The Lenawee Voice — April 2026

THE LENAWEE VOICE

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Voters in the Adrian school district will consider whether or not to approve a bond proposal at a May 5 special election that would fund construction of a community recreational facility at Adrian High School and updates at the school’s Julianne and George Argyros Performing Arts Center.

If approved, the proposal authorizes the district to borrow $27.5 million for the two projects for a maximum of 21 years. The resulting 0.65-mill levy would cost the owner of a $200,000 home, with a taxable value of $100,000, $65 per year beginning in December 2026.

That levy is less than what was originally proposed but actually increases the available funding. Previously, the proposal was for a 0.75-mill levy which would generate $27 million for the recreational facility only.

The increased funding is because of the type of bonds involved. The district would receive only a small portion of the total funding in the first year to get the work going, with the rest of the funds coming the second year. “So the

interest you’re saving the first year gives you more bang for the buck,” Adrian Public Schools superintendent Nate Parker said.

If voters approve the proposal, construction could begin as early as 2027.

Several sites around the high school were considered for the approximately 80,000-square-foot building. Community input narrowed the choices down to one: what is currently a parking area off of Stockford Drive. That parking would be replaced with a new lot nearby.

The facility would give both students and community members access to a range of amenities. As currently envisioned, the building would have 50 to 60 yards of turf; multi-use courts for sports such as basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and tennis; an indoor track; fitness facilities; batting cages; and locker rooms.

Currently, several of the high school’s sports teams and the marching band either do not have adequate practice space on campus or have trouble scheduling practice times around other needs for the existing space. Additionally, having an indoor facility would eliminate weather as an issue.

The building would be available to the community when not needed for school use. Proposed community hours are noon to 6 p.m. Sundays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 2 to 8 p.m. Saturdays.

The facility would be free for APS students, while community members would pay an annual fee based on whether they live inside or outside the district.

The proposed annual fee for district residents is:

n One person: $50 ($25 for veterans and senior citizens).

n Two people: $75

n Family: $150

n APS employees: $50

The proposed annual fee for nonresidents is:

n One person: $516

n Two people: $720

n Family: $800 to $900

In addition to providing sports and fitness opportunities for both APS students and the wider community, the facility could house a wide variety of events including tournaments, band camps, robotics competitions, and community functions.

Dale Warner guilty; sentencing set for May

ADRIAN — Guilty of second degree murder, and guilty of tampering with evidence. That was the jury’s finding on March 10 in the case against Dale Warner, 58, charged in connection with the death of his wife, Dee.

Jurors returned the verdicts shortly before 5:30 p.m. that afternoon, following nearly nine hours of deliberations that began the previous Thursday.

After the verdict, Warner was returned to jail to await a May 7 sentencing.

The sentencing will come just a week and a half after the fifth

COURT NEWS

anniversary of Dee Warner’s 2021 disappearance. Her body was found more than three years later inside an anhydrous ammonia tank on property the Warners owned in Franklin Township. An autopsy determined the cause of death was strangulation and blunt force trauma.

Investigators said that the tank had been cut open and then welded shut after her body was placed inside.

The verdicts bring an end to six weeks of proceedings that began with jury selection on Jan. 27.

During the trial, the prosecution focused on arguments Dale Warner had with his wife; his use of a tracking device in her car to monitor her whereabouts; video evidence showing his movements on the farm after his wife’s disappearance; and his responses to police interviews to build the case against him.

PRISON FOR MAN WHO STABBED GIRLFRIEND: Calling it a horrific offense, Judge Anna Marie Anzalone handed down a prison sentence on March 20 for a 32-year-old Adrian man who stabbed his girlfriend multiple times last year following an argument. Timothy Neves received a sentence of 15 to 20 years for the assault. His girlfriend had extensive injuries that required reconstructive surgery, and is still being treated.

TECUMSEH MAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT: A Tecumseh man who had earlier pleaded no contest to second-degree criminal sexual conduct against a 16-year-old girl has been sentenced to between 5½ and 22½ years in prison. Mykel Isaac, 31, was accused of giving the girl alcohol, insisting she drink all of it, and then sexually assaulting her. He also received a two- to four-year concurrent prison term for felonious assault, stemming from a shooting near Standish Dam in Tecumseh a week later. In that incident, prosecutors said he was near the dam, saw people inside a vehicle there, and fired a handgun at them because he thought they were going to hurt him.

Dale Warner

Jenkins-Arno bill aims to boost investment in local businesses

LANSING — State Rep. Nancy Jenkins-Arno (R-Rollin Twp.) testified before the House Rules Committee on March 12 in support of a bill she sponsored that aims to encourage investment in Michigan-based businesses.

Jenkins-Arno said the proposal was inspired by Chris Miller, a constituent who emphasized how encouraging investment in Michigan companies could help local businesses expand, create jobs, and support the state’s economy.

“Michigan businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said Jenkins-Arno. “They create jobs, strengthen local communities, and drive innovation across our state. This plan empowers residents to invest directly in the success of Michigan companies.”

House Bill 4816 would allow individuals who invest in a qualified Michigan business to claim an income tax credit equal to 50% of their investment, with the credit capped at $3,000 per investor per tax year.

Under HB 4816, qualified investments would need to ensure the business is based in Michigan, has a majority of employees in the state, and derives most of its revenues and assets from Michigan operations.

“This will help small and growing Michigan businesses expand and create more jobs,” said Jenkins-Arno. “By encouraging homegrown investment, we can keep capital here in Michigan and support the entrepreneurs who are building our state’s future.”

The bill has the backing of the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, which says that small businesses employ nearly half of the state’s private workforce, but that a lack of access to capital is consistently a barrier to their growth.

Eligible Adrian residents can now get help paying for home repairs

ADRIAN — Funding is available to assist low- and moderate-income Adrian homeowners with paying for home repairs.

The city of Adrian is accepting applications for assistance through the program, which is funded by a grant from the state of Michigan.

To be eligible, the property must be within the city of Adrian and the owner must live in the house.

The maximum income to qualify is:

n $47,250 for a household with one person.

n $54,000 for a household with two people.

n $60,750 for a household with three people.

n $67,450 for a household with four people.

Repairs that can be paid for using the funds may include:

n Roof repairs or replacement.

n Furnace or heating system repair.

n Electrical or plumbing repairs.

n Accessibility improvements such as ramps or grab bars.

n Structural repairs.

n Improvements to windows or insulation.

The maximum amount that each homeowner can apply for is $25,000. For more information, contact Abigail De Meo at 517-264-4805 or ademeo@ adrianmi.gov.

Lenawee Community Foundation expands its Resource Guide by adding a Spanish edition

ADRIAN — The Lenawee County Resource Guide, which is published by the Lenawee Community Foundation, is now available in both English and Spanish.

The purpose of the guide is to help residents navigate the many nonprofit, public, and community-based services available across Lenawee County.

It includes assistance for food, housing and utilities, medical and dental care, employment, counseling, youth services, senior support, disability

resources, disaster response, and more.

Since 2005, when a local information and referral service discontinued operations, the Lenawee Community Foundation has worked to maintain this resource for the community.

The guide is available online at lenaweecommunityfoundation.com, can be emailed upon request, and is shared in printed form with schools, nonprofit partners, first responders, churches, businesses, and other community organizations.

Paula Trentman, executive vice president of LCF, partnered with Rudy Flores, co-chair of the Southeastern Michigan Migrant Resource Council, to identify a translator. The guide was translated by Elizbia Xaxni-Capula. By offering the Resource Guide in both English and Spanish, the community foundation aims to strengthen the fabric of Lenawee County, helping ensure that access to support, opportunity, and information is available to all.

Holocaust survivor Irene Butter to speak in Adrian

ADRIAN — In conjunction with the temporary Holocaust museum in downtown Adrian, author and Holocaust survivor Irene Butter will speak at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St.

Butter, who grew up under the Nazi regime, is a retired University of Michigan professor and the author of “From Holocaust to Hope: Shores Beyond Shores,” a memoir about her experiences.

Her visit is being organized by the Adrian Diversity Event Fund, which also coordinated the Holocaust exhibit in downtown Adrian’s Gallery of Shops in conjunction with the Zekelman Holocaust Center.

The event is free, but advance registration is required. For more information or to register, go to adriandiversityeventfund.org.

Adrian educator selected to study at Auschwitz-Birkenau museum: Bob Behnke, executive director of the Adrian Diversity Event Fund and creator of the Lenawee Pop-Up Holocaust Museum, has been selected as one of only 25 educators from around the world to participate in the International Summer Academy at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum.

The program is hosted by the International Center for Education about Auschwitz and the Holocaust, bringing

together educators, scholars, and museum professionals for an intensive week of study, discussion, and archival work focused on Holocaust education and preservation.

Behnke, the retired superintendent of Adrian Public Schools, has been a leader in Holocaust education in Lenawee County through the creation of the Lenawee Pop-Up Holocaust Museum, which has brought artifacts, survivor stories, and educational exhibits to the community.

The museum is open through April 26 in the Gallery of Shops, 136 E. Maumee St. Hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nancy Jenkins-Arno

Public invited to view county’s strategic planning session

ADRIAN — In March, the Lenawee County Commission and administrative team took part in a strategic planning session led by Al Vanderberg, Kent County administrator and former Lenawee County finance director. During the session, elected officials and county staff conducted a comprehensive SWOT analysis — which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats — and began identifying key goals and priorities for county government. County administrator Kim Murphy said in her email newsletter that the priorities established through this

POLICE REPORTS

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

ADDISON

March 18: Intimidation, 200 block of North Comstock Street.

March 19: Assault, 200 block of West Main Street.

March 21: Assault, 200 block of East Main Street.

ADRIAN

Feb. 21: Assault, 400 block of West Maumee Street. Intimidation and assault, 400 block of Dennis Street.

Feb. 22: Assault, 400 block of Dennis Street.

Feb. 23: Assault, 500 block of East Church Street. Property damage, 400 block of South Main Street. Illegal credit card use, 400 block of East Maple Avenue. Theft from a building, 800 block of East Maumee Street. Assault, 200 block of Division Street.

Feb. 24: Sexual assault, 500 block of Rogers Court.

Feb. 25: Operating while intoxicated, West Maple Avenue and Oregon Road. Theft from a building, 600 block of Springbrook Avenue. Identity theft, 1200 block of East Oregon Road. Assault, 600 block of Dennis Street. Operating while intoxicated, 500 block of College Avenue.

Feb. 27: Simple assault, 800 block of East Church Street. False pretenses, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Assault, 400 block of State Street. Disorderly conduct, 100 block of East Maumee Street.

Feb. 28: Assault, 300 block of Ohio River Drive. Assault, 100 block of Sand Creek Highway. Larceny, 1300 block of South Main Street. Assault, 1200 block of South Main Street.

March 1: False pretenses, 1500 block of West Maumee Street.

March 2: Motor vehicle theft, 400 block of West Beecher Street. Assault, 500 block of Frank Street.

March 3: False pretenses, 500 block of South Main Street.

March 4: Assault, 400 block of South Winter Street. Assault, 300 block of East Hunt Street. Disorderly conduct, 700 block of Riverside Avenue. Sexual assault, 500 block of East Maumee Street. Shoplifting, 200 block of East U.S. 223. False pretenses, 200 block of East U.S. 223.

March 5: Shoplifting, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Assault, 1500 block of Stratford Drive. Assault, 1500 block of Village Green Lane.

March 6: Assault, 1100 block of Lansing Avenue. Property damage, 600 block of West Beecher Street. Assault, 500 block of Comstock Street.

March 7: Operating while intoxicated, North Main Street at Curtis Road. Identity theft and illegal credit card use, 100 block of East Maumee Street. Disorderly conduct, 500 block of East Butler Street. Burglary, 100 block of Canterbury Street.

March 8: Drug offense and operating while intoxicated, Caton Avenue and Summit

process will guide the county’s budgeting decisions, inform long-term planning, and help ensure that county departments are serving residents effectively and responsibly.

Residents who would like to watch the strategic planning session can view a recording at lenaweecomi.portal. civicclerk.com/event/2904/media.

In other county news, Lenawee County commissioners took the following actions at meetings in March:

n Approved appointments or reappointments to several boards and committees — Cathy Burr to the

Street. Disorderly conduct, 900 block of West Maumee Street.

March 9: Loitering, 100 block of East South Street. Property damage, 300 block of South Locust Street. False pretenses, 600 block of South Winter Street. Assault, 300 block of Logan Street. Assault, 100 block of Park Street.

March 10: Larceny, 900 block of Caton Avenue. Drug offense, 600 block of Springbrook Avenue. Assault, 200 block of West Maumee Street. Theft from a building, 800 block of East Church Street. Property damage, 1300 block of South Main Street. Assault, 1300 block of South Main Street. Assault, 100 block of Dawes Street. Assault, 600 block of Oak Street.

March 11: Assault, 200 block of Sand Creek Highway. Wire fraud, 300 block of North Main Street. Drug offense, 700 block of Riverside Avenue. Shoplifting, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Larceny, 100 block of Union Street. Assault, 700 block of East Beecher Street.

March 12: Assault, 1000 block of North Broad Street. Assault, 100 block of Dawes Street.

March 13: Assault, 700 block of Company Street. Drug offense, 600 block of Springbrook Avenue. Drug offense, 700 block of Riverside Avenue. Drug offense, 600 block of Springbrook Avenue.

March 14: Theft from a vehicle, 500 block of James Street. Operating while intoxicated, Bent Oak and Riverside. Assault, 500 block of South Main Street.

March 15: Wire fraud, 100 block of Union Street. Arson, 500 block of Wolf Ridge Court. Assault and disorderly conduct, 600 block of West Maumee Street.

March 16: Assault, 600 block of East Church Street.

March 18: Illegal credit card use, 100 block of North McKenzie Street. Shoplifting, 4400 block of West Maumee Street.

March 20: Operating while intoxicated, 400 block of South Winter Street. Larceny, 800 block of Caton Avenue. Identity theft, 100 block of West Siena Heights Drive. Theft from a vehicle, 1200 block of Vine Street. Larceny, 900 block of West Beecher Street.

March 21: Drug offense, East Maple Avenue and Croswell Street. Assault, 200 block of Renfrew Avenue.

March 22: Shoplifting, 1500 block of West Maumee Street.

March 23: Intimidation, 200 block of Jordan Street. Assault, 200 block of North Main Street. Theft from a building, 400 block of State Street.

ADRIAN TOWNSHIP

Feb. 28: Vehicle theft and drug offense, 3700 block of Hunt Road.

March 5: Assault, 3700 block of Hunt Road.

March 17: Operating while intoxicated, Spielman Road and Wisner Highway.

BRITTON

March 4: Shoplifting, 400 block of East Chicago Boulevard.

CAMBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

March 8: Vehicle theft, 10100 block of Teachout Road.

March 19: False pretenses, 12200 block of Stephenson Road.

Department on Aging board; Amy Palmer, Judy Ackley, David Stimpson and Jim Goetz to the Lenawee Community Mental Health Authority Board; and Ron Wimple to the Materials Management Planning Committee.

n Accepted a third-party administrator agreement with Community Action Agency for the MI Neighborhood community development block grant program, which will help income-eligible residents with home repairs. Under the agreement, Community Action Agency will provide all services necessary to ensure the program is administered

CLAYTON

March 14: Sexual assault, 3300 block of State Street.

March 20: Assault, 3500 block of West Street.

DOVER TOWNSHIP

Feb. 28: False pretenses, 7400 block of Tomer Road.

March 18: False pretenses and illegal credit card use, 6000 block of Bryant Road.

March 22: Intimidation, 2700 block of Benner Highway.

FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP

March 2: Larceny, 12500 block of Burma Highway.

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

March 7: Assault, 200 block of Evans View Trail. Burglary, 6900 block of West U.S. 12.

MACON TOWNSHIP

March 23: Assault, 12300 block of Ford Highway.

MADISON TOWNSHIP

Feb. 21: Property damage, 3100 block of Planeview Drive.

Feb. 23: False pretenses, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

Feb. 24: Theft from a building, 1000 block of East U.S. 223.

Feb. 25: Shoplifting, 2500 block of South Main Street.

Feb. 27: False pretenses, 2100 block of Farm Valley Drive.

March 2: Larceny, 1600 block of East U.S. 223. Disorderly conduct, 3400 block of Treat Highway.

March 3: Aggravated assault, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

March 5: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

March 9: Assault, 5800 block of South Adrian Highway.

March 10: False pretenses, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

March 11: Larceny, 4500 block of Treat Highway.

March 12: False pretenses, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

March 13: Theft from a vehicle, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

March 16: Larceny, 1200 block of East U.S. 223.

March 18: Disorderly conduct 3400 block of Treat Highway.

March 20: Theft from a building, 3100 block of South Adrian Highway.

PALMYRA TOWNSHIP

March 15: Property damage, 5900 block of East U.S. 223

March 16: Assault, 8300 block of East U.S. 223.

ROLLIN TOWNSHIP

March 13: Assault, 1600 block of North Rollin Highway.

March 23: Operating while intoxicated, Rome Road and Glen Hill Highway.

ROME TOWNSHIP

March 11: Assault, 6500 block of Plank Road.

in compliance with federal and state requirements.

n Approved the ongoing law enforcement contracts for services with Macon Township, the village of Deerfield, and and Hidden Lake Gardens.

n Approved the purchase of a used van for the building and grounds department, as part of the 2026 capital improvement plan, in an amount not to exceed $40,000.

n Received the annual Lenawee County Drain Commission report from drain commissioner Edwin Scheffler.

TECUMSEH

Feb. 21: Shoplifting, 1400 block of West Chicago Boulevard.

Feb. 28: Operating while intoxicated, South Union Street and West Russell Road. Illegal credit card use, 500 block of Pawnee Drive.

March 4: Larceny, 800 block of South Union Street.

March 6: Larceny, 500 block of Pawnee Drive.

March 9: Property damage, 100 block of West Patterson Street.

March 15: Operating while intoxicated, East Chicago Boulevard and Rogers Highway.

March 16: Wire fraud, 100 block of Park Street. Assault, 200 block of North Ottawa Street.

March 17: False pretenses, 100 block of South Division Street.

March 20: Disorderly conduct, Russell Road and Green Highway.

March 21: Assault, 400 block of West Cummins Street.

TECUMSEH TOWNSHIP

Feb. 23: False pretenses, 9500 block of Tonneberger Drive.

WOODSTOCK TOWNSHIP

March 18: Assault, Addison Road and Devils Lake Highway.

A MONTHLY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SERVING LENAWEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN lenaweevoice.com

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

DEBORAH J. COMSTOCK

CONTENT DIRECTOR ERIK GABLE

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

ARLENE BACHANOV • JULIE C. CLEMES

RENEE LAPHAM COLLINS

RYAN MCDOWELL • JEFFREY R. PLUM

SPANISH-LANGUAGE CONTENT

LIZBETH PÉREZ-CÁZARES

BUSINESS STAFF

LINDA CLINE • KATHY RAINES

MELINDA MACDONALD

PUBLISHED BY

LENAWEE INDEPENDENT MEDIA LLC

2525 OGDEN HIGHWAY

ADRIAN, MI 49221

517-263-3530 OR 313-300-2300

CONTACT US

To submit news tips and press releases, please email news@lenaweevoice.com.

To submit community events for the calendar, email lcline@lenaweevoice.com. For information about advertising, email publisher@lenaweevoice.com. For subscription information, go to lenaweevoice.com/subscribe or email subscriptions@lenaweevoice.com.

Copyright © 2026 Lenawee Independent Media All rights reserved

Proposed McDonald’s on West Maumee draws concern from nearby residents

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — A proposal for a new McDonald’s drivethrough on West Maumee Street drew questions and concerns at the March 3 Adrian City Planning Commission meeting.

McDonald’s is proposing to combine 1548 W. Maumee St. and 4210 W. Maumee St. into a single parcel and to demolish the existing buildings on those parcels, then build a 4,000-square-foot restaurant with a double drivethrough lane.

The site is east of Maumee Street’s intersection with U.S. 223 and just west of Maple Avenue.

Mike McPherson from Atwell, a civil engineering consultant hired by McDonald’s, addressed the planning commission about the company’s proposal. He said the two driveways currently going into the two properties would be condensed to one, at the request of the Michigan Department of Transportation, and that it would be lined up with the driveway on the other side of the street.

He also said the restaurant would have about 30 parking spaces, in excess of the city’s requirements, and would have a 6-foot fence along the north side to separate it from the houses in that direction.

The drivethrough would be designed to accommodate up to 22 cars, McPherson said.

A review by city staff stated that the plan was in keeping with current land use in the area, noting that similar drivethrough restaurants are located along that stretch.

However, the planning commission heard objections from about a dozen people, many of them residents of the Rolling Meadows subdivision. Residents expressed concern about noise and light, noting that the property is right next to several homes on Meadowbrook Drive, and also about traffic.

Gerry Burg, who lives on Meadowbrook Drive, said there are four houses in the subdivision whose back yards are directly adjacent to the proposed McDonald’s.

“Those property values will go down significantly,” Burg said.

“With that many cars, going from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m., the noise is going to destroy our neighborhood,” he added.

Tim Allshouse, who lives nearby on Canterbury Street, described sitting in a line of cars on Maumee Street recently while waiting to get into Suzy Q’s Car Wash on the other side of the road.

“If Suzy Q’s can create a backup, what’s a drivethrough at McDonald’s going to do when it’s 5 o’clock?” he asked.

Allshouse noted that it’s already difficult to turn left from Maple Avenue onto Maumee Street because there’s so much traffic in the area.

“You might as well go get a pizza at Little Caesar’s and wait,” he said. “That’s how long it’s going to take you.”

Several planning commission members said they shared those concerns.

Planning commissioner Don Taylor said he drove out to the area a little after 5 p.m. on a recent afternoon, and traffic was backed up from U.S. 223 to past the property in question.

Commissioner Nancy Weatherby agreed.

“It’s often that I see there’s a line backed up from 223, and it seems to me the times of those lines are when it might be your peak hour at McDonald’s,” she said.

Commissioner Robert Love said he was not comfortable voting on the site plan because he didn’t feel the planning commission had enough information. He also said commissioners hadn’t had enough time to study the proposed site plan.

Planning commission members voted unanimously to table the proposal to a future meeting.

The planning commission meets on the second Tuesday of every month in the City Chambers Building, 159 E. Maumee St.

Meetings are open to the public. Agendas are posted on the city website and may be found by going to adriancity.com and clicking on “Government,” then “Planning Commission.”

McDonald’s is proposing to combine these two parcels on West Maumee Street, near the intersection with U.S. 223, and build a new drivethrough. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Community service to be recognized at LCF breakfast

ADRIAN — The Lenawee Community Foundation’s annual celebration breakfast will bring together local individuals, organizations, and businesses to recognize community service award recipients and honor the collective impact of donors, volunteers, and community partners.

The event is on Thursday, April 23, from 7:45 to 9:15 a.m. at the Adrian Armory Event Center., 230 W. Maumee St., Adrian. Tickets are $20 and include breakfast.

Reservations and payment are due by April 7 and can be made by contacting the foundation at 517-263-4696.

The Lenawee Leadership Award will be presented to Tom MacNaughton. MacNaughton is retired from the Lenawee County Department on Aging, where he spent 24 years as director. He has also been a leader with the Lenawee County YMCA and is a coach for Adrian Public Schools.

Robert and Sandy Trevino are the recipients of the 2026 Stubnitz Award, recognizing their numerous volunteer activities in the community.

The 2026 Incito Award, which recognizes leaders under 40, will be presented to Tino Rebottaro, who works for Iott Insurance Agency.

Warm clothes being collected to support migrant farmworkers

ADRIAN — The annual Hoodies for Lenawee Farmworkers drive is collecting clothes to donate to the migrant farmworkers who every year play a critical role in both Lenawee County’s agriculture

industry and America’s food supply.

Because many workers come from warmer countries and aren’t used to Michigan weather, organizers are collecting new or gently used hoodies,

sweaters, sweatshirts, and rain jackets. Adult sizes small, medium and large are most needed.

Donations will be accepted through April 15 and may be taken to First United

NEWS FROM AROUND LENAWEE COUNTY

ADRIAN

COMMISSION SIGNS OFF ON BIKE LOOP AND TOWN SQUARE: A divided Adrian City Commission voted on March 16 to back spending funds from a state community enhancement grant on a Town Square project in the Maiden Lane area and on a bike loop connecting the Kiwanis Trail to downtown. The bike loop in particular generated discussion for its placement of two-way bike traffic running along one side of the street, instead of bike lanes on both sides. A consultant with Smith Group, which designed the loop, said this will minimize the number of points where car and bike traffic will meet. But Jerick Timm, an Adrian resident and cycling advocate, said the design will increase the danger of a collision. “Cyclists will not know how to use it, and drivers will not know what to expect when they cross it,” he said. Also generating discussion was the fact that city attorney Burke Castleberry had not yet received a reply from the attorney for Lenawee Now, which is administering the grant, on a memorandum of understanding that would outline the city and Lenawee Now’s responsibilities. Commissioners Aaron Chesher and Tiffany Zych, who were the two “no” votes, said they weren’t willing to support the projects without that memorandum in place. Both said they felt like the commission was being backed into a corner. — LENAWEE VOICE

DDA FACES FINANCIAL PROBLEMS: Facing a severe financial shortfall, the Adrian Downtown Development Authority board approved a $115,000 transfer from their Tax Increment Finance account to their general fund just to maintain solvency through June 30. City officials said more transfers will be needed in the next three months and wipe out most of the $24,000 remaining in the TIF account, which acts as the DDA’s savings account. City administrator Chad Baugh told the board that a city review of financial data showed that “a stark change” in how the DDA’s budget was prepared had occurred this past August. Baugh said the report had been prepared by former executive director Jay Marks, who was fired by the board in February. Further complicating matters, Baugh said, was the inclusion in the fund balance of $250,000 of restricted-use money from a private donor for the town square project, which he said made the fund balance appear much bigger than it actually was. Baugh also recommended the board put a hold on the search for Marks’ successor, instead keeping Kate Deneau as interim executive director for the time being. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

DONORS RALLY TO HELP SHARE THE WARMTH: Only a day after the unexpected failure of Share the Warmth of Lenawee’s walk-in commercial refrigerator, the organization was able to raise the estimated $5,000 cost of repairs. Leaders extended their gratitude to those who donated, with special thanks going to Gleaner Life Insurance Society and the Adrian Dominican Sisters. The unit is essential for operations as it stores the fresh food used to prepare daily meals for guests.

— LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

BLISSFIELD

SPRING LEAF COLLECTION BEGINS APRIL 6: The village of Blissfield will conduct a spring leaf collection beginning Monday, April 6. Residents who wish to have their leaves picked up must place them in the right-of-way no later than Sunday, April 5. Piles of leaves that contain brush, sod, garden materials, trash, or construction materials will not be picked up. For more information, call the village office at 517-486-4347. — LENAWEE VOICE

CAR COLLIDES WITH SCHOOL BUS: The Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office responded on the morning of March 12 to a collision involving a car and a Lenawee Intermediate School District bus near the intersection of U.S. 223 and Grosvenor Highway just west of Blissfield. Sheriff’s Deputies determined that a Kia Soul, traveling west on U.S. 223, unexpectedly crossed into oncoming traffic, resulting in a head-on collision with a bus. The driver of the Kia, a 29-year-old man from Adrian, suffered several broken bones and required extrication from his vehicle. The school bus driver and her aide, sustained minor injuries. No students were hurt. — LENAWEE VOICE

BROOKLYN

BROOKLYN NEWSPAPER SOLD: The owner of three Lenawee County newspapers has added a fourth paper to the list, as businessman Rex Crist has purchased The Exponent, an independent newspaper in Brooklyn that was founded in 1881. Publisher Matt Schepeler, whose family has owned The Exponent since 1960, said the deal was completed in March. Crist’s company, Meadowbrook Media, owns the Tecumseh Herald, Blissfield Advance and Clinton Local. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

CAMBRIDGE TWP.

FASTER HORSES WON’T RETURN THIS YEAR: For the second consecutive year, the three-day Faster Horses country music fest at Michigan International Speedway has been canceled. Faster Horses last year said the show would take a year off, while promising a bigger and better event would be coming. However, Cambridge Township officials report that MIS has told them the gathering is once again a no-go. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

CLINTON

LIBRARY MILLAGE ON THE BALLOT: The Clinton Township Public Library has a 10-year, 1-mill operating levy on the ballot in a May 5 special election. According to the library board, the library’s current revenue from a perpetual millage passed in 1968 is no longer enough to cover operating costs. Hours and programming would need to be reduced if the millage fails. More information is available at clintontownshiplibrary.org/millage2026

FAIRFIELD TWP.

FAYETTE WOMAN INJURED IN CRASH: On the morning of March 15, sheriff’s deputies responded to a crash near the intersection of M-52 and Packard Road, just south of Jasper. A northbound Ford Ranger pickup crashed into the rear of a Nissan Altima, also traveling north, which had been slowing as it approached Jasper. The Ranger overturned, with one occupant, a 21-year-old woman from Fayette, Ohio, being ejected from the truck. She was transported by ambulance to Toledo Hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Ford Ranger, a 22-year-old Fayette man, was cited for multiple violations. — LENAWEE VOICE

CRASH INJURES THREE: Lenawee County sheriff’s deputies responded on the afternoon of Feb. 24 to a crash at the intersection of Horton Road and Lyons Highway. The investigation indicated a Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling east on Horton Road and failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection with Lyons Highway. A Subaru Forester was traveling north on Lyons Highway and struck the Jeep as both vehicles entered the intersection. The Jeep was being driven by a 26-year-

Methodist Church, 1245 W. Maple Ave., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or during Sunday services; or to the Align Center, 440 E. Church St., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

old man from the Clinton area, and also had a 5-year-old male passenger from the Clinton area. Both were taken to ProMedica Toledo Hospital in critical condition. The Subaru was driven by a 23-year-old man from the Adrian area, who was also transported to Toledo Hospital in critical condition. — LENAWEE VOICE

HUDSON

DURBIN NAMED SUPERINTENDENT: Tom Durbin, Hudson’s middle and high school principal, has been chosen as the district’s next superintendent. He will replace Michael Osborne, who is retiring at the end of June. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

CITYWIDE CLEANUP: The city of Hudson’s citywide cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 11. In order to be picked up, small items must be in bags or containers no larger than four feet to a side. Wood must have any nails removed, and boards, paneling or carpet must be four feet long or less. Drywall must be in containers weighing no more than 50 pounds. Items that will not be picked up include auto parts, batteries, cinderblocks, cement, brick, dirt, tires, stone, and mulch. Items must be placed on the curb by 6 a.m. — LENAWEE VOICE

MORENCI

VENDORS SOUGHT FOR STUDENT-LED MARKET: The Morenci Area Schools student-led Farmer’s Market will return for its third year on Saturday, May 16. The market will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wakefield Park, and organizers are currently seeking vendors to participate in the event. Local businesses offering homegrown or homemade items are invited. For more information or to sign up, contact Grace Gierucki at grace.gierucki@morencibulldogs.org. — MORENCI ADVOCATE

PALMYRA TWP.

