The Lenawee Voice — April 2024

Adrian and Morenci voters to decide school operating millage renewals » PAGE A5 Siena Heights inaugurates Douglas Palmer as its 11th president » PAGE A3

Former site of LA Cafe and Eclipse dance club to become a credit union branch » PAGE A4

THE LENAWEE VOICE

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APRIL 2024

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Room to run Care Pregnancy Center expands into second building » PAGE A7

Woodworking institute gaining nationwide reputation » PAGE B1 Michelle Wild stands with G.W., one of the horses who lives at Wild Acres Horse Rescue near Britton. Wild founded the rescue in 2021, and it’s been at its current location since May 2023. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

A new equine rescue aims to give horses a second chance at a happy life

By Erik Gable

The Lenawee Voice

DAR to open governor’s house for tours » PAGE B1

MacDonald’s magic is back in Adrian » PAGE B5

RAISIN TWP. — Every horse has a personality. And for Michelle Wild, the founder and CEO of Wild Acres Horse Rescue, there’s nothing quite like seeing that unique character emerge when they feel safe and secure.

“I just love the way the personality comes out when they start feeling safe and they get fed,” she said. “You just really start to see a horse blossom.”

Wild grew up doing 4-H and has been around horses her entire life. She worked for 30 years for the 34th District Court in Romulus. She now lives in Adrian Township, and she started Wild Acres Horse Rescue in 2021.

The nonprofit rescue’s first home was in the Brooklyn area, but in May 2023 the organization started leasing land at the Britton-area home of Don and Stephanie Findley.

“We have access to nine acres so we can grow if we need to,” Wild said.

Crimson Holdings cited again for air quality violations » PAGE A5

Sherry Duberville and Michelle Wild of Wild Acres Horse Rescue are pictured at the rescue’s Raisin Township location. The three horses who currently live at the facility — G.W., Mattie, and Harley — are in the background.

Unlike a sanctuary, which is a place where horses can go to live out the rest of their lives, the goal of Wild Acres Horse Rescue is to get horses out of bad situations — or, sometimes, intercept

‘Live Beats and Drag Treats’ will celebrate diversity and talent » PAGE B2

them before they end up in bad situations — and ultimately find them a suitable permanent home.

See RESCUE, page A15

Learn something new at ACA’s mini-class open house » PAGE B5

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APRIL 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

THE AGENDA How can you take part in city and county government meetings?

Welcome back to The Agenda, a monthly column in which we highlight issues of importance in our community and ways you can get involved.

To begin this month’s column, we thought it might be helpful to provide some information on how you can watch, and take part in, local government meetings — without even needing to leave home.

For the moment we’ll focus on the two government bodies that represent the largest number of people, the Lenawee County Commission and the Adrian City Commission.

The Lenawee County Commission meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 1:30 p.m. in the commission chambers of the old courthouse, 301 N. Main St. If you want to see what’s on the agenda, you can go to lenawee. mi.us/agendacenter. This page also lists the agendas for more than a dozen different county boards and committees.

Complete video of commission meetings is typically available within a few days, and the last time we watched one, we were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to follow what was going on.

The Adrian City Commission meets on the first and third Monday of every month (with exceptions for holidays).

The regular meeting is at 7 p.m., but there’s always a study session before the meeting that’s intended to give commissioners a chance to hear reports on, and discuss, items that aren’t ready for action yet.

Agendas are typically posted at adriancity.com on the Friday before the meeting. Along with the agenda you’ll find a Zoom link.

Also on adriancity.com, you can find a link to sign up for city newsletters and press releases. City administrator Greg Elliott recently started putting out a weekly email update from City Hall every Friday.

This also gets posted on the city’s Facebook page, facebook.com/CityofAdrian.

(Of course, Adrian isn’t the only municipality to publish an email newsletter.

We’ve found the city of Morenci’s to be especially helpful. We suggest visiting your city, village or township’s website to see what notices you can sign up for.)

City topics: The city of Adrian is beginning its annual budget process. A possible water bill increase, to the tune of a few dollars per month per household, is one of the items under consideration.

There was also some discussion at a recent city commission meeting about the responsiveness of City Hall to resident questions and concerns. Local radio host Doug Spade spoke during the public comment portion and said, “I can’t tell you how many times we hear ‘Nobody at City Hall returns my call.’ ” Does this match your experience?

If you’ve had experiences with city government either way — bad or good — you can tell city commissioners about it by sending them an email. You can find their addresses at adriancity. com. Click on “Government,” then “City Commission.”

THE LENAWEE VOICE

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APRIL 2024

LOCAL NEWS

News tips and press releases can be emailed to news@lenaweevoice.com. To meet our print deadline, news about upcoming events should be sent by the 15th of the month before the event.

New Siena Heights president lays out view of university’s mission and future Douglas Palmer was inaugurated in March as SHU’s 11th president

By Erik Gable

The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Paying tribute to the school’s Catholic heritage and the intellectual traditions of the Dominican order, Douglas Palmer laid out his vision for Siena Heights University on March 15 as he was formally installed as the university’s 11th president.

The priorities Palmer listed in his inaugural address included outreach to Michigan’s Hispanic community and expanding on the university’s efforts to make college accessible for students from all economic backgrounds.

“Together, we have the opportunity to shape the future of our university and to leave a lasting legacy that will inspire generations to come,” he said.

Palmer became SHU’s president in July 2023 following the retirement of Sister Mary Margaret “Peg” Albert. He previously served as president of CulverStockton College in Canton, Missouri.

“At the core of our identity as an institution of higher learning lies the rich tapestry of our Dominican and Catholic intellectual traditions,” Palmer said.

Recalling St. Thomas Aquinas’ efforts to reconcile faith and reason, he said that the essence of Dominican learning is “a harmonious blend of intellectual rigor and spiritual devotion.”

“The quest for truth and understanding remains as relevant as ever,” he said.

“In an age marked by skepticism, polarization and misinformation, the need for rigorous inquiry and critical thinking has never been more pressing.”

By embracing Dominican tradition, he said, “we equip ourselves to confront the complex challenges of the modern world with clarity, compassion and wisdom.”

Palmer also recalled the work of St. Catherine of Siena, from whom the university takes its name. Catherine devoted herself to serving the sick and impoverished, and to advocating for the rights of prisoners.

Morgan Andrews and Everett Hanley, both members of the Siena Heights University brass ensemble, perform during the inauguration of Douglas Palmer as the university’s 11th president on March 15.

Douglas Palmer, the 11th president of Siena Heights University, applauds the assembled students, faculty, staff and supporters of the university at his inauguration on March 15 at the Mary and Sash Spencer Performing Arts Center. LAURA HARVEY/SIENA HEIGHTS UNIVERSITY

Adam Baker, a 2023 graduate of Siena Heights, sings “Champion” by Dante Bowe during SHU’s presidential inauguration.

“In an age marked by skepticism, polarization and misinformation, the need for rigorous inquiry and critical thinking has never been more pressing.”

resource of today’s economy, the talent by which our institutions, our government and our enterprises will grapple with solving the world’s problems.”

He cited advanced manufacturing, life sciences, renewable energy, and sustainable technology as areas where universities can help Michigan grow.

“In today’s knowledge-driven economy, the role of universities extends far beyond the confines of academia,” he said.

“As engines of innovation and economic growth, universities have a pivotal role to play in cultivating a skilled workforce, equipped to thrive in the ever-changing

— Douglas Palmer, Siena Heights University president “Through her selfless acts of kindness and advocacy, St. Catherine embodied the teachings of Christ, emphasized the importance of compassion and solidarity with the marginalized in society,” he said.

He noted that one of the ways Siena Heights carries out St. Catherine’s legacy is by operating a program in which inmates in Michigan’s correctional system can work toward a college degree.

“There are few endeavors which better represent our commitment to education and access for all,” he said.

Palmer then turned to Siena Heights’ role in Michigan’s economy.

“The imperative to become a brain gain university for Michigan has never been more urgent,” he said. “We cannot afford to squander the talents and the potential of our students, nor can we turn a blind eye to the pressing needs of our communities.

Our graduates are the most valuable

See SIENA HEIGHTS, page A15

A4 | LOCAL NEWS

IN BRIEF Bell chosen to lead Morenci City Hall MORENCI — Jeff Bell has been hired for the superintendent/ clerk position at Morenci City Hall.

The city council chose him for the position on March 11. He comes to the job from Sauder Woodworking in Archbold, Ohio. He also owns Bell’s Tax Service in downtown Morenci and serves on the Morenci Downtown Development Authority and Planning Commission.

Plans for Bixby site take a step forward ADRIAN — A developer’s plans to build about 50 singlefamily homes on the site of the former Bixby Hospital took a step forward in March when the city’s newly reconstituted Brownfield Redevelopment Authority approved a loan for the project. Developers had told the city that the loan would allow them to speed up their timeline for building the homes.

POLICE REPORTS

APRIL 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Former nightclub to become a credit union branch ADRIAN — The property at 4460 W. Maumee St., which formerly was the Eclipse nightclub and for many years before that was known as the LA Cafe, is slated to become the home of a new credit union branch.

The Adrian City Planning Commission approved the site plan at its March meeting. Engineer Andrew Rossell told the planning commission that American 1 Credit Union intends to build a 3,000-square-foot branch with a drivethrough on the property. He said the credit union has worked with both the city and the Michigan Department of Transportation on details of the driveway, and the plans call for 24 parking spaces.

That’s slightly more than the maximum specified by code for the proposed square footage, so the planning commission’s approval was needed.

City staff analyzed the site plan and determined that it meets the city’s requirements for exterior lighting and landscaping. City staff also expressed the opinion that the credit union would not adversely affect surrounding properties, writing: “The current building and parking lot are in disrepair. It is in staff’s opinion this will help with the value of surrounding properties.”

The former Eclipse Nightclub and LA Cafe will be torn down to build a branch of American 1 Credit Union.

Adrian College gets approval for sports practice dome Also at its March meeting, the planning commission approved a site plan from Adrian College for a new sports practice facility. The facility will be an inflated dome.

Planning commission chairman Mike Jacobitz commented that the facility will be viewable from the back yards of people on Renfrew Avenue and “no amount of

shrubbery is going to take care of that.” At the same time, he noted that there are no height restrictions in the city’s Education, Research and Office (ERO) districts, which is what colleges are in.

College spokesman Mickey Alvarado told the Lenawee Voice that the main groups using the facility will be men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s rugby, football, and the marching band. It may also be used by baseball, softball and track.

Feb. 29: Property damage, Feb. 27: Assault, 3400 block of ROLLIN TOWNSHIP block of Lexington Drive. Larceny March 19: Retail fraud, 4400 1000 block of East Maple Avenue. from a vehicle and illegal use of Treat Highway.

March 1: Operating while intoxiblock of West Maumee Street.

Vehicle theft, 200 block of Race Feb. 28: Vehicle theft, 100 block cated, Rome and Geneva roads. a credit card, 1000 block of Elm March 20: Larceny from a vehicle, ADDISON VILLAGE Street. Aggravated assault, 400 March 15: Operating while Street. Wire fraud, 500 block of 600 block of South Madison Street. of Newbury Street.

March 7: Assault, East 2nd and block of West Maumee Street.

March 7: Assault, 2000 block of intoxicated, Sandy Beach Road South Winter Street. Property Aggravated assault, 300 block of Talbot streets.

March 1: Assault, 1300 block Allan Street. and Skinner Highway. damage, 100 block of Sand Creek Helme Avenue. of North Main Street. Operating March 9: Assault, 2500 block of Highway. Larceny from a vehicle, March 21: Assault, Tabor and ADRIAN CITY while intoxicated, north Broad and 100 block of Sand Creek Highway. Treat streets. Larceny from a vehicle, South Main Street.

SENECA TOWNSHIP Feb. 20: Aggravated stalking, Toledo streets.

March 11: Illegal use of a March 20: Operating while Retail fraud, 400 block of West 1200 block of South Main Street.

700 block of Riverside Ave. March 2: Operating while credit card, 1900 block of Allan intoxicated, Weston Road and Maumee Street.

Assault, 200 block of East U.S. 223.

Property damage, 700 block of intoxicated East Michigan and Street.

Clement Highway.

March 12: Impersonation Dennis Street.

Dennis streets. Illegal use of credit and fraudulent procurement of March 13: Property damage, ADRIAN TOWNSHIP Feb. 21: Aggravated assault, card, 200 block of East Front 1200 block of South Main Street. TECUMSEH CITY narcotics, 500 block of Briarwood Feb. 26: Aggravated assault, 700 block of Riverside Ave. Street. Burglary (residential, forced Drive. Assault, 1500 block of Fraud, 2700 block of East Carleton Feb. 20: Operating while 4400 Block of North Adrian Feb. 22: Disorderly conduct, entry), 800 block of Frank Street. intoxicated, Chicago Boulevard Village Green Lane. Assault, 100 Highway. Larceny from a building, Road.

500 block of Cherry Street.

Assault, 100 block of State Street. block of Sand Creek Highway.

March 14: Assault, 34900 block and Occidental Highway.

6400 block of West U.S. 223.

Feb. 23: Sexual assault, 500 March 3: Operating while Feb. 21: Identity theft, 700 Property damage, 800 block of March 11: Fraud, 7300 block of of Treat Highway. block of South Winter Street. intoxicated, Toledo and North March 15: Aggravated assault, block of Clark Street.

Clinton Street. Disorderly conduct, Rome Road.

Assault, 600 block of Springbrook Locust streets. Property damage, 700 block of South Main Street.

Feb. 27: Assault, 600 block of March 18: Fraud, 2500 block of 2500 block of South Main Street.

Avenue. Drug possession, 600 100 block of West Michigan March 20: Burglary (nonNorth Maumee Street.

March 13: Assault, 800 block Wisner Highway. block of Springbrook Avenue.

Avenue. Assault, 800 block of East of North Broad Street. Larceny residential, forced entry), 1200 March 2: Assault, 1200 block of March 20: Operating while Assault, 1500 block of West Church Street. Operating while East Chicago Boulevard. from a building and larceny from intoxicated, M-52 and Curtis Road. block of West Cadmus Road.

Maumee Street. Disorderly intoxicated, U.S. 223 and Maumee a coin machine, 400 block of March 21: Disorderly conduct, March 7: Aggravated stalking, conduct and property damage, Street. Assault, 400 block of East 3400 block of Treat Highway.

200 block of Cairns Street.

West Maumee Street. Retail fraud, BRITTON VILLAGE 1000 block of South Winter Street. Maumee Street.

