The Lenawee Voice — February 2025

THE LENAWEE VOICE

Power of Passage

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Doors — both actual and metaphorical — can mean many different things. For those who have lost someone to death, doors can represent the portal to the journey their loved one has taken to the other side.

Giving families who’ve experienced such a loss a way to honor their loved one is the impetus behind Power of Passage, a program pairing families from Hospice of Lenawee’s bereavement program with artists from the Adrian Center for the Arts.

The second edition of Power of Passage takes place this year.

Power of Passage was the brainchild of Adrian artist Pi Benio back in 2020. It was still relatively early in the ACA’s life and Benio wanted to raise its visibility in the local community. One day, she

decided that partnering with another nonprofit would be a great idea.

“I woke up the next morning and the plan was fully formed in my head,” she said.

And with that, Power of Passage was born.

More than two dozen families, each matched with an ACA artist, participated in that first program. This year, 24 families and a corresponding number of artists are taking part.

Artists use full-sized doors, representing the idea of “passage,” as the basis of an art piece capturing the important elements of the life of each family’s late loved one.

The families answer a questionnaire, create a collage made out of magazine pictures showing things about their late loved one and what that person liked to do, and meet with the artist with whom they are paired. Then the artist goes to work.

“The idea isn’t to do portraits,” Benio said. “It’s to show what they loved in life.”

Families get to see their doors at a private gathering before the art goes on exhibit at the ACA, which is at 1375 N. Main St. on the campus of PlaneWave Instruments. This year’s exhibit takes place Sept. 15-28. After the exhibit closes, the families can take their doors home.

To capture the essence of each loved one, the artists might use all sorts of media, from paint to collage to clay, or might even turn their door into something else completely.

“The sky is the limit,” Benio said. One of the doors in the 2020 exhibit came from Benio herself, who created one to honor the late Dr. James Feeney. The door she created depicts his love of birdwatching, golf, and Ireland.

POWER OF

From left to right are doors made by Pi Benio in honor of Jim Feeney, Taina Mantey in honor of Peter Fisher, and Duane Bastian in honor of Roger and David Leik, who were father and son, as part of the Power of Passage project.

Adrian school district proposes a community recreational facility; petitions available for city offices

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

Community recreational facility: The Adrian school district is exploring the possibility of asking voters for a bond issue to build an indoor community recreational facility.

The proposal follows a comprehensive facilities assessment and input from various stakeholder groups in 2024. As a result of this process, the district identified a need for additional space to support recreational and community activities for both APS students and Adrian residents.

The facility, which could be built at one of a few different locations, would be intended to provide year-round opportunities for sports, recreation and arts, as well as a space for community events and gatherings.

A community forum will be held on at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee County, 340 E. Church St., Adrian.

Municipal elections in Adrian: The city of Adrian will have elections this year for mayor and three out of six city commission seats.

Nominating petitions are available at the City Clerk’s office on the second floor of City Hall.

City elections occur in odd-numbered years.

The mayor serves a two-year term. City commissioners serve four-year terms, and the seats are staggered, with three terms expiring at each city election. The seats that are up for election in 2025 are currently held by Kelly Castleberry, Gordon Gauss and Doug Miller. All city commissioners are elected at-large from the entire city.

If there are more than two candidates for mayor or more than six candidates for city commission, a primary election will be held in August to narrow the field to two candidates for each seat.

Petitions will be due back to the city clerk’s office by 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 22.

Decisions about city property: Before long, the Adrian City Commission will need to decide what to do about a couple of city-owned properties. One is the Adrian Inn, which has proven to be a significant liability for the city with people breaking into rooms and occupying them without permission. Another is the historic Fee House, which was bequeathed to the city in the most recent owner’s will (see story on page 4).

Adrian to rewrite zoning ordinances: The city planning commission will soon be reviewing possible changes to the city’s zoning code. See page 4 for details.

We welcome submissions in either English or Spanish.

Community leaders honored at MLK celebration

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Lenawee County residents honored the memory of a civil rights icon with both reflection and calls to action at the 37th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration.

The celebration took place on Jan. 20 at Adrian College. It also featured an awards presentation to recognize both longtime community leaders and some exceptional young people.

The 2025 Community Service Award was presented to a couple, Theodore “Teddy” White and Kasey White. Both are active in the Lenawee County NAACP and in organizing the annual Juneteenth celebration in Adrian.

Teddy White works as a forklift driver and is a member of the UAW Local 2031. He also volunteers with the Lenawee County Democratic Party. Eugenia McClain, who introduced him, spoke about the number of people at work and elsewhere who look up to him as a father figure.

Kasey White is an associate broker with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, and recently served as president of the Lenawee County Association of Realtors and Associated Charities of Lenawee County. She is active in the campaign to repeal the city of Adrian’s point-ofsale real estate inspection ordinance. In addition to her volunteer work, she was recognized for her belief in making homeownership accessible to everyone.

The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Idalí Feliciano for her more than 50 years of advocating for racial and economic justice.

Feliciano was one of the founders of Cambios, a local organization that fought against racism through books and reading. Currently, she is on the boards of Lenawee Lifelong Learning, the River Raisin Ragtime Revue, and the Adrian chapter of LLEAD (Latino Leaders for the Enhancement of Advocacy and Development). She has been active in many other community organizations.

Susan Nichols, who nominated Feliciano for the award, spoke about her sense of justice and her generosity.

“Though she is a mentor to many, many, many people, if she has learned

Feliciano was ill and unable to attend the event, but sent written comments to be read aloud by a friend, Brandi Johns.

Student awards were presented to Prince Thole, an Adrian College student from Zimbabwe who is majoring in finance with a minor in economics; Quincy J. Johnson Jr., a Siena Heights University student from Dayton, Ohio, who is pursuing graduate studies in clinical psychology; and Zoey Sierer, a Jackson College student from Clinton who will earn two associate degrees along with her high school diploma this spring.

This year, instead of a single keynote speaker, a panel of three people delivered reflections.

De’Angelo Boone, the founder of City of Refuge Ministries International and the coordinator of education and

there is equitable opportunity for everyone, especially those that are in marginalized and disenfranchised communities, is a collective work,” he said.

Boone recalled Jesus’ words in the book of Matthew: “When two or three are gathered together, touching and agreeing in my name, I’ll be in the midst.”

“The fight for equity is not a single fight,” Boone said. “The fight for change is not a single fight. It takes everyone who believes in people to stand together.”

Robert H. Benard, founder of Christ Temple Ministries International, talked about what happens when people are treated as less than human.

“It started many, many moons ago when we took rights away from the female and made her property of her husband, her father, and whoever,” he said. “And

He drew a connection between dehumanizing people and the problems of domestic violence, suicide, and mass killings, saying that when people are dehumanized, “you get to the point where life does not have any dignity at all. Life does not mean anything.”

Benard said that Lenawee County is capable of both recognizing the problem and addressing it.

“We can see this coming and I have confidence in you that we’re going to stop it,” he said.

Monique Savage, a social worker who is retired from Adrian College, spoke about mentoring young people — but she started by recalling the impact that the 1955 lynching of Emmett Till had on her as a young girl.

“We were living in Michigan at the time,” she said. “His funeral was in Chicago. My mother didn’t drive, didn’t have a car. She bundled us up and put us on a bus, a Greyhound bus, and took us to Chicago.”

She continued: “I remember standing in line waiting to view the body. I remember viewing the body. I remember the odor. I remember the look, the mutilation of his face. I was a young child, and it changed my life. My mother said ‘What are you going to do about it?’ ” Savage reflected on the Lenawee County community, saying: “We are known, I think, for our generosity of spirit. We are known, I believe, for our good works. But it is not just good works that are going to change the attitude of people. It has to be a personal and community commitment.”

She encouraged people to invest in learning about differences, and to think about their words carefully.

“You have to think about the kinds of things that people say and do that really do offend,” she said, “and it happens to people of difference in this county every day. And so think about what you’re going to say. Think about whose life you’re impacting.”

On the subject of mentoring young people, Savage said, the approach shouldn’t be to say “you have to do this work the way I do this work,” but rather to say “I come alongside you as a partner” and adopt the attitude that “I’m going to be purposeful in being the kind of mentor that brings young people into this work.”

Teddy and Kasey White accept the 2025 Community Service Award at the 37th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration on Jan. 20.

Idalí Feliciano, who was unable to attend in person, was presented with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration.

Student awards were presented to Prince Thole from Adrian College, Zoey Sierer from Jackson College, and Quincy J. Johnson Jr. from Siena Heights University.

Plans in the works for Adrian’s bicentennial

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — City commissioner Mary Roberts provided an update on plans for Adrian’s bicentennial celebration at the Jan. 21 commission meeting.

The celebration will take place this summer, from Thursday through Sunday, July 3-6.

On Thursday night, Roberts said, there will be an ice cream social at the farmers market pavilion downtown. The Adrian

City Band and Lenawee Community Chorus will perform period historically appropriate music, and the Adrian Noon Rotary Club will provide volunteers to serve the ice cream.

Friday will include Civitan’s Independence Day parade along with several historical activities. Among those activities will be a program on Adrian’s Hispanic heritage, a presentation from Adrian’s sister city in Japan, and the unearthing of a time capsule that was buried at the city’s sesquicentennial.

Saturday will kick off with a 5K run and walk beginning at Trestle Park. The Walker Wheels, a vintage baseball team, will present a baseball game played by 1860s rules at Island Park at noon. Then in the afternoon and evening, people will be encouraged to visit the campus of PlaneWave Instruments on the north side of town for the River Raisin Ragtime Revue’s Ragtime Extravaganza. This event will include the premiere of a new ragtime piece that the ensemble has commissioned to mark the occasion.

Historic Fee House donated to city

ADRIAN — A historic home with ties to a family that had a major impact on Adrian’s development was recently bequeathed to the city upon its owner’s death.

After several auctions to sell off personal property inside the house, the home at 411 S. Main St. was deeded to the city from the estate of Thomas Hood in late December.

CITY NEWS

The house’s significance to the city is not just because of its age, but because it was the home of prominent Adrian couple Harry and Harriet Kimball Fee. Harry Fee was the creator of Hidden Lake Gardens, and Harriet, upon her death, created an endowment that continues to fund the beautification and upkeep of Adrian’s city parks to this day.

Adrian city commissioners discussed the house at their Jan. 21 meeting.

City administrator Greg Elliott told commissioners that the estate put a new roof on the house before deeding it to the city, so it is watertight and secure. At the same time, he said, while the house is structurally sound, it needs a lot of work before it could be considered habitable.

“It will be expensive to restore it to a condition where someone would want to live in it,” Elliott said.

Elliott said that while he doesn’t see any benefit to the city in continuing to own the house, its historic significance is a reason to not treat it like just another piece of property.

“It’s an important historic house in the city and I think we would want to see it properly restored,” he said.

Elliott suggested that the city seek proposals from people or companies interested in buying the house and fixing it up — with the stipulation that if the buyer doesn’t do the work, the property would go back to the city.

The question the city commission needs to answer, he said, is “are we more interested in getting the highest dollar return, or are we more interested in seeing it restored in the way we want to see it restored?”

City commissioner Mary Roberts agreed.

“What we don’t want,” she said, “is someone to come in and purchase it and just sit on it for five years and do nothing.”

In other news from the Adrian City Commission’s Jan. 21 meeting:

n A closed session became a point of contention. The agenda called for the city to go into closed session to discuss an opinion from the city attorney, but commissioners initially rejected the closed session, with commissioners Bob Behnke and Mary Roberts voting yes, and commissioners Kelly Castleberry, Gordon Gauss, Doug Miller and Matthew Schwartz and Mayor Angie Sword Heath

voting no. Elliott then said that without the closed session, he could not discuss the city attorney’s opinion with the commission.

Gauss said the agenda item was not what he, two other commissioners and the mayor had asked for.

“We directed you to put on the agenda a discussion of a specific position, community development director, and the communications and marketing coordinator position,” he said. “That’s what we asked for. That’s not what’s on the agenda.”

Elliott replied, “Both of those are subsumed under the title that we put on the agenda, and we have legal analysis to assist you in that discussion. I can’t share it with you in an open meeting.”

City attorney Burke Castleberry said his opinion contained confidential and sensitive information.

Several commissioners expressed frustration with the discussion, but after a debate they ultimately agreed to go into closed session.

“I do not like to go into closed session if I don’t have to. I think that construes mistrust to our constituents,” Kelly Castleberry said.

“I have no idea how we got to this point,” she added. “I am incredibly frustrated. That being said, I would make a motion to go into closed session and review this opinion because I do not want to hold up progress for our community either.”

In the second vote, all commissioners except Schwartz agreed to go into closed session.

No action was taken when the commission returned to open session.

Generally speaking, city councils and other governing bodies in Michigan are required to deliberate in public, but the law does allow some exceptions. Those include discussion of collective

Fireworks are planned for both Friday and Saturday.

Sunday’s activities will include a community picnic at Comstock Park as well as the burial of a new time capsule. Throughout the weekend, a variety of tours of historic sites will be offered.

Roberts noted that events are still being added to the list.

Sponsors are being sought. Anyone interested in sponsorships or other information can email Roberts at mroberts@adrianmi.gov.

New zoning code to be discussed

ADRIAN — A complete revision of the city of Adrian’s zoning ordinance will be discussed at the Adrian Planning Commission’s next meeting, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, in the City Chambers Building at 159 E. Maumee St. Consultants from SmithGroup in Ann Arbor have been helping with the proposed changes. A grant from the Michigan Redevelopment Ready Communities program covered 50% of the cost of the work.

bargaining negotiations, considering the purchase of real estate, discussing some personnel matters, and some consultations with an attorney.

Public bodies are not allowed to take any votes in closed session; any action must be taken in open session.

n A public hearing on the city’s downtown development plan and extension of the downtown Tax Increment Financing district will take place during the Feb. 17 commission meeting.

Jane Dixon, principal planner with the consulting firm McKenna, spoke to the commission on both topics.

The TIF district is a funding mechanism in which increased tax revenue from new development in an area is captured to be used for improvement projects in that area.

Behnke noted that the tax capture does not affect Adrian Public Schools, the Lenawee Intermediate School District, or the Adrian District Library, and this will remain the same if the TIF plan is extended.

Dixon confirmed, “It will just be maintaining what already exists in terms of a tax capture.”

The proposed development plan can be read by going to adriancity.com and clicking on the “Agendas and Minutes” link, then opening the agenda packet for the Jan. 21 meeting.

n The city commission voted to appoint Carrie Dillon to the Downtown Development Authority Board.

n The city commission passed a resolution in support of the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute's plans for enrollment growth, and another recognizing SBWI as an institution of higher education.

n The commission heard complaints from residents about an unresolved water leak at the intersection of Chestnut and Elm streets.

City administrator Greg Elliott said one of the biggest proposed changes is that it would become easier to build accessory dwelling units, such as apartments above a garage, in the city. Residential-zoned properties would automatically allow occupancy by multiple families, although in order to have an ADU, a property would still have to meet certain requirements, including minimum lot size and off-street parking.

One thing about Adrian’s current zoning code that caused a great deal of discussion last year is the fact that there are no height restrictions in “Educational, Research and Office” zones. This became an issue when neighbors of Adrian College objected to plans for an inflatable sports dome behind their homes, but the planning commission could not find anything about the plan that violated the current code.

The proposed revisions do include height limits in ERO districts, Elliott said, although this would only affect future construction.

Another zoning-related topic that generated some controversy last year involved recreational vehicles. The planning commission had discussed having stricter rules for RVs, but dropped the idea after hearing public opposition to the idea. Elliott said the proposed new ordinance does not contain any changes related to RVs.

The historic Fee House on South Main Street, located across the street from Fee Park, was bequeathed to the city upon its most recent owner’s death.

New AAUW chapter is forming locally

The organization seeks to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — A new branch of the American Association of University Women encompassing Adrian and the Irish Hills area is taking shape after a kickoff meeting took place at the Adrian Armory in mid-January.

Fifteen women and one man attended the Jan. 14 meeting to learn more about the AAUW from two representatives of the organization, Sheila Blair and Eva Habib. Blair, a past president of the state organization and its finance director, will serve as the Adrian-Irish Hills Branch president, while Habib is vice president for membership on the state level.

Several other AAUW members, including state president Amy Shamroe and Barb Duran, AAUW college/university liaison, were present via Zoom to talk about their experiences with the organization and explain what being a part of AAUW is about.

The AAUW previously had an Adrian branch, but that group has not been active for quite some time. The new Adrian-Irish Hills Branch represents the second Michigan one the organization has opened in the past year, the other being in Lansing. Nearby branches are in Jackson and Monroe.

The organization got its start in 1881 when Marion Talbot and Ellen Swallow Richards gathered a group of college alumnae to discuss the need for greater opportunities for college-educated women and for more women to have access to a college education.

That group grew to include more women, and in 1882 the Association

of Collegiate Alumnae was founded. A merger between the ACA and the Southern Association of College Women in 1921 created the AAUW.

The AAUW’s mission is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research. There are about 170,000 members nationwide.

Shamroe, who in addition to being the AAUWMI president is also mayor of Traverse City, told the group assembled at the Jan. 14 meeting that she got involved in politics thanks to being part of the AAUW.

Having the AAUW connection “gave me a really good sense of community,” she said, and becoming the organization’s public policy chair gave her the experience she needed in that area.

Shamroe said being a part of AAUW gives members the chance to “be the change you want to make” and to have opportunities to build community “and make our community stronger.”

Each branch decides for itself what it wants to support, Blair said, and the people who become part of the new Adrian-Irish Hills group “get to design what we want this branch to be.”

One of the unique things about Adrian, she added, is that for being a small city in a rural county, it is home to two fouryear colleges. Duran’s presentation to the group via Zoom explained the benefits that higher education institutions receive by becoming members, including training tools and other resources, and explained that college students can join the organization at a reduced rate.

For regular members, national and state dues total $87 annually, with local branches setting their own additional dues. Student affiliate members can join for $18.81 national dues — honoring the organization’s year of founding — plus $5 state dues and whatever is set for branch dues.

Onsted considers change to residents’ water bills

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ONSTED — The village of Onsted is contemplating a change to the way village residents pay for water.

Although commercial properties in the village have meters, residences do not, village president Robert Schafer said.

“Every residence pays the same amount for water and sewer, regardless of how much they use,” Schafer said.

That system, he said, can pose an unfair burden on people who live alone, including older residents who may have fixed incomes.

Schafer said he thinks the eventual goal needs to be installing residential water meters for each of the 300-plus homes in the village, but because that could be a lengthy and expensive project, he has proposed that the village move to a system where residential water rates are based on the number of people living at each residence.

Village council members discussed the idea at their Jan. 13 meeting but did not take any action. The question is being referred to the committee of the village council that deals with infrastructure, and that committee will come up with a recommendation to bring back to the full council, Schafer said.

New Onsted video policy aims to protect residents’ privacy

ONSTED — At its December meeting, the Onsted Village Council voted 6-0 to approve a proposal from newly elected village president Robert Schafer that limits access to video footage from surveillance cameras such as the ones located in the village park.

“The goal is to limit the number of people that have access to that video as well as to clearly define when that video will and will not be used,” Schafer told the Lenawee Voice.

Under the policy, video footage can only be accessed for the purpose of

aiding police or investigating a specific complaint.

In other Onsted news:

n Schafer’s election as village president as a write-in candidate created a vacancy on the village council, because he was also elected to a council seat in the November election. At the Dec. 9 council meeting, Jay Best was named to fill the vacancy by a 3-2 vote. Voting in favor were trustees Keri Jeffords, Steve Muth and Mike Slick. Voting against the appointment were Libby Chase and Mark Robothom.

As they advocate for issues involving women, such as equal pay, economic security, and educational opportunities, members receive a number of benefits of their own including discounts, career resources, and the chance to develop leadership skills.

Blair said that although all the paperwork is filed for the new branch to be a recognized nonprofit entity, for it to get off the ground it has to have a president, the role she is filling; a treasurer; and a secretary. This board has to be in place by the end of February. Other roles, such as a scholarship chair, a publicity chair, and a programs director, will also be needed.

One of the women present at the meeting, Susan Nichols, brought several friends with her so they could all learn more about the AAUW.

“I know that they are great advocates for women and girls and for people in general,” she said, and she was interested because of her long history of involvement with local women-focused groups including serving as president of 100 Women for Lenawee.