PALMYRA TOWNSHIP TO BREAK GROUND ON FIRE STATION: The Palmyra Township board will host a groundbreaking for the township’s new fire station at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11. The fire station will be at 6490 Palmyra Road, next to the township hall. It will replace the current fire station on U.S. 223, which was built in 1940. — LENAWEE VOICE

“HAPPY FAMILY” LANDMARK FALLS VICTIM TO VANDALISM: The destruction of a Palmyra landmark has left the caretakers of the roadside display unsure whether they’ll try to restore it. “The Happy Family of Palmyra” has drawn smiles and waves from passing motorists for decades. The display started with wooden figurines and later transitioned into mannequins of a father, mother, son and pets outfitted in different attire throughout the year, stationed along U.S. 223 on the northwest edge of Palmyra. The display was demolished over the weekend of March 14-15 and there were no immediate leads. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

TECUMSEH

GRANT WILL SUPPORT DOWNTOWN ART TRAIL: The Tecumseh Downtown Development Authority has been awarded $16,000 from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council for the Tecumseh Art Trail, a public art initiative that transforms downtown Tecumseh into an open-air gallery. The Art Trail, now in its 19th year, features a diverse collection of sculptures, murals, and interactive installations throughout downtown. — LENAWEE VOICE

NOTICIAS LOCALES

La guía de recursos ya está disponible en español

ADRIAN — La Guía de Recursos del Condado de Lenawee, publicada por la Fundación Comunitaria de Lenawee (Lenawee Community Foundation), ya se encuentra disponible en inglés y español.

El objetivo de esta guía es ayudar a los residentes a navegar en los numerosos servicios sin ánimo de lucro, públicos y comunitarios disponibles en todo el Condado de Lenawee.

Estos incluyen asistencia para alimentación, vivienda y servicios básicos, atención médica y dental, empleo, consejería, servicios para jóvenes, apoyo a personas mayores, recursos para personas con discapacidad, respuesta ante desastres y mucho más.

Está disponible en línea en lenaweecommunityfoundation.com Se puede enviar por correo electrónico si se solicita, y se comparte en formato impreso con escuelas, socios sin fines de lucro, personal de primeros auxilios, iglesias, empresas y otras organizaciones comunitarias.

Paula Trentman, Vicepresidenta Ejecutiva de LCF, se asoció con Rudy Flores, Copresidente del Consejo de Recursos para Migrantes del Sureste de Michigan (Southeastern Michigan Migrant Resource Council), para encontrar un traductor. La guía fue traducida por Elizbia Xaxni-Capula.

Al ofrecer la Guía de Recursos tanto en inglés como en español, LCF continúa fortaleciendo el tejido social del Condado de Lenawee, ayudando a garantizar que el acceso al apoyo, las oportunidades y que la información esté disponible para todos.

Recolección

de

residuos de jardín

ADRIAN — La recolección de residuos de jardinería de primavera en la Ciudad de Adrian tendrá lugar los miércoles 15 y 22 de abril.

Los desechos de jardín deben colocarse en la acera a más tardar a las 7 a.m. Todos los desechos de jardín deben estar en bolsas de papel biodegradables o compostables, y las bolsas no deben pesar más de 50 libras (22.679 kilogramos).

Las ramas y maleza deben atarse en manojos de no más de 3 pies (0.9144 metros) de largo. Los manojos deben colocarse paralelos a la acera y pesar menos de 23 kilogramos.

Para obtener más información, llame al 517-264-4890.

CALENDARIO DEL CENTRO EBEID PARA ABRIL

ADRIAN — Los siguientes programas educativos y reuniones comunitarias se llevarán a cabo en abril en el Centro Ebeid (Ebeid Center), en el 801 este de la calle Maumee (801 E. Maumee St.), Adrian. Las clases se ofrecen en inglés

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

La propuesta del centro recreativo se incluirá en la boleta electoral del 5 de mayo

Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

ADRIAN — Los votantes del Distrito Escolar de Adrian considerarán una propuesta de bonos en una elección especial el 5 de mayo. Los bonos financiarían la construcción de un Centro Recreativo Comunitario en la Escuela Secundaria de Adrian y mejoras en el Centro de Artes Escénicas de la escuela.

Si los votantes lo aprueban, el distrito pedirá prestados 27,5 millones de dólares para los dos proyectos durante un plazo máximo de 21 años.

El impuesto resultante de 0,65 centavos/milla costaría 65 dólares al año para el propietario de una vivienda valorada en $200.000 dólares.

Si se aprueba, la construcción podría comenzar tan pronto como en 2027.

El centro recreativo tendría unos 80.000 pies cuadrados (7,432.24 metros cuadrados) y estaría ubicado en Stockford Drive, en los terrenos de la escuela secundaria.

Las instalaciones brindarían tanto a estudiantes y miembros de la comunidad acceso a una variedad de servicios.

El edificio contaría con entre 50 y 60 yardas (45.72 a 54.864 metros cuadrados) de césped artificial; canchas multiusos para deportes como baloncesto, voleibol, pickleball y tenis; una pista de atletismo cubierta; gimnasio; jaulas de bateo; y vestidores.

Actualmente, varios equipos deportivos de la escuela secundaria y la banda de música no cuentan con suficiente espacio para practicar en el campus o tienen dificultades para coordinar sus horarios de práctica con otras necesidades del espacio existente. Además, contar con una instalación

Esta ilustración muestra el centro recreativo comunitario propuesto.

cubierta eliminaría los problemas relacionados con el clima.

El edificio estaría disponible para la comunidad cuando no se necesite para uso escolar. El horario propuesto para la comunidad es los domingos del medio día a las 6:00 p.m., lunes a viernes de 8:00 a.m. a las 2:00 p.m y los sábados de las 2:00 p.m. a las 8:00 pm.

Las instalaciones serían gratuitas para los estudiantes de las Escuelas Públicas de Adrian, mientras que los miembros de la comunidad pagarían una cuota anual en función de si viven dentro o fuera del distrito.

La cuota anual propuesta para los residentes del distrito es de $50 dólares por persona ($25 dólares para veteranos y personas mayores), 75 dólares para dos personas, 150 dólares para una familia y 50 dólares para los empleados del distrito escolar.

La cuota anual propuesta para los no residentes, que no financiarían el centro con sus impuestos, sería de 516 dólares para una persona, 720 dólares para dos personas y entre 800 y 900 dólares para una familia.

Las mejoras en el centro de artes escénicas incluirían nuevos asientos y alfombras, así como iluminación de bajo consumo energético.

El Centro de Artes Escénicas se construyó hace unos 20 años.

Las elecciones se celebrarán el martes 5 de mayo, de 7:00 a.m. a 8:00 p.m. Los votantes pueden encontrar su centro de votación en michigan.gov/vote.

Los límites del distrito escolar no coinciden con los de la Ciudad de Adrian. Cualquier persona que no esté segura de si vive en el distrito escolar puede consultar un mapa del distrito en bit.ly/MaplesDistrictMap.

Los residentes de Adrian pueden obtener ayuda con las reparaciones de sus hogares

Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

ADRIAN — Hay fondos disponibles para ayudar a los propietarios de viviendas de Adrian que tengan ingresos bajos y moderados a realizar reparaciones en sus hogares. La Ciudad de Adrian está aceptando solicitudes de asistencia a través del programa, que está financiado por una subvención del Estado de Michigan.

Para ser elegible, la propiedad debe estar ubicada dentro de la Ciudad de Adrian y el propietario debe residir en la vivienda.

El ingreso máximo para poder optar a esta categoría es:

n $47.250 dólares para un hogar con una persona.

n $54.000 dólares para un hogar con dos personas.

a menos que aparezca una opción en español. Es posible que haya intérpretes disponibles para algunas clases si es que se necesita. Para realizar alguna consulta, envíe un correo electrónico a AdrianENP@ProMedica.org o llame al 517-264-1365.

Avanzando (presentado por Community Action Agency) — los jueves, 9, 16, 23, y 30 de abril, 5:30-7 p.m. La vida de hasta 12 participantes en esta serie de 14 semanas cambiará tras aprender las

n $60.750 dólares para un hogar con tres personas. n $67.450 dólares para un hogar con cuatro personas. Las reparaciones que se pueden pagar con estos fondos pueden incluir:

n Reparación o sustitución del techo.

n Reparación de la caldera o sistemas de calefacción.

n Reparaciones eléctricas o de plomería.

n Mejoras de accesibilidad, como rampas o barras de apoyo.

n Reparaciones estructurales.

n Mejoras en las ventanas o el aislamiento térmico.

La cantidad máxima que cada propietario puede solicitar es de $25.000 dólares. Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Abigail De Meo al 517-264-4805 o ademeo@adrianmi.gov.

“reglas ocultas” de las clases económicas. Quienes completan la serie celebran con una ceremonia de graduación, reciben un certificado y una asignación de 300 dólares. Se requiere registror. Plan de Gastos (por Community Action Agency) — el martes, 21 de abril, 5:30-7 p.m. Similar al presupuesto, pero diferente. Aprende a ser más organizado, a determinar y evaluar los ingresos y gastos mensuales, planificar un presupuesto, controlar los gastos,

calcular tu ratio deuda-ingresos y abordar la deuda, incluidos los préstamos estudiantiles. Se requiere registror. Alquiler para el Exito (por Community Action Agency) — el miércoles, 29 de abril, 5:30-7 p.m. Conozca las leyes de vivienda justa, los contratos de arrendamiento, los derechos de los inquilinos, el mantenimiento, las reparaciones y más. Estipendio de $50 si pre-registras y completas una sesión de presupuesto.

Lenco president passes the torch to a new leader

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Although Lenco Credit Union is 56 years old this year, only two people have ever served as its president and CEO.

Now a third person is joining those ranks, as longtime leader Ben Neal prepares to retire and hand over the reins to Fran Brant.

Neal started working at the credit union in 1985, not long after graduating from college. He became president about a decade ago upon the retirement of David Chambers.

He has seen a lot of growth since he started working at Lenco. The credit union’s assets have expanded from $4 million in 1985 to $143 million today. Membership has grown as well — both in terms of numbers and in terms of who can join. Lenco was originally founded to serve teachers, but a little over 25 years ago, the National Credit Union Administration — the federal agency that regulates credit unions — made it easier to form community charters. Now it’s open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Lenawee, Hillsdale, Jackson, Monroe or Washtenaw counties.

Services have expanded as well; for example, the credit union started offering mortgages about a decade ago.

And there have been plenty of other changes. Most notably, although the credit union did have computers in 1985, the technology was in its infancy.

“We were writing receipts and then entering the information into people’s accounts,” Neal said.

Reflecting on his four decades with the credit union, Neal said: “It’s been a privilege to serve the members. It’s been made simple by a very good board that I’ve served under over the years, mentoring by a good friend and former CEO, Dave Chambers, and also made easy by the tremendous staffs I’ve had over the years.”

Neal’s successor is a lifelong Lenawee County resident, having grown up at Devils Lake and attended Addison Community Schools. Brant has lived in Adrian since a few years after graduating from Eastern Michigan University.

Brant has about 30 years of experience in financial services, having started out working in banks. She joined Lenco in 2024 as vice president of consumer lending. She said she aims to have a “member-first” approach as president and CEO.

“I just am a strong believer in giving back to our community,” she said.

She aims to continue keeping pace with technology, noting as one example that the credit union has added support for digital wallets. A new website is coming soon as well.

Brant’s children attended Madison schools, and she has served with numerous organizations including the Lenawee County Association of Realtors, Catherine Cobb Shelter, Zonta of Lenawee, Habitat for Humanity, the Boys and Girls Club, and Catholic Charities.

Ben Neal is retiring as president and CEO of Lenco Credit Union, and Fran Brant will assume that title as of May 1. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

SPORTS

Onsted boys set a school record on the way to regional title

By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

A last-second shot in regulation to tie the game and a go-ahead layup in overtime kept the Onsted boys basketball team from reaching the Division 3 state semifinals.

Flint Elite, also known as Flint New Standard Academy, earned a 55-53 win against Onsted in the Division 3 quarterfinals at Lincoln High School in Ypsilanti on March 10.

It was not the ending that Onsted coach Brad Maska envisioned, but the Wildcats still surpassed expectations this season.

Onsted graduated its entire starting lineup last year, so Maska did not know what to expect from his Wildcats, but those players not only stepped up, but also moved forward.

“Our 2025–26 season was a special one for our program,” Maska said. “From the start of November, the group set high expectations for themselves, and they worked every day to live up to those goals.”

Onsted set a school record for most wins in a season with 24 wins in 27 games. The athletes also captured their fifth straight Lenawee County Athletic Association championship, a new league record, and managed their third Division 3 district title in five years.

“Early in the season, we were still figuring out roles, but by the end, we were playing our best basketball defensively and sharing the ball offensively,” said Maska, noting his players’ growth throughout the year as key to their year-end success.

“This group showed toughness and resilience all season long,” Maska said. “They bought into playing defense, rebounding, and trusting one another.”

Mason Chesser showed consistency throughout the season, scoring and rebounding, and played a huge role in our success, Maska said. Cole Wells provided leadership and scoring. Bryson Sutherland impacted games with his defense, rebounding, and rim protection, while Rylan Henagan ran the offense and kept the team organized throughout the season.

“We had several players step up in big ways this season, but our seniors were the guys that led this group,” Maska said.

ERIK TJOLSEN/TJOLSENPHOTO.COM

Rylan Henagan goes up to make a thirdquarter basket in Onsted’s state quarterfinal against Flint Elite on March 10.

Maska said younger players had their moments, and he expects them to take on more leadership roles next season.

“We also saw great growth from younger players like Bryce Adams, Sean Symington, Jacob Hill, Carter Gillean, Trey Wagner, and Justus Cunningham,” Maska said.

“It was a special moment for our players, our school, and our community because it was the program’s first regional title since 1983,” Maska said of Onsted’s 42-40 win over Ecorse in the regional final.

“Seeing the players celebrate together after all the work they put in throughout the season is something I’ll never forget,” Maska said. “I’m extremely proud of how our players developed both individually and as a team.”

Addison grows in camaraderie: Regardless of a 2-21 record, Addison fared much better toward the end of the season than at the beginning.

“The camaraderie for this year’s team was special,” Addison coach Sam Wozniak said. “These young men played for each other night in and night out.

“By the end of the season, we played some of the best teams in the Cascades Conference down to the wire,” Wozniak added. “This speaks to their characters because we got whooped by most of the good teams earlier in the season.”

As for next season, he said he expects Logan Jewell, Andrew Pratt, and Andrew Huston to take over the leadership roles.

Seniors Smith, Braylin Klein, Austin Wilson, and Blake Newman were exceptional leaders, Wozniak said.

Maples rack up some big wins: Adrian recorded huge wins during the season over state-ranked opponents at the time. The Maples defeated New Haven (71-49), Onsted (50-46), and Battle Creek Pennfield (75-65), where Jaxson Francis had a career-high 38 points, and Calvin Polley set a school record with 15 assists in the Pennfield win.

The team finished 16-8 and fourth in the Southeastern Conference White Division.

“We had some big wins this year,” said coach Jordan Kelly.

“We didn’t accomplish all of our goals, but we went 16-8 with a team that only had three returners from last year’s team,” said Kelly, whose team dropped a 60-53 decision to Michigan Center in the Division 2 district final. “I was proud of how the team improved throughout the season, and a lot of young players got valuable experience for next year.”

ERIK TJOLSEN/TJOLSENPHOTO.COM

Senior Quincy Smith averaged nearly 20 points per game, and members of the team hit big shots all year, Wozniak said.

Francis averaged 26.7 points per game and received first-team all-SEC honors for the second year in a row, while Polley and Lamont McKinney were all-SEC honorable mention.

Lenawee Christian’s Salenbien breaks county scoring record See BOYS BASKETBALL, page A17

Onsted’s Cole Wells, center, celebrates with head coach Brad Maska after the Wildcats’ 42-40 victory over Ecorse in the regional final.

girls basketball coach Ashley Joughin celebrates with her team after the Bulldogs’ regional title win on March 11. MIKE DICKIE/MIKEDICKIEPHOTOGRAPHY.SMUGMUG.COM

Morenci and Tecumseh girls land regional championships

By Ryan McDowell The Lenawee Voice with additional information from MHSAA

When the Morenci girls basketball team arrived at the Breslin Center on March 19, it was the culmination of a four year journey.

The Lady Bulldogs were set to face the Hematites of Ishpeming in a state semifinal game many viewed as a matchup of the two best remaining teams.

“Essentially, the championship game was the semifinal game and sometimes that’s just the way the bracket works out,” Morenci head coach Ashley Joughin said.

After a hard fought, low scoring battle Ishpeming eventually escaped with a 3734 win to advance to the finals and send the Bulldogs home. Ishpeming went on to beat Portland St. Patrick 48-28 and won their second state championship in three years.

“Outside of turnovers, I thought the girls left everything on the floor and played as hard as they possibly could have for 32 straight minutes,” Joughin said. “The game could have gone either way and unfortunately, we lost the lead in the final couple of minutes and never got it back.”

Morenci finished the regular season at 21-1 overall and 12-0 in the Tri-County Conference.

Morenci was the favorite to win their district. And after defeating Addison 70-18 in the first round, they promptly delivered a third straight District Championship with a 49-14 victory over Pittsford.

Next up was Allen Park Inter-City Baptist, and then the Morenci girls won their third straight regional title by defeating Summerfield 44-26.

In a state quarterfinal battle against undefeated Kingston, Morenci held the Cardinals to just 25 points in a convincing 42-25 victory.

After four years of blood, sweat and tears, of summer camps and scrimmages, of injuries and sicknesses, of running and lifting, the Lady Dawgs had finally punched their ticket to the Breslin Center.

Morenci will graduate five seniors in one of the most decorated basketball teams in school history. The last four years have yielded four TCC championships, three district championships, three regional championships, and now a Final Four appearance.

Tecumseh’s Delaney Brown looks to pass while Flint Powers Catholic’s Haleena Abueita defends during the Division 2 semifinal on March 20. Tecumseh won the semifinal match but went on to lose the state championship game to Goodrich.

Morenci’s graduating seniors are Emersyn Bachelder, who crossed the 1,000-point threshold in her final season and finished with 1,198 career points; Evelyn Joughin, who tallied a school record 515 career assists; Addyson Valentine, who finished with 501 career rebounds; Lauryn Dominique, who worked her way into a starting role for her senior season; and Katelyn Ruse, who the coach said has been a vocal leader and brought good energy to the team for the past four years.

Tecumseh battles to the end: Though the Tecumseh girls basketball team fell short of a second Division 2 state championship, it was a hard-fought battle.

After handing Airport a 75-44 loss in the quarterfinal, Tecumseh headed to the Breslin Center for what was to be a much tighter semifinal contest against Flint Powers Catholic. Freshman powerhouse Avery Zajac scored 25 of Tecumseh’s points in that contest, which ended up as a 63-59 victory.

In the final, where they were up against undefeated Goodrich, Tecumseh trailed by 29-14 at the end of the first half. The second half was better, but the Indians couldn’t quite overcome the deficit. Goodrich ended up claiming the championship with a final score of 55-44.

Morenci

PHOTO COURTESY OF MHSAA

Hudson wrestlers post strong season

Sorrow reaches 200 career wins

By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

Hudson senior Nicholas Sorrow captured his fourth individual state championship at Ford Field in Detroit on March 7.

Sorrow pinned Riverview Gabriel Richard’s Andrew Frazier in 55 seconds in the 132-pound final for his fourth consecutive individual title.

Along the way, Sorrow became the eighth of nine student-athletes with four individual and four team championships in the history of the Michigan High School Athletic Association. He earned his seventh championship on Feb. 28, when Hudson defeated Clinton for the Division 4 team title, 50-15.

On top of that, Sorrow reached 200 career wins and 100 career pins, respectively.

“It really means a lot to be in the position and health to achieve these milestones, and I credit my family, teammates, and good friends for always bringing me up and helping me through the way,” said Sorrow, who finished his stellar four-year career with a 213-5 record.

“I believe the passion for the game that I take into my matches is a huge factor in where I am today,” added Sorrow, who ended his final season with a 54-2 record.

Sorrow recorded his milestone win with a 19-4 technical fall victory over Sand Creek’s Thomas Shanks in the Division 4 individual district tournament. Before that, he earned his milestone pin at the Lenawee County Athletic Association championships, a fall in 42 seconds over Clinton’s Max Delphy.

“Wrestling at Hudson has been an incredible experience, and I have learned so much about myself, wrestling, and the world,” Sorrow said. “We compete with the winningest coach in MHSAA history, and it is truly a blessing to learn from Coach [Scott] Marry.”

Sorrow is not the only Hudson wrestler to reach milestones in 2026.

Senior Colt Perry, junior Jaxton Kimling,

and sophomore Beckett Campbell also earned milestone wins.

Perry posted an 8-5 win over Clinton’s Tanner Bolton in the 150-pound match of the final match with the Redwolves for win No. 150.

The next weekend, Perry capped his final season with a 2-1 win over Riverview Gabriel Richard’s Luke Harrington in the 138-pound title match.

“This achievement felt like another steppingstone achieved,” said Perry, who finished with a 154-36 career record, including 47-7 in 2026. “Wrestling for Hudson is amazing, especially with Coach Marry there to push us every day to get to these milestones.”

Meanwhile, Jaxton Kimling, a junior, earned a 1-0 win over Clinton’s Hudson Miller in the 106-pound final of the Division 4 individual regional championship en route to 100 wins.

“I have put in a ton of work to get here, and reaching this accomplishment just gives me more to look forward to and a new goal to go after,” said Kimling, who won an individual championship at 106 pounds — a 4-1 decision over Coloma’s Bryce Cartwright — after losing in the title match a year ago. “I have put in so much work in season and during the summer for the past few years.”

Campbell, a sophomore, reached the 100-career win plateau when he posted a 5-3 win over Springport’s Wyatt Burns in the Division 4 team regional final.

“I have always dreamed of being great at wrestling ever since I was young,” said Campbell, who also won a Division 4 individual state title at 150 pounds, a 4-2 win over Manchester’s Blake Sloan. “Coach Marry has taught me many things, but the thing that has stuck with me the most is … discipline. Being disciplined helps me out in many aspects, like cutting weight, school, workouts, and many other things.”

Kimling (106-50) finished the 2026 campaign with a 42-10 record, while Beckett (110-3) capped a perfect 56-0 season.

Freshman Royce Beal captured a 113-pound title at the individual state meet, a fall in 1 minute, 39 seconds over Coloma’s Brody Ashley for Hudson. Freshmen Liam McClain (120 pounds) and Wyatt Kimble (157) each placed second. Senior Devon Brigman (190) and junior Chase Clark (144) each finished third. Senior Malachi Marshall (285) took fourth, while junior Ethan Rising (132) was fifth. Hudson junior Grace Miller (105) was a state qualifier and competed in the girls open division.

Hudson’s Scott Marry reaches coaching milestone

By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

HUDSON — When the time comes for Hudson wrestling coach Scott Marry to take his final bow, the career wins and numerous championships will mark his legacy.

But for Marry, who now has more career wins than any wrestling coach in Michigan history, it is the people around him who helped him build a championship dynasty over the past four decades.

Marry listed a who’s who of support from superintendent Mike Osborne, Southern Michigan Center for Science and Industry superintendent Dan Rogers, and athletic director Jeremy Beal, along with Hudson Wrestling Club president Lindsey Rogers, vice president Sasha Kimling, secretary Melissa Rising, and treasurer Dee Moll as pillars of support for the Hudson program.

“Without a good administration, you are limited, and your resources are limited,” Marry said. “The administration and our program work side by side for the best interest of the athletes involved.”

The

“I still have my family’s support. I still have administrative support. I still have the community support, and I believe God wants me to do what’s best for children,” said Marry, acknowledging his parents, Delmer and Peggy Marry, and wife, Paula.

See MARRY, page A17

Marry also cited Trey Reuter, Justin Butts, Lance Patrick, Justin Kimling, Aaron Barker, Mike Rising, Zach Knapp, Emma Pendell, Tyler Mattison, Josh Brockway, Peyton Rogers, Dan Hartley, Cole Marry, and Bronson Marry.

veteran coach has no immediate plans to retire.

Hudson’s Nicholas Sorrow stands with his hand raised in victory on March 7 at Ford Field.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MHSAA

Scott Marry monitors the action on Feb. 28 after becoming the state’s all-time winningest wrestling coach during the semifinals earlier that day. PHOTO COURTESY OF MHSAA

Onsted’s Cunningham reaches milestone win

County wrestlers earn all-state honors at Detroit’s Ford Field

By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

The reality of shortened seasons and careers cut short by injuries is part of life for some high school student-athletes. Too often, a student-athlete is not the same after one injury, let alone two or more setbacks.

But for Onsted senior Teagan Cunningham, his wrestling career is not the norm.

A surprise appendectomy slowed his junior season a few months into the 2024-25 season. Once he returned, Cunningham competed at the Lenawee County All-County Wrestling Tournament and captured the 150-pound title. But shortly after that meet, he dislocated his left knee in another meet that derailed the rest of his season.

Cunningham worked out with trainer Tom Schneider during the summer and returned for his senior season with high expectations for the 2025-26 season, only to see another setback slow his momentum. This time, an injury to his right knee occurred toward the end of the season.

“There were many moments of doubt and frustration being out at the most important part of the season,” Cunningham said. “What drives me to push through obstacles is my love for wrestling and my desire to prove that these setbacks are temporary.

“Every challenge motivates me to work harder and prepare for the next goal,” he added.

That goal included reaching 100 career wins, a pin of Columbia Central’s Auden Kennedy in two minutes during the Division 3 district team championship match in February.

The effort did not go unnoticed, Onsted coach Tyler Boss said.

“Teagan battled through two years of injuries and surgery that definitely slowed things down for him,” Boss said. “A lot of kids might have given up or let that hold them back, but Teagan didn’t.

“He fought through the adversity and worked his butt off to get back and reach that milestone. I couldn’t be prouder of the effort and determination he showed to get there,” Boss said.

“As far as injuries, it’s been rough to watch his seasons cut short,” said Mary Walters, Teagan’s mother. “His high school career has for sure been a roller coaster of emotion and anxiety for me, but even if I knew how it was going to end, I still would have signed him up when he was 4.”

Although his final injury slowed his momentum after taking second at the Division 3 individual district and helping his Wildcats earn a team district championship, Cunningham said the journey was worth the pain.

“Reaching 100 wins means a lot to me,” Cunnigham said. “It represents years of hard work, discipline, and commitment to a sport that has shaped who I am. It’s not just about the number; it reflects the early mornings, tough practices, close losses, and lessons learned along the way.”

Madison’s McClure surpasses 100 career wins: Madison senior Paul McClure recorded an 18-2 technical fall

win over Dundee’s Scott Kohlman early in the wrestling season.

“Paul is an extremely hard worker and epitomizes what coaches hope for in student athletes,” Madison coach Scott Hall said of McClure, who qualified for the Division 3 individual state meet three times, including a seventh-place finish in 2026 at 132 pounds.

“He challenges himself to get better and works hard to do so,” Hall said of McClure, who carries a 3.8 grade point average and also earned academic allstate honors. “A true leader on and off the mat, we will miss him.”

Clinton duo joins 100-career-win club: Clinton senior Cliff Jones (165 pounds) reached 100 career wins for Clinton and coach Casey Randolph, while junior Zach Taylor (113) earned 100 wins.

Senior Bryce Randolph (190) earned a 5-3 win over Decatur’s Rowan Bradford for the 190-pound title at the Division 4 individual state meet. Sophomore Gradyn Whelan (215) finished second, while Jones took third, Taylor finished fourth, senior Tanner Bolton (150) placed fifth, and sophomore Braxton Randolph (157) was seventh. Senior Landon Lakotas (175) and junior Hudson Miller (106) qualified for the state tournament.

County wrestlers earn all-state honors at individual state meets: In Division 2, Adrian senior John Breckel placed second in the 190-pound final, while senior Micah Blaker finished third in the 113-pound third-place match. Adrian junior Jace Miller (157) and Tecumseh junior Cruz Torres (175) each qualified and competed at the individual state meet.

In Division 3, Blissfield senior Jude Rosas finished second in the 113-pound final, while junior teammate Gage Rothman (144) qualified and competed at the state meet.

In Division 4, Sand Creek freshman Nathan Bennett finished fifth in the 1113-pound division, while junior teammate Tucker Hulett (285) qualified and competed at the state meet. Addison sophomore Caden Olsofsky finished seventh in the 126-pound division.

Teagan Cunningham, right, with Onsted coach Tyler Boss, celebrated his 100th career win this year, a milestone he reached after a medical setback in the previous season. PHOTO COURTESY OF TYLER BOSS

Adrian’s Opsal wins state swimming title; Tecumseh shows growth

By Renee Lapham Collins The Lenawee Voice

For Adrian senior Kade Opsal, the journey to the top of the podium didn’t begin at the state meet but with uncertainty.

After breaking his wrist last fall, Opsal wasn’t sure he would have a season.

Instead, he ended it as a state champion.

