heroes — Adrian and Madison firefighters Mike Dokho, Jack Hepler,Joel Dawson, Austin Rule, Jeff Betz and Dave Rincon. These Adrian and Madison firefighters are being honored for their courage, commitment and teamwork. These men responded to one of the most challenging calls, rescuing an unconscious adult from a basement during a fire in the home.

Their ability to work quickly, efficiently and calmly without regard to the dangers they were putting themselves in, is what makes this rescue stand out. They relied on their training and their trust in each other and were able to assess the situation, put a plan together, and carry this adult up the stairs and to safety in less than eight minutes.

Youth Good Samaritan — Carrie Ausmus. Carrie Ausmus is currently attending Grand Valley State University, but while she was in high school she was a member of the Lenawee County Youth Council. She helped with volunteer projects, grant making and making others feel welcome.

Ausmus learned about the Imagination Library, which provides free books to young kids, through her work with the Lenawee Youth Council and Lenawee Community Foundation.

At a retreat in the fall of 2021, the Lenawee Youth Council decided to work to ensure local funding for the program and to enable participation of all children in the state of Michigan.

Ausmus took on this project as its leader.

Her vision was to enlist support from the state to pay for 50% of the program and to help raise dollars locally so that the program could continue to provide books to Lenawee’s youngest citizens.

Though the state funding didn’t come through, her leadership helped to create an endowment of $150,000 for the Imagination Library, ensuring thousands of Lenawee’s children will continue to receive books.

As a result of Lenawee Counties Imagination Library, 235,000 books have been distributed and nearly 6,000 children have received books though the program. Over 1,000 are registered now.

Mental Health Ambassador Hero — Theresa Rupley. Theresa Rupley is a lifelong resident of Adrian. She graduated from SHU with a bachelor’s degree in social work and received her master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. Since then she has devoted her time to working with individuals who have been involved in the justice system and those who struggle with a substance use disorder. During her time with the prisoner re-entry program, she helped prisoners find housing and connected them to resources for successful integration into the community.

For the last eight years, Rupley has been program coordinator for the Adult Drug Treatment Court in Lenawee County, helping to create a safe environment for those who participate in the program to grow and move forward.

She carries her advocacy work into her personal life as an active board member at the Adrian Center for the Arts and Catherine Cobb Safe House.

Educator Hero — Annie Howard, Adrian Public Schools. Annie Howard makes art come alive for every APS student she teaches. She helps ensure everyone has a place at the table. She is active with many local organizations and helps with the Artalicious festival.

She has also served as the Michigan Art Education Association chair.

Her ability to make art instruction come alive and her unique ability to connect with all students make her an exemplary educator.

Educator Hero — William Ramsell, Tecumseh Public Schools. William Ramsell serves as the math department chair at Tecumseh High School, where he teaches a range of math courses. A dedicated member of the district staff since 2011, he is actively involved in both the District Improvement Team and the PBIS Committee. Known for his popularity among students and staff, he is often one of the last teachers to leave campus each day.

He draws inspiration from his students, crediting their achievements as the driving force behind his commitment to excellence in teaching. Their success

motivates him to continuously strive to be the best educator possible.

Law Enforcement Hero — Officer Matthew Hunkele, Blissfield Police Department. Matthew Hunkele responded to a call and shortly after entering the house, encountered an adult male holding a large claw hammer who began advancing towards him yelling “Shoot me.” Hunkele ordered the other adults in the house to leave as he began communicating with the man, trying to convince him to drop the hammer. The man kept approaching him and he was finally able to deescalate the situation and convince him to drop the hammer when less than five feet separated them. Hunkele continued to talk with the man and was able to get him to surrender willingly and transported him to the hospital for psychiatric treatment.

He exercised great restraint in a situation that could have resulted in a justified use of deadly force. His use of tact and calming demeanor convinced the man to drop his weapon, surrender peacefully and prevented an incident from ending tragically.

Medical Professional Hero — Kim Lopez. Kim Lopez has been with ProMedica’s hospitals for 22 years. She is a seasoned Emergency Room nurse and has taken it upon herself to be the Emergency Medicine Safe Space for the children who come into the ER. She purchases toys (primarily out of her own finances) for kids in hopes to diminish the fear they may experience by coming to the ER. When things are fast paced, she is there to support in any way she is able. Often it can become a very emotionally heavy space, but she is able to give a hug, share a laugh or just be present with co-workers.

Justice/Court Hero — Judge Laura Schaedler. Laura Schaedler has been serving her community for over 40 years. Her early professional accomplishments include serving as a Lenawee County prosecutor for nearly 30 years, acting as Tecumseh City Attorney for 10 years and teaching as

See HEROES, page B8

B8 | NEIGHBORS

Heroes from page B7 an adjunct faculty member at Adrian College and Siena Heights University.

For the last 14 years she’s led local courts as a Lenawee County District Court Judge. She’s presided over many tough cases and always tries to find a way to improve the lives of the community and those who she encounters. Early on in her career as a judge, she recognized the need for more resources for those who entered her courtroom and were struggling with substance use and abuse. She became the catalyst for starting a Sobriety Court for Lenawee County as an alternative program for individuals struggling with alcoholism. Since its inception in 2011, 200 individuals have successfully completed the program.

Her commitment to helping those with addiction continues beyond her courtroom. She is the chair of Lenawee County’s FAN Chapter (Face Addiction Now), which has recently implemented the Hope Not Handcuffs program as an effort to provide support and resources to those who are seeking help for their addictions.

Faith Based Hero — Pastor Greg Burdine, Faith Baptist Church. Greg Burdine is the senior pastor at Faith Baptist Church and has been there since 1994. He is passionate about sharing his faith and engages with his congregation daily through recorded messages that are posted to Facebook. He also records Sunday sermons so that those who can’t attend in person still have the ability to participate in the service.

Under his leadership the congregation has expanded its reach and has undergone a recent expansion to accommodate their growing children’s ministry. Burdine regularly supports the Special Olympics and encourages outreach activities with local schools and non-profits. The church often hosts events that are

DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE open to the public such as blood drives, Easter egg hunts and recently a celebration of their 50th year.

Family/Local Military Hero — Erika Behm. Erika Behm is the veteran navigator who serves Lenawee County through the Community Mental Health Partnership of Southeast Michigan.

Her job, which also takes her to Monroe, Washtenaw and Livingston counties, is to connect veterans with services beyond those offered by Veterans Affairs. Much of her work in Lenawee County is focused on suicide prevention because the county does not have inpatient care for mental health or substance use.

In 2022, Behm and a small group came up with the idea to create a visual display that would help bring awareness to the reality of the veteran suicide rates.

Organizers put out 22 American flags every day throughout the month of September. By month’s end, the result is a huge — and visually striking — field of flags, each with its own light, each representing a veteran who has been lost. This project has grown over the last two years and the number of these flag displays has grown.

In addition to bringing awareness to veteran suicide rates, she has helped organize a monthly breakfast for Veterans. These breakfasts started with about 20 veterans and have grown to over 50 people getting together to enjoy lunch, share stories and provide resources and support to each other.

Local veterans credit Behm with supporting them through their toughest days and providing the support and resources they needed to help them through those dark days.

The Catherine Cobb Safe House has been providing services for over 40 years and meeting the trauma needs of domestic and sexual violence survivors. For more information about the Catherine Cobb Safe House, call 517265-5352, go to www.fccsoflenawee.org, or find them on Facebook.

Zonta Club of Lenawee to host ‘Light Up the Night’ ADRIAN — On Tuesday, Dec. 10, the Zonta Club of Lenawee will host a special event to raise awareness about domestic violence and honor the lives of those affected.

The “Light Up the Night: Stand Against Domestic Violence” event will take place at the old Lenawee County Courthouse at 5:30 p.m., and the public is invited to join.

The evening will feature stories from survivors and those recently impacted by domestic violence, including Gregg and Parker Hardy, the brother and nephew of Dee Warner.

“We are proud to stand with survivors and bring our community together to raise

awareness about domestic violence,” said Carri Griesinger, president of the Zonta Club of Lenawee. “This event will not only honor those who have been affected but also shine a light on the ongoing need to take action to prevent violence in our community.”

The event will provide an opportunity for individuals to come together, learn, and take concrete steps toward creating a safer, more supportive environment for women and children.

The Zonta Club of Lenawee is a service organization of community leaders and volunteers working together to advance the status of women in Lenawee County and around the world.

Siena Heights plans hockey program, hires coaches from Concordia University ADRIAN — Siena Heights University announced on Nov. 1 that it will add men’s and women’s hockey to its athletic roster. The teams will start competing in fall 2025.

The university has hired Maria Barlow to lead women’s hockey and Trevor Sattelmeier to lead men’s hockey. Both coaches will come to Siena Heights from Concordia University’s Ann Arbor campus. Concordia is shutting down most of its on-campus academic programs and discontinuing its athletic programs.

In addition, Siena Heights is finalizing an articulation agreement with Concordia University, with the goal of providing a pathway for students

to complete their academic journey seamlessly.

“This program is a great addition to our athletic offerings, which is an important consideration of many incoming students,” Sue Syljebeck, vice president of athletics for Siena Heights, said in a news release. “Our athletics programs are so much more than wins and losses. They build character and go hand in hand with academics when it comes to building tomorrow’s leaders.”

Home facilities for the hockey program will be off campus while opportunities to partner on a local ice rink are explored.

Recruiting for both the men’s and women’s teams begins immediately.

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THE LENAWEE VOICE

DECEMBER 2024

Christopher Momany is pictured with the David Ingraham journal, which is stored in the Shipman Library archives and is featured in the book “Awakening to Justice.”

Momany to be honored at Adrian College commencement ADRIAN — Adrian College will conduct its winter commencement at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, at Herrick Chapel. The event is free and open to the public.

In addition to 24 graduate and 45 undergraduate students receiving degrees, the Rev. Christopher Momany will also be recognized during the ceremony and presented with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

After graduating Adrian College in 1984, Momany went on to earn advanced degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Drew University.

Momany served as chaplain and parttime instructor at Adrian College from 1996 to 2019. He is now the pastor of First United Methodist Church in Dowagiac.

His speaking, teaching, and writing focus on Christian legacies of human rights work. In 2023, Momany’s book, “Compelling Lives: Five Methodist Abolitionists and the Ideas That Inspired Them,” profiled five Methodist abolitionists and their witness against slavery.