The lone man attending the meeting, Steve Liebrecht, and his wife, Selena, came at Blair’s invitation. Liebrecht said he was interested in order “to get to know people and to build community,” and that he and Selena, who own a rental spot in Adrian called Hidden Haven, “are focused on bringing people together.”

Retired Adrian College professor Sheri Bleam said after the event that she had already decided to join.

“I found this meeting inspirational and informative, and I consider [the AAUW] an opportunity to serve women in this community,” she said.

Membership in AAUW is open to both women and men. Anyone interested in joining the new branch can contact Blair at 734-674-2246 or at sheilablairpmp@ gmail.com.

An example of Morenci’s Hometown Heroes banners.

Applications open Feb. 5 for Hometown Heroes banners

MORENCI — The city of Morenci will begin taking applications for the 2025 Hometown Heroes Banner Program at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5. Applications will be available at Morenci City Hall and on the city’s website, cityofmorenci.org.

The program honors veterans and current military service members by hanging banners along downtown streets. The banners are 18 inches wide and 36 inches tall.

Thirty banner locations on Main Street and North Street will be available for the first 30 registrants, with an additional 10 banner locations on Orchard Street and Baker Street for the subsequent 10 registrants.

The program started in 2023. Participants from past programs have the option to renew their banners for a fee of $30, provided they remain in good condition. A new banner costs $150. A portion of the proceeds will support the Morenci American Legion.

Improvements planned for Clinton’s Tate Park

A paved pathway and a fishing and observation deck will be funded by a state grant

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

CLINTON — The village of Clinton will soon enjoy a pathway that will allow paved access through Tate Park, located on Michigan Avenue (U.S. 12) on the west side of the village. The Tate Park River Raisin Pathway Loop has received grant funding from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and additional funding will come from a local revenue source, according to Kevin Cornish, Clinton village manager.

The paved pathway will wind through the park south from the main entrance, toward the existing softball and volleyball venues, then north through the softball fields back to the main entrance of the park.

Funding for the path comes from a Michigan Passport Grant, which comes from an additional fee that motorists can pay when renewing their driver’s licenses that allow them to enter park areas without paying a daily fee. A percentage of those funds goes to local units of governments for improvements to local recreation areas, Cornish said.

“It’s a beautiful thing,” he said.

The village of Clinton applied for the grant in the spring of 2024, and the grant was awarded in December. The estimated cost of the project is $224,000, of which $150,000 will come from the state grant.

The rest of the funding will come from the Tate Park Trust Fund, which was created by John Robison, a graduate of

Clinton High School who donated $1.5 million for park improvements, Cornish said. The village spends only the interest from the trust fund, not the principal, and spends it only on capital improvements, not operating expenses.

“That way, it would be in the village in perpetuity to do good things in Tate Park,” Cornish said. “It works really good.”

In addition to creating a paved pathway through the park, the grant funding will also be used to add a fishing and observation deck to the river, Cornish said.

“You can fish on the River Raisin or you can observe the river from that location,” he said, adding that the improvements will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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The timeline for construction of the pathway and other park additions is dependent, at this time, on approval of the design by the DNR. After that, the bidding process for construction can begin, Cornish said.

“I’m not sure when it will start, but optimistically this summer,” he said.

A park improvement that has already been approved and is ready for construction this summer is a pickleball court area. Funds for the pickleball courts come from a separate grant, Cornish said. Tate Park originated in the 1970s, when the village had the opportunity to buy the land, Cornish said, which was a big undertaking.

“You have to remember that, at the time, money was tight,” he said. “It was the ’70s, you had the oil embargo and then taxing to come up with the money to buy the vacant land,” he continued. “Then once you get the land, then it’s like OK, how do you come up with money to pay to make things, and how do you staff it.’”

“Thank goodness the brave people on the council at that time made that decision to purchase the park, because we’ve been able to turn it into what it is today,” Cornish said.

Currently, Tate Park covers 85 acres. There are areas for sand volleyball, four softball fields used by both youth and adult leagues, a canoe parking lot and livery, and an existing observation deck. A playground, gazebo, picnic shelters are also part of the facilities. Tate Park is known as a site for activities during the Clinton Fall Festival.

Health board appointments bring charge of retaliation against former chair

David Stimpson alleged that Kevon Martis was retaliating against John Tuckerman for filing a campaign finance complaint

ADRIAN — Controversy erupted at the Jan. 8 Lenawee County Commission meeting over a change in the county health board membership.

Lenawee County commissioners eventually adopted a full slate of local board appointments for the coming year on a 5-4 vote, according to Lenawee Voice news partner Local Buzz Radio.

The opposition came from commissioners who objected to John Tuckerman, himself a former county commissioner, not being reappointed to a new term on the health board that he had previously chaired.

Commissioner Terry Collins (R-Adrian) said the assertion that the move was only about getting fresh people and fresh ideas onto committees didn’t hold water, because Tuckerman was the only person serving on one of the boards to be involuntarily removed. He said Tuckerman has served honorably for many years.

Rules and appointments chair Kevon Martis (R-Riga) responded that

Tuckerman was not being removed, but that his term had expired, and the decision had simply been made to appoint someone else instead.

Commissioner David Stimpson (R-Tecumseh) alleged that the change was in retaliation for Tuckerman having filed a campaign finance complaint against a ballot committee connected to Martis. Martis denied that, and said that the decision was only about finding the best candidates for local boards, in addition to breaking up what he called “the good old boys’ network.”

Commissioners Ralph Tillotson (R-Adrian Twp.) and David Aungst (Rollin Twp.), who had initially supported the slate of appointments at a Tuesday committee meeting, changed their votes to join Collins and Stimpson in opposition. Tillotson said he and Tuckerman didn’t always agree, but he had yet to hear what Tuckerman had done wrong.

Commission chairman Jim Van Doren (R-Tipton) said appointment changes are business decisions and shouldn’t be taken personally.

Van Doren and Martis were joined by Dustin Krasny (R-Onsted), Beth Blanco (R-Clayton), and Jim Daly (D-Adrian) in supporting the slate of committee appointments.

JoAnn Fabrics seeks bankruptcy protection

For the second time in less than a year, JoAnn Fabrics has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

But company officials say all stores, including the one in Adrian, will remain open and employees will still be paid while attempts are made to find a buyer, Local Buzz Radio reported.

The company briefly sought bankruptcy protection several months months ago before restructuring as a

private company. But top officials said that changes in the retail environment and JoAnn Fabrics’ finances led to the most recent filing.

Company officials are seeking court approval to sell the company’s assets to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners unless a better offer from someone else comes along.

JoAnn Fabrics operates about 850 stores in 49 states.

A paved pathway and a new fishing and observation deck overlooking the River Raisin are among the improvements planned to Tate Park in Clinton.

An update on downtown

Through

a

mix of public and private projects, the face of downtown Adrian is changing

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Downtown Adrian could look pretty different in a few years if a number of projects being pursued by city leaders come to fruition.

Much of the funding comes from a $15 million state budget earmark that the city was awarded in 2022 for development in the area. Some of the projects could be completed as soon as this year, while others are much more involved — and one of them still faces numerous obstacles.

The Lenawee Voice recently sat down with Jay Marks, executive director of Adrian’s Downtown Development Authority and Main Street program, for some updates on the city’s plans for downtown.

Marks also shared some information about private development projects that are currently in the works.

Town Square project

This project aims to create an outdoor public space, as well as some small-scale retail spaces, between South Main Street and South Winter Street. It involves three main areas:

n The former Jean Christopher Studios property at 127 W. Maumee St., which the city acquired from the county land bank a few years ago.

n The land at 116-120 S. Main St. The buildings that once stood there were torn down last year after structural engineers judged them too damaged to be saved.

n Maiden Lane, a short alley just off South Main Street.

The plan seeks to tie those three areas into one inviting public space that would include a bandshell and an area for food trucks.

In addition, the city hopes to put in three or four small retail spaces that can be used by startup businesses.

“The key part of the former Maiden Lane is really creating micro-retail shops there, developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Marks said. The shops would follow a business incubator model, with the idea that new businesses would spend a limited amount of time there before moving on to larger spaces.

Marks said retail development is in keeping with Maiden Lane’s history.

“Historically, Maiden Lane was once an area of commerce,” Marks said.

See DOWNTOWN, page A8

A rendering of one idea for the proposed Town Square project.

Jay Marks, executive director of the city of Adrian’s Downtown Development Authority and Main Street program, shows the site of the planned Town Square area that the city hopes to build between South Main and South Winter streets.

FIREPLACE

Downtown from page

A 1916 fire insurance map, for example, shows the backs of West Maumee Street businesses along the north side of the alley, but eight different buildings fronting the south side, including a restaurant, pool hall, repair shop, and hardware store.

The downtown area would give up 13 parking spaces as part of this plan, although a separate project a block away would add about 80.

The city hosted an open house to discuss the project last fall. SmithGroup out of Ann Arbor is designing the space. Although those plans are still being worked on, Marks said the total cost will probably be between $2 million and $3 million. The city is applying for funds from the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Revitalization and Placemaking grant program, and is also planning to use money from the 2022 budget earmark as well as private donations.

“No general fund, no local taxpayer dollars, will be going toward this project,” Marks said.

Daily Telegram property

A much more complex problem is that of cleaning up and repurposing the former Daily Telegram property on North Winter Street.

The land the city is hoping to rehabilitate consists of more than just the Telegram’s former offices at 133 N. Winter St. It also includes the former Access Shoppers Guide offices, the former Eagles building, and an adjacent house.

Efforts to redevelop the property and create an attractive riverfront area have hit numerous snags over the years.

The Adrian Development Collaborative, a group headed by Mark Murray, bought the property at auction in 2021. But after their efforts stalled, the city agreed to buy the land for $500,000 — an amount roughly equivalent to what the group had put into the property.

The city commission approved the purchase last summer in the hopes that the city would be in a better position to bring in grant money for the project, but that too has proved challenging. The city applied for money from the state’s Environmental Justice Impact Grant program to fund the estimated $500,000 demolition cost, but the application was unsuccessful.

Another challenge is that a good chunk of the riverfront is owned by DTE Energy, which has a maintenance and operations facility there. Marks said the city is hoping to find an appropriate alternate location and figure out what it would take to get DTE to move there.

Despite the stumbling blocks, some work is taking place. Asbestos abatement has begun, and the city is working with an environmental consultant to determine if any special handling will be needed because of soil contamination in the area.

The ultimate goal, Marks said, is to get the property into good enough shape that it can be marketed to developers with the hope of getting housing built on the site.

North Winter Street parking lot

The city plans to create a new parking lot on the site of the former American Title building on North Winter Street. Marks said the Department of Public Works will handle the demolition, and the parking lot is expected to have about 80 spaces.

Plans call for the project to be paid for using the city’s parking fund, which comes from three sources — the city’s general fund, the Downtown Development Authority, and the parking assessment paid by downtown property owners.

Library Square playground

One of the smaller projects — but also one that could be realized the soonest — involves building an accessible playground in the space behind the Adrian District Library.

The space is about 2,500 square feet. Marks said the city would work with a playground company to figure out the details, since “they know how to do it safely and economically and really make it an engaging space.”

The city has received proposals from a few companies, Marks said, and ideally would start construction in late spring.

The cost is estimated at about $200,000, and Marks said the city plans to ask local service groups to donate toward the project, in addition to using funds from that same $15 million enhancement grant.

Mural project

The city has received a pair of grants — $25,000 from Michigan Main Street and $12,000 from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council — to fund the creation of murals throughout downtown.

Marks said the first and largest will be on the side of the building that faces traffic coming up the hill and entering downtown from West Maumee Street. It will have a postcard-type look and will welcome people to downtown.

Another will overlook the Town Square site. Marks said that one will probably be historical in nature.

The Sieler family has offered space on their building adjoining the Winter Street Parking lot for another installation.

Marks said the funding is probably enough for 10 to 15 pieces of public art of varying sizes.

Private development

Several private developers are also working on projects downtown.

n Park House: Work on the former Hamerman Furniture building on South Main Street is expected to be finished this summer. The building will be called Park House to reflect its history — the A.B. Park Department Store was located there from the late 1800s to the 1970s. The first floor is being designed for fast-casual food options, light retail, and a classroom. The second and third floors will have loft apartments with a total of 36 beds.

Winter Street streetscape work

Another longer-term project involves making changes to the streetscape along North Winter Street. That plan involves narrowing Winter Street to make it less like a thoroughfare and more like a traditional downtown street, with the goal of slowing traffic and making the riverfront area more connected to the rest of downtown.

That work is currently slated for 2026, Marks said.

n Grand River Brewing: The building at 136 S. Main St., which was formerly called The Seasons and also housed a movie theater for many years, is slated to become the home of Grand River Brewing’s fifth location. Grand River Brewing was started in Jackson in 2013, and also has locations in Marshall, Clawson, and Brighton.

n Steele Lofts: AMK Properties, an Ann Arbor company that also owns the Strongback building at the corner of East Maumee and North Main, intends to redevelop the former Joe Ann Steele Insurance Center.

The plans call for five commercial spaces on the ground floor — three of them fronting Main Street — and eight apartments on the second and third floors.

Three educators recognized for inclusion efforts

Electronic magnifier donated to Adrian library

ADRIAN — An electronic magnifier to help people with low vision is now available at the Adrian District Library.

The Zoomax Snow 12 electronic magnifier was donated by the Adrian Breakfast Lions Club. The money came partly from the club’s annual radio auction, which takes place every April. A grant from the Knight Foundation covered the rest of the cost.

ADRIAN — Adrian Public Schools recently recognized three outstanding staff members as Inclusion Champions. The Local Parent Advisory Committee (LPAC) selected these three people for their dedication to supporting students with disabilities and fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Katrina Unsicker, a paraprofessional at Adrian High School, has consistently gone above and beyond to create an inclusive atmosphere, ensuring that students with disabilities feel supported and valued. One nomination shared that she “does so much in our school to engage the students, create relationships, and assist in inclusive opportunities with our Project Unify and Special Olympics teams.”

Traci Moore, a paraprofessional at Springbrook Middle School, has a compassionate approach to helping students navigate their academic journey that has earned her praise from colleagues and parents alike. One nomination read, “She has been with a student for many years; not only has she helped him, but she has worked with many other students in the class. She has helped them grow into the people they are today.”

Haley Martinez, a third-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary, has shown commitment to differentiating instruction and ensuring that all students, regardless of ability, have access to quality education. One nomination shared, “Miss Martinez has fully included a student in her classroom. She is always able to participate with a group of peers. She’s been included in guided reading groups, and all other curriculum students receive.”

Deb Agnew, director of special education at Adrian Public Schools, said, “Katrina, Traci, and Haley exemplify what it means to be champions of inclusion. Their work not only enhances the learning experience for students with disabilities but also strengthens the overall school community. We are fortunate to have such dedicated professionals on our team.”

“We are incredibly proud of Katrina, Traci, and Haley for their unwavering dedication to inclusion,” said Derrick Richards, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. “Their efforts ensure that every student has the opportunity to meet their full potential.”

The Local Parent Advisory Committee is a partnership between the Lenawee Intermediate School District and local school districts. It is focused on ensuring the provision of free and appropriate public education for all eligible students with disabilities.

This parent-led group meets monthly and acts as the “Voice of the People,” reflecting the interests and concerns of parents and students when challenges or issues arise.

Lions Club member Paul Williams was instrumental in acquiring the grant by writing and submitting the grant request to the Lenawee Community Foundation, which administers the Knight fund.

The device is a portable electronic video magnifier with a 12-inch screen. It can magnify text up to 19 times, allowing it to be more easily read by people with low vision.

In addition to magnifying text, users can scan printed pages for the device to read aloud in more than 20 languages.

A test was conducted by library director Jennifer Wrzesinski and assistant director Chelsey Boss to verify the device’s functionality in both English and Spanish. The accuracy of the Spanish reading was verified by Lizbeth Perez-

Cazares, the bilingual library assistant. Future plans for the device include allowing users to sign it out for home use after learning how to use it. Promoting literacy and serving people with visual impairment are two of the Lions Club’s main focus areas. The Adrian District Library is at 143 E. Maumee St. in downtown Adrian. For more information, call 517-265-2265.

ADRIAN COLLEGE

Standing, from left to right: Jennifer Wrzesinski, Adrian District Library director; Chelsey Boss, assistant director; and Lions Club members Robert Guy, Laura VanSickle, Charlene Dickerson, and Larry Atkin. Seated: Lions Club member Paul Williams.

IN BRIEF

Ebeid Center hosts events to learn about personal finance

ADRIAN — Three sessions for people interested in taking control of their personal finances are coming up at the Ebeid Center, 801 E. Maumee St., Adrian. New Year, New Budget (presented with the Community Action Agency) — Thursday, Feb. 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This class will focus on setting a budget and spending habits for the new year, including how to set priorities, determine your needs vs. wants, set goals, and how to “pay yourself first.”

Money Management (presented with County National Bank) — Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This class will teach participants to be more organized, determine and evaluate monthly income and expenses, plan a budget, track spending, calculate debt-to-income ratio, and tackle debt, including student loans.

Understanding Credit (presented with the Community Action Agency) — Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Have you ever struggled to pay your bills or get out of debt, or are not sure how to improve your credit score? This class will address steps to establish or repair your credit and achieve greater financial stability. Important aspects of the Fair Credit Reporting Act will also be covered.

LCS to host open house

ADRIAN — Lenawee Christian School will host an open house on Thursday, Feb. 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Families can learn more about the school, tour and talk with teachers. Refreshments and a number of activities for kids will also be offered.

‘Know your people and yourself’ is topic of event

ADRIAN — The Adrian District Library is hosting a special event with local business Red Letter. “Know Your People & Yourself” will reflect on relationships in business and life in general, and will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. at the library, 143 E. Maumee St.

Attendees will learn about multiple resources, such as Enneagram, Working Genius and Make a Difference, to gain an understanding of themselves and the people around them in the workplace or home.

There’s no cost to attend, and registration is not required.

Lenawee Right to Life plans essay and oratory contests

ADRIAN — Lenawee Right to Life has announced its annual essay and oratory contests.

The essay contest, which will determine the winner of a $500 scholarship, asks high school seniors to write 400 to 500 words responding to the prompt, “Reflect on areas where you believe your character has grown throughout your journey as a young prolife advocate and how this influences your future goals.” All applications and essays must be submitted by email to the lenaweer2l@gmail.com by March 15. For more information, call Julie Moore at 517-902-3099.

The oratory contest will take place on March 21 and the entry deadline is March 17. Local winners will have the opportunity to compete at the state level. For more information, contact Kris Yeutter at 517-902-6927.

‘Raising Highly Capable Kids’ class to be offered locally

ADRIAN — The CPC of Lenawee Family Resource Center is offering “Raising Highly Capable Kids,” a free seven-week course that will begin Tuesday, Feb. 11. The class will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. at the CPC Family Resource Center, 308 N. Broad St. The course is free to attend. For more information, call 517-263-5701.

Wolakota Youth Programs plans cornhole tournament

ADRIAN — Wolakota Youth Programs, a nonprofit servant-leadership and cultural immersion experience that connects local teens with Native American youth and families, is planning its inaugural cornhole tournament fundraiser.

It will take place on Sunday, Feb. 23, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Kill Shots Cornhole, 3818 East U.S. 223. The cost to enter is $40 per team. Prizes will be awarded to the top teams. Live music, food trucks and an art auction are also planned.

For more information, email wolakotayouthprograms@gmail.com.

CNB lists 2024 earnings

HILLSDALE — CNB Community Bancorp, the parent company of County National Bank, announced earnings for 2024.

For the year, CNB reported net income of $11.6 million, an increase of $971,000, or 9.1%, from the $10.6 million earned during 2023. Basic earnings per share increased to $5.42 during the year, up $0.51 from $4.91 during 2023.

Wintertime tips for gardeners

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

The days are getting longer, but winter is far from over. Gardeners are getting itchy to put their green thumbs to work, but working outside really isn’t practical right now. There are things you can do to get started on the gardening season that will satisfy the green thumb until it can get outside.

Jessica Goodrich, marketing and publicity coordinator for Hidden Lake Gardens, said studying about gardening in the winter is a great way to get ready for spring gardening.

“Winter is a great time for planning and learning,” she said.