Opsal captured the Division 3 title in the 100-yard backstroke, clocking a time of 49.20 seconds, then added a runnerup finish in the 50 freestyle (20.87), highlighting a strong weekend for both Adrian and Tecumseh at the MHSAA Division 3 state finals, March 13-14 at the Holland Aquatic Center.

Adrian coach Robert Petkus said Opsal’s performance was the result of months of careful planning and perseverance.

“One of the biggest highlights of the meet was Kade winning the 100 backstroke,” Petkus said. “He broke his wrist in the fall and was unsure if he could even swim the season.”

Cleared to return to the water just one day before the season began, Opsal spent more than a month limited to kicking drills while rebuilding strength and endurance.

“We made a plan of kicking only for over a month to build endurance and work on his underwaters,” Petkus said. “This paid off in the long run.”

Opsal’s success helped anchor a sizable Adrian contingent at the state meet, where the Maples qualified eight swimmers and an alternate — one of the program’s largest groups in recent years.

“It’s really nice to have that many freshmen,” Petkus said.

Adrian also saw contributions across the lineup, including a ninth-place finish in the 200 medley relay (1:40.00) and individual state qualifiers like freshman Chase Rosales, who earned his spot in the 100 breaststroke. Junior Ian Baker had strong finishes in the 200 freestyle (21st) and the 100 fly (32nd).

Petkus pointed to Rosales’ qualifying swim at the SEC meet as a turning point in Adrian’s season.

“That swim was one of the meetchanging moments that solidified our SEC title,” he said.

Senior captains Opsal and Noah Judson helped guide the team through a season that ended on a high note. Judson also qualified individually in the 500 freestyle, with a 19th-place finish.

“This season concluded very well with our senior captains helping guide the team to a positive place to swim fast,” Petkus said.

Tecumseh also made strides at the state level, sending multiple swimmers and a relay to the Division 3 finals despite significant challenges throughout the season.

“The coaches are incredibly impressed by our team’s effort over the course of the year,” Tecumseh coach Ben Newcomb said. “To have as much success as we did with all the extra travel due to the pool being closed is a testament to the hard work they put in.”

With their home pool closed for an extended period, Tecumseh swimmers have been traveling to Dundee High School for practices — a routine that has tested both consistency and commitment. In January, the district announced plans to demolish the existing pool.

Senior Sam Warren led the way for the Indians, qualifying in multiple events, including the 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly, while freshman Max Husband also competed in the butterfly. Warren and Husband along with Carter Bortell and Brayden DePew also had a strong showing in the 200 medley relay, clocking a time of 1:45.53 for 20th place.

Tecumseh’s presence extended beyond individual events. The program qualified a relay for the state meet for the first time in more than five years and also sent Betz in as a diver — another sign of growth. Looking back at the season, Newcomb sees hope for the program’s future. With two freshmen — Husband and Allison Betz — qualifying, momentum is building.

“That’s a major achievement that shows where our team can go in the coming years,” he said.

Adrian High School’s Kade Opsal overcame an injury last fall to swim in his senior season and turn in a strong performance at the state meet. Opsal has signed to swim at Ball State University next year. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDY OPSAL

Madison seeks continued success as track season opens

By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

The Madison boys track and field team seeks more hardware and recognition as coach Josh Powers leads his Trojans into the 2025-26 season.

“We have several athletes returning who were big contributors to our success,” said Powers, whose 41-member team features 28 returning studentathletes. “We have some holes to fill, but we have a couple of new kids to track that will have an instant impact.”

Madison tied for second at the Division 3 regional last spring, placed fourth at the Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association team meet, and 16th at the Michigan High School Athletic Association championships.

Juniors Derrell Tillman, Trenton Fetter and Wade Garza are all-state athletes returning to the team.

“We hope to compete for a league title, qualify as a team for the team state, and qualify more athletes for the individual state meet,” Powers said.

n The numbers are slightly up for Addison, and coach Katrina Vescelius returns seven on her 22-member squad, which last season managed only 17 student-athletes.

“With growing numbers this season, we are excited for the new faces and talent that this season brings,” Vescelius said.

She expects seniors Austin Wilson and Quincy Smith to contribute a lot

this season, along with junior Michael Beard, sophomore Tony Gudakunst and freshman Connor Evans.

n Moises Salazar, Easton Coscarelli, and Landin Fisher will contribute to Adrian’s distance races. Kade Opsal, Hunter Prewo, Prince Sager, and Jacob Canales return in the sprints, along with Romus Wyche, who will contribute in the hurdles and sprints.

“All of these athletes have the goal to qualify for the state meet in one or more events,” said coach Tammy Francis, whose squad features 52 members.

The Maples’ Samuel Smaw, Dominic Bryan, and Ben Thompson will lead the throws.

Francis said freshmen Parker Smith and Wyatt Soule, along with freshmen Brysen Smith, Amir House, and Jordan Griffen, will contribute in the jumps and sprints. Adrian also has newcomers Carter Allen, Wyatt Snyder, and Cassion DuBose, who are strong additions in multiple events, Francis said.

“The guys will be vying to be regional champs, and they certainly have the potential to be just that,” Francis said. “In order to build a champion program, we will need time to evaluate each athlete’s strengths to determine where each athlete can contribute effectively. We need to maximize every point possible among all events.”

n Seniors Skyler Kimple, Braedyn Tennant, Brandon Jacobs, Iain Gilmore, Gabe Nichols, Jude Rosas, Nolan Wilson,

and Nathan Hunt will lead Blissfield and its more than 30-member team under coach Ryan Bills.

“I’m really looking forward to this year and our ability to compete in all events,” Bills said. “We have great numbers and good depth, so that it will be a fun season.”

Kimple, Tennant, Wilson, and Gilmore are key contributors among the seniors. Juniors Caleb Vore and Ethan Samuels, along with sophomores Durant Smith, Michael Weidmayer, Noah Sills, Brady Bills, and Solo Rupp will provide depth for the Royals.

“My expectation of this team is success,” said Bills, who returns two state qualifiers from a year ago in Tennant and Weidmayer. “This can come in many different ways; they have personal goals, both short and long term, as well as team goals. When those goals have been reached, then we have success, and they have done what we have set out to do.”

n Coach Kurt Hillegonds returns 50 members, a few more than Clinton had last year, including a high number of returning student-athletes.

“Last season, we were competitive, and we did lose some talented seniors, but most athletes are back, and we think we will have a better overall team this year,” Hillegonds said.

Seniors Brenden Braun-Benschoter and Elijah Turner were all-state qualifiers in the long jump and long jump at last year’s Division 3 state meet.

Juniors Zachary Taylor, Broden Manchester, Cole Hillegonds, and Peter Baker, along with sophomore Zander Urban, could have breakout seasons for the Redwolves. Freshmen Wyatt Dehring and Haiden Bennett are athletes to watch.

“We also think we are deep enough to get some quality relays together,” Hillegonds said. “Despite the cold weather, we have had a great two weeks of practice, and the team is starting to come together. We are excited to race and looking forward to posting some great numbers this year.”

n It is a rebuilding year for Onsted and coach Corey Hubbard, as studentathletes have graduated since the team captured a Division 3 regional championship last spring.

“We are returning 16 from last year’s 32 and adding 10 new athletes to the team,” Hubbard said. “We are looking to take several athletes to the state meet this year.”

Senior Chase Fetzer was a Division 3 state qualifier in the hurdles, while junior Connor Kish also qualified in the sprints.

n Numbers are not a problem for Tecumseh and coach Wes Harden, as 48 return from last year’s team and are ready for the upcoming season.

Seniors Tucker Cole, Declan Cornish, and Brayden Depew lead the 60-member squad, while sophomores Jordan Wisnieski and Keenon Ridgeway also look to contribute.

County returns a number of all-state qualifiers in girls’ events

By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

The likes of Emmry Ross of Onsted and Molly Brown of Addison graduated and moved on after completing stellar high school careers marked with allstate honors. But the Lenawee County girls track and field scene has plenty of up-and-coming student-athletes ready to leave their mark.

n Nineteen girls came out for Addison, including 10 returning members from last season’s team for coach Katrina Vescelius.

“With growing numbers this season, we are excited for the new faces and talent that this season brings,” said Vescelius, whose Panthers finished in the top tier of the Cascades Conference and took fourth at the Division 4 Michigan High School Athletic Association state track and field meet.

Junior Hailey Marsee was a state qualifier in the Division 4 pole vault event. She also competes in sprint relays. Senior Ava Beard and junior Lily Arnold will compete in the shot put and discus events. Arnold will also do the high jump. Junior Isabella Forrest will run the 400 and sprint relays. Sophomores Serenity Hinson, who will also play softball, will run the 100, 200, and sprint relays, and Ellie Woodring will run the 800, 1,600, and 3,200 races. Freshman Ava Gibson competes in the 100, 200, and sprint relays.

n Coach Tammy Francis has Ayda Skeels, Madison Petty, and Karina MihaiGrimes penciled in the distance events for Adrian. Top sprint returners are Jasmine Griffen and Nise Nombo, while Haylee Vore will compete in the hurdles along with sprints.

“We are growing and thrilled to see new faces,” said Francis, who cited the new additions among her 34-member team.

Freshmen Lily Krill and Avi Iott will compete in the sprints, and Giselle Lindeman will compete in the hurdles and jumps. Newcomers having solid starts to the season are Lyvea Steele in the throws, along with Kacey Harrah and Makenna Arnold in multiple events.

“The ladies will be able to compete at a higher level than previous years as we have more of a balance in terms of filling events,” Francis said. “They will be spread thin, but we will seek to be competitive in all events. It will be imperative to scout our competition so we can strategically place athletes in events.”

n Seniors Hope Miller, Leigh Wyman, Hailey Sills, De’Mya Gibbons, Natalie Benitez, and Brooklyn Archer return and provide experience and leadership for Blissfield

“I have a great group of hard-working girls who are willing to put their team first,” said coach Brian Sills, who manages a 21-member team. “I’ve had several girls ask to step into new events to fill some holes left by last year’s seniors.”

The Royals won the Lenawee County Athletic Association title, finished second at the Division 3 regional, and took third at the Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association championship.

“While our strength is definitely our distance crew, which might be one of the deepest in Division 3, we have a lot of high-end talent across all events,” Sills added.

“We lost a lot of depth in the sprints with the graduation of Kaya Franklin, Reanne Smith, Ella Bailey, and Reilan Sayler, and you might never see another athlete as dominant in the field events as Peyton Tennant, who consistently scored points for us in shot put, discus, long jump, and high jump,” Sills said. “But we are returning a lot of talent, too. I think this group of girls has a strong chance

to put their names all over the school record board.”

n Juniors Bella Bannon, a two-time state qualifier in the high jump and a member of a state-qualifying sprint relay, and Madelyn McGraw, a two-time state qualifier in the sprint relays, return for Clinton, which has 29 members, including 17 returning student-athletes.

“We are a young team,” coach Rich DeWald said. “Last year’s state qualifiers are all underclassmen again this year. We have some new talent this year, too. We have a chance to break some school records again this year and increase our number of state qualifiers.”

Sophomores Ella Claus, the Redwolves’ record holder and state qualifier in the 400, and Khloie Miller, who holds the second-highest pole vault in school history, are state qualifiers in the sprint relays, too.

n Half of the Hudson team are newcomers to the program, and coach Tom Romanowski must determine where each member can contribute.

“We didn’t have any hurdlers last year, and we are trying to make a few girls into hurdlers this year so we can be competitive,” Romanowski said. “I’m excited to see 26 girls out, and it will take some time to figure out where each girl can help us.”

Seniors Naika Rath and Ellie Loar are four-year members of the Hudson program. Rath is a seven-time Division 4 all-state performer, while Loar qualified for the state meet and placed tenth in the shot put last year.

“Naika holds the school record for the long jump, 100, 200, and 400,” Romanowski said of Rath. “She is going to go after the 800 time once or twice this year.”

n Coach Josh Powers has 41 girls on his Madison team, including 28 back from last year’s team, which finished

third in the LCAA and fifth at the Division 3 regional meet.

Seniors Christiana Allen, Mariana Carbajal-Fuentes, Madyson Fowler, Stella King, Taelee LaVassaur, and Raelynn Rumler return for the Trojans.

“We have a strong core of throwers and sprinters, with some young and new distance runners,” said Powers.

n Juniors Hadley Ross and Chloe Gemalsky will lead the sprints for Onsted and coach Rhonda Hubbard as she looks for contributions from sophomore Lilian Briggs and freshmen Elsie Rutledge and Alaina Parker.

Senior Izzy Cunningham will lead the throwers, along with junior Jaleigh Williams and freshmen Lydia Sutherland, Cheyenne Szymchak, and Carissa Stanton for the Wildcats.

“The Onsted girls team is down again in size, as we try to rebuild,” said Hubbard. The team is returning six athletes from last season and adding five freshmen to the mix.

Hubbard will also seek contributions from seniors Raegan Brosamer and Emma Grulke, along with freshman Emily Durfey.

n Coach Wes Harden returns 30 of his 40-member team for Tecumseh, which finished fourth in the Southeastern Conference White Division and fifth at the Division 2 regional.

“This season is more of a reload than a rebuild,” Harden said.

Senior Kazzy Garland (100, 200) plus sophomores Lillian Harden (100, 200) and Holly Woods (400) will anchor the sprints, while junior Lyla Hanson (shot put, discus) leads the throws. Gwen Echter, a sophomore, will contribute to the hurdles for the Indians.

“While we return a strong core of experienced athletes and have promising young talent ready to step into larger roles, we compete in a tough regional,” said Harden.

Tobias takes reins of Tecumseh softball

By Jeffrey R. Plum

The Lenawee Voice

Katie Tobias begins her first season as head coach of tradition-rich Tecumseh with 10 returning players from last year’s Division 2 regional semifinalist squad.

Last year, Tecumseh went 23–15–1, with a SEC White Division record of 10–6.

“Our strengths this season lie in our versatility,” said Tobias. “With the majority of athletes playing competitive travel ball, their experience in different positions, roles, and with various

teammates allows us to have flexibility across both our offense and defense.”

Seniors Emma Eldred and Lainey Sysko return for Tecumseh, as well as juniors London Landini and Laura Nadeau and sophomores Aubree Barkway, Kennadi Fulton, Maya Juozapaitis, Alexis McNamara, and Myla Ondrovick. Seniors Maddy VanBlack and Hailey Kennedy missed last season due to injuries and return this spring.

Nadeau and Fulton anchor the pitching staff as sophomore Kohlee Musselman, who pitched last season, recovers from an

ACL injury during basketball.

“This season, we are going to compete,” Tobias said. “Our goal is to win districts back-to-back and advance farther than we did last year. Although we have a new coaching staff, the standards for the program have not shifted; if anything, they have increased.”

n Addison softball will open the season on April 2 by traveling to Camden-Frontier.

n Adrian’s season begins with a doubleheader at home versus Onsted on April 2.

n Blissfield begins the season at home on April 4, facing Jonesville.

n Coach Stacy Johnson enters her second season at the helm for Britton Deerfield and welcomes 16 players onto the softball diamond.

“We have a great turnout this year for softball,” said Johnson, who co-coached the team last season with Jeff Scott. “We have a number of girls who look great defensively, and our hitting and pitching will allow us to compete more this year.”

Onsted baseball readies for another state run

By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

Last season, Onsted dropped a heartbreaking, nine-inning 2-1 decision to Jackson Lumen Christi in the Division 3 regional final at Adrian College.

Then, Onsted graduated seven players from that team, including several who contributed significant time and energy to the program.

But as the Wildcats prepare for the 2026 season, third-year coach Holden Branch is confident his players can battle for the Lenawee County Athletic Association crown and excel once the postseason comes around in May.

“League is always at the top of the list, as well as districts,” said Holden, whose team finished 26-14 and 14-7 in the LCAA. “We expect to be in the mix of it all. Anything can happen in postseason ball, and it’s all about how well we execute.

“However, with the young guys we have coming up, I’m confident in our skill sets and believe we are simply reloading with some young faces mixed into our experienced guys,” Holden said.

Seniors Teagan Cunningham, Landon Johnson, and Bryson Sutherland return for Holden, along with juniors Lucas Arnold, Sean Symington, and Jack Tessier.

“Our strengths will be our pitching depth,” said Holden, citing Arnold and Symington, who recorded meaningful innings off the mound last season as sophomores. He said Sutherland tossed limited innings last season due to arm issues, but he and Tessier will contribute more this season.

Arnold, Tessier, and Johnson are all returning position players who will be looking to build off of their 2025 season, Holden said. Arnold and Tessier each received all-LCAA honorable mention as sophomores.

“Our young guys will be thrown into action right from the beginning, and everything I know about them tells me they are gamers and will be ready for what gets thrown at them,” Holden said.

n Coach Rick Gramm, who began his coaching career with Addison in 2010, starts his ninth season at the helm for the Panthers.

“Addison baseball is small in numbers, but we pride ourselves in working hard, carrying a JV schedule, and always giving you a fight in any doubleheader, as we have already started practicing towards a grueling 37-game schedule,” said Gramm, whose team finished 13-20 and 3-17 in the Cascades Conference.

“Cascades is a tough baseball conference with 12 schools in the mix, so coming out of there with an overall .500 record or better will be an extreme confidence builder, taking on

an additional 15 non-conference games against other Division 4 schools in our area,” said Gramm, whose Panthers dropped a 3-0 decision to North Adams in the Division 4 district tournament.

Fourth-year seniors Levi Chestney and Jacob Wright possess great minds for the game and strong leadership qualities, Gramm said, while all-conference catcher and junior Logan Jewell returns. Andrew Huston, Brody Earley, Carter Heimlich, Keegan Patterson, Lucas Merkle, and Brenden Truitt also return.

“The 2026 season will be a positive culture change,” Gramm said. “We’re full of great attitudes and athletes that want to be here playing the game the right way.”

n Coach Kyle Johnson begins his sixth season at Adrian, and the expectations are the same as every year when the players step onto the diamond.

“Our team strengths this season are our pitching and experience,” said Johnson, whose team finished 22-14 and placed third in the Southeastern Conference White Division. “A lot of our guys have been with the program the past few seasons, which we have been very successful as back-to-backto-back district champions. I think that understanding and expecting to win goes a long way for our guys.”

The Maples claimed the Division 2 district final but fell 7-0 to SEC rival Chelsea in the regional semifinals.

Seniors Maddox Betz, Adam Parker, and Julius Robichaud return for Adrian, along with juniors Kasey Eichorn, Carter Howard, Abram Marlatt, and Noah

Yatzek, and sophomores Ryder Borton, Luke Bruggeman, Landon DeKeyser, and Ethan Parker.

Robichaud, Marlatt, Borton, Bruggeman, and Adam Parker will anchor the pitching staff, while Robichaud, Howard, DeKeyser, and Parker are top position players for the Maples.

“I expect us to be very competitive,” Johnson said. “If we are able to pitch well and put balls in play, I think we will win a lot of games. I expect to be competing for the SEC White title and contending for district champions again.”

n Coach Scott Abbott enters his second season at Blissfield with an experienced team ready for success in the LCAA and beyond.

“With many returning players, we hope to compete for a league and district championship,” said Abbott, whose team went 11-22 last season, including 7-13 in the LCAA.

Onsted earned a slim 1-0 win over the Royals in the Division 3 district finals.

Seniors Jon Cheney, Ethan Recker, and Jack VanEtten return, along with juniors Ashton Ausmus, AJ Cantu, Cody Coopshaw, Preston Iffland, Jackson Jordan, and Jerrod O’Brien, and sophomore Cory Niles.

Abbott said pitching and defense are key for Blissfield.

n Britton Deerfield starts the 2026 campaign with a large squad ready for action under coach Andrew Clark, who begins his 14th season with the program.

“We expect to compete each day,” said

Clark, whose team finished 14-8 and 5-4 in the Tri-County Conference. “As long as we put the ball in play and throw strikes, we will give ourselves a chance. We want to continue to gain experience at some new positions and play our best baseball at the end of May.”

Last spring, TCC rival Summerfield earned a 10-2 victory over the Patriots in the Division 4 district finals.

Seniors Alex Anspach, Julyan Day, Caden Kubacki, Liem Roe, and Adam Scheurer return, along with sophomores John Fiscus, Nathan Good, Talen Pribe, and Chase Stetler.

“This is a great group of young men,” said Clark, citing their coachability and desire to improve as their strengths.

n Clinton is scheduled to begin the season with a series of in-county matchups against Addison, Sand Creek and Blissfield.

n Coach Jeremy Beal begins his 22nd season at the helm of the Hudson program with attainable goals.

TJOLSEN/TJOLSENPHOTO.COM See SOFTBALL, page A18

“We expect to compete on a nightly basis and improve as the season progresses,” said Beal, whose team finished 14-19 with a 5-16 record in the LCAA. “Our goal is to be a team that nobody wants to play in the postseason.”

“We have two very solid returning pitchers, Liam Timm and Gavin Yatzek,” said Beal, whose team fell to Onsted in the Division 3 district tournament. “We also have some good young players that should help us become much improved defensively.”

Seniors Timm, Yatzek, Devon Brigman, Wyatt Gallippo, and RJ Thompson return for the Tigers, along with junior Braden Jedele and sophomore Carter Vanlerberg.

n Jamie Beach enters his third season with Lenawee Christian with a young team.

The Cougars are seeking “improvement and building for the future,” said Beach, whose squad features seven freshmen among its 14 players.

But as young as the Cougars are, the team’s strength heading into the season is pitching. Beach said senior Zyan Breznik and junior Colton Clymer anchor the staff. The two pitchers also serve as catchers on the team.

Senior Jayse Land returns with Breznik and Clymer, along with top position players junior JT Reatherford and sophomores Micah Jameson and Nolan Robinson for LCS.

n Coach Chris Dubbs begins his 16th season at Madison with dreams of a league crown and postseason success.

“We have the ability to compete for an LCAA championship this year,” said Dubbs, whose team finished 20-9 and 13-8 in the league last year. “With

Junior Jack Tessier is one of the returning players who will anchor Onsted’s baseball lineup this season. ERIK

LAND & WATER

This page is dedicated to coverage of agriculture, the environment, and the intersection between the two. To suggest story ideas, please email news@lenaweevoice.com.

What to do if you spot a bee swarm this season

DAVIS, California — As temperatures rise across North America, honey bee colonies are beginning to swarm. Swarmed, the world’s largest open-access swarm reporting platform, is alerting its network of over 10,000 beekeepers to help protect bee colonies during spring and summer swarming season

Beekeepers lost an average of 62% of their colonies from June 2024 to February 2025, highlighting the urgency of protecting every bee colony that can be saved. When honey bee colonies swarm, they are seeking new homes, but without beekeeper intervention, fewer than 25% survive on their own,

according to research by Thomas Seeley of Cornell University.

This spring, Swarmed expects to send over 300,000 swarm alerts to beekeepers nationwide, helping relocate over 350 million bees and saving beekeepers an estimated $1 millionin colony replacement costs.

“Bee colonies appearing near homes are common and manageable during swarm season,” said Mateo Kaiser, managing director of Swarmed and a master beekeeper. “Local beekeepers can safely relocate colonies, typically within hours of a report, protecting both the community and the bees.”

What to know

n Swarm season typically runs from March through September across most of North America.

n The sooner a beekeeper can assess a situation, the better for both the bees and the public’s peace of mind. Swarms are not aggressive but are vulnerable to weather, pesticides, extermination, and unethical removal methods.

n If you spot a swarm of bees, you can report it at beeswarmed.org/report-bee-colony. The platform immediately alerts local beekeepers, with most reports receiving a response in under 15 minutes.

Madison Garden Center to present talk on getting ready for spring

ADRIAN — “Getting Ready for Spring” will be the topic of the Weber Center’s monthly Lunch and Learn series this month. The session will be presented by Madison Garden Center & Flower Shop, formerly Barrett’s Showplace Gardens. The talk will take place on at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the Weber Center on the campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters.

The workshop will include secrets for choosing the right plant and timing spring gardening projects. There will be time for questions.

All Lunch and Learn events are free.

Bring your lunch (drinks and dessert provided) or purchase lunch for $8 (choice of egg salad, chicken salad, or turkey and cheese croissant sandwich with

chips) by registering at least two days in advance of the event. No registration is required if not ordering lunch.

The Weber Center is at 1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian.

For more information, call 517-266-4000 or email webercenter@adriandominicans.org.

Marry from page A11

“The reason I coach is not for the wins or the accolades, it is for the children and for their development,” Marry said. “I believe we need strong men and women to lead this world, and to build good family foundations for years to come.”

Marry led Hudson (37-3) to its 13th Division 4 state championship in 17 finals on Feb. 28, a 50-15 win over Lenawee County Athletic Association rival Clinton.

Boys basketball from page A9

“This year’s seniors really stepped up to the challenge of leading a brand new team,” said Kelley, whose team will return nine players next season. “They were our emotional and our statistical leaders pretty much every game. I am proud of what they did this year. We had four sophomores who were in our main rotation, and they had great years.”

“A ton of growth” for Blissfield squad: Blissfield finished its season with a 14-10 record and placed fourth in the always tough LCAA with an 8-6 mark.

“I thought there was a ton of growth by our players this season,” said Blissfield coach David DeVantier, whose team fell to Manchester in the Division 3 district semifinals, 65-56. “Having underclassmen play against juniors and seniors each night can be challenging, but the guys were up to the task and worked hard. We had some seniors that really stepped up and helped. We improved as the year went on, which is most important.”

DeVantier cited a week in February where the Royals excelled against two quality league opponents, posting a 7971 win over Hillsdale on Feb. 10 and a 109-61 Senior Night win over Hudson on Feb. 13. “That is when I thought we really started playing our best basketball,” DeVantier said.

Senior Skyler Kimple earned first-team all-LCAA honors and scored a teambest 15.8 points per game. Sophomore Noah Sills received all-LCAA honorable mention. Junior Kaleb Stutzman and freshman Cezar Casanova each made 52 three-pointers for the Royals.

A building year for Patriots: Britton Deerfield capped a 10-14 season with a fifth-place showing in the Tri-County Conference under first-year coach Robert Burciaga.

“Our expectations are to make good basketball players and great young men. Do I think that we accomplished that? Yes,” said Burciaga, whose team fell to Lenawee Christian in the Division 4 district semifinals. “That is the standard, and we plan to build from that with league and district titles.”

A thrilling 65-64 win over East Jackson highlighted the Patriots’ season as assistant coach Austin Burciaga drew up a great play, Burciaga said. Senior Liem Roe hit Alex Anspach for the gamewinning shot at the buzzer.

Anspach set a school record with 26 rebounds in a single game and 331 rebounds in a season for.

“Our seniors led the way and adapted very well to a different coaching style,” Burciaga said of Anspach, Roe, Adam Scheurer, and Julyan Day.

Clinton copes with adversity: Coach Andrew Davis knew his Clinton team would be young as he led them into the 2025-26 season, but in addition, significant injuries forced him into constant lineup changes.

“The team and the coaching staff focus on getting better every day with a positive mindset,” said assistant coach Trey Reuter, who wrestled for Marry and graduated in 1996. “We work hard, and we believe in the fact that we are doing good for the team, ourselves, and our community.”

Marry is now 983-216 since taking over the Hudson program in 1988-89.

“When I started coaching back in the 1980s as a young adult, I wasn’t even thinking about 40 years from when I started,” Marry said. “I just wanted to help children and knew that I could make a difference in some of their lives.”

Lenawee Christian’s Jaxon Salenbien, pictured during the District game against Summerfield, became Lenawee County’s all-time leading scorer this season.

MIKE DICKIE/MIKEDICKIEPHOTOGRAPHY.SMUGMUG.COM

“We knew that we were very young coming into the season and that we really only had two athletes that had significant varsity experience,” Davis said. “Most of our athletes were incoming freshmen or sophomores that played JV last year.”

Clinton, which finished 3-21 and eighth in the LCAA, ousted Sand Creek in the first round of the Division 3 districts, 57-48, but fell to Onsted in the semifinals, 40-28.

“This was a defining moment for our players and community because it was a representation of the perseverance and grit that our boys had,” said Davis, who felt the tournament games and a regularseason win over Hudson stood out.

“They could have allowed their record to define them, but they didn’t, and they competed as hard as they could and gave Onsted everything they had.”

Louie Della Badia, Zeke Turner, and Noah Reid contributed valuable minutes on the court throughout the season for Davis, and their performances did not go unnoticed.

“Despite our record, I do think that we got significantly better as a team throughout the season,” Davis said.

Tigers fight despite injuries: Injuries slowed Hudson through much of the regular season, but the Tigers found their rhythm as they entered postseason play.

“We battled injuries this year, which really hurt us from finding any kind of consistency for the season,” said Jeff Webster, whose team finished 10-14 and sixth in the LCAA. “We finally had our full lineup going into districts.”

After a Division 3 opening round win over Addison, Hudson dropped a heartbreaker to Jonesville in triple overtime, 89-84.

Marry installed the middle school program and created the Hudson Wrestling Club in the early years of his tenure as varsity coach.

“I was the only coach for all three levels the first couple of years,” Marry said. “I had an intuition that led me to build a good foundation for the program early on.

“I always felt that if a program had a good feeder system in place, the end results would be as solid as it could be,” he added.

The foundation that Marry created in the early days is unmatched today,

“Even though we lost that game, I was proud of how the kids battled to the very end,” Webster said, citing strong play from junior Qwaden Wallace, who led Hudson in scoring and assists, along with second- and third-leading scorers Carter Kirkland and Jackson Kast, both juniors. “All three of those players will be back for us next year.”

Salenbien sets new scoring record during strong LCS season: Lenawee Christian senior Jaxon Salenbien concluded his stellar four-year career as Lenawee County’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Adrian’s Stevie Elam and scoring a county-best 2,128 points. He also set new Cougar records in career points and assists.

Salenbien and fellow senior Dan Scrupsky led LCS to its third straight TCC championship, sharing it this season with Whiteford.

The Cougars (16-8) dropped a hardfought 73-67 contest to Summerfield in the Division 4 district final. But that does not diminish the strong season, coach Matt Summer said.

