The Lenawee Voice — October 2025

THE LENAWEE VOICE

‘I want to work hand in hand with the community’

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — For Ronnie Giles Jr., moving with his dad from Minnesota to Indiana in 2011 was “an opportunity for me to explore, academically and athletically.” And it put him on a path that led him to Adrian and eventually to becoming the Align Center for Workforce Development’s new executive director as of Sept. 1.

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Adrian’s point of sale ordinance would be repealed if a proposal on the city’s Nov. 4 general election ballot is approved by voters.

The ordinance was adopted by the Adrian City Commission in June 2024 and went into effect in November. It provides that a home being sold in the city must undergo an exterior inspection before it can be sold.

Inspections, which are currently being done at no charge because the

In Indiana, Giles was able to play high school football at a Division 5a school, which at the time was the state’s highest division. He was a standout allconference player there.

“I was a good student, not great, but football brought it all together for me: sports, family, life,” he said, and the sheer fact of having moved to a state where he didn’t know anyone meant that his success was all about “hard work and talent, not favoritism.”

city commission has not yet adopted a fee schedule, do not cover the home’s interior. Property is not required to be brought up to “like-new” condition but must comply with a set of requirements based on the International Property Maintenance Code. A home inspection report can be substituted for a city inspection. Either the seller or the buyer can fix any issues found.

A “yes” vote is a vote to repeal the ordinance.

Adrian Community Development Director Lisa Hewitt-Cruz summarized it this way: “While the ordinance aims

Giles said his dad, who raised him after his parents divorced, has “a very special place in my heart.”

“He raised me, he taught me how to be a man, he taught me how to take care of others, and he was always coaching me,” he said.

Graduating 75th out of 550 students in his school coupled with his skill at football got him recruited by Siena Heights

to combat blight through mandatory exterior inspections before property sales, many residents feel it places an undue burden on homeowners — especially those with limited resources. This election will determine whether Adrian continues down this regulatory path or chooses a different approach to neighborhood revitalization.”

Adrian homeowner Carrie Smith’s pro-repeal group, Adrian Community for the Repeal of the Point of Sale Ordinance, gathered more than 2,200 valid signatures

Ronnie Giles Jr. is pictured in the lobby of the Align Center for Workforce Development in Adrian. ARLENE

LOCAL NEWS

We welcome submissions in either English or Spanish.

be sent by the 15th of the month before the event.

Future of Adrian’s Bohn Pool uncertain

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — The bad news just keeps piling up for Bohn Pool.

With the help of Fluid Loss Prevention, an Ohio company that uses ultrasonic detection and computer correlation equipment to find water leaks, city employees were able to identify the source of a leak that was detected in August. It turned out to be in a small service line underneath the pool, and the utilities department was able to cap the line as a temporary fix.

But then another leak was found in the surge pit, a reservoir that helps control the volume of the pool. Separately, a 14inch return line was discovered to have cracked. And the pump for the waterslide, which is 15 years old and was rebuilt in 2019, has failed as well.

“We’re really starting to chase our tails,” parks and recreation director Jeremiah Davies told Adrian city commissioners at their Sept. 15 meeting.

Bohn Pool was built in the 1970s. Davies said it has been kept open long past a pool’s normal expected life with the help of careful management by staff members, but the problems keep escalating. Even if the leaks are fixed, he said, the pool liner is bulging badly and there’s no guarantee it will make it to next summer.

City commissioners voted 7-0 to have the parks and recreation department stop spending money on pool fixes, and instead pursue partnerships with other community organizations to make sure services like swimming lessons are available to Adrian children next summer.

Davies said he had already spoken with Adrian Public Schools athletic director Chad O’Brien about the possibility of using the Adrian High School pool if the

Lenawee

IN BRIEF

NAACP to honor

service to community

ADRIAN — The Lenawee County branch of the NAACP will honor one group and two individuals at its annual Freedom Fund banquet this month.

Community service awards will be presented to the Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee County and to Estervell “Russ” Russaw Jr.

Russaw’s community involvement includes serving on the board of the American Red Cross and volunteering with the Department on Aging. Before his retirement he worked for General Motors, was a union negotiator, and was a leader in the United Auto Workers.

The Larry Richardson Memorial Officer of the Year Award will be presented to Adrian police chief Vince Emrick.

City commissioner to meet with residents on Oct. 22

ADRIAN — Adrian city commissioner Bob Behnke is planning another Commissioner Conversations session, from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the Adrian District Library. Residents are invited to come and ask questions or discuss current city issues.

need arose, and that O’Brien was willing to help.

Mayor Angela Sword Heath, who is the director of the Adrian Community Preschool, said most of the children she teaches learned to swim at Bohn Pool and that their families can’t afford lessons at The Centre or the YMCA. And with the YMCA being located in the ProMedica Hickman Hospital campus north of town, she said, “it’s hard sometimes for families to get out there.” She said she would prefer Adrian High School because it’s in the city. Commissioners also discussed the idea of installing splash pads in more city parks.