Whether through online resources or at the library, you can learn more about gardening and the plants you might want to include in the garden, she continued. She added that there are many videos and gardening websites where information can be found that will help a gardener plan for warm weather.

Winter is also a good time to cut branches from the flowering trees and shrubs you have in your yard, such as forsythia, flowering quince and cherry, and bring them indoors to “force” them into flowering, Goodrich said. Place the branches in a vase of water and place them in a sunny spot to encourage the buds to bloom.

Gardeners can look forward to the Spring Flower Show at Hidden Lake Gardens, which will be held this year from March 8-23. Bulbs and other plants will be featured in the Conservatory. Hours for the Spring Flower Show are Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4:30 p.m.

Abby Vittore, marketing manager at Madison Garden Center (formerly Barrett’s Showplace Gardens) said planning now for spring will benefit the gardener once the weather warms up.

“Right now, we’re in a little bit of a lull period, which is nice because this is a great time to start planning everything for this coming spring,” she said.

Vittore suggested sitting down and planning want you want, making a list of plants of interest, figuring out the size of space you have to work with, and doing research on how much you can fit into that space. That will make the trip to the garden center much easier when the weather warms up. She said to plan the number and style of plants you’re interested in, whether they are vegetables or landscape plants.

Starting seeds indoors is a good way to get started. Vittore suggested waiting until the end of February or the first part of March to start seeds. Seed packets will be available sometime between the beginning and middle of February, she said.

Lenawee County is now in Zone 6A of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Vittore said, which is a change from previous years, when our area was considered to be in the cooler Zone 5. The change to a warmer hardiness zone opens up some possibilities for plants that might not have been recommended before, she said.

Vittore advised that it’s a good idea to wait until mid-May to plant outdoors, unless it’s something you can bring inside or can cover up if the weather gets cold. This is because Lenawee County has had cold weather and frost around Mother’s Day for the past few years.

Cool-season vegetables, such as cabbage and broccoli, can be put outside earlier than other vegetables, Vittore said. Cool-season plants will be available in early April.

“That kind of stuff will actually take a little bit of a frost and be just fine,” she said.

Appeals court won’t put a hold on state order while renewable energy lawsuit is pending

LANSING — The Michigan Court of Appeals has denied a request to put on hold a state order dealing with renewable energy siting processes, while still allowing the case to continue, according to a report by Local Buzz Radio.

The case is being brought against the state by about 100 Michigan municipalities, including four in Lenawee County — Deerfield, Blissfield, Ogden, and Riga townships.

The jurisdictions are challenging state regulations that allow the Michigan Public Service Commission to govern the siting of utility-scale wind, solar, and

battery storage projects in the state, rather than leaving the decision-making entirely in the hands of local governments.

Attorneys from the law firm Foster Swift Collins & Smith sought the preliminary injunction, contending the additional restrictions in last year’s order went beyond those contained in state law, and thus illegally further restrict local government zoning abilities.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs said the appellate court’s decision not to stay the order is only a procedural hurdle and that they are still moving forward with the case.

Study: Michigan remains the leader in clean energy projects

Michigan Advance

LANSING — Following reports from 2023 and 2024 pointing to Michigan as a national leader in clean energy jobs, the state is continuing to lead the country in attracting battery manufacturing sites, solar and wind manufacturing plants, and new or expanded facilities for building electric vehicles as it heads into 2025.

In January, Climate Power, a communications firm focused on building support for climate action, released its latest “Clean Energy Boom” report, taking stock of the clean energy industry across the U.S.

“With new federal investments, clean energy is not only booming, it has

become central to state economies and integral to their energy supplies. Thanks to these innovative energy industries, Americans have more energy choices than ever before. These industries are now part of the backbone of American manufacturing, and staples of American households,” Climate Power wrote in the report’s introduction.

Michigan, Texas, Georgia, California, South Carolina, Ohio, North Carolina, Arizona and Tennessee have secured the bulk of these projects. Michigan remains at the top, securing 74 projects since August 2022. Texas ranked second with 61 projects, while Georgia ranked third with 50 new projects, continuing trends from the previous report.

Abby Vittore, marketing manager at Madison Garden Center (formerly Barrett’s Showplace Gardens) says that winter is a great time for gardeners to get their advance planning done for spring. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE

Two new accessible parking spaces were recently added to the 100 block of East Maumee Street in December.

Two accessible parking spaces

added downtown

ADRIAN — The city of Adrian has added two accessible parking spaces along downtown streets.

One space is in front of the Adrian District Library at 143 E. Maumee St., and one is in front of the Masonic Temple building at 160 E. Maumee St. Matt Tomaszewski, director of engineering services, said the spaces were added in early December. Signs have been put up, but the standard blue striping has not yet been painted on the pavement due to the weather. Tomaszewski said the striping will likely not happen until spring.

The change follows discussion at the city commission about the lack of accessible spaces along downtown streets. Nearly all of the accessible parking spaces downtown are located in the parking lots behind downtown buildings.

POLICE REPORTS

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

ADDISON VILLAGE

Jan. 12: Disorderly conduct, 200 block of South Steer Street.

Jan. 21: Burglary (non-residential, forced entry), 100 block of South Talbot Street.

ADRIAN CITY

Dec. 21: Identity theft, 900 block of West Maple Avenue. Retail fraud, 100 block of North Main Street.

Dec. 22: Assault, 600 block of South Madison Street. Assault, 400 block of North Locust Street.

Dec. 23: Assault, 500 block of Division Street. Disorderly conduct, 1500 block of West Maumee Street.

Dec. 24: Burglary (residential, forced entry), 300 block of East Front Street. Assault with intent to murder, 300 block of East Front Street. Larceny from a building, 1200 block of South Main Street.

Dec. 25: Assault, 1200 block of South Main Street.

Dec. 26: Assault, 200 block of Chestnut Street. Larceny from a vehicle, 800 block of East Butler Street.

Dec. 27: Assault, property damage and disorderly conduct, 300 block of Erie Street. Burglary (non-residential, forced entry), 3700 block of East U.S. 223. Assault, Front and Finch streets. Retail fraud, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Sexual assault, 1400 block of Village Green Lane. Larceny from a building, 500 block of East Church Street. Assault, 600 block of Tabor Street.

Dec. 28: Assault, 800 block of East Butler Street. Assault, 100 block of East Maumee Street. Retail fraud, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Drug possession and operating while intoxicated, 700 block of South Main. Operating while intoxicated, 600 block of Rio Grande Drive.

Dec. 29: Assault, 200 block of Division Street. Larceny from a vehicle,

ROLL CALL

Following are selected votes taken by Lenawee County’s federal and state elected officials between Jan. 3 and Jan. 24.

U.S. SENATE

Michigan is represented by Sens. Gary Peters (D) and Elissa Slotkin (D).

S. 5: This bill would require the Department of Homeland Security to detain non-U.S. nationals who are unlawfully present in the U.S. if they are arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The bill passed, 64-35. Peters and Slotkin both voted yes.

Nomination of Marco Rubio to be Secretary of State: The nomination confirmed, 99-0. Peters and Slotkin both voted yes.

Nomination of Peter Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense: The nomination was confirmed, 51-50. Peters and Slotkin both voted no.

Nomination of Kristi Noem to be Secretary of Homeland Security: The nomination was confirmed, 59-34. Peters and Slotkin both voted yes.

Nomination of John Ratcliffe to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency: The nomination was confirmed, 74-25. Peters and Slotkin both voted yes.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

All of Lenawee County is in the 5th Congressional District, represented by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Tipton).

Election of the Speaker: Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) received 218 votes, Hakim Jeffries (D-New York) received 215 votes, and Tom Emmer (R-Indiana) received 1 vote. Johnson was elected. Walberg voted for Johnson.

H.R. 23: This bill would impose sanctions against foreign individuals or entities who assist the International Criminal Court in investigating, arresting, detaining or prosecuting any U.S. citizen. The bill passed, 243-140. Walberg voted yes.

200 block of East U.S. 223. Retail fraud, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Internet harassment or threats, 900 block of East Butler Street.

Dec. 30: Larceny from a yard, 200 block of South McKenzie Street. Property damage, 300 block of West Maumee Street.

Dec. 31: Assault, 900 block of Addison Street. Larceny from a building, 500 block of Frank Street.

Jan. 1: Property damage, 600 block of Dennis Street. Disorderly conduct, 1300 block of South Main Street. Telephone harassment or threats, 100 block of Chandler Street.

Jan. 2: Burglary (non-residential, forced entry), 100 block of North Winter Street. Retail fraud, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Disorderly conduct, 500 block of East Church Street. Robbery, 100 block of East Beecher Street.

Jan. 3: Larceny from a vehicle, 500 block of North Broad Street. Assault, 100 block of East Maumee Street. Property damage and larceny from a building, 600 block of South Madison Street.

Jan. 4: Burglary (residential, forced entry) and arson, South Scott and Lincoln. Larceny from a vehicle, 1100 block of South Main Street. Drug possession, 500 block of North Winter Street.

Jan. 5: Assault, 300 block of Erie Street. Assault, 100 block of McVicar Street. Assault, 1100 block of South Main Street. Stalking, 600 block of North Locust Street. Assault, 100 block of North Center Street.

Jan. 6: Larceny from the mail, 1500 block of West Maumee Street. Retail fraud, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Assault, 300 block of Comstock Street.

Jan. 7: Assault, 1200 block of South Main Street. Arson, 500 block of French Street.

Jan. 8: Property damage, 200 block of East Berry Street. Retail fraud, 1500 block of West Maumee Street. Assault, 100 block of Sand Creek Highway. Assault, 800 block of Mulberry Street. Assault, 1200 block of North Main Street. Assault, 600 block of Springbrook Avenue.

State Rep. Nancy Jenkins-Arno was joined by friends, family and staff at the rostrum on the floor of the Michigan House of Representatives following her swearing in on Jan. 8. From left are legislative director Josh Haley, legislative assistant Mallory Murphy, Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, friends Carol and Bob Knoblauch, husband Rich Arno, Rep. Nancy Jenkins-Arno, friend Rebecca Ballentine, friend Kris Yeutter and brother James Jenkins.

H.R. 28: This bill would generally prohibit school athletic programs from allowing individuals whose biological sex at birth was male to participate in programs that are for women or girls. The bill passed, 218-206. Walberg voted yes.

H.R. 29: This bill would require the Department of Homeland Security to detain non-U.S. nationals who are unlawfully present in the U.S. if they are arrested by other agencies for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The bill passed, 264-159. Walberg voted yes.

H.R. 30: This bill would establish grounds for deportation of non-U.S. nationals that include sex offenses, stalking, and domestic violence, some of which were already grounds for deportation under existing law. The bill passed, 274-145. Walberg voted yes.

MICHIGAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Most of Lenawee County is in the 34th House District, represented by Rep. Nancy Jenkins-Arno (R-Clayton). Parts of the Britton and Deerfield areas are in the 30th District,

Jan. 9: Drug smuggling, 500 block of North Winter Street. Assault, 400 block of Allis Street. Larceny, 1300 block of South Winter Street. Assault, 1100 block of North Main Street.

Jan. 10: Assault, 100 block of Sand Creek Highway. Assault, 300 block of East Church Street. Larceny, 1300 block of South Main Street. Drug possession, 700 block of Riverside Avenue.

Property damage, 200 block of Park Street.

Jan. 11: Burglary (residential, forced entry), 300 block of Division Street. Property damage, 100 block of McVicar Street. Assault, 500 block of Dennis Street. Assault, 1200 block of South Main Street.

Jan. 12: Burglary (non-residential, forced entry), 900 block of West Beecher Street. Assault, 600 block of St. Joseph Street.

Jan. 15: Disorderly conduct, 1300 block of Lowe Avenue. Fraud, 700 block of Elm Street. Assault, 1800 block of West Maumee Street.

Jan. 16: Intimidation, 100 block of Park Street. Disorderly conduct, 1300 block of Division Street. Burglary (forced entry, residential), 400 block of Dennis Street.

Jan. 17: Drug possession, U.S. 223 and Sand Creek Highway. Larceny from a building, 800 block of Toledo Street. Illegal credit card use, 600 block of South Winter Street.

Jan. 18: Illegal credit card use, 400 block of West Maumee Street. Assault, 300 block of East Church Street.

Jan. 19: Operating while intoxicated, 300 block of Addison Street. Retail fraud, 4600 block of West U.S. 223. Assault, 600 block of West Beecher Street.

Jan. 20: Larceny from a building, 200 block of Lexington Drive.

Jan. 21: Telephone harassment or threats, 1100 block of Erie Street. Larceny from a building, 900 block of West Beecher Street.

Jan. 22: Retail fraud, 800 block of South Main Street. Larceny from the mail, 300 block of South Winter Street. Illegal credit card use, 400 block of Erie Street. Assault, 800 block of East Maple Avenue.

represented by Rep. William Bruck (R-Erie). Macon Township is in the 31st District, represented by Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Twp.). The city of Hudson is in the 35th District, represented by Rep. Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy).

H.B. 4001: This bill would roll back some of the wage increases that were passed by voters in 2018, then circumvented by the Legislature, then put back in place by the Michigan Supreme Court. It would delay the $15 minimum wage by a year (getting to that rate in 2029 instead of 2028) and keep the tipped minimum wage at 38% of the non-tipped minimum instead of eliminating it. The bill passed, 63-41. Jenkins-Arno, Bruck and Wortz voted yes. Miller voted no.

H.B. 4002: Similar to H.B. 4001, this bill would roll back some of the voter-enacted changes to sick leave requirements by exempting employees with 50 employees or less and eliminating language permitting employees to take civil action if their employer violates the law. The bill passed, 67-38. Jenkins-Arno, Bruck and Wortz voted yes.

Jan. 23: Sexual assault, 200 block of South Winter Street. Larceny from a yard, 3500 block of East U.S. 223. Larceny from a building, 500 block of East Hunt Street.

Jan. 24: Property damage, 1300 block of South Main Street. Property damage, 300 block of Erie Street.

ADRIAN TOWNSHIP

Jan. 11: Operating while intoxicated, Burton Road and Townline Highway.

Jan. 22: Telephone harassment or threats, 5600 block of North Adrian Highway.

BRITTON VILLAGE

Jan. 1: Larceny, 8900 block of Dibble Road.

DEERFIELD VILLAGE

Jan. 10: Fraud, 100 block of West River Street.

DOVER TOWNSHIP

Dec. 21: Burglary (residential, no forced entry), 8500 block of West Carleton Road.

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

Jan. 11: Disorderly conduct, 6800 block of West U.S. 12.

Jan. 14: Assault, 6200 block of Pawson Road.

HUDSON CITY

Jan. 3: Assault, 300 block of West Main Street.

MADISON TOWNSHIP

Dec. 28: Assault, 2200 block of East Gier Road.

Dec. 29: Operating while intoxicated, U.S. 223 and Division Street.

Jan. 8: Disorderly conduct, 100 block of Stieff Street.

Jan. 9: Assault, 2100 block of Geller Drive. Property damage, 2000 block of West Carleton Road.

Jan. 15: Assault, 100 block of Stieff Street.

Jan. 20: 5300 block of Treat Highway.

Jan. 21: Assault, 3400 block of Treat Highway.

ONSTED VILLAGE

Dec. 28: Property damage and burglary (non-residential, forced entry), 8900 block of Onsted Highway.

PALMYRA TOWNSHIP

Dec. 22: Assault, 4100 block of Rouget Road.

Jan. 12: Vehicle theft and burglary (non-residential, forced entry), 8600 block of East U.S. 223.

RIDGEWAY TOWNSHIP

Jan. 8: Identity theft, 10400 block of Kniffen Road.

RIGA TOWNSHIP

Jan. 12: Larceny from a building, 12100 block of Van Buren.

ROLLIN TOWNSHIP

Jan. 8: Disorderly conduct, 4700 block of Woerner Road.

SENECA TOWNSHIP

Jan. 3: Assault, 7400 block of Tuttle Highway.

Jan. 13: Assault, 9800 block of Ridgeville Road.

TECUMSEH CITY

Jan. 9: Property damage, 100 block of West Chicago Blvd.

Jan. 10: Telephone harassment or threats, 500 block of East Cummins Street. Burglary (residential, forced entry), 9900 block of Matthews Highway.

Jan. 14: Fraud, 500 block of Ridge Lane. Fraud, 400 block of West Chicago Blvd.

Jan. 15: Disorderly conduct, 300 block of East Pottawatamie.

TECUMSEH TOWNSHIP

Dec. 24: Assault, 7400 block of Billmyer Highway.

Jan. 5: Burglary (residential, forced entry), 2300 block of Forrest Hills Drive.

WOODSTOCK TOWNSHIP

Dec. 29: Assault, 14400 block of Vischer Road.

Dec. 31: Larceny from a building, 8300 block of North U.S. 127.

Jan. 8: Assault, 8300 block of Parker Road.

NOTICIAS LOCALES

Biblioteca recibe donación de lupa electrónica

ADRIAN — Una lupa electrónica para ayudar a las personas con discapacidad visual ya está disponible en la Biblioteca del Distrito de Adrian (Adrian District Library).

La lupa fue donada por el Club de Desayuno de los Leones ( Adrian Breakfast Lions Club). El dinero provino en parte de la subasta anual de radio del club, que se lleva a cabo cada mes de abril. Una subvención de la Fundación Knight (Knight Foundation) cubrió el resto del costo.

El dispositivo es una lupa de vídeo electrónica portátil con una pantalla de 30.48 centímetros (12 pulgadas). Además de ampliar el texto, los usuarios pueden escanear páginas impresas para que el dispositivo las lea en voz alta en más de 20 idiomas.

Se realizó una prueba por la Directora de la biblioteca Jennifer Wrzesinski y por la Asistente de Dirección Chelsey Boss para verificar el funcionamiento del dispositivo tanto en inglés como español. La veracidad de la lectura en español fue comprobada por Lizbeth Perez-Cazares, la asistente de biblioteca bilingüe.

Los planes futuros para el dispositivo incluyen permitir a los usuarios cerrar sesión para uso doméstico después de aprender a usarlo.

— Traducido por Lizbeth Perez-Cazares

Se agregaron dos espacios de estacionamiento accesibles en el centro de la ciudad

ADRIAN — La Ciudad de Adrian ha agregado dos espacios de estacionamiento accesibles a lo largo de las calles del centro.

Un espacio está frente a la Biblioteca del Distrito de Adrian (Adrian District Library) en el 143 este calle Maumee (143 E. Maumee St.) y el otro está frente al edificio del Templo Masónico (Masonic Temple) en el 160 este de la calle Maumee (160 E. Maumee St.).

Matt Tomaszewski, Director de Servicios de Ingeniería, dijo que los espacios se agregaron a principios de diciembre. Se han colocado señales, pero aún no se han pintado las franjas azules estándares en el pavimento debido al clima. Tomaszewski dijo que las rayas probablemente no se pondrán hasta la primavera.

El cambio se produjo seguido a la discusión en la Comisión de la Ciudad (City Commission) sobre la falta de espacios accesibles a lo largo de las calles del centro. Casi todos los espacios de estacionamiento accesibles en el centro están ubicados en los estacionamientos detrás de los edificios del centro.

— Traducido por Lizbeth Perez-Cazares

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.

Líderes comunitarios reconocidos

Los oradores reflexionan sobre el legado de Martin Luther King Jr.

Artículo original por Erik Gable Traducido por Lizbeth Perez-Cazares

ADRIAN — Residentes del Condado de Lenawee honraron la memoria de un ícono de los derechos civiles tanto con reflexiones como con llamados a la acción en la 37ª Celebración Comunitaria anual del Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

La celebración tuvo lugar el 20 de enero en Adrian College (Colegio de Adrian). También contó con una presentación de premios para reconocer tanto a líderes comunitarios de larga trayectoria y algunos jóvenes excepcionales.

El Premio al Servicio Comunitario 2025 se entregó a una pareja, Theodore “Teddy” White y Kasey White. Ambos participan activamente en la NAACP del Condado de Lenawee (NAACP Lenawee County) y en la organización de la celebración anual Juneteenth en Adrian. Teddy White trabaja como conductor de montacargas y es miembro de UAW Local 2031. También es voluntario del Partido Demócrata del Condado de Lenawee (Lenawee County Democratic Party). Eugenia McClain, quien lo presentó, habló acerca de la cantidad de personas en el trabajo y en otros lugares que lo admiran como una figura paterna.