“This year’s team showed incredible character and growth over the course of the season,” Summer said.

Junior Drew Kirkendall and freshman Dante Mathews had important games for LCS throughout the year, and Summer said he expects good things from them next year.

“We had a mix of some talented youth and some experienced veterans,” Summer said. “It took some time to establish roles and build chemistry. We had some very tough games, and the guys bought into the process, embraced their roles, and played connected basketball.”

Madison finishes 14-9: Despite a 14-9 record and a second-place finish in the LCAA at 11-3, Madison did not meet the standards set by its coach, Erik Thompson.

“We performed below expectations this year,” admitted Thompson, whose team was challenged against tough nonleague opponents early in the season. “We did see growth with some of our juniors and expect big things from them next year.”

Junior Elijah Hiatt led Madison in scoring and was second in steals and assists, and he earned first-team allLCAA honors. Junior Derrell Tillman led the Trojans in rebounds and steals and was second in scoring, and he received second-team all-LCAA honors.

The Trojans fell to Michigan Center in the Division 2 district semifinals, a 74-69 overtime loss.

A midseason transition for Morenci: Interim coach Chuck Harsh took over the Morenci program early in the 2025-26 season after a coaching change.

“After I took over, I wanted to work on team chemistry and get the team to play as one solid unit,” said Harsh, who feels he accomplished that goal. “We had some really good moments and showed steady growth throughout the season.”

The Bulldogs finished 4-17 and placed sixth in the TCC. They fell to Britton

and he noted that larger Division 1 and 2 programs do not have the numbers that Hudson puts through its K-12 feeder program. More than 100 boys and girls compete for the Tigers’ programs.

“The consistency this brings to a small program is unmatched at present,” said Marry, who is fortunate enough to have former Tigers return and help the program.

“There are many programs and divisions that try to emulate what we are doing, but the four decades of consistency are tough to overcome for them.”

Deerfield 69-49 in the opening round of Division 4 district play.

Morenci had a challenging season, but beating TCC rival Sand Creek twice highlighted the regular season, Harsh said.

Senior Talan Kruse stood out as the team’s leading scorer and rebounder during the season. Harsh expects juniors Jonas Castillo and Landon Wilkins to lead the Bulldogs and become huge parts of the team next season.

Strong growth for Sand Creek: Injuries and lineup changes throughout the season hindered Sand Creek, but coach Josh Sutherland said once players returned, the team showed improvement.

“We really clicked in February and started passing the ball well, rebounding much better, and playing stiffer defense,” Sutherland said. “We fell short of expectations, but our growth was exponential.”

The Aggies ended their season with a 4-18 record, finishing seventh in the TCC and dropping a 57-48 decision to Clinton in the opening round of the Division 3 district.

But there were positives through the season, including a comeback win over Summerfield on Homecoming en route to a 62-60 win. The Aggies scored 12 points in under a minute to earn a 2-point win. Andon Sutherland netted seven of the final points. He recorded a game-saving steal to secure the win, while Parker Strahan, Grady Hazelwood, Gavin Eack, and Landon Carmody contributed to the comeback effort.

“It’s the tenacity I promised the community that we would bring back. The guys have bought into that and won’t stop playing until the buzzer has gone off, no matter what the score looks like,” Sutherland said.

Andon Sutherland, a senior, earned second-team all-TCC honors and hit 37 three-pointers, while the junior Eack added 30 three-pointers and earned allTCC honorable mention.

Tecumseh grows over course of the season: Tecumseh finished with an 11-12 record and took fifth in the SEC, but coach Jamison Webster praised his team for its growth, especially among the young players.

“We grew as the season went on,” Webster said. “We had a ton of young kids playing meaningful minutes early in the year. As we got later in the year, you could see them play with more poise and confidence, resulting in some big wins for us down the stretch.”

Despite a season-ending 39-28 loss to Madison in the Division 2 opening round of the tournament, Webster said he hopes this season motivates the younger players to get even better as they prepare for next season.

Seniors Charlie Palmer and Lamar Longabaugh played well and were consistent all year long for Tecumseh. “They scored the ball at an efficient rate and were two guys we really leaned on to score the ball for us all season,” Webster said.

Adrian College receives NCAA grant to host two-year athletics internship

ADRIAN — Adrian College was awarded a $66,000 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Pathway to Excellence Grant designed to help colleges and athletic conference offices develop entry-level administrators committed to careers in college athletics.

The award will fund a new sports information and athletic operations intern position at Adrian College for two years, supporting game coverage and operations for the college’s 53 athletic teams.

School bond

from page A1

When the city of Adrian announced the closure of Bohn Pool, the district explored the idea of adding a pool to the bond proposal. But after community feedback, including public polling by the EPIC/MRA firm, and consideration of the costs involved, that idea was shelved.

Performing Arts Center improvements would include new seating and carpeting and upgraded, energy-efficient lighting.

“That probably is the most used space in the district,” Parker said of the center, which opened in 2007. “So over 20 years it’s had a lot of use. It’s a huge asset and it’s a great space.”

By being able to include the PAC updates in this proposal, funding that would otherwise be spent on the work can be freed up for other purposes, Parker said.

The idea for a recreational facility came out of a comprehensive facilities assessment undertaken by APS in 2024.

Softball

from page A15

Seniors Kurina Dotson, Allie Grosshans, Adriana Rafalko, Elayna Thornton, and Leah Thornton return for BD, as does sophomore Allie Fraley. Junior Natalie Barrett suffered a knee injury and will miss the season for the Patriots.

“We have multiple returning players, and having a year of consistency with coaching will hopefully help us with our skills and confidence,” said Johnson, as Shelia Pietrykowski joins her on the bench.

Rafalko leads the BD pitching staff, along with help from Grosshans, Makenna Allshouse, and Janelle Brooks on the mound. Freshmen Brooks, Madi Forlano, and Jaylynn Spence are newcomers. BD petitioned the Michigan High School Athletic Association to allow eighth-grade students on the team, and the MHSAA granted the request, so the team will welcome Lacey Gill, Claire Forche, and Lucy Smith.

Baseball from page A15

our depth and experience, I feel that if we play to our ability, we would have an opportunity to make a run in the postseason.”

Last season, Adrian earned a 7-0 win over the Trojans in the District 2 district championship game.

Madison returns seniors Bryson Ballantyne, Cameron Barber, Brian Dopp, Norman Frederick, Cole Grof, Ashton Hoag, Brooks Horwath, and Kason Snyder. Juniors Elliot Beagle, Eli Hiatt, Caiden Randall and Brody Short also return.

n First-year coach Anthony Pasley takes the reins of the Morenci program, and his goal this spring is simple.

“We have a movement this year about

The internship will provide handson experience in a wide range of areas within intercollegiate athletics,

At the time, community members told the district that there was a need for more athletic and recreational opportunities.

The Adrian Board of Education first began considering this specific proposal more than a year ago. A number of community forums followed and residents of the area immediately adjacent to the site were specifically contacted to give them the opportunity to share their concerns and questions.

Originally, the plan was to put the proposal on the November 2025 ballot, but the announcement of Siena Heights University’s closing at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year put that on hold.

“As soon as the closure was announced, people started asking if [the university’s field house] could be used” for the district’s envisioned facility, Parker said.

He and the school board decided to pause things in order to examine that possibility. But it soon became clear, he said, that such a facility needed to

n Second-year coach Lisa Roberts seeks another Lenawee County Athletic Association championship with Clinton, and the Redwolves have the talent for a possible repeat and more.

“Our expectation is to compete at a high level every day and continue building a program that plays the game the right way,” Roberts said. “We believe we have the pieces to be competitive in the league and position ourselves for a strong postseason run.”

The Redwolves went 29-10 last year, including a perfect 14-0 in the LCAA, but suffered a 6-2 loss to Columbia Central that ended their season in the Division 3 district final.

“We have a strong mix of returning experience and young athletes who are eager to grow, along with improved depth in the circle and versatility across the field,” Roberts said.

Seniors Cora Harsh, Lydia Ormsby, and Annabell Preston return for Roberts, as well as juniors Ashlynn Benschoter, Calli Kruger, Kylinn Long, Kaylin Sposite, and Lola Szczesniak, and sophomores Erin Burton, Mya Popkey, Lexi Tzortzinis,

being positive,” Palsey said. “We have strong upperclassmen this season. Our seniors and juniors fell right back into their old positions without skipping a beat. Our whole team started gelling right on the first practice of the season. We have some very strong freshmen coming in as well as our sophomores.”

Last season, Britton Deerfield earned a 13-2 win over Morenci in the Division 4 district tournament.

Seniors Evan Gould, Talan Kruse, and Blake Moran return for Morenci, along with juniors Jonas Castillo and Harrison Sarnac, and sophomores Paul Bongiorno, Drew Joughin, and Alex Lauffer.

“We are going to keep the momentum from last year going,” said Pasley, who, along with assistant coach Joe Castillo, wants to build a great culture for the Bulldogs. “We want to take this team as far as we can. Our goal is a winning

including athletic communications, event management, game operations and student workforce supervision. The intern will report to Adrian College’s director of sports information, Mike Prang.

In addition to day-to-day operational responsibilities, the intern will gain insight into the broader strategic functions of a collegiate athletics department through mentorship from senior athletics leadership.

be on the AHS campus for a number of reasons, including transportation issues and the difficulties of maintaining and staffing a building so far away from the high school.

Additionally, the field house is smaller than the proposed facility and does not have the turf option that the new building would.

“For this facility to meet our goals, it had to be here on our campus,” Parker said.

On the whole, the response to the bond proposal has been very positive, both from the community and from APS students and staff, Parker said.

“Obviously, our coaches are excited, and some of the high school kids are asking, ‘why did you wait so long?’ ”

He said the facility will reap positive benefits for both APS students and the wider community. In addition to providing a better experience for students who are involved in sports, “65 percent of our students get free or reduced lunch,” he said. “So this gives them an opportunity” for recreational activities.

and Sierra Welch. Freshman DeLane McKinnon is a newcomer to the team.

n Hudson will open the season on April 7 at Madison.

n Coach Bill Flores enters his 12th season at Madison with an abundance of pitching arms as the Trojans prepare for their season.

“As we head into the 2026 season, one of our biggest strengths is our pitching depth,” said Flores, who has more than 20 years with the Madison program. “We have three returning pitchers and are adding two freshmen, which gives us flexibility and strength in the circle.”

He said junior Camylie Sower, along with sophomores Olivia Schmitz and Kendall Gilbertson, anchor the pitching staff for Madison.

Seniors Nylee Blair, Zoey Bringman, Gracie Nieto, and Jazlyn Zaszczurynski also return, along with juniors Sofia Dulbs, Macie Kilpatrick, and Kalexiana Wrest.

n Coach Kay Johnson returns for her 53rd season at the helm of the Morenci program, fresh off a Division 4 district title and regional berth last season.

season this year and to be in contention for the TCC title.”

n Sand Creek is set to begin the season with away games against Clinton and then Belleville.

n A strong middle defense anchors the Tecumseh program as coach Tom Bullinger begins his 20th season.

“Our biggest strength will be our defense,” said Bullinger, who enters the 2026 campaign six wins shy of 400 career victories. “We have guys returning who have a lot of experience at the centerfield, shortstop, second base, catcher, and outfield positions.”

Seniors Jeremy Bennett, Connor Bullinger, Austin Kane, Bryce Radant, Max Roehrig, Logan Ware, and Rocco Williams, along with junior Zeke Schmidt, return.

“We expect to compete for the SEC White and for a district championship,”

“This position will give the intern an incredible opportunity to learn many aspects of athletic communications and event operations,” Prang said.

And for the community, the center would not only provide an affordable option for recreation but would also bring an economic benefit to the area by hosting events, such as tournaments, that bring visitors in, Parker said.

“It’s for the school and it’s for the kids, but everyone will be able to use it. … An active community is a healthy and thriving community,” he said.

“It’s that placemaking effect. These are the sorts of things that make people come here to live and makes them want to stay.”

Residents who live within the Adrian Public Schools district boundaries are eligible to vote in the May 5 election. Those boundaries include most of the city of Adrian and some portions of Adrian, Dover, Franklin, Madison, Palmyra, Raisin and Rome townships. People in those areas who are unsure if their address falls within the district’s boundaries can contact their township clerk’s office or email Angie Schaffer at aschaffer@adrian.k12.mi.us.

“Our season has started a bit slow as basketball players are still in season, and the softball team has missed practice time to attend the basketball games,” Johnson said.

“The first portion of our season will be used to evaluate players and establish our best lineup,” said Johnson, whose team went 21-14 and finished in the lower tier of the TCC, but fell to Manchester last season. “I’m sure that will evolve as the season progresses.”

n It is a work in progress for Onsted and its second-year coach, Randy Hutchison, as 11 Wildcats return from last year with prominent game experience.

“I am excited to see how our experience helps us this year,” said Hutchison, whose team finished 11-24 last season and dropped a Division 3 district game to Clinton.

n Sand Creek is scheduled for a March 31 home game against Onsted, followed by an April 8 doubleheader at Morenci.

said Bullinger, whose team finished 16-14-1 and third in the SEC. “I am excited about this group. We have good chemistry between these guys, as this group has a lot of guys with experience and a lot of innings where these guys have competed with one another since Little League.”

Adrian earned a 5-3 win over Tecumseh in the Division 2 district semifinal last year.

Williams, Bennett, Roehrig, Kane, and Ware give Bullinger a strong pitching staff, while Bennett in center, Williams and Bullinger at shortstop and second base, plus Kane behind the plate, anchor the middle defense for the Indians.

“We have a lot of guys who can pitch,” said Bullinger. “The goal is to find the top by the end of the year, to have the guys on the mound that give us the best chance to win.”

CLINTON ROTARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Aurelia Bennett was the Clinton Rotary Club’s Student of the Month for March. Her academic and athletic distinctions include the Academic Scholar Award, Academic All-State recognition, and a varsity letter in cross country. Her school activities include National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Her community service includes extensive volunteer work through Lutheran Church of the Lakes, Operation Christmas Child, STEM Nights, PTO Block Parties, wrestling tournaments, Clinton’s DPP Preschool, and tutoring. She plans to attend Hope College.

Needsomethingdone? Callaprofessional!

Upcoming technology classes at the Adrian District Library

ADRIAN — The Adrian District Library is hosting in-person classes to help participants gain confidence and new skills using Zoom and learn more about cybersecurity basics.

All classes will be held at the library, which is at 143 E. Maumee St. in downtown Adrian.

Intro to Zoom: Wednesday, April 15, from 1-2:45 p.m. In this workshop, attendees will learn how to create an account on Zoom, a popular video conference platform, and build confidence when using features of the platform in an online meeting. You can bring your own laptop if you prefer, but it is not required.

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

Staying Safe Online — Cybersecurity Basics: Wednesday, April 22, from 1-2:45 p.m. or 6-7:45 p.m. This in-person workshop is for those who are interested in safety online and want to protect themselves from fraudsters and scams. It will build participants’ confidence when they are visiting websites, creating passwords, and responding to email. Bring your own laptop if you prefer, but not required. There are two sessions available.

There’s no cost to attend these classes, but space is limited and registration is required. Sign up online at adrian.lib.mi.us or call 517-265-2265.

8353 US 223, Blissfield, MI 49228

Phone: 517-486-4395

Email: blissfieldveterinaryservice@gmail.com Website: www.blissfieldvetservice.com

OUR TOWNS

Couple

2026 For Adrian’s new chief, firefighting runs in the family » PAGE B3

Infrastructure tops the list for Hudson’s new city manager

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

HUDSON — Sitting on the floor of Jeremiah Davies’ office on a recent Monday morning was a street sign from one of Hudson’s intersections. It had blown down in a recent windstorm, and a resident brought it to City Hall.

HUDSON

“Infrastructure,” Davies said wryly.

The street sign was just one thing, and the high winds that led to it sitting in his office were unusual. But overall, dealing with Hudson’s aging infrastructure is Davies’ top priority as city manager, a job he took over on Dec. 8.

Davies said his goal in handling infrastructure is to be proactive rather than reactive. He started out by asking: “What are our priorities? What are the absolute necessities that we need to be taking care of?”

One of the top items on the list is replacing lead service lines in the city’s

See DAVIES, page B15

LENAWEE VOICE SECOND SECTION

Family-owned Bill’s Service expands as it marks 70 years

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

BLISSFIELD — There’s no substitute for good, old-fashioned customer service.

The Lietzke family has owned and operated Bill’s Service in Blissfield for 70 years. And a legacy of caring for their customers is part of the reason why the business isn’t just surviving — it’s growing.

BLISSFIELD

Located at 116 E. Adrian St., Bill’s Service is now expanding into the adjacent building and lot that previously

housed The Advance, Blissfield’s weekly newspaper. They purchased the property when The Advance moved into a new building up the street.

Bill’s Service sells and services lawn and garden equipment of all sizes, from leaf blowers and chainsaws all the way up to riding mowers and subcompact tractors.

Like many independent businesses, Bill’s Service started small. Founder Bill Lietzke was employed in a body shop when he first got into the equipment repair business.

“He worked on lawn equipment at home in the garage,” said his son, Lynn. “Then it just grew from there.”

From that garage on Cherry Street, the business moved first to the old Short Line Bus Terminal building at 112 E. Adrian St., and then to its current home on the opposite side of Newspaper Street.

After Bill died in 2003, Lynn Lietzke took over the store with his wife, Sandy. Their son, Jeffrey, is the third generation in the family business.

Jeffrey Lietzke credits the business’ longevity to paying attention to service.

“In a world that’s so fast and quick, people love attention to detail, they love attention to service,” he said.

See BILL’S SERVICE, page B15

Jeffrey Lietzke and his parents, Sandra and Lynn Lietzke, operate Bill’s Service in downtown Blissfield, which was founded 70 years ago by Lynn’s father. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Jeremiah Davies took over as Hudson’s city manager on Dec. 8. He previously served as parks and recreation director for the city of Adrian. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

TLC Credit Union opens new, larger Clinton branch

CLINTON — The Clinton branch of TLC Community Credit Union has moved to a new, larger location in the former Comerica at 169 W. Michigan Ave.

The credit union celebrated the move with a grand opening ceremony on March 21.

CLINTON

“We’re really happy to be downtown in the historic area,” said April Eggert, TLC’s assistant vice president of marketing and community engagement.

In addition to being more visible — the old branch was on TecumsehClinton Road, while the new one is right on U.S. 12 — the additional space available at the new location allowed TLC to build a training center that will be used for employees from all of the credit union’s locations.

The branch offers full-service banking services. In addition, what looks like an ATM outside is actually more than just an

automated teller machine — it’s also an ITM, or interactive teller machine, where members can pull up and be connected by video to employees at TLC’s Adrian customer service center.

One prominent feature inside the branch is a mural on the front wall with images from Clinton’s history. That’s something that the credit union has started doing whenever it renovates or

adds a new branch; similar murals can be seen at the Dundee, Lambertville and Brooklyn branches as well as the recently renovated main branch in Adrian.

Tecumseh Center for the Arts undertaking donor-funded renovations this spring

TECUMSEH — Thanks to the generosity of local supporters during a $50,000 fundraising challenge last year, the Tecumseh Center for the Arts is undertaking a series of facility upgrades this spring.

TECUMSEH

The upgrades involve improvements to backstage and stage systems.

“These renovations are a direct reflection of our community’s belief in this theater,” TCA executive director Amy Slupe said in a news release. “The

response to the $50K Challenge was inspiring. Our friends and neighbors showed us just how deeply they value having a vibrant performing arts venue right here in Tecumseh.”

The first phase of the project focuses on modernizing the theater’s backstage dressing room facilities — spaces that have remained largely unchanged since the building first opened in 1981. Upgrades include replacement of the dressing room floor, installation of new makeup counters for performers, and renovations to dressing area restrooms.

The second phase involves critical stage infrastructure upgrades designed to enhance safety and expand creative possibilities.

Work includes improvements to the theater’s stage rigging to bring the system up to current federal safety standards; moving the theater’s projection screen further upstage to free a previously blocked position for hanging scenery, which will open new design opportunities; and installation of new stage curtains to replace the current drapery, which is no longer fire retardant

and has areas of significant wear.

In addition to individual donors significant support came from the Maurice & Dorothy Stubnitz Foundation, the Lenawee Community Foundation, and the Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh.

“The outpouring of love from our friends and neighbors meant the world to us,” Slupe said. “It tells us clearly that the Tecumseh Center for the Arts matters — that it remains a place where our community gathers, celebrates creativity, and shares meaningful experiences together.”

TLC Community Credit Union board chair Meredith Francis holds the ribbon as executive vice president Alycia Nichols wields the scissors at a March 21 ribbon cutting to open the credit union’s new branch in downtown Clinton. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Firefighting runs in the family for Adrian’s new chief

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — It would be entirely fair to say that firefighting is in AJ Armstrong’s blood.

Armstrong, a longtime firefighter who was named the Adrian Fire Department’s new chief on March 2 to succeed retired chief Aric Massingill, grew up around the Cambridge Township Fire Department thanks to his dad, a township firefighter since 1978 who is now that department’s assistant chief.

ADRIAN

“I would skip lunch to go hang out at the fire department,” said Armstrong, who grew up in Onsted, graduated from Onsted High School, and still lives in the village with his wife, Brooke — a firstgrade teacher in Onsted — and their four sons, ages eight, seven, four, and seven months.

And he and his dad aren’t even the only firefighters in the family. His father-in-law is the Cambridge Township fire chief, and brothers-in-law on both his and his wife’s side of the family are lieutenants in the Pittsfield Township fire department.

Still, it’s true that as a boy Armstrong had other dreams for what he’d do with his life. When he was 10 or 11 years old, his goal was to be a professional athlete, whether it be football, baseball, or perhaps basketball. But if none of that worked out for him, he would be a firefighter.

As it turned out, those pro sports didn’t come calling — although he did take on a couple of completely different sports early on. One of them was bull riding.

“I had an uncle who rode bulls,” he said, and one day he asked his uncle for help getting into that sport. “He said, ‘does your mom know?’ I said, ‘no,’ and he said, “well, okay.”

When his mother found out, “she wasn’t surprised, but she wasn’t thrilled,” he said. “She knew I was going to do it regardless.”

He also was a competitive snowmobile racer for a while.

But firefighting was his true calling from an early age. He became a firefighter cadet at age 16, got trained as a firefighter and EMT and then as a paramedic, and joined the AFD in 2010.

Eleven months later, he got laid off. But he was later able to return to the department and over the years rose through the ranks, earning promotions to lieutenant in 2017 and to captain in 2021.

Additionally, in 2013 he became team leader for the county’s hazmat team and in 2021 he was named team leader for the county Technical Rescue Team, which specializes in rescues in high-angle, trench, confined-space, and collapsed-structure situations.

He served as acting chief after Massingill’s retirement.

Over the years, Armstrong has seen his share of dramatic incidents, ranging from a couple of “interesting” hazmat calls involving tankers hauling chemicals, to a train derailment, to the major fire last year involving multiple downtown Adrian buildings. And during his time as a captain, the department handled three fatal fires.

The vast majority of the calls the AFD gets in a given year are ambulance calls. The department also handles its share of vehicle crashes, calls for wires or trees down, fire alarms, “and a lot of other random things,” Armstrong said.

Fires account for perhaps 15 to 20 calls per year. The AFD also provides mutual

aid for neighboring communities’ fire departments.

Now that he’s chief, Armstrong of course won’t be responding to calls unless they’re for major incidents.

“As a captain, it was my responsibility to make sure my shift and I were providing the highest level of service possible to our citizens,” he said. “Now, as chief, my job isn’t to provide service, it is to ensure the crews have everything they need to provide that service.”

Firefighting is a job where “you never know what you could be expected to deal with,” he added.

“But we have some of the best firefighters in the county, and I am confident we could handle any emergency that comes our way.”

AJ Armstrong is the city of Adrian’s new fire chief. ARLENE BACHANOV/LENAWEE VOICE

Hauntings

There is a certain mystique about abandoned places.

Novels and movies are filled with such places. Secret rooms, tunnels, buried treasure. Consider the thrill of the archaeologists who entered King Tutankhamun’s tomb over 3,000 years after it was sealed up.

Ghosts play a role in the minds of many people. Ghosts play no role at all in my mind but respecting the beliefs of others I try not to chortle when someone relates a “true” ghost story.

One building with which I am familiar was home to young college women for many decades. Originally, a generous donor who was moving to an even larger house gave their old house to the college to use as a dormitory. Several years later, the building caught fire and burned to the ground.

A new building was constructed on the site for the same purpose and 90 years later still stands.

JIM WHITEHOUSE

Every young woman who lived in that house tells of disturbing episodes with the ghost of the student who died in the fire at the first house.

“Things get moved,” says one. “Funny noises and footsteps are heard in the middle of the night. It’s is very troubling. So sad.”

“The thing is,” I say, “nobody died in the fire. All the students easily escaped.”

“That’s not true!” says the woman.

“There’s a ghost!”

“Nobody died,” I say, as I pull out my phone, click some buttons and show her the story of the fire. “Nobody.”

“Oh.”

When I was 15, two of my friends and I hung out with a friend who had a driver’s license. Her nickname was Witch, derived from her spooky penchant for

wearing black clothing to compliment her long black hair.

One evening as we were cruising the back roads, we came upon a clearly abandoned house. The sun was down but there was still enough light for us to do a little exploring. We peeked in windows and walked around the overgrown yard.

“Hey!” said Turk Mudge, rattling a knob. “The front door is unlocked.” Wow.

Of course we should not have gone in, but of course we did go in.

The place was furnished. There were even old glass canning jars full of tomatoes in the kitchen cupboard. No electricity, no water. Thick dust, cobwebs, and moldy rugs told the tale of many, many years of abandonment. It was spooky. Surely it was haunted.

It was an adventure that we repeated a few more times in the following weeks, learning our way around the place, always in the dark, always led by Witch. We never took anything. We never damaged anything. It was our secret.

Then I worked turned 16 and obtained my own driver’s license.

On my first date driving my mom’s car, I decided that I could impress my female companion with a ghost story. I told her of the old house and all the ghosts I hadn’t seen and hadn’t heard there.

Then, I took her there. It was dark outside but for moonlight. She was afraid of my made-up ghosts.

We walked up to the front door and noisily opened it, stepping inside facing the stairway to the second floor. We could barely see.

Suddenly, a door flew open at the top of the stairs and an apparition appeared in the form of a man wearing pajamas. The creature’s hand moved and suddenly the entryway lights came on!

“What the heck are you kids doing in my house!”

We ran. We sped away down the gravel road. I never went back. It was unfair for someone to buy and restore such a terrific a haunted house, but I had to live with it. I also had to find another girl to date.

Jim Whitehouse grew up in Morenci, practiced law in Hudson, and now lives in Albion.

Women and philanthropy: Impact across generations

At the Lenawee Community Foundation, we are honored to work with women across multiple generations, such as:

n A retired executive supporting foundation initiatives with gifts from an IRA.

n A business leader who is building a culture of giving in the workplace.

n A young adult who is learning about community impact through a family donor-advised fund at the Lenawee Community Foundation established by her parents.

And many, many more!

Women’s growing control over wealth is fueling transformative potential to reshape philanthropy. According to research-based analysis published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, over the next decade, trillions of dollars will transfer to women through inheritance, earnings, and outliving male partners in heterosexual couples.

What’s more, research from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, including “Women Give 2024: 20 Years of Gender & Giving Trends,” supports what many are seeing firsthand: women are increasingly leading charitable decisions within their families. Sometimes this shift happens gradually — a daughter becomes

PAULA

TRENTMAN

more involved in conversations about family giving, or a spouse who once deferred decisions begins shaping philanthropic priorities more directly. In other cases, the transition is sudden and deeply personal, such as after the death of a spouse or parent, when a woman assumes sole responsibility for stewarding both financial assets and charitable intent.

You’re likely familiar with high-profile examples such as MacKenzie Scott and Melinda Gates. But the trend is much more widespread than just a few big names. Indeed, women often give more generously, more broadly, and more collaboratively than men. Notably, the ways women approach philanthropy differ significantly from men’s, especially with respect to motivations such as empathy, personal priorities, and firsthand involvement.

As women step more fully into philanthropic leadership, thoughtful

planning can help ensure that their giving remains impactful and sustainable. Here are three ways the Lenawee Community Foundation often partners with women and families to implement philanthropic intentions:

n Creating a family philanthropy vehicle. A donor-advised fund at the Lenawee Community Foundation can provide a flexible structure for collaborative giving. Many women choose to involve children or grandchildren as co-advisors, turning grantmaking into an opportunity to share values and learn together about community needs. These funds can be established with tax-efficient assets — such as appreciated stock or other complex assets — helping maximize both impact and stewardship.

n Focusing on a cause for the long term: For donors who feel called to support a particular issue—education, healthcare, the arts, emergency assistance, or another area of personal significance — a field-of-interest fund can provide both focus and flexibility.

For donors age 70 ½ or older, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) to certain types of funds at the Lenawee Community Foundation (excluding donor-advised funds) from an IRA may offer an efficient way to support

charitable priorities during life. Furthermore, naming a donor-advised fund as an IRA beneficiary can extend that support well beyond the donor’s lifetime.

n Strengthening a favorite organization: Some women dedicate years of service to a specific nonprofit. In these cases, strategic planning can ensure that commitment endures. Grants can address immediate needs such as staffing or infrastructure, while a designated fund (an eligible recipient of a QCD) can provide dependable annual support for generations to come.

Women’s philanthropy continues to shape our communities in profound ways. Whether leadership transitions happen gradually or through life-changing events, the opportunity to align generosity with long-term purpose is powerful.

As always, the Lenawee Community Foundation is here for women and here for everyone. It is our honor to support your philanthropy — helping ensure it reflects both enduring legacy and evolving purpose. We look forward to our next conversation!

Paula Trentman is executive vice president of the Lenawee Community Foundation. For more information, call 517-263-4696, email forlenawee@lenaweecf.com, or visit lenaweecf.com.