In 2015, Momany helped discover a long-lost, handwritten journal by Christian abolitionist and missionary David Ingraham in Adrian College’s Shipman Library. This artifact, penned during the 1830s and 1840s, documents a ship used in the transatlantic slave trade.

Momany is an editor of and a contributor of a book that features this journal titled, “Awakening to Justice: Faithful Voices from the Abolitionist Past.”

Momany has been honored with numerous awards for his dedication to social justice, education and accessibility.

In 2015, he received the Harold Stanton Social Justice Award from the Detroit Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Board of Justice, Advocacy and Equity.

He was also recognized by his alma mater with the Adrian College Alumni Humanitarian Award in 2011. He was named Adrian College Advisor of the Year multiple times and also received the EXCEL Program Excellent Instructor Award.

To learn more about Adrian College and the winter commencement ceremony, visit adrian.edu or contact the Office of the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs at 517-264-3888.

NEIGHBORS | B9

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DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Local students named EMU Presidential Scholars YPSILANTI — Graduates of Lenawee County high schools are among the 21 students who were recently named Presidential Scholars by Eastern Michigan University.

The honor is for top-performing firstyear students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and strong commitment to their communities. It is EMU’s most prestigious scholarship and covers full tuition, fees, and room and board for four years. Presidential Scholars are active and engaged members of the Honors College at EMU, complementing their academic college experience with further opportunities for critical thinking, community engagement, and leadership.

The scholarship opportunity is aligned with EMU’s commitment to helping students achieve their educational goals while positively impacting the world.

Gabe Muro

Alex Pizaña

Gabe Muro of Morenci graduated from Morenci High School and is working towards a degree in Aviation Flight Technology to become a commercial pilot. In high school, Muro was a member of the National Honors Society, the Green Earth club, the Art Club, and the Volunteer Club. He was also in Skills USA, where the two teams from his school placed second and fourth in the

quiz bowl. Muro is dedicated to learning more about aviation and gaining more knowledge through internships.

In addition to those extracurriculars, Muro also attended the Culinary Arts program at the Lenawee Intermediate School District Tech Center.

Alex Pizaña of Adrian graduated from Madison High School where he found his passion for education. In high school, Pizaña participated in the Lenawee Intermediate School District Tech Center’s Education Careers program, assisting fifth, seventh, and eighth grade classrooms.

Beyond being a student tutor at his school, Pizaña also participated in the Educators Rising program, doing community service projects such as Love for Lenawee and Hope for Haiti. At EMU, Pizaña plans to pursue a degree in secondary education.

Adrian Dominican Sisters integrated media campaign recognized by Communicators for Women Religious ADRIAN — The Adrian Dominican Sisters received an award for “Outstanding Achievement in an Integrated Media Campaign” for its series of videos, “Believe,” produced for the Development Office’s 2023 Christmas appeal.

The award was presented during the 2024 conference of the Communicators for Women Religious (CWR), held Oct. 8-11 in Glenview, Illinois. CWR provides networking and education to members who communicate and advance the mission and ministries of women religious.

“We are honored to be recognized by our colleagues for this work,” said Angie Kessler, Director of Communications for

the Adrian Dominican Sisters. “More than the end products themselves, this award recognizes the collaboration and trust we have in one another’s gifts.”

In recognition of 2023 as the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Adrian Dominican Sisters as an independent Dominican congregation, each video in the “Believe” series explored the legacy of several Adrian Dominican Sisters in the past in areas such as healthcare, music, and science, as well as interviews with current Sisters, associates, and coworkers carrying out that legacy today.

The project was a collaboration of three departments: Archive, Communications, and Development. Many team members were involved in aspects of the project, from concept to final product, including those details not as visible such as preparing mailing lists, digitizing

archival materials, and making sure the technology works as intended.

Department members involved in the “Believe” project were: Archive: Lisa Schell, director; Sister Beverly Bobola, OP; Sister Joy Finfera, OP; and Erin Blohm and Adam Nortley, archive interns.

Communications: Angie Kessler, director; Kari Brogan; Ashley Duke; Barbara Kelley, OP; Jakob Smith; and Sheila Wathen.

Development: Amy Palmer, director; Diane Bach; Laura Brosamer; Sister Kathleen Schanz, OP; Tracy Schultz; and Sarah Veres.

The “Believe” series can be viewed on the Adrian Dominican Sisters’ YouTube channel by going to youtube.com/ AdrianDominicanSisters and clicking on “Playlists.”

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE LENAWEE VOICE If you live in the 49221 zip code: You should be receiving each month’s paper automatically via Every Door Direct Mail. If you are not receiving the paper, please check with the post office or your mail carrier.

If you live outside 49221, but inside Lenawee County: Free, opt-in subscriptions are available to anyone with a Lenawee County zip code. You can sign up by going to lenaweevoice.com and clicking on “Subscribe and Support.”

If you live outside Lenawee County: Out-of-area subscriptions cost $35 per year.

To subscribe outside of Lenawee County, go to lenaweevoice.com and click on “Subscribe and Support.”

Want to help a friend or family member who has moved away keep in touch with things back home? You can get them a gift subscription!

THE LENAWEE VOICE

B11

DECEMBER 2024

HEALTH & WELLNESS Desjarlais marks 30th anniversary of dermatology practice

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — “Somewhere in sixth grade I failed to make the Little League cut.

So there went my dream of replacing Al Kaline in right field.”

And so, with professional baseball not in the cards for him, Lawrence Desjarlais set a goal of going to medical school — a path that eventually led him to start an Adrian dermatology practice, Desjarlais Dermatology and Aesthetic Center, that’s now marking its 30th anniversary.

Desjarlais, a Detroit native, graduated from Bishop Borgess High School and went on to the University of Michigan Honors College, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry in 1984.

He then spent three years doing research in the university’s School of Dermatology, but even so, becoming a dermatologist wasn’t what he envisioned at that point.

At Chicago’s Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, he narrowed his preference for a specialty down to either emergency medicine or dermatology, chose the latter, and after graduation his prior years of research at U of M opened the door for him to return there to become a dermatology resident.

“It’s a very rewarding specialty,” he said, “because what other specialty gets to see virtually every aspect of the body organ [the skin] you’re working with?”

He chose to come to Adrian in 1994 to open his practice, now located at 2000 Curtis Road, because the community needed a dermatologist. Today, he said, he is the only board-certified medical dermatologist based in Lenawee County.

His patients come from all over Lenawee as well as from Hillsdale and Jackson counties. Many of his new patients come thanks to referrals from family or friends “saying, ‘You’ve got to go see this guy,’ ” he said.

The medical part of Desjarlais’ practice involves treating conditions including

Pictured from left to right are Gabby Groff, MSBS, PA-C; Dr. Lawrence Desjarlais, MD, FAAD; Morgan Denniss, esthetician and laser technician; and Jordan DiMatteo, RN, laser technician. skin cancer, acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, spider veins, and warts. The Aesthetic Center, which opened in 2017, handles a wide range of procedures, such as laser hair and tattoo removal, Botox treatments, body contouring, facials, and much more.

The practice also offers laser treatments for certain women’s issues such as incontinence.

While Desjarlais uses many traditional treatments in his practice, “we’re very in tune with all the FDA-approved treatments,” he said. The most specialized treatment the practice does is superficial radiation, which treats basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas with almost no scarring.

Treatments have changed significantly over Desjarlais’ 30 years as a dermatolo-

n

gist, perhaps most notably in the area of lasers.

When he first started using these devices in 1996, “there were really only two laser treatments out there,” he said, and they had pretty limited uses, such as doing skin peels and treating what are called port wine stains.

See DESJARLAIS, page B12

B12 | HEALTH & WELLNESS

DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Survival instructor gives tips for winter driving safety

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

HUDSON — Rodney Cole has been stranded in bad winter weather 12 times during his life, but his knowledge of winter survival skills and preparedness for driving in bad winter weather helped him survive those experiences.

Cole was a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, and he was in charge of Basic Training instruction at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He now teaches winter driving survival skills classes throughout Michigan, as well as Wilderness Survival Skills and Bushcraft Skills at the Michigan Folk School in Ann Arbor.

Cole said the typical equipment that drivers should have with them in case of severe winter weather includes jumper cables, a good spare tire, flashlights, a shovel and a tool kit.

“I’ve learned that, in winter driving, that’s nowhere near enough,” Cole said.

In Level 1 of his winter driving survival kit, he recommends carrying duct tape “because duct tape can be used for a million things.” Cole also recommends having cardboard in the vehicle.

“The reason for that is that glass is a horrible insulator, but cardboard isn’t,” he said. By attaching pieces of cardboard in the windshield and along windows, heat loss can reduced by up to 80%.

Another thing Cole recommends is water. Cole recommends carrying six personal-size water bottles with about an inch and a half of water poured out to

Rodney Cole is pictured at the Hudson Carnegie District Library wearing his shemagh, a large wool scarf that’s part of his winter driving perparedness kit. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE allow for expansion if the water freezes.

He said that, because water freezes from the top down, the bottles should be stored upside down. That way, the water at the bottom that isn’t ice will pour out when the bottle is opened.

Emergency gear should also include garbage bags.

“You can put one on your feet and one with a hole over your head, and you just made yourself a sleeping bag that will help retain lots and lots and lots of body heat,” he said.

Tall pillar candles in glass, like church candles, are another item that Cole includes in his list of survival kit items.

These can be purchased at a dollar store.

He also recommends having something to read in your vehicle.

“I’ve been stuck 12 times overnight on the road, and not all of them have been horrible,” he said.

“I had flashlights in the car and I had something to do,” he continued. “I could listen to the radio. I was running the car something like 10 minutes of every hour, and had something to read, and it helped to really pass the time.”

Cole’s Level 2 list of essential items includes those needed for a higher level of extreme weather. He recommends either a wool blanket or a space blanket, a big

wool overcoat, boots in case something goes wrong, and a snow shovel.

“I’ve used it to get my own vehicle out a couple times, and more than a couple times, I used it to get other people out,” he said.

He also recommends food that doesn’t have to be cooked, like crackers, candy bars and chips.

“Thing that are crunchy are things that I craved when I was stuck for a long time,” he said.

Cole also recommends an “auxiliary form of heat,” such as chemical hand warmers, or old-school Jon-E hand warmers that use lighter fluid or white gas.

Level 3 items are things that a driver might need “when you’re going to be out long enough that you need hot food.”