Kasey White es Corredora Asociada de Servicios Inmobiliareios Howard Hanna (Howard Hanna Real Estate Services) y recientemente se desempeñó como Presidenta de la Asociación de agentes inmobiliarios y organizaciones benéficas asociadas del Condado de Lenawee (Lenawee County Association of Realtors and Associated Charities of Lenawee County).Ella participa activamente en la campaña para derogar la ordenanza de inspección de bienes raíces en puntos de venta de la Ciudad de Adrian. Además de su trabajo voluntario, fue reconocida por

su creencia en hacer que la propiedad de la vivienda sea accesible para todos.

El Premio a la Trayectoria 2025 fue entregado a Idalí Feliciano por sus más de 50 años de abogar por la justicia racial y económica.

Feliciano fue uno de los fundadores de Cambios (that translates to Changes), una organización local que luchó contra el racismo a través de los libros y la lectura. Actualmente, forma parte de las mesas directivas de Lenawee Aprendizaje Permanente (Lenawee Lifelong Learning), River Raisin Ragtime Revue y LLEAD Adrian (Líderes Latinos para la Mejora de la Defensa y el Desarrollo). Ha participado activamente en muchas otras organizaciones comunitarias.

Susan Nichols, quien nominó a Feliciano para el premio, habló sobre su sentido de la justicia y su generosidad. Nichols dijo que aunque Feliciano es un mentor para muchas personas, si ella ha aprendido algo de alguien más, es probable que diga que esa persona también es su mentor.

Feliciano estaba enferma y no pudo asistir al evento, pero envió sus comentarios por escrito para que fueran leídos en voz alta por una amiga, Brandi Johns.

Los premios estudiantiles fueron entregados a Prince Thole, un estudiante del Colegio de Adrian (Adrian College) de Zimbabwe quien está cursando una Licenciatura en finanzas con especialización en economía; Quincy J. Johnson Jr., un estudiante de la Universidad de Siena Heights (Siena Heights University) de Dayton, Ohio, que realizando estudios de posgrado en psicología clínica; y Zoe Sierer, una estudiante del Colegio de Jackson (Jackson College) de Clinton que obtendrá dos títulos de Asociado junto con su diploma de la escuela preparatoria esta primavera.

Este año, en lugar de un solo orador principal, un panel de tres personas presentó reflexiones.

De’Angelo Boone, fundador de Ministerios Internacionales de la Ciudad del Refugio (City of Refuge Ministries International) y Coordinador de Educación y Programación para ProMedica Adrian Promesa del Vecindario Ebeid (ProMedica’s Adrian Ebeid Neighborhood Promise), habló sobre cómo crear cambios requiere que las personas trabajen juntas.

Dijo que garantizar que haya oportunidades equitativas para todos, especialmente las personas de comunidades marginadas y privadas de derechos, es una tarea colectiva.

Robert H. Benard, fundador de Ministerios Internacionales del Templo de Cristo (Christ Temple Ministries International), habló sobre lo que sucede cuando las personas son tratadas como si fueran menos que seres humanos. Dijo que cuando se deshumaniza a las personas, se disminuye el valor de la vida y se contribuye a problemas como la violencia doméstica, el suicidio y los asesinatos en masa.

Monique Savage, una Trabajadora Social jubilada del Colegio de Adrian (Adrian College), habló sobre la mentoría de jóvenes. Comenzó recordando su propia infancia y el impacto que tuvo en ella el linchamiento de Emmett Till en 1955. Dijo que asistir al funeral de Till con su madre cambió su vida.

Animó a las personas a invertir en aprender sobre las diferencias y a elegir sus palabras con cuidado porque las palabras pueden herir a los demás.

Al asesorar a jóvenes, dijo, es importante verlos como socios y trabajar junto a ellos. Savage finalizó con un llamado a la acción:

“We know how to do this work. And we will start again, and we will start again, and we will start again. Come with me as we start again.” (“Sabemos cómo hacer este trabajo. Y empezaremos de nuevo, y empezaremos de nuevo, y empezaremos de nuevo. Ven conmigo mientras comenzamos de nuevo”.)

Calendario del Centro Ebeid para febrero

ADRIAN — Los siguientes programas educativos y reuniones comunitarias se llevarán a cabo en febrero 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 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.

Este es el calendario traducido al español por Promedica. Comité de Planificación de Actividades de la Coalición — el lunes 3 de febrero, 5-6 p.m. El primer lunes de cada mes, este comité desempeña un papel vital en la organización de eventos e iniciativas que fomentan la cohesión social, el sentido de pertenencia y la participación significativa de las personas y las familias. Puede ayudar a dar forma a actividades que construyan relaciones sólidas entre los vecinos, promuevan un espíritu comunitario positivo y brinden experiencias enriquecedoras para personas de todas las edades. Abierto a todos.

Rentar Para el Éxito (presentado por la Agencia de Acción Comunitaria) — el martes 4 de febrero, 5:30-7 p.m. ¡Este taller sigue creciendo! Anímese y usted también únase e infórmese sobre las leyes de viviendas, contratos de arrendamiento, derechos de los inquilinos, mantenimiento, reparaciones, y mucho más.

Presupuesto de Año Nuevo (presentado por la Agencia de Acción Comunitaria) — el jueves 6 de febrero, de 5:30-7 p.m. Esta clase es parte de la serie de empoderamiento financiero y se centrará en un presupuesto y hábitos de gasto para el nuevo año, incluyendo cómo establecer prioridades, determinar sus necesidades frente a sus deseos, establecer metas y cómo pagarse a sí mismo primero.

Reunión de la Coalición Comunitaria (Coalición Comunitaria de East Adrian) — el lunes 10 de febrero, 5-6 p.m. La Coalición celebra su reunión mensual el segundo lunes de cada mes a las 5 p.m. Ven y haz que tu voz sea escuchada. Venga a contribuir a la conversación sobre cómo los residentes pueden tener un impacto positivo en nuestra comunidad. Se discuten las actividades, pero en este grupo se discuten temas más amplios. Únete a la construcción de una mejor comunidad para todos. Tiempo en familia: Celebrando el amor (presentado por Lenawee Great Start) — el martes 18 de febrero, 5:30-7 p.m. Únase a nosotros para esta divertida noche familiar con bocadillos, bebidas, artesanías y más. Se requiere inscripción previa. Las familias pueden inscribirse a través de la información a continuación, llamando al 517.417.8051 o enviando un correo electrónico a quinn.wilt@ lenaweegreatstart.org.

Administración del Dinero y Hábitos de Gasto (presentado por County National Bank) — el martes 18 de febrero, 5:30-7 p.m. ¡Similar a un presupuesto, pero diferente! Aprenda a ser más organizado, determinar y evaluar los ingresos y gastos mensuales, planificar un presupuesto, realizar un seguimiento de los gastos, calcular la relación deuda-ingreso y abordar las deudas, incluidos los préstamos estudiantiles.

Educación Crediticia (presentado por American 1 Credit Union) — el martes 25 de febrero, 5:30-7 p.m. ¿Alguna vez ha tenido problemas para pagar sus facturas, salir de deudas o no está seguro de cómo mejorar su puntaje de crédito? Ven y aprende los pasos para establecer o reparar tu crédito y lograr una mayor estabilidad financiera y autosuficiencia. También se cubren aspectos importantes de la Ley de Informes de Crédito Justos. — Traducido por Lizbeth Perez-Cazares

PERSPECTIVES

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

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

EDITORIAL

Don’t sleep through zoning discussions

It’s not attention-grabbing, but zoning is one of the most important decisions a local government can make.

For most people, there are few things more yawn-inducing than a discussion of zoning ordinances. Even the simplest of them are still pretty dense, filled with detailed descriptions of allowable land uses for every part of the jurisdiction they cover.

But the writing of a zoning code is actually among the most important decisions a city, village or township government will ever make.

When a site plan goes before a planning commission for approval, it’s not unusual to hear comments like this from neighbors:

“We already have a Dollar General — why do we need another one?”

“Do we really need that many new houses in our township? Who’s going to buy them?”

But that question is beyond any planning commission’s authority. They don’t have the authority to decide whether the neighborhood needs another dollar store, any more than they have the authority to tell you whether you need to plant a vegetable garden. All they can do is look at what a property owner wants to do and evaluate whether or not it complies with the law.

Automakers

Is the property zoned commercial?

Then somebody can build a commercial business there. There might be specific requirements they have to meet — they may need to demonstrate that their driveways are adequate, that they will have enough parking spaces, that the building won’t be too tall or will be a

certain number of feet away from the neighbor’s property line — but as long as they meet the requirements of the law, they’re allowed to build. And that decision was made back when the zoning code was adopted and the parcel in question was designated for commercial development.

So when you see that your local government is going to consider changes to its zoning ordinance ... pay attention.

Zoning is what determines if there could one day be a commercial development a few houses down the road from you.

Conversely, it also determines how you will be allowed to use your own property. Local governments can loosen or tighten zoning restrictions depending on what type of development they want to encourage — or even freeze out.

An example of loosening is that the city of Adrian is considering making it easier to build accessory dwelling units on residential parcels, in an effort to ease the current housing crunch.

An example of tightening is the townships that have tried to pile so many restrictions onto wind and solar installations that renewable energy projects have been effectively banned in those areas.

Many of the decisions that are most important to our communties are made long before any specific project makes it to a site plan review.

The time to pay attention to zoning is now.

compete with tech bros for a spot at Trump’s table

Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. each donated $1 million and fleets of vehicles to President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

It might not have been enough for a president that craves cash and adoration.

Despite his repeated promises on the campaign trail that he will revitalize U.S. manufacturing, Trump’s economic attention appears to be shifting toward the desires of billionaire tech bros who are lavishing praise on the new president.

“For all Trump’s talk of manufacturing jobs, you didn’t see the CEOs of GE and Caterpillar sitting in the prime seats today,” New York Times columnist Ezra Klein wrote in a social media post about the inauguration ceremony. “You saw the CEOs of Amazon and X and Meta and Google and TikTok.”

Self-appointed “first buddy” Elon Musk spent more than $250 million to put Trump back in the White House. The CEO of Tesla, X, SpaceX and several other companies is the world’s richest person and considered to be the second-most powerful figure in the Trump administration.

RICK HAGLUND

At his inauguration, Trump was flanked by the CEOs of tech firms SoftBank, Oracle and OpenA1 in announcing “Stargate,” an artificial intelligence infrastructure project that could cost up to $500 billion and create as many as 100,000 U.S. jobs (It should be noted that Musk, who reportedly despises OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, threw cold water on the planned project.)

Moments after Trump took the oath of office, he announced several measures that could greatly damage Michigan’s auto industry and the state’s overall economy.

Moments after Trump took the oath of office, he announced several measures that could greatly damage Michigan’s auto industry and the state’s overall economy.

The new president said he intends to slap a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, and possibly a 10% tariff on China on Feb. 1. And he issued an executive order on energy policy that could result in the billions of dollars Detroit automakers have spent to develop electric vehicles going up in smoke.

Trump also reversed an executive order by his predecessor, President Joe Biden, that established AI safety and security guardrails for the fastgrowing technology, a sign of the major influence the tech industry is building in the new administration.

All these events have left Michigan’s auto industry leaders scrambling over how to respond to a trade and regulatory climate that is suddenly far different than it was before Jan. 20.

Trump’s moves on tariffs and energy policy weren’t a surprise. But they present a significant challenge to an auto industry that is grappling with vehicle affordability issues, costly investments in new technologies and toughening global competition.

And Trump may be better positioned to carry out policy proposals that don’t

exactly favor the auto industry than he was in his first term.

“He understands Washington now,” said Glenn Stevens, executive director of MichAuto, which promotes the state’s auto industry.

Plus, Republicans, who have shown little inclination to denounce even Trump’s most outrageous acts, control the House and Senate.

MichAuto issued a statement saying tariffs could weaken American competitiveness, disrupt supply chains and shrink investments by companies uncertain over the direction of trade policies.

“Specifically, the increased cost of doing business between the U.S. and Canada could be especially acute, even as the new Gordie Howe Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor is set to open this year,” the statement said.

Tariffs could protect Michigan companies from tough foreign competition in the short term. But other countries will retaliate with their own tariffs, and the cost of vehicles and other goods will rise at a time when Trump has promised to bring prices down.

“Those things generally outweigh protection from tariffs,” University of Michigan economist Gabe Ehrlich said during a presentation at the Detroit Economic Club on Tuesday. “We won’t get protection for the auto industry without paying a price.”

Stevens said it’s possible that the tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, if enacted, might not come as soon as Feb. 1 because Trump often uses imprecise language that leaves him wiggle room in meeting self-imposed deadlines.

“Right now, there’s a lot of rhetoric and posturing,” Stevens told me. “We’re hoping calmer heads prevail.”

It’s unclear how Trump’s energy policies will impact Detroit automakers’ gradual transition to electric vehicles.

Analysts believe the Detroit Three will continue their EV push because that’s where the global auto industry is headed. But he has already announced moves designed to ensure the continued dominance of gas-powered cars and trucks over EVs, threatening the business case for new technology vehicles.

Trump’s executive order on energy revokes a Biden order that set a goal of having 50% of all cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. be electric, hybrid or fuel cell vehicles by 2030.

The order also calls for a variety of anti-EV actions, including pausing all spending in the Inflation Reduction Act related to EVs and eliminating any incentives that favor EVs over other technologies. America’s energy policy will be fossil fuel-based, climate change be damned.

“We will drill, baby, drill,” Trump said in his inaugural address.

There is one hopeful sign for automakers. Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. told reporters earlier this month that Trump called him “out of the blue” to discuss the industry.

Ford said he came away from that conversation confident the industry will have “a seat at the table” as the administration develops economic policy details. Stevens said that’s crucial.

“There’s an old saying: when you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu,” he said.

Hopefully not all the seats have already been taken by the tech bros.

Rick Haglund writes about Michigan’s economy for Michigan

A section of the city of Adrian’s current zoning map, with different land uses in different colors.

Power of Passage

from page A1

This time around, Benio is doing one in honor of her mom, who loved to travel and kept a journal of all the places she went. Benio plans to create her door with a road map theme showing those places.

She finds the process of creating these doors to be a powerful one. “It’s inspirational, and it makes you think about your own life: if someone were to make a door about me, what would it look like?” she said.

Pam Fisher of Adrian was one of the participants in the 2020 Power of Passage. Her husband, Peter, died of cardiomyopathy in early 2014.

It wasn’t exactly love at first sight when she and Peter met. In fact, at first “I couldn’t stand him,” she said, laughing. His father was chairman of the Bank of Lenawee, where Pam worked, and when Peter came to work there, he had the disadvantage both of being the chairman’s son and of looking “like a bigcity banker” in his blue pinstriped suit.

“He had to have known I didn’t like him, and because of that he probably wasn’t too fond of me,” she said.

But all that changed one Christmas Eve, when the staff went to the Brass Lantern for a holiday gathering after the bank closed for the day. “People were dancing, and at one point he said, ‘Well, do you want to dance?’ ” Pam said.

She wasn’t too sure how she should respond, but she ended up saying yes — and as soon as they started dancing, “I knew I was where I belonged,” she said.

When the gathering was over, Peter asked if he could call her. And the rest, as the saying goes, is history. The pair were together for more than 30 years and married for almost 25 years.

“What we had was so special,” Pam said.

Not long after they married in 1989, Peter was diagnosed with the heart condition that would eventually take his life. But “he was active,” Pam said. “He did everything he wanted to do.”

That included fishing for bluegill at the lake where their home was at the time; baking pies — because she didn’t like making pies, he learned how to bake his own — and raising rhubarb for those pies, along with growing asparagus; collecting old Coca-Cola memorabilia; and traveling, especially to Maine.

And “he was just curious about so many things,” Pam said, citing as just one example the time in Kennebunkport, Maine, when she was in one of the shops and Peter, because he wasn’t into that sort of thing, wandered off, and when she came out of the store she had to go looking for him and found him down at the docks talking to a lobsterman.

In 2013, Peter started getting noticeably more tired and weak, and one night in late January 2014 he told Pam he needed to go to the hospital. His cardiologist told him he had three weeks to live and suggested Hospice.

Peter missed the three weeks by one day. He died on Feb. 20.

Throughout those all-too-brief final days with her husband, Hospice of Lenawee did everything possible for the couple, and was there for her afterward as well. “There are no words for me to describe how wonderful Hospice is,” Pam said.

When her Hospice grief counselor first suggested Power of Passage to her, she wasn’t sure she wanted to take part. But she did, and as the families sat together looking through magazines to create their collages, “people would say things like, ‘If anyone finds a picture of a deer, let me know,’ and you started to learn about

these people,” she said. “And as we talked, it was a combination of bonding and bringing our loved ones back into focus.”

Her and Peter’s love of spending time in Maine was what artist Taina Mantey focused on in creating the door honoring Peter.

Based on a picture Pam provided, it shows a silhouette of Peter standing by the shore, facing away from the viewer and looking out at the ocean.

“I wonder what he was thinking,” Pam said.

She admits that working with Mantey to tell her about Peter was “a tough process.” But when she saw the finished

product, “I just lost it,” she said, because it was so perfect. The door now has a treasured place in her sunroom.

This year, Blissfield resident Ben Nachtrab is eagerly awaiting the door that artist Peg Whiting is creating through Power of Passage to honor Nachtrab’s late wife, Leslie.

Ben and Leslie met thanks to a shared love of softball. An athletic woman who loved all kinds of sports, Leslie played on a team for which Ben was a substitute, and it didn’t take long for him to be smitten.

“I had such a crush on her and I didn’t know how to express it,” he said.

He started coming to the games even when he wasn’t playing, and then one day, when the team was at Fricker’s celebrating the end of the season, the conversation turned to what to do now that softball was done and “that was my ticket in,” he said. “I asked her if she wanted to play dodgeball.”

The two became a couple in September 2005, “and we were inseparable from there on out.” As it so happened, they even shared the same birthdate one year apart.

They married and had a son, whom they named Ben, and were looking forward to a long life together with all sorts of plans.

Then, in 2015, Leslie was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Ben cared for her at home, with the help of Hospice of Lenawee, until her death on

Jan. 9, 2016. She was just 38 years old, and Ben was 39, “and for the first time in my life I was alone,” he said.

“I didn’t know how to pay bills, I didn’t know how to raise my son,” who had just turned five.

“I was broken on the inside.”

Being a single dad was difficult. Besides the challenges of being both father and mother to his son, Nachtrab found himself “the elephant in the room” when he was the only father at school events or children’s birthday parties.

Not long before she died, Leslie told her husband that she wanted him to go on with life, and to give another woman the kind of love she herself had experienced. That happened in late 2017, when he took his son to a park and there met Stacy, who had two children of her own. The pair eventually married, and right from the start of their relationship, Stacy has honored Leslie’s memory.

Over the years since Leslie’s death, Nachtrab has remained connected with Hospice, grateful for the help they gave Leslie and have given him and his son. And so, when he was asked if he wanted to be a part of this year’s Power of Passage, he knew immediately that he did. He and Leslie’s best friend recently met with Whiting, the artist he was paired with, to begin the process of honoring Leslie’s life with a door.

To Pam Fisher, as hesitant as she was at first to get involved with Power of Passage, what came out of it was more than worth it.

“It was so interesting to me to see the other families’ doors,” she said. “And the way the artists listen, I mean truly listen. They seem to really want to create something that reflects what you told them.”

And for her, it helped keep alive the memory of the man she loved, and still loves, so deeply — “a way for me to be able to say, ‘Here he is.’ ”

Power of Passage doors on display at the Adrian Center for the Arts in 2020.

Ben Nachtrab of Blissfield and his son, Ben Jr., are taking part in this year’s Power of Passage to honor their late wife and mother, Leslie.

BUSINESS

Michaels arts and crafts store now open in Adrian

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — At long last, the wait is over, and Michaels, a chain of stores that features materials for general arts and crafts, is now open in Adrian.

Michaels had a soft opening event on the evening of Jan. 2 and started regular store hours the next day. Business has been brisk since then, said Tony Becktell, store manager, who started working with the chain of stores in 2011.

“The first full day that we were open was a phenomenal day,” Becktell said. “It was busy all day long.”

Becktell said the merchandise at Michaels can be described as “a little eclectic.”

“We are for the artist,” he said.