Estate planning essentials: Wills, trusts, and peace of mind

A comprehensive estate plan is designed to protect your assets, provide for your care if you become incapacitated, and ensure your wishes are carried out after your death. Two of the most common tools used in estate planning are wills and trusts. While they serve similar purposes, they function very differently.

Wills: A will outlines how you want your assets distributed after you pass away. It allows you to name beneficiaries, appoint an executor to carry out your wishes, and designate guardians for minor children.

However, a will must go through probate — a court-supervised process that validates the document and oversees the distribution of assets.

Probate can take time, involve legal expenses, and becomes part of the public

LYNETTE FOOR

record. For some families, this process may delay access to assets when they are needed most.

Common types include:

n Simple will — Directs asset distribution and names guardians.

n Pour-over will — Works alongside a trust, directing remaining assets into the trust upon death.

Trusts: A trust is a legal arrangement in which a trustee manages assets on behalf of beneficiaries. Certain trusts can

help avoid probate, provide privacy, and allow greater control over how and when assets are distributed.

Trusts also provide flexibility in how beneficiaries receive assets. For example, distributions can be structured over time rather than as a lump sum, and provisions can be included to help protect younger beneficiaries or those who may not yet be prepared to manage a large inheritance.

Trusts can also manage assets during your lifetime and continue seamlessly if you become incapacitated.

Planning for Incapacity: Estate planning also addresses what happens if you are unable to make decisions for yourself.

n A durable power of attorney authorizes a trusted person to manage your financial affairs.

n Advance health care directives communicate your medical wishes. A living will outlines end-of-life preferences. A health care proxy appoints someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. HIPAA authorization allows medical providers to share information with your chosen representative. Ultimately, wills and trusts are not competing documents — they often work together as part of a comprehensive strategy.

Consulting with experienced legal and financial professionals can help ensure your estate plan reflects your wishes and protects the legacy you’ve worked hard to build.

Lynette Foor is a financial advisor in Adrian. Contact her at 517-265-3540 or lynette.foor@lpl.com.

Ebeid Center sees increased participation

ADRIAN — The ProMedica Adrian Ebeid Neighborhood Promise completed its second full calendar year of operation in 2025 and saw significant growth, according to the project’s annual update.

Partnerships with the Adrian Dominican Sisters Resilient Communities Initiative, Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee, Adrian Public Schools, Lenawee Community Foundation and over 60 other community-based organizations catalyzed 159 workshops offered in east Adrian at no cost.

More than 1,600 community members of all ages participated in a workshop, class, program or event at the Ebeid Center located at Comstock School in 2025.

This represents an increase of 109% over 2024, when 809 community members participated in 100 workshops.

In 2025, each offering averaged 10 participants with an average of 137

EBEID CENTER CALENDAR FOR APRIL

ADRIAN — The following programs are planned for April at the Ebeid Center, 801 E. Maumee St., Adrian. The center is a program of the ProMedica Ebeid Neighborhood Promise. For more information, email AdrianENP@ ProMedica.org or call 517-264-1365.

Coalition Activity Planning (East Adrian Community Coalition) — Monday, April 6, at 5 p.m. Help shape activities that build strong relationships among neighbors, promote a positive community spirit, and provide enriching experiences for all ages.

Bodyweight Burn (offered by the YMCA at 801 E. Maumee St.) — Mondays, April 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 4 p.m. A high-energy, equipment-free workout for adults in their 20s to 40s.

participants per month. Offerings ranged from credit education, Rent for Success, parenting classes, Mental Health First Aid, health and wellness programs, and a Road to Restoration clinic that provided free attorneys and Secretary of State personnel to assist in reinstating driving privileges.

Specialty Yoga for Seniors (offered by the YMCA at 801 E. Maumee St.) — Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 4 p.m. These classes are appropriate for all skill levels. This free series will continue and include new offerings.

Project Search (presented by the Lenawee Intermediate School District) — Thursday, April 9, from 4-5 p.m. An opporunity to learn about Project Search, a one-year program where students with intellectual or developmental disabilities can obtain postsecondary education, employability skills and job development through an internship program at ProMedica Hickman Hospital.

Compost Basics (Lenawee Conservation District) — Thursday, April 9, from 6-7 p.m. Learn how to implement a composting system for your home and the best ways to compost to benefit your garden and houseplants. Registration is required to ensure supplies are on hand.

The East Adrian Community Coalition contributed by hosting numerous activities and social gatherings to increase community engagement and build social cohesion.

Two impactful additions in 2025 were ProMedica’s first annual Health in the

Getting Ahead (presented by Community Action Agency) — Thursdays beginning April 9, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The lives of up to 12 participants in this 14-week series will be changed after learning the “hidden rules” of economic classes. Those who complete the series celebrate with a graduation ceremony, receive a certificate and a $300 stipend. Registration required.

The Whole Sex Talk (presented by Care Pregnancy Center) — Thursdays, April 9, 16, 23, and 30, 6:30 p.m. This curriculum helps parents have healthy, confident conversations about love, sex, and relationships while providing practical tools, guidance, and encouragement.

Community Coalition Meeting (East Adrian Community Coalition) — Monday, April 13 from 5-6 p.m. The coalition meets the second Monday of every month.

Heart of Adrian health fair, as well as exercise, yoga and other activities offered by the YMCA.

“ProMedica recognizes that bringing health resources and services to east Adrian ensures that residents have equitable access to wellness programming, preventative care and supportive services,” said De’Angelo Boone, coordinator of education and programming for Adrian Ebeid.

Each month a new ProMedica Adrian Ebeid Neighborhood Promise schedule of classes, programs, workshops and community events is published and posted on their Facebook page, available at the Adrian District Library and at numerous other locations. All program offerings at the Adrian Ebeid Center are free to the public. For more information, email AdrianENP@ProMedica.org or call 517-264-1365.

Body Safety (Lenawee Great Start and Community Action Agency) — Tuesday, April 14, from 5:30-7 p.m. This session is about empowering children with the knowledge needed to lessen the likelihood of their becoming victims of childhood sexual abuse. Dinner and childcare will be provided. Pre-registration is required.

Develop a Spending Plan (presented by County National Bank) — Tuesday, April 14, from 5:30-7 p.m. Learn how to be more organized, determine and evaluate monthly income and expenses, plan a budget, track spending, calculate your debt-to-income ratio and tackle debt, including student loans.

Fathers of Lenawee (facilitated by De’Angelo Boone) — Tuesday, April 28, from 4-5 p.m. All fathers are invited to be a part of this group.

Rent for Success — Wednesday, April 29, 5:30-7 p.m. Learn about tenants’ rights and more. Registration required.

Owners of Hudson tattoo studio open second location in Morenci

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

MORENCI — Getting inked in Morenci just got easier. After operating the original Twisted Canvas Tattoo in Hudson for five years, Rachel Sturmer and her husband, Jason, opened a second Twisted Canvas Tattoo studio in Morenci, where they live.

“We mostly just wanted to work closer to home,” Sturmer said about the decision to open a studio in Morenci. “We want to bring something new to town.”

The building that houses the studio was previously a screen printing business. The couple renovated the building by installing a new floor and baseboard, ceiling tile, lighting, paint and a new bathroom. They also added a photo booth, so the staff can take pictures of their work after the tattoo is finished.

In addition to Sturmer, the Morenci shop currently has three other tattoo artists. While she specializes in black and gray floral tattoos, the other artists have their own tattoo specialties.

“Everybody in our shop is very diverse,” she said. “We do a little bit of everything.”

“We have any kind of art style you can think of,” she added. “We like to make sure that we can cater to everyone’s design choice.”

Sturmer completed an apprenticeship at a tattoo studio in Ohio before starting out on her own. Twisted Canvas Tattoo is licensed through the state of Michigan.

The minimum cost for a tattoo is $80. Prices can range up to $135 an hour, depending on the type of tattoo. A tattoo can take from five minutes up to hundreds of hours

to complete. Customers usually have an idea of what they want when they come in, but the staff works with them to get the best design before they start working.

“Typically, people just bring their own ideas and then we collaborate together to come up with the perfect piece for that person,” Sturmer said. “What fits their body; everything they want incorporated.”

“We try to work with them to get them what they want,” she added.

While the artists currently take customers by appointment only, Sturmer is hoping to be able to add enough staff so the studio can be open regular business hours.

Twisted Canvas is located at 301 N. Main St. in Morenci.

Appointments can be made by sending a Facebook message at www.facebook.com/TwistedCanvas217 or by calling 517-298-1002.

The Ebeid Center is located inside Comstock School, 801 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

Pictured at Twisted Canvas Tattoo in Morenci are, in the back row, Heather VanDalen, Kaitlin Brubaker, Alaina Luke, Jason Sturmer, and Rachel Sturmer, and in front, Kelsie Patrick. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE

Stickseed Inn

Couple aims to build a unique rural getaway

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADDISON — A trip to rural Maine in 2023 changed everything for Jessica Walton and her husband, Barry Kirksey.

The couple stayed in a 200-squarefoot cabin that was “very primitive,” she said, with no plumbing, electricity, or wifi. An hour after they arrived, “I was like, ‘this is going to be the weirdest trip ever.’ ” But as it turned out, “we ended up having the best three days of our lives.” It was a great opportunity for them to rest and unplug from the outside world. And it gave them an idea: to create the same basic concept much closer to home.

ADDISON

The couple had already been looking at a three-acre site near the lake on Cement City Highway, and in October 2023 they purchased the property in order to create what will be known as the Stickseed Inn.

The inn will be made up of three 200-square-foot cabins and a lodge. Each cabin will be equipped with a queen bed, a small table and chairs, a coffee space, and a hot tub, with an outdoor grill. Large picture windows will look out on the surrounding woods. The lodge will have more extensive kitchen facilities, patio space, and other amenities.

And while the property won’t be nearly as primitive as the place in Maine where Walton and Kirksey stayed — besides plumbing and electricity, there will be wifi available — Walton said it will still be a place where guests can slow down and get away from the noise and busy nature of everyday life.

How did they come up with the inn’s name?

Walton said that on the first day the couple owned the property, they went there with their daughter and her friends, and the girls immediately ran off to explore the woods. Then Walton heard screaming.

“They were completely covered head to toe in stickseeds,” she said. The tiny burr-like seeds were in the girls’ hair and all over them, including on — and even underneath — their clothes.

While she didn’t know what the seeds were at the time, Walton looked it up and learned that they were Virginia stickseed, which spread by clinging to whatever

they come in contact with and then dispersing elsewhere.

In a sense, “that’s how we want to be,” Walton said: people can come to the inn to rejuvenate and then “re-seed” that feeling back out in the world.

The Stickseed Inn represents a reset for Walton herself. She has been a hair stylist for 25 years and has owned her own salon for 12 of those years. But she was recently diagnosed with a progressive medical condition that makes it increasingly hard for her to stand, forcing her to rethink her future.

“I faced a choice: what to do to if I couldn’t do hair anymore,” she said. “It was all I knew.”

She sees the couple’s new venture as “the next chapter of my life,” and a way to still serve people albeit in a different way.

As soon as the property was theirs, the couple set about getting the necessary approvals from the township, which took until last August. They also had to tear down the dilapidated house that was on the site, hauled out decades’ worth of trash, cleared the land, created walking trails and a 100-foot by 40-foot wildflower field, and are in the process of installing a new septic system.

Once that septic system is installed, “we should be able to get moving on stuff,” Walton said. The goal is to have one cabin available by the end of this summer, with the full project completed by summer 2027.

Although the couple currently lives Downriver in Gibraltar, Walton has a long history in the Addison area. Her family owns 40 acres on Silver Lake and “I’ve been coming there my whole life,” she said. “It’s a great area.”

Walton and Kirksey plan to move to the area permanently in about three years, once their daughter graduates from high school.

The couple has already invested some $60,000 of their own money in the project but have been unable to secure either a traditional bank loan or a farm loan, the latter because the property is only three acres instead of the required five.

And so, in March, they took the step of starting a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds and give people the opportunity to become a part of the Stickseed Inn story themselves. Although that campaign ended the end of March, Walton said there are still ways to participate in the fundraising.

Donors can either go to the inn’s

Instagram page, instagram.com/ thestickseedinn, or donate via Venmo at @stickseed1. A website will be up and running soon.

Walton said that the inn helps fill a need for accommodations in the Irish Hills area, and has already received tremendous support not only from

individuals but from the business community and area farms.

“Oh my gosh, we’ve had so much wonderful support. I’m just blown away,” she said. “The local businesses have been so welcoming and the farms are happy to collaborate with us. The support has been awesome.”

Jessica Walton and her husband, Barry Kirksey, are hoping to build a retreat consisting of three rustic cabins and a lodge in the woods near Addison, as a place where people can go to get away from it all. PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSICA WALTON

Carrie Barden named region’s Teacher of the Year

By Renee Lapham Collins The Lenawee Voice

TECUMSEH — Small groups of fifthgraders clustered around tables in Carrie Barden’s classroom at Tecumseh Middle School on a recent March morning, carefully testing water samples and comparing results.

Moving from table to table, Barden paused to answer questions and encourage students as they recorded their observations.

Moments like these — hands-on lessons that spark curiosity — are a regular part of her classroom. But Barden says teaching today often begins before the curriculum even starts.

“There’s no sense trying to teach fractions if a student hasn’t had food in 24 hours,” she said.

Barden, a fifth-grade math and science teacher at Tecumseh Middle School, was recently named Region 8 Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Department of Education, representing a six-county region that includes Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe and Washtenaw counties.

She is one of 10 educators statewide selected as Regional Teachers of the Year for 2026-27. The program recognizes outstanding educators and gives them the opportunity to advise state leaders through the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council while also competing for Michigan Teacher of the Year. She received word on Feb. 17 that she had been selected.

“I am honored to serve in this position and represent my school, my district, my county, and my colleagues throughout all of Region 8,” she said. “It really represents so many people I work with — our staff, families, volunteers and community members who help make these projects possible.”

Tecumseh Middle School principal Kris Hoag nominated Barden for the honor.

“She is solid,” Hoag said. “She’s as good as they get. Not only is her classroom amazing, but she also connects personally with her students and then connects her students to the community.”

Hoag pointed to her work with the TMS Builders Club, a student-led service club for middle schoolers sponsored by Kiwanis International. Hoag said Barden also was instrumental in organizing the school’s annual veterans’ breakfast and

the postcards of thanks the students send out to veterans, as well as the Rake a Difference campaign for seniors in the local neighborhoods.

“I’m so proud of her,” Hoag said. “She has had a lot of impact at the middle school and she is going to be a great voice as well at the state level. She has a lot of good ideas to share.”

After 25 years in Tecumseh Public Schools, Barden has learned that teaching rarely begins with fractions or science experiments.

“Teachers are doing all sorts of things,” she said. “Making sure kids have clothes. Making sure kids are fed. Making sure

they have their glasses because some students are coming without eyeglasses. Some don’t even have a place to sleep at night. We can’t help them learn until their social and emotional needs have been met.”

Those realities of the modern classroom are part of what drives Barden in her work with students.

“Middle school is such a unique and important time in a student’s life,” she said. “While I love teaching math and science with my team-teaching partner, what I value most is helping students see themselves as part of something bigger than just the classroom. I enjoy

guiding them as they discover their potential and find their voice, especially through service learning projects that connect them to the broader community.”

Barden team-teaches with colleague Katie Hartle, sharing responsibility for about 60 fifth-grade students. While Barden focuses on math and science, Hartle teaches English language arts and social studies. The pair plan lessons together and remain in constant communication about their students.

“Fifth grade is a great transition between elementary school and middle school,” Barden said. “It’s that bridge between one teacher and switching classes every hour. Team teaching allows us to really know our students and their families.”

Barden’s approach to education has also been shaped by her own life experience. A 1997 graduate of Tecumseh High School who grew up in Macon Township, she now lives with her own family in the farmhouse that once belonged to her grandparents.

She attended Central Michigan University planning to study business, but switched to teacher education after her first year.

“It just seemed like the best fit,” she said.

When her younger son was diagnosed with autism at age 2 — at a time when insurance coverage for services in Michigan was limited — Barden found herself advocating for resources and navigating unfamiliar systems.

The experience changed her perspective.

“It made me a better teacher and a better human,” she said. “It helps me reach parents who may be struggling to accept that their child is having difficulties. I can talk to them not just as a teacher, but as a mom.”

For Barden, the rewards of teaching rarely appear on standardized tests or report cards.

Instead, they come years later — in a graduation open house invitation from a former student, a conversation with a family in the grocery store, or a handwritten note that reminds her she made a difference.

One recent note came from a student.

“She wrote that I helped her find her voice,” Barden said.

“That’s something you can’t measure on a report card — but it’s something that matters.”

Tecumseh Middle School teacher Carrie Barden is pictured with several of her fifth-grade students — clockwise from lower left, Kaylee Engels, Isla Kelly, Leyton Stephenson, Garrison Jones, Landon Dozier, Drew D’Amico, and Gybson Barker. RENEE LAPHAM COLLINS/LENAWEE VOICE

IN BRIEF

VanSteenkiste-Amador Scholarship Fund’s annual softball tournament seeks teams for 2026

BLISSFIELD — The Ronnie Lee Legacy Foundation, which runs a scholarship fund in memory of Ronnie Lee VanSteenkiste-Amador, is seeking participants for its annual slow-pitch softball tournament, which will be held on June 20 at Ellis Park in Blissfield. Each team must have a minimum of nine players, with a maximum of twelve. The team registration fee includes ten team T-shirts. Participants must be 16 years of age or older to compete, and those under 18 must have parental permission.

The registration deadline is May 15.

VanSteenkiste-Amador was a 2016 graduate of Blissfield High School and a first-generation college student. After attending Adrian College she started coaching the Blissfield High School JV softball team. She died in August 2022 from injuries sustained in a car accident.

For more information, email vansteenkistescholarshipboard@ gmail.com.

Habitat plans annual pickleball tournament

ADRIAN — Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County will hold its annual pickleball tournament on Saturday, May 16 at Adrian’s Heritage Park. The tournament is hosted by Habitat in partnership with the Adrian Parks & Recreation Department, and will support home repairs in the city of Adrian.

There will be men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles divisions in the tournament, and players of all skill levels are welcome.

For more information or to register, go to habitat-lenawee.org or call 517-265-6157.

Adult spelling bee to benefit Adrian Rea Literacy Center

ADRIAN — An adult spelling bee to benefit the Adrian Rea Literacy Center, which provides free literacy coaching for adults, will take place on April 16 at the Adrian Armory. For information or to register a team, go to adrianrealiteracy.org/events.

Students take part in Science Olympiad

ADRIAN — The 2026 Tri-County Elementary Science Olympiad brought 355 young scientists together for a day of hands-on discovery and friendly competition on March 3 at Adrian College.

Students in third through fifth grade from Lenawee and Hillsdale counties participated in a variety of science challenges designed to test creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills. In total, 302 students attended from Lenawee County and 53 from Hillsdale County.

Throughout the day, students collaborated with teammates, tested ideas and explored scientific concepts while educators, volunteers and families cheered them on.

“At every moment of the day, the energy from the students is incredible,” said Linda Knape of the Lenawee Intermediate School District, who leads the organization of the annual event with the support of a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. “Whether they are deep in competition, waiting for their next event, enjoying the science entertainment or celebrating during the awards ceremony, their excitement and curiosity fill the entire space. It is inspiring to watch.”

At the conclusion of the competition, overall team awards were presented by grade level. In the third grade division, Clinton earned first place, followed by Lenawee Christian in second and Adrian Lincoln in third. In fourth grade, Clinton placed first, Hillsdale finished second and Adrian Alexander took third. In fifth grade, Morenci claimed first place, Tecumseh earned second and Adrian Lincoln placed third.

Knape said the event continues to grow and organizers hope to welcome even more schools in the future.

“We would love to see additional schools from across the tri-county area

join us next year,” Knape said. “We

AHS students excel in Math Olympics at SVSU

ADRIAN — On Feb. 20, 53 students from Adrian High School competed in the annual Math Olympics at Saginaw Valley State University.

The competition featured two levels: Level I, which included students enrolled in Algebra 2 or lower, and Level II, which included students taking Precalculus through International Baccalaureate Mathematics.

The trip to SVSU was made possible through the support of the Adrian Schools Educational Foundation.

Edward Hedrick captured second place in Level II and received a medal for his performance. Dominic Bryan earned an honorable mention in Level I, placing in the top 10% of competitors. The Adrian High School teams also demonstrated excellence,

securing multiple awards: Level I Team honorable mention, Level II Team third place trophy, and Combined Level I & II third place trophy.

“Our 53 students represented Adrian High School with focus, determination, and class,” said Jason Lucius, an AHS math teacher who coaches the team along with fellow math teacher Elaine Kaiser.

Loveli Russell and Angelina Harrison, both fourth-graders at Michener Elementary School in Adrian, work on a challenge at the Tri-County Science Olympiad, organized by the Lenawee Intermediate School District and hosted by Adrian College. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE LISD

Onsted third-graders Amelia Moore and Elizabeth Symington work on one of the exercises at the 2026 Tri-County Science Olympiad.

of the

Area teens recognized in Right to Life oratory contest

ADRIAN — Madisyn O’Neal, a senior at Lumen Christi Catholic School in Jackson, won the top prize of $250 in the 2026 Lenawee County Right to Life Oratory contest on March 6 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Adrian.

O’Neal, who is from Parma, will advance to the state Right to Life oratory contest which will be held on April 18 in Lansing.

“At one point in history, every single one of us in this room existed

in complete silence. We were unseen, unnamed, and entirely dependent. And yet — we were already human,” O’Neal said in her winning speech.

There are 26 Michigan Right to Life groups sponsoring oratory contests this spring.

Second place in the contest went to Katie Mitchell, a homeschool student from Adrian, and Elyse Chase, a junior at Berean Baptist Academy, placed third.

DAR presents Good Citizen honors

The Lucy Wolcott Barnum chapter of the DAR presented its Good Citizen awards in March. In the back row are De’Mya Amerie Gibbons (Blissfield High School), Bryson Sutherland (Onsted High School), and Amelia Bowman (Adrian High School). In the front row are Claire Sharon Cousineau (Tecumseh High School), Ellie Loar (Hudson High School), and Abigail Marie Rickard (Madison High School). Not available for the photo were Lily Ann Hawkins (Sand Creek High School) and Samantha Anne Shane (Lenawee Christian School).

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LUCY WOLCOTT BARNUM CHAPTER OF THE DAR

ADRIAN — Students from eight 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 14.

The DAR chapter presented the students with its Good Citizen awards for 2026. The awards 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.

If the recipients wish, they may enter a contest for a scholarship. The scholarship essay winner was Amelia Bowman from Adrian High School.

REUNIONS

Adrian High School Class of 1976: The Class of ’76 will have their 50th reunion on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Hills of Lenawee Golf Club, 4110 Country Club Road, Adrian. More info: James Gilmartin, james.gilmartin@yahoo.com.

Onsted all-school reunion: Onsted’s all-school reunion is scheduled for Saturday, August 1.

Please email reunion notices to Linda Cline at lcline@lenaweevoice.com.

Winners

Lenawee Right to Life oratory contest, held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Adrian, were, from left to right, Elyse Chase, Katie Mitchell and Madisyn O’Neal.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LENAWEE COUNTY RIGHT TO LIFE

Gleaner Gives campaign nets $44,807 for local groups

ADRIAN — The 10th annual Gleaner Gives campaign recently donated a total of $44,807.50 to 20 charitable groups in Lenawee County. Led by employee contributions, Gleaner Life Insurance Society worked in conjunction with the Lenawee Community Foundation.

Over the past 10 years, the Gleaner Gives campaign has donated more than $675,000 to nonprofits in Lenawee County.

“The Gleaner Gives campaign reflects the generosity of our employees, whose personal contributions make this impact possible,” Gleaner president and CEO Todd Warner said in a news release.

“We are proud to support the Lenawee Community Foundation and invest in the community where we live and work.”

The Lenawee Humane Society received the largest of this year’s donations, $11,543, followed by Neighbors of Hope ($7,077.50), the Joseph Wildberg Fund for Veterans ($4,380), the Catherine Cobb Safe House ($4,185), and Hospice of Lenawee ($3,573).

Founded in 1894, Gleaner Life Insurance Society is a nationally recognized not-for-profit fraternal benefit society. More information is available at gleanerlife.org.

Gleaner Life Insurance Society employees presented $44,807.50 to the Lenawee Community Foundation on Feb. 12. PHOTO COURTESY OF GLEANER LIFE

Lions Clubs to host 30th annual radio auction

ADRIAN — The Adrian Breakfast Lions Club will host its annual radio auction on Saturday, April 25, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. The radio auction can be found online at Local Buzz Radio, localbuzzradio.com.

SERVICE CLUBS ROUNDUP

This is the third year that the auction has been held online only, said Doug Spade, who has been a member of the Lions Club for 46 years. The Adrian Breakfast Lions Club works with the Hillsdale Lions Club to line up auction items and sponsors. Proceeds are divided between the two clubs, based on which club lined up the merchandise or sponsor.

“This way, we can have bigger, more fun events,” Spade said, “and it’s good for clubs to work together and help each other.”

Radio auction sponsors make direct donations to the auction rather than offering merchandise. Rates range from $50 for two mentions during the auction up to a Platinum Sponsor for $500, which includes mention in pre-auction advertising as well as throughout the auction.

Auction items are posted on localbuzzradio.com. New additions will be posted every day until April 25. Buyers can go online and see what merchandise is available, but bids are only taken during the auction itself.

Eight operators will be stationed at Adrian High School to take bids throughout the auction. Items change every 30 minutes. The last two boards are the most valuable and can be bid on any time.

Spade said that last year there were between 15,000 and 20,000 views on the website before and during the auction. The radio auction raised a net profit of between $13,000 and $14,000 for the club. The money raised from the auction goes toward helping the many projects that the Adrian Breakfast Lions Club supports.

“Our club has always been small, but it’s very ambitious,” Spade said.

Proceeds from the auction go toward purchasing glasses and eye exams for those who might have trouble paying for them on their own, Spade said. The club also works with the Michigan Eye Bank to provide funding for eye transplants.

Locally, funds go toward supporting Little League, various programs at the Maurice Spear Campus and “An Evening with Santa” during the holiday season. The club also provides some funding for hearing aids and other audio devices.

The Adrian Breakfast Lions Club joined with the Lenawee Community Foundation to purchase a machine that allows people with visual impairment to listen to printed material. The machine, which is located at the Adrian District Library, can also enlarge the font size on printed material to make it easier to read.

Proceeds from the auction also go to support the Leader Dogs for the Blind school in Rochester. The school trains dogs for service with the visually impaired and provides them at no cost to qualified individuals. Spade, who is blind himself, said that he has always gotten his service dogs through the school.

Funds will also go toward a “Winter Camp” program for the blind, Spade said.

“We make our money go a long way,” he said.

“I really appreciate the generosity of our community,” he added. “The items are a good value and it’s a lot of fun.”

For more information, call 517-403-4104 or go to localbuzzradio.com.

Lions Club members will be headquartered at Adrian High School when they take the calls for their annual radio auction on April 21.

The Lions Club can be reached by mail at P.O. Box 412, Adrian, MI 49221.

Lions recognize milestones: Three Adrian Breakfast Lions Club members, Larry Atkin, Robert Guy and Terry Hicks, were recently recognized by Lions Club International for being members for 40 years.

Civitan Grand Givewaway: The 44th annual Civitan Grand Giveaway will be held on Saturday, April 11, at the Adrian College Tobias Room. This year’s theme is “Tailgate Party.” Ten cash prizes will be awarded altogether. The top three cash prizes are $5,000, $2,000 and $1,000. There will also be a live and

silent auction. Tickets, which include dinner, are $175 for two guests. For more information, email sue.stange@lisd.us or cswiftgoldwing@gmail.com.

Bingo in Tecumseh: The Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh and the Tecumseh Service Club will be holding their annual bingo event on Saturday, April 11, in the Tecumseh High School cafeteria, 760 Brown St. Use the south entrance by the athletic fields to enter the building. Bingo will run from 4-6 p.m. Admission is $2 and bingo cards are $5 each.

Kids First All Ways: Adrian Morning Rotary will host its annual Kids First All Ways fundraiser at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Hills of Lenawee Golf Club. Tickets are $90 and can be purchased at givebutter.com/kfaw26.

Kiwanis Clubs sponsor flag programs: Several local Kiwanis clubs, including Adrian, Addison, Morenci, and Tecumseh, are organizing communitywide flag displays once again this year. Anyone interested in participating can contact their local club.

— Compiled by Julie C. Clemes

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ADRIAN BREAKFAST LIONS CLUB

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Free and low-cost health services to be offered at Adrian event

ADRIAN — A variety of free and lowcost health services will be offered at the 2026 Spring Health Check, organized by ProMedica Hickman Hospital and United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties.

The event will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Thursday, April 23, in the activity center at Holy Family Parish St. Mary campus, 305 Division St., Adrian. For more information about the 2026 Spring Health Check, call 517-264-6821.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Celebrate Recovery: A Christcentered recovery group meeting Saturdays at 9 a.m. at Ogden Church, 3201 East U.S. 223, Adrian. Contact Roger or Theresa Miller, 517-215-5754 or theresamillercr@yahoo.com.

Good Grief: Free drop-in group for adults widowed earlier in life, meeting on the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Hospice of Lenawee, 1903 Wolf Creek Hwy., Adrian. Contact Heather Popkey or Karen Cheney at 517-263-2323.

Caregiver Support Group: The Lenawee Department on Aging invites all caregivers to the next Caregiver Support Group on Monday, April 6, at 2 p.m. at Daybreak Adult Day Services, 327 Erie St., Adrian. This month’s session will explore five common types of dementia and will also discuss the value of journaling as a caregiving tool. Free respite care is available during the meeting. Call 517-266-2588 to reserve a spot or ask questions.

Men’s Caregiver Support Group: This group will meet at 2 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Daybreak. The group is facilitated by a male counselor, providing a space where men can feel comfortable sharing and connecting with others. Respite is available free of charge by calling Daybreak Adult Day Services at 517-266-2588.