This list includes a sleeping bag, extra clothes, high-quality heavy-duty boots, a stocking cap and gloves, and military Meals Ready to Eat. Cole lived in Colorado for 11 years, and developed his Level 4 list when he was driving as part of his job, and was prepared for Arctic temperatures.

“That’s pretty extreme, but that ‘pretty extreme’ was my standard gear that I would carry in my work truck every winter,” he said. This list includes an Army multiple sleep system which is good to 15 to 20 degrees below zero, a wool anorak, pack boots with feltliners, and a “shemagh,” which is a large wool cashmere scarf that Cole utilized during his Army time in the Indian subcontinent.

Take simple steps to minimize your chances of falling Michigan State University Extension

As we get older, falling may seem unavoidable, but there are ways to beat the odds of falling.

According to the National Council on Aging, one in four adults age 65 and older fall each year. While falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for people over age 65, they are also preventable.

Older adults who take actions to avoid falls can greatly reduce their risk for hip fractures, broken bones, and head injuries, as well as increase their chances of maintaining their health and independence.

Common factors that can lead to falling include: n Balance and walking/gait issues. As we age, we may start to lose coordination, flexibility and balance (primarily through inactivity), making it easier to fall. n Eyesight issues. As the eye ages, less light reaches the retina, making contrasting edges, tripping hazards and obstacles harder to see.

Desjarlais from page B11 But these days, “new lasers come out all the time,” he said, and are used for more types of procedures while being better able now to safely deliver the energy to where it’s needed and produce the desired results with less pain.

The cosmetic-dermatology field has also expanded greatly over the years, in large part because “soclal media has made perfection an ideal,” he said. And today it’s not just women who avail

n Medications. Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause side effects such as dizziness and dehydration, or interactions with other medications can contribute to a fall. n Environment. Homes and neighborhoods may have fall hazards, such as loose or cracked steps, poor lighting and other conditions that may make safe mobility more challenging.

Older adults can make simple home modifications to keep their living spaces safe. n Chronic conditions. More than 94 percent of older adults have at least one chronic condition such as diabetes, stroke, obesity or arthritis. These conditions may increase one’s fall risk due to a loss of function, inactivity, depression, pain or needing to take multiple medications.

Minimize the chances of falling, or help a loved one, by taking simple steps: n Talk with a healthcare provider to determine your fall risk and learn about community resources. Prepare a list of questions for a healthcare provider and

talk candidly together about your risks and concerns. Prior to the conversation, you can also take the National Council on Aging’s brief Falls Free Checkup (www.ncoa.org/tools/falls-free-checkup) to have an idea of what your provider may ask you about. n Review your medications regularly with your healthcare provider to see if medications or an interaction between medications could affect your balance.

Find an easy and accurate way to track your medicine so you remember to take the prescribed doses at the appropriate times. n Work on strength and balance.

Adding exercises such as tai chi, walking, or chair exercises can improve your mobility and increase your strength. The CDC recommends older adults stay as active as able. Ideally, older adults should aim towards 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week and incorporate two days of muscle-strengthening activities. If you are currently inactive, have difficulty rising from a chair, or feel physically weak, ask a healthcare provider to refer you to a physical therapist. A physical

therapist can help you create an exercise program to increase your balance, strength, and gait. Ask if using mobility aids such as a cane or walker can help you with safety. Any movement is better than no movement at all. n Schedule regular eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Changes in eyesight can put anyone at greater risk of a fall. n Improve the safety of your home.

There are ways to make a home more fall-proof, such as switching out lightbulbs for better lighting, securing cords and installing a grab bar or a shower seat in a bathtub or shower.

Pets and rugs are common culprits for tripping people in their own living spaces. Take extra care to remove slippery throw rugs on floor areas and train pets to stay down and away from feet to prevent falls. Use a checklist to look at different areas of your living space.

Michigan State University Extension, often in partnership with many local senior centers and Area Agencies on Aging across the state, offers community-based fall prevention programs.

themselves of cosmetic procedures. “It’s becoming acceptable for men to dabble,” mostly by having body hair or age spots removed or getting some Botox to deal with facial lines.

Desjarlais most recently added a procedure called microneedling to his practice. Microneedles, which are either “cold” or “hot,” create small punctures in the skin to help stimulate healing of certain dermatologic medical or cosmetic conditions.

His work extends to training other practitioners in the use of lasers, participating in clinical research studies,

consulting with local physicians, assisting with continuing education, and more.

“I’m passionate about what I do,” he said, because of the many ways he can help people on both the medical and cosmetic sides of his practice.

Treating patients’ unsightly and often physically uncomfortable skin conditions such as acne and eczema means “you’re making their lives easier and better,” and on the cosmetic side he gets to see “the evolution of patients’ self-esteem when they see the improvement that can be accomplished.”

Desjarlais Dermatology and Aesthetic Center’s medical dermatology hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. Cosmetic dermatology hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.

Contact the office at 517-264-5603 (medical dermatology) or 517-7593191 (cosmetic dermatology), or via the practice’s website, www.drdesjarlais.com, or Facebook page.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

HEALTH & WELLNESS | B13

DECEMBER 2024

IN BRIEF Al-Anon Family Groups offer local meetings Al-Anon Family Groups (AFG) offer meetings to help families and friends of problem drinkers.

These are the Lenawee County-area meetings. n Tuesdays at noon: Serenity Now AFG, NewSong Church, 5211 S. Occidental Highway (back building), Tecumseh. n Tuesdays at 7 p.m.: Tuesday Night 12 & 12 AFG, Madison Church of the Nazarene, 3993 Treat Highway, Adrian. n Wednesdays at 8 p.m.: Irish Hills AFG, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 11151 U.S. 12 (upper level), Brooklyn. (There is also an Alateen meeting at this location. For more information about Alateen, call 517-403-0429.) n Thursdays at 6 p.m.: Keep it Simple Thursday Night AFG, NewSong Church, 5211 S. Occidental Highway (back building), Tecumseh. n Thursdays at 7 p.m.: New Hope AFG, All Saints Episcopal Church, 151 N. Main St., Brooklyn. n Fridays at 7 p.m.: TGIF AFG, First United Methodist Church, 1245 W. Maple Ave. (Room 1), Adrian. n Sundays at 1 p.m.: Sunday Afternoon AFG, First United Methodist Church, 1245 W. Maple Ave. (in the library), Adrian.

What to look for when visiting older adults during the holidays For many families, the holidays are a time when there may be extended time spent together. While phone calls, text messages and FaceTime are a great way to connect, it can be hard to notice changes in a person living independently. No one wants to have a sudden change in their life, so noting small changes and making adjustments can help an older family member remain living with independence and dignity as long as possible.

If you visit older parents, grandparents or other relatives this holiday season, pay attention to: The condition of their home — Is it messier and more cluttered than usual? Is there spoiled food in the refrigerator or cupboards? Are bills not being paid on time? Are household goods being put away in the wrong places? If you notice these things, perhaps there are changes in mobility or vision that restrict the ability to perform these tasks easily. Does their limited shoulder movement prevent them from putting things in upper cupboards or perhaps arthritis in the knee restricts the ability to get down to the lower cabinets? Does vision restrict the ability to read bills or pay them properly? A conversation about adding some support to enhance their independence might be warranted.

CARI REBOTTARO The condition of the person — Do they have unexplained weight loss?

Are they wearing clothes that are dirty? Are they having trouble with basic hygiene such as showering and brushing their teeth? Have they fallen recently or appear to have trouble with their balance? Are they having difficulty sleeping? Many medical conditions, medications and limited mobility or activity can contribute to these situations. This might be an opportunity to discuss recent health or even vision changes. Making a list of these and presenting them to the physician may result in a plan for better health and mobility through medication management, physical or occupational therapy, home delivered meals and supports in the home. Sometimes small changes can have a big impact.

Their behaviors — Are they missing doctor appointments, religious services or other activities they’d usually

attend? Are they forgetting to refill prescriptions or take medications as prescribed? Do they seem confused when you talk to them about topics they’d normally understand? Are they exhibiting any personality changes or mood swings? These changes can be scary to see. In these instances, there can be medication and medical reasons for the changes. A plan to include the physician is usually the best action. Perhaps a slight change of medication or treatment of a urinary tract infection can result in a restoration of the person you know and love.

Lenawee County has many resources in addition to the physician that can help determine what sources of support might be appropriate to help your loved one. The Lenawee Department on Aging (517-264-5280) and WellWise Services (517-592-1974) are two agencies with staff trained to answer questions and offer connections to community supports in many of these areas.

Do not hesitate to call to learn more about these services to help older adults remain living with independence and dignity as long as safely possible.

Cari Rebottaro is director of the Lenawee County Department on Aging. She can be reached at Cari.Rebottaro@lenawee.mi.us.

Take action this winter to protect yourself from radon January is National Radon Action Month, a time to raise awareness about the risks of radon, an invisible, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that could be present in your home. With do-ityourself testing, you can identify and address any potential radon issues to protect your family’s health.

MONICA HUNT

Radon: What you need to know Radon is produced naturally as uranium in soil, rock, and groundwater breaks down. It seeps into buildings through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, and other small openings.

While radon levels fluctuate depending on soil chemistry, building structure, and weather, the danger arises when radon accumulates indoors, potentially reaching levels harmful to human health.

Because radon comes from the ground, everyone is exposed to it to some extent. The degree of exposure in indoor environments can vary significantly, with some homes showing elevated levels despite proximity to other homes with low readings. Testing is the only way to know if elevated radon levels are present, making it essential for every homeowner, renter, and property manager.

Why radon is a health concern The health risks of radon have been well-documented. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classify radon as a Class A carcinogen — a known cause of lung cancer in humans. The EPA estimates that radon exposure causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, making it the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels increases cancer risk significantly, particularly for smokers or those with respiratory conditions.

Who should test for radon?

Testing for radon is a preventive measure that everyone should consider, whether you own, rent, or manage property. Homes of all ages and types, whether airtight or drafty, single-family or multi-level, can have high radon levels. Testing is especially recommended if: n You live in a home or apartment below the third floor. n You are buying or selling a home, as radon testing results are often required by prospective buyers. n You live in an area known for higher radon levels, such as Lenawee County.

Radon, unlike hazards like mold or carbon monoxide, is undetectable without testing and can have a direct impact on property value. Regular testing is not only a way to protect your health but can also offer peace of mind for property owners and tenants alike.