Bohn Pool has typically operated at a deficit of about $70,000 per season, a number that Davies said rose to about $90,000 this year. Meanwhile, as of a few years ago, the cost to install a splash pad

was about $130,000. Those numbers caused commissioners to wonder if splash pads might be a better investment than a new pool.

Attendance numbers have been declining, and Davies said that’s a trend that many communities around the country have seen at their municipal pools.

Still, some commissioners are not ready to completely give up on the idea of Adrian continuing to have a public pool.

“We are a community surrounded by a river and lakes,” commissioner Mary Roberts said. “Children in this community, unless they can afford The Centre, are not exposed to swimming lessons, to swimming, until ninth grade at Adrian High School.”

Roberts said she doesn’t want to continue spending money on repairs to

Bohn Pool given its current condition, but also doesn’t want to stop talking about whether a public pool is a resource the community wants.

“I understand we may need to close the pool for a couple of years,” she said, “but I do not want this conversation to go away.”

Roberts also noted that the Fee Estate, which was established by the late Harriet Kimball Fee for the beautification of city parks, cannot be used to build a pool, although earnings from the city’s oil and gas trust fund, which have been paying for the most recent projects at the pool, can be.

Commissioner Bob Behnke noted that although completely rebuilding Bohn Pool would be expensive, taking the pool out and restoring the grounds would not be cheap either.

Bohn Pool, located at 631 S. McKenzie St., is pictured on Sept. 2. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Six candidates running for three city commission seats

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Voters in the city of Adrian will choose three city commissioners in the Nov. 4 election.

Voting will take place at the Lenawee County Fair and Event Grounds, 602 N. Dean St., from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Residents can also cast an absentee ballot. For information about absentee voting, contact city clerk April Hamann at ahamann@adrianmi.gov or 517-264-4866.

Mayor Angela Sword Heath is unopposed for re-election, but there are six candidates for three commission seats. Commissioners serve four-year terms. People can vote for up to three candidates.

Aaron J. Chesher is a teacher and a volunteer with several community organizations. An Adrian native, he volunteered for six years in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol, learning about leadership through its Cadet Program. He moved away for several years before he and his husband returned to Adrian in 2022.

Chesher said he was inspired to run for office after seeing the positive impact of building healthy relationships between marginalized people, such as the LGBTQ+ and Hispanic communities, and local government representatives.

“What began as a hobby quickly became my passion as I realized the importance of giving residents the opportunities to be involved in the decisions our city makes,” he said.

He believes the city’s top priorities for the next four years should be supporting small businesses and attracting employers, enacting a common-sense and pro-resident strategy to combat blight, expanding recreational and cultural opportunities in Adrian, and re-establishing the Human Relations Commission to fight discrimination. He supports policies to prevent the city from working with federal immigration agents.

Chesher said he would like to improve communication between City Hall and Adrian residents by holding neighborhood town halls and increasing bilingual access to city decision-making.

“I want to work with businesses, employees, city staff, and residents to bring innovative solutions that lift everyone up,” he said. “If you live in, invest in, or spend time in Adrian, your ideas and concerns are vital to the overall success of our community.”

He also wants to create more opportunities for young people to get involved in local government and help make Adrian more welcoming to all.

Gordon D. Gauss is an incumbent running for his second full term on the commission, having first been elected to a partial term in 2019. He is a retired auto executive who grew up in Adrian and graduated from Adrian College, then spent his career in California before he and his wife returned to Adrian in 2012. Before being elected to the city commission, he served on the planning commission. He is active in the Kiwanis Club.

Gauss said one of the city’s biggest priorities needs to be cleaning up blight. He voted for the point-of-sale inspection ordinance that was passed last year, and still believes it is a good tool for getting rundown houses into better shape.

When he first ran for the commission, he said, “I heard so much from the public about how we’ve got to clean up our community, we’ve got to clean up our neighborhoods.”

He also said the city needs to invest in infrastructure, taking care to maintain the city’s assets — something that he compared to keeping up with the maintenance schedule on a car to make it last longer.

He said another priority needs to be increasing the amount of housing in the city, as well as attracting businesses. This doesn’t mean trying to land huge investments — “Amazon’s never going to build anything in Adrian,” he said — but rather smaller companies like PlaneWave Instruments.

Gauss also said he would like to see the city increase recreational opportunities for young people.

He believes the city commission has been doing a better job at transparency — citing as one example the process of hiring the new city administrator — but can continue to improve.

Douglas Miller is an incumbent running for his second term on the commission. He is retired from the theater department at Siena Heights University, where he also serves on the alumni board. He is also a past board member of the Croswell Opera House.

Miller said that his career in theater has parallels to a city commissioner’s role.

“I work with budgets and I work with personnel and I work with time schedules,” he said, “and those three important jobs are really quite applicable to what we do as city commissioners.”