March 9: Aggravated assault, 200 block of East U.S. 223 (two Feb. 29: Assault, 200 block of Assault, 500 block of Toledo Street.

March 4: Assault, 100 block MEDINA TOWNSHIP 900 block of West Chicago Blvd. reports). Retail fraud, 1200 block College Avenue.

Larceny from a building, 1800 of Caton Avenue. Larceny from March 4: Assault, 12500 block March 10: Second-degree of North Main Street.

March 19: Aggravated assault, block of West Maumee Street. a yard, 300 block of Erie Street. of Ingall Highway. criminal sexual conduct, 100 block March 14: Retail fraud by 300 block of East Chicago Feb. 24: Operating while Property damage and burglary of Beland Street. misrepresentation, 4400 block of Boulevard. intoxicated, South Winter and (residential, no forced entry), 200 West Maumee Street. Illegal use MORENCI CITY March 11: Stalking, 700 block Beecher streets. Retail fraud, block of Jordan Street.

March 10: Assault, 200 block of of Wenonah Street. of a credit card, 1600 block of East CAMBRIDGE TOWNSHIP 700 block of South Main Street.

March 5: Assault, 100 block Feb. 20: Larceny from a vehicle, Gorham Street.

March 14: Larceny from a U.S. 223. Property damage and Assault, 300 block of East Front of East Butler Street. Assault, 400 arson of personal property, 100 300 block of Egan Highway. building, 500 block of West Street. Disorderly conduct, 1300 block of South Winter Street.

Cummins Street. block of Sand Creek Highway. Wire Larceny from a vehicle, 100 block OGDEN TOWNSHIP block of South Main Street. Retail Assault, 800 block of Caton of Elm Street.

March 9: Larceny from the mail, March 15: Aggravated assault, fraud, 300 block of March Drive. fraud, 200 block of East U.S. 223.

Avenue. Disorderly conduct, 700 Assault, 1200 block of North Main 10000 block of Treat Highway.

1000 block of Preservation Drive.

Aggravated assault, 500 block of block of Riverside Avenue. Vehicle Street. Larceny from a yard, 600 DEERFIELD VILLAGE French Street. Vehicle theft, 800 theft, 800 block of South Winter Feb. 29: Assault, 200 block of ONSTED VILLAGE TECUMSEH TOWNSHIP block of Clinton Street. block of South Main Street. Sexual Street. Larceny, 1200 block of East March 19: Property damage, March 6: Fraud, 7300 block of March 15: Disorderly conduct, Deerfield Road. offense against a child, 500 block Siena Heights Drive. Retail fraud, 100 block of Dawes Avenue.

100 block of North Main Street.

Billmyer Highway. of West Michigan Avenue.

200 block of East U.S. 223.

FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP March 14: Burglary (nonSexual assault, 800 block of Feb. 25: Property damage, March 6: Use of a telephone for Clinton Street. Retail fraud, 1500 Feb. 23: Burglary (residential, PALMYRA TOWNSHIP residential, forced entry), 8900 100 block of South Main Street. harassment or threats, 100 block no forced entry), 8700 block of Feb. 20: Property damage, block of Matthews Highway. block of West Maumee Street.

Assault, 1300 block of South Main of Orchard Drive. Retail fraud, 200 Operating while intoxicated, Main South Adrian Highway.

6300 block of East U.S. 223.

Larceny from a vehicle, 1500 block Street. Aggravated assault, 1200 block of East U.S. 223 (two reports). and Toledo streets.

Feb. 21: Illegal use of a credit of East Munger Road. block of Division Street. Sexual Assault, 1800 block of West card, 3800 block of Sharp Road.

March 16: Assault, 1200 block FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP assault, 500 block of College Maumee Street. Retail fraud, 1500 of South Main Street. Operating Feb. 24: Wire fraud, 5200 block March 4: Assault, 6400 block of WOODSTOCK TOWNSHIP Avenue. Retail fraud, 200 block of block of West Maumee Street. of West Munger Road.

Palmyra Road. Fraud, 3200 block Feb. 20: Use of a telephone while intoxicated, 700 block of East U.S. 223. Property damage March 7: Property damage, Feb. 29: Use of a telephone for of Manor Drive. Fraud, 4100 block for harassment or threats, 15200 Loveland Road. Assault, 600 block and burglary (residential, forced 1300 block of West Maumee block of West U.S. 12. of East Maumee Street. Operating harassment or threats, 1300 block of Ogden Highway. entry), North Broad and Front of West Taylor Road.

Street. Use of a telephone for Feb. 22: Larceny from a yard, while intoxicated (BAC of .17 streets.

RAISIN TOWNSHIP harassment or threats, 1000 block or more), 1500 block of West U.S. 12 and U.S. 127.

Feb. 26: Robbery, 900 block March 4: Fraud, 100 block of of Chestnut Street. Retail fraud, Feb. 24: Aggravated assault, Maumee Street. Assault, 800 block HUDSON TOWNSHIP of Oak Street. Assault, 500 block March 21: Assault, 13300 block Bailey Drive.

1500 block of West Maumee Street of Toledo Street. Operating while 5100 block of Wildwood Drive. of Division Street. Assault, 1000 March 5: Illegal use of a (two reports). Vagrancy, 100 block intoxicated, 500 block of College of Lawrence Road.

March 3: Larceny from a yard, block of Chestnut Street. Retail credit card, 2800 block of Sutton 16600 block of Cement City Road. of Canterbury street. Assault, 200 Avenue. fraud, 100 block of East U.S. 223.

MADISON TOWNSHIP Road. block of North Broad Street.

March 17: Assault, 300 block March 8: Operating while Feb. 27: Illegal use of credit Feb. 20: Aggravated assault, March 9: Assault, 5100 block of intoxicated, U.S. 12 and U.S. 127.

March 8: Burglary (residential, of East Church Street. Property card, 500 block of South Winter 100 block of Smokey Hill River North Raisin Center Highway. forced entry), 200 block of Ormsby damage, Chestnut and Clinton March 10: Assault, 6300 block Street. Assault, 100 block of March 10: Wire fraud, 3600 Street. Larceny from a vehicle, streets. Assault, 800 block of South Court. Property damage, 3500 of West U.S. 223.

West Maumee Street. Disorderly block of Wilmoth Highway.

200 block of East U.S. 223. Retail Main Street. Larceny from a yard, block of West Gorman Road.

March 14: Assault, 10300 block conduct, 100 block of North Main fraud, 1500 block of West Maumee 600 block of Tabor Street. Sexual Feb. 21: Assault, 2700 block of East of Briggs Highway.

Street.

Carleton Road. Vehicle theft, 5800 RIDGEWAY TOWNSHIP Street. Property damage, 300 assault, 1200 block of University March 15: Larceny from a veFeb. 28: Use of a telephone for block of East Maumee Street. block of South Adrian Highway.

March 9: Assault, 8300 block of hicle, 6300 block of Winter Road.

Avenue. harassment or threats, 100 block Feb. 26: Illegal use of credit East M-50.

March 9: Disorderly conduct, March 18: Burglary (nonProperty damage, 7400 block of South Madison Street. Vehicle card, 300 block of James River 300 block of East Maumee Street. residential, forced entry), 700 of North Rollin Highway. Sexual theft, 100 block of South Main Drive. Burglary (non-residential, RIGA TOWNSHIP March 11: Larceny, Toledo and block of Bradish Street. Larceny assault, 8800 block of Herold Street. Assault, 800 block of Oak no forced entry) 1200 block of Feb. 29: Aggravated stalking, Main streets. Property damage from a building, 200 block of Highway. Larceny from a vehicle, Street.

West Cadmus Road.

9400 block of Riga Highway. (object thrown at vehicle), 1200 North Main Street.

5900 block of Lakeside Drive.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

LOCAL NEWS | A5

APRIL 2024

IN BRIEF Crimson Holdings cited again for air quality violations in Adrian ADRIAN — State regulators have issued another violation notice to Crimson Holdings for nuisance odors from the company’s powdered egg plant at 1336 E. Maumee St. The notice was issued March 12, and it followed a visit on March 7 during which inspectors found odors “of sufficient intensity, frequency, and duration” to violate state law.

Scott Miller, Jackson district supervisor for the Air Quality Division of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), wrote that “AQD staff detected these odors in a residential area near the company and verified these odors were coming from Crimson Holdings’ scrubber exhaust stack.” He gave the company until April 21 to respond.

Documents relating to Crimson Holdings may be michigan.gov/ EGLECrimsonHoldings. Any resident who wants to submit a complaint can do so at that address or by calling 800-662-9278. Anyone who needs to report a nuisance odor should also notify Leslie Love at city hall, llove@adrianmi.gov or 517-264-4805.

Deputies involved in shooting in Ogden Twp. OGDEN TWP. — Three Lenawee County sheriff’s deputies were involved in an officer-involved shooting around 1:25 a.m. March 9 in the 13000 block of Neuroth Highway.

The incident began with a shooting in Fulton County. The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office requested help locating the suspect, who they believed to be at his Ogden Township home. As they approached the residence, officers observed the suspect, a 53-year-old man, inside. Deputies identified themselves and told the man to come out through the front door.

In body camera footage released to the media, a deputy can be heard saying “we need to talk to you,” to which a man replies “we need to put a [expletive] bullet in your head.”

According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect came out the back door armed with a handgun that appeared to be pointed at the deputies. The deputies ordered him to put his hands up and fired at him. They then administered medical treatment to him and he was taken by ambulance to an area hospital.

Sheriff Troy Bevier said that all three deputies were placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation, as required by department policy. As of March 22, two of the deputies had returned to duty and a third was still on leave.

Bevier said the Michigan State Police is conducting the investigation, which is not yet concluded.

Adrian and Morenci schools to seek operating millage renewals in May The Lenawee Voice

School funding renewals will be on the ballot on May 7 for residents of the Adrian and Morenci school districts.

Both questions are for the renewal of the districts’ non-homestead operating millage renewals. Under the state’s school funding system, a portion of every district’s funding comes from this local property tax, which is levied on commercial and industrial properties, second homes, and rental homes, but does not affect owner-occupied homes.

State law requires voters to periodically renew this millage in order for districts to

be fully funded. If voters in a district reject the millage, the state will not make up the difference.

In Adrian, the proposed renewal is for 10 years. The millage brings in about $4.7 million, which is about 10.4% of the district’s annual operating budget.

“It’s a very important part of our overall funding,” Superintendent Nate Parker said.

In Morenci, the proposed renewal is for three years. Superintendent Jennifer Ellis said the district used to put the renewal on the ballot every year, but with the cost of elections going up it made sense to ask for a multi-year renewal. With this being

the district’s first time proposing a multiyear renewal, Ellis said the school board felt three years was a good starting point.

Morenci’s non-homestead operating millage brings in about $937,000, which is about 12% of the district’s annual operating revenue.

“The funding generated from the nonhomestead millage is essential for district operations,” Ellis said.

Voting for the Adrian school district and library millage renewals will be at the Lenawee County Fairgrounds.

Voting for the Morenci millage renewal will be at Morenci City Hall. Voters can find their polling places and sample ballots by going to michigan.gov/vote.

AC’s commencement speaker sparks controversy The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Adrian College announced in March that former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines will be its 2024 commencement speaker, a move that has sparked controversy and debate from students, alumni and community members.

After tying for fifth with a transgender woman, Lia Thomas, during the 200- Riley Gaines yard NCAA freestyle championship in 2022, Gaines began campaigning against the inclusion of transgender women in the women’s division of sports. Thomas went on to win the Division I 500-yard freestyle.

Gaines’ statements have gone beyond criticizing athletic accommodations for transgender women. At a fundraiser for Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds in 2023, Gaines referred to her efforts as “spiritual warfare” and said that “this really is about moral versus evil.” According to the Des Moines Register, she repeatedly referred to Thomas as a man and argued that transgender identities aren’t real, saying “there is just man and woman, and God created them.”

She has also criticized allowing transgender women to compete in women’s chess tournaments.

In a statement announcing Gaines’ address, Adrian College president Jeffrey Docking said: “This is an important issue that should be discussed at colleges and universities throughout the United States.

Adrian College has never shied away from presenting and debating substantive disagreements on campus. In fact, this is precisely the purpose of universities — to engage in civil discourse of controversial issues. We welcome Riley Gaines to our beautiful campus, and we feel confident our students will be inspired by her commencement address.”

IS PUBLISHED BY

LENAWEE INDEPENDENT MEDIA LLC 2525 OGDEN HIGHWAY ADRIAN, MI 49221 DEBORAH J. COMSTOCK, EDITOR AND PUBLISHER ERIK GABLE, CONTENT DIRECTOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: PETER BARR • JULIE C. CLEMES BUSINESS STAFF: LINDA RAINES CLINE • KATHY RAINES SHARON KELLERMEIER 517-263-3530 • publisher@lenaweevoice.com Printed at the Tecumseh Herald

In the announcement, vice president and dean of academic affairs Andrea Milner said, “We look forward to providing Riley a welcoming atmosphere. I’m excited to offer our graduates the opportunity to broaden their understanding of world issues and inspire them as they embark on their future endeavors.”

R. Cole Bouck, an Adrian College alumnus who created a scholarship for students who advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, visited campus shortly after the announcement. In an interview with the Lenawee Voice, he said a “one-way pipeline” like a commencement address doesn’t constitute discourse and debate.

“An exchange of ideas means, to me, that you have opposing parties, or parties with differing opinions in an area, and you talk about your differences,” he said.

“You explain why you believe what you believe, and they explain why they believe what they believe. And you don’t come to agreement necessarily, but you get some sense of why the other people feel the way they do. ... Exchange means between parties. It means that we’re both discussing this. You’re hearing from me, I’m hearing from you. This is not that. This is a single pipeline of whatever she spews out.”

Bouck said the students he has spoken with pointed out that they graduated from high school in 2020, meaning they’ve never had a normal commencement, and they feel the college’s choice is denying them that normal experience again. All the graduates worked hard and they all paid tuition, he said, but “only some of them will be shamed and demeaned” by the college’s choice of speaker for their graduation.

The student group AC Safe Place started a change.org petition asking

the college to disinvite Gaines as the commencement speaker.

“We must create an environment where everyone feels respected and valued, especially during such significant moments as graduation,” the authors of the petition wrote. They said said the decision risks alienating LGBTQ+ students and creating an environment that doesn’t respect them.

“Let us ensure our graduation is a celebration that respects all students’ identities and values inclusivity above all else,” they wrote.