Materials for both the fine arts and traditional crafts, like yarn crafts, knitting and painting, are part of the merchandise line. Baking items and home decor are also available, as are party and celebration items, wood items, models, craft kits for adults and children, T-shirts to decorate and the materials to decorate them, and more. The store also offers custom framing services.

Those who shop at Michaels typically fall into two categories, Becktell said.

“Most of the time, people are coming in happy,” he said. “They’re either here to just peruse and kill some time, or they’re on a mission, and they know what they want.”

Michaels is located in Crossroads Plaza, 1416 S. Main St., Suite 200, Adrian. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

‘Exactly

what I was looking for’

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

MORENCI — Running a pub in downtown Morenci is the realization of a longtime dream for Tony Muzzi … even though until recently, he’d never even heard of the town.

Muzzi is the new owner of the former Flats Pub at 113 North St., newly renamed the North Street Pub after a community contest that ended just before Christmas.

The Detroit native’s path to owning a bar in Lenawee County was not necessarily the journey you would expect.

“I went to Wayne State as a philosophy major, and I was bartending to put myself through college — and fell in love with restaurants,” he explained.

For the past 12 years he worked at The Whitney, a fine dining spot on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. He was general manager for the last eight of those years.

“I’d do 30,000 steps in a three-piece suit on a Saturday night,” he said.

But that wasn’t what he really wanted.

“I always wanted to own a smalltown, community-driven dive bar,” Muzzi said. “That’s been a goal of mine for 10 years.”

And being a dive bar, Muzzi said, is nothing to be ashamed of.

“When I say ‘dive bar,’ I mean a comeas-you-are, everybody’s welcome, no judgment, unpretentious watering hole,” he said.

His investment in Morenci began with an internet search.

“I googled ‘Bars for sale in Michigan,’ and this place checked all the boxes,” he said.

He wanted a bar that was already established and had an existing clientele. Check.

He wanted a bar that had positive cashflow. Check.

“And in a perfect world, it’d have an apartment upstairs for me to live in,” he said. Check again.

And finally, there was family. “I come from a very big, but also very close family,” he explained, and his aunt’s house in Pinckney is the nexus of family gatherings. So he didn’t want to be more than an hour and a half away from there.

That final checkbox was all he needed. After visiting Morenci a few times, Muzzi said, he “just really fell in love with the place.” He signed the paperwork and became the pub’s new owner on Oct. 22 of last year.

He’s spent the last few months getting to know the community and figuring out what people wanted from their local pub. Muzzi said he’s lucky to have inherited a good operation from former owner Leslie Place, including the staff.

Toni Muzzi is the new owner of North Street Pub, formerly the Flats Pub, at 113 North St. in Morenci.

Odd Fellows Hall in Jasper gets new life as rental space

The newly repurposed building has deep roots and a long story

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

JASPER — Thanks to the efforts of local business partners Rauletta Sanchez and Meagan Skampo, the Odd Fellows Hall in Jasper has new life as the Root 52 Rental Venue.

The building dates back to well over 100 years ago, Sanchez said.

“We have some drawings and pictures from the 1880s,” she said. The building was originally used as a general store and meat market. The second story burned at one point and the building was then converted into a one-story structure. All the brick used in the building exterior was produced in Jasper, Sanchez added.

Renovations to the historic building include two new bathrooms, paint, and a new ceiling in one part of the main room of the 3,000-square-foot hall. Sanchez said most of the renovation work was done in the kitchen. Food can be prepared in the kitchen or catered in. Alcohol can be brought in but not sold, Sanchez said.

“We have a little bit of work left to do,” Sanchez said. “We’re doing a little bit at a time.”

Skampo said the venue has been the site of birthday parties, baby showers, graduation parties, holiday parties and other family events.

“We have class reunions that are actually a year or two booked out right now,” Sanchez said. “That’s how far we are able to book ahead.”

“Saturdays are getting busy fast,” Skampo said.

Sanchez and Skampo are hoping to add community events to the calendar for the Root 52 Rental Venue as well.

“We are looking at having bingo nights, maybe card nights, something like that,” Skampo said. “We’re trying to do some community-oriented things.”

Owning the Root 52 Rental Venue is “extra” employment for the business partners. Sanchez is an agent for Foundation Realty. Skampo works at Hickman Hospital as an X-ray and mammogram technician. She also owns the Tip Top Restaurant in Adrian.

The venue can comfortably seat 110 people. Tables and chairs are included in the rental fee, which is $375 for Saturday and $275 for Sunday. Discounted rates are available for weekday rentals. The venue is rented for the entire day. Setup for an event can be done the night before if arrangements are made ahead of time.

The Root 52 Rental Venue is located at 8452 S. Adrian Highway in Jasper. Parking is available along both sides of M-52, behind the venue, and at the Michigan Agricultural Commodities mill, located across the road on Ogden Street.

For more information, search for Root 52 Rental Venue on Facebook or call 517-403-5169.

Meagan Skampo and Rauletta Sanchez have turned the old Odd Fellows Hall in Jasper into an events hall for rentals. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE

The Crafty Sister offers a place for creativity in downtown Tecumseh

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

TECUMSEH — In Heidi Aldridge’s family, she grew up being called “The Crafty Sister.” That nickname was the inspiration for the name of her store at 130 W. Chicago Blvd. in Tecumseh, which opened in December.

Aldridge started her business by having booths at festivals and craft shows, and kept her materials at home. But when she moved into a new home, she found that she didn’t have room to keep her equipment and merchandise at home anymore. Moving into a brick-andmortar storefront was the best solution for her, she said.

“When I saw [the new location] for rent, it was kind of perfect to have the storefront, still be able to make stuff, and then I could start teaching how to make this stuff,” Aldridge said.

The Crafty Sister carries merchandise that is customized using the sublimation method of printing, Aldridge said. The tumblers she carries come in white or silver backgrounds, and have a special coating that is part of the sublimation method.

Aldridge prints out images on a specific type of paper, using a specific ink and printer, and then uses a heat application to adhere the image onto the item. In addition to tumblers, Aldridge carries puzzles, bows and wind spinners. All of the sublimation items in her store are

made on site. She also carries items from other vendors, such as crocheted pieces.

In addition to having more space for her business, Aldridge said another reason she wanted to move into a storefront instead of working from home is so she can offer classes on various forms of crafting as well as carrying merchandise. The first class was a twohour class in which students learned to make a crocheted hat.

“Our hope is to get everyone to be able to complete a hat by the end of that class,” she said.

Other classes might meet more than once, depending on what type of project will be completed. A list of classes is posted on the window of The Crafty Sister, and on the Facebook page for the business. The cost of the class depends on what is made. All supplies are including in the price of the class.

Aldridge is also hoping to move beyond her knowledge and invite teachers of other craft specialties to hold classes at the store.

“They can really be almost any type of craft,” she said. “If I don’t do it, I find someone who can.”

The Crafty Sister is located at 130 W. Chicago Blvd. in Tecumseh. The store can be reached by email at thecraftysister4@gmail.com, by phone or text at 734- 474-2084, or on Facebook at The Crafty Sister. Typical hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Heidi Aldridge recently opened The Crafty Sister in Tecumseh. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE

IN BRIEF

Rising Team joins with Cornerstone Real Estate

ADRIAN — Cornerstone Real Estate, a boutique real estate firm based in Saline, has a new office in downtown Adrian, located at 105 E. Maumee St. This expansion is marked by the addition of the Rising Team.

The team is led by Jeff Rising, who said: “This partnership will allow us to continue providing our clients with the exceptional service they have come to expect from us, while also giving us access to the resources and support of a larger brokerage. We look forward to this new chapter and the opportunity to focus even more of our time and energy on our clients and their needs.”

The team also includes Heather Marks, Shelly Gutierrez, Elizabeth Rising, and Jasmine Six.

“Their expertise and dedication to the Adrian community make them the ideal partners as we expand our footprint into Lenawee County,” said Jack Brown, co-owner of Cornerstone Real Estate.

Career Connections Job Fair set for March 11 in Adrian

ADRIAN — The Align Center for Workforce Development will host the Career Connections Job Fair on Tuesday, March 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Centre, 1800 West U.S. 223, Adrian.

Career Connections brings together hiring companies in all industries and individuals of all backgrounds and experience levels to fill in-demand positions. Attendees learn about local organizations, employment opportunities, apprenticeships, internships, and career advancement.

Local businesses and nonprofits can sign up for a booth to meet with both job seekers and local high school juniors and seniors exploring careers. Booths cost $45 for businesses, and $30 for nonprofits. Registration is open at aligncareerconnections.rsvpify.com through Feb. 7.

There is no cost for students and job seekers to attend the job fair, and registration is not required.

North Street Pub

from page B1

“Everybody has been incredibly welcoming,” he said.

One thing he’s learned about Morenci, he added, is that “people take a lot of pride in their community here, and everybody really looks out for each other.”

To get people involved in the future of the bar, he ran a contest to decide on its new name. Along with North Street Pub, the options were “The Pub,” “State Line Pub,” “The Bulldog Pub,” and “The Low Places Pub.” Customers got one vote for every drink they bought, and by the time the contest ended a few days before Christmas, more than 3,000 votes had been cast.

The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, wings, salads, and appetizers. Two of the most popular items are “The Pub’s Famous Billy Bones” — fried breadsticks dusted with garlic salt and served with nacho cheese — and “Marsha’s Famous Gizzards.”

Though he doesn’t want to change much, Muzzi has added some things to the pub’s lineup, including rotating weekly food specials. Mondays are Manhattan Mondays, featuring specials on Manhattan

Patina Jewelry and Design brings art and sparkle to Tecumseh

By Kate Mitchell The Lenawee Voice

TECUMSEH — When Jackie Juhasz and Cheyenne Goode opened Patina Jewelry and Design at 110 E. Chicago Blvd. in Tecumseh in 2021, they had a dream: sharing beautiful, unique jewelry with personal customer service to match. Now, more than three years after the pair of longtime friends opened the boutique, they’re living that dream every day.

Juhasz and Goode’s journey to being Lenawee County business owners began years ago when they became friends as college students at Western Michigan University. The pair both had backgrounds in metal smithing and shared passion for jewelry and when they heard the Tecumseh location was up for grabs, they jumped on it.

The result is a one-of-a-kind experience that brings one-of-a-kind pieces to Patina customers.

“We can do traditional jewelry but you can find that anywhere,” Goode said. “We like to showcase a bigger variety. If we’re not creating the pieces for the store, we hand pick more unique and fun items. We do traditional stuff as well but we like things a little different and showy.”

Patina’s offerings feature a variety of gem stones and colors, things with plenty of personality that are more artistically inclined, a reflection of Juhasz and Goode’s shared artistic history.

This take on jewelry in this area is especially meaningful for Juhasz. An Onsted native, she was inspired by her high school art teacher to pursue an art degree. Now, she’s had the chance to thank that teacher for her positive influence.

“It’s been really cool to kind of come full circle,” she said. “That teacher has been in the store several times. It’s so nice to see her and share with her what an inspiration she was to me to follow my dreams.”

This community tie hasn’t been the only thing to make setting up shop in Tecumseh special. While Juhasz and Goode selected the location because of the building and newly available space in

Jan. 4

sandwiches (an open-faced roast beef sandwich) and cocktails. Tuesdays will continue to be Taco Tuesdays. Wednesdays are all about meatballs, and Thursdays are for Reubens.

the local jewelry market, the reception to Patina has been remarkable.

“This is a really special community,” Goode said. “When we opened our doors, we got nothing but love and appreciation and positivity. People were so grateful that we were here so it was really easy to open those doors up. It felt like it was supposed to happen. We never had any doubts while we were doing it, it went really easy. The community has been really embracing of us. We’re always kind of doing those collaborations, we build up other business owners. It does feel like a little community.”

Part of what makes Patina unique isn’t just the jewelry itself or the ties to the community, it’s the experience Juhasz and Goode have created when shopping in their store. From sourcing pieces themselves from artists to working with customers one-on-one, they have crafted an experience that has become harder and harder to find in the digital age.

“One of the main things that we bring to people is service,” Juhasz said. “We listen to exactly what you’re looking for and we bring fresh ideas to the table. Whether we have it in the store or we do

The North Street Pub has karaoke every other Friday and a DJ every other Saturday, starting at 9 p.m. On Wednesdays starting at 7 p.m., entertainment alternates between trivia and Name That Tune.

Another new offering is Civil Servant Appreciation Day on Sundays. “It’s for all the people who work hard and are underpaid to make sure we’re provided for,” Muzzi said. That includes police officers, firefighters, teachers, mail carriers, and municipal workers.

“They’re vastly underappreciated,” he said.

By taking over the pub now, Muzzi is four years ahead of the timeline he had set out for himself.

“My goal was to do this by the time I was 45, and I’m 41,” he said.

And this Detroit native couldn’t be happier to have landed at this small pub on the southernmost edge of Michigan.

“It is very much the quintessential small-town watering hole, which is exactly what I was looking for,” he said.

The North Street Pub’s hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. More information is available on Facebook at facebook.com/NorthStreetPubMorenci or by calling 517-458-6469.

a one of a kind custom piece, there are a few ways we can go about it.”

This focus on service has led to a special bond between the folks at Patina and their clients.

“We create a personal shopping experience,” Goode said. “we know what they like, what their spouses like, what their interests are. Over time, we get to know their jewelry as well as what they want and we build those relationships.”

In the more than three year’s they’ve been open, they’ve had the opportunity to not just foster relationships but be a part of customers’ personal histories.

“Some of our first rings when we opened were engagement rings,” Goode said. “We start with the engagement ring with the groom. Then we meet the bride, then we do their wedding bands and then anniversary gifts and valentines gifts. We have a really close relationship with a lot of our customers.”

These relationships are priceless, especially as Patina does work like restoring family heirloom jewelry or repairing existing pieces — work that is done in house by their expert craftspeople.

“We restore family pieces and that is very special,” Juhasz said. “We had one ring that survived a house fire and we took the diamond out. It was badly chipped so we sent it to diamond cutter, we recut diamond and it ended up so beautiful. We set it back into the mounting and the customer wears it all the time now.”

Patina also always offers free ring cleaning for anyone who stops in, whether they’re looking for a new piece of jewelry or not.

But, with the artistic pieces and excellent customer service on offer, Juhasz and Goode are confident that a stop by the store will turn anyone into a fan.

“The jewelry industry is always changing,” Goode said. “With online shopping and all, a lot of places have lost that personal touch but that’s always a thing we keep in mind. If you haven’t come in before, come by, get your ring cleaned and find out how wonderful we are!”

A brief history of the Pub

It’s likely no one alive today remembers the Pub building as anything but a tavern, but there’s more to its history than that. In 1914, a bakery was selling fresh bread to customers, with a drug store/grocery and a pool hall to the north.

By the early 1920s, a motion picture theatre had moved in, first known as the Temple and later the Princess. The theatre closed in 1929, but not before serving as Morenci’s first “talkie” movie house. Around the corner at the Gem (later the Rex), a piano player or small orchestra still accompanied the silent films.

By 1938 the North Tavern was in operation, owned by Ed Hodge who remained in charge for 38 years. Dewey Bright from Clayton was the next owner and he changed the name to the Pace Inn. Gary and Burt Valentine took over in 1980, selling to John and Carol Parker in 1987. That’s when the business became known as the Pub. R.D. and Marcia Pierce took over in 1993 followed by Lucas and Leslie Place in 2018 with Flats Pub.

— David Green

Jackie Juhasz and Cheyene Goode are the owners of Patina Jewelry and Design.

A

ribbon cutting at the North Street Pub was a family affair, with many of owner Tony Muzzi’s relatives traveling to Morenci to attend. Here, Muzzi’s grandmother, Bernie Ickes, prepares to cut the ribbon.

Public invited to schedule tours of Align Center site

ADRIAN — A former church on the east side of Adrian, will soon become the new Align Center for Workforce Development.

The former Restore World Church — which before that was St. John’s Lutheran School — was purchased in 2024 and is being renovated to serve as the Align Center’s physical hub.

The Align Center is inviting members of the public to schedule tours if they are interested in learning more about the project.

Most recently, representatives from the Boys & Girls Club, ProMedica’s Ebeid Neighborhood Promise, and Legacy Barber College toured both levels of the facility.

Randy Yagiela, director of development for Lenawee Now, was the tour guide that morning. He told the group that the design of the building reflects the center’s mission to create a welcoming, accessible environment for all residents. The renovation includes training rooms, event

spaces, offices for partner organizations, and a daycare facility to support adult students attending classes.

A key feature of the building, he added, is the “friendly front porch,” designed to make the center feel approachable and inviting. The Align Center seeks to create a creative and positive atmosphere, one that encourages residents to seek help and engage with the services offered.

The Align Center is on track to open its doors in May. In the meantime, the Align project team is working closely with community stakeholders, including business owners, church leaders, and volunteers from organizations such as Hispanics for Lenawee Alliance (HOLA). These stakeholders are actively involved in the planning process.

The general contractor is Krieghoff Lenawee.

For more information or to schedule a tour, contact the Align Center’s interim director, H. Ron Griffith, at 517-270-4580.

Representatives of the Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee, ProMedica Ebeid Neighborhood Promise, and Legacy Barber College are pictured during a recent tour of the Align Center.

SHU adds programs for adults seeking job skills

ADRIAN — Siena Heights University has announced the launch of two options for adult learners: micro-credentials and professional development. The purpose of these offerings is to meet key employment needs and further career opportunities in the greater Lenawee area and beyond with accessible and affordable education.

Using a fully online platform, adults can complete short-term credential and certificate programs. This can help people accomplish a career change, achieve a promotion, or simply continue being competitive in their field.

The demand for workers in IT, healthcare, and data science is especially strong, the university stated in a news release.

“We’re excited to get students of any age ready for the 21st-century career landscape,” said Gina Rossetti, provost and vice president of academic affairs. “These learning opportunities are offered at a time and pace that meets the needs of their busy lives.”

More information is available online at sienaheights.edu/workforcedevelopment.

Launch Lenawee provides options for retiring business owners

ADRIAN — Launch Lenawee offers a program to help line up successors for local business owners looking to retire. When business owners retire and can’t find a buyer, it not only leaves value, it leaves the community without that business.

The program is called Red Tire, which is a play on the words “Redefine Your Retirement” and it started at the University of Kansas School of Business in 2012 in response to the anticipated mass retirement of Baby Boomer business owners.

The program is seeking entrepreneurs interested in owning a business after a mentorship period and partnership with the current business owner. It also seeks business owners who are looking for an exit to their business.

“Too many times, business owners who don’t have someone to leave their business to end up closing up shop, which leaves a gap in the community,” said Sheila Blair, director of Launch Lenawee. “The business they are closing has a value. The reputation, brand, existing client list all have value and business owners are missing out on capturing that value when they just close their doors. In other words, they are leaving money on the table.”

The program offers confidentiality during the process.

For information, call 734-674-2246 or email sheila.armory@gmail.com.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Mental health practice marks 35th anniversary

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — A mental-health practice founded 35 years ago to meet a need for substance abuse treatment in Lenawee County has grown into a practice that works with people on a full range of mental-health needs and includes a residential treatment program in Hillsdale County.

Roy Vargas and Gary McCullough opened what today is known as MVA Behavioral Health Services (McCullough, Vargas and Associates) in January 1990. At first, since both men had practices elsewhere, the Adrian location was only part-time for them. But over the years, MVA grew into a full-time commitment for them, and by the mid-2000s the pair had opened the residential program in Jonesville as well.

Today, MVA, located at 770 Riverside Ave., Suite 11, Adrian, is owned and operated by the husband-and-wife couple of Ryan and Melissa Vargas, with Melissa serving as executive director and clinical director and Ryan as executive vice president. Both are licensed master’slevel social workers.

MVA offers many different behavioral health services including individual and group therapy; peer recovery coaching; a driver’s intervention program for first-time drunk driving offenders; a Lunchbox Engagement Group, taking place Thursdays at noon, where people in recovery can gather and talk over lunch once a week; womens’ specialty services designed to help solve issues faced by women who are at risk of losing their children; and more.

The residential treatment facility in Jonesville, called Hope House, can house nine women and 12 men. Non-binary persons can choose which parts of each program are the best fit for them.

The Vargases said they want people to know that mental health help is available, no matter what the issue or ability to pay. “There’s no need that’s too small, that can’t be addressed,” Ryan said.