Radon testing: How it works Radon testing is straightforward and comes in two main types: short-term and long-term. You can purchase a do-ityourself kit from a local hardware store, health department, or order one online.

You can also hire a professional radon tester for a more comprehensive analysis. n Short-term tests: These provide a snapshot of radon levels over a period of 2–7 days, sometimes up to 90 days.

Common options include charcoal canisters, alpha-track detectors, and

continuous monitors. Short-term tests are ideal as an initial test and should be done under “closed-house conditions,” where windows and doors remain closed as much as possible. n Long-term tests: These tests measure radon levels over 90-plus days, providing a more accurate picture of year-round exposure. Electret ion chamber detectors and alpha-track detectors are typical options.

Winter is an ideal time for testing, as homes are often closed up, and radon levels may be higher. If your initial test shows radon levels of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or more, a follow-up test is advised. Levels below 4 pCi/L are generally considered safe, though retesting every two years is recommended.

How to address elevated radon levels If testing reveals elevated radon levels in your home, mitigation is essential.

Radon mitigation systems — such as subslab depressurization and ventilation — can effectively reduce radon to safer levels for the long term. For temporary reduction, you can increase airflow in the home by opening windows and using fans, as well as by sealing cracks in floors and walls. However, these temporary solutions are rarely adequate on their own and the installation of a mitigation system is often necessary to reduce radon levels long-term. After a mitigation system is installed, it is recommended that you periodically test to confirm the system is working.

To find a qualified professional for radon testing or mitigation, consider hiring a contractor certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) at 828-348-0185 or nrpp.info, or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) at 914-345-1168 or nrsb.org.

Radon in Lenawee County In Michigan, radon testing by the EPA and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, & Energy (EGLE) indicates that roughly one in four homes have radon levels above 4 pCi/L. In Lenawee County, this figure rises, with 50% of homes found to exceed this level, averaging 6.4 pCi/L—a significant concern for residents.

EGLE’s Michigan Indoor Radon Program offers an interactive map showing radon levels by zip code, allowing residents to assess the radon potential in their area. Data on the map includes minimum and maximum recorded levels, the number of tests, average radon levels, and recommendations for retesting or mitigation. You can explore this tool at michigan.gov/radon to learn more about radon levels near you.

Take action this January The Lenawee County Health Department encourages residents to test their homes this January. In honor of Radon Action Month, the health department will offer free radon test kits.

Kits are available during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1-4:30 p.m.). Outside of January, short-term test kits are available for $10.

For more information or to pick up a free test kit, visit the Lenawee County Health Department or contact them directly at 517-264-5213 or via email at ehdesk@lenawee.mi.us.

Testing for radon is a simple yet vital step in ensuring a healthy, safe living environment for you and your loved ones. This January, take action to protect your home from this silent but serious health threat.

Monica Hunt is the Lenawee County Health Department’s Health Officer.

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DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

IN MEMORY We regret that space does not allow us to print detailed obituaries. These listings are intended as a guide to the obituaries that may be found on local funeral homes’ websites. When available, brief biographical information is provided to aid the reader in determining if they knew the deceased. To view complete information, please refer to this key: [AM] [BVH] [E] [H] [L] [PA] [PS] [S&H] [W] [WM]

Anderson-Marry Funeral Homes, andersonfuneralservices.com Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home, brownvanhemert.com Eineder Funeral Homes, einederfuneralhomes.com Handler Funeral Homes, handlerfuneralhomes.com Lauer Family Funeral Home, lauerfhjackson.com Purse Funeral Home in Adrian, pursefuneralhome.com Gil Purse & Son, gilpurseandson.com Snyder & Hollenbaugh, sandhfuneralservice.com Wagley Funeral Homes, wagleyfuneralhomes.com Whitney & Murphy Bueler Mortuary, buelermortuary.com

Ronald J. Price, 70, of Riverside, Iowa, formerly of Adrian, died on Jan. 12. He was a 1971 graduate of Madison High School. [S&H] Claudia Jean (Blienser) Mitchell, 73, of Jackson died on June 22. She was a 1968 graduate of Adrian High School. She retired from Ford Motor Company in 2003 and volunteered at Henry Ford Hospital. [L] Michael Hathaway, 73, of Arizona, formerly of Adrian, died on Sept. 21. He was a 1968 graduate of Adrian High School.

He was an Army veteran who served in Vietnam, and owned and operated an HVAC company. [WM] Peggy Jean (Lock) Altenburg, 77, of Brighton, formerly of Adrian, died on Oct. 21.

Yvonne Claree Arthur, 91, of Brooklyn died on Oct. 23. She was active in Brooklyn area clubs, including the Red Hat Society. [W] Edward Alfred Roe Jr., 77, of Adrian died on Oct. 23. He served in Korea with the Army, then worked at Ford Motor Company in Saline for 34 years until his retirement in 2002. He mowed the fairways at the Raisin Valley Golf Course and was a member of Ridgeway Church of the Nazarene, president and treasurer of the Ridgeway Cemetery Board, and a member of the Lenawee Conservation League. [H] Robert Lee Irvine Jr., 64, of Adrian died on Oct. 24. He worked as a roofer but became a jack of all trades over the years. [H]

Barbara Jean Riley, 79, of Hudson died on Oct. 25. She graduated from Hudson High School in 1963. She worked for General Telephone Company in Adrian for several years and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hudson. [BVH] Nelita Welsh, 81, of Adrian died on Oct. 25. She worked at the Lenawee Country Club for many years, retiring in October 1996. She attended St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. [AM] Mary Lou Craig, 76, of Clayton died on Oct. 26. [PA] Ruth Ann (Cunningham) Evans, 87, of Adrian died on Oct. 26. She worked for Wacker Chemical Corp. for many years until her retirement. [BVH] Marilyn Jane Hassenzahl, 80, of Palmyra died on Oct. 26. She taught preschool for many years and worked at Walmart until her retirement. She participated in Relay for Life for many years. [PA] Shirley Ann (Robison) McLemore-Hutt, 84, of Adrian died on Oct. 26. During her life she was active in theater, clogging, square dancing, and belly dancing. She was active in PTA at Michener School and president of the Ladies Elks Club. She was the office manager for Adrian Decorators. [W] Eric M. Fox, 45, of Clayton died on Oct. 27. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, hiking, and sitting around a campfire with loved ones. [AM]

Clifford L. Delaney, 78, of Hudson died on Oct. 28. He served in the U.S. Navy and occasionally worked at Delaney’s Bar in Hudson, which was owned by his parents at the time. [AM] Joan Lee Lapham, 91, died on Oct. 28.

She was an active member of St. Joseph Shrine Church, the Brooklyn Moose Lodge and a past member of the Brooklyn Eagles. [AM] Tammy Sue McKinney, 48, of Adrian died on Oct. 28. She graduated from Adrian High School and was the general manager of Burger King for 21 years. [PA] Charles Leslie Relyea, 76, of Clayton died on Oct. 29. He was a 1966 graduate of Sand Creek High School and served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. He worked at ACME Preserves in Adrian for over 20 years and then in the maintenance department at Bixby Medical Center for 10 years. [W] Reba Dell Williams, 92, of Tecumseh died on Oct. 30. She attended Adrian Church of Christ and Tecumseh Church of Christ. [H] Mac Douglas Byington, 70, of Tecumseh died on Nov. 1. He worked for Washtenaw County in facilities management for 18 years. [AM] Lois Eleanor Eisenmann, 88, of Blissfield died on Nov. 1. She was an educator in Bedford and Summerfield schools. She was a member of Deerfield Free Methodist Church and was involved in the choir. She also taught Sunday school and was the church treasurer for several years. [W] Diane Gates, 74, of Onsted died on Nov. 1. She enjoyed reading, decorating her home, and spending time with her family. [BVH] Harlen H. Johnston, 99, of Tipton died on Nov. 1. He worked at Tecumseh Products for 42 years and farmed his entire life. He worked with children in 4-H for many years and also judged animals at the Lenawee County Fair. He was a life member of the North Adrian Grange. [AM] William John Klumpp, 62, of Tipton died on Nov. 2. He worked at Uniloy as a service technician and service manager for 38 years. [H]

Robert Dale Bird, 89, of Adrian died on Nov. 3. He was an ordained deacon in the Episcopal Church and attended Christ Church in Adrian. He retired in 1997 from Tecumseh Products. [AM] Russell LeRoy Lockwood, 86, of Alvordton died on Nov. 3. He was born in Morenci. He worked as a butcher for Dinner Bell Company in Archbold and then at Sauders Woodworking. [AM] Kassia Ann Yackee, 59, of Manitou Beach died on Nov. 3. She served as a nutritional and a mental health specialist for nearly 16 years at the Maurice Spear Campus in Adrian. [H] Ada Bell (Bowen) Stiles, 93, of Britton died on Nov. 4. She worked for many years along with her husband for Dave’s Tool & Die, as well as other business ventures, including their family farm. [PS] Scott Paul Chesney, 51, of Brooklyn died on Nov. 6. He was a 1991 graduate of Columbia Central High School. [E] Carolyn M. Gilson, 92, of Deerfield died on Nov. 6. She was one of the original leaders for the Deerfield Lucky Clovers 4-H Club. She helped with the Lenawee County Fair and was known as “Grandma Cookie.”

She was a member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aide. [AM] Jacob Austin Hikes, 31, of Onsted died on Nov. 6. He was a graduate of Onsted High School and was attending Washtenaw Community College to obtain a degree in mechanical engineering. [PA] Sharon J. Stambaugh, 70, of Pittsford died on Nov. 6. She worked for 30 years as a school bus driver. She loved horses and earned her farrier degree in the ’80s. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hudson. [BVH] Ann Romine “Annie” (Van Schaick) Wise, 71, died on Nov. 6. She was a 1971 graduate of Adrian High School. Her delicious chocolate chip cookies, paired with her love for a good bourbon and cola, will remain fond memories for many.