He believes the commission needs to work to “make the city as vibrant and upbeat as possible,” and he cited the efforts to develop North Winter Street downtown and address blight as two examples of that.

Attracting businesses both large and small is also important, he said, and he believes the city has a lot to offer businesses.

Miller said the city needs to try to help residents who are struggling, even if that sometimes means spending money. He also said it is important to think about everyone in the city, regardless of what neighborhood they live in.

“We need to serve everyone in the city,” he said. “We need to make sure the citizens feel like they are being served, like they are being taken care of, like they are being embraced.”

He said he feels the commission generally operates well, and that he’d like the opportunity to continue to serve.

Chip Moore is a native of Hillsdale but a longtime Adrian resident. An Army veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm, he is the owner of Adrian Insurance and Tecumseh Insurance, both of which he purchased in 1993.

He is a member of the Adrian Noon Rotary Club and the Adrian Symphony Orchestra board, and several years ago he also served on the Downtown Development Authority board.

Moore said he was drawn to run for office because he was disappointed with mandatory shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on small businesses. He also believes that business owners need to be represented on the commission.

“There should be a voice for small businesses on a city council,” he said.

He said it can be difficult for businesses to work with the city, and he would like to change that. He wants to make it easier to start and run a business in Adrian, and proposed having a “concierge system” to help people who want to start businesses deal with the issues they face.

Moore also said he wants to make sure the city gets the best use out of its assets and gets the best value for taxpayers’ money.

One thing Moore would like to change about how the city commission operates is that he would like the public comment section of commission meetings to be more of a dialogue between residents and commissioners. He also would like to discuss the idea of electing commissioners by precincts.

Tiffany Sieler-Zych is the owner of Downtown Dempsey’s restaurant, which she opened after graduating from college in 2018. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University.

Sieler-Zych was originally inspired to run for office by the city commission passing the point-of-sale inspection ordinance, which she opposes.

“While I understand that it theoretically was pushed to better the aesthetics of this community, it’s not a good fit for Adrian,” she said. She sees the ordinance as an obstacle to families moving into Adrian.

In addition to repealing the pointof-sale ordinance, she said one of her priorities would be ensuring that the projects the city spends money on are aligned with the goal of “creating a safe, assistive, and attractive community for us all.”

Sieler-Zych said she initially hesitated about running because being a commissioner sometimes involves backlash and she is a business owner — but she believes a lot of community dissatisfaction comes from lack of transparency and communication, which she said are “solvable frustrations.”

She said the city can be difficult for businesses to work with, and she would like to see more transparent communication and clear policies.

“Policies should not be adopted or precariously enforced until they are polished and clearly defined,” she said.

Sieler-Zych said residents should be able to trust that elected officials will honestly and fervently represent their interests. She said she wants to make sure that residents’ concerns are validated and discussed.

James Trull works as a truck driver. He started going to city meetings a few years ago when a controversial ordinance about recreational vehicles was proposed. While attending those meetings, he said, he realized that many citizens felt they were not being heard.

“I felt that way myself when I sent an email to the commissioners and a few never responded or even acknowledged that I had sent it to them,” he said.

Going to city government meetings sparked an interest in getting involved himself, and he recently participated in Adrian’s Community Academy to learn more about how the government operates.

Trull sees housing and blight as two major issues for Adrian.

“I don’t see houses being condemned and demolished like I do in the other cities that I’ve traveled to and worked in,” he said.

However, he believes the city already has tools in place to address blight. “Instead of adding more ordinances we should be enforcing the ones that we have,” he said.

Another issue for Adrian, Trull believes, is how both potential businesses and currently operating businesses are treated in the city.

“I have been told that the process can be full of roadblocks and it ultimately makes them either close their business or choose to build their business in another community,” he said.

Trull also said he would like to see more information about city government get out to the public.

Aaron Chesher

Doug Miller

Tiffany Sieler-Zych

Gordon Gauss

Chip Moore James Trull

30-year renewal of Citizens Gas franchise agreement on ballot

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — A proposal on Adrian’s Nov. 4 general election ballot asks voters if they wish to approve a new 30-year franchise agreement for Citizens Gas Fuel Co.

The proposed new agreement is based on the one voters approved in 1995. If approved, it allows Citizens Gas Fuel Co. to operate natural gas service in the city, including purchasing the gas and constructing and maintaining the infrastructure, such as gas lines, for the agreement’s 30-year term.

Among its elements is to establish the rules for how rates are set; if the company

POLICE REPORTS

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

ADDISON

Sept. 2: Larceny, 200 block of North Comstock.

ADRIAN

Aug. 23: Assault, 300 block of Erie Street. Larceny from a vehicle, 400 block of Cherry Street.

Aug. 24: Sexual assault, 3900 block of East U.S. 223. Sexual assault, 800 block of Erie Street. Assault, 1300 block of South Winter Street. Telephone harassment or threats, 1200 block of North Main Street.