Adrian city commissioner Bob Behnke also addressed the decision at a recent commission meeting, saying the college decided to “turn graduation into a lightning rod of division instead of a torch for unity.”

He said he wants to tell college students, “Welcome to Adrian. You are valued and accepted and wanted as a member of our community, even though you may hear others say the opposite.”

A representative of the Adrian College office of marketing and public relations said the college does not have any further comment at this time.

The NCAA requires transgender women who compete in women’s sports to be undergoing hormone therapy to reduce testosterone levels. The maximum levels allowed to compete vary by sport.

Estimates of how many transgender women are competing in NCAA women’s sports vary, but most estimates say the number is 50 or less. According to the NCAA, more than 500,000 athletes compete in collegiate sports in the U.S., with women’s divisions making up more than 200,000 of that number.

The NCAA covers about 1,100 colleges and universities in the United States.

NOE LAW OFFICE

TWO LAW OFFICES SERVING LENAWEE COUNTY FOR 49 YEARS AND COUNTING ...

CHARLES J. NOE

MARGARET M.S. NOE

ATTORNEY AT LAW FORMER ASST. PROSECUTOR CRIMINAL LAW PERSONAL AND AUTO INJURY DIVORCE/FAMILY LAW ESTATE PLANNING

ATTORNEY AT LAW FORMER CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE FORMER ASST. PROSECUTOR PERSONAL INJURY ESTATE PLANNING

517-263-4062

517-263-8200

147 North Main Street, Adrian, Michigan 49221

A6 | LOCAL NEWS

IN BRIEF Low-cost health screenings offered at St. Mary’s ADRIAN — The United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties, ProMedica Hickman Hospital and the Family Medical Center will offer low-cost health screenings from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 25, in the activity center at the St. Mary campus of Holy Family Parish, 305 Division St., Adrian.

The cost for a 22-panel blood test is $20 and includes a complete blood count, glucose, kidney function, sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide, thyroid function, and total cholesterol check. Additional tests are available at a minimal cost.

All tests range in price from $10 to $20. A 12-hour fast is recommended before blood tests.

No appointment is necessary.

Yard waste collection for city residents is coming up ADRIAN — Spring yard waste collection in the city of Adrian will take place on Wednesday, April 17 and Wednesday, April 24.

Yard waste must be placed at the curb no later than 7 a.m. on those days. All yard waste must be placed in biodegradable and/or compostable paper bags and must not weigh more than 50 pounds.

Unapproved containers, including plastic bags, will not be picked up for collection.

Bundled branches and brush must meet the following guidelines: n Branches and brush must be tied in bundles no longer than 3 feet. n Bundles must be placed parallel to the curb. n Bundles must weigh less than 50 pounds.

If you have your yard waste bagged and bundled prior to the pickup dates, you may call the Department of Public Works to schedule an appointment to take it to the compost site.

The city’s compost site, located off of Oakwood Avenue, will open for the season on Saturday, May 4.

Hours of operation are Tuesdays from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, call the Adrian Department of Public Works at 517-264-4888.

Ideas to be shared on dementia-friendly community building CLINTON — Jim Mangi of the organization Dementia Friendly Saline will speak at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, April 10, at Clinton United Church of Christ, 300 Tecumseh Road, Clinton.

Topics will include what it means to be “dementia-friendly,” memory cafes, and dementia-friendly movie events.

Dementia-friendly means helping communities become safe, welcoming and respectful places for people living with dementia and their care partners.

For more information, email rotaryclubofclinton@clinton-rotary. org or call Pat Deere at 517-667-0537.

APRIL 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Tecumseh names new superintendent TECUMSEH — The Tecumseh school board voted unanimously on March 19 to hire Matt Hilton as the next superintendent of Tecumseh Public Schools.

The next step is contract negotiation, and the board hopes to have him begin work on May 20.

Hilton currently Matt Hilton serves as the executive director of elementary education for Ann Arbor Public Schools, a position he’s held since July 2021. He has a bachelor’s degree and teaching certification from Hope College, and a

master of arts in educational leadership and an administrative certificate from Michigan State University.

He served as both assistant principal and principal at Mitchell Elementary in Ann Arbor from 2014 to 2021, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of the school. Before his administrative roles, he was a reading specialist and Title I teacher in Ann Arbor from 2005 to 2014. Before going to Ann Arbor, he was a classroom teacher and literacy coach for Holland Public Schools.

“Mr. Matt Hilton’s appointment as the next superintendent of Tecumseh Public Schools reflects excellence and commitment,” Tony Rebottaro, board

of education president, said in a news release. “With his wealth of experience and steadfast dedication to education, we are confident in his ability to lead our district to new heights. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will make on our students, staff, and community.”

Out of 23 candidates, the board narrowed the selection to four finalists, with Hilton being the board’s choice after two days of interviews.

The board was assisted in the search

by Rodney Green, a consultant from the Michigan Association of School Boards.

Hilton will replace Rick Hilderley, who is retiring at the end of the current school year.

Addison superintendent to step down on June 30 ADDISON — Dan Bauer, who became superintendent of Addison Community Schools earlier this school year, told the school board in March that he is stepping down due to the unexpected death of his son-in-law.

“It was a very unexpected passing,” Bauer informed board members. “I need to be with and help my family through this difficult time. I can no longer give Addison Community Schools the fulltime attention and focus needed to lead

the school district.”

His resignation will be effective June 30. After that, he said he will be available to on a part-time basis if needed.

“I plan to dedicate my remaining time to the students, staff, and community of Addison and assist the board with the search process and transition with the new superintendent,” he said.

Bauer’s daughter and grandchildren live in northern Michigan.

Addison school board president

Andrea Woodring stated, “Family is a priority, and we are sad to see Mr. Bauer leave us, but family comes first. We are glad he will stay on for the remainder of the year and assist in the search process and be available to help in the future.”

The school board will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. April 3 to review potential superintendent search firms. The board’s goal is to get through the selection process before the end of the school year.

Descendant of early Lenawee County settlers shares stories about county’s development

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Howard Pennington, a retired veterinarian and Lenawee County history buff, recently shared his knowledge in a lecture he gave at the Lenawee Historical Society to a crowd of people who came from as far away as DeWitt.

His respect for the those who came to settle the area is obvious when he speaks of them.

“I’m always in awe of what hardships they put up with,” Pennington said. he “When you and I have a hard day, man, I don’t think it’s anything like the people who came here.”

Pennington said that in 1800, there were four or five native groups living here.

Trails were made by people and animals, including deer and bison, and were found everywhere at that time. The Sauk Trail, he said, went through Lenawee County to Chicago to Rock Island, Illinois. Many of these trails are still visible today.

“If you go to Heritage Park or Hidden Lake Gardens, those trails are the depressions of early inhabitants walking around,” he said.

Early settlers faced trouble with establishing land ownership with the native groups who didn’t understand the English way of owning land. Native groups owned what they could keep power over, and they often fought because of that, Pennington said.

In 1805, settlers and all the native groups signed an agreement called the Treaty of Detroit. The English bought up almost all the land. The Ottawa, Chippewa, Potawatomie, Shawnee and Wyandot groups sold their land to the English from $3,333.33 and an annual $800 after that.

“I’d like to listen to the salesman who sold them this deal,” Pennington said.

Chief Tecumseh of the Shawnee formed a federation that joined with the British in the War of 1812. Tecumseh was

Howard Pennington shows the purchase agreement his ancestors signed on land in Macon during a recent talk at the Lenawee County Historical Museum. killed during that war, and the federation disbanded. The English were left with the property.

An early map of Lenawee County that Pennington displayed showed forested land to the west. The eastern part of the area shows a large, flat area that the early settlers called the Cottonwood Swamp.

He said that this area was actually the bed of the prehistoric Lake Maumee.

Some of this area, he said, was agriculturally unavailable until the deep ditches were eventually built around Deerfield.

When survey work on Michigan began, Pennington said, the southern border was established. It took 20 days, or 10 miles a day, to survey a township, using surveying tools that were common to that time period, such as a sextant, a transit and a chain system that was used to measure distance.

Pennington said each survey team was comprised of about 20 people,

including an “axe man” who would go ahead and clear brush and trees, and “lookouts” who would keep watch for the survey team.

“A lot of it they did during the winter because they could walk across a frozen lake,” Pennington said.

Roads were eventually built to replace the trails. At that time, horses could go about 15 miles or so, and then they would have to rest them or change them,” Pennington said. “Halfway houses”, such as one that was built halfway between Adrian and Rome Center, sprang up so that people and animals could rest.

When railroads came into Lenawee County, settlements sprang up all over the county. Places with names such as Bimo, Wisdom, Kolt’s Corners, Mulberry, Fruitridge and Putnam are scattered over an early map. The village of Wolf Creek had a dance hall, a bar or two, maybe a grocery store, and probably a church, he said. Putnam, which was located on the south side of Sand Lake, had the Putnam Hotel.

One village, named Little Hope, was especially foretelling.

“It’s the only town that named itself for its future,” Pennington said.

Early railroads made travel much easier and faster, and people were able to use them to enjoy places and events that might have been very difficult before they were built.

“My father said that early on Sunday morning they would take the railroad to the north side of Devil’s Lake, take a ferry across, have their church picnic and could then go back that night,” Pennington said.

Pennington is interested in the history of early Lenawee County because some of his ancestors, including his great aunt, settled the area around Macon.

“I am impressed by the drive and the strength and the dedication that our ancestors had to achieve what they did,” Pennington said.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

LOCAL NEWS | A7

APRIL 2024

Roxanne Meeks, executive director of the Care Pregnancy Center, shows plans for how the center’s Broad Street building and a house it is renovating on Front Street will become a single campus, with women’s health care in one building and family support in the other.

Care Pregnancy Center hits a milestone with opening of new building The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — The Care Pregnancy Center of Lenawee marked a milestone in its 40-year history on March 12 with the dedication of a new building that will ultimately become the organization’s Family Resource Center.

The house is located directly behind CPC’s facility on North Broad Street.

Executive director Roxanne Meeks said a capital campaign for the project started several years ago, and renovations began in 2021.

“We invested a lot of money in the invisible — the infrastructure,” Meeks said. That includes heating, the electrical system, and information technology.

An attached garage was renovated first. It’s currently serving as a classroom and community space, but will eventually house CPC’s boutique, which provides material support for families by offering things like diapers, formula, strollers and car seats. Parents and expectant parents who take classes at CPC can earn “baby bucks” by participating and use these to purchase items from the boutique. When the boutique moves into its new space, Meeks said, there will be enough room

IN BRIEF Bryce Vine, Natalie Jane to perform at Adrian College spring concert ADRIAN — Rapper/singer Bryce Vine and singer/songwriter Natalie Jane will perform at Adrian College’s annual spring concert on Friday, April 19, in the Merillat Sports and Fitness Center Blue Gym, with doors opening at 7 p.m.

Bryce Vine says his style of play is drawn in equal parts from the bassheavy reality rap influence of his father, the bright, pop sensibility of his mother, and a childhood spent between New York and L.A. Natalie Jane says she is all about being honest — even when the feelings she’s plunging into are “murky and unsettled.” The New Jersey native was

to add maternity clothing and items for children older than 2, while currently age 2 is the cutoff.

Although there will be a few intermediate steps as the center grows, Meeks said the ultimate goal is that the existing CPC building on Broad Street will house women’s health care services, and the new house will serve as family support.

Family support includes parenting classes and demonstrations on topics like car seat safety, nutrition, and first aid for children.

Eventually, Meeks said, the Broad Street building’s entrance will be moved to the back of the building, creating the feeling of a seamless campus between the two locations.

Last year, Meeks said, the center served about 130 families. The majority of parents were between the ages of 22 and 35, and about 75% of the center’s clients are from Adrian.

“We envision that the CPC of Lenawee will become the best known resource in our community for all pregnancy and parenting help,” Meeks said.

CPC of Lenawee is at 308 N. Broad St. For information, call 517-263-5701 or go to cpclenawee.com.

inspired to lean into her vocal prowess by the strong women she listened to growing up.

General admission tickets to Adrian College’s spring concert are on sale now for $30 each at adriancollege. hometownticketing.com/embed/ event/359.

Author Caleb Rainey to speak at Adrian library ADRIAN — Caleb Rainey, an author, performer and producer who wrote the books “Look, Black Boy” and “Heart Notes,” will present a workshop on Saturday, April 13, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Adrian District Library. Rainey, who goes by the nickname “The Negro Artist,” will teach the basic history of the spoken word and provide examples and prompts to get participants writing.

The Adrian District Library is at 143 E. Maumee St. in downtown Adrian.

A8 | LOCAL NEWS

APRIL 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Lenawee Community Foundation to present annual awards on April 4

By Cynthia Heady

Lenawee Community Foundation

Elizabeth Andrews said, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time. They just have the heart.”

All year long we celebrate donors, volunteers, community members, past award recipients, and all of you who may have shared your hearts, assets, skills, or time to build a better Lenawee community.

The Lenawee Community Foundation’s annual celebration on April 4 will bring together local individuals, organizations, and businesses while recognizing award recipients and the work of donors, volunteers, and community partners. This year, we will celebrate three individuals and a business that excel beyond expectations.

The Lenawee Leadership Award, formerly known as the Maple Leaf Award, honors a person who exemplifies the principle that the future of our county will be determined by the quality of its leadership.

Harry “Dusty” Steele was selected to receive the 2024 Lenawee Leadership Award. Steele is active in many areas of advocacy throughout Lenawee County. He has shown exemplary community leadership and volunteerism through his participation in city government Harry “Dusty” and nonprofit Steele organizations. In addition to running his business, HB Steele Interactive Financial Planning, Steele gives of his time, talents, and treasure. Steele’s board of director seats include Siena Heights University where he currently serves as the board chairman, City of Adrian Downtown Development Authority (Adrian Main Street), Kiwanis Club of Adrian, Lenawee Development Finance Authority of the City of Adrian and Tecumseh, and Kiwanis Regional Trail Authority.

Steele’s leadership has helped the growth of Siena Heights University’s campus and student body, the YMCA of Lenawee County’s capital campaign success, adding bike lanes to the downtown streets, the establishment of Launch Lenawee and more. Steele has an innate ability to help businesses and organizations realize their vision as an organization and, in many ways, becomes a part of that vision and work.

Steele has a passion for our community, the heart for our community and the tenacity to make good things happen.