Roger Lee Bucklew, 76, of Morenci died on Nov. 7. He was a graduate of Adrian High School. In his free time he enjoyed writing poetry, camping, and fishing. While in high school he set records for the highest pole vault. [AM]

THE LENAWEE VOICE

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DECEMBER 2024

Mike Perez, 91, of Toledo, formerly of Adrian, died on Nov. 7. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. [PA] Joyce Mary Gough, 86, of Brooklyn died on Nov. 8. She attended St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and more recently St. Rita’s Catholic Church. She was also a member of the American Legion Wilbur-Bartlett Post 315 of Brooklyn and helped her husband with Knights of Columbus events. [E] Donna Deane Renner, 79, of Coldwater died on Nov. 8. She was employed for 25 years at Wacker, retiring in 2009. She was an avid knitter and quilter, and loved doing ceramics. [H] Janice Slick, 79, a native of Tecumseh, died on Nov. 8. [PS] Gerald “Jerry” C. Fox Jr., 78, of Clayton died on Nov. 9. He was a member of Turning Point Church in Adrian. He served in the U.S. Air Force and retired from Kreighoff Lenawee after 32 years. [AM] Lauretta Lenore Lawler, 86, of Adrian died on Nov. 9. She was employed as a secretary by the U.S. Army and worked in the recruiting department. She was an active member at Hope Tabernacle where she also worked as a secretary. She was part of the ladies’ group Bible study at Stratford Place Apartments, where she lived. [W] Pamela Jo Ruhl, 71, of Cement City died on Nov. 9. She was a graduate of Adrian High School and later obtained an associate degree as an LPN. [PS] Norman Keith Smith, 70, of Adrian died on Nov. 9. He was a 1973 Blissfield High School graduate and retired from Dura Corp. [W] Ora Glen Townsend, 80, of Britton died on Nov. 9. He worked in manufacturing alternators for Ford Motor Co. for 37 years until his retirement in 2000. He attended church at True Word Tabernacle in Bluffton, Ohio. [AM] Ronald “Ron” Lee Birdsall, 76, of Adrian died on Nov. 11. He joined the Air Force in 1969 and served four years during the Vietnam War. He was retired from Associated Spring Raymond. He enjoyed woodworking and was a member of the Woodworking Warriors veterans’ organization in Lenawee County and the Southeast Michigan/Northwest Ohio Woodturners Club. [W]

Jack Bruce Orr, 72, of Ypsilanti died on Nov. 11. He was a 1970 graduate of Adrian High School and attended Siena Heights College. He started his career as a police officer in Chelsea and Kalamazoo and became a special agent with the DEA for over 20 years. [W] Marion J. Loar, 83, of Blissfield died on Nov. 12. She worked for Blissfield State Bank for many years before retiring. [W] Joel Alan Winter, 81, of Tecumseh died on Nov. 12. He was a professional musician and attended The Juilliard School of Music in New York. He played the French horn in the First Air Force band as a reservist, and also played with the Denver Symphony Orchestra and toured with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. He attended First Presbyterian Church in Tecumseh. [H] George Samuel Tyitye, 86, of Tecumseh died on Nov. 13. He served in the Coast Guard from 1955 to 1961. He began his career as a fireman for Wabash Railroad in 1959 while completing his final two year reserve Coast Guard service and went on to work as a locomotive engineer for 41 years. [PS] Thomas Albert Adams, 88, of Clinton died on Nov. 14. He was a member of the Michigan Milk Producers Association and the Farm Bureau. He was active in the 4-H program and FFA. [H] Sandra Jeanne Ansted, 81, of Adrian died on Nov. 14. She worked at Buckeye Products for 30 years. During retirement she served as a crossing guard for the city of Adrian from 2009 to 2018. She enjoyed her daily trips to Country Market and Walgreens. [AM] William “Bill” Worthen Houle, 100, of Adrian died on Nov. 15. He was a member of the 104th Regiment, 26th Infantry or Yankee Division, which became part of General George Patton’s 3rd Army. He pusblished papers and wrote a book about his experiences. He was a member of the Order of the Purple Heart, VFW, American Legion, and DAV. He was a teacher for 30 years. After retirement he worked for Builders Square. [W] Paul Dean Salters, 84, of Tecumseh died on Nov. 15. He served in the Air Force from 1957 to 1965. During his service he served in Okinawa and stood honor guard in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol during the wake services of President

John F. Kennedy. After his service he was employed as a UA Local 669 Sprinkler Fitter. [AM] Chrisa Ann Ledbetter, 41, of Adrian died on Nov. 16. A celebration of life will be announced in late spring or early summer. [PA] Dorman Keith Pawson, 86, of Tipton died on Nov. 16. He was a lifetime farmer and was known as the “Egg Man.” He was active in the 4-H and the FFA Alumni. He and his wife raised 6,000 chickens and delivered eggs all around the county for 45 years. They also had 1,000 pigs and farmed hundreds of acres of corn, wheat, and beans. [PS] Nathan Miles Horn, 24, Adrian, passed away on Nov. 17. He was previously employed at Inteva and most recently at Blue Steel Automotive where he worked in body fabrication, welding, painting, and anything mechanical.

Joan Marie (Baldwin) Morse, 90, of Adrian died on Nov. 17. She was artistic and

enjoyed drawing and painting. She was a passionate reader and bridge player. She and her husband were avid travelers and took numerous cruises. [W] Larry G. Marsh, 82, of Adrian died on Nov. 18. He was an avid woodworker, known for his skillful craftsmanship and creativity. He loved riding his motorocycle and was a member of the Lord’s Legion Christian Motorcycle Association. He was a member of the Freemasons and was also a licensed pilot. [AM] Sabine Monika Zuzek, 79, of Adrian died on Nov. 18. She worked as an X-ray tech at Bixby Hospital for over 20 years.

She belonged to the Moose Lodge #1034 for over 50 years. [W] Patricia “Patty” Lewis, 69, of Tecumseh died on Nov. 20. She was a loving, giving, and kind soul who cherished moments with her family. [PS] Nancy Elaine Klann, 85, Adrian, passed away on Nov. 21. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church. [AM]

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DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

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Bernadette Kathryn’s Rock’n Country Christmas Show comes to Tecumseh » PAGE C5

Lions Clubs team up to offer ‘An Evening with Santa’ at Stubnitz Center » PAGE C5

ARTS & LIVING Croswell announces lineup of 2025 shows

THE LENAWEE VOICE THIRD SECTION DECEMBER 2024

‘Swing into Christmas’ with the Adrian Symphony

Classics like ‘Annie’ and ‘Cinderella’ join newer shows like ‘Bring It On’ in the theater’s 2025 schedule ADRIAN — Two very different takes on classic fairy tales will bookend a wideranging Croswell Opera House theater season that also takes audiences from New York City to Depression-era West Texas to the nightclubs of the French Riviera.

The year begins with “Into the Woods,” Stephen Sondheim’s reimagining of several Brothers Grimm tales, and concludes with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”

Special Event Series The Croswell’s Special Event Series runs through the winter and early spring.

Tickets are on sale now.

Into the Woods (Jan. 25 to Feb. 2): The Croswell’s 14th all-area high school production, this musical intertwines the plots of “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Rapunzel,” “Cinderella,” and several other classic stories into a musical whose moral can perhaps be summed up as “be careful what you wish for.” It premiered on Broadway in 1987 and won critical praise for its inventiveness and its musically intricate songs.

The cast consists of 25 high school students from five counties across southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio: Trent Aneed, Zoelle Blackmon, Amelia Bowman, Lila Brighton, Jude Carlton, Tyler Condon, Alex Coumoundouros, Claire Cousineau, Ella Flumignan, Brenna Gifford, Alex Goetz, Caroline Grenn,

See CROSWELL, page C2

The Adrian Symphony Orchestra’s holiday pops concert will take place on Dec. 14 in Adrian College’s Dawson Auditorium.

Jazz singer and clarinetist Sarah D’Angelo will join the ASO for this year’s holiday pops concert

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — An audience-favorite performer from the Adrian Symphony Orchestra’s 2022-23 season returns to the ASO stage for the orchestra’s upcoming “Swing Into Christmas” pops concert.

Sarah D’Angelo, who sang and played clarinet with guest conductor Paul Keller and the ASO Swing Band in June 2023, is the featured soloist for this concert of Christmas music with a swing vibe. The performance is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Adrian College’s Dawson Auditorium.

Tickets are $39/$33/$25, with discounted rates of $37/$31/$25 for

senior citizens and $20/$17/$13 for students. They may be ordered online atadriansymphony.org; by phone at 517264-3121; at the ASO office in Mahan Hall, Adrian College, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday; or at the door beginning two hours before the concert.

When D’Angelo performed at that 2023 concert, “people just went crazy for her,” ASO music director Bruce Anthony Kiesling said. “We knew we had to get her back.”

A native of western New York state who’s now based in Detroit, D’Angelo earned her bachelor’s degree in clarinet performance and music education from West Virginia University. She then went to the University of Michigan to earn a

Adrian Symphony Orchestra concert DATE AND TIME: Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Dawson Auditorium, Adrian College COST: $39/$33/$25 (discounted rates of $37/$31/$25 for seniors and $20/$17/$13 for students) MORE INFO: 517-264-3121 or adriansymphony.org graduate degree in clarinet performance, but quickly found herself interested in more than simply classical music.

She immersed herself in jazz, funk, gospel, blues and pop music, and today

See SYMPHONY, page C2

C2 | ARTS & LIVING

IN BRIEF State arts and cultural funding awarded in area LANSING — Several Lenawee County municipalities and arts organizations will receive funding in 2025 from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, which is an arm of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. The funding will support arts and cultural activities in the county.

Grant funding for the 2025 fiscal year was awarded to the Adrian Symphony Orchestra, APG Audio Visual Mentoring, the city of Tecumseh, the Croswell Opera House, the Downtown Adrian Main Street program, the River Raisin Ragtime Revue, the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, Siena Heights University, and the Tecumseh Downtown Development Authority.

Croswell holds auditions for ‘Cat in the Hat’ ADRIAN — Open auditions for the Croswell Opera House’s March production of “The Cat in the Hat” will take place on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 8 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Auditions will take place at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

For more information about these or other Croswell auditions, email production manager Jen Letherer at jletherer@croswell.org or go to croswell.org/auditions.

DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Croswell from page C1 Savanah Hernandez, Julia Jones, Aiden Ketola, Camdenne Kruse, AJ Landingham, Rebecca Lanham, Abigail Lipsitz, Amelia Martinal, Carolyn Mohler, Macy Schmidt, Laila Seeburger, Noble Wilt, and Kai Yuen.

Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Tribute (Saturday, Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m.): Popcountry recording artist and songwriter Kanin Wren, a Michigan native, brings her Taylor Swift tribute act to the Croswell in February. Revue West Michigan named Wren one of its “10 Artists to Watch” in 2023. Tickets are $35 Kanin Wren for adults and $25 for students, and tickets to a preshow VIP experience are available for an extra $25. ’70s Top 40 Night (Saturday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m.): Toledo-based party band Not Fast Enüff returns to the Croswell stage for an evening of disco, rock and funk hits from artists like Earth Wind and Fire, Donna Summer, Fleetwood Mac, Styx, Abba, and more.

The Cat in the Hat (March 14-16): This play, the Croswell’s annual theater for young audiences production, is based on the beloved Dr. Seuss children’s book.

It is suitable for all ages, but most geared toward the early elementary grades. One of the performances will be a sensoryfriendly production with modifications intended for children who have sensory processing difficulties or are on the autism spectrum.

Jimmy Buffett Tribute (April 5 and 6): This concert featuring some of the late Jimmy Buffett’s greatest hits will have two performance dates.

2025 Broadway Season The Croswell’s 2025 Broadway Season runs from May through November and consists of seven musicals, all of which will be presented with a live orchestra.

Subscriptions — which are available to anyone buying tickets to three shows or more — are on sale now, and tickets to individual shows will go on sale Feb. 12.

Anastasia (May 9-18): This musical is based on the 1997 film of the same name, following the legend of the Grand Duchess Anastasia, last of the Romanov dynasty, who was rumored — but never proven — to have survived the Russian Revolution. Two of the songs from the film, “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December,” were nominated for Golden Globe Awards.

La Cage Aux Folles (June 13-22): This musical was the inspiration for the hit Robin Williams–Nathan Lane film “The Birdcage.” It centers on the relationship between Georges, the owner of a drag nightclub in the French Riviera, and Albin, his romantic partner and star performer. When it first opened in 1983, “La Cage Aux Folles” broke barriers for gay representation on Broadway. It won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and has enjoyed two Broadway revivals.

Bring It On (July 11-20): Before writing the hit musical “Hamilton,” composer and lyricist Lin-Manuel wrote the music for “Bring It On,” based on the film of the same name about the competitive world of cheerleading. The show is known for its high-energy dance numbers.

Annie (Aug. 8-17): This classic musical, one of Broadway’s longestrunning shows, tells the story of a plucky orphan living in Depression-era New York City and features such well-known tunes as “It’s the Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow.”

Parade (Sept. 12-21): This show premiered in 1998 and was revived on Broadway in 2023. It is a dramatization of the story of Leo Frank, a Jewish man living in Atlanta who was lynched after being falsely accused of rape in 1913.

Frank’s case helped lead to the founding of the Anti-Defamation League.

Bonnie & Clyde (Oct. 17-26): Based on the lives of Depression-era outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, this musical weaves elements of rockabilly, blues and gospel music into its score.

The music is by Frank Wildhorn, who also wrote the music for “Jekyll & Hyde.”

Cinderella (Nov. 21-30): This adaptation of the classic fairy tale features music and lyrics by the duo Rodgers & Hammerstein, who were responsible for some of the 20th century’s most memorable musicals.

Auditions for the first four shows in the Croswell’s 2025 Broadway Season will take place in January and February.

The season is sponsored in part by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.

First opened in March 1866, the Croswell is the oldest theater in Michigan and has been in continuous operation for 159 years.

For tickets and more information, call the Croswell box office at 517-264-7469 or go to croswell.org.

Symphony from page C1 performs both as a soloist and with other musicians around Michigan and across the United States.

Many of her performances are with the Ann Arbor-based Paul Keller Orchestra and the Paul Keller Ensemble, and she has recorded several albums with Keller including a 2020 Christmas release, “Even More Christmas Songs for Jazz Lovers.” She also leads her own trio and quintet and released her first solo album, “Medicine Man,” in 2019.

In addition to her extensive work with Keller, she has also performed with jazz musicians Randy Napoleon, Jim Martinez, Will Matthews, Cleave Guyton Jr., Cécile McLorin Salvant, John Pizzarelli, Anat Cohen, Paquito D’Rivera, and many more. She counts Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, and Keith Jarrett as her greatest jazz influences.

For this concert, the ASO with Kiesling conducting takes on a big band-withstrings look and sound. D’Angelo will sing six pieces including the Frank Sinatra version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” the version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” popularized by Michael Bublé, “White Christmas” as made famous by Bing Crosby, and the Benny Goodman-Peggy Lee rendition of “Winter Weather.”

The concert program also includes violinist Lindsey Stirling’s arrangements of two traditional Christmas carols, “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “What Child is This?” as well as “Where Are You Christmas?” and a swing version of “Happy Holidays” performed by the Adrian High School Balladiers directed

by Steve Antalek.

While the Balladiers have sung at ASO concerts before, those have been vocalonly numbers. This is the first time the group has performed a piece actually with the orchestra.

As has been the case with previous holiday concerts, this one will be

Sarah D’Angelo, pictured during a 2023 concert with the Adrian Symphony Orchestra, will perform with the ASO at this year’s holiday pops concert. somewhat shorter than most ASO performances and done without an intermission.

“Everyone’s so busy this time of year,” Kiesling said. “But this will be a lovely break from the running around and shopping and parties and wrapping gifts.” And it would be a nice opportunity, he said, for regular Adrian Symphony patrons to introduce friends to the orchestra who haven’t experienced an ASO concert themselves.

Kiesling thinks audience members will really enjoy having D’Angelo as this year’s holiday-concert soloist. At her 2023 performance in Adrian “she brought the house down,” he said.

“Every once in a while, you get a really great soloist,” whether it’s on the classical side or, in D’Angelo’s case, on the pops side. “She was so popular and so wellreceived here. We really wanted to make [this concert] a showcase for her, in a way we haven’t done before.”

THE LENAWEE VOICE

ARTS & LIVING | C3

DECEMBER 2024

DECEMBER THINGS TO DO IN LENAWEE COUNTY To submit events for inclusion in this calendar, please email news@lenaweevoice.com by the 15th of the month before the event.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2 Community Tree Lighting Old Lenawee County Courthouse, 7 p.m.

The holiday season kicks off with the annual Community Tree Lighting on the grounds of the Lenawee County Courthouse. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with the lighting at 7 p.m.

309 N. Main St., Adrian www.lenawee.mi.us or 517-264-4661

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 Adrian First Fridays: Winter Wonderland Downtown Adrian, 5-8 p.m.

Downtown’s monthly Adrian First Fridays event coincides with the lighting of the Comstock Christmas Riverwalk. adriancity.com

Holiday Light Parade & Comstock Christmas Riverwalk Lighting Comstock Park, 6:30 p.m.

Adrian’s annual light parade concludes with the lighting of the 11th annual Comstock Christmas Riverwalk. Parade lineup starts at 5 p.m. with stepoff at 6:30 p.m. (for details and to register, go to adriancity.com). Tree lighting will follow the parade at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy holiday shopping and dining in downtown Adrian before and after the event.

263 W. Maumee St., Adrian adriancity.com or 517-263-2161

Holiday Night Market Market on Evans, 4-9 p.m.

Beginning the night of the annual Tecumseh Christmas Parade, the Market on Evans will offer holiday-themed vendors, live music, hot chocolate, Santa’s House and a towering Christmas tree.

213 N Evans St., Tecumseh downtowntecumseh.org 517-423-3740

Tecumseh Christmas Parade: A Vintage Christmas Downtown Tecumseh, 7 p.m.

Tecumseh’s annual parade, which includes the arrival of Santa Claus, can be seen throughout downtown, running along Chicago Boulevard from North Maumee to North Union Street. downtowntecumseh.com or 517-424-6003

Manitou Beach Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Manitou Beach, 6 p.m.

The parade starts at 6 p.m. and will travel along Grove Street, Walnut Street, Devils Lake Highway, and Manitou Beach Road. Following the parade will be a tree lighting, photos with Santa, Santa Lucia girls, an ugly sweater contest at Two Lakes Tavern, holiday vendors, food and drink, and shopping. manitoubeachmichigan.com 517-592-8907

Planetarium show: ‘Seasons of Light’ Robinson Planetarium, 7 p.m.

Explore the winter sky at Adrian College’s Robinson Planetarium. Free.

Peele Hall, Adrian College (on Williams Street) 517-265-5161, ext. 4788 mfairclough@adrian.edu

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 PTO Craft Show Adrian High School, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The second annual craft show to benefit the Adrian High School and Adrian Middle School PTO. Jewelry, home decor, baked goods, candles, spirit wear, wreaths, food, blankets, and more. Admission $3.

785 Riverside Ave., Adrian Contact Jenniffer Blohm (517-403-9299)

Adrian library hosts Gingerbread House Contest ADRIAN — The Adrian District Library is hosting its 21st annual Gingerbread House Contest with categories for all ages. The theme for this year is Santa’s Workshop. Entries can be brought to the library on Dec. 4 or 5, and picked up between Dec. 15 and 21. The library is located at 143 E. Maumee St. in downtown Adrian.

Gingerbread House Starter Kits sponsored by the Friends of the Adrian District Library are available while supplies last. The kits include a box of graham crackers, frosting, pretzels and candy for decorating along with a pan to transport on.

There’s no cost to participate. The entry form and rules are available on the library’s website, adrian.lib.mi.us.

Voting will take place from Dec. 6-15 and winners will be announced on Dec. 18.

Learn more about upcoming programs and special events by visiting Adrian District Library’s website at adrian.lib.mi.us or calling 517-265-2265.

Track and Toy Drive Michigan International Speedway, 9 a.m. to noon Donate a non-perishable food item or a new, unwrapped toy in exchange for a drive around the track in your personal vehicle.

12626 U.S. 12, Brooklyn mispeedway.com

Fantasy Village Gingerbread House Decorating for Kids Stair District Library, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participants can decorate cardboard houses anytime during the hours of the event.

Registration is required by 2 p.m. on Dec. 6.

228 W. Main St., Morenci stairstaff@gmail.com or 517-458-6510

Day of Mindfulness Weber Retreat & Conference Center, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Sister Esther Kennedy, OP, invites you to join her mindfulness community to deepen your understanding and commitment to a daily meditation practice. This month’s theme is Cultivating Warmth of Heart. Cost is $35, which includes lunch. Register by Dec. 6.

1257 E. Siena Heights Dr., Adrian webercenter.org or 517-266-4000

Christmas Fair

Holidays in Morenci

The Clinton Inn, noon to 6 p.m.