Fathers of Lenawee: Fourth Tuesday of every month from 4-5 p.m. at the Ebeid Center, 801 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Overeaters Anonymous: Saturdays at 10 a.m., Mondays at 1:30 p.m., and Thursdays at 4 p.m. at Serenity House, 600 Gulf St., Adrian.

Al-Anon Meetings: Tuesdays at noon, NewSong Church, 5211 S. Occidental Hwy., Tecumseh.

Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Madison Church of the Nazarene, 3993 Treat Hwy., Adrian. Thursdays at 6 p.m., NewSong Church, 5211 S. Occidental Hwy., Tecumseh.

Thursdays at 7 p.m., All Saints Episcopal Church, 151 N. Main St., Brooklyn.

Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., Tecumseh District Library, 215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh.

Sundays at 1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 1245 W Maple Ave., Adrian.

To submit a support group listing or report any corrections or changes, please email Linda Cline at lcline@lenaweevoice.com.

Senior Resource Fair is on April 23 in Adrian

Planning for the future can bring many questions. Where can you find helpful services? What programs are available in the community? The Coalition of Older Adult Services Providers through the support of the Lenawee County Department on Aging is bringing many answers together in one place at the Lenawee County Senior Resource Fair.

“This event brings many resources together in one place,” says committee member Tracy James, with WellWise Services. “People can learn about services and programs in our community.”

The fair will be held on Thursday, April 23, at the Adrian Senior Center, 327 Erie St., Adrian. The event will run from 9 a.m. to noon. Groups from health care, finance, social services, community programs, and local support agencies will be there to share information. This free event will offer a door prize drawing and a box lunch for participants.

Committee member Kara Dominque from Lenawee Medical Care Facility says, “By coming to the fair, people can learn how they, their friends, or their

family members can get help and stay active in the community.” In past years, the fair has included banks and financial groups, parks and recreation programs, health care and home care services, therapy providers, fitness programs, housing options from independent living to long-term care, and support groups. Visitors can ask questions and talk with experts who work in these areas.

The Senior Resource Fair will take place on the same day as the Spring Health Check. The Health Check will be held across the parking lot at St. Mary’s Activity Center, 305 Division St. in Adrian. It will run from 8 a.m. to noon. Participants can receive a 22-point blood panel, vitamin D screening, and a hemoglobin A1C test for a minimal

fee. For the most accurate results, do not eat or drink for 12 hours before the test. Other services include adult immunizations, blood pressure checks, nutrition counseling, and medication counseling. This event is offered by ProMedica Hickman Hospital and the United Way of Monroe and Lenawee Counties. For more information, call 517-264-6821.

Megan Porter, with Cambrian Assisted Living and a committee member, reminds the community, “Together, these two events offer support and information to help people plan for a safe, healthy, and active future.”

Whether you are planning for yourself, helping a loved one, or simply curious about what is available, these events offer a chance to learn, ask questions, and connect with local resources. Community members are encouraged to attend and discover the many ways Lenawee County supports healthy and active living.

Cari Rebottaro is director of the Lenawee County Department on Aging.

Tuberculosis: An ancient disease that still affects millions

Each year on March 24, communities around the world observe World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, recognizing one of the oldest and still ongoing infectious diseases affecting humankind. The date marks the historic moment in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the germ that causes TB. His finding transformed medicine by proving TB was an infectious disease, not a hereditary condition.

A century later, the global health community officially designated March 24 as World TB Day to raise awareness about the health, social, and economic impact of tuberculosis and to reaffirm the goal of ending the TB epidemic.

TB is caused by bacteria that most often attack the lungs, but can affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, or brain. It spreads through the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks, or sings. People nearby can breathe in the germs and become infected. TB is not spread by sharing food, utensils, toothbrushes, or through casual contact like shaking hands or kissing. The germs are airborne and spread only through prolonged, close contact with someone who has active TB disease.

However, not everyone who is infected becomes sick. TB can live quietly in the body for years without causing symptoms, a condition known as inactive or latent TB infection. People with inactive TB do not feel sick and cannot spread TB to others, but if left untreated, it can develop into active TB disease later in life.

MONICA HUNT

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 13 million people in the United States have inactive TB. Without treatment, about 1 in 10 of them will develop active TB disease. The risk is higher for people with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes, cancer, or HIV.

TB has been part of the human experience for thousands of years and has gone by many names. Archaeologists have found TB germs in human remains dating back 9,000 years, and even in the bones of ancient bison from over 17,000 years ago.

Ancient Greeks called it “phthisis,” Latin speakers said “tabes,” and in the 1800s it was known as “consumption” because it seemed to consume the body. In the Middle Ages, TB of the neck and lymph nodes was called “scrofula,” and some believed it could be cured by a touch from royalty. While these beliefs are long gone, TB remains a serious disease if not detected and treated.

In the early 1900s, patients with TB were often treated with fresh air, rest, and nutritious food in sanatoriums, or with remedies such as cod liver oil, vinegar massages, and even inhaling turpentine. A true turning point came

in 1943, when researchers Selman Waksman, Elizabeth Bugie, and Albert Schatz discovered the first antibiotic effective against TB. This discovery, followed by other medications, changed TB from a leading killer into a curable disease.

Today, TB remains preventable and treatable. Treatment for inactive TB typically lasts from three to nine months, while treatment for active TB disease involves a combination of medicines taken over several months. Completing the full course is essential to kill all the TB germs and prevent drug resistance.

Testing methods have also advanced. The classic TB skin test, first developed in the early 1900s, is still widely used. A newer option, the TB blood test, also called IGRA, measures how the immune system responds to TB proteins and provides another reliable way to detect infection.

Many people assume TB is a disease of the past or that a vaccine provides lifelong protection. In reality, there is currently no effective vaccine to prevent tuberculosis, and the disease continues to affect people in every part of the world, including the United States.

Testing and treatment are safe, effective, and life-saving. If you’ve been in contact with someone with TB, have a chronic health condition, or are unsure of your TB status, talk to your healthcare provider. Early detection protects you, your family, and your community.

Monica Hunt is the Lenawee County Health Department’s health officer.

Drug take-back day to be offered on April 25 at Hickman Hospital

ADRIAN TWP. — Lenawee County residents have an opportunity to safely dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired medications this spring at the Drive-Thru Drug Take-Back Day hosted at ProMedica Hickman Hospital. The event will be on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

ProMedica Hickman Hospital is at 5640 N. Adrian Highway, Adrian. People can bring medications, sharps, and liquid prescriptions to safely dispose of them. Sharps must be placed in a proper sharps container or a sturdy plastic bottle with a secure lid for safety. The event is sponsored by the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office, Lenawee Community Mental Health Authority, Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System, United for Prevention & Recovery Lenawee, ProMedica, and the Lenawee County Health Department. For more information, visit www. drugpreventionlenawee.com.

CARI REBOTTARO

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:

[ADS] Adrian Dominican Sisters, adriandominicans.org

[AM] Anderson-Marry Funeral Homes, andersonfuneralservices.com

[BJFH] Borek Jennings Funeral Home, borekjennings.com

[BVH] Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home, brownvanhemert.com

[E] Eineder Funeral Homes, einederfuneralhomes.com

[H] Handler Funeral Homes, handlerfuneralhomes.com

[PA] Purse Funeral Home in Adrian, pursefuneralhome.com

[PS] Gil Purse & Son, gilpurseandson.com

[W] Wagley Funeral Homes, wagleyfuneralhomes.com

Christine Sharon Bell, 72, of Paw Paw died on Jan. 8. She was a graduate of Adrian High School and earned a degree from Nazareth College in 1989. She was an artist and had a passion for equality, democracy and justice. [WHITLEYMEMORIALFUNERALHOME.COM]

Mary L. (Jedele) Ray, 87, of Adrian died on Jan. 8. She was a 1956 graduate of Manchester High School. She and her husband began golfing in the 1970s and made lifelong friends through their golf leagues. [W]

Lois Anne Carlin, 71, of Tecumseh, died on Jan. 17. She loved crafting, especially quiltmaking. [H]

Barbara Elaine (Piercy) Jones, 76, of Lebanon, Missouri, died on Jan. 22. She was born in Adrian. She was retired from General Motors and also worked at Peerless Gear. [PA]

Jack L. Robinson, 70, of Adrian died on Jan. 22. He worked in the manufacturing industry his entire career. He loved attending classic car shows and playing pool with his friends. [AM]

Arthur McGraw Sr., 83, of Adrian died on Feb. 16. He retired from Ford Motor Company in Saline after 30 years. [PA]

Patrick Inad Haddad, 42, died on Feb. 17. He was a graduate of Michigan State University and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a serial entrepreneur who founded and operated several digital and technology companies. [PA]

Walter Lee Hartman, 75, of Adrian died on Feb. 17. He was a 1968 graduate of Adrian High School. He enjoyed life on the lake, boating, golfing, bowling, and his 1989 Corvette. [E]

Kamari Amir Marinez, 2, the son of Alyssa Marinez and Julian Silva, died on Feb. 18. [AM]

William L. Pfaff, 81, of Hudson died on Feb. 18. He was a 1962 graduate of Waite High School and received his master’s degree from the University of Toledo. He worked for over 25 years as a math teacher with Toledo Public Schools. He enjoyed working on cars and owned a shop in Toledo. He was also a partner in a home improvement business. [AM]

Julian Cruz Silva, 17, died on Feb. 18. He worked in landscaping for Tiffany’s Gardens and was a talented artist with a gift for drawing. [AM]

Sister Mary Alan Stuart, OP, 92, of Adrian died on Feb. 19. She was in her 71st year of religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. She was born in Chicago and baptized as Rita Jean Stuart. She ministered as a teacher in Illinois, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic for almost 30 years before earning a Ph.D. in human nutrition from Purdue Univeristy and becoming a registered dietitian in Kentucky. She provided nutrition education at clinics, schools, and senior citizen centers in some of the poorest rural areas of Appalachia. [ADS]

Donna Marie Zeemer, 101, of Britton died on Feb. 19. She was retired from Britton-Macon Area Schools and was a member of Ridegeway Church of the Nazarene. [PS]

John Robert Senkewitz, 79, of Brooklyn died on Feb. 20. He was born in Tecumseh and attended Clinton High School where he excelled in baseball and football. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He worked as a millwright and skilled tradesman, and he played in several bands over the years. [PA]

Sally Eileen Broderick, 82, of Tecumseh died on Feb. 21. She was a graduate of Tecumseh High School. She was employed at Tecumseh Products and then became the office coordinator for Dr. Colin Mayers in Adrian and then for Dr. James Hinesly’s orthodontics office, retiring in 2008. She was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Tecumseh. She helped with Meals on Wheels and was active in the Indians Fan Club. [H]

Robert Ray “Bob” Cross, 65, of Adrian died on Feb. 21. He attended Hudson High School. He was known for his love of animals and he enjoyed shooting pool. [AM]

Gregory Atwood Carroll, 73, of Jacksonville, Florida, died on Feb. 22. He was a graduate of Adrian High School.

Barbara Sue Hauch, 77, of Manitou Beach died on Feb. 22. She was a 1967 graduate of Onsted High School. She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Adrian. She and her husband owned and operated the Lenawee Farm Bureau Oil Coop in Madison Township. [AM]

Delma Bosquez-Munoz, 50, of Adrian died on Feb. 23. She was a graduate of Lenawee Prep and received her bachelor’s degree from Baker College in Jackson. She was a faithful member and licensed minister at Christ Temple Ministries International. She worked on many community projects and was committed to serving the migrant community. She also worked with women at the Catherine Cobb domestic violence shelter and was the founder of the Cinco de Mayo Queen parade. [PA]

Kenneth Dean Kendall, 85, of Adrian died on Feb. 23. He was a 1959 graduate of Blissfield High School. His career started in the automotive repair field where he worked on a wide variety of vehicles. He later became involved in automotive sales and he spent many years drag racing and dirt track racing at Oakshade Raceway in Wauseon. He was a volunteer with the Raisin Township Fire Department for 25 years. He was a member of Adrian First Church of the Nazarene. [W]

DuWaine George Spiegel, 87, of Blissfield died on Feb. 23. He was a 1956 graduate of Blissfield High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He worked as a tool and die maker for several local shops, retiring from Metal Forming and Coining in 2001. He was a member of the River Raisin Sportsman Club and the Marine Corps League. [AM]

Amy Cathleen Hartley, 49, died on Feb. 24. She was a 1994 graduate of Hudson Area High School. She had a passion for mathematics and earned her bachelor’s degree from Adrian College in 1999 and her master’s from Siena Heights University in 2005. She was a teacher for 23 years, most of that time at Jonesville High School. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Church and the Michigan Education Assocation. [AM]

Lonny Lee Hartman, 62, of Jackson died on Feb. 24. He was a 1982 graduate of Onsted High School. He worked as a package clerk for Melling Tool for 30 years. [PA]

Jerry Lee VanBrunt, 84, of Adrian died on Feb. 24. He worked for the Road Commission as a foreman and also worked on his farm. He had a passion for antique cars and was a member of the Irish Hills Car Club and the National Chevy Club that traveled all over the country. [AM]

Eddie R. Hiatt, 76, of Adrian died on Feb. 25. He was a 1968 graduate of Adrian High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He worked at Wacker Silicone until his retirement and also worked as a court officer. He was an avid golfer at Woodlawn Golf Course. [PA]

Lorraine Kay Butler Pillow, 70, of Adrian died on Feb. 25. She was a former resident of Clayton. She graduated from Marysville High School and Adrian College, then earned her master’s degree in English from Michigan State University. She taught at Morenci Elementary School for 29 years and later worked at Pigeon First United Methodist Church as a secretary in her retirement. She and her husband led youth groups and Vacation Bible School in Morenci, Clayton, Rollin Center, and others. [AM]

Steven Daniel Carroll, 54, of Hudson died on Feb. 26. He was a graduate of Onsted High School and a master auto mechanic. He was a great outdoorsman, and he loved riding motorcycles and NASCAR. [E]

Richard Charles “Moose” Haney, 65, of Adrian died on Feb. 26. He was a 1979 graduate of Adrian High School and earned an associate’s degree in auto mechanics from Ferris State College. He began working at Tecumseh Products as a lab technician and worked there until his retirement. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Adrian. He was also known for his restored 1929 Model A, “Clarabelle.” [W]

Gary Lee Jersey, 74, of Brooklyn died on Feb. 26. He worked for over 30 years at Ford Motor Co. He loved the outdoors and his home on Wamplers Lake. [E]

Norman Robert Luck, 81, of Jasper died on Feb. 26. He served in the U.S. Army from 1968-74. He attended Jasper Bible Church and was the owner of Great Lakes Lawn Sprinklers for many years. [AM]

Reynaldo (Ray) Rivera Jr., 87, of Adrian died on Feb. 26. He was a 1958 graduate of Adrian High School and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1959-65. He worked at American Chain and Cable and Dura Convertible Systems, retiring in 2001. [AM]

David Alan Seizert, 74, of Blissfield died on Feb. 26. He was a 1970 graduate of Adrian High School. He loved animals and was an active member of the Toledo Zoo. [E]

James Arthur Baker, 80, of Onsted died on Feb. 28. He worked in maintenance his entire career at various companies. He attended Grace Point Evangelical Free Church in Adrian. [H]

Mike Rodriguez Corona, 80, of Adrian died on March 1. [PA]

Dr. Howard LeRoy Hunt, 80, of Hillsborough, N.C., died on March 1. He was a 1963 graduate of Tecumseh High School. For a short time following high school he worked at General Motors where he developed several innovations to improve machinery repairs. He served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves and later became a chiropractor, praticing in Fairfield, Iowa. [AM]

Karen Jillene Jasmund, 72, of Manitou Beach died on March 2. She worked at Bixby Hospital and Jackson State Prison for many years as an LPN. [AM]

Eloise Marie Myles, 94, of Onsted died on March 2. She retired from Onsted Community Schools in 1992 after working in the cafeteria as a cook. [PA]

Jerome “Jerry” Edward Nowak, 85, of Britton died on March 2. He was retired from Republic Die & Tool in Van Buren Township. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Tecumseh. [PS]

Bonnie Lee Thomas, 80, of Tecumseh died on March 2. She retired in 2009 after serving the Tecumseh and Adrian communities as a school bus driver for 30 years. She was noted for creating dollhouse miniatures. She also taught for a period of time at Pat’s Crafts in Tecumseh. [H] Abelardo Garcia, 52, of Adrian, died on March 3. He attended grade school at Madison Schools. He worked as a forklift operator with Glov Enterprises in Tecumseh. He was a car enthusiast and earned a Green Belt in Karate. [AM]

Shirley Mae Ward Clark, 79, of Adrian died on March 4. She had been a resident of Adrian since 1984. She belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had been an advancement chairman for the Boy Scouts. [AM]

Donald Ray Miller, 83, of Adrian died on March 4. He was a 1960 graduate of South Lyon High School. He was employed as a mill operator at the former Quanex Michigan Seamless Tube for 43 years until his retirement. [AM]

Eileen Mitchell, 88, of Adrian died on March 4. She was a 1956 graduate of Blissfield High School and earned a degree in nursing from Capital University. She was active in the community and volunteered at 4-H and FFA events. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and sang in the choir. She worked as a public health nurse for the Lenawee County Health Department until retirement. [W]

Robin Laverne Moyer, 61, of Jasper died on March 4. He was a 1983 graduate of Sand Creek High School and worked various jobs before entering into the employment of local government. He always looked forward to going to Oakshade Raceway and Michigan International Speedway. [H]

Matthew Allen Taylor, 64, of Hudson died on March 4. He was a graduate of Hudson High School. He worked as a laborer in a steel factory before an injury left him medically disabled. [BVH]

Kevin Scott Baur, 51, of Tecumseh died on March 5. He was a 1993 graduate of East Kentwood High School and received a bachelor’s degree in business education from Eastern Michigan University. For the past 12 years he had been employed with the Reyes Coca-Cola Company. He was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Tecumseh. [AM]

Mark Machan-Garland, 60, of Adrian died on March 5. [PA]

Helen Anne Marsh, 91, died on March 5. She was a former resident of Clarklake. [E] Penny R. Seymour, 77, of Hudson died on March 5. She was employed by Metalloy Corp. for 16 years. She graduated from Jackson College with an associate’s degree in 2005. She worked as a clerical assistant and data entry clerk. [PA]

Randall “Randy” Tripp of Adrian died on March 5. He was a graduate of Michigan State University. He worked as a Michigan state trooper, mainly assigned to the Blissfield post, and was part of the first group of Michigan officers to be trained in the DARE program. He met children in most of the Lenawee County schools and retired from the state police in 2000. He delivered meals for the Department on Aging. [W] Verla Geneva Albring, 92, of Britton died on March 6. She worked for Rossford Ordinance during World War II and later worked for Monroe Bank & Trust. She was a member of the Congregational Church and Grace United Methodist Church in Britton. She had lifelong friends in the county Farm Bureau and Homemaker Extension group. She was an avid bowler with the Women’s Coffee Bowling League for over 70 years. [H] Mary Louella Greenwald, 85, of Adrian died on March 6. She earned a degree from Siena Heights University in 1972. She was a library assistant at the Adrian Public Library for 38 years, retiring in 2006. She was a former member of Business and Professional Women and a Lenawee 4-H Leader. She was the first female member of the Adrian Evening Lions Club and served as its president. [AM]

Leroy A. Lewis, Sr., 87, of Onsted, died on March 6. He had a special fondness for John Deere tractors and classic cars. He loved to take his Model A and his Ford Coupe out for drives around the block and school parades. [AM]

Carol Lynn (Rupley) Wallis, 80, of Little Rock, Arkansas, died on March 6. She was born in Hudson. She worked as a certified professional coder at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences until her retirement. She sought healing and personal growth through AlAnon, and taught her children and grandchildren the value of healthy boundaries, self-respect, and living in truth. [SMITHFAMILYCARES.COM]

IN MEMORY

Diane Sue Carpenter, 67, of Waldron died on March 7. She was a 1976 graduate of Hilltop High School. As a young girl she worked for the family’s business, the former Gable Grocery Store in Alvordton, until she became an adult. She then worked at the IGA store in West Unity until its closure. For 24 years she was employed with Farmers & Merchants State Bank in West Unity. [AM]

Lois Rae (Schoonover) Clark, 81, of Morenci died on March 7. She was a 1962 graduate of Morenci High School. She was a member of the Canandaigua Community Church for over 50 years.

Sister Ann Marie Davidson Wood, OP, 88, of Mountlake Terrace, Washington, died on March 7. She was in her 41st year of religious profession: 18 years as a Dominican Sister of Edmonds, Washington, and 23 years as an Adrian Dominican Sister after the two congregations merged in 2003. She was born in New Orleans. Before her religious profession she worked as an operating room nurse in Seattle and later managed a dental office. After joining the congregation, she ministered as a chaplain, a director of pastoral care, and a spiritual director. [ADS]

Reva Georgene Hills, 99, of Hudson died on March 7. She was a graduate of Hudson High School and began her career as a secretary at the Kroger Egg Plant in Hudson. She enjoyed playing cards with friends at the Hudson VFW. [AM]

Paula M. Osburn, 87, of Bridgman died on March 7. She was a former resident of Onsted. She was an elementary school teacher for over 30 years, starting in Dundee before making a career at Brooklyn Elementary School. She was a tireless advocate of women’s rights, education, community service, and genealogy research. She was a member of the DAR and a president of the Lenawee County Family Researchers. [PA] Richard Dalton Schneider, 86, of Brooklyn, died on March 7. He was a graduate of Pioneer High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1958-61. He earned an associate’s degree from Cleary College. He worked as a beer truck driver for Budweiser. He enjoyed woodworking, crafting birdhouses, and hosting gatherings at the campground. [AM]

Gabriel “Gabe” Dezzo Dull, 93, of Tecumseh died on March 8. He trained to be a machinist and moved his young family to California, where he worked manufacturing airplane parts. They moved back to Michigan in 1968 and lived in Clinton until 2023. Working at Protomatic in Dexter, he machined parts that were used in seismographs to be sent to the moon. [H]

Benjamin Eugene Bowers, 79, of Hudson died on March 9. He was a 1965 graduate of Hudson High School. He was a dairy and hog farmer his entire life. He enjoyed being outdoors and was an avid hunter and trapper. [BVH]

Cheryl Therese (Moores) Patrick, 78, of Tecumseh died on March 9. She was a dedicated member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Tecumseh where she was active in the Stephen’s Ministry and served as a eucharistic minister. [AM]

Adrianne “Annie” Renee Smith, 53, of Adrian died on March 9. She was employed in the healthcare field at StoryPoint Nursing Home in Grand Ledge. [AM]

Doris Rose Dentel Morningstar Bays, 100, of Muskegon died on March 11. She was a 1943 graduate of Onsted High School. After World War II, she and her husband settled near Onsted. She drove school buses for Onsted schools, retiring in 1990. She was a charter member of the Durkee-Seager Unit 550 American Legion Auxiliary. [AM]

Richard Douglas Packard, 72, of Adrian died on March 11. He worked at Peerless Gear for many years before his retirement. [AM]

Avery Pool, 87, of Adrian died on March 11. He was a Marine Corps veteran and retired from Tecumseh Products after 18 years of service. [PA]

Philip Earl Campbell, 79, of Adrian died on March 12. He worked for General Motors in Pontiac for 31 years before retiring. He enjoyed playing the trumpet, doing family historical research, studying theology, and learning Koine Greek, the original language of the New Testament. [AM]

Buddy Gene Stover, 88, of Morenci, died on March 12. He was employed as a tool and die maker for Stubnitz-Green until its closure and finished his career at the former Cargotainer in Adrian. He enjoyed coon hunting and raising fighting roosters. [AM]

Marianne Georgia Steffens, 81, of Clinton died on March 12. She attended the Clinton United Church of Christ and sang in the choir. She also sang with the Lenawee Community Chorus, Tecumseh Pops, Adrian Symphony Orchestra, Adrian College, AME Ann Arbor, One Voice, and Siena Heights Ad Hoc Choir. She performed with the Tecumseh Players, Opera Lenawee, Manchester Community Players, and the Croswell Opera House. She also sang at Carnegie Hall and at the Kennedy Center. She worked as an oral surgery assistant at the VA in Ann Arbor until her retirement. [H]

Karla Mack Hoagland, 78, of Tecumseh died on March 13. She enjoyed sitting outside enjoying nature with a cup of coffee while watching the birds fly by. She also enjoyed doing genealogy and cross-stitching. [PS]

Marsha Rose Neuhouser, 94, of Adrian died on March 13. She had been employed by the Lenawee Department on Aging. She was a charter member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. [AM]

Jane S. Perez, 93, of Adrian died on March 13. She was employed with General Motors, retiring in 1988. She was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Joseph Catholic Church, and was active in choir, Thursday prayer group, the Guadalupe Society, and Cursillo. [AM]

Sherron Marie (Bowman) Smith, 68, of Adrian died on March 13. She loved shopping trips and made friends everywhere she went. [AM]

Chong Suk (Yi) “Suki” Williams, 61, of Adrian, died on March 13. She was born in Seoul, South Korea. She worked at Bob Evans Restaurant in Adrian as a hostess for over 20 years. [PA]

Gary Stephen Roan, 76, of Hudson, died on March 15. He was a 1968 graduate of Hudson High School. He served in the U.S. Navy, then started working for M&S Manufacturing as a screw machine operator. He retired from Alpine Manuafacturing in 2015. [AM]

Dorothy “Gale” Solmonson, 85, of Adrian died on March 15. She loved trips to the casino, summer visits to the Upper Peninsula with family, and quiet afternoons doing counted cross-stitch or word search puzzles. [AM]

R. David Webb, 79, of Adrian died on March 16. He was a resident of Onsted and Brooklyn for the past 40 years. He came to Adrian in the early 1980s while working overseas in Saudi Arabia. He established a water treatment company at the end of his time overseas. [AM]

Wilnella May Bush, 90, of Tecumseh died on March 18. [H]

Lloyd Raymond “Pa” Carey, 85, of Manchester died on March 18 at Cambrian Assisted Living in Tecumseh. He was retired from Ford Motor Co. in Saline. [H]

Dover Jay Conley, 93, of Adrian died on March 18. He enjoyed going to yard sales, auctions, flea markets, and thrifitng at Goodwill. [PA]

Beverly Ann Brzozowski, 88, of Brooklyn died on March 19. She was a 1956 graduate of Jackson High School. She worked in phlebotomy at Foote Hospital and Garcia Laboratory until her retirement. [E]

Norma Faye Norton, 81, formerly of Adrian, died on March 19, at Caretel Inns of Brighton, where she had lived for the past few years. She was a graduate of Tecumseh High School and Adrian College, where she was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority. She was a teacher. She and her husband were active members of the Devils Lake Yacht Club. [AM]

Lenawee Independent Media considers obituaries to be part of our news coverage. Because of this, there is no charge for obituaries, but they will be edited for style and length. We gather obituaries from local funeral homes and make every effort to locate the obituaries of former residents as well, but if you would like to submit an obituary that we might otherwise miss, please email obituaries@lenaweevoice.com.

Davies from page B1

water system. The state of Michigan has mandated that all lead service lines be replaced by 2040, and about a month ago the city started working with the Get the Lead Out initiative, or GLO, through the Environmental Protection Agency and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

Another major area of concern is sewer lines. The city is using cured-inplace pipe lining, a method that allows existing lines to be strengthened and repaired rather than having to dig them up and replace them. Maple Grove Avenue is the current focus of that effort, with work on that street’s sewer lines slated to finish this summer.

At the wastewater treatment plant, a $250,000 project is underway to put in a new boiler, which is needed for the treatment of the sludge that’s filtered out of the water. That should be installed by June.

Roads are a major focus too, with many of the city’s streets in poor condition.

One thing Davies has been working on is coordinating with the Lenawee County Road Commission to see if efficiencies can be gained by coordinating plans when the road commission is working on a county road that crosses into the city, such as Munson Highway, which the county is working on this year.

Davies is also working with Lenawee Now on economic development, and talking with developers about housing in the city, since housing is such a crucial element in whether companies will want to locate in an area.

“We’re limited with housing here, so we’ve started to talk with developers because we do have some available parcels here in the city,” he said.

He’s also been talking with Sen. Gary Peters on the federal level, and with State Reps. Jennifer Wortz and Nancy Jenkins-Arno at the state level. Hudson is in Wortz’s district, but Jenkins-Arno’s district is adjacent and she is from the Hudson area.

Hudson is coming out of a difficult time, including some major financial problems several years ago that led to the city parting with its former

manager. Davies credits his immediate predecessor, Charlie Weir, with doing a good job of “righting the ship,” and he counts himself lucky to have had a transition period with Weir providing advice as he got used to the job.

An Adrian High School graduate and Marine Corps veteran, Davies has a bachelor’s degree from Siena Heights University — business administration, with a concentration in finance — and a master’s degree in sports management from Adrian College.

He was most recently the city of Adrian’s parks and recreation director, a job he held for three years, and before that he worked for Adrian Public Schools.

Davies’ connections with his former colleagues in Adrian have proven useful as he takes over Hudson’s top city job. He’s consulted several of them about things that are in their areas of expertise, and the staff of Hudson’s wastewater treatment plant recently toured the Adrian plant with Adrian utilities director Will Sadler.

An informal monthly meeting of city and village managers that takes place

in Lenawee County administrator Kim Murphy’s office has also proven to be a valuable resource, he said.

“I take the approach that if I don’t know the answer to a question, I know somebody who does,” he said.

Because Hudson is much smaller than Adrian, Davies ends up wearing a lot of hats. But a smaller size has advantages too. Because his office is within earshot of the municipal building’s front desk, he can hear when people come in with problems — such as when a resident brought in that downed street sign — and gets a chance to engage with them and learn more about the community.

Davies said his goal as city manager is to “continue to make Hudson a great place to live, a great place to thrive.”

Since becoming city manager, one priority has been been getting to know the Hudson school district. A strong school district is crucial for a small town, he said.

He’s also been meeting with groups like the Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce to get acclimated.

“There’s a lot of good momentum here,” he said.

Blissfield’s Country Market is now open

“In this day and age when quality is not what it used to be, I think that’s what draws our customer base to us.”