Katie Mattison is the 2024 recipient of the Stubnitz Award. The Stubnitz Award is presented annually to a person or couple demonstrating exemplary commitment to Lenawee Cares, our community, and volunteerism in Lenawee. The award is named in memory Katie Mattison of philanthropist and businessman Maurice Stubnitz.

Giving back should not be a phrase you hear but a lifestyle you live! Mattison has strived over the years to instill this, not only into her lifestyle, but also in how she and her husband Josh have raised their family. In 2006 Mattison and her family moved to Lenawee County. From the beginning Mattison’s family were involved with her volunteer activities, spending numerous hours learning how important our communities are. Mattison feels fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of Lenawee organizations like Adrian Symphony Orchestra, Community Learning Connection, Tecumseh Public Schools, Hospice of Lenawee, Tecumseh and Adrian Chambers, ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital, St. Elizabeth Church, City of Tecumseh Bicentennial Committee, and the Lenawee Community Foundations Lenawee Cares Advisory Board. Whether she is serving on a board, or boots on the ground with an organization’s project, Mattison enjoys giving to each of these organizations and is honored to be a part of them.

Jen Haracourt, Dave Herriman and Kristen Goodwin represent Kemner Iott Benz.

Kemner Iott Benz is the 2024 recipient of the Community Pillar Award, which is presented to an individual, couple, or business to recognize outstanding impact on our community through Lenawee Cares. The Pillar Award is a testament to Kemner Iott Benz unwavering commitment to making a positive impact through Lenawee Cares. As an innovative insurance agency with a remarkable 35-year legacy in serving the Michigan area, Kemner Iott Benz has consistently demonstrated a profound dedication to community welfare. Generosity and community support are ingrained in the agency’s ethos, propelled by a dynamic team that actively engages with local organizations. Numerous employees of Kemner Iott Benz contribute to various boards, embodying a culture that goes beyond business to prioritize collective well-being. Since the inception of Lenawee Cares in 2016, Kemner Iott Benz has consistently ranked in the Top 10 for campaigns, with several team members contributing at the prestigious Pillars Club Level. Moreover, their involvement extends to key roles within the Lenawee Community Foundation’s Lenawee Cares Advisory Board, highlighting a commitment to shaping a better tomorrow through initiatives like the Tomorrow’s Pillars program. Kemner Iott Benz stands as a beacon of community service, epitomizing the essence of the Community Pillar Award.

LENAWEE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS HONORED BY DAR

Good Citizens from six Lenawee County high schools were honored by the Lucy Wolcott Barnum Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution at its monthly meeting on March 13 at the Croswell House in Adrian. DAR created the Good Citizen program in 1934 to honor high school seniors who demonstrate the qualities of leadership, service, dependability, and patriotism to an outstanding degree. Good Citizens are chosen by their respective high schools. Pictured are, from left to right: Jillian Kendrick (Madison High School), Tanana Emmendorfer (Sand Creek), Alayna Salenbien (Britton Deerfield), Caitlin Tessier (Onsted), and Ella Bennett (Tecumseh). Honored but not pictured was Margaret Frost (Addison).

The 2024 Incito Award recipient is Jacob Cooper. The Incito Award was established in 2011 to recognize a young person, age 40 or under, who has emerged as a community leader and demonstrates a commitment to volunteerism, philanthropy, and leadership with Lenawee Cares and Jacob Cooper other organizations in our community. Since 2018, Cooper has been a part of the Lenawee Community Foundation’s Lenawee Cares Advisory Board, assuming roles of Secretary, Campaign Co-Chair, and presently, the position of Advisory Board Chair. In addition to his contributions to Lenawee Cares, Cooper serves as Treasurer for the City of Adrian Downtown Development Authority (Adrian Main Street) and as a Board Member and Public Relations Chair for the Adrian Noon Rotary Club. Cooper is a young leader that illuminates the path to positive change, inspiring the community with passion, vision, and a relentless drive to make a difference right here at home.

Cynthia Heady is director of development and external engagement for the Lenawee Community Foundation.

More info is at lenaweecommunityfoundation.com.

MHSAA recognizes scholar athletes Two students from Lenawee County schools are among 32 who were recognized in the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s 2024 Scholar Athlete awards.

Elaine Gordon (Adrian High School) is playing her third season of varsity basketball and will play her second season of varsity softball this spring. She is also a musician, playing in the marching band and symphony, and Elaine Gordon is involved in theater.

In college, Gordon plans to study Spanish education and sports management.

Alivia Salenbien (Britton Deerfield) played three season of varsity volleyball, is in her fourth season of varsity basketball, and will compete in her fourth season of track and field this spring.

She also played on the Alivia Salenbien boys’ varsity golf team as a junior. She plans to study early childhood education.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

LOCAL NEWS | A9

APRIL 2024

Students take on leadership roles in national organization

By Braden Musser Adrian College ’25

ADRIAN — Two Adrian College students have accepted volunteer roles in leadership positions for SAAB (formerly known as Student African American Brotherhood), a national organization with 355 chapters in 41 states. The organization is also known as Brother to Brother.

Current Adrian College SAAB/Brother to Brother (B2B) chapter president Elijah Dealca and former president Jalen Adams have earned the opportunity to represent Adrian College nationally, as they have been selected as Associate Consultants (ACs) within the SAAB national organization.

ACs fulfill a wide range of leadership needs such as tech support, fundraising, marketing, alumni relations, and the expansion and development of chapters across the country. Every two years, six to eight leaders are chosen to attend the Associate Consultant Institute (ACI) hosted at SAAB headquarters where they each present a research project to SAAB leadership. In addition, ACs are also invited to the SAAB Student Leadership Summit.

SAAB’s vision is to “remove educational barriers for at-risk youth and ensure that significantly more Black and Latino men graduate from college and to empower those graduates with the ethics and networks necessary to set a higher standard of achievement for men of color.”

Currently a senior, Adams played an instrumental role in the founding of Adrian College’s chapter of SAAB in the spring of 2023, with the help of SAAB founder Tyrone Bledsoe. Adams will be working within the marketing/public relations team.

Outside of his work with SAAB, Adams is a biology major and a member of the men’s volleyball team at Adrian College.

He is also involved with the TRIO Excel Program, which offers grant aid, educational workshops, career assessments, and leadership opportunities to first-generation college students. TRIO Excel also provides aid to students whose parents meet income guidelines and/or who have a documented disability.

Dealca, a sophomore with an Information Technology major, has been chosen to work on SAAB’s fundraising team. He and a SAAB member from another chapter have been tasked with creating fundraising proposals.

Along with being Adrian College’s B2B Chapter President, Dealca is the president of Adrian College’s chapter of Sigma

Coffee Soup Salads Sandwiches Chocolate

110 E. Maumee Street | Historic Downtown Adrian

Jalen Adams and Elijah Dealca have been selected as Associate Consultants within SAAB, a national student organization for men of color.

Alpha Epsilon. He also serves as a class secretary for the Student Government Association, an officer for Adrian College’s computer club, and is a member of the Campus Activity Network.

Both Adams and Dealca say their inspiration for getting involved with SAAB comes from Bledsoe, who spoke at Adrian College’s opening convocation in September 2022.

“I first met Dr. Bledsoe the first week of convocation,” Adams said. “I distinctly remember meeting him that day and from there, I just knew that SAAB was something that we wanted to bring to campus.”

Since the start of Adrian College’s B2B chapter, the group has grown significantly. B2B has hosted numerous fundraising events and has participated in volunteer efforts with groups such as the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee. Dealca and Adams would like to encourage students of all backgrounds to get involved and help grow the organization.

“One of the things we are looking to do specifically is, how can we, as a brotherhood organization on the campus of Adrian College, enlighten ourselves?” Dealca said. “How can we lift each other up? How can we have each other’s back academically, financially, spiritually? I think that’s one of the biggest things with Brother to Brother is just being able to be a part of something bigger than yourself.”

For more information on B2B or to get involved, email Dealca at edealca26@ adrian.edu or Adams at jadams24@ adrian.edu.

A10 | LOCAL NEWS

IN BRIEF Entrepreneurs invited to apply for Launch Lenawee ADRIAN — Entrepreneurs who would like to learn more about the foundations of running a successful business are invited to apply for Launch Lenawee’s seventh mentoring class.

There will be two orientation sessions in early May at which people interested in the class can get their questions answered. These will take place on Tuesday, May 7, and Tuesday, May 14 at the Adrian Armory Events Center, 230 W. Maumee St. Ten weeks of classes will begin May 10. People who complete the 10 weeks will graduate with a detailed business plan.

More than 50 people have completed the program over the course of the last six cohorts.

For more information, go to launchlenawee.org.

Local railroad among recipients of state’s Rail Enhancement Grants LANSING — The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced the recipients of the 2024 Michigan Rail Enhancement Grant Program that will invest $16 million in freight rail projects across the state.

The Adrian and Blissfield Railroad Co. will receive about $3.9 million toward an approximately $7.1 million project for rail, tie and ballast replacement, track surfacing, and yard improvements.

“We truly appreciate the MDOT Office of Rail’s commitment to the Adrian and Blissfied Railroad,” Chris Bagwell, A&B president, said in a news release.

“Outside of our existing freight business, the increased capacity realized through these projects make it more enticing for potential outside entities to locate in Michigan, driving business growth in our home state.”

APRIL 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Students receive Gary Bettis Tool Box Grant Five LISD Tech Center students in the Automotive Services Technology program recently received the Gary Bettis Tool Box Grant. The grants were presented by the Lenawee County Education Foundation.

Shane Kastel (Blissfield), Bennett Francis (Tecumseh), Raymond Stickler (Madison), Andrew Burkeen (Onsted), and John Schroth (Onsted) each received a $1,000 grant to purchase an automotive toolbox and basic tool kit. It is standard practice for automotive service technicians to provide their own tools in the workplace, including hand tools and specialty electrical tools. Tools will be purchased through a partnership with Blissfield Parts Inc. (a NAPA Auto Parts store with a branch location in Adrian), where students will also receive a discount on any tools they purchase.

The AST program prepares students for automotive service careers, including technicians, mechanics, engineers, and parts specialists. The ever-increasing sophistication of automotive technology

Left photo: John Wanke (LCEF), Bennett Francis (Tecumseh), and Shane Kastel (Blissfield).

Right: John Wanke (LCEF), John Schroth (Onsted), Andrew Burkeen (Onsted), Raymond Stickler (Madison), Dave Cabinaw (Blissfield Parts/NAPA). and the longevity of vehicles contribute to the growing need for automotive professionals nationwide. Students in this program learn in a shop setting and can earn industry-recognized certifications, including their state mechanic certification and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications.

The grant was established anonymously in memory of Gary Bettis, an LISD Tech Center alumnus.

Bettis was passionate about the Automotive Services Technology program and owned a full-service fuel store and automotive repair shop for more than 50 years.

Lenawee County Young Marines members presented with presidential volunteer awards ADRIAN — On Feb. 2, the Lenawee County Young Marine unit located in Adrian held an awards ceremony to recognize 14 of their members who earned the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

During 2023, these 11 Young Marines and three adult volunteers completed over 2,600 hours of community service.

The Presidential Volunteer Service Award is divided into four age categories.

In each category members can earn either the bronze, silver, or gold level award depending on the number of community service hours that are completed.

In the kids category, Lance Cpl. Noah Voorhees earned the gold level.

In the teens category, Staff Sgt. Manual Bowman, Pfc. Randy Elledge, Lance Cpl. Jack Favreau, and Sgt. Lilly Phillips all earned the silver level. Sgt. Anya McClure, Staff Sgt. Madalynn Trame, Gunnery Sgt. Nicholas Trame, Gunnery Sgt. Paul McClure, Sgt. Chase Voorhees, and Lance Cpl. Gavin Voorhees all earned the Gold Level.

Pictured are, in the back row: Staff Sgt. Manual Bowman, Staff Sgt. Madalynn Trame, Lance Cpl. Gavin Voorhees, Sgt. Chase Voorhees, and Lance Cpl. Jack Favreau. In the front row, Rebekah Hackett, Rachel Phillips, Gunnery Sgt. Nicholas Trame, Lance Cpl. Noah Voorhees, Sgt. Anya McClure, Sgt. Lilly Phillips, Pfc. Randy Elledge, Gunnery Sgt. Paul McClure.

In the adult category, Jason Brooks earned the bronze award, Rachel Phillips

earned the silver level, and Rebekah Hackett earned the gold level.

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THE LENAWEE VOICE

A11

APRIL 2024

LAND & WATER Where does your recycling go after the drop-off site?

While you are dropping off your bottles or cardboard at the Lenawee County recycling drop-off site (307 River St., Adrian), have you ever wondered what happens to it once you put it in the compactor?

In the past it would work like this: n When a container became full, one of our amazing Buildings and Grounds crew members would call our hauler, LRS (formerly Modern Waste), to let them know it needs to be picked up. n LRS would then take the recyclables to Granger’s facility in Jackson. n Granger then shipped it to their Materials Recovery Facility in Lansing for processing.

The county paid two separate bills, one for hauling and one for processing. But that won’t be the case anymore.

JULIE MAURER In January, the Lenawee County Solid Waste Department put out a request from bids for new hauling and processing contracts ... or both. LRS was the top bidder chosen by the Solid Waste Committee and the Board of Commissioners, and the new contract will save the county a considerable amount of money.

Since Modern Waste became part of LRS, it can offer something that wasn’t possible

when we asked for contract bids several years ago — their own in-house Materials Recovery Facility. LRS will now not only haul away our recyclables, but process them too. And because they are doing both services, the county receives a discount.

So where does your recycling go now?

Well, the first part of the process is the same. When our containers are full, we call LRS for a pickup. But now, they will take the recyclables to their own transfer station in Jackson before shipping with other loads from the area to their MRF near Chicago called “The Exchange.”

The Exchange is a state-of-the-art facility opened in summer 2023 which processes recycling at a rate of 25 tons of recyclables per hour.

At the MRF, your recycling goes

through the following process: n It gets sorted into types of commodities. n Then each type goes to the baler. n Bales of material are stacked together to be loaded into a truck. n Once someone purchases that commodity, it leaves the MRF. Your recycling is then on its way to become something new!

Hopefully, this rundown of the process behind the scenes was helpful! In 2023, more than 376 tons were sent to the MRF from the drop-off site alone. Countywide, when factoring in curbside recycling and commercial cardboard collection, our recycling total was 14,043 tons!

Julie Maurer is Lenawee County’s solid waste program coordinator.