The Clinton Inn presents a festive holiday market with local vendors offering unique gifts, crafts, and holiday treasures.

104 W. Michigan Ave., Clinton theclintoninn.com or 517-507-5777

Morenci High School and Fire Station, 6 p.m.

A lighted holiday parade sponsored by the Morenci Kiwanis Club starts at 6 p.m. and travels from Morenci High School along Coomer Street to North East Street, then to Main Street, then to Wakefield Park. Then join the Morenci High School Marching Band for the community Christmas tree lighting ceremony and concert. After the parade and tree lighting ceremony, people can visit with Santa and enjoy cookies and gifts at the Morenci Fire Station.

304 Page St., Morenci www.cityofmorenci.org 517-458-6828

Free Community Carol Sing First United Methodist Church, 3 p.m.

First United Methodist Church of Adrian is hosting a singalong of traditional carols.

All ages are welcome and holiday sweaters are encouraged. Coffee and cocoa will be provided courtesy of Musgrove & Co. 1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian

Kookin’ for Kids fundraiser and BBQ Adrian Eagles, 3-9 p.m.

Silent auction and live auction, door prizes, and more. Proceeds to benefit and provide a merry Christmas for Lenawee County youth.

All you can eat BBQ buffet from 5-7 p.m.

Buffet $20 (kids 16 and under eat free).

2570 W. Beecher St., Adrian Tim Cagle (517-260-7151) or Doug Millyard (517-902-3111)

Holiday Night Market Market on Evans, 4-9 p.m.

The Market on Evans will offer holidaythemed vendors, live music, hot chocolate, Santa’s House and a towering Christmas tree.

213 N Evans St., Tecumseh downtowntecumseh.org 517-423-3740

C4 | ARTS & LIVING

DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

The River Raisin Ragtime Revue will present “A Ragtime Christmas” at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at Adrian High School. The concert is $20 for adults and free for kids. The orchestra will be joined by the Adrian High School Balladiers.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8

Share the joy of stories this holiday season - unlock the magic of reading together!

A Celtic Christmas Tipton Community Congregational Church, 10 a.m.

A concert of traditional Irish, Scottish and English music. tiptoncommunitychurch.org or 517-431-2460

Tecumseh Pops Orchestra and Community Chorus: ‘Holiday Celebrations’ Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 3 p.m.

The Tecumseh Pops Orchestra and Community Chorus present their annual holiday concert, “Holiday Celebrations,” featuring Christmas and other holiday favorites. The Community Chorus performance, led by conductor Bill Abbott, will include such favorites as “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas,” “Deck the Halls,” and more. The Tecumseh Pops Orchestra, directed by Joe McInchak, will perform holiday tunes like “Tidings of Comfort and Joy,” “Patapan,” “Elizabethan Carol,” and “Santa at the Symphony.” $12.

400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh thetca.org or 517-423-6617

A Ragtime Christmas Adrian High School, 4 p.m.

The River Raisin Ragtime Revue rings in the holidays with this concert. Ryan Cupp, who serves as Director of Bands at Adrian College, will lead R4 in a festive concert of popular Christmas carols performed in ragtime style. Music from R4’s holiday CD, “A Ragtime Christmas,” will be featured and the concert will be kicked off by a special guest performance by the Adrian High School Balladiers. Audience members can join in a Christmas carol singalong. Following the concert, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center.

Based in Lenawee County, the River Raisin Ragtime Revue is one of only three fulltime professional ragtime orchestras in the country. $20 for adults, free for youth 18 and under.

785 Riverside Ave., Adrian ragtimeband.org/calendar

Service of Lessons and Carols Herrick Chapel, Adrian College, 7 p.m.

This community favorite features the Adrian College Orchestra and Choir under the direction of Phillip Clark and the Adrian College Women’s A Cappella ensemble, directed by Kristin Clark. Music will begin at 7 p.m. with a half-hour concert of festive Christmas favorites. At 7:30 p.m., the traditional service will begin with a choral processional in candlelight, followed by readings and carols. Guests are invited to join the choir and orchestra in Handel’s famous “Hallelujah” chorus.

South Charles Street, Adrian adrian.edu/calendar

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 Candy House Decorating Lenawee District Library, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Kids can drop by the library to decorate a graham cracker house using frosting and candy. Registration not required.

4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian lenawee.lib.mi.us

Christmas Charcuterie Experience Harold’s Place, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Ticket includes a keepsake board, instructions, food for your charcuterie board, one drink, a raffle ticket, and a light snack. Must be 21 or older; tickets must be purchased through Eventbrite in advance. $85.

10625 U.S. 12, Brooklyn 517-467-2064

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11

Choral Concert Holy Rosary Chapel, 5 p.m.

This concert, under the direction of Kelly Ford and with Kerwin Leader on piano, commemorates the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian adriandominicans.org or 517-266-3400

Lights of Love Various locations, 6 p.m.

Hospice of Lenawee will offer several tree lighting ceremonies providing an opportunity to remember special people in our lives. Locations are: n Adrian: Hospice of Lenawee, 1903 Wolf Creek Hwy. n Blissfield: That One Place, 121 S. Lane St. n Clinton: Smith Kimball Community Center, 211 Tecumseh Road. n Hudson: Hudson Community Center, 323 W. Main St. n Onsted: Bank Michigan, 112 S. Main St. n Tecumseh: Tecumseh City Hall, 309 E. Chicago Blvd. hospiceoflenawee.org 517-263-2323

Yuletide Choral Concert by Chiaroscuro Holy Rosary Chapel, 7:30 p.m.

This concert will feature a variety of music including seasonal music composed and arranged for four-part men’s chorus. Kerwin Leader, guest artist, will perform works for pipe organ. Chiaroscuro is a men’s community chorus, whose members come from diverse walks of life, and which strives to achieve the highest quality musical experience. The name of the choir is Italian for “light/dark” and is used in vocal music to describe a vocal technique that results in a warm, resonant sound with great brilliance and carrying power. Chiaroscuro seeks to touch the hearts and minds of the listener with beautiful, expressive singing. A freewill donation will be accepted.

1257 E. Siena Heights Dr., Adrian chiaroscuromenschorus.org

THE LENAWEE VOICE

ARTS & LIVING | C5

DECEMBER 2024

The Comstock Christmas Riverwalk, which was started 10 years ago, continues to draw Adrian residents and visitors alike to view the glittering spectacle along the banks of the River Raisin.

Comstock Park is located on West Maumee Street, just west of downtown. The walk will be lit on Dec. 6 and will stay lit through the Christmas season. LENAWEE VOICE FILE PHOTO

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14

Wassail Fest

Onsted Christmas Craft Show

Downtown Blissfield, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Wassail Fest is a jolly evening filled with festive cheer, delicious mulled cider, and joyful caroling. Indulge in wassail concoctions crafted by local businesses and enjoy the warmth and cheer of the holiday season with friends and family. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. $30.

130 S. Lane St., Blissfield blissfield.dda@gmail.com or 517-486-3642

The Mill, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This craft show is sponsored by the Onsted Chamber of Commerce and includes vendors and a Santa. Admission $2 ($1 for seniors and teens, free for kids 12 and under).

230 N. Main St., Onsted villageofonsted.org or 517-260-7545

Planetarium show: ‘Seasons of Light’ Robinson Planetarium, 7 p.m.

Explore the winter sky at Adrian College’s Robinson Planetarium. Free.

Peele Hall, Adrian College (on Williams Street) 517-265-5161, ext. 4788 mfairclough@adrian.edu

It’s a Broadway Holiday at the Croswell Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m.

The Croswell presents a holiday concert with many of the performers from its 2024 Broadway Season. Adults $35, youth $25.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian croswell.org or 517-264-7469

Fair Fantasy Lights Drive-Thru & Craft Show Lenawee County Fairgrounds, 6-9 p.m.

The Lenawee County Fair is partnering with City of Refuge Ministries’ Meal Assistance Program for a canned food drive during the Christmas Lights and Craft Show. Anyone who brings a non-perishable food item will receive $2 off the $10 per car entry fee.

602 N. Dean St., Adrian lenfair.com or 517-263-3007

Six Geese & Painting Knights in Shining Aprons, 2-4 p.m.

Adults of all skill levels are welcome to join a guided acrylic painting class, “On the Sixth Day.” $35 per person includes supplies, an 8x10 canvas, step-by-step guidance, and a snack and beverage.

1325 N. Main St., Ste. F, Adrian 517-920-4289

It’s a Broadway Holiday at the Croswell Croswell Opera House, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.

The Croswell presents a holiday concert with many of the performers from its 2024 Broadway Season. Adults $35, youth $25.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian croswell.org or 517-264-7469

An Evening with Santa Stubnitz Environmental Education Center, 5:30-8 p.m.

The Lions Clubs of Lenawee County (Adrian Breakfast, Adrian Evening, Blissfield, and Clinton clubs), with help from the Manchester Lions, are once again hosting “An Evening with Santa.” Families are

invited to enjoy crafts, games, refreshments, hayrides through the light displays of Heritage Park, special gift giveaways, and a visit with Santa. In addition to the Lions Clubs, sponsors include the Adrian District Library, Community Action Agency, County National Bank, Lenawee District Library, Lenawee Great Start Collaborative, Lenco Credit Union, McDonald’s of Adrian/Hudson, McDonald’s of Tecumseh, Tecumseh District Library, and TLC Credit Union. Free.

3221 N. Adrian Hwy., Adrian adrian.lions@yahoo.com.

Fair Fantasy Lights Drive-Thru & Craft Show

new ones during the following hours: 7-8 p.m. at Mammoth Distilling or Chaloner’s; 8-9 p.m. at Farver’s at the Croswell or Sauce Italian Grill & Pub; 9-10 p.m. at the Moose; 10-11 p.m. at AmVets; 11 p.m. to midnight at The Brick Wall. adrianbarcrawl@gmail.com

Adrian Symphony Orchestra: ‘Swing into Christmas’ Dawson Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

The ASO welcomes jazz singer Sarah D’Angelo back to the stage for a light and bright holiday program. (See page C1.)

240 S. Charles St., Adrian adriansymphony.org or 517-264-3121

Lenawee County Fair and Event Grounds, 6-9 p.m.

The Lenawee County Fair is partnering with City of Refuge Ministries’ Meal Assistance Program for a canned food drive during the Christmas Lights and Craft Show. Anyone who brings in a non-perishable food item will receive $2 off the $10 per car entry fee.