Being able to get their equipment serviced, Lietzke added, means that customers have an alternative to just throwing things away when they break.

The company’s four main brands are Stihl, Exmark, Bad Boy and Ferris. They recently added subcompact tractors to their lineup. They offer pickup and delivery, and will even do service calls for larger equipment so that customers don’t have to bring things like lawn tractors into the store.

The new space in the former Advance office is currently being used for storage to make quarters less tight in the shop, but eventually the front half will be renovated into another showroom space.

Lawn equipment has changed a lot over the past 70 years.

“A lot of people don’t understand how advanced this stuff is getting,” Lietzke said.

Lawnmowers and even chainsaws are being built with electronically controlled fuel injection now. And nearly everything is now offered in battery-powered versions as well as gas-powered.

“You’re almost carrying double the equipment because you’ve got the gas and battery counterparts,” Lietzke said.

With improvements in battery technology that make handheld equipment easier to operate, Bill’s Service has started to see more female

customers, said Lietzke’s mother, Sandy. Instead of mixing oil and gas for a chainsaw, she said, the user can just “put the battery in, turn it on, and go.”

She added that lighter-weight equipment is also popular with customers who are aging.

Bill’s Service will mark its 70th anniversary with a customer appreciation open house on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In addition to equipment demonstrations and giveaways, the Stihl Pro Carving Team will be at the store to do a chainsaw carving demonstration. For more information, call the shop at 517-486-3104 or go to billsserviceinc.com.

BLISSFIELD — The new Country Market grocery store in Blissfield opened in late February.

The Jackson-based chain was founded in 1934 and is now a fifth-generation family business. The company has seven other stores — four in Jackson and one each in Adrian, Brooklyn and Chelsea. The Blissfield store is in the former Borchardt Brothers location.

According to Guy Kennedy Jr., who’s part of the family that founded Country Market, the process of coming to Blissfield started when Rex Crist, who owns the plaza, approached the Kennedy family about working together to open a new store on the site.

Features of the new store include a deli and bakery section, a meat department, and hot food, in addition to packaged foods and fresh produce.

The store’s address is 628 W. Adrian St.

Bill’s Service from page B1

Jeff Talbot works on diagnosing a problem with a customer’s chainsaw at Bill’s Service in Blissfield. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

A ribbon cutting was held on Feb. 28 for Blissfield’s new Country Market store. The company is a fifth-generation family business. DEBORAH J. COMSTOCK/LENAWEE VOICE

Bill Lietzke in his shop in a photo from the 1980s. COURTESY OF JEFFREY LIETZKE

Author Curtis Chin to speak at Morenci’s Stair District Library

By David Green

The Morenci Advocate

MORENCI — Curtis Chin was still a child when he learned something special about a Chinese restaurant: It’s a place to bring people together.

The Detroit native spent countless hours at his family’s eatery in the 1970s and 80s — a difficult time for the city. Racial tensions, crime, the AIDS crisis, the crack cocaine era.

Chung’s Cantonese Cuisine was located in the Cass Corridor, a rough inner city neighborhood that attracted a wide range of clientele. From drug

dealers to sex workers to drag queens, Chin’s parents treated everyone equally. Everybody was welcome at the Chinese restaurant.

After three generations of ownership — and 10 million egg rolls later — Chung’s closed in 2005. As the years went on, Chin started making notes about his recollections of his childhood at the restaurant. A new generation of Chins was growing up and he wanted to make sure that his nieces and nephews knew about his family’s past and what it was like growing up as an Asian-American in Detroit.

Eventually he realized that he was starting to write a book and in 2023, “Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant” was published. Chin will speak about his book at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Morenci’s Stair District Library.

Curtis Chin is the author of “Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant.” He will speak at Stair District Library in Morenci at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18.

Chin’s book has been described as a love letter to both his family and to Detroit. He doesn’t shy away from the bad parts of either, yet he readily expresses his

satisfaction with his life experiences.

His mother told her six children to work hard, obey elders, and be quiet, but his father had a different take on life. He encouraged his children to engage with strangers in the restaurant and learn about their lives. It was a way to see the world outside of the restaurant, a teacher to show what was possible in life.

The book also serves as a comingof-age story for Curtis Chin, a gay ABC (American-born Chinese) trying to find his way in life.

Like Detroit in the 1980s, we live in a divided world, Chin says, but the Chinese restaurant remains a place to bring people together.

Chin’s book was named a Michigan Notable Book for 2025 and is currently the 2025-26 selection for the Great Michigan Read presented by the Michigan Humanities Council.

American composers take center stage at ASO concert » PAGE C3

Singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer in concert » PAGE C8

ARTS & LIVING

Michele Gardner and her daughter, Morgan Flores, are pictured with their first children’s book collaboration, “The Horse That Needed a Girl.”

A girl’s love for her horse inspires mother-daughter writing partnership

By Renee Lapham Collins The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Morgan Flores doesn’t remember her first word, but her mom, Michele Gardner, does.

“She said ‘Mama,’ ‘Dada,’ and ‘Horsey,’ ” Gardner said.

Flores laughs.

“My first word was basically horse,” she said. “I always wanted riding lessons.”

BOOKS

That lifelong love of horses eventually merged with Gardner’s dream of writing a children’s book. The mother-daughter team recently released “The Horse that Needed a Girl,” and they’ve already completed a second book, “The Cat and the Horse,” due out this spring. The books are self-published under the pen name “M&M Gardner.”

Marcia Black presents on history of two Detroit neighborhoods » PAGE C9

THE LENAWEE VOICE

THIRD SECTION

APRIL 2026

INAI Gallery has a new home but a familiar heritage

first exhibit in its new space. “Engage: The Art of Women” runs from April 11 to Aug. 2. An artist’s reception will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 12. ARLENE BACHANOV/LENAWEE

VOICE

First exhibit in Madden Hall space, “Engage: The Art of Women,” opens April 11

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Back in the early 1970s two Adrian Dominican Sisters who were artists, Sisters Barbara Chenicek, OP, and Rita Schiltz, OP, wanted to find a place to serve as a home for their and other sisters’ creative activities.

ART

The renovated building contained work space for the sisters’ projects and a gallery that came to be called INAI, the Japanese word for “within.”

After an extensive search of the Adrian Dominican Sisters’ Motherhouse campus and the surrounding area, they finally found that home in what had once been the sisters’ laundry building.

INAI opened in June 1973 and went on over the years to host a wide variety of exhibitions of artwork created not only by Adrian Dominicans but by many other artists as well. But a few years ago, changing space needs on the Motherhouse campus meant, among other things, that the old laundry building was destined to take on a new life as offices and shop space for the facilities and grounds personnel.

And so, INAI needed a new home. The result was the INAI at Madden Gallery, created in Madden Hall in a room near Holy Rosary Chapel that previously housed a section of the Congregation’s historical exhibits.

“It really is a perfect gallery, with the layout and the lighting,” said Sister Sue Schreiber, OP, who coordinated INAI from 2018 to 2024 and who now coordinates the new gallery as part of a committee that brought the space into being.

See INAI

page C2 See BOOKS, page C4

MAY 8 - MAY 17

INAI at Madden Gallery coordinator Sister Sue Schreiber, OP, is pictured with an acrylic painting by Doris DeNudt that’s part of the INAI Gallery’s

GALLERY,

INAI Gallery from page C1

“It’s an entirely different feel,” she said.

The room actually has two different sections: the gallery itself and a meditation area, the walls of which contain religious artwork. One of the pieces in the meditation area, Adrian Dominican Associate Judi Engel’s sculpture “Christ Rising,” was previously in the original INAI.

INAI at Madden also includes a reading room that was created in a space nearby, in a room just off of Madden Hall’s lobby.

The new art gallery’s first exhibit, “Engage: The Art of Women,” runs from April 11 to Aug. 2. An artist’s reception takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 12.

Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays or by appointment by calling 517-266-4000.

Madden Hall is located at 1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian.

Parking for the artists’ reception is in the lot directly across Siena Heights Drive. Visitors to the gallery at other times should park at the Weber Retreat and Conference Center and enter Madden Hall through that building.

The inspiration for this inaugural exhibit came from the Adrian Dominican Sisters’ Enactment on Women, one of several Enactments approved by the sisters at the Congregation’s General Chapter of 2022.

In part, the Enactment reads: “Valuing human dignity and aware of the injustice of patriarchy … we strive to attain gender equity and women’s full and equal participation and decision making in Church and society.”

Schreiber said the exhibit had its genesis in a committee, headed by the late Sister Barbara Cervenka, that was formed in relation to that Enactment.

a

The committee decided to showcase the artwork of living and deceased Adrian Dominican Sisters as well as some Adrian Dominican Associates. Schreiber then invited members of the Adrian Center for the Arts to participate as well, as a way to include the wider local community.

In addition to Schreiber, Cervenka (who died in January) and Engel, as well as INAI’s founders, Chenicek and Schiltz (who died in 2015 and 2020, respectively), the artists featured in “Engage: The Art of Women” include Amy Philp, Kris Schmidt, Doris DeNudt, Pi Benio, and Amy Anderson; Adrian Dominican Associate Laura Law; Sisters Janet Wright, OP, Kathleen Voss, OP, Alice Van Acker, Nancyann Turner, OP, Alice Marie Schmid, OP, Barbara Quincey, OP, Aneesah McNamee, OP, Cheryl Liske, OP, and Janice Holkup, OP; and deceased Adrian Dominican Sisters Sarajane Seaver, OP, Ursula Ording, OP, Pauline Opliger, OP, Virginia Hafey-Wells, OP, and Celeste Bourke, OP.

‘In Dreams Awake’ at Flatlanders

BLISSFIELD — Flatlanders Art Galleries is hosting “In Dreams Awake,” an exhibit by ceramist Amy Philp, through April 25.

After retiring from teaching English and literature, Philp began taking art classes. She found her home at Adrian College with Pi Benio, who was then a professor in the ceramics department.

ART EXHIBITS

When the Adrian Center for the Arts was founded, she continued her studies and expanded her work while taking classes with Alicia Ponzio and Adrian Arleo.

As a resident artist at the Adrian Center for the Arts, Philp currently teaches sculpting classes.

“I strive to express the beauty of the human form,” Philp said in her artist’s statement for the exhibit. “The female figure in a classical, elegant form along with the tactile quality and sensuality of clay bring alive my passion for subtle, graceful expression in figurative sculpture. I strive to capture common spiritual and emotional experiences and life stages along with our shared fate with the environment and life on earth.

“My art is informed and inspired by the beautiful poetry and prose that I love. The themes and imagery of great literature weave their way into my work with an emphasis on one’s freedom and confidence to pursue personal goals and passions. My artistic goal is to connect my work to the viewer through an intimacy with the subject.”

Flatlanders Art Galleries operate in conjunction with Flatlanders Sculpture Supply, a full-service sculpture resource. Hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Flatlanders is located at 11993 East U.S. 223, just east of Blissfield. For more information, go to flatlandersculpture.com.

“New Wave” at the ACA: Through April 11, the Adrian Center for the Arts presents “New Wave,” an exhibit of work by undergraduate and graduate students from Michigan and other Great Lakes states. The ACA is at 1375 N. Main St., Adrian. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For details, call 517-759-3005 or visit adriancenterforthearts.org.

“Danish Circles,”

quilt by Sister Barbara Quincey, OP, is one of the first pieces in INAI at Madden’s first exhibit.

“I Can Fly” is part of an exhibit by Amy Philp at Flatlanders Art Galleries that runs through April 25.

Symphony marks nation’s 250th with music of Copland, Sousa and more

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — As America celebrates its 250th birthday this year, plenty of orchestras around the country are programming concerts of patriotic music — and the Adrian Symphony Orchestra is no exception.

MUSIC

The ASO’s contribution to the birthday festivities, “Celebrate America,” is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 1, at Adrian College’s Dawson Auditorium.

Tickets are $41/$35/$27 for adults, $39/$33/$27 for senior citizens, and $22/$19/$15 for students. They can be purchased by calling 517-264-3121; online at adriansymphony.org; at the ASO offices in Mahan Hall, Adrian College, during business hours; or at the door beginning one hour before concert time.

A Classical Conversation with ASO music director Bruce Anthony Kiesling begins at 6:40 p.m. in the auditorium. It is free to all ticketholders.

As the concert title implies, the program is an all-American one,

‘Celebrate America’

DATE AND TIME: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 1

LOCATION: Dawson Auditorium, Adrian College

TICKETS: $41/$35/$27 ($39/$33/$27 for seniors, $22/$19/$15 for students)

TO ORDER: 517-264-3121; online at adriansymphony.org; at the ASO offices in Mahan Hall, Adrian College, during business hours; at the door beginning one hour before the performance

consisting of Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” Ives’ “Variations on ‘America,’” Hanson’s Symphony No. 6, Gershwin’s Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra, Sousa’s “Washington Post March,” and, in a tribute to veterans, the “Armed Forces Salute” — in an updated version that includes the U.S. Space Force’s service song along with those of the other military branches.

Back in the 2024-25 season, the ASO programmed an entire “Season of Copland” without ever doing the “Fanfare for the Common Man,” one of

See SYMPHONY, page C4

Pianist Albert Cano Smit will join the Adrian Symphony for a performance of Gershwin’s Concerto in F at the symphony’s May 1 concert.

Farewell Festival at Siena Heights is April 26

ADRIAN — Siena Heights University is preparing for a Farewell Festival on Sunday, April 26, and has announced additional details about the event.

Students, alumni, neighbors, and supporters are planning to gather for what will be the university’s final largescale campus celebration.

Headlined by Flo Rida, the outdoor concert will also feature performances by Not Fast Enüff, Jon Torrence, and students from Above Pete’s Garage.

In addition to live music, the festival will spotlight a diverse lineup of food vendors, including several alumniaffiliated businesses, intended to further

reflect lasting connections formed through Siena Heights.

Alumni-affiliated vendors include Absolutely Nutz (cinnamon roasted nuts), Sips & Sweets (gourmet lemonades, limeades, and teas), Poquito Chapulin (Mexican cuisine), and Timber’s Spot (dirty sodas, Red Bull creations, and coffee). Additional participating vendors include Funky Dawgs, Monahans Crispy Cluckin’ Chicken, and Smoky D’z BBQ.

As part of the broader community participation surrounding the event, an anonymous donor sponsored 100 “Shared Legacy Passes,” which were

claimed by students from Lourdes University.

Tickets remain available to the public at FarewellFestival.com.

Alumni Weekend and Homecoming is April 17-19: Siena Heights University invites alumni, students, faculty, staff, families, and friends to campus for its final Spring Alumni Weekend and Homecoming, which will take place from April 17-19.

As the university prepares to close at the end of the 2026 academic year, the Alumni Weekend will serve as one last opportunity for the Saints community to

gather, celebrate traditions, and create lasting memories.

Activities will range from theatre performances and athletic competitions to alumni honors and cherished traditions.

Among the events are the Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony and Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet on April 17; a Homecoming Mass in St. Dominic Chapel on April 18; and a free concert with 2005 alumnus Michael Kirk Lane on April 19.

Tickets are required for some events. For more information, go to sienaheights.edu.

Adrian Shakespeare Festival announces auditions for ‘Romeo & Juliet’

ADRIAN — The Adrian Shakespeare Company is planning auditions for its third annual outdoor performance at Adrian’s Trestle Park.

This year’s production will be “Romeo & Juliet.”

Books

from page C1

Both stories are based on real animals the family has owned.

“This is mostly a true story, and all of the characters are real,” Flores said, paging through their first book.

“The Horse that Needed a Girl” tells the story of TJ, a horse the family leased when Flores was young. She had begged for riding lessons for years. Her older sisters tried riding briefly, “but it never stuck,” she said.

“My dad said, ‘We’ll never lease a horse. We’ll never own a horse,’ ” Flores recalled.

That changed after several years of lessons, when TJ became available. He had come to his previous owners in rough condition and was rehabilitated before becoming a lesson horse.

“That’s when I rode him and decided we were going to lease him,” she said.

Symphony from page C3

the composer’s best known and most popular works. And many audience members let Kiesling hear about it.

“It was the most requested piece we didn’t do,” Kiesling said. But because the work was already on tap for this season, the omission was deliberate even if he couldn’t reveal that at the time.

If Copland’s music represents a certain “Americana” feeling, so too does the work of Charles Ives, albeit in a very different way.

Ives wrote the “Variations on ‘America’ ” when he was just 17 years old, originally for organ. It was later orchestrated by composer William Schuman.

Ives broke plenty of new ground in an era when “American” classical music was really yet to be defined. With this particular work, Kiesling said, “he claimed it’s the first use of bitonality,” which is a piece written in two keys at the same time. “To today’s ears, I don’t think it’s as dissonant as it seemed at the time. But it’s an example of pushing the limits — without going off the deep end.”

Auditions will be take place at the Stubnitz Lab Theatre inside Siena Heights University’s Spencer Performing Arts Center on: n Friday, April 10, at 6:30 p.m. n Saturday, April 11, at 1 p.m.

The book imagines the relationship from TJ’s perspective. In the story, the retired horse watches others still being ridden. At first he enjoys the rest, but soon realizes he misses having a girl of his own.

Eventually, a girl named Morgan arrives.

“He thinks, ‘I want her to be my girl,’ ” Flores said. “So he prances to get my attention.”

In real life, Flores rode TJ from age 12 to 18 and showed him in 4-H at the Lenawee County Fair.

“We just had a great time,” she said.

The second book, “The Cat and the Horse,” centers on Joanie, a horse who feels lonely in the pasture until an unlikely friend appears.

“Horses need other horses or another pasture animal,” Flores said. “So this is about a horse and a cat becoming friends.”

The cat offers companionship. They watch lessons, nap together, and Joanie eventually realizes she isn’t sad anymore.

“Friends don’t have to look alike,”

In fact, all of the classical pieces on the program push boundaries in different ways. “They’re all American takes on the various forms,” Kiesling said.

Howard Hanson’s Sixth Symphony, for example, is a departure from the usual “symphonies have four movements” structure. Instead, it has six, all of them very short; the entire work only lasts about 20 minutes.

Actors of all ages are needed to fill the cast of 25.

Director Stephen Kiersey said actors should prepare a sonnet or soliloquy from a play by Shakespeare. Memorization is encouraged but not

Flores said. “They come in all shapes and sizes. All you really need is love.”

While Flores brings the horse experience, Gardner brings the storytelling. An OB-GYN with more than 30 years in private practice in Adrian, she has long wanted to write children’s books.

“Her whole life she’s talked about writing one,” Flores said.

When Morgan suggested their next book rhyme — inspired by stories her 16-month-old son, Liam, enjoys — Gardner wasn’t sure she could do it.

“I thought, ‘I don’t know if I have it in me,’ ” she said.

A week later, she called her daughter.

“I wrote it,” Flores said. “The Cat and the Horse. And it rhymes.”

“It was on my heart,” Gardner added. “I had to write Joanie’s story.”

The illustrations for both books were created using Google Gemini, an artificial-intelligence design tool. Flores generated the images by carefully describing each character and scene.

recordings to tell you how it goes, so there’s more room to interpret it.”

The ASO’s performance of Gershwin’s Concerto in F features guest pianist Albert Cano Smit.

“They represent American ingenuity.”

— Bruce Anthony Kiesling on the selections for the Adrian Symphony Orchestra’s May concert

“I loved the idea that this is meaty, heavy music, but it doesn’t need to be 60 minutes long to be that,” Kiesling said.

Hanson’s music “shaped much of the music of the 20th century,” he said, and he thinks the Sixth is not programmed nearly as much as it should be.

It was commissioned by Leonard Bernstein for the New York Philharmonic’s 125th year in 1968, but in comparison to the composer’s Second Symphony, the Sixth is relatively unknown and unrecorded.

Kiesling thinks this actually opens the door to a real opportunity for him and the ASO’s musicians. Because there is less of a recorded legacy of this symphony, “you don’t have 500

Smit, an award-winning artist who is steadily building an international reputation, comes to the ASO stage at the recommendation of one of the orchestra’s audience-favorite guest soloists, pianist Dominic Cheli. As it turns out, Smit has recorded an album with the ASO’s most recent guest artist, cellist Sterling Elliott.

“He’s a sensational pianist, and I know our audience will love him,” Kiesling said.

Gershwin wrote the concerto on commission from conductor Walter Damrosch, who had been wowed by the “Rhapsody in Blue” and asked its composer if he could write a “proper” concerto.

It’s said that Gershwin had to go buy a book on how exactly to do so, but “that’s probably just a joke,” Kiesling said, since after all Gershwin had spent plenty of time in concert halls listening

required. Performances dates will be from July 30 to Aug. 1 in Trestle Park.

Questions may be directed to Adrian Shakespeare Company on Facebook or John MacNaughton at johnwmacnaughton@gmail.com.

“I’d type in ‘golden palomino with a certain number of socks,’ ” she said, referring to the white markings on a horse’s legs. “Then I’d describe the girl — freckles, curly hair, what she was wearing.”

Though Flores is now married with a family of her own, the pair kept the Gardner name for their publishing partnership. The collaboration has marked what Gardner calls her “second act.”

“It’s fun,” she said. “I love that we get to do it together.”

For Flores, the project reflects years of support from her parents.

“They made my dreams come true,” she said. “They found the lessons, leased TJ, bought Joanie and even built a barn so we could keep our horse at home.”

Upcoming titles include “Sara the Nanny Dog,” based on the family’s Rottweiler.

“The Horse that Needed a Girl” is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Walmart for $12.50, or directly from the authors.

to lots of classical music.

At any rate, the work, which like so much of Gershwin’s music incorporates jazz idioms, has become a staple of the piano concerto repertoire. “I love the piece,” Kiesling said. “I especially love the middle movement. … It’s what makes this piece great.”

A concert of American music probably wouldn’t seem complete without something by John Philip Sousa, and for this performance that’s the “Washington Post March.”

The work will feature a guest conductor: retired Adrian High School band director Dick Barber, who comes to the podium thanks to the ASO’s annual auction. Board member Chip Moore bid on the guest-conductor opportunity offered at the auction, won it, and gifted it to Barber.

While any concert celebrating American music for the country’s upcoming birthday of course means having to choose from “more music than you can possibly include,” Kiesling said he selected these particular pieces because, to him, “they represent American ingenuity.”

“It’s a nice way to kick off the 250th,” he said.

Donna Andre of Tecumseh portrays women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony during an open house to mark the Croswell Opera House’s 160th birthday on March 19. Performers took on the personas of several people who have been connected to the Croswell throughout its history, including Anthony, who spoke at the theater twice in the 1870s. A series of events are planned throughout the year to celebrate the Croswell’s 160th anniversary, including a reunion in August for anyone who’s ever been part of a Croswell production.

Fulton County museum offers free Underground Railroad program

WAUSEON, Ohio — The Fulton County Genealogy Group is hosting a free Underground Railroad program on Monday, April 13, at 7 p.m. at the Museum of Fulton County in Wauseon.

“Take a Ride on the Underground Railroad in Northwest Ohio” is one of many free programs planned throughout 2026 at the museum.

Ohio history has deep roots with the Underground Railroad. During the 19th century, a network of safe houses was set up to help enslaved African Americans escape through free states into Canada. This passage became known as the Underground Railroad, which stretched across the U.S. and included states like Ohio.

During the free program at the Museum of Fulton County, Dr. Tristen Dominquez-Turkopp, program and events manager from Heritage Sylvania, will discuss northwest Ohio’s role in the Underground Railroad and what the public sentiment was at that time regarding slavery. The program will also include discussion of some families from

northwest Ohio — what they did, how they did it, and some lasting evidence of their activities.

Heritage Sylvania is an educational and historical nonprofit aimed at sharing Sylvania’s history with all ages. Their mission is to preserve and share the historical heritage of the Sylvania community through meaningful experiences that educate, inspire, and connect people across generations. The organization’s educational programming, community events, and exhibits help to draw people closer to local history.

While the Underground Railroad program is free and open to the public, registration is requested. Guests can register at the museum, call 419-337-7922, or email info@ museumoffultoncounty.org.

The Museum of Fulton County is located at 8848 State Highway 108, across from the Fulton County Fairgrounds. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit museumoffultoncounty.org.

National Library Week is April 19-25

ADRIAN — The Adrian District Library is hosting special events and activities for all ages during National Library Week, April 19-25.

The theme for 2026 is “Find Your Joy.” All activities will be held at the library, located at 143 E. Maumee St. in Downtown Adrian.

“We invite everyone to visit the library and share your appreciation of libraries

and library staff while exploring what sparks your interest, from books to technology,” said library director Jen Wrzesinski. “Stop in for some fun games, prize giveaways, bookmarks to color, treats, and more.”

Learn more about upcoming programs and special events by visiting Adrian District Library’s website at adrian.lib.mi.us or calling 517-265-2265.

Weber Center presents ‘Growing in Radiance’

ADRIAN — Radiance, the ability to see beneath the surface of matter to its heart, is the hallmark of a true contemplative. During an in-person retreat, “Growing in Radiance with Teilhard de Chardin,” Sister Kathleen Duffy, SSJ, will draws on some of the beautiful, mystical essays of the Jesuit paleontologist to explore the inner glow that Teilhard experienced in his encounters with Christ in matter.

The retreat begins at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at Weber Retreat and Conference Center and concludes at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29.

The cost is $125 for commuters (includes lunches), and $225 per person double occupancy and $325 single occupancy (includes all meals). Registration is required. Visit www.webercenter.org and click on “Programs,” call 517-266-4000, or email webercenter@adriandominicans.org. Limited scholarships are available.

APRIL

THINGS TO DO IN LENAWEE COUNTY

To submit events for inclusion in this calendar, please email news@lenaweevoice.com by the 15th of the month before the event.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3

Fish Fry Friday

American Legion Underwood Orr Post 34, Tecumseh, 5-7 p.m.

American Legion Post 34 Riders are making dinner for Lent this year. Chicken also offered. Takeout is available and the public is welcome. $14-$17 per person.

101 W. Pottawatamie St., Tecumseh

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

Breakfast with a Farmer

Main Street Perk Event Center, 8 a.m.

Enjoy a free, farm-fresh breakfast, courtesy of Hart’s Local and Main Street Perk, while choosing a table topic that interests you most — from dairy and bees to syrup, floriculture, pork, and more. Ask questions, hear stories, and learn how local agriculture impacts your everyday life. Registration required. Organized by Lenawee County Farm Bureau. michfb.com/events/breakfast-farmer

211 W. Main St., Hudson

MONDAY, APRIL 6

Matinee Monday: ‘Field of Dreams’ Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 1 p.m. Friends of the TCA present Matinee Monday on the first Monday of every month. This month’s selection is “Field of Dreams,” the 1989 sports fantasy drama starring Kevin Costner as a farmer who builds a baseball field in his cornfield that attracts the ghosts of baseball legends. Free. 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh 517-423-6617 or thetca.org

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8

Lunch and Learn: Getting Ready for Spring Weber Center, 12:15-1 p.m. The team at Madison Garden Center & Flower Shop, formerly Barrett’s Showplace Gardens, will share the secrets for choosing the right plant and timing spring gardening projects. There will be time to answer your questions. Free and open to all; no registration required. Bring your lunch (drinks and dessert provided) or purchase lunch from Weber Center for $8 by registering at least two days in advance of the event.

1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian 517-423-6617 or webercenter.org

TUESDAY, APRIL 7

Author talk: Dan Ellens Tecumseh District Library, 6:30 p.m. Dan Ellens is the author of “Forest Legend: The Tale of Ol’ Split Toe.” In the book, Ellens uses fiction to craft an adventure that sweeps through time from the Ice Age into the future, to tell the story of Michigan’s ecological change through the eyes of nature — personified by a majestic, time-traveling whitetail buck, Ol’ Split Toe. 215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh 517-423-2238

FRIDAY, APRIL 10

Downtown Wine Around Downtown Blissfield, 6-9 p.m.

A fun evening of wine tasting throughout downtown. Your ticket includes at least 12 pours at participating locations. Tickets are available at the village office and on eventbrite.com (search for “Downtown Wine Around”). $35. South Lane Street, Blissfield 517-486-4347 or blissfieldmainstreet.com

‘Beetlejuice Jr.’

Madison High School, 7 p.m.

Presented by the Madison High School Performing Arts Club. The ghost-with-themost comes to the stage in “Beetlejuice Jr.,” the frightfully funny musical based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon. Continues Saturday and Sunday. Tickets available the day of show: $8 for adults and $5 for students. Cash only. 3498 Treat Hwy., Adrian

SATURDAY, APRIL 11

Bolt 4 Brody Onsted Park, 9 a.m.

A meaningful morning of running, walking, and remembrance at the Bolt for Brody. Proceeds benefit the Brody Fry Memorial Scholarship for Onsted High School seniors and the Brody Strong Fund (which will help fund an anti-bullying program at Onsted Community Schools). Register at runsignup. com/Race/MI/Onsted/BoltForBrody.

227 E. Third St., Onsted www.ocrc.club

Spring Craft Show

The Mill Sports & Events Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Mill presents its annual Spring Craft Show. For vendor information, call 517-467-5529 or send a private message to The Mill’s Facebook page. Please note that The Mill is the only contact for registration; do not respond to anyone else claiming to be the contact person. Spaces are $40 for one and $60 for two. Admission to the show is $2.

230 N. Main St., Onsted 517-467-5529

Shop and Stroll: Spring Glow-Up Downtown Adrian, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Spring is here, and it’s time for a Glow Up! This is a day to refresh, rejuvenate, and celebrate all the local shops, services, and experiences that help you shine inside and out. Stroll through downtown and discover spring-inspired finds, self-care treats, fresh looks, and unique offerings from your favorite local businesses. Whether you’re sprucing up your wardrobe, your home, or just your mood, there’s something for everyone to sparkle. Step into spring with style, fun, and a little downtown magic. adriancity.com

Days of Mindfulness:

Sitting with Feelings and Emotions

Weber Center, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. It is not as if only others have anger, fear, hatred, greed and aggression. It is often in a quiet moment of sitting meditation that strong feelings and emotions arise. You may have been unaware of the intensity of the emotions suddenly stirred by a memory, a recent phone call, a text just received or sent. Healing into wholeness often begins with saying yes to whatever is rising and gently to hold one’s suffering with kindness, compassion and love. $35 (includes lunch); registration required.