MVA currently accepts Medicaid and Blue Cross-Blue Shield and is working to add other insurances, and has a sliding scale for other clients. “We’re not going to turn someone away just because they can’t pay,” Melissa said.

The practice is involved in the local community in many ways, including helping sponsor the E-Race Stigma 5K and Lenawee Pride as well as having a presence at community events such as Art-A-Licious and Day of Hope. “We care about the community and we want to do what we can,” Ryan said.

As MVA celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, the Vargases are expanding their mental health services by, for example, rolling out a relatively new treatment called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitizing and Reprocessing) for people with post-traumatic stress disorder. They also want to have more group availability this year and plan to add a blog dealing with recovery issues on the practice’s Website.

The couple is also working on opening a local residential substance abuse treatment facility so that Lenawee County residents can get help closer to home.

While there’s currently no timeframe for opening this new facility, the Vargases hope to do so within a year.

The Jonesville facility is a highintensity one involving 40 hours per

week of structured services, half of it involving therapy and the other half focused on life skills such as cooking classes or resume-building. The planned Lenawee County facility would be lowintensity, with fewer hours of service per week, to meet the needs of a different set of people.

“We’re always looking at how to have a full continuum of care,” Ryan said.

One thing the couple wants any potential client to know is that MVA is a welcoming place.

“We have an unconditional positive regard for people,” Melissa said. “We are open and inclusive, and all are welcome.”

“We believe in welcoming people where they’re at,” Ryan added. “We’re all here to help people and we have a great team.”

Besides the Vargases, the staff consists of masters’ degree level social workers and therapists along with peer recovery coaches. MVA also has interns from a

number of colleges and universities, and has hired quite a few of them after their schooling is complete.

The diverse clinical team includes some people who, as Melissa put it, “have been there,” having worked through the same sorts of issues their clients are facing.

“That can be really impactful,” she said, and when clients have a therapist who knows what it’s like to deal with the same thing, it helps remove a barrier.

“I think that makes us really relatable, and it reduces that stigma,” she said.

No matter what the issue is that clients come to MVA with, they can know, Melissa said, “that they’re not alone in their journeys, that others have gone through it and have come out on the other side.”

MVA’s office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Evening appointments are available upon request. The practice can be reached at 517-264-2244 or via its website, www.mvabhs.com.

Ryan and Melissa Vargas own and operate MVA Behavioral Health Services. The practice, located in Adrian, marks its 35th anniversary this year.

Focus on your heart

February is the perfect time to focus on our hearts, reflecting on strategies and lifestyle changes that promote cardiovascular health while emphasizing the role of social connections and mental well-being in supporting overall heart health.

Managing chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol with regular medical checkups and prescribed medications is a critical factor in maintaining good heart health. Show love for yourself and those who care about you by keeping up with medical appointments and refilling prescriptions on time.

CARI REBOTTARO

Social connections play a vital role in heart health, particularly for seniors. Staying connected with friends, family, and community can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are linked to increased risks of high blood pressure, inflammation, and heart disease. Make your heart happy by sharing a meal, attending an activity, enjoying a performance, or simply having a conversation with someone you care about.

Lifestyle strategies are equally impactful. Staying physically active with age-appropriate exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga can significantly benefit heart health. Walking or following a recorded fitness program at home offers a simple way to stay active. Many choose group exercises at local fitness centers like the YMCA, The Centre, or places like Planet Fitness. For those over 60, senior centers provide a variety of physical activity opportunities. To find a schedule of events, visit www.lenaweeseniors.org.

Keeping stress levels in check through mindfulness, relaxation techniques, or enjoyable hobbies also contributes to heart happiness. Deep breathing and meditation can help calm the mind, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress hormones — even a few minutes daily can make a difference. Reconnecting with hobbies you once loved or exploring new ones can also provide stress relief and joy. Lifelong Learning offers classes that introduce older adults to new and old interests; visit lenaweelifelonglearning.wordpress.com to learn more.

Meaningful relationships provide emotional support, which helps seniors cope with stress — a known contributor to heart problems. Joining clubs, volunteering, or engaging in regular conversations can boost mood and foster a sense of belonging. Lenawee County thrives on volunteer contributions. To explore some of the great opportunities available visit lenaweecommunityfoundation.com.

Taking care of your heart goes beyond health metrics — it’s about living a life filled with activity, connection, and joy. Small, consistent efforts to stay active, manage stress, nurture relationships, and prioritize medical care can lead to a healthier, happier future. Let’s commit to making heart health a priority this February — and every month — because a happy heart leads to a vibrant life.

Rebottaro

Cari

is director of the Lenawee County Department on Aging.

IN MEMORY

We regret that space does not allow us to print detailed obituaries. These listings are intended as a guide to the obituaries that may be found on local funeral homes’ websites. When available, brief biographical information is provided to aid the reader in determining if they knew the deceased. To view complete information, please refer to this key:

[AM] Anderson-Marry Funeral Homes, andersonfuneralservices.com

[BVH] Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home, brownvanhemert.com

[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

Larry Wilson Stephens, 76, of Adrian died on Dec. 8. A 1966 graduate of Adrian High School, he attended Northwest Alabama Junior College and Ferris State University. He served in the Army at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, then worked as a registered sanitarian beginning in 1975, eventually becoming director of the Lenawee County Health Department until his retirement. [PA]

Sheri Lynn (Wild) Cantu, 68, of Adrian died on Dec. 11. She was a 1976 graduate of Adrian High School. She worked as a machine operator at Bohn Aluminum in Adrian for several years. [PS]

Donald “Donny” W. Lolley, 59, of Adrian died on Dec. 12. He was a 1985 graduate of Madison High School. He worked for General Motors at Delphi in Adrian and Toledo Powertrain for 20 years. He also served on the Palmyra Township Fire Department. He enjoyed volunteering at the Lenawee Humane Society. [PA]

Thomas Lee Knight, 53, of Clinton died on Dec. 13. [PA]

Jeanette Elaine Stapish, 85, of Brooklyn died on Dec. 13. She was a registered nurse, earning her degree from Harper University Hospital. She worked at Henry Ford Fairlane as a scrub nurse until her retirement. [E]

Sister Joan Weitz, OP, 91, of Adrian, formerly Sister Marie Leon, died on Dec. 13. She was in the 72nd year of her profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. A native of Lancaster, New York, she was an educator in Michigan and New York for 48 years. She later served as a volunteer at the Dominican Literacy Center in Detroit. [ADS]

Clyde Marion Dickerson Jr., 87, of Adrian died on Dec. 14. He served in the Air Force from 1957-1963, acting as a communication center specialist during the Vietnam War. He was active in the Church of God until it closed, then became a member of the Adrian First Church of the Nazarene where he sang in the choir, served on the church board, and was instrumental in helping to build the current church building. [W]

Sister Margaret Mary “Marg” Heinz, OP, 97, of Adrian died on Dec. 14. Formerly Sister Richard Mary, she was in her 78th year of profession as an Adrian Dominican Sister. She was a native of Chicago. She ministered in education for 22 years in Michigan and Illinois and then became a member of the congregation’s Formation Team as pre-admissions director. She later served for 21 years as director of pastoral care at Ravenswood Hospital in Chicago. [ADS]

Elvie Atkinson, 81, of Adrian died on Dec. 16. She served as a nursing assistant for 15 years at the Evangelical Home in Saline. She was a member of the Tecumseh Church of God. [H]

Judy Carolyn Bauer, 82, of Onsted died on Dec. 16. She was the manager of the Brooklyn Village Laundromat and then the Brite-N-Clean Laundromat for over 25 years. She was a past president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and enjoyed going to the local Big Boy restaurants. [E]

Lucille Elizabeth (Forche) Johns, 104, of Deerfield died on Dec. 16. She was a 1938 graduate of Blissfield High School and attended the Riggs School of Beauty. She helped manage Johns Automatic Vending for 15 years and worked at J.C. Penney in Adrian for 13 years. After retirement she and her husband relocated to Florida. [AM]

Jane Mariouw, 73, of Adrian died on Dec. 16. She was born in Indonesia and immigrated to the U.S. from the Netherlands when she was 5 years old. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan and worked as a graphic artist. She moved to Adrian in 2012. [AM]

Dori Lee Snow, 63, of Tecumseh died on Dec. 16. She was a registered nurse for 40 years, serving the last 34 years in the acute care area at St. Joseph Hospital in Ann Arbor. Her final act was donating her organs, saving the lives of three other people. [H]

David Lee Williams, 88, of Tipton died on Dec. 16. He worked for the city of Tecumseh for 42 years, working his way up to street superintendent. He was also a lifelong farmer and was in partnership with his son Brad (Williams Farms) for many years. He attended Gateway Community Church in Onsted. [AM]

Rosemarie Montalvo, 85, of Britton died on Dec. 17. She worked as a custodian for Britton Macon Area Schools. [H]

Janice Sue Scroggins, 84, of Adrian died on Dec. 17. She was a graduate of Adrian High School and later worked for Buckeye Products for many years. She retired from General Motors. [W]

Joyce Fay St. Amour, 81, of Addison died on Dec. 17. She worked as head cook at the Ann Arbor VA Hospital. She was a member of Loomis Park Baptist Church in Jackson and was also part of Berean Baptist and Manitou Baptist Church. She and her husband helped build the Gospel Light Baptist Church in South Carolina. [BVH]

Patricia Elaine (Smoke) Bates McWilliams, 94, of Tecumseh died on Dec. 18. She worked in the Register of Deeds office, retiring in 1992. She was appointed to the Lenawee Department of Human Services and Medical Care boards, where she served for 23 years. She was a member of the Grace Methodist Church of Britton and was active in Underwood Orr #34 Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary. [PS]

Teddy “Joe” Cornett, 72, of Belleville died on Dec. 18. He worked as a maintenance mechanic at the University of Michigan for 23 years, retiring in 2013. He attended Tecumseh Church of Christ and Ypsilanti Missionary Baptist Church. He coached a high school baseball team to a championship. [H]

Donald “Doc” A. Forche, 80, of Blissfield died on Dec. 18. He was a 1962 graduate of Deerfield High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1965-67. He was a lifelong farmer and retired from General Motors Hydromatic in Toledo after 40 years. [W]

Eric Fritz Schirmacher, 73, of Brooklyn died on Dec. 18. He was a 1969 graduate of Brooklyn High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Spring Arbor University. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. [E]

David Michael Bird, 78, of Cement City died on Dec. 19. He was a graduate of Tecumseh High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked as a tooling engineer, retiring from Textron in 2012. [AM]

Gary Lee Easton, 74, of Tecumseh died on Dec. 19. He was a graduate of Tecumseh High School and Michigan State University. He retired in 2007 from the state of Michigan, having worked at Jackson State Prison as an environmental compliance inspector. He was a member of Covenant Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Tecumseh. He served on the Tecumseh school board and Lenawee County Fair board, and was involved in 4-H and Tecumseh Masons. He helped found Tecumseh’s Little League program. [AM]

Austin James Henry, 27, of Saline died on Dec. 19. He was born in Tecumseh. He attended school in Saline and later took pride in becoming a Mason. [PS]

Richard “Rick” Kirk Schuette, 66, of died on Dec. 19. He was a 1977 graduate of Columbia Central High School. He served in the U.S. Navy, then built a successful career

at Ford Motor Company. He was a member of the American Legion Wilbur-Bartlett Post #315 in Brooklyn. [E]

David Robert McKinstry, 79, of Adrian died on Dec. 20. He earned a master’s degree in Divinity from the Methodist Theological School of Ohio and served in ministry for 31 years. His final church before retirement was Tecumseh United Methodist Church, where he served for 11 years. He was co-dean of the computer camp at the Lake Huron United Methodist Church Camp and most recently was a member of First United Methodist Church in Adrian. [H]

Sandra M. Porter, 90, of Adrian died on Dec. 20. She was a member of the Zion United Brethren Church and was active in the Adrian Senior Center and the Red Hat Society. [AM]

Dale Allen Schmidt, 65, of Waldron died on Dec. 20 at Toledo Hospital. [PA]

Ronald Lee Walker Sr., 67, of Adrian died on Dec. 20. He was employed at Inteva Products in Adrian. He enjoyed bowling and spending time with his family. [PA]

Elena Gonzales Keyzer-Andre, 87, of Clinton died on Dec. 21. She held a master’s degree in Pharmacy and worked for 39 years as a medical technologist at various hospitals before retiring in 2002. She attended St. Dominic Catholic Church for many years. [H]

Victoria “Vicky” Jean Torres, 69, of Adrian died on Dec. 21. She was a graduate of Adrian High School. [AM]

Richard (Rick) Allan Brockway, 74, of Sand Creek died on Dec. 22. He attended Sand Creek schools. He worked for 20 years as a service technician and installer for AAA Appliances in Tampa. [PA]

Theodore “Ted” Wayne Burk, 84, of Morenci died on Dec. 22. He worked several years at Parker Rust Proofing in Morenci, served a short time as a Lenawee County sheriff’s deputy, and drove trucks for the majority of his career. [AM]

Ethel Marie (Miller) Cook, 92, of Adrian died on Dec. 22. She was a 1950 graduate of Adrian High School. She was an active member of Bethany Assembly of God for 72 years, and taught third grade for 50 years. [AM]

John Theodore Sisson, 95, of Tecumseh died on Dec. 22. He served in the Navy at the end of World War II and was employed for over 20 years at Hayden Flour Mill in Tecumseh. He and his wife owned the Sand Trap Driving Range near Tecumseh. He was a lifelong member of Tecumseh VFW Post #4187. [PS]

Dolores Joan Boldon, 101, of Brooklyn died on Dec. 23. She was a 1941 graduate of Brooklyn High School and earned an associate degree in business from the former Cleary College in Ypsilanti. She helped her parents run their family’s grocery store in Tecumseh until it closed, then worked for over 20 years as a clerk at the Tecumseh Post Office. She was a member of the Brooklyn American Legion Wilber-Bartlett Post 315 Auxiliary and belonged to a bowling league in Brooklyn for many years. [AM]

Wanda “Lee” Horton, 99, of Tecumseh died on Dec. 23. She lived in Tecumseh most of her life and owned and operated a beauty shop in Tecumseh. She later worked for Ford Motor Company in Saline for 25 years, retiring in 1987. She was a life member of Herrick Hospital Auxiliary and the UAW 892 retirees. [H]

Garry Lloyd Morris, 74, of Clayton died on Dec. 23. He was a 1968 graduate of Adrian High School. He was a heavy equipment mechanic and worked at Delphi in Adrian for over 25 years. After retiring from Delphi he worked at the Lenawee County Club working on golf carts, leaf blowers, lawn mowers and anything else that needed his attention. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Eagles, and American Legion. [W]

Carole Lee Langham, 82, of Tecumseh died on Dec. 24. She was a hard worker and a fierce protector of those close to her. She loved attending craft shows. [E]

Charles “Chuck” Randall, 78, of Hudson died on Dec. 24. A 1963 graduate of Brooklyn High School, he worked at Metalloy Diecast for 17 years, then followed his passion for culinary arts and became the cook at the Brass Lantern. After obtaining a culinary degree he worked as food service supervisor at Gus Harrison Correctional Facility for over 20 years. He worked as a security guard at Michigan International Speedway and the Lenawee County Courthouse. He also enjoyed playing Bingo at the American Legion. [BVH]

Spencer J. Rozek, 58, of Adrian died on Dec. 24. He was a 1984 graduate of Adrian High School. He worked as a truck driver for L.A. Bexten Inc., and had previously worked for the city of Adrian. [OBERLIN-TURNBULL]

David Walter Stoll, 77, of Pittsford died on Dec. 24. After graduating from high school he began working as a machinist for Clark Equipment. When that company moved out of state, he became a school bus driver for Pittsford Area Schools. [AM]

Thaddeus “Ted” Forgiel, 96, of Deerfield died on Dec. 25. He and his wife owned and operated Ted’s Market in Detroit for 30 years, after which they retired to Deerfield. He was a member of Light of Christ Parish in Deerfield, the American Legion Post #392 in Deerfield, and VFW Post #6896. [W]

Kelly Julia Hernandez, 53, of Addison died on Dec. 25. She was a supporter of her children’s sporting events and loved the Clinton school district. She loved showing dogs and had a number of championship Akitas. [H]

John P. Johnson, 75, of Adrian died on Dec. 25. After graduating from Caro High School he completed his education at Adrian College. He was a social worker in both Michigan and Florida, specializing in children’s services. He also worked at selling cars and as a personal trainer at the Christian Family Centre. He was a member of Adrian First Church of the Nazarene where he served as minister of music. [W]

Raul Ray Burciaga, 64, of Adrian died on Dec. 26. He was a graduate of Adrian High School. He wore many hats which included being a pastor, a special education teacher, disc jockey, nurse’s aide, and a Dial-a-Ride driver in Lenawee County. [PA]

Rosemary Gagneur, 89, of Tecumseh died on Dec. 26. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Cathollic Church in Wayne. She was a longtime employee and volunteer at the former Saline Community Hospital. [PS]

Maria (Mary) L.G. Miller, 74, of Adrian died on Dec. 26. She worked as a seamstress for many years until retirement. She was very artistic, often creating horror themed ceramics, dolls and other comical compilations of pictures. [AM]

William “Bill” Howard Seelye, 64, of Manitou Beach died on Dec. 26. He was a lifelong mechanic. He enjoyed farming and driving trucks. He also enjoyed restoring antique tractors and taking them to tractor shows. He attended Life Song Church in Osseo. [BVH]

John William Sharp, 72, of Tecumseh died on Dec. 26. He served in the Air Force as a crew chief on B-52s in Vietnam from 197074. He worked for American International Airway (Kalitta Air). He was honored with the Air Medal Award from the U.S. Air Force for meritorious achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight as an American International Airways crew member during the activation of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. [H]

Brenda Kay Russell, 74, of Adrian died on Dec. 27. She was a 1968 graduate of Madison High School and attended Siena Heights University. She worked for the Dollar General franchise for over 15 years and was most recently the assistant manager of the North Main location in Adrian. [W]

Jose Maria “Joe” Bill, 72, of Sand Creek died on Dec. 28. He previously worked for Ford Motor Company as well as the former Boysville of Michigan, and was a selfemployed carpenter and sheep shearer. He was a parishioner of Holy Family Parish, St. Mary Campus. [AM]

Sylviane Butler, 77, of Tecumseh died on Dec. 28. She retired from Tecumseh Products. Her most memorable and proudest moment was when she became a U.S. citizen on Feb. 26, 1988. [PS]

Cynthia Ann Tarris, 74, of Adrian died on Dec. 28. She was a licensed practical nurse and worked in various units at Bixby Hospital. In 1987, inspired by the care her daughter received from Hospice, she became part of Hospice of Lenawee, where she helped care for hundreds of patients. She later worked as part of the medical staff at the Dominican Life Center until her retirement in 2012. She attended First United Methodist Church in Adrian. [AM]

Olga Walz, 90, of Brooklyn died on Dec. 28. She lived on a lake and enjoyed being outdoors and fishing. [E]

IN MEMORY

John Wayne Carpenter, 63, of Hudson died on Dec. 29. He worked as a laborer in several different industries, but he had a fondness for working in the wood and lumber industry. [AM]

Randall Lee Parkhurst, 65, of Manitou Beach died on Dec. 29. He owned and operated Randy’s Lawn Care, retiring in 2024. [BVH]

Ygnacio Ramonez Jr., 65, of Adrian died on Dec. 29. He worked as a truck driver for Modern Waste and attended Restore World Church. [AM]

Mable Pearl (Burger) Schulte, 94, of Hudson died on Dec. 29. She was a graduate of Hudson High School. She devoted 25 years to the Homer Donaldson Company as a machine operator, retiring in 1994. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Hudson. [BVH]

Betty J. Fretwell, 91, of Hudson died on Dec. 30. She worked at Wacker Silicone for 20 years as an assistant chemist. She was very artistic and taught painting classes at her home. [W]

Dale Walter Lane, 86, of Tecumseh died on Dec. 30. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. He was active in his church as Head Elder and Elder Emeritus, and taught Sabbath School to the early teens group for many years. He was chairman of the Tecumseh Seventh Day Adventist Church school board for 17 years and also served as vice principal of Lenawee Vo-Tech for 37 years. [PS]

Nora J. Morgan, 86, of Adrian died on Dec. 30. She worked at Muir’s Drugstore and Kline’s Department Store and was a teacher’s aide for Madison schools. She was active at the Palmyra Presbyterian Church and volunteered for the American Red Cross blood drive. [W]

Susan Marie Penn, 68, of Adrian died on Dec. 30. She was a native of Trenton and attended Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Tecumseh. [AM]

Joseph Paul “JP” Boothe, 78, of Adrian died on Dec. 31. He will be interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery. [PA]

Kenneth Jon Donaldson, 85, of Hudson died on Dec. 31. He served in the Marines Corps from 1959 to 1962 and was a corrections officer with the state of Michigan for 28 years, retiring in 2008. He was an owner of Pirates Cove in Addison from 1992 to 2012. [BVH]

Willis “Willie” LeRoy Smith , 92, of Riga died on Dec. 31. He served in the U.S. Army’s 21st Infantry Division in the Korean War. He and his wife owned Central Distributors in Toledo for over 40 years. He was a longtime member of Sylvania United Church of Christ and served as the moderator at Central Park Congregational Church. He was a member of the Sylvania Moose Lodge, the VFW, the American Legion (Joseph W. Diehn Post 468) and the Ottawa Lake Sportsman’s Club. [W]

Robert Michael Bishop, 71, of North Carolina, formerly of Adrian died on Jan. 1. He was a graduate of Adrian High School. He served in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear power technician and attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3.