Aug. 25: Assault, 1100 block of South Main Street. Assault, 800 block of East Butler Street. Assault, 4400 block of West Maumee Street. Larceny, 1000 block of North Broad Street.

Aug. 26: Drug possession, 700 block of Riverside Avenue. Sexual assault, 100 block of East Maumee Street.

Aug. 27: Drug possession, 600 block of Springbrook Avenue. Larceny from a yard, 900 block of South Winter Street.

Aug. 28: Retail fraud, 1300 block of South Main Street. Assault, 100 block of Dawes Street. Operating while intoxicated, 300 block of East Beecher.

Aug. 29: Sexual assault, 1300 block of South Main Street. Larceny from a yard, 800 block of East Maumee Street. Disorderly conduct, 400 block of Allis Street. Disorderly conduct, 600 block of Stonecrest Drive.

Aug. 30: Assault, 200 block of Toledo Street. Assault, 500 block of East Church Street.

Aug. 31: Internet harassment or threats, 300 block of South Dean Street. Larceny from a building, 1400 block of West Maumee Street. Operating while intoxicated, North Madison and Maumee streets.

Sept. 1: Larceny from a building, 800 block of South Main Street. Assault, North Main and Siena Heights Drive. Assault, 1100 block of South Main Street. Larceny from a yard, 300 block of Lawrence Avenue.

Sept. 2: Property damage, 100 block of North McVicar Street. Assault, 400 block of State Street. Property damage, 1300 block of South Main Street. Fraud, 700 block of Dennis Street. Assault, 1300 block of South Main Street.

Sept. 3: Assault, 200 block of Greenly Street. Operating while intoxicated, East Maple Avenue and Addison Street. Assault, 300 block of Crystal Spring Avenue. Larceny from a yard, 800 block of Caton Avenue. Larceny from a building, 400 block of State Street. Sexual assault, 400 block of College Avenue.

Sept. 4: Larceny, 300 block of Comstock Street. Property damage, 300 block of Erie Street. Fraud, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Assault, 100 block of Mixer Street. Retail fraud, 1300 block of South Main Street. Retail fraud, 1500 block of West Maumee Street. Larceny from a vehicle, 1500 block of West Maumee Street. Larceny from a building, 200 block of Renfrew Avenue.

wants to seek a rate increase, it would ask the city to establish a gas rate commission to review the increase.

Franchise agreements can be either voter-approved or approved by the city commission.

The latter type of agreement could be in force for any length of time but is revocable by the commission, whereas a voterapproved agreement is irrevocable until it expires. Citizens Gas Fuel Co. accounting manager Joseph Lucey said that’s why the company has always sought a voterapproved agreement.

The company filed its request in June. A public hearing was held Aug. 4, with the city commission voting at that meeting on

Sept. 5: Assault, 1200 block of South Main Street. Property damage, 300 block of State Street.

Sept. 6: Assault, 400 block of Springbrook Avenue. Assault, Michigan Avenue and South Madison Street. Disorderly conduct, Ormsby and Chestnut streets. Assault, 1500 block of Village Green Lane.

Sept. 7: Retail fraud, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Disorderly conduct, 700 block of Treat Street. Sexual assault, 700 block of East Front Street. Sexual assault, 1200 block of Division Street.

Sept. 8: Assault, 600 block of East Beecher Street. Assault, 700 block of Riverside Avenue. Drug possession, 700 block of Riverside Avenue. Assault, 1100 block of South Main Street. Assault, 600 block of Springbrook Avenue. Property damage, 1300 block of South Main Street.

Sept. 9: Drug possession, 700 block of Riverside Avenue. Fraud, 100 block of South Winter Street.

Sept. 10: Assault, 800 block of East Butler Street.

Sept. 11: Assault, 1200 block of North Main Street. Assault, 500 block of Cherry Street. Sexual assault, Greenly and St. Joseph streets.

Sept. 12: Larceny from a yard, 300 block of East Maumee Street. Burglary (nonresidential, forced entry), 900 block of Bradish Street. Fraud, 100 block of Sand Creek Highway. Retail fraud, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Property damage, 200 block of East U.S. 223.

Sept. 13: Retail fraud, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Retail fraud, 1300 block of South Main Street. Assault, 800 block of Howell Avenue.

Sept. 14: Disorderly conduct, 100 block of North McKenzie Street. Property damage, 500 block of North Locust Street.

Sept. 15: Assault and disorderly conduct, 400 block of College Avenue. Fraud, 1000 block of Lansing Avenue. Assault, 800 block of Oak Street.

Sept. 16: Assault, 600 block of Croswell Street, Property damage, 300 block of East Butler Street. Larceny, 300 block of South Madison Street. Disorderly conduct, 800 block of East Maumee Street. Drug possession, 600 block of Springbrook Avenue. Assault, 1100 block of College Avenue.

Sept. 17: Assault, 800 block of Mulberry Street. Larceny, 1200 block of West Maumee Street. Retail fraud, 4400 block of West Maumee Street.