When setting fires is a good thing: Prescribed fire explained If you’ve ever looked out your car window on a dry, spring day to see smoke rising from a roadside ditch and fire creeping along the ground, you’ve witnessed a prescribed burn. And if you stopped to chat with the person tending the fire you might have learned that periodic burning helps suppress the growth of woody plants, reduces the built-up litter layer or “thatch,” and promotes healthy growth of grasses and wildflowers. When we apply prescribed fire in grasslands and other natural areas — both at small and large scales — we can generate these same benefits, which in turn helps out wildlife species like butterflies, bees, songbirds and game birds.

But wait, grasslands? You might be thinking that Michigan was historically covered in forests, from one beautiful Great Lakes shoreline to the next, and you’d be right — mostly. Michigan is estimated to have had 2.2 million acres of grassland or prairie, with most of it located in our southernmost pocket of the state. More than half of those 2.2 million acres were savannas, or

LAURA JUDGE grasslands with interspersed trees often referred to as “oak openings.”

The grasslands and savannas and all the plants and animals that relied on them owed their existence to fire that would periodically sweep across the landscape. Sometimes the fires originated from a natural cause, like lightening strike, and sometimes they were lit intentionally

by Native American tribes, often with the goal of improving hunting and gathering opportunities. For example, fire stimulates the growth of wild blueberries and the flush of new plant growth post-fire attracts game animals like bison.

Now fast forward to modern times and the era of Smokey the Bear, who

leads us to believe that all fires in natural areas are bad and should be prevented or extinguished at all costs. As with most things, this blanket portrayal of “good” and “bad” is too simple and misses the full story.

Of the original 2.2 million acres of grasslands and savannas in southern Michigan, less than 0.1% remains today. Yes, that’s less than one percent remaining. There are ongoing efforts by wildlife enthusiasts, hunters and others to restore as much grassland and savanna as possible and thereby provide homes for the plants and critters that need grasslands to survive. And to restore grasslands and savannas, they must also restore fire to the landscape.

Enter the modern-day concept of prescribed fire!

Much like the prescription your doctor gives you when you show up with certain complaints, the “prescription” for the fire details the correct set of weather conditions and timing required in order to ensure the burn is safe (i.e. it doesn’t escape the boundary) and effective (i.e. it’s designed to

meet certain goals). Setting back or preventing growth of trees and shrubs is often a goal of prescribed fire. This is because in Michigan’s relatively wet (aka non-desert) climate grasslands will eventually become shrublands and forests without some sort of management. Prescribed fire is usually the best of the tools in the management toolbox.

To be clear, prescribed fires should only be lit by those with training and experience and the proper protective equipment. But anyone can learn! If this article has sparked your interest you can find more information at the Michigan Prescribed Fire Council’s website (firecouncil.org) or get in touch with me at the email at the end of this column. And the next time you see someone burning, whether it’s a ditch or a large grassland, keep a safe distance, but remember to thank them later for keeping the fire alive.

Laura Judge is a farm bill biologist with the Lenawee Conservation District. She can be reached at laura.judge@macd.org or 517-759-5592.

Most of the U.S.’s new power capacity came from solar last year

By Tik Root Grist

Solar accounted for most of the capacity the nation added to its electric grids last year. That feat marks the first time since World War II, when hydropower was booming, that a renewable power source has comprised more than half of the nation’s energy additions.

“It’s really monumental,” said Shawn Rumery, senior director of research at the Solar Energy Industries Association, or SEIA. The trade group announced the 2023 numbers in a report released March 6 with analytics firm Wood MacKenzie. The 32.4 gigawatts that came online in the United

States last year shattered the previous high of 23.6 gigawatts recorded in 2021 and accounted for 53% of new capacity.

Natural gas was next in line at 18%.

SEIA called 2023 the best year for renewables since World War II. Texas and California led a solar surge driven mostly by utility-scale installations, which jumped 77% year-over-year to 22.5 gigawatts. The residential and commercial sectors also reached new milestones. Only the relatively nascent community solar market missed its previous mark, though not by much, said Rumery. Overall he called it an “almost record-setting year across the industry.”

One factor driving all that growth was an

easing of supply chain constraints, which had slowed the delivery of solar panels.

The problem arose in early 2022 after a small California manufacturer, Auxin Solar, filed a petition with the Department of Commerce accusing Chinese companies of circumventing U.S. tariffs by funneling panels through Southeast Asia. The government largely sided with Auxin, and new tariffs are set to take effect in June.

The dispute “really set back a lot of utility-scale projects,” said Rumery. But, he explained, solar developers found workarounds that helped foster strong 2023 growth, when projects slated to finish in 2022 finally wrapped up. While the boost from delayed installations will dissipate in

coming years, and residential solar faces headwinds due to changes in net metering rules, experts generally expect renewable energy to keep on its trajectory.

“It’s very likely to continue because solar and wind are now very well established,” said Rob Stoner, director of the MIT Energy Initiative. “Solar costs continue to fall far below where we ever thought they would.”

Despite its rapid ascendance, solar still makes up just 5% of the U.S. electricity mix. But the March 6 report projects that, over the next decade, the nation will add nearly 500 gigawatts of solar power.

This story is from the nonprofit newsroom Grist.org.

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APRIL 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.

EDITORIALS

The city of Adrian’s $100,000 dilemma The Adrian City Commission has both an opportunity and a dilemma.

The opportunity is in the form of $100,000 that District Court Judge Laura Schaedler ordered Crimson Holdings to pay into a fund for the benefit of residents who have been affected by the noxious sulfurous smell coming from its plant on East Maumee Street.

The dilemma is that figuring out how to deploy that money in a way that is both fair and will make a difference ... is easier said than done.

You might think that the simplest tactic would be for the city to just mail a check to everyone who lives in the immediate vicinity and be done with it. But then, what counts as the immediate vicinity? Invitations to a recent public forum were mailed to everyone within a half-mile radius of the plant, and that came to a few thousand addresses. Divide $100,000 among that many people, and the resulting checks won’t amount to much more than a tank of gas.

Maybe the circle could be smaller. Even though on some days people noticed that rotten-egg smell far across town, it’s undeniable that the neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the factory — such as the people who live on the easternmost blocks of streets like Hunt, Butler, Church and Frank — have gotten the worst of it.

But that’s still complicated. As some city commissioners have already noted, a strategy that targets specific households would have to draw a line on the map.

Somewhere, the residents of one household would be eligible and their neighbors would not. It would be hard to draw the boundary in a way that wouldn’t create unfairness along its path.

And then, since this problem has been going on for more than two years, do you make a distinction between people who have lived in the area for the entire time and people who moved in or out of the area during that time?

A further complication: As city administrator Greg Elliott noted during one commission meeting, people with air conditioning found their ability to enjoy their yards during the summer severely curtailed, but at least they could go inside and shut the windows. People without air conditioning who have to keep their windows open during the summer had no escape at all.

Then there’s the rental properties question.

People understandably bristle at the idea of any solution that broadly benefits property owners, in light of the fact that many east side property owners are landlords who don’t actually live in the area. Using the funds to pay for things that the person who gets the tax bill normally chips in for — like sidewalks — would benefit property owners, but not necessarily residents.

At the same time, it would be unfair to implement a solution that only benefits homeowners and leaves renters out of it. Renters have been affected by the problem too. (And since rental properties are subject to some taxes that owner-occupied homes are not, you could legitimately argue that renters are actually responsible for more property taxes than homeowners, even if they don’t pay them directly.)

Could the money be used for some other kind of civic improvement in the area, one that would benefit everyone living in the neighborhood? That’s a nice idea, and one we could get behind — but the question is, what?

Normally in this space, if we discuss a problem, we like to propose a solution. In this case we don’t have one.

There’s no easy or obvious answer.

One thing we should note is that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Crimson Holdings by a handful of area residents, acting on behalf of themselves and their neighbors. They are represented

by Dubin Law, a firm from Ann Arbor, and according to documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, that lawsuit is currently in settlement discussions.

Depending on the outcome of those talks, people in the neighborhood may have another way to get justice and be compensated for the damages they have incurred.

LOCAL VIEWS

Fighting homelessness begins with affordable housing options It was a cold January early morning as members of various community-based organizations slowly filed into Housing Help of Lenawee to prepare for the yearly task aimed at gathering data on the homeless, better referred to as unhoused individuals. This federal requirement, known as the Point-in-Time count, serves as the count of people experiencing homelessness on a single day in January all across the country. The Lenawee County Continuum of Care coordinated and planned our count for January 24.

After breaking into teams, groups were provided maps of encampments or locations unhoused individuals were known to stay. We discussed safety protocols and reporting requirements while also understanding we would be entering an individual’s space or encampment most likely when they were sleeping. This strategy offset previous year’s engagement attempts when volunteers found empty encampments during the day, as individuals were within the community. The other struggle we faced was how to enter encampments or living spaces of an individual, strike up conversation, and hopefully get them to share their personal information with a group of complete strangers.

Our strategy was to provide organizational information, socks, homemade cookies, personal hygiene products, and tarps. In most cases, a friendly smile and a warm hello was all that was needed to open the door to conversation and start building mutual trust.

and offered resources. The encampment offered a sense of community and some stability compared to living openly in a door well. Safety protocols were established. As they entered, they notified others with a distinct “call.”

They shared spaces and resources while looking after each other and sharing food, heat, and shelter.

My group’s first encounter was One couple in their 50s chose to with two men, one in his mid 50s live in a tent because it was more and the other in his early 70s, who affordable than the had both been costs of monthly rent living openly in and utilities of an the door wells of apartment given their vacant buildings limited resources on Maumee and income. A Street. They younger man in his had a history early 30s shared his of housing hopes of re-entering instability, yet college and starting were aware a business. However, of local, state, his own awareness and federal of his mental health resources. The struggles gave him struggle they pause as he reflected faced came on his eight years of down to the housing insecurity. availability As a community we of accessible are fortunate to have and affordable the organizations housing. and individuals of the Having reached Continuum of Care their limit at dedicated to providing supports to the shelter, a lack of availability at our unhoused.

However, we must the Adrian Inn, and no available and affordable rental unit that could collectively continue to focus on the essential need of growing available be paid for on their small monthly income, both men turned to living in and affordable housing for our community. the open elements on the street.

The next encounter was with The Lenawee County Continuum of Care works to a woman in her early 50s as meet the needs of Lenawee County’s homeless she prepared to enter a local population. For more information, contact encampment. Fearful we were Cara Snyder at cara.coc.chair@gmail.com or there to “evict” them, stress reduced Claudia Annoni at cannoni@h2lenawee.org. as we identified our organizations

BOB BEHNKE

One couple in their 50s chose to live in a tent because it was more affordable than monthly rent and utilities given their limited resources and income. A younger man shared his hopes of re-entering college and starting a business.

However, his awareness of his mental health struggles gave him pause.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

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APRIL 2024

We can build a more walkable, bikeable Adrian In 2017, I became a statistic.

I was hit by a driver while crossing the street on my way to work. I blamed the incident on a bad driver and tried to move on with my life, but I began witnessing more and more close calls while walking and biking in Adrian.

Over the past seven years, I have experienced the following while walking and cycling: being threatened verbally by drivers, being honked at for no reason, being passed too close, being tailgated, having things thrown at me, being called derogatory names, being run off the road, being hit or almost hit in a crosswalk when I had the right of way, having drivers pull out directly in front of me, and having drivers use their vehicle as a weapon to intimidate me. These things have happened while I’ve been by myself, when I’ve been with my child, when I’ve been wearing high-visibility clothing, when I’ve been following the law. Ask any person who regularly rides their bike or walks around town, and they will share similar stories.

One thing that almost every incident has in common? They happened in a place where pedestrian and cycling infrastructure was an afterthought and vehicles were prioritized. The design of our streets not only allows, but encourages dangerous behavior.

It doesn’t have to be like this.

Complete Streets is a transportation policy and design approach first enacted in Oregon in 1971. It aims to enable safe, convenient, and comfortable travel for

JERICK TIMM users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation. Its principles include: n Curb extensions at intersections, which shorten the crossing distance for pedestrians, increase visibility of pedestrians, and slow turning drivers. n Leading pedestrian intervals, which change the timing of stop lights to give crossing pedestrians a five- to 10-second head start before the light turns green for car traffic. This simple change can reduce car collisions with pedestrians by nearly 60%. n Protected bike lanes, especially on busy roads. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable letting your child ride in the bike lane, it’s not safe enough. Protected bike lanes also add an extra layer of protection for pedestrians, making walking safer and more comfortable. n A cohesive network of bicycle infrastructure, or at least a plan that is in the works, consisting of protected bike lanes and mixed use paths.

When Adrian’s infrastructure is built solely around the car, we are underserving the majority of our population. Roughly 20% of our population is under 18,

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] Anderson-Marry Funeral Homes, andersonfuneralservices.com [BVH] Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home, brownvanhemert.com [H] Handler Funeral Homes, handlerfuneralhomes.com [PM] Purse Martinez Funeral Home, pursemartinez.com [W] Wagley Funeral Homes, wagleyfuneralhomes.com Lawrence “Junior” Bliesner, 98, of Blissfield died on Feb. 17. He farmed for over 60 years and worked at Tecumseh Products. [W] Sandy M. Sisty, 65, of Adrian died on Feb. 17. She attended St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed gardening, camping, and taking her boys fishing. [H] Beverly Ann Clark, 87, of Adrian died on Feb. 18. She worked at the Fisher Body plant in Tecumseh for 28 years and was a longtime member of Trinity Baptist Church in Adrian. [W] Donald R. Clay, 80, of Dundee died on Feb. 18. He worked with General Motors for over 20 years before moving to Florida and working in construction. He returned to Michigan in 2010. [PM] E. Keith Corbin, 91, of Manitou Beach died on Feb. 18. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and worked at Corbin Brothers Chevrolet for 16 years before becoming a minister. He was pastor of West Rome Baptist Church for 31 years. [W] Rhodie Mae Henagan, 88, of Adrian died on Feb. 18. She was a member of Second Baptist Church and later joined Bethel AME. She was retired from the Adrian Dominican Life Center where she worked as a nursing assistant. [AM] Brandy A. MacFarlane, 48, of Horton died on Feb. 18. She attended the Porter Education Center in Adrian. She also participated in the Special Olympics. [AM] Peter “Pete” Clifford Stewart, 62, of Adrian died on Feb. 19. A graduate of Adrian High School and Albion College, he was a radio host for WLEN, WABJ and WQTE, and performed in many shows at the Croswell. [W] Mary A. Vanderlaan, 93, of Blissfield died on Feb. 19. She was a member of the Deerfield Church of God. [H]

Louada Berger, 80, of Adrian died on Feb. 20. She worked at Roberts Jewelers in Adrian for many years. She attended the Adrian Senior Center. [W] Perry Curtis Brown, 64, of Manitou Beach died on Feb. 21. He was a Navy veteran who served in Desert Storm. He drove trucks and was a member of the former Addison Masonic Lodge #157. [BVH] Gary W. Fultz, 69, of Adrian died on Feb. 21. He was a self employed truck driver and was skilled at woodworking. [AM] Thomas L. Spaulding, 75, of Ridgeway died on Feb. 21. He was employed as a welder with Sweepster Inc. in Dexter until his retirement. [PM] Charles C. Swanson, 96, of Adrian died on Feb. 21. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of Stateline Gem and Mineral Rock Club. [AM] Alicia Ann LaHaie, 66, of Adrian died on Feb. 22. She and her husband moved to Adrian in 2000. She worked in a number of fields, but with COVID became a stay-at-home mom for her beloved two rescue dogs. [H] Lois M. Sarapo Mills, 95, of Adrian died on Feb. 22. She was an Adrian High School graduate, class of 1946. [W] Debra A. Bourdage, 72, of Adrian died on Feb. 23. She was employed by General Motors in Flint until her retirement. [AM] Grace Estelle Fish, 90, of Hudson died on Feb. 23. She and her husband farmed, and she attended Medina Federated Church. She had been a member of Top of Ohio Dulcimer Friends Band. [AM] Sonja M. Morrison, 84, of Archbold died on Feb. 23. She worked at Fayette Tubular for more than 42 years. [AM]

18% is over 65, 12% is living with a disability, and 26% lives below the poverty line. With our limited public transportation, many people are forced to walk, bike, ride a scooter, or use a mobility aid to get around the city.