1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian 517-423-6617 or webercenter.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 11

Writing Workshop: Too Busy to Write?

Weber Retreat & Conference Center, 1-4 p.m. This creative writing workshop will look at options that encourage us to show up and write more regularly. Do you know what that would take for you? Creating accountability links, joining (or creating) a writing community, and other options. Beginning and experienced writers are welcome. This is a hybrid workshop, so attending by Zoom is an option. $35; registration required.

1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian 517-423-6617 or webercenter.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 11

Sing the Good Old Songs Again

with Jackie & Gary Adrian District Library, 1:30 to 2:45 p.m.

This duo combines classic and original folk songs into an energetic show with personal insights, audience interaction, and humor. Free. 143 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-265-2265 or adrian.lib.mi.us

Autism GRACE of Lenawee

Family Fun Dance

The Ashlar, 2-4 p.m.

Daddy daughter dances, school dances, wedding receptions ... all fun events but they can be overstimulating for our loved ones on the autism spectrum. This family fun dance is a great way to practice these experiences and have a great time as a whole family. Come dressed pretty as a princess, representing your favorite superhero, or in your jammies! Register by emailing autismgraceoflenawee@gmail.com. Please include the name and age of your loved one on the spectrum and the total number of family members who will be attending. 700 Bishop Reed Drive, Tecumseh 517-270-9415 or graceoflenawee.org

‘Beetlejuice Jr.’

Madison High School, 7 p.m.

Presented by the Madison High School

Performing Arts Club. Continues Sunday. Tickets available the day of show: $8 for adults and $5 for students. Cash only.

3498 Treat Hwy., Adrian

Once Upon A Star:

Daddy-Daughter Dance

The Centre, 6-8 p.m.

Dads, it’s your night to shine at this special evening designed to celebrate the unique bond between fathers and daughters. The Daddy-Daughter Dance is open to girls ages 4-12 and their dad or special father figure for a memorable night of connection, laughter, and fun. The evening will include dancing, light snacks and drinks, games and interactive activities, and a photo booth. $65 for dad and one daughter; $10 per additional child.

1800 West U.S. 223, Adrian thecentre.info

Concert by Lola Kristine

Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.

Back by popular demand, Lola Kristine returns to Tecumseh with her signature fusion of soul, blues, jazz, and pop. $35 ($30 for seniors and military, $15 for youth).

400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh 517-423-6617 or thetca.org

SUNDAY, APRIL 12

‘Beetlejuice Jr.’

Madison High School, 2 p.m.

Presented by the Madison High School Performing Arts Club. Continues Sunday. $8 for adults and $5 for students. Cash only.

3498 Treat Hwy., Adrian

TUESDAY, APRIL 14

Healthy Eating as we Age

AJ Smith Recreation Center, 10 a.m.

Join Martha York from WellWise Services Area Agency on Aging to better understand the importance of healthy eating. Free.

810 N. Evans St., Tecumseh 517-423-5602

THURSDAY, APRIL 16

Third Thursday Live Music Downtown Adrian, 5-8 p.m.

Come to downtown Adrian on the third Thursday of every month and enjoy live music at your favorite downtown spots.

Adult Spelling Bee for the Adrian Rea Literacy Center

Adrian Armory Event Center, 5:30 p.m.

Join the Adrian Rea Literacy Center for a fun evening where local businesses and community members compete to be the ultimate spelling champion. The Adult Spelling Bee is a fun, spirited fundraiser that brings together the community to compete in a lively spelling showdown — all in support of adult literacy. Teams of two to three people will compete to be the ultimate spelling champions. Tickets are $50 and include food and drink.

230 W. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7320 adrianrealiteracy.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 16

Landscapes & Lemonades

AJ Smith Recreation Center, 6-7:30 p.m.

Celebrate the season of renewal with a brush in one hand and a cool glass of lemonade in the other. A relaxing, step-by-step art session where participants will paint a spring landscape together. No experience necessary; all materials provided. Registration required. $20. 810 N. Evans St., Tecumseh 517-423-5602

Bring Your Own Talent Night

The Buzz Cafe and Marketplace, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Music, poetry, comedy, storytelling — all talents are welcome at this open mic night presented in partnership with Above Pete’s Garage. Free.

110 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-759-3289 or thebuzzadrian.com

Theatre Siena: ‘Oklahoma!’

Spencer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m.

Set in the Oklahoma Territory just before statehood, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Pulitzerwinning musical is a celebration of community, romance, and the American spirit. Follow the romantic rivalry between Curly and Jud as they compete for Laurey’s affections, while the flirtatious Ado Annie tries to choose between her two very different suitors. Continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday. $12 ($8 for students and seniors).

730 Oakwood Road, Adrian sienaheights.edu/academics/theatre-siena

FRIDAY, APRIL 17

An Evening with Carrie Newcomer First United Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m. (opening performance by CeCe Benz at 7 p.m.)

Carrie Newcomer is a songwriter, recording artist, performer, educator and activist. She has been described as a “prairie mystic” by the Boston Globe and one who “asks all the right questions” by Rolling Stone Magazine. She will accompanied by pianist Gary Walters for an evening of music at Adrian’s First United Methodist Church. $25 for adults (youth $10, children under 12 free).

1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian 517-265-5689 or adrianfumc.org

‘Hadestown: Teen Edition’ Adrian High School, 7:30 p.m.

Adrian High School presents “Hadestown: Teen Edition” in the Julianne and George Argyros Performing Arts Center. 785 Riverside Ave., Adrian gofan.co/app/school/MI4008_1

Theatre Siena: ‘Oklahoma!’ Spencer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Continues Saturday and Sunday. $12 ($8 for students and seniors).

730 Oakwood Road, Adrian sienaheights.edu/academics/theatre-siena

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

Customer Appreciation Open House Bill’s Service, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This 70th anniversary celebration includes equipment demonstrations, giveaways, and chainsaw carving.

116 E. Adrian St., Blissfield 517-486-3104 or billsserviceinc.com

Stars & Strikes Bowling

Lenawee Recreation, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Local veterans, service members, and their families are invited to a free spring event as the Lenawee Veterans Coalition hosts Stars & Strikes Bowling, a gathering focused on connection, recreation, and community. Registration required. Tickets at starsandstrikes.eventbrite.com. Free.

520 College Ave., Adrian LenVetsCoalition.com

BBQ with a Purpose Amvets, noon to 4 p.m.

Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner to benefit Share the Warmth of Lenawee’s mission to provide safe shelter, meals, and support for our neighbors in need. $20 per plate. To purchase tickets, contact the shelter at 517-759-3223 or go to sharethewarmthoflenawee.org.

122 N. Main St., Adrian

Author talk: Curtis Chiin

Stair District Library, 1 p.m.

Hear the author of “Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant” at Morenci’s Stair District Library.

228 W. Main St., Morenci stairlib.org

Blissfield Rotary Charity Auction

American Legion Post 325, 5:30 p.m.

The club’s 36th annual auction will raise funds to honor Jonny Quinton with a Blissfield CrossFit path and support the club’s work. $100 per person or $600 for a table of eight. 451 High St., Blissfield blissfieldrotary.org

The Regency Boulevard Social Downtown Tecumseh, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Esteemed guests are invited to pass the day admidst genteel amusements and pleasant company. At midday, society will gather for a most agreeable community picnic at the market on Evans, serenaded by the graceful sounds of a string quartet. It is said that such melodies have been known to inspire lingering conversations and fond memories. Guests are encouraged, though never required to don Regency-inspired attire, for nothing enhances a stroll quite like a touch of historical elegance and playful imagination. Festivities shall commence on Friday with a Grand Garden Promenade, an occasion well suited to leisurely strolls and refined conversation. Saturday evening promises heightened splendor at the Open Season Ball, where music and movement shall reign supreme. To conclude the weekend in most civilized fashion, Sunday afternoon will host The Afternoon Society Tea, offering a gentle close to a most memorable series of engagements. Those desirous of further particulars are advised to consult the Mansion’s own correspondence. thestacymansion.com

Lady Freewardley’s Opening Season Ball

The Stacy Mansion, 7-10 p.m.

The most anticipated evening of the weekend arrives as guests gather for Lady Freewardley’s Opening Season Ball. Don your finest attire and join in an evening of music and dancing, elegant food and spirits, lively conversation, and scandalous whispers. Whether you arrive with a partner or among friends, the Ball promises an evening of glamour and merriment. $25. 710 W. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh 517-858-9708 or thestacymansion.com

Songwriter Carrie Newcomer will perform at First United Methodist Church in Adrian on Friday, April 17. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. with an opening act by CeCe Benz at 7 p.m.

Presentation to focus on history of Detroit’s Black Bottom and Paradise Valley neighborhoods

ADRIAN — Detroit’s historic Black Bottom neighborhood and Paradise Valley business district will be the subject of a presentation at 6 p.m.

Thursday, April 9, in the Weber Center Auditorium.

Marcia Black, co-director of archives and education for the Black Bottom Archives, will share the story of the

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

Neighbors of Hope 2026 Banquet

First United Methodist Church, 6 p.m.

A three-course dinner benefiting Neighbors of Hope. To register, call 517-265-4019, email kendra@neighborsofhope.com or go to bit.ly/3MOss9o. A freewill offering will be accepted.

1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian

Diva Dance: A Prom for Moms Lenawee County Fairgrounds, 7-11 p.m.

Because moms deserve their own night to shine. Ticket price includes appetizers and desserts, two drink tickets, photo booth, DJ and dancing, silent auction, and a cash bar. Ages 21 and over. $50.

602 N. Dean St., Adrian lenfair.com

Second annual Mayors’ Gala Birdies on the Hill, 7 p.m.

The second annual Mayors’ Gala will be held at Birdies on the Hill (formerly Lenawee Country Club) includes a sit-down dinner, silent and live auctions, and dancing to live music performed by The Phoenix Theory band. Casual attire. Tickets can be purchased on eventbrite.com. $100.

4110 Country Club Road, Adrian

Theatre Siena: ‘Oklahoma!’ Spencer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. $12 ($8 for students and seniors).

730 Oakwood Road, Adrian sienaheights.edu/academics/theatre-siena

‘Hadestown: Teen Edition’ Adrian High School, 7:30 p.m. Adrian High School presents “Hadestown: Teen Edition” in the Julianne and George Argyros Performing Arts Center. Tickets available at gofan.co.

785 Riverside Ave., Adrian gofan.co/app/school/MI4008_1

SUNDAY, APRIL 19

Theatre Siena: ‘Oklahoma!’ Spencer Performing Arts Center, 2:30 p.m. Final performance. $12 ($8 for students and seniors).

730 Oakwood Road, Adrian sienaheights.edu/academics/theatre-siena

Talk by Irene Butter

Croswell Opera House, 4-6 p.m.

Hear Holocaust survivor Irene Butter speak as part of a community-based Holocaust Remembrance Day celebration at the Croswell Opera House, in connection with the Adrian Diversity Event Fund’s Pop-up Holocaust Museum in downtown Adrian. While the event is free, advanced registration is required. Click here to Register: https://forms. gle/UtoxVyUEie1WkeBz5. Sign up at adriandiversityeventfund.org.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian

TUESDAY, APRIL 21

Lenawee Garden Club: Beekeeping 101 Adrian District Library, 1 p.m. Learn about beekeeping in this informative presentation.

143 E. Maumee St., Adrian

people who lived, worked, and built their lives in this district east of downtown Detroit in the 1920s and 1930s. At its high point in 1942, the district was

THURSDAY, APRIL 23

Adrian Area Health Check

St. Mary’s Activity Center, 8 a.m. to noon United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties present a low-cost health event with many community health partners onsite. $20 for a 22-panel blood test. Lab services provided by ProMedica. Walk-in, no appointments. Must fast 12 hours ahead of time. Additional tests available with vaccinations provided by Schmidt Pharmacy. Call 517-264-6821 for more information.

305 Division St., Adrian

Senior Resource Fair

Adrian Senior Center, 9 a.m. to noon

Are you an older adult, caregiver, or someone planning for future services? If so, you won’t want to miss this year’s Senior Resource Fair. This free event offers a wealth of information on health, financial planning, fitness, social engagement, and more. With over 30 local agencies in attendance, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with experts and gather essential resources on home care, housing, legal assistance, recreation, and other vital services available in Lenawee County.

327 Erie St., Adrian 517-264-5280 or bit.ly/4cit9SY

Rhythm & Rhyme: Kids’ Music Time with Mrs. Sniezek

Schultz-Holmes District Library, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

407 S. Lane St., Blissfield 517-486-2858 or blissfieldlibrary.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 24

Quilt Show

Clinton United Methodist Church, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friendship Stars Quilt Guild invites you to their two-day quilt show showcasing 100 homemade quilts, vendors, fabric, plus a silent auction and food for purchase. Continues Saturday. $8.

10990 Tecumseh-Clinton Road, Clinton

The Alley Rally

Lenawee Recreation, 7-11 p.m.

Housing Help of Lenawee presents The Alley Rally, a benefit event to advance housing stability and affordable opportunities for lowincome people, especially those in crisis or at risk. $150 per team; register at donorperfect.com/alleyrally.

520 College Ave., Adrian

SATURDAY, APRIL 25

Quilt Show

Clinton United Methodist Church, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friendship Stars Quilt Guild invites you to their two-day quilt show showcasing 100 homemade quilts, vendors, fabric, plus a silent auction and food for purchase. Final day. $8. 10990 Tecumseh-Clinton Road, Clinton

Spring Fling Vendor & Craft Show

Blissfield American Legion, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Find the perfect Mother’s Day gift from one of the vendors at this show. For vendor information, email christinemarie6700@gmail. com.

451 High St., Blissfield

home to more than 300 businesses owned by Black people, including bars and restaurants, pharmacies, hotels, and doctor’s offices. Black Bottom and Paradise Valley were razed in the 1950s and early 1960s and replaced by highrise apartment buildings for middleclass, predominantly white families.

“I hope people will learn new things about Detroit,” said Mykayla Giles, Director of Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Adrian Dominican Sisters, whose office is sponsoring the event.

“I appreciate some of the rich history that the Black Bottom District brought to what is now Detroit,” Giles said. “They thrived there. They kept the Black dollar within their community.”

Lions Club Radio Auction Online at localbuzzradio.com, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The 30th annual Lions Club Radio Auction features great deals on all kinds of items. Listen and bid at localbuzzradio.com.

Fifth Annual Sand Creek Athletic Boosters Reverse Raffle and Silent Auction

Lenawee County Fair & Event Grounds, 5 p.m.

This fundraising event brings together families, student-athletes, coaches, community members, and local businesses for an evening dedicated to supporting Sand Creek athletics. The event features a Reverse Raffle as the main attraction, along with a Silent Auction, raffle baskets, and additional games and prizes. Funds raised during the event directly support the Sand Creek Athletic Boosters and are used to assist with athletic equipment, uniforms, safety gear, and program needs that are not fully covered through school funding. $75. More info: sandcreekaggieathleticboosters@ gmail.com or sand-creek-athletic-boosters. square.site. $75.

602 N. Dean St., Adrian

Kids First All Ways Fundraiser & Dinner

The Hills of Lenawee, 6 p.m.

The members of Adrian Morning Rotary invite all superheroes to assemble at their annual fundraiser dinner and auction. Capes and masks encouraged. Event tickets, sponsorships and golf ball drop raffle tickets can be purchased online at givebutter.com/kfaw26. $90 per person.

4110 Country Club Rd., Adrian friends@adrianmorningrotary.org

SUNDAY, APRIL 26

Town & Country Festival Golf Outing

Devil’s Lake Golf Course, 8 a.m.

A golf outing to benefit the Morenci Town & Country Festival. $340 for a team of four; registration ends April 11. More info: morencitcfestival@gmail.com or 517-403-9667.

14600 U.S. 223, Manitou Beach

‘Crossroads’ (Lenawee Community Chorus Spring Concert)

First United Methodist Church, 4 p.m.

The Lenawee Community Chorus presents its spring concert, titled “Crossroads.” Through some tunes you’ll recognize, from Bob Dylan to Mr. Rogers, and some that will be new, the chorus will explore themes of transition, generations, and decisions. Tickets are $15 for adults, free for children and students, and are available for purchase online at lenaweechorus.org or at the box office when doors open at 3:30 p.m.

1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian LenaweeChorus.org

Siena Heights Farewell Festival

O’Laughlin Stadium, 7-11 p.m.

Siena Heights University celebrates its legacy at this Farewell Festival headlined by Grammynominated musician Flo Rida. $60 for the general public, $25 for alumni, and free for students, faculty and staff.

768 Oakwood Rd., Adrian farewellfestival.com

Black Bottom Archives was founded in 2015 to research the history of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley and the lives of the people who lives and worked there. The organization offers pop-up displays of Black Bottom and has partnered with museums such as the Michigan Historical Center and the Charles Wright Museum of African American History.

The presentation is open to all, and registration is not required. Weber Center is on the campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters Motherhouse. From East Siena Heights Drive, turn into the driveway between Adrian Rea Literacy Center and the solar panel-covered carport. For more information, contact Giles at 517-266-3542.

TUESDAY, APRIL 28

Elder Fraud Prevention

Blissfield Senior Center, 10 a.m. Blissfield State Bank will be at the Blissfield Senior Center to discuss ways seniors can avoid falling victim to fraud.

206 S. Lane St., Blissfield 517-486-2397

Blissfield.seniors@lenawee.mi.us

THURSDAY, APRIL 30

Book Sale

Schultz-Holmes District Library, 1-7 p.m.

The Schultz-Holmes District Library’s annual spring book sale. Continues Friday and Saturday.

407 S. Lane St., Blissfield www.blissfieldlibrary.org

‘Newsies’

Lenawee Christian School, 7 p.m.

The LCS theater program presents “Newsies,” a musical filled with high-energy dancing, unforgettable music, and a powerful story. Continues Friday and Saturday. $15/$13. 111 Wolf Creek Hwy., Adrian lenawee.org/shows

FRIDAY, MAY 1

Book Sale

Schultz-Holmes District Library, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Schultz-Holmes District Library’s annual spring book sale. Continues Saturday. 407 S. Lane St., Blissfield www.blissfieldlibrary.org

Adrian First Fridays

Downtown Adrian, 5-8 p.m.

Enjoy fun events for the whole family in downtown Adrian on the first Friday of every month.

First Fridays Car Show

Lenawee County Fair and Event Grounds, 5-8 p.m.

First Fridays car shows return to the fairgrounds. This month’s theme is Lowriders and music will be provided by Los Hermanos. 602 N. Dean St., Adrian

‘Newsies’

Lenawee Christian School, 7 p.m.

The LCS theater program presents “Newsies,” a musical filled with high-energy dancing, unforgettable music, and a powerful story. Continues Saturday. $15/$13. 111 Wolf Creek Hwy., Adrian lenawee.org/shows

SATURDAY, MAY 2

Book Sale

Schultz-Holmes District Library, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Schultz-Holmes District Library’s annual spring book sale. Final day. 407 S. Lane St., Blissfield www.blissfieldlibrary.org

A photo from the Black Bottom Archives.

FAMILY EASTER EVENTS

Easter Eggstravaganza: Friday, April 3, from 10 a.m. to noon at Blissfield State Bank, 204 E. Jefferson St., Blissfield. Easter fun featuring photos with the bunny, baskets, and more.

Farm Day and Easter Egg Hunt: Friday, April 3 at 10:30 a.m., 7153 Brooks Hwy, Onsted. An event by Lindsey Cole Brayton and Inside Onsted. Feed and play with baby goats, see turkey chicks, pet a rabbit and a chicken, brush a horse, and visit with baby cows. Event ends with an Easter egg hunt. Make sure to wear clothes and footwear that can get dirty. Suggested donation $2 per child to cover cost. Please register by emailing dexsunfire79@yahoo.com with how many children will be participating.

Name That Bunny! Friday, April 3, from 5-7 p.m. at the Gallery of Shops, 136 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Join the fun at Gallery of Shops in downtown Adrian during Adrian First Fridays. Meet the Easter Bunny, play the game, win prizes. Bring the family and join the fun.

Manitou Beach Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 4, at 10 a.m. in Manitou Beach Village. The Manitou Beach Easter Egg Hunt will have prize-filled eggs from the local businesses hidden all around outside in the village area starting at 10 a.m. This is a self-guided, come-whenever egg hunt, so grab a basket and walk the village while you search for eggs. Children must be supervised at all times and private property must be respected. Eggs will be hidden outside only; this activity will not be staffed or monitored.

Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast: Saturday, April 4 at 10 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian. adrianfumc.org.

A Very Special Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 4, at 10 a.m., Turning Point Church of Lenawee County. For people with special needs up to age 26. Register by April 1 at forms.gle/ yYd8Wt34xDRQrmus7.

Easter Egg Scramble at Cal Zorn Park: Saturday, April 4, at 11 a.m., Cal Zorn Park, 307 W. Russell Road, Tecumseh. Bring your kids to help hunt for thousands of eggs, filled with candy and toys. Best for ages 12 and under. Details: 517-423-5602.

Community-Wide Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 4, at 1 p.m., Heart O’ the Lakes Church, 7031 Jefferson Road, Brooklyn. For kids in preschool through fifth grade. Free.

Easter Egg Hunt in Onsted: Saturday, April 4, at 2 p.m., Onsted Village Park, 125 E. Second St., Onsted. Rain Date is April 12.

Easter Egg Hunt: Sunday, April 5, at noon, Adrian First Church of the Nazarene. The Easter egg hunt will start after the 10:45 a.m. service; everyone is welcome.

Easter Egg Hunt and Community Day: Sunday, April 5, at 3:30 p.m., Parish Park, 721 Erie St., Adrian. Event includes snacks, games, and raffles with a chance to win a new bike.

SATURDAY, MAY 2

Cinco de Mayo Parade & Celebration

Lenawee County Fair and Event Grounds, 1 p.m. to midnight

Following the parade through town on Maumee Street, Adrian’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration includes delicious food, vendors, and family-friendly entertainment including music by Celestina y Los Sanchez, Grupo Illusion, and La Nueva Onda. This annual celebration honors the life and legacy of Chico Martinez. $10 suggested donation; proceeds benefit scholarships for local students. More info: 517-215-2350.

‘Newsies’

Lenawee Christian School, 2 and 7 p.m.

The LCS theater program presents “Newsies.” Continues Friday and Saturday. $15/$13.

111 Wolf Creek Hwy., Adrian lenawee.org/shows

Pressed Flower Suncatcher Workshop

Old Orchard Point, 3-5 p.m.

A spring workshop where you’ll create your own beautiful pressed flower suncatcher using UV resin. In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll design a cascading suncatcher using metal bezels, real pressed flowers, and sparkling crystal prisms that catch the sunlight and create rainbows in your home. No experience needed; all supplies included. $35. 7062 S. Adrian Hwy., Adrian 517-260-5961

MONDAY, MAY 4

Matinee Monday: ‘The Blues Brothers’ Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 1 p.m. Friends of the TCA present Matinee Monday on the first Monday of every month. Free. 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh

TUESDAY, MAY 5

Family Researchers meeting Sand Creek Community Church, 6 p.m.

This meeting will feature a presentation on planning your next research trip. In lieu of the June meeting, the society will take a one-day trip to the Allen County Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on June 6. For more information, email Judy Sheldon at judesheldon@yahoo.com. 6190 East St., Sand Creek

FRIDAY, MAY 8

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m. Opening night of the Croswell’s 2026 Broadway Season. Show continues Saturday, Sunday and next weekend. 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org.

FRIDAY, MAY 15

Spring Tractor & Engine Show Farmers Antique Tractor & Engine Association, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. First day of the annual Spring Tractor & Engine Show, which runs through May 17. $5 per person; free for kids 12 and under. 7600 Forrister Road, Adrian

LIVE MUSIC AT BARS AND NIGHT SPOTS

Information in this listing is taken from a mixture of submissions and information published by the venues. We recommend verifying information before making plans. To submit listings, email lcline@lenaweevoice. com before the 15th of the preceding month.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2

Linnie & Moochie, 6-9 p.m., Farver’s at The Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Kelly Bracey, 6-9 p.m., Artesian Wells, 18711 U.S. 12, Cement City.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3

Marcus & Tiffany, 6-9 p.m., Gauci Golf Resort, 8431 Sports Park Drive, Onsted. Mötley Crüe Tribute by Wrëking Crüe, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

Bill Bushart Comedy Night, 8 p.m., The Starling Lounge/Four Keys Brewing, 133 S. Lane St. Blissfield. $15.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

JTE Acoustic Band, 2- 4:30 p.m., Oberonpalooza at Tecumseh Tavern, 206 E. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh.

Snyder & Rutter, 6-9 p.m., The Starling Lounge/ Four Keys Brewing, 133 S. Lane St., Blissfield.

Jaded Soul, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Devil’s Lake Bar & Grill, 6365 US-223, Addison.

1980’s Tribute by HairMania, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8

Linnie & Moochie, 6-9 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 U.S. 12, Tipton.

THURSDAY, APRIL 9

Kevin Wolff, 6-9 p.m., Artesian Wells, 18711 U.S. 12, Cement City.

FRIDAY, APRIL 10

Chloe & The Steel Strings, 6:30-9 p.m., The Starling Lounge/Four Keys Brewing, 133 S. Lane St., Blissfield.

Brad Skinner Trio, 7-10 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

Bordine Loar, 7-10 p.m., Adrian Eagles, 2570 W. Beecher St., Adrian. $5 cover for nonmembers.

1 Hit Wonders, 7-11 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 Michigan Ave, Tipton.

Dueling Pianos by T and Rich, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 11

Marcus & Tiffany, 6-9 p.m., Chaloner’s Cigar House, 108 W. Maumee St., Adrian.

Jon Torrence, 7-10 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Wishing Well, 7-10 p.m., Jerry’s Pub, 650 Egan Hwy., Brooklyn.

Led Zeppelin Tribute by Kashmir, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

Echovibe Band, 8 p.m. to midnight, Adrian Eagles, 2570 W. Beecher St., Adrian. $5 cover for non-members.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15

Jon Torrence, 6-9 p.m., Atlas Restaurant, 123 N. Main St., Brooklyn.

THURSDAY, APRIL 16

Ian Stewart, 6-9 p.m., Artesian Wells, 18711 U.S. 12, Cement City.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17

Ryan Garth, 7-10 p.m., Adrian Eagles, 2570 W. Beecher St., Adrian. $5 cover for nonmembers.

Luke Woltanski, 7 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

Michael Geeter Comedy Night in the Bloom Room with Eileen Nolton, 8 p.m. The Starling Lounge/Four Keys Brewing, 133 S. Lane St., Blissfield. $15.

Boston Tribute by Cool the Engines, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

Orlando Finelli, 6-9 p.m., The Starling Lounge/Four Keys Brewing, 133 S. Lane St., Blissfield.

Linnie & Moochie, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Morenci Legion, 9010 Morenci Road, Morenci.

Family Blend, 7-11 p.m., The Brick Wall, 114 W. Maumee St., Adrian.

The Native Heart, 8-11 p.m., Chaloner’s Cigar House, 108 W. Maumee St., Adrian.

Ozzy Osbourne Tribute By Ozzy Rebourne with Awaken, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery. com.

Tipsy Doctors, 8 p.m. to midnight, Adrian Eagles, 2570 W. Beecher St., Adrian. $5 cover for non-members.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22

Riverjack Ramblers, 6-9 p.m., Atlas Restaurant, 123 N. Main St., Brooklyn.

THURSDAY, APRIL 23

Marvin Rieli, 6-9 p.m., Artesian Wells, 18711 U.S. 12, Cement City.

An Evening with Jive Colossus, 7-10 p.m., Jerry’s Pub, 650 Egan Hwy., Brooklyn. Presented by Irish Hills Roots and String Music Series and Asim Khan; fundraiser for Brooklyn Food Pantry. Dinner at 6 p.m. Call 517-4674700 for reservations.

FRIDAY, APRIL 24

Jon Torrence, 6;30-9:30 p.m, The Starling Lounge/Four Keys Brewing, 133 S. Lane St. Blissfield.

Metallica Tribute by Battery with Flowers on the Grave, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25

Linnie & Moochie, 7-10 p.m., Farver’s at The Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Leadfoot, 7-10 p.m., Onsted Legion, 333 Conner St., Onsted.

Bad Mojo: Unplugged, 7-11 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 Michigan Ave, Tipton. The Convalescence, Dystopian Plague, Living Dissection, and Hyporium, 7 p.m., The Rex Theater, 235 W. Main St., Morenci. Tickets $15.00 presale, $20 at the door. 567-239-1312.

Stevie Nicks Tribute by Street Angel, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

Flyte, 8 p.m. to midnight, Adrian Eagles, 2570 W. Beecher St., Adrian. $5 cover for nonmembers.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30

Mark Arshak, 6-9 p.m., Artesian Wells, 18711 U.S. 12, Cement City.

FRIDAY, MAY 1

Improv Showcase, 7 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Tribute to Stone Temple Pilots, Coldplay, and The Killers by Stone Cold Killers, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 2

Kevin Wolff, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Devil’s Lake Bar & Grill, 6365 U.S. 223, Addison. Bad Mojo Trio, 7-11 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 Michigan Ave, Tipton. Van Halen Tribute by Panama, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

3120 North Adrian Highway, Adrian 517-265-6918 • adrianskatery.com

Community Recreation Center

50-60 yards of turf

Multi-use courts (basketball, volleyball, pickleball, tennis)

Indoor track and fitness space

Locker rooms and batting cages

Secure entrance, reception, and concessions

Low-rate access for APS district residents

Performing Arts Center (PAC)

Seating replacement

Carpet improvements

Lighting upgrades to energy-efficient fixtures

You do not need to live within the City of Adrian to vote. All residents of the Adrian Public Schools district are eligible to vote. Confirm whether your home is in the APS district by scanning the QR code to the left or by visiting: bit.ly/MaplesDistrictMap