Dan Patrick Boylan, 73, of Brooklyn died on Jan. 1. He was a 1970 graduate of Blissfield High School and attended Western Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University. He was a member of the Local 85 Boilermakers, retiring after more than 20 years of service. He was also a partner with his brother, David, in Boylan Builders. He was a member of the Jackson Summit Church of God. [E]

Marie Dorothy Brady, 94, of Tecumseh died on Jan. 1. She was born on the family farm near Pittsford and moved to Tecumseh in the 1950s, living in the same house for over 70 years. She and her husband enjoyed camping and festivals featuring country and gospel music. [PS]

Constance “Connie” Bridge, 88, of Jackson died on Jan. 1. She served 35 years as a Salvation Army officer. In 2001 she retired to Tecumseh. [W]

Michael Allen “Mike” Shaffer, 55, of Morenci died on Jan. 1. He was a 1988 graduate of Morenci High School and obtained an associate degree in tool-and-die from Northwest State Community College. For the past 18 years he was employed as a machinist for Rapid Machines in Pioneer, Ohio. He was an a former member of the Morenci Sportsman Club and a member of Medina Federated Church. [AM]

David Joe Stout, 78, of Brooklyn died on Jan. 1. He served in the Air National Guard. He was an avid boater and a member of the Toledo Yacht Club. [E]

Paul Francis Wiesman, 61, of Jackson died on Jan. 1. He grew up on Devils Lake and was a 1982 graduate of Adrian High School. He sold cars for several dealers before starting a boutique service agency. In 1990 he purchased an ice cream store in Jackson, Dairy Delight 1, and then opened Dairy Delight 2. He worked in real estate in Lenawee County before moving to Florida in 2002. [W]

Troy Andrew Gibbs, 54, of Britton died on Jan. 3. He was a longtime employee of Fingerle Lumber in Ann Arbor until their closing. He then started a new career as a CNA, working at nursing homes in Lenawee County. [PS]

Francene “Fran” Pohl, 74, of Sierra Vista, Arizona, formerly of Adrian, died on Jan. 3. She graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. She and her husband owned and operated Globetrotter Travel.

Nancy S. Atwell, 65, of Manitou Beach died on Jan. 4. She was a 1977 graduate of Onsted High School and later received training to become a nurse’s aide. She worked for many years at Provincial House and Lenawee Medical Care Facility. She was a member of West Rome Baptist Church. [W]

James L. Chatfield, 77, of Adrian died on Jan. 4. He was a 1965 graduate of Addison High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army. [PS]

Nathaniel James Fether, 36, of Pittsford died on Jan. 4. He was a lifelong Pittsford resident and owner of Fether Hardwoods. He worked on the family dairy farm and also for his grandparents at Pittsford Grain. He was known for his integrity and work ethic, along with his passion for sustainable logging and farming. [AM]

Patrick Henry Hinde, 77, of Blissfield died on Jan. 4. He started his career at

Toledo Scale and later founded Hinde Accounting. In addition to his accounting career, he was an insurance agent with Farm Bureau Insurance for 35 years. He and his partner, Patty, were the owners of the Frosty Boy and Home Run Pizza in Blissfield. He served on the Blissfield Township Fire Department and as Blissfield village president. He coached Little League and high school football. [AM]

Deanne Jane (French) Krohn, 78, died on Jan. 4. After high school graduation she worked at Hydro until they closed. She then worked for Friends Who Care for the last 13 years as a home health aide. She was a member of St. Matthew’s Church. [AM]

Douglas P. Meredith, 61, of Hudson died on Jan. 5. He was a longtime busboy at the Lenawee Country Club. He previously attended the LISD Porter Center and was an active member of the Hope Community Center in Adrian. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He played basketball at the Hope Center and competed in swimming and bowling in the Special Olympics. [AM]

Paul Merton Barber, 82, of Adrian died on Jan. 6. He was a veteran of the Air National Guard and could make a diesel generator “hum like a symphony.” He put those talents to work with his father-in-law at Industrial Electric before founding his own electrical contracting company, Service Electric, both affiliated with IBEW Local 8. He attended First United Methodist Church of Adrian. [AM]

Marcene Ione Zick, 93, of Clinton died on Jan. 6. She was an active member of Clinton United Church of Christ for over 70 years. She was also a member of Eastern Star and loved helping with the Red Cross. She enjoyed going on excursions with Ollie’s Group Tours and Bus Trips. [H]

Alexander Charles Balys, 48, of Brooklyn died on Jan. 7. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to fish. He was a private person and enjoyed spending time walking his dog. He worked in construction for many years and will be remembered as a loving brother and friend. [E]

Jacqueline Smith, 93, of Brooklyn died on Jan. 7. She worked as the dairy department manager at A&P supermarket until her retirement in 1982. She was a member of the Baptist community. [AM]

Kevin Gerard Foss, 67, of Fremont, Indiana, formerly of Morenci, died on Jan. 8. [AM]

Sister Mary Alice Naour, OP, 91, of Adrian died on Jan. 9. Formerly Sister Francis Alice Naour, she was in her 73rd year of profession in the Adrian Dominican congregation. She was born in Detroit. After profession, she ministered in elementary and secondary music education for 33 years in Michigan, Illinois, and Nevada. She also served in pastoral care in Detroit and ministered at the Dominican Motherhouse for many years as activities assistant in the Liturgical Ministries Department. [ADS]

Barbara Ann Reams, 83, of Tecumseh died on Jan. 9. She previously lived in South Carolina, moving to Tecumseh in 2010 to be with family. [PA]

Jay G. Tressler, 94, of Tecumseh died on Jan. 9. He was a 1948 graduate of Tecumseh High School. He entered the Air Force in 1950, did three tours in the Pentagon and was involved in the Korean and Vietnam

wars. He retired from the Air Force as a Major after a 25 year career. He earned a law degree from the University of Toledo in 1983 and ran his own law firm until his retirement in 2011. [H]

Douglas Earl Maitland, 66, of Brooklyn died on Jan. 11. He was a 1976 graduate of Hanover Horton schools. He was an active member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Jackson. [E]

Carole Nancy Menges, 81, of Adrian died on Jan. 11. She grew up in the Brooklyn area. She attended Jackson Community College and Ferris State College. She worked in nursery schools and day cares for most of her life. She also worked at The Pharm, Doug & Ted’s Foodland, and the Salvation Army, and volunteered at many elementary schools. She was a foster grandparent and attended Freedom Christian Fellowship. [PS]

Dorothy Ann Rickaby, 90, of Adrian died on Jan. 11. She graduated from Adrian High School. She worked 38 years for First American Title-Burton Abstract Division, where she was assistant vice president and Lenawee County branch manager, retiring in 2003. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, an affiliate member of the Lenawee County Association of Realtors, and a former member of the Business and Professional Women’s Group. [AM]

Thomas H. Barker, 81, of Adrian died on Jan. 12. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1961 to 1965 and was awarded a Purple Heart while serving in Vietnam. He was a supervisor at Hill Manufacturing in Wauseon for 22 years. Before that he worked 20 years for Budd Company in Clinton. [AM]

Timothy Wayne “Bucket” Cagle, 60, of Adrian died on Jan. 12. He was a 1982 graduate of Sand Creek High School. He began his career working at A&L Auto Parts and moved on to driving truck and repairs with Gentner Trucking, Redi-Mix, and the Michigan Department of Transportation. He played with the bands Gun Shy and Back Roads. In 2015 he co-founded the charity “Kookin’ for Kids Lenawee County,” which has raised more than $275,000 for Christmas gifts over the past nine years. [W]

Mary Frances Dixon, 65, of died on Jan. 12. She attended Clinton High School and graduated from Adrian High School. She worked at various restaurants, including the Bauer Manor, and also at several factories, including Fayette Tubular. [PA]

George Arlan Fletcher, 84, of Clinton died on Jan. 12. He moved to Clinton from Oregon in 1966. He was a Navy veteran, serving as a Seabee. He was a heavy equipment operator his entire working life and at the end of his career he owned his own business. [PS]

Zelda L. Brackenbury, 67, of Brooklyn, a native of Adrian, died on Jan. 13. [PA]

Mary A. Emch, 81,of Blissfield died on Jan. 13. Most of her career was spent as owner/operator of Wayside General Store in Sylvania Township. She spent over 20 years volunteering for Hospice of Lenawee and also worked at Lake Park Nursing Home in Sylvania. [AM]

James Milton Frye, 84, of Napoleon Twp died on Jan. 13. He served in Marines from 1958 to 1962. He worked at Kent Moore until his retirement in 1996. He was a member of the American Legion Wilber-Bartlett Post #315 in Brooklyn. [E]

IN MEMORY

Richard Russell Sayler, 93, of Tecumseh died on Jan. 13. He worked at Tecumseh Products as a line worker. He was attended Clinton United Methodist Church. He was a a member of the Classic Thunderbird Club of America and the Chevy Club. [H]

Roger Alan Yarhouse, 90, of Tecumseh died on Jan. 13. He was a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and obtained his master’s degree from Santa Clara University. He worked in sales for the refrigeration division of Tecumseh Products. He was a member of Grace Point Evangelical Free Church and served on the board of elders for many years. [H]

Maria Luisa Gonzalez, 82, of Adrian died on Jan. 14. She was a graduate of Adrian High School and Siena Heights College. After graduation she was elected as the first Hispanic member of the Lenawee County Commission. During her time as a county commissioner, she applied for a fellowship with the Congressional Spanish Speaking Caucus in Washington, D.C. After obtaining her Masters in Public Administration she worked in Texas, then later worked in academia with Our Lady of the Lake in San Antonio until her retirement. [PA]

Helen Marie (Mitchell) Meyer, 93, of Hudson died on Jan. 14. She was a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Hudson for many years. She was also a member of the Bowling Association. [AM]

Gina Marcela Arancibia, 57, of Manitou Beach died on Jan. 15. [PA]

Oriean Donald Clayton, 75, of Tecumseh died on Jan. 15. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War. After his military service he earned his associate degree in business at Ivy Tech. For 28 years he worked for DAVCO Technology in Saline as a commercial director. He had a Nassau Blue 1964 Chevelle Malibu SS that he enjoyed showing at car shows. [W]

James “Jim” Rolland Lofgren, 93, of Adrian died on Jan. 15. He attended West Point High School, graduating as a West

Point Cadet. He served in the U.S. Army Military Police during the Korean War. After his military service he earned degrees in agronomy from the University of Nebraska, and North Dakota State University, and a Ph.D. from Kansas State University. He worked for many years at Dahlgren and Co., a seed developer, where he developed many varieties of hybrid sunflower. He enjoyed raising sheep and rabbits with his kids in 4-H. He was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Tecumseh. [H]

David Edwin Towley Perry Jr., 77, of Tecumseh died on Jan. 15. He received his degree in aerospace engineering and spent most of his career in the field of nuclear energy. He traveled and lived abroad in the Philippines, India, England, and Singapore. He slept through a terrorist attack in Mumbai, India, and had lunch with a president. [PA]

Sandra Louise Sebring, 77, of Onsted died on Jan. 15. She was a graduate of Adrian High School and completed two years at Adrian College before becoming a graduate of Comptometer School, an institution specializing in training for key punch operation. [H]

Johnny Roger Adams, 75, died on Jan. 17. He was employed at the General Motors Willow Run plant as a painter for over 30 years. He owned several antique cars and enjoyed going to car shows. [H]

Albert James Constable, 82, of Sand Creek died on Jan. 17. He was a graduate of Sand Creek High School. He served in the Air Force and later joined the Air National Guard where he served over 30 years in Toledo. He ran his own machine shop in Sand Creek prior to working at Delphi for 27 years. He was a member of Church of the Good Shepherd in Weston. [AM]

George Joseph “Joe” Frank, 57, of Deerfield died on Jan. 17. He was a graduate of Tecumseh High School. He worked at Go Engineering in data management. He had a passion for rebuilding cars and drag racing them at Milan Dragway. [AM]

Marsha Jean Vercelli McDonald, 71, died on Jan. 17. While employed at Eastern Michigan University she completed her

master’s degree. She was a teacher and also served as administrative assistant to the city manager in Adrian while refurbishing a historic home in Tecumseh. She later returned to EMU and was active in the Ypsilanti community. [PS]

Dean Francis Staal, Jr., 58, of died on Jan. 17. He worked at Carriage House as a carpenter for the last 15 years. He attended South Suburban College in Illinois. [AM]

Carol Ann Schumucker, 86, of Onsted died on Jan. 18. She worked at the Brooklyn Big Boy for over 25 years. She enjoyed activities at Kresge Healthcare, especially Bingo and art projects. [PA]

Shirley Anne Sell, 86, of Blissfield died on Jan. 19. She graduated from Blissfield High School in 1957 and then attended Stautzenberger College. She was a longtime member of Light of Christ Parish, St. Peter the Apostle, in Blissfield. She wintered in Florida. [W]

Judy Ann Taylor, 83, died on Jan. 19. After high school graduation she went to

work at Fayette Tubular for 35 years until they closed. [BVH]

Steven C. Winch, 74, of Morenci died on Jan. 20. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War, then worked at Evonik in Weston. He worked there for many years as a process operator and part-time foreman before retiring. [AM]

Arnetia Brion, 87, of Adrian died on Jan. 22. [PA]

Barbara Joan Stewart , 65, of Adrian died on Jan. 22. She attended Adrian Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1977. She started working at Wacker during high school and working there for over 20 years. She then went on to work at Masco for several years before changing her career path and going into the field of caregiver. [W]

Judy Ann Benschoter, 84, of Hudson died on Jan. 24. She was born in Tecumseh. She worked for GTE in Adrian, retiring in 2002. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. [AM]

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

ARTS & LIVING

ASO goes to a galaxy far, far away

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Play even just a few bars of the main theme from the movie “Star Wars,” and chances are that just about anyone hearing it will know what they’re listening to because John Williams’ music for that movie is one of the most iconic film scores there is.

But Williams also scored eight other movies in the “Star Wars” canon, and while some of that music has been played at previous Adrian Symphony Orchestra pops concerts, “there are some lesserknown things that we’ve been sitting on,” said ASO Music Director Bruce Anthony Kiesling.

And so, for this year’s edition of the ASO’s traditional February movie-music pops concert slot, the orchestra will pull out some of those other works — along with a healthy dose of “Star Wars” audience favorites.

The concert, which the ASO has titled “Star Wars: The Sequel,” is at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at Adrian College’s Dawson Auditorium.

Tickets are $39/$33/$25 for adults, $37/$31/$25 for senior citizens, and $20/$17/$13 for students.

Finding fellowship in music

Whether you play music or just like to listen, everyone is welcome at the Maumee Street Jam

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — On the second Saturday of every month, from September through April, the halls of First Presbyterian Church in downtown Adrian ring with harmony.

The church is the site of the Maumee Street Jam, an informal group of musicians who gather to enjoy both music and friendship. The music covers folk, bluegrass, classic country — lots of styles, but all acoustic, no amplification allowed.

The Maumee Street Jam grew out of the West Adrian Jam, a gathering that started in 1999 at what was then the West Adrian United Church of Christ, said Marilyn Mullins, a hammered

Susan and Mike Gleason of Manchester, Chris Taylor of Toledo, and Jim Balazer of Jackson take part in the Maumee Street Jam on Jan. 11 at the First Presbyterian Church of Adrian.

Brian Szuch of Jackson and Dixie Andres of Blissfield play a song during the Maumee Street Jam on Jan. 11.

Maumee Street Jam from page C1

dulcimer player who helped found that group. Some of the players also used to take part in a jam in Palmyra.

When the West Adrian location no longer worked out, the pastor at First Presbyterian, who was also a musician, offered the group a new home at the downtown Adrian church.

“We’ve been there ever since,” Mullins said, “and the church members are just awesome.”

Church members prepare a meal — typically hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, and pie — which is offered up for a freewill

“Hats off to the people that put this together,” Mike Gleason of Manchester said while enjoying dinner in the fellowship room before the January jam.

“It wouldn’t happen without them,” his

After dinner, the musicians take up their instruments and begin to play. It’s an informal affair, with the players taking turns choosing a song. Each member leads the group on the tune they chose,

At the January jam, the group grew over the course of the evening to five guitars, one banjo, two violins, and one upright bass — plus a handful of audience members, who are always welcome.

“It’s usually light during the winter because a lot of us are in Florida,” Mullins

“There’s usually 15 to 20 when the When attendance is higher, the musicians will sometimes split into two groups, with more experienced players in the chapel and less experienced

Musicians come from all over to participate, with many driving at least an hour to get to Adrian.

People attend the jam for lots of different reasons, but in addition to the

Symphony from page C1

They are available by calling 517-2643121; online at adriansymphony.org; at the ASO office in Mahan Hall, Adrian College, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; or at the door beginning two hours prior to the concert.

The evening also features a “Star Wars” costume contest. Audience members are invited to dress as their favorite character and compete in the contest, with an audience vote determining the winner.

The concert features music spanning Williams’ “Star Wars” work, including some of the most familiar pieces such as that famous main theme, “Princess Leia’s Theme,” the “Imperial March,” “Yoda’s Theme,” and the tune played by the Cantina Band in the first movie, which Kiesling said audience members have specifically requested over time.

There’s also “Rey’s Theme” from “The Force Awakens,” the “Speeder Chase” from “The Rise of Skywalker,” and much more. The much-maligned JarJar Binks from “The Phantom Menace” even gets his moment, with the piece “Adventures of JarJar.”

“Sometimes unpopular characters have some really great music,” Kiesling said, laughing.

The concert ranges beyond “Star Wars” as well, with “Adventure on Earth” from “E.T.” and “The Adventures of Mutt” from “Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” also on the program to add some variety — “a palate-cleanser after all that ‘Star Wars’ music,” Kiesling termed it.

music itself, the camaraderie of playing in an ensemble is something many group members mention.

Mullins said that she and her husband, Jack, appreciate the friends they get to play music with at the jam.

“We enjoy all the people that come,” Mullins said.

“It’s just fellowship together with friends.”

— Marilyn Mullins

“It’s just fellowship together with friends.” Howard Pennington, one of the church members who helps put the evening together, agreed.

“It’s a real friendly group,” he said.

The Maumee Street Jam is always looking to welcome new people, and they’d especially like to see some younger musicians get involved and help carry on the tradition.

Mullins said that many of the regular musicians are happy to help newcomers.

“Everybody’s welcome,” she said.

The Maumee Street Jam meets starting at 6 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month, September through April, at First Presbyterian Church, 156 E. Maumee St., Adrian. For details, go to facebook.com/groups/79602539959. Both musicians and audience members are welcome, and no signup is needed — people are welcome to just drop in.

‘Star Wars: The Sequel’ pops concert featuring the music of John Williams

DATE AND TIME: Friday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. LOCATION: Dawson Auditorium, Adrian College COST: $29/33/25 (discounted rates of $23/$31/$25 for seniors and $20/$17/$13 for students) MORE INFO: 517-264-3121 or adriansymphony.org

One of the stories told about “E.T.” is that Williams had trouble timing his music to fit the final chase scene, resulting in director Steven Spielberg’s stopping the projector and telling Williams to record the music as he wished and Spielberg would edit the movie to fit the music.