602 N. Dean St., Adrian lenfair.com or 517-263-3007

Parade of Lights Downtown Blissfield, 7 p.m.

Blissfield’s annual holiday parade.

130 S. Lane St., Blissfield blissfieldmainstreet.com or 517-486-3642

The More The Merrier Bar Crawl Downtown Adrian, 7 p.m. to midnight Everyone is welcome to enjoy a night out with friends to support downtown establishments. Bring a receipt with today’s date from any downtown business to be entered into a drawing at 9:30 p.m. at the Moose Lodge. Meet up with friends or make

Rock’n Country Christmas Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.

The most wonderful time of the year sparkles even brighter when Bernadette Kathryn and the Lonely Days Band bring their Rock’n Country Christmas Show to the TCA. This powerhouse vocalist, who started out at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, will be joined on stage by the TCA Youth Choir for an unforgettable night glittering with Christmas cheer. Adults $33, youth $15 (senior and military discounts available).

400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh thetca.org

C6 | ARTS & LIVING

DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15

Fair Fantasy Lights Drive-Thru & Craft Show Lenawee County Fairgrounds, 6-8 p.m.

The Lenawee County Fair is partnering with City of Refuge Ministries’ Meal Assistance Program for a canned food drive during the Christmas Lights and Craft Show. Anyone who brings in a non-perishable food item will receive $2 off the $10 per car entry fee.

602 N. Dean St., Adrian lenfair.com or 517-263-3007

It’s a Broadway Holiday at the Croswell Croswell Opera House, 2:30 p.m.

The Croswell presents a holiday concert with many of the performers from its 2024 Broadway Season. Adults $35, youth $25.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian croswell.org or 517-264-7469

TCA Big Band & Vocalaires: A Holiday Feast Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 3 p.m.

Consisting of five saxes, five trumpets, four trombones, four rhythm players, and six vocalists, the TCA Big Band & VocalAires are patterned after the groups of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s. Led by conductor Mark Felder, they will perform such favorites as “Winter Wonderland,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Let It Snow,” and more. Donations of nonperishable food items for the Tecumseh Service Club will be collected. $10.

400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh thetca.org

Lenawee Community Chorus: ‘Winter Winds’ Choral Concert Herrick Chapel, Adrian College, 3 p.m.

The Lenawee Community Chorus, under the direction of Brad Pierson and accompanied by pianist Isaac Cox, presents its annual holiday concert. Through a variety of musical styles, the chorus will touch on the joyful and sometimes sad moments we all

Candelight Remembrance Holy Family Parish, St. Mary’s Campus, 6 p.m.

Hospice of Lenawee presents its annual candlelight remembrance. Free.

305 Division St., Adrian hospiceoflenawee.org or 517-263-2323

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16 An Acoustic Christmas with Unspoken

The Lenawee Community Chorus will present “Winter Winds” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, in Herrick Chapel on the Adrian College campus. experience this time of year. Come enjoy traditional pieces like “First Noel,” “Carol of the Bells” and “Hallelujah Chorus,” along with contemporary pop selections like “River” by Joni Mitchell, “Winter Winds” by Mumford and Sons, and “Winter Song” by Sara Bareilles.

The Lenawee Community Chorus, at 57 years

old, is Michigan’s oldest continually operating ensemble of its type — a no-audition group comprised of local people of all musical abilities who just love to come together and make music. $15 for adults, free for kids.

South Charles Street, Adrian www.lenaweecommunitychorus.com

The Centre, 6:30 p.m.

A mix of traditional Christmas songs and originals from the Christian band Unspoken, known for their chart-topping hits like “Reason,” “Start a Fire” and “Loved by You.” $15.95 (VIP experience available for $29.95).

1800 U.S. 223, Adrian thecentre.info or 517-263-6232

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 Concert Around the Fireplace Tecumseh District Library, 7 p.m. a holiday concert around the fireplace with your yuletide favorites, including Silver Bells,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Deck the Halls,” “Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells,” with saxophonist Eric Korte and acoustic guitarist James Stross. Free. tecumsehlibrary.org

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 Planetarium show: ‘Seasons of Light’ Robinson Planetarium, 7 p.m.

Explore the winter sky at Adrian College’s Robinson Planetarium. Free.

Peele Hall, Adrian College (on Williams Street) 517-265-5161, ext. 4788 mfairclough@adrian.edu

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 The Sugar Plum Soirée Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

A holiday performance by the students of Encore Dance Studio. $16-20.

400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh thetca.org

‘Light the Fire’ of Winter Solstice Weber Center, 3:30 p.m.

Sister Esther Kennedy, OP, will lead this celebration of the shortest day of the year.

Free and open to the public.

1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian webercenter.org

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 Family Pajama Party The Clinton Inn, 7-9 p.m.

Put on your PJs, bring your favorite blanket or chair, and cozy up for the movie “Toy Story.”

Snacks and drinks available for purchase. No outside food or drinks allowed. Free.

104 W. Michigan Ave., Clinton theclintonInn.com or 517-507-5777

Planetarium show: ‘Seasons of Light’ Robinson Planetarium, 7 p.m.

Explore the winter sky at Adrian College’s Robinson Planetarium.

Peele Hall, Adrian College (on Williams Street) 517-265-5161, ext. 4788 mfairclough@adrian.edu

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31 New Year’s Eve Party Brooklyn American Legion Post 315, 6 p.m.

Hosted by the American Legion Riders.

Cocktail hour at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m., followed by dancing and a midnight toast to 2025. $40.

211 Chicago St., Brooklyn 517-592-6534

THE LENAWEE VOICE

ARTS & LIVING | C7

DECEMBER 2024

Chateau Aeronautique Winery in the Irish Hills will wrap up its 2024 music series on Dec. 28 with Your Generation in Concert, a popular area band that performs rock and pop hits from throughout the decades.

LIVE MUSIC AT BARS AND NIGHT SPOTS Information in this listing is taken from a mixture of submissions and information published by the venues. We recommend checking to verify that information is up to date before making plans. To submit listings, email news@lenaweevoice.com before the 15th of the preceding month.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 Bret Maynard, 8-11 p.m., Chaloner & Co., 108 W. Maumee St., Adrian.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 Holiday tunes with Luke Woltanski, 7-10 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

Cat Canyon, 7:30-10:30 p.m., Mammoth Distilling, 108 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 Journey tribute by Infinity & Beyond, 7 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Two people for $40, four for $70, eight for $120; order at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

Slay the Holiday with Miss Bouvèé, 7:30 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. $30, tickets required (order at croswell.org/farvers).

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 Trans-Siberian Orchestra tribute

by Siberian Solstice, 7 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Two people for $40, four for $70, eight for $120; chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

Blockhouse Valley, 7:30-10:30 p.m., Mammoth Distilling, 108 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 Stealin’ Copper Band, 8 p.m. to midnight, Adrian Eagles, 2522 W. Beecher Road, Adrian. $5 cover.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 Happy Holidays in the Neighborhood with Michael & Betsy Lackey, 7-9 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

Fresh off of a series of engagements in Italy and the Caribbean, Miss Bouvèé brings her celebrated drag cabaret back to Farver’s at the Croswell on Dec. 7.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 Happy Holidays in the Neighborhood with Michael & Betsy Lackey, 7-9 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

Bob Seger tribute by Katmandu, 7 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Two people for $40, four for $70, eight for $120; order at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28 Your Generation, 7 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Two people for $40, four for $70, eight for $120; chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

Tipsy Doctors Band, 8 p.m. to midnight, Adrian Eagles, 2522 W. Beecher Road, Adrian. $5 cover.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31 Jaded Soul Band, 8 p.m. to midnight, Adrian Eagles, 2522 W. Beecher Road, Adrian.

Info: 517-265-2011.

C8 | ARTS & LIVING

ACA Holiday Market offers unique gift ideas through Dec. 23 ADRIAN — Anyone looking for unique Christmas gifts with a local flair can find them at the Adrian Center for the Arts’ annual Holiday Market, which opened on Nov. 30 and continues through Dec. 23.

The Holiday Market features hundreds of one-of-a-kind pieces of original artwork in a variety of media, such as painting, drawing, ceramics, jewelrly, fiber arts, and more. More than 50 ACA member artists are participating in the market.

The Holiday Market is open seven days a week. The hours are: n Monday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m. n Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

The Adrian Center for the Arts is located at 1375 N. Main St., on the campus of Planewave Instruments. The Holiday Market is in Building 46.

For those who would like to try making their own gifts for friends and family, the ACA is also offering a variety of classes throughout December.

People can learn to make ceramic candleholders, custom-bound chapbooks, copper and brass ornaments, and more.

For a list of classes, visit the ACA’s website at adriancenterforthearts.org.

The ACA, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year, offers artist residencies as well as a variety of year-round classes for both children and adults.

DECEMBER 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Stubnitz Foundation grant boosts Adrian College ceramics program

Adrian College art professor Travis Erxleben talks about throwing pottery with, from left to right, Summer Elkins, Ashlyn Vaculik, Stubnitz Foundation representative Christine McNaughton, and Tabitha Nelson.

ADRIAN — Ten new potter’s wheels are in the hands of Adrian College students after the Maurice and Dorothy Stubnitz Foundation recently donated $15,000 to the college’s studio art program.

Travis Erxleben, Adrian College assistant professor of ceramics and 3D design, said the new potter’s wheels will immediately improve the quality of the students’ classroom experience in the Foundations of Ceramics course.

“Our pottery wheels were over 35 years old and in desperate need of replacement,”

Erxleben said in a news release. “This grant allowed us to provide a much better learning environment with less disruption.”

Adrian College junior Mariah Costelli, a studio art major, said she is glad to have the new potter’s wheels in her classroom.

“They’re very easy to use, high-quality and easy to clean,” Costelli said. “They just make class go a lot smoother.”

“They are a lot less wobbly than the old ones,” said senior Seth Losie. “I don’t have to compensate for the wobble and can just rely on my own technique to

make my pieces more even all around.”

Erxleben said the ceramics program will be hosting workshops in the near future that will be available to the public.

“We are setting up a winter ceramics workshop in December for youth called ‘Pottery Palooza,’ ” Erxleben said. “We’re thrilled to now be able to offer unique, hands-on experiences to young artists in Lenawee County.”

For more information about the ceramics program, contact Erxleben at terxleben@adrian.edu.