Adrian currently has a perfect opportunity to start implementing Complete Streets with the Downtown Bike Loop. This project consists of a repaving and redesign of East Maumee Street, Winter Street, and Maple Avenue.

The project’s listed objectives include connecting bike infrastructure to downtown, slowing traffic speeds, and improving walkability. Unfortunately, the proposed redesign fails to put the safety of our most vulnerable road users first. It implements a 20-year outdated two-way bike lane that is unintuitive, dangerous, cannot be easily expanded, does not connect users to downtown, is not accessible for people with disabilities, and maximizes the potential for conflict with drivers by making people bike against the flow of traffic.

By putting the two-way bike lane on one side of the street, the designers simply shifted the traffic lanes over, removing the shoulder that previously created a small buffer zone between traffic and the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street. Without that buffer, walkability will be worse and the sidewalks will be far more dangerous as motor vehicles pass within inches of the sidewalk instead of feet.

The design also maintains the current traffic lane design, which will result in no reduction in speeding. You must change the design of the street to force drivers to slow down.

A better design would feature raised, protected bike lanes on both sides of the street that follow the flow of traffic, making it safer for both cyclists and drivers. It would also be easily expandable into a usable bike network that could help provide access into downtown from all areas of the city.

It would reduce speeding by altering the design of the street instead of continuing to rely on a sign.

A better design would improve walkability by providing a buffer between car traffic and pedestrians on both sides of the street.

It would also be more cost effective than the proposed design.

The Downtown Bike Loop is our new city commission’s opportunity to end the cycle of inaction by commissions of the past and push for a better, stronger, and more resilient Adrian.

As a survivor of a preventable crash, I refuse to accept that my community’s streets will continue to be unsafe. It’s time for change — for meaningful, actionable change that prioritizes the lives and wellbeing of all residents. It’s time for our leaders to not just listen, but to act, and to finally deliver on the promise of safer streets for everyone.

Kevin E. Underwood, 62, of Adrian died on Feb. 24. He was a jack of all trades and worked many years as a roofer in the local area. [W] Geraldine M. Huffman, 94, of Hudson died on Feb. 26. She had worked at Bob’s Market as a cashier. [AM] Joanna L. Morris, 77, of Brooklyn died on Feb. 26. She had worked as a bus driver at Columbia Central schools. [PM] Dorothy Ann Withrow, 91, died on Feb. 26 at Cambrian Assisted Living in Tecumseh. She was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tecumseh and retired from the Tecumseh High School cafeteria. [H] Ronnie Lee Bechtol Sr., 81, died on Feb. 27. He worked in construction and was a member of Detroit Carpenter’s Union Local 118 for more than 55 years. [H] Carolee Isaacson, 78, of Whitehouse died on Feb. 27. Previous employment included Fayette Tubular and the law firm of Fallon, Kalniz, and Iorio in Toledo. She became a territory manager with Tupperware. [AM] Helga M. Duncil, 86, of Blissfield died on Feb. 28. She was retired from Rite-Aid as a cashier. [W] Faye C. Goodrow, 83, of Hudson died on Feb. 28. She was employed at American Chain and Cable and Goedert Real Estate. [BVH] Justin L. Jenkins, 33, of Adrian died on Feb. 28. He enjoyed cutting wood, mowing grass, and making people laugh. [AM] Marieta Susann Kamke, 83, of Jackson died on Feb. 28. A Hudson High School graduate, she worked at Addison Hospital for many years, retiring in 1990. [BVH] Jeremy Joseph Long, 36, of Adrian died on Feb. 28. He was a farmer and worked for Smith Trucking in Blissfield for the last 15 years as a truck driver and mechanic. [AM] Richard Refner Jr., 82, of Adrian died on Feb. 28. He served in the U.S. Navy. He was employed at the Tecumseh Products for 31 years where he retired from working in quality control. He was a member of the Irish Hils Hog Hunters Bass Fishing Club. [AM] Roberta D. Smith, 84, of Clayton died on Feb. 28. She worked many jobs over the years, her last as a laundry attendant at the Carlton Lodge in Adrian. [AM] Joshua D. Anders, 33, of Wauseon died on Feb. 29. A Tecumseh High School graduate, he served in the U.S. Army and was employed as a plumber. He loved playing disc golf. [AM]

Ward Thompson Moulton III, 74, of Adrian died on Feb. 29. He served 22 years in the Air Force and later worked at Gleaner Life Insurance until his retirement in 2016. [AM] Ronald W. Sell, 63, of Adrian died on Feb. 29. He worked at Michigan TBA as an auto parts salesman for over 35 years. He enjoyed listening to music and playing his guitar. [W] Mary Esther Overmyer Merillat, 93, formerly of Fayette and Morenci, died on March 1. She was a member of Fayette Christian Church-Disciples of Christ. [AM] Shirley Ann Callahan, 93, of Adrian died on March 2. She was a lifetime member of the Adrian Moose Lodge and enjoyed bowling, golfing, bingo, dominoes, jigsaw puzzles and word search games. [AM] Natalie Denise Lorichon, 59, of Jasper died on March 2. She loved nature and the outdoors. [H] Jerry R. Powers, 52, of Onsted died on March 2. He had worked with with Shermans Mobile Homes, Central Outlet Mobile Homes, and Capitol. [PM] Sylvia Lorca, 62, of Tecumseh died on March 3. Hobbies included fishing, crime documentaries, grandchildren and searching for four-leaf clovers. [PM] Marilyn Jean Markwell, 77, of Adrian died on March 3. Known for being a dog lover, she had four-legged friends most of her life. [W] Jeffrey “Hawk” Hawkins, 55, of Tecumseh died on March 4. He drove a boom truck for many years before starting his own landscape company. He loved riding his Harley and hunting. [H] Lori A. Barth, 57, of Adrian died on March 6. She and her husband ran an elephant ear stand at fairs and festivals for many years.

Later in life she obtained a degree in psychology from the University of Phoenix. She was a talented artist and loved to paint. [W] Perry Rochte Brower, 100, died on March 6. He served in the Navy during World War II. He owned and operated Perry’s Market (now Sterling Market) in Manitou Beach for 18 years. He then worked at Adrian College in the mail department, retiring in 1990. He was a member of West Rome Baptist Church and American Legion Post #97. [W] Shirley M. Copas, 94, of Adrian died on March 6. She was a retired teacher. She was a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and various bridge groups. [H]

Jerick Timm lives in Adrian.

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APRIL 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

IN MEMORY Avery Kennedy, 77, of Brooklyn died on March 6. [PM] Lori Loar, 62, of Blissfield died on March 7. She was employed as a waitress at Sue’s Pizza and Garfield’s for many years. She enjoyed gardening, rescuing cats, and reading. [AM] Edward George Dubisky, 87, of Onsted died on March 8. He was retired from Consumers Energy in Livonia and was a

member of St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Clark Lake. [BVH] Terry Lynn Betz, 71, of Tipton died on March 9. He worked for Peerless Gear, GTE, the Michigan Lottery system, and Tecumseh Public Schools. He umpired high school baseball and was a Cub Scout Master for several years. [AM] Joann Elizabeth Sieler-Trent, 79, of Adrian died on March 10. She worked as an accountant for Honeywell. A talented seamstress, she greatly enjoyed making doll clothes and blankets. [AM]

Jeffrey Stewlow, 57, of Clinton died on March 10. He was employed by Mark Maschino Construction and Tecumseh Plywood. In 2006 he became co-owner of Bailey’s Watercare in Tecumseh. [H] Eustaquio “Benjamin” Pérez, 92, of Adrian died on March 11. He retired from Ford Motor Company in Saline. He was a talented tailor and enjoyed gardening and cooking. [W] Shirley Ann Brackenbury, 84, of Adrian died on March 12. She was the manager of the Adrian Village apartment complex for 21 years. She was a member of the Moose and Eagles and enjoyed gofling and bowling. [AM] Alan “Al” Leroy Gilhouse, 74, of Tecumseh died on March 13. An Army veteran, he was active in the Lenawee County 40&8, American Legion and VFW. He enjoyed playing the accordion, cooking and catering for Big Daddy Hot Dog & BBQ. [W] Lucille A. Tiede, 90, of Britton died on March 13. She was a member of Immanuel Luteran Church and enjoyed visiting area polka clubs. [PM] Mark Allen Tschirhart, 76, of Clinton died on March 13. He was an Army veteran and a member of the Clinton American Legion Post #176. He ran Mark’s Garage in Clinton for 42 years and was a member of the Macon United Methodist Church. [H] Gerald “Jerry” Wyant, 72, of Hudson died on March 13. He was employed in the zinc plating industry, starting as a foreman and then became finishing manager, salesman, chemist, plant manager, plant owner and director of operations. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and slot car racing. [BVH]

Aaron Fierros-Guadalupe, 28, of Petersburg died on March 14. He was a talented artist and loved to cook and make people laugh. [AM] Arnold Harper, 86, of Adrian died on March 14. He was retired from Brazeway and owned A-1 Sewing Machines. He was active in politics, serving many years in Madison Township government. He was a member of Madison Church of the Nazarene. [W] Donald E. Welch, 88, of Adrian died on March 14. He had owned Welch the Cleaner in Adrian, and also served as a Lenawee County commissioner.

Donna “Missy” Banting Fisher, 76, of Brooklyn died on March 15. She taught in Adrian Public Schools for 25 years. [W] Leona May Harland, 91, of Adrian, formerly of Onsted, died on March 15. She worked for the Lenawee County Library and was instrumental in opening the Onsted bramch in 1991. She served as the Onsted branch librarian for 18 years. [AM] Clarissa “Jeannie” Machan, 81, of Tecumseh died on March 15. She worked many jobs in the manufacturing industry. She was a sponsor and advocate for Alcoholics Anonymous, helping in the recovery and rehabilitation of others. [AM] Nancy A. (Clark) Moret, 77, of Caraway, Arkansas, formerly of Adrian, died on March 15.

Maria Gyöngyi Woods, 56, of Milan died on March 15. She enjoyed traveling around Michigan visiting lighthouses. [H] James Allen Helphinstine, 82, of Adrian died on March 16. He was a member of Hudson First Congregational Church. [PM] James O. Reynolds, 88, of Adrian died on March 16. He was the Standard Oil agent in Clinton for seven years and worked for Ford for 29 years. [AM] Kenneth A. Jaynes, 69, died on March 17.

He was retired from Milton Manufacturing in Detroit. He was a history enthusiast and enjoyed Civil War re-enactments, where he was known as Captain Kenny of the 17th Michigan. [AM] Thomas Moses Yamin, 63, of Hillsdale died on March 17 at Hospice of Lenawee. He was retired from Martinrea in Jonesville. [AM] Loralee K. Fenner, 69, of Clayton died on March 18. She enjoyed painting, crafts, listening to music, and playing card games. [BVH] Roger L. Daykin II, 59, of Adrian died on March 19. He was an Air Force veteran and worked for Roto Plastics as a tool and die maker. [AM] James Boyd Montney II, 53, of Rollin Township died on March 19. He worked for Commonwealth Heritage Group, was a member of the Rollin Center Church, and played violin for the Sauk Theater in Jonesville and Hudson Christmas Cantata. [BVH] Chad Clyde Gehring, 49, of Clayton died on March 21. He had been a resident of the Adrian area since birth. [PM] Mary Lillian Hill, 87, of Morenci died on March 21. She was a member of the DAV Auxiliary Unit #20. [AM] Rowiena White, 76, of Addison died on March 22. [BVH] Robert Dean Stuck, 72, of rural Hudson died on March 23. He was a U.S. Army veteran who drove for UPS, serving the Deerfield and Petersburg areas and retiring in 2012. [BVH]

THE LENAWEE VOICE

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APRIL 2024

Rescue from page A1 Most of the horses who have come through Wild Acres were surrendered.

One common situation involves owners who are getting older and just aren’t able to take care of their horses the way they used to. But the reason doesn’t really matter, and in fact the rescue has a “no questions asked” policy.

“We don’t want to pass judgment on them,” Wild said. “We’re just glad they contacted us.”

The rescue will also sometimes buy horses at auctions to keep them from being purchased by a “kill buyer,”

Siena Heights from page A3 landscape of the 21st century.”

Palmer announced that the university’s Brain Gain Promise, a newly launched program that guarantees free tuition for students from families with household incomes of less than $65,000 per year, will be expanded to cover students from anywhere in Michigan, not just Lenawee County.

“Catholic colleges and universities have always been committed to educating those for whom access to the American dream has been difficult,” he said.

Palmer also said that Catholic institutions have always “reached out to educate the sons and daughters of new arrivals to our shores.”

In the past, that often meant Italian, Irish and Polish immigrants. Today, he said, the same tradition is leading Siena Heights to work to expand opportunities for Hispanic students, and the school

someone who buys horses to be slaughtered.