Sept. 18: Stalking, 1400 block of Village Green Lane. Sexual assault, 200 block of Clinton Street. Assault, South Center and Erie streets. Larceny from a yard, 800 block of Dennis Street. Assault, 300 block of Cherry Street. Larceny from a vehicle and from a yard, 300 block of Erie Street. Larceny from a vehicle, 300 block of Erie Street.

Sept. 19: Property damage, 100 block of Sand Creek Highway. Sexual assault, 100 block of North McVicar Street. Property damage, 400 block of College Avenue. Disorderly conduct, 100 block of Dawes Street. Assault, 100 block of Bristol Street.

ADRIAN TOWNSHIP

Aug. 25: Larceny from a building, 1200 block of Corporate Drive.

Sept. 1: Larceny from a vehicle, 3100 block of North Hills Boulevard.

a resolution to place the measure on the November ballot.

A 60 percent “yes” vote is needed for the agreement to be approved.

The franchise is non-exclusive, but any other company seeking to provide gas in the city would have to build the necessary infrastructure, including gas lines, for its own operations. That makes it a much different proposition than, for example, a competitor internet provider simply laying its own fiberoptic cable.

With a history stretching back almost 170 years, Citizens Gas Fuel Co. is likely the oldest continually operating company in Lenawee County, general manager Bert Fruchey said.

CLAYTON

Sept. 17: Assault, 10800 block of South Church Street.

DEERFIELD

Sept. 2: Larceny from a vehicle, 700 block of West River Street.

FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP

Aug. 25: Assault, 1200 block of Seneca Street.

Sept. 2: Burglary (residential, no forced entry), 12300 block of Terry Highway.

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

Sept. 17: Larceny from a building, 5100 block of West U.S. 12.

HUDSON

Sept. 1: Assault, 200 block of West Main Street.

MADISON TOWNSHIP

Aug. 23: Assault, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

Aug. 25: Retail fraud, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

Aug. 29: Property damage, 1700 block of Taylor Avenue. Assault, 1000 block of West U.S. 223.

Sept. 2: Retail fraud, 1600 block of East U.S. 223. Telephone harassment or threats, 2300 block of Kenwood Drive. Disorderly conduct, U.S. 223 and South Main Street.

Sept. 4: Larceny from a vehicle, 2400 block of East U.S. 223.

Sept. 5: Assault, 2300 block of Airport Road. Burglary (non-residential, forced entry), 2400 block of East U.S. 223.

Sept. 6: Retail fraud, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

Sept. 10: Assault, 3300 block of Treat Highway.

Sept. 13: Retail fraud, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

Sept. 15: Vehicle theft, 2400 block of Treat Highway.

Sept. 18: Assault, 1800 block of Parr Highway.

OGDEN TOWNSHIP

Aug. 25: Telephone harassment or threats, 12400 block of Neuroth Highway.

PALMYRA TOWNSHIP

Aug. 24: Assault, 4000 block of Sharp Road. Assault, 3400 block of East U.S. 223.

Sept. 7: Assault, 3400 block of East U.S. 223.

Sept. 15: Assault, 3400 block of East U.S. 223. Larceny from a building, 3900 block of Cook Road.

RIDGEWAY TOWNSHIP

Aug. 23: Assault, 8700 block of East M-50.

Sept. 10: Operating while intoxicated, Palmer Highway and Sutton Road.

RIGA TOWNSHIP

Aug. 26: Fraud, 13500 block of Ottawa Lake Road.

ROLLIN TOWNSHIP

Aug. 28: Fraud, 700 block of Manitou Road.

Aug. 31: Assault, 800 block of Vienna Avenue.

According to the company’s website, the company got its start in 1856 as the Adrian Gas Light Co. At the time, it furnished manufactured gas — a different fuel type than natural gas — to 98 customers in the city.

Citizens Gas Fuel Co. services approximately 18,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in and around Adrian.

The company says it also supports numerous Lenawee County civic organizations and other nonprofits and is investing millions of dollars over the next several years in its infrastructure to ensure it can continue to supply safe and reliable natural gas service.

Sept. 3: Burglary (non-residential, forced entry), 18000 block of Quaker Road.

Sept. 12: Sexual assault, 100 block of Pine Street. Sept. 13: Assault, 16300 block of Rome Road. Sept. 15: Fraud, 4600 block of Woerner Road. Sept. 17: Burglary (non-residential, forced entry).

Sept. 18: Larceny from a yard, 13800 block of Rome Road.

ROME TOWNSHIP

Aug. 27: Assault, 12700 block of West U.S. 223. Sept. 2: Property damage, 10100 block of Shepherd Road.

Sept. 13: Larceny, 11200 block of West U.S. 223.

SENECA TOWNSHIP

Aug. 25: Property damage, 8300 block of West Weston Road.

TECUMSEH

Sept. 2: Identity theft, 200 block of East Logan Street.