“It’s a really challenging section,” Kiesling said. “It’s a really great sequence with all sorts of emotions. There’s a little bit of everything. … I just think this is a really special sequence.”

The ASO conceived the idea of a movie-themed pops concert, starting earlier in the evening and somewhat shorter in length than most of its other performances, a number of years ago for its February concert slot as a familyfriendly way to reach out beyond the orchestra’s classical-music lovers, many of whom are out of town at this time of year.

And that concept has worked out very well, Kiesling said.

“This continues to be our bestseller year after year,” he said. “We’ve had tremendous success with the moviemusic idea, and we’re thrilled that people get excited about this.”

Ron Sutton of Deerfield, Gary Bilby of Addison, and Floyd Wells of Clayton at the Maumee Street Jam.

grant

Art center, veterans coalition team up to offer classes for Lenawee County veterans

ADRIAN — The Adrian Center for the Arts recently announced a new program, Creative Coping for Veterans of Lenawee. This program will offer classes focused on providing veterans with a creative outlet for managing life stresses and emotional health, with the aim of thriving, not just surviving.

The ACA is working with the Lenawee County Veterans Collation to develop the programming, and thanks to a grant from

Croswell

the Flagstar Foundation, classes will be free to all veterans.

Classes will begin in April. To learn more, contact the Adrian Center for the Arts or the Lenawee County Veterans Coalition.

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

adds spring break camp, new after-school classes for kids

ADRIAN — Several new educational opportunities for young people have been added to the spring calendar at the Croswell Opera House.

A one-week performance camp will take place the week of Lenawee County’s spring break, from March 24-28. This camp will follow the same model as the Croswell’s popular summer performance camp, with students learning a musical over the course of the camp and staging a performance at the end. The camp is for students in grades 2-10, and the show will be “Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon.”

The camp will meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., plus a performance on the evening of the final day. The cost is $200.

In April, the Croswell will offer two after-school classes for elementary school students.

“Explore-a-Story Theater” is for kids in first and second grades. In this explorationthemed class, kids will discover new ways to use their voices, bodies and imaginations in creative storytelling. The class will meet on Tuesdays, April 1-29, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and the cost is $75.

“Improv Toolkit” is for students in grades 3-5. Students will learn the fundamentals and basic tools of improvisational theater in a fast-paced, creative environment that encourages them to create stories and characters using a wide variety of improv techniques, formats and games. The class will meet on Wednesdays, April 2-30, and the cost is $75.

For more information or to sign up, go to croswell.org/education, call Kylie McElrath at 517-264-7469, or email kmcelrath@croswell.org.

ACA now offers welding classes

ADRIAN — The Adrian Center for the Arts is expanding its lineup and is now offering welding classes.

Each class is designed for novices or those who want to expand their skills. The offerings include a sculpture course for welding that will teach students how to use welding techniques to create metal sculptures.

Students will learn how to weld metal to metal using techniques like MIG and arc welding, and how to cut, shape and bend steel. They will learn how to combine welding with artistic expression to create unique projects that showcase their style.

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

March 8 - 23, 2025

Open Tues-Sun, 10 AM - 4 PM 6214 Monroe Road, Tipton, MI 49287 517-431-2060 | hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu

A $15,000

from the Flagstar Foundation will fund Creative Coping classes for Lenawee County veterans at the Adrian Center for the Arts. Pictured here are, from left to right, Angela Jeffery of Flagstar Bank; Valerie Herr, executive director of the ACA; Austin See, from the Lenawee County Veterans Coalition; and Katie Osman of Flagstar Bank.

Josephine Eva Maurer shows a piece she made in the Adrian Center for the Arts’ new welding program.

Lenawee Lifelong Learning, founded by Bob Freligh, is an educational program for adults in Lenawee County. We offer an opportunity to attend courses on a variety of topics you may enjoy investigating.

Knowledgeable instructors donate their time and expertise. There are no tests and no grades – only fun and learning.

Classes have included Poetry, History, Supreme Court Decisions, Shakespeare, Arts and the Brain, and local tours. FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE OUR WEBSITE: FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE OUR WEBSITE: LENAWEELIFELONGLEARNING.ORG LENAWEELIFELONGLEARNING.ORG

SESSIONS ARE HELD AT THE WEBER CENTER IN APRIL AND OCTOBER.

‘Undomesticated’ on display at Flatlanders through March 5

BLISSFIELD — Flatlanders Art Galleries is currently presenting “Undomesticated,” a solo exhibition by painter Dan Stewart. The free exhibit opened Jan. 15 and will be on display through March 5. A reception with the artist is planned for Sunday, Feb. 16, from 1-3 p.m. Stewart is an associate professor at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. He works primarily as a painter but has worked in mixed media and sculpture. The Detroit-area artist’s work consists of larger-scale acrylic paintings with mixed media to add depth and texture.

ART EXHIBITS

“I am interested in every possible way to visually convey energy, movement, power, and intensity,” Stewart said. “I arrive at this goal through three primary methods. First, the frenetic application of the paint. I try to paint with the same active movements inherent in my subject matter, make quick decisions, and lose myself, as much as possible, in the process. Second, I allow the spontaneity of gravity, of the happy accident, and of the viscous nature of the paint itself to discover visuals outside of my conscious intentions. And finally, and maybe most

importantly, I use color as a forceful element, juxtaposing bright versus dull, warm versus cool, and busy areas of multilayered hues versus calm flat spaces.”

Flatlanders Art Galleries are operated in conjunction with Flatlanders Sculpture Supply, a full-service sculpture resource. The hours in the galleries 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, Blissfield. For more information, call 517-486-4591 or go toflatlandersculpture.com.

“New Perspectives” at the Adrian Center for the Arts: The Adrian Center for the Arts presents “New Perspectives” through Feb. 16 at the ACA Gallery, 1375 N. Main St., on the campus of Planewave Instruments.

ACA members invited a non-ACA member artist who inspires them and has not shown at the ACA previously, and their works are shown side-byside. Media include painting, drawing, ceramics, printmaking, glass, metals and sculpture.

Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, call 517-759-3005 or go to adriancenterforthearts.org.

Kameron Marlowe adds Adrian College to his ‘Keepin’ The Lights On’ tour

ADRIAN — American country music singer-songwriter Kameron Marlowe will be “Keepin’ The Lights On” when he performs at Adrian College’s Spring Concert on Friday, March 21, as part of his national tour.

General admission tickets are $50 and can be reserved online by going to events. hometownticketing. com and searching for Adrian College.

Thomas Doney, dean of students at Adrian College, said he was thrilled to have Adrian College on Marlowe’s 2025 tour.

“We wanted to do country again this year,” Doney said. “We have a really big turnout every time we do country music; our student body really likes it.”

Marlowe’s song “Tennessee Don’t Mind,” was a People’s Choice Country

Awards nominee for best new song of 2024. His collaboration with Ella Langley on “Strangers” has been climbing the charts.

The North Carolina-based singer last year unveiled a charitable fund with the same title, Keepin’ The Lights On (KTLO), aimed at helping alleviate the burdens of those struggling to make ends meet.

“The KTLO Fund is super special to me because in the song, I sing about my parents making sure we had shoes on our feet and food on our plates,” Marlowe said.

All of the money raised from one of Marlowe’s promotional merchandise sales during the Adrian concert will go toward his KTLO Fund, he said.

Doors to the Merillat Sport and Fitness Center open at 7 p.m., with the first performance scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

For more information about the Adrian College’s Spring Concert, email Student Life Director Anna Montgomery at amontgomery@adrian.edu.

This piece by Dan Stewart is part of “Undomesticated,” the current exhibit at Flatlanders Art Galleries.

Kameron Marlowe

FEBRUARY

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.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Love Inspired Craft Show

Addison High School, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Crafts, fun, food, music, and more, hosted by Addison High School After-Prom.

219 N. Comstock St., Addison Jayme0718@gmail.com or 517-581-7552

Days of Mindfulness: The Practice of Transformative Love Weber Center, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Weber Center presents monthly Days of Mindfulness. This month’s focus will be on accepting the present moment as it is. $35 (includes lunch). Registration required. 1257 E. Siena Heights Dr., Adrian webercenter.org or 517-266-4000

Family movie with Autism Grace of Lenawee Clinton Theater, 10:30 a.m.

The movie “DogMan” will be featured. This free event is for individuals with autism and their families. Please register by emailing autismgraceoflenawee@gmail.com. 132 W. Michigan Ave., Clinton

“Alice in Wonderland Jr.”

Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 1 and 6 p.m.

Presented by Tecumseh Youth Theatre. When young Alice finds herself in a strange world where everything seems upside down, she must find her way home — and find herself along the way. $12. 400 Maumee St., Tecumseh thetca.org or 517-423-6617

“Into the Woods” Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m.

The Croswell’s annual all-area high school production. Tickets $12-$25. croswell.org or 517-264-7469

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Love Inspired Craft Show

Addison High School, noon to 5 p.m. Crafts, fun, food, music, and more, hosted by Addison High School After-Prom. 219 N. Comstock St., Addison Jayme0718@gmail.com or 517-581-7552

PupSicle 500

Jerry’s Pub & Restaurant, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. An event for pet lovers featuring a dog race on ice. Tiki bar, bonfire, food and drink specials. Registration is $5 and starts at 12:30 p.m. 650 Egan Hwy., Brooklyn jerryspub.com or 517-467-4700

Mid-Michigan Bridal Expo

Adrian College, 1-4 p.m.

Featuring over 40 vendors including photographers, florists, caterers, bridal boutiques, DJs, and decor experts. $5. 110 S. Madison St., Adrian midmichiganbridalexpo.com 734-672-1780

“Into the Woods” Croswell Opera House, 2:30 p.m.

The Croswell’s annual all-area high school production. Tickets $12-$25. croswell.org or 517-264-7469

“Alice in Wonderland Jr.” Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 3 p.m. Presented by Tecumseh Youth Theatre. 400 Maumee St., Tecumseh thetca.org or 517-423-6617

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Black History Trivia

Adrian District Library, 6 p.m.

Test your knowledge with this Black History Month-themed trivia event.

143 E. Maumee St., Adrian adrian.lib.mi.us or 517-265-2265

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

A Tale of Three Cities Tecumseh District Library, 1 p.m.

World traveler George Jabol will recount his experience across the Atlantic visiting three of the United Kingdom’s most famous cities, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London. 215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh 517-423-2238 or tecumsehlibrary.org

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Adrian First Fridays: Love Local Downtown Adrian, 5-8 p.m.

Downtown Adrian’s First Fridays event features a Love Local theme for Valentine’s Day, with one-of-a-kind gift opportunities and a scavenger hunt to win Downtown Dollars. downtownadrian.com

Tim Tebow “Night to Shine” Newlife Church, 6-9 p.m. Night to Shine is a prom night experience honoring and valuing people with special needs, ages 14 and older. Featuring corsages, boutonnieres, prom photos, a catered dinner, karaoke, a sensory room, a respite room for parents and caretakers, and a dance floor. 1370 S. Winter St., Adrian newlifeeverywhere.com/night-to-shine 517-917-0415

February at ADL

Know Your People & Yourself: reflecting on relationships in your business and life in general Feb. 18, 6-7:30pm

Community Scrapbook

Kick off Adrian’s Bicentennial by helping us out with a project! Submit photos of Adrian, both past and present, either online or in person to be included in our online community scrapbook. Accepted through August. Contact us for more details.

The experience & impact of African Americans as recorded by the news media.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Bouquets & Besties

Farver’s at the Croswell, 2:30 p.m.

Sabriyah Davis of Destination Events, a frequent Croswell Opera House performer, choreographer and designer, will provide all of the supplies and instructions you’ll need to make a personal bouquet to share with your bestie, or to keep for yourself. Heavy appetizers and your first themed cocktail are included.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian croswell.org/farvers or 517-264-7469

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Cookie Decorating Class

Comfort Inn & Suites, 6-8 p.m.

Whether you’re a beginner or cookiedecorating pro, this class is for everyone who loves sweets and crafting. You will practice basic piping and filling techniques and will walk away with six decorated cookies. Ages 6 and up. $50 includes all supplies; registration required.

425 Industrial Dr., Adrian karriscookiesmi@gmail.com or 517-215-2279

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12

Lunch and Learn: Technology Update Weber Center, 12:15 p.m.

Learn about podcasts, scams, security, and Artificial Intelligence from technology experts. Bring your lunch or purchase for $7. Registration required.

1257 E. Siena Heights Dr., Adrian webercenter.org or 517-266-4000

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Charcuterie and Chocolate Workshop Harvest Chocolate, 6-8 p.m.

Learn how to create a beautiful 10-inch Valentine’s Day-inspired charcuterie arrangement, using a curated selection of seasonal cured meats, cheeses, and edible botanicals, while nibbling on some of the finest bean-bar chocolate this side of the equator. $65/person (registration required).

110 W. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh harvestcraftchocolate.com or 517-301-4023

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Rockin’ Gospel Blues

Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m. Valentine’s Day sizzles at the Tecumseh Center for the Arts as Sharrie Wiliams presents Rockin’ Gospel Blues. This internationally acclaimed recording artist has toured 34 countries and performed with musical legends Van Morrison, Dizzy Gillespie, Ruth Brown, Mavis Staples, and the Winans, just to name a few. $33 (with discounts of $28 for seniors and military and $15 for youth).

400 Maumee St., Tecumseh thetca.org or 517-423-6617

Music from the “Star Wars” movies Dawson Auditorium, 7 p.m.

The Adrian Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of music from the “Star Wars” movies, including a costume contest. $25-40.

110 S. Madison St., Adrian adriansymphony.org or 517-264-3121

American Sign Language is now available on the Mango Languages Platform!

You can take this course at your own pace as many times as you need and all you need is your library card.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Bento Cake Decorating Class

Mandy Makes ’n Bakes, 1-2 p.m.

Whether you’re celebrating with a loved one, friend, or just want to enjoy a creative day, this one-hour class is for all skill levels. $55 per person or $100 per couple. Limited seating.

117 N. Main St., Adrian bakesy.shop/b/mandy-makes-n-bakes 517-442-3630

Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m. Michigan singer-songwriter Kanin Wren brings all the magic of a Taylor Swift concert to the Croswell in this tribute act. Adults $35, youth $25. Add the VIP Experience for $25 per person.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian croswell.org or 517-264-7469

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

“How I Became a Pirate” AHS Performing Arts Center, 1:30 p.m. A musical presented by the Alexander Elementary School Drama Club. 629 Stockford Dr., Adrian adrianmaples.org/departments/fine-arts.php 517-263-2115

Comedy by Taylor Mason Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m. Neighbors of Hope presents comedian Taylor Mason for their annual spring fundraising event. $30.

400 Maumee St., Tecumseh thetca.org or 517-423-6617

Life’s Interruptions: Frustrating Disturbance or Holy Gifts? Weber Center, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Do you ever feel as though life is more about interruptions than what you have planned to do? In this workshop, Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP, will explore how we live in and with the interruptions in our lives. $45 (includes lunch). Registration required.

1257 E. Siena Heights Dr., Adrian webercenter.org or 517-266-4000

Sabriyah Davis, founder of Destination Events, will present “Bouquets & Besties,” a “Galentine’s Day” event, on Feb. 9 at the Croswell Opera House.

Sharrie Williams presents “Rockin’ Gospel Blues” at the Tecumseh Center for the Arts on Friday, Feb. 14.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Bridal Show

Channeling Taylor Swift

ADRIAN — Michigan singer-songwriter

Kanin Wren was in high school the first time somebody remarked on her resemblance to pop icon Taylor Swift. Seizing on an opportunity, she began crafting a concert experience that pays tribute to Swift’s music, allowing fans to experience the magic of all those beloved pop tunes — at a fraction of the price.

“Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience” comes to the Croswell Opera House in Adrian on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults, $25 for youth, and may be ordered by calling 517-264-7469 or online at croswell.org.

White Birch Wedding Barn, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Engaged couples can meet over 25 vendors. Free.

11000 Briggs Hwy., Cement City whitebirchweddingbarnmi.com

517-438-0588

Cellar Tours

Cherry Creek Cellars, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

This tour will include discussion about the vineyards and the winemaking process, wine tastings, barrel/tank sampling, and charcuterie. Must be 21 for wine or cider.

$30/person.

1500 Silver Lake Hwy., Brooklyn cherrycreekwine.com or 517-592-4663

Student-Directed One Act Festival

AHS Performing Arts Center, 2 p.m. One-act plays directed and performed by students at Adrian High School. 629 Stockford Dr., Adrian adrianmaples.org/departments/fine-arts.php 517-263-2115

SATURDAY, MARCH 1

’70s Top 40 Night Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m.

All the disco, all the rock, all the funk and all the hits from the ’70s. Popular party band Not Fast Enüff returns to the Croswell stage, performing songs from Earth, Wind and Fire, Donna Summer, Fleetwood Mac, Styx, Abba, and more.

$35 adults, $25 students croswell.org or 517-264-7469

Adrian First Fridays Downtown Adrian, 5-8 p.m. Downtown Adrian’s monthly First Fridays event. downtownadrian.com/firstfridays

LIVE MUSIC AT BARS AND NIGHT SPOTS

Information in this listing is taken from a mixture of submissions and information published by the venues. We recommend checking to verify that information is up to date before making plans. To submit listings, email news@lenaweevoice.com before the 15th of the preceding month.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Lean Times, 7-9 p.m., Starling Lounge/Four Keys Brewing, 133 S. Lane St., Blissfield. Wide Awake (U2 tribute band), 7 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Two people for $50, four for $80, eight for $130; order at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

“Into the Woods” cast cabaret, 6:30 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Cast members from the Croswell’s production of “Into the Woods” will reunite for an evening of songs from the show mixed with some of their own personal favorites.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Luke Woltanski, 7-9 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Bret Maynard, 7:30-10:30 p.m., Mammoth Distilling, 109 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Jon Torrence, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Starling Lounge/Four Keys Brewing, 133 S. Lane St., Blissfield.

2025 Broadway Season Miscast Cabaret 7-9 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Band Company (Bad Company tribute), 7 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Two people for $50, four for $80, eight for $130; order at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

Tipsy Doctors, 8 p.m. to midnight, Adrian Eagles, 2522 W. Beecher Road, Adrian. $5.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Linnie & Moochie, 7-10 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

Clifton Millimen, 7:30-10:30 p.m.m, Mammoth Distilling, 108 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

The Schillers, 6-9 p.m., Starling Lounge/ Four Keys Brewing, 133 S. Lane St., Blissfield. 1985 (retro party band), 7 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Two people for $50, four for $80, eight for $130; order at chateauaeronautiquewinery. com.

Jaded Soul, 8 p.m. to midnight, Adrian Eagles, 2522 W. Beecher Road, Adrian. $5.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Bring Your Own Talent Night, 6-8 p.m., The Buzz Cafe & Marketplace, 110 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Presented with Above Pete’s Garage. Chloe & The Steel Strings, 6-9 p.m., Starling Lounge/Four Keys Brewing, 133 S. Lane St., Blissfield.

Jon Torrence, 6:30 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Jonathan Crayne, Mammoth Distilling, 108 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Love and Loveless in the Neighborhood with the Lackeys, 7-9 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Devil Elvis (Elvis and Johnny Cash tribute), 7 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Two people for $50, four for $80, eight for $130; order at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Adrian College student cabaret, 6:30 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Comedy with Tommy Cook, 7 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Noah Martis, 7:30-10:30 p.m., Mammoth Distilling, 108 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

This Month in Downtown Adrian:

FEBRUARY

First Friday - Love Local

Friday, February 7th

Show the love for your downtown businesses! Participate in the Downtown Scavenger Hunt with a chance to win Downtown Dollars! Buy one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day gifts, grab a bite to eat at one of our great restaurants, or purchase a D.A.R.A beverage.

Shake it Off - Shop and Stroll

Saturday, February 15th

Did Valentine’s Day leave a “Blank Space”? Come out Saturday and “Shake it Off” in Downtown Adrian. Our stores and restaurants will have their version of Taylor Swift-themed happenings. Later that evening, head over to the Croswell for the Taylor Swift Tribute concert @ 7:30 p.m.

NEW EVENTS COMING SOON:

Third Thursdays - Enjoy music and food

What’s Happening Wednesdays - Explore downtown service industries