Wild said the organization has rescued about 15 horses so far. There are three at their current facility, and one more who’s still living at their former location near Brooklyn.

The rescue has no paid staff. There are three board members and one regular volunteer; board members all help out with feeding and cleaning.

“Everybody’s pitching in,” Wild said.

The rescue is currently looking for more volunteers, both for tasks like cleaning the fields and for publicity.

Marketing and fundraising are major focus areas this year.

At its current population, and with

has started forming partnerships with organizations like the Michigan Hispanic Coalition and Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

“By embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity, we enrich the fabric of our university community and prepare our students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and globalized world,” he said. “When we embrace diversity, we embrace the richness of the human experience and we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities.”

a lot of feed and hay being donated, Wild estimated the rescue can get by on $10,000 per year as long as none of the horses has any significant veterinary bills. But there’s room for more horses on the land they’re leasing — and Wild said she’d like to get annual fundraising up to about $35,000.

Seeing the difference it makes in a

horse’s life makes all the work worthwhile, Wild said.

“When they come here, they’ve got all this room to run,” she said, “and that’s what they do. They just run around, and you can tell they’re happy.”

For more information about Wild Acres Horse Rescue, call 734-748-9057 or go to wildacreshorserescue.org.

A16

APRIL 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

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ASO’s season of Stravinsky ends with groundbreaking ‘Rite of Spring’ » PAGE B3

Stuart MacDonald headlines trio of magicians at the Croswell on April 6 & 7 » PAGE B5

ARTS & LIVING

THE LENAWEE VOICE SECOND SECTION APRIL 2024

Building futures Local woodworking institute’s professional program gains a nationwide reputation

By Erik Gable

The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Working in wood is much more than just a hobby, says Luke Barnett, founder of the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in Adrian.

Nobody knows that better than the 20 students who are currently working toward diplomas in the institute’s professional program, titled Wood Design: Furniture Making. The diploma program, which is in its fourth year, is drawing students from across the U.S. and has placed graduates with some of the nation’s top furniture makers.

“Most people don’t realize how big the wood industry is,” Barnett said.

But if you look around your home, he noted, most of the things you see will be made of wood. That makes furniture manufacturing a multi-billion dollar industry — and Michigan, with its rich history of forestry, is at the center of it.

“If you take the top 10 furniture companies in North America, four of them are headquartered in Michigan,” Barnett said. “Those four companies alone generate over $10 billion in revenue.”

The institute’s 40-week diploma program is designed to give students the skills to either pursue entrepreneurial opportunities or join the workforce with the hands-on experience and sense of craftsmanship necessary to succeed in the woodworking industry.

“It’s a very difficult program. It’s very advanced,” Barnett said.

The current class is the institute’s fourth, and the 20 students enrolled in it will graduate on June 1.

Armando Covarrubias Jr. works on a toolbox during the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute’s diploma program. Intending to change careers after many years in food science and agriculture, Covarrubias moved from New Mexico to attend the 40-week program, which is in its fourth year and is attracting students from across the country. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DENA KOEHN/SBWI There are many reasons for pursuing the yearlong diploma program as there are students.

The youngest of this year’s students is Nyla Robinson, 19, who is a 2022 graduate of Mona Shores High School in western Michigan. She first started working with furniture in 2020, when she bought a dresser for $50 on Facebook Marketplace and refinished it for a friend, sanding, staining, and putting on new hardware.

“I really liked it,” she said. “The whole process was so fun.”

After that she started buying used furniture to flip and sell, and also started taking on commissions. But she realized she wanted to do more than just refinish furniture — she wanted to learn how to make it as well.

She found out about the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in

See WOOD, page B7

Nyla Robinson is one of the students in the furniture making diploma program at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute.

Governor Croswell’s house on Broad Street will open for public tours

By Peter Barr

The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — The historic Governor Charles M. Croswell house at 228 N. Broad St. will open to the public for guided tours on selected Fridays in 2024, according to Nancy Kujda, Regent of the Lucy Wolcott Barnum Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Adrian’s DAR has scheduled the tours to coincide with selected First Fridays in Adrian.

The chapter plans to have members available at the house on the evenings of Friday, June 7,

and Friday, Aug. 2, with hopes to possibly expand the number of dates in 2025.

Small groups can also arrange visits by appointment.

The DAR’s decision to offer these tours reflects Kujda’s desire to focus the chapter’s energies on community outreach, historic preservation, and recruitment.

“These tours will provide history buffs with a rare opportunity to view his wellpreserved Greek-Revival style home, which has been little changed since the 1840s, and to learn about the DAR and the remarkable life of Governor Charles Croswell,” Kujda said.

Among the few updates to the house since it was built in the early 1840s are its charming 1920s kitchen and its 1949 auditorium added to the back of the structure to accommodate the DAR chapter’s meetings.

The DAR has owned and maintained the building since 1927. Prior to that, the house remained in the possession of Croswell’s extended family until his second wife, Elizabeth Musgrave Croswell Merrill, donated it to the DAR as a memorial to her husband. Its first owner was the builder

See HOUSE, page B6

Gov. Charles Croswell’s house is located on North Broad Street in downtown Adrian. PETER BARR/LENAWEE VOICE

B2 | ARTS & LIVING

APRIL 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Jadein Black performs for the audience at last year’s Drag Cabaret put on by W4 Entertainment and the M Society. This year’s event is a concert featuring a wider range of entertainment and is billed as “a celebration of diversity, self-expression, and the vibrant LGBTQ+ community.”

‘Live Beats & Drag Treats’ a celebration of diversity and community talent The Lenawee Voice

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ADRIAN — What began two years ago as a drag cabaret put on by a local entrepreneur has grown into a concert that aims to celebrate the diversity and talent of the area’s LGBTQIA+ community.

“Coming out of COVID, I just wanted to put on an event,” recalled Jacob Wilson, owner of W4 Entertainment, an Adrianbased event management company.

He found a partner in the M Society, a local organization that also organizes Lenawee Pride, and their first event took place that spring at the Adrian Armory Events Center.

“The first year sold out,” Wilson said.

“It was a great time.”

This year’s event will take on more of a concert-like feel, with a three-piece band backing up the performers. While there will still be plenty of traditional drag, Wilson said, “we also wanted to encompass more of the LGBTQ community.”

Southeast Michigan drag queen Jadein Black will be the host, and also plays piano in the band. The lineup also includes Hershae Chocolatae, who

was in the sixth season of “America’s Got Talent,” Maxi Chanel, Erika Norell, Denise Russell, and Baddie Brooks, a singer and songwriter who also plays trumpet and euphonium.

“There is a wide variety of talent in the community,” said M Society president and founder Socorro Sevilla.

Sevilla started the M Society in 2020, naming it in tribute to their younger sister, Micaela Faith Sevilla, who died in 2000 at the age of 20. They officially launched the organization on what would have been her 40th birthday. In addition to coordinating Lenawee Pride, the M Society hosts a variety of peer-led support groups and organizes service projects in the community.

“Live Beats & Drag Treats” will take place at 9 p.m. Friday, April 19, at the Adrian Armory Events Center, 230 W. Maumee St. Tickets start at $40 per person, with an optional $20 charge for bottomless mimosas served in a souvenir glass. VIP tickets are $75, including the mimosa ticket. Snacks are included with the ticket price, and there will be a cash bar.

Tickets may be ordered online at w4entertainment.com/lbdt.

Theatre Siena presents ‘42nd Street’ ADRIAN — A cast of 30 Siena Heights University students will stage the classic musical “42nd Street” from April 1113. This backstage musical follows the rehearsal process of a Broadway show staged during the height of the Great Depression.

Amber Woollcott plays Dorothy Brock, star of the fictional show-within-a-show “Pretty Lady.” Kaya Robinson plays Peggy Sawyer, an ingenue who arrives in New York from Pennsylvania with dreams of stardom. Griffin Yeater is Billy Lawlor, the leading tenor in “Pretty Lady.” Jonathon LaBelle is director Julian Marsh, Adrianna Nelson and Wyatt DuFord are co-writers Maggie Jones and Bert Barry, and Rafe Jacobs is choreographer Andy Lee. Rounding out the 30-person cast are Claire Adams, Autumn Bradford, Reina Cranford, Rori Cummings, Athana Cupino, Katelyn Drazba, Aiyanna

Fivecoat, Ruger Kallman, Amelia Keyes, Lydia Kirk, Abigail Knight, Bobby Lindsey, Clara Losey, Payton Miller, Brett Pearce, Anahi Ramos, Savannah Ritter, Alex Sheremeta, Olivia Skierski, Samuel Spaulding, Eli Stachowske, Sierra Tennyson, and Regan Williams.

Directed by Mark DiPietro, the show is filled with Broadway standards like “You’re Getting to Be a Habit With Me,” “Dames,” “We’re In the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” and “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.”

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11, through Saturday, April 13, on the Haller Stage in the Spencer Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are $12, or $8 for students and seniors.

For more information about “42nd Street” or other Theatre Siena productions, go to www.sienaheights.edu/academics/theatre-siena.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

ARTS & LIVING | B3

APRIL 2024

Explosive ‘Rite of Spring’ wraps up symphony’s season of Stravinsky The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — When Igor Stravinsky’s ballet “The Rite of Spring” premiered in 1913, everybody had an opinion.

Some thought it brilliant. Others despised it, with critics using such phrases as “a laborious and puerile barbarity” and “the work of a madman.”

But no matter what anyone thought, according to Adrian Symphony Orchestra music director Bruce Anthony Kiesling, it became the most influential piece of music in the 20th century.

“If you were a composer writing after Beethoven’s ninth symphony came out, you couldn’t help but be influenced by it,” Kiesling said. “ ‘The Rite of Spring’ was equally influential, whether you thought it was great or terrible.”

“The Rite of Spring” will be performed at the ASO’s May 3 concert, at 7:30 p.m. in Adrian College’s Dawson Auditorium.

It wraps up a season-long focus on the music of Stravinsky, a Russian-born composer who is often considered one of the most pivotal figures in the development of modern music.

Stravinsky’s experiments with dissonance were unusual for his time, as was the extent to which he let rhythm drive the piece. In this respect, Kiesling said, “The Rite of Spring” can almost be seen as a precursor to rock ’n’ roll.

“It’s just driven by this relentless rhythm and sometimes completely devoid of harmony,” he said.

Valerie Coleman, composer of “Umoja: Anthem of Unity.”

Members of the Adrian Symphony Orchestra are pictured during the ASO’s March 15 concert.

The American-born composer Aaron Copland once estimated that Stravinsky had influenced three generations of American composers. He later revised this statement to four generations, and both American and European composers. Echoes of Stravinsky’s style can be heard not just in the work of many 20th-century composers who wrote for the concert hall, but in the film scores of artists like John Williams.

Two other pieces will be included in the ASO’s May 3 performance. The concert will begin with “Umoja: Anthem of Unity,” by American composer Valerie Coleman. This piece continues the ASO’s

emphasis on including pieces by women composers in its concerts.

Kiesling said Coleman first wrote “Umoja” for vocalists, then arranged it for a wind quartet, then finally for a full orchestra.

The orchestral arrangement was commissioned by the Philadelphia Orchestra, and its 2019 premiere marked the first time that orchestra had premiered a work by a living female African-American composer.

Kiesling said “Umoja” is inspired by the call-and-response tradition, and “the tune gets handed around the orchestra.”

Dominic Cheli, soloist on “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.”

Coleman, who is also a Grammynominated flutist, was the first person to be named Classical Woman of the Year by the radio program Performance Today.

Also on May 3, pianist Dominic Cheli will return to Adrian to perform Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.” The Italian virtuoso Nicolo Paganini wrote many famously difficult pieces for violin, including a set of 24 caprices for solo violin. Rachmaninoff adapted the last of these into a piece for piano and orchestra that Kiesling said is “a real audience-pleaser.”

The ASO’s May concert will take place on Friday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. in Dawson Auditorium on the Adrian College campus. Tickets range from $23 to $37, with discounts for students and seniors.

All ticket holders are welcome to join music director Bruce Anthony Kiesling for Classical Conversations, a look at the stories behind the music, at 6:40 p.m.

Tickets: 517-264-3121 or adriansymphony.org.

Community chorus to present ‘And Joy is Everywhere’ on April 21 ADRIAN — The Lenawee Community Chorus will presents its 56th annual Spring Concert, titled “And Joy is Everywhere,” at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 21, at Adrian College’s Herrick Chapel.

Tickets are $15 for adults, free for students and children, and may be purchased at the door or online at lenaweecommunitychorus.com.

In planning this concert, artistic director and conductor Brad Pierson chose modern works by living composers that “celebrate joy in the awesome and the ordinary and everywhere in between.”

Drawing from lyrics in these songs, Pierson stated that joy is “in the known and unknown; in fretful feelings and when we are weary; in falling stars; in love; at night and at the dawn of a new

Members of the Lenawee Community Chorus are pictured during their Dec. 17 holiday concert. WILL WENDT day; in fighting evil; in music; in life: Joy is everywhere.”

When asked what stands out about the music, chorus tenor Stephanie Kuiper

said, “included in the April concert is a piece based on Robert Frost’s poem ‘The Road Not Taken.’ The musical adaptation of this famous poem was created by special permission of the estate of Robert Frost, who has granted very few composers the liberty to create music based on Frost’s poem.” Chorus bass Ross Koning elaborated, “Robert Frost wrote a famous poem about two roads that diverged in a wood, and how he took the one less traveled. The most well known choral setting of this poem was composed by Randall Thompson, but our concert features a newer setting

by Z. Randall Stroope. The underlying music has hints of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite. Perhaps this reminds us, as with the Phoenix, there could be inspiration

in unconventional pathways to joy, particularly after disappointment or loss. We hope that our concert will be an inspiration to joy for all of our guests!”

The Lenawee Community Chorus, at 56 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.

Lenawee Community Chorus rehearsals are held at Father Williams Hall on the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church campus, 415 Ormsby St. in Adrian on Wednesday evenings from September through April from 7-9 pm.

More information is at lenaweecommunitychorus.com.

B4 | ARTS & LIVING

APRIL 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

The quintet Kittel & Co. will perform with Tecumseh Public Schools orchestra students on April 15 and 16 at the Tecumseh Center for the Arts.

Music and magic at the TCA TECUMSEH — A full roster of family entertainment is on deck for April and May at the Tecumseh Center for the Arts.