Sept. 3: Assault, 9100 block of North Union Street.

Sept. 4: Operating while intoxicated, East Russell Road and South Evans Street.

Sept. 6: Disorderly conduct, 400 block of Seminole Street.

Sept. 8: Disorderly conduct, 200 block of North Occidental Highway. Sept. 10: Larceny, 700 block of North Evans Street.

TECUMSEH TOWNSHIP

Aug. 23: Larceny, 1100 block of East M-50. Sept. 7: Assault, 9600 block of Tecumseh Clinton Highway.

WOODSTOCK TOWNSHIP

Aug. 26: Vehicle theft, 7800 block of South Devils Lake Highway.

Aug. 27: Fraud, 17900 block of West U.S. 223. Sept. 1: Operating while intoxicated, 15900 block of Addison Road.

Sept. 6: Operating while intoxicated, North Devils Lake Highway and West U.S. 223, Sept. 7: Drug possession, North Devils Lake Highway and West U.S. 223, Sept. 8: Larceny from a building, 4500 block of Round Lake Highway.

Sept. 10: Sexual assault, 14300 block of West U.S. 12.

Sept. 16: Fraud, 10200 block of Cement City Highway.

Sept. 18: Sexual assault, 14300 block of West U.S. 12.

NEWS FROM AROUND LENAWEE COUNTY

ADRIAN MOVES AHEAD WITH MONUMENT RESTORATION, BUT WITHOUT BRICKS: The city of Adrian is moving ahead with plans to rehabilitate the Civil War monument in Monument Park — but without the group that had been raising funds for the restoration by selling bricks to be installed in the park. The move follows a decision earlier this year that the only names in the park should be those on monuments to veterans and in particular people who died in service. The decision led to some hard feelings between the city commission and the committee that sold the bricks. Committee members spoke at a commission meeting to say they felt betrayed by the city, while commissioners faulted the committee for not communicating with donors and for collecting money but going years without taking any action. The city commission decided to hire Ken Thompson of Flatlanders Sculpture Supply to do the restoration at a cost not to exceed $15,000, and he is expected to give a presentation on the process at the Oct. 6 city commission meeting.

— LENAWEE VOICE

NEW CITY ADMINISTRATOR STARTS

WORK: Adrian’s new city administrator, Chad Baugh, started work on Sept. 22. The city commission approved an employment agreement with Baugh on Sept. 2. The salary for the position, which is based on the city’s wage schedule, starts at $150,363 per year plus benefits.

— LENAWEE VOICE

SOUTH MAIN TUNNEL DELAYED: The construction of the Kiwanis Trail tunnel under South Main Street in Adrian has been delayed and will not happen this fall as had been originally anticipated. Acting city administrator Vince Emrick said that conflicts involving a gas line in the area were responsible for the postponement. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

SEVENTEEN DOGS SURRENDERED FROM STATE STREET

HOME: The discovery of 17 dogs and puppies living in squalid conditions at an Adrian home in early September left Lenawee Humane Society officials scrambling to find placement for the animals after they were turned over to the shelter. Adrian police responded to the home on State Street after receiving reports of dogs in the home not receiving care. Despite the living conditions, police said the dogs appeared healthy and were voluntarily surrendered to the Humane Society. The home has been condemned and its residents have relocated. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

STEELE RESIGNS FROM DOWNTOWN BOARD: After chairing the Adrian Main Street and Downtown Development Authority board for the past six years, Dusty Steele stepped down from the board in September. Steele said he needed to take time to focus more fully on his family, his business, and the closure of Siena Heights University. Steele also chairs the Siena Heights board. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

PUBLIC CONDUCT AT MEETING PRAISED: After a public meeting in Blissfield about a controversial solar power development, police chief Dale Greenleaf praised the approximately 80 residents who attended for being peaceful and polite despite their disagreements. In a letter posted to social media on Sept. 27, Greenleaf wrote that “in contrast to what we often see during public meetings around the country these days, there was no yelling and screaming, no use of profanity and vulgarity, no threats and no disruptive conduct of any kind.” He said the residents of Blissfield set an example that people around the country, as well as elected representatives, can follow. — LENAWEE VOICE

IDA WOMAN KILLED IN CRASH: Shortly before noon on Sept. 6, Lenawee County sheriff’s deputies responded to a serious injury crash at the intersection of Stearns Highway and McMahon Road. A Volkswagen Atlas driven by a 69-yearold man from Ida was southbound on Stearns and did not stop at the stop sign, and was struck by a Chevrolet Traverse driven by a 42-year-old Deerfield woman. The passenger in the Volkswagen, a 68-year-old Ida woman, died from her injuries after being taken to a Toledo hospital.

— LENAWEE VOICE

NEW ART IN ALLEY 221: Alley 221 in downtown Morenci will debut a new rotation of public art at Fall Fest on Saturday, October 4, as the Revitalize Morenci Initiative unveils original pieces created by community artists. The outdoor gallery will feature paintings by Teejay Hutchison, Roseann Miller, Karley Schmidt, and Rachel Sturmer. The new artwork will remain on display through May 2026 as part of RMI’s ongoing effort to celebrate local creativity and enhance the downtown experience. The outgoing paintings will soon be available for purchase through an online silent auction. — MORENCI ADVOCATE

TECUMSEH WOMAN DIES AFTER CAR STRIKES TREE: Sheriff’s deputies responded at around 11:30 a.m. Sept. 14 to a single-vehicle crash on Occidental Highway south of Gady Road in Raisin Township. A Mercury passenger vehicle had been traveling south on Occidental Highway when it drove through a curve in the roadway, then went off the right side of the road and struck a tree. The driver, an 81-year-old Tecumseh woman, was transported to Hickman Hospital where she was pronounced deceased. — LENAWEE VOICE

TECUMSEH

TECUMSEH HAS NEW CITY MANAGER AND INTERIM POLICE

CHIEF: Tecumseh’s new city manager is now under contract, as the city council voted on Sept. 2 to approve an agreement with former police chief Brett Coker that will pay him $140,000 per year plus benefits. First Sgt. Jeff Wright has been named interim police chief. He has 20 years of law enforcement experience, 18 of them in Tecumseh. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

vice president, is taking on the role of president as the school prepares to close next spring.

Betz to lead Siena Heights through its final chapter

Cheri Betz, a longtime SHU administrator, replaces Douglas Palmer as university’s president

ADRIAN — As Siena Heights University prepares to close, its former president is out and a longtime administrator is taking on the job of leading the university through its final year.

Dr. Cheri Betz, who was announced as the university’s new president on Sept. 11, said she is committed to making sure the university’s final chapter is an honorable one that upholds its legacy.

“I am here to serve,” she said in a press release. “The year ahead of us is a critical one in that we uphold our promise of an honorable closure. I will not waver in my commitment to students, faculty, staff, and alumni to make our final chapter one that honors the legacy of the institution.”

Betz has been in leadership at Siena Heights for more than 20 years. She was named executive vice president in 2024, and prior to that, her roles included serving as vice president of enrollment and dean of the online learning program. She replaces Dr. Douglas Palmer, who had been president since July 2023. In a statement, Siena Heights board chair Harry “Dusty” Steele said that the university is grateful to Palmer for his service and fully confident in Betz’s experience and commitment to Siena Heights.

Sister Elise Garcia, OP, prioress of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, said that Betz “has a depth and breadth of experience and love of Siena to lead students, faculty and staff with joy, intelligence and sensitivity through a very challenging final year that could also be richly rewarding.”

Betz holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Olivet Nazarene University, a master’s in organizational leadership from Siena Heights University, and a doctorate in ethical leadership from Olivet Nazarene University. She is a member of the board of trustees for Olivet Nazarene University and a Goodwill Ambassador for Goodwill Industries Southeast Michigan.

Dr. Cheri Betz, previously Siena Heights University’s executive

Chad Baugh

ADRIAN

Researchers hope to honor Revolutionary War veterans for nation’s 250th birthday

Information is sought about patriots buried locally

ADRIAN — The Lenawee County Family Researchers, in collaboration with the Lucy Wolcott Barnum Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, are formulating plans to honor all Revolutionary War heroes buried in Lenawee County cemeteries for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

While the war was fought mainly along the Eastern Seaboard, several veterans of the conflict are buried in Lenawee County. A listing of Revolutionary War veterans who are known to be buried locally can be found at www.migenweb.org/lenawee/ revwar.html.

The groups are seeking to identify any Revolutionary War patriots buried in Lenawee County who may not currently be known. Patriots may include not only military veterans but also non-military individuals who played a role on the side of American colonists during the war, such as wives of veterans, pro-independence clergymen, colonial politicians, or people who supplied provisions for the war effort. Anyone with information can contact Julia Klink of the Lenawee County Family Researchers at 517-436-3435 or jklink@sandcreektelco.com.

The Family Researchers are hoping to finish gathering the information by February 2026.

The grave marker of Nathaniel Elliot, who was a private in the Revolutionary War and is buried in the Gage Cemetery on Cadmus Road. MIGENWEB.ORG

Local group urges Hispanic residents to obtain passport cards to protect against racial profiling

ADRIAN — In the wake of a Supreme Court decision that allows federal immigration officers to use a person’s race as a factor in determining whether to detain and interrogate them, a local advocacy group is urging residents of Hispanic origin to obtain passport cards if they do not currently have them.

Hispanics of Lenawee Alliance (HOLA) said in a statement issued Sept. 10 that carrying a passport card is one way that people can easily demonstrate citizenship if they are targeted by racial profiling.

“We fear that any Hispanic individual, regardless of citizenship status, could be stopped and asked to produce documentation simply for speaking

Spanish or appearing to work a low-wage job,” Ben Negron, executive director of HOLA, said in the statement.