Kittel & Co. with the TSO: Tecumseh Public Schools orchestra students will have the chance to perform on stage with professional musicians when the quintet Kittel & Co. visits the TCA on April 15 and 16. Led by Grammy-nominated violinist and composer Jeremy Kittel, Kittel & Co. inhabits the space between classical and acoustic roots, Celtic and bluegrass aesthetics, and folk and jazz sensibilities.

They will be joined by four different groups of students: n Sixth graders on Monday, April 15 at 6:20 p.m. n High school students on Monday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. n Fifth graders on Tuesday, April 16 at 6:20 p.m. n Seventh and eighth graders on Tuesday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m.

This is a non-ticketed event, but donations will be accepted at the door.

Illusionist Jason Bishop: The TCA’s 2023-24 National Touring Season wraps up with a magic show by Jason Bishop on Saturday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $33, with discounts for students, seniors and military.

Classics Through Time: The Tecumseh Pops Orchestra and Community Chorus will present their annual spring concert, “Classics Through Time,” on Sunday, May 5, at 3 p.m.

The concert will feature jazz, pop, Broadway, and light classical music, and will also include the premier of a piece written by community chorus member Phil Devaney in honor of Tecumseh’s bicentennial.

Tickets are $12, with discounts for students and seniors.

For tickets and more information about TCA events, call 517-423-6617 or go to thetca.org.

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THE LENAWEE VOICE

ARTS & LIVING | B5

APRIL 2024

IN BRIEF Adrian Adrian Morning Morning Rotary Rotary fundraiser to benefit fundraiser to benefit club’s club’s programs for kids programs for kids ADRIAN — The Adrian Morning ADRIAN — The Adrian Morning Rotary is hosting a fundraising Rotary is hosting a fundraising event, event, “Kids First All Ways,” at “Kids First All Ways,” presented by 6 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at Hills of International Diamond, on Saturday, Lenawee, 4110 Country Club Road.

April 13 at 6 p.m. at Hills of Lenawee, The event includes hors 4110 Country Club Road, Adrian. d’oeuvres, cash bar, raffles, and silent The event includes heavy hors and live auctions. This year, the d’oeuvres, cash bar, raffles, silent and event has a Hawaiian Luau theme live and beach attire is encouraged. auctions. This year, the event has Proceeds benefit Adrian Morning a Hawaiian Luau theme and beach Rotary’s community programs attire is including Weekend Snack Sacks and encouraged. Proceeds benefit Little Free Libraries.

Adrian Morning Rotary’s community “Our club purchases and packs programs including snack sacks for more than 500 students Weekend Snack Sacks and Little each week during the school year and Free Libraries. stocks well over 20 Little Free Libraries Tickets are available online at across Adrian,” said Mary Jane Dopp, adrianmorningrotary.org for an early club co-president. “We can only do bird price of $60 per this with the community’s support.” person if purchased by March 15.

Tickets are available online at “Our club purchases and packs adrianmorningrotary.org. snack sacks for more than 500 students each week during the school year and stocks well over 20 Little Free Libraries across Adrian,” said Mary Jane—Dopp, club coADRIAN Are you interested president.

“We can only this with in trying something new?doAre you the community’s support. curious about painting, drawing, We invite youmaking, to join us this pottery, jewelry orin other effort.”of art — but don’t know where kinds For more information on the to begin? event, sponsorship Theincluding Adrian Center for the Arts is opportunities, visit Open House offering a Mini-Class on adrianmorningrotary.org.

Saturday, April 6, to give people a chance to get acquainted with the ACA’s studios and try their hand at something new.

All of the mini-classes are taught by the ACA’s professional instructors XXX — and cost between $5 and $15.

The ACA is at 1375 N. Main St., on the campus of Planewave Instruments. For more information, call 517-759-3005 or go to adriancenterforthearts.org.

ADRIAN —

Mini-classes offered at art center open house

Mini-classes offered at art center open house

Fundraiser planned to help fight heart disease

Fundraiser planned to help fight heart disease ADRIAN — Fighting heart disease will be the focus of “edible heART,” a fundraiser being planned by local artist Pat Deere.

The event will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 3448 N. Adrian Hwy. The fundraiser is designed to be fun, informative, and a way to raise funds for the Cleveland Clinic Transplant House and the University of Michigan Cardiovascular programs to help those in need.

Speakers include Kelly Ehinger, who will share her story of having a heart transplant; Stacy Downing, whose family has a history of heart disease; and Catrina DeFalco, who will share healthy eating habits and her upcoming book. Crissy Stratford will be the featured artist. Cindy Lou’s catering and food truck will be present along with Angela Lawson of New U 365 sharing healthy drink options.

On the fun side, bakers are needed to participate in the baking competition.

For information, go to pldeere. com/classes, call 517-667-0537, or email Pat.PLDeere@gmail.com.

Illusionist Stuart MacDonald returns to the Croswell ADRIAN — Internationally recognized illusionist Stuart MacDonald is returning to his hometown theater, and this time he’s bringing friends.

The Croswell Opera House will present “An Evening of Magic” at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 6, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 7.

MacDonald will be joined in the family-friendly show by Eric Buss, a graduate of the Second City Comedy School who’s been featured on “The Late Show” with David Letterman, and Oscar Muñoz, who is known throughout the state of Texas as the leading specialist in the field of educational and motivational magic shows for students of all ages and grade levels.

MacDonald himself needs no introduction for Adrian audiences. A Lenawee County native and Adrian High School graduate, his interest in magic started when he was a boy and he’s built that passion into a career that has included performances at venues around the world, as well as on TV’s “Penn and Teller: Fool Us.” Most recently, he rang in the new year in Rome as part of Abracadabra, an international magic show at that city’s Teatro Ghione.

Stuart MacDonald brings his awardwinning magic act to his hometown stage on April 6 and 7.

Tickets to “An Evening of Magic” at the Croswell are $32 for adults and $20 for students. To order, call 517-264-7469 or go to croswell.org.

Oscar Muñoz, top, and Eric Buss, above, will join Stuart MacDonald in his show at the Croswell on April 6 and 7.

B6 | ARTS & LIVING

APRIL 2024 THE LENAWEE VOICE

House from page B1

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1033 W Beecher St, Adrian | barrettsadrian.com | 517-263-2660

Hanging Baskets | Patio Pots | Vegetables | Shrubs Perennials | Trees | Bedding Plants | Fertilizer Garden Accessories | Landscape Plan & Design

Daniel Hicks, who was Croswell’s uncle and guardian following the death of his mother and sister from yellow fever in 1832 and his father’s accidental drowning in the Hudson River just a few months later — when Charles was just seven years old.

Croswell and Hicks arrived in Adrian in 1837 from Newburgh, New York, to help satisfy the intense demand here for housing.

During the previous seven years, Lenawee County’s population had ballooned tenfold from 1,491 in 1830 to 14,878.

At age 16, Croswell (1825–1886) became his uncle’s carpenter assistant, and together they built their own home as well as many of the region’s oldest structures. Tragically, within a decade, Hicks died of cholera, which he contracted while serving in the MexicanAmerican War. Croswell then purchased the home from his uncle’s widow.

In 1846, Croswell decided to study law, which had also fascinated several of his father’s relatives in Connecticut and New York. Among them was the anti-racist Harry Croswell (1778-1858), who had waged an infamous court battle with President Thomas Jefferson that tested the limits of press freedom. Later, Harry became an Episcopalian minister and passionately supported the strict separation of church and state.

In 1854, Croswell became a founding member and Secretary of the newly formed Republican Party before establishing a law partnership in Adrian with Thomas Cooley; Cooley would later become the Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. Croswell was then elected Mayor of Adrian before serving as a Michigan State Senator from 1863 to 1868 and then as a State Representative and Speaker of the House from 1873 to 1874. He was twice elected governor of Michigan in 1876 and 1878, during which time he oversaw the completion of the Capitol building in Lansing. His notable political positions include his opposition to the death penalty, his actions to ratify the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery, and his outspoken praise for Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

The Croswell House is notable for the ways its design reflects the governor’s personality. Croswell’s biography described his public speaking style as “terse, clear, and strong, without excess of ornament.”

The same can be said about his taste in architecture and furniture. Especially notable are his home’s elegant, boxy exterior that displays the Greek Revival’s most characteristic features: its low-pitched roof in imitation of a Greek temple, its unadorned, broad frieze board under the roof line, and its symmetrical placement of windows and doors. A similar, sober aesthetic is visible in the home’s interior, where the fireplace, windows and doors retain their original trim that is ornamented with unfluted pilasters and bold pyramidal bosses. Moreover, the auditorium showcases Croswell’s finely proportioned law library bookcase, which Croswell built for himself in the Renaissance style. Its arched windows are composed of simple square and circular shapes decorated with narrow drip moldings.

According to DAR’s website, the National Society was founded in 1890 as a non-profit, non-political volunteer service organization dedicated to historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

There are more than 3,000 local DAR chapters across the globe with membership open to women eighteen years or older who can prove lineal, bloodline descent from anyone who aided in achieving American independence.

Adrian’s local DAR chapter was organized in 1909 and named for the great-grandmother of founding Regent Louise Barnum Robbin, whose father and brother served as soldiers in the Revolutionary War. Members of the local DAR assist with genealogical research and solicit grants to maintain and improve their building and grounds. The Governor Charles M. Croswell House was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1958 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

To contact the Lucy Wolcott Barnum Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, visit their website at www. lucywolcottbarnumnsdar.com.

Peter Barr, Ph.D., is the author of adrianarchitecture.org.

Support available locally for people coping with Parkinson’s Despite the growing number of people with Parkinson’s Disease, most people know little about it. Persons with PD and their families can be overwhelmed with the medical jargon and fearful of their future. The goal of the Lenawee Parkinson’s Support Group is to journey with and to educate those with PD and their families.

Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic neurological disorder. It occurs because of a loss of the chemical in the brain called Dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a signaling chemical that coordinates movements. When there is a reduction of Dopamine, Parkinson symptoms emerge. The cardinal motor symptoms of PD include slowness of movement, stiffness, postural impairment, and a resting tremor. Other symptoms that may be present are shuffling gait, decreased arm swing while walking, small handwriting, and decreased volume and clarity of voice. There are also non-motor symptoms that often occur sometimes years before being diagnosed, including constipation, sleep problems, loss of smell, and balance problems.

The challenging aspect of treating PD is that every person is unique and symptoms

can vary vastly. It is commonly said, “If you meet one person with Parkinson’s, you have met one person with Parkinson’s.” It is highly recommended that the patient be referred to a movement disorder specialist who can optimize the treatment plan and is knowledgeable of research and drug development.

There are traditionally three methods of treatment to slow the progression of PD: pharmacology (medicines), surgery (deep brain stimulation) and exercise (PT and/or OT). It has been demonstrated that exercise can improve brain functioning and slow the progression of PD. People with PD need to have an exercise program designed to address their specific symptoms and retrain the brain to counteract loss of amplitude of movement, balance, rigidity and gait deficits.

The Lenawee Parkinson’s Support Group (LPSG) is affiliated with the Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation. The support group meets the first Thursday of the month at the Adrian Senior Center at 1:30 p.m. For more information about the support group or about being evaluated for therapy, contact Dianna Oates at Carter Rehab and Aquatic Center at 265-6007.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

ARTS & LIVING | B7

APRIL 2024

Wood from page B1 January 2023. After applying and being accepted into the diploma program, she moved to Adrian in August.

Robinson said she likes the feeling of starting with something as simple as a piece of wood and transforming it.

“I just love the process of it and how you can finish it and you have something that you’ve made yourself,” she said.

After graduating from the program, she hopes to get a job working for a furniture company.

For some students, working with wood is a second career. Armando Covarrubias Jr. was born and raised in New Mexico, in a family that’s been farming for 55 years.

“I’ve been doing that all my life,” he said.

Covarrubias has a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s in food science, and with the exception of a few years working as a food safety auditor for a company out of California, he’s spent most of his career doing administration for the family business, growing and packaging onions and red chili peppers.

They fabricated a lot of their own machinery, Covarrubias said, and “anytime I was able to do that, that’s when I was the happiest.”

He was drawn to furniture design because it combines creativity and working with his hands.

After graduating, Covarrubias said, he’d like to continue learning the craft — maybe through an apprenticeship — with the end goal of operating his own design firm.

Though most people in the diploma program are looking toward a career, for one student it’s a post-career adventure.

JoAnn Genduso retired in 2021 after 40 years of teaching sixth grade and thought, “I’m too young to just not do anything.”

“When I was in high school, only boys could take shop,” Genduso said. She can remember admiring the projects the boys got to work on — and now, in retirement, she finally gets to learn those skills.

Genduso’s specific interest is in making furniture for charity. Through an ItalianAmerican club she belongs to in South Carolina, she has helped raise money for a charity that makes beds for kids who don’t have them. After graduating from the diploma program, she plans to not just raise money for the program, but also make beds herself.

“I had never used a power tool before I came,” she said. “For me it was a big deal to be able to come here and learn how to use all the equipment.”

Her favorite project? “My toolbox,” she said. “I love my toolbox.”

“I’m keeping that,” she said with a smile. “Everything else I’m giving to my

JoAnn Genduso, foreground left, enrolled in the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute’s diploma program after retiring as a teacher. nieces and nephews, but I’m keeping my toolbox.”

The program is a competitive one. Next year’s class will only have room for 24 students, a slight increase from this year, but Barnett said 75 have already applied.

Applicants need to provide transcripts, send a statement of purpose and a letter of recommendation, and have an inperson interview to be admitted.

Sixteen out of this year’s 20 students moved from out of state to attend the program, Barnett said. A quarter are veterans; the SBWI is accredited through the Department of Veterans Affairs as an institution where veterans can use their educational benefits.

Companies that recruit graduates include Mod Interiors, a custom woodworking shop north of Detroit whose clients include the Detroit Pistons, and Vogue Furniture, a high-end furniture maker from Royal Oak. Everyone who graduated last year went on to secure a job in the industry, Barnett said.

The program includes a 12-part business series to help anyone who plans to go into business for themselves, including topics like marketing, pricing, and law.

Students can also take advantage of classes that are offered to the general public by about 30 guest instructors who come in and teach their specialties, which include carving, computer-aided

design, timber engineering, wood identification, and stereotomy, the art of cutting three-dimensional solids into particular shapes.

“The community we’ve built here is what makes our program so effective,” Barnett said.

The Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute is at 1375 N. Main St., Adrian, on the campus of Planewave Instruments. More information is at longlivewood.org.

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