“Let us be clear: this ruling undermines the Fourth Amendment protections against unlawful searches and seizures. It sends a chilling message to Hispanic communities nationwide — that our appearance, our language, and our labor can be used against us,” Negron stated. “Even those born in the United States, with birth certificates and legal status, are not immune. ICE agents are not required to accept state-issued driver’s licenses as proof of federal identity. Therefore, HOLA strongly urges all Hispanic residents of Lenawee County who do not currently possess a U.S.

passport card to begin the application process immediately. While this may not prevent detention, it can significantly reduce the time spent verifying legal status.”

In a temporary decision in September, the Supreme Court voted 6-3 to pause an order from a district judge in California that would have forbidden immigration agents from detaining a person based on any of these factors: the person’s race, what language they are speaking, whether they speak English with an accent, being present at a location where federal agents claim that undocumented immigrants are known to gather, or working in specific jobs such as

landscaping or construction.

The ruling means that federal agents can continue using those factors as justification for detaining people while the Trump administration’s appeal of the district judge’s ruling works its way through the court system.

There have been multiple documented incidents in recent months of U.S. citizens being arrested and held by immigration agents. In July, administration “border czar” Tom Homan admitted that citizens had been swept up in immigration raids.

Information about how to apply for a passport or passport card can be found at www.usps.com/international/passports. htm.

Five reasons to call your local community foundation

In an economic and legislative environment full of unpredictability, we encourage you to tap the knowledgeable team at the Lenawee Community Foundation (LCF), perhaps even more than you have in the past.

If you’ve already established a donoradvised or other type of fund at LCF, you’re familiar with many of the ways we make charitable giving easy, flexible, and effective. Helping you achieve your goals for improving the quality of life in our community, as well as fulfilling your own estate planning and financial objectives is our goal.

Not sure when to reach out to the Community Foundation? If any of these situations apply to you, drop us an email or give us a call!

You promised yourself in 2024 that you’ll never again get caught in a yearend crunch.

The last few months of the year are always hectic with holiday activities. When you layer on the added stress of tax planning and completing the charitable giving plans you set back in January, you might tip the scales from hectic to chaos! The Lenawee Community Foundation can help organize your year-end charitable giving early so that it achieves both your financial and your philanthropic goals.

You’re concerned about recent drops in funding to local charities, but you’re not quite sure about what you can do to help.

BRONNA KAHLE

The Lenawee Community Foundation is our county’s home for charitable giving. That means we have a finger on the pulse of our community’s needs and the nonprofits that are addressing them. Our team can provide information about program cuts that may have left people in our community vulnerable and share ideas and recommendations for how you can help fill the gaps.

Your tax advisor has suggested that 2025 is an important year to increase your charitable donations, but you don’t want your gifts to favorite charities to suddenly spike and then drop again.

For the small percentage of people who itemize deductions on their individual income tax returns, 2025 may indeed present opportunities. The

Lenawee Community Foundation is happy to work with you and your tax advisors to structure gifts to a donoradvised or other type of fund at your Community Foundation to ensure you’re leveraging tax advantages while also maintaining consistent support year after year for the causes that matter to you.

You’re thinking about selling commercial property or private business interests and you’ve heard that charitable gifts can be an effective component of the transaction if structured correctly.

Many people do not realize until it’s too late that they can give real estate or closely-held stock to a fund at a community foundation well in advance of a future sale. Doing so can create significant tax benefits, while also setting aside charitable dollars to make a positive difference in the community either immediately or across generations. Before you and your advisors put any pen to paper on the disposition of real estate or private business interests, please reach out to your Community Foundation.

You’re updating your estate plan and want to leave money to charity, but you’re not sure which charity.

Please reach out to the Lenawee Community Foundation anytime you are updating your estate plan or related financial documents, such as beneficiary designations on IRAs, life insurance policies, or retirement accounts. Our team is happy to work with your advisors to deploy your Foundation’s flexible tools to round out your estate plan and make sure you’re exploring the tax benefits of using various types of assets to fund your charitable intentions.

Whatever your charitable giving situation, we are here for you! Whether you’ve already established a fund at the Lenawee Community Foundation or you’re considering getting involved, we look forward to the conversation. Together, we’ll build a legacy of health, happiness, and hope—for the love of Lenawee.

Bronna Kahle is president and CEO of the Lenawee Community Foundation. Learn more at lenaweecommunityfoundation.com.

Adrian library hosts activities to celebrate Day of the Dead

ADRIAN — The Adrian District Library will honor the Day of the Dead through a Community Ofrenda, creating a welcoming atmosphere for community members to celebrate and reflect on the lives of loved ones who have passed.

In addition to recognizing Day of the Dead on Nov. 1, the library is planning different cultural activities throughout October to raise awareness of the meaning and cultural aspects of the celebration.

For the past two years, a Community Ofrenda at the library has been a focal point for a community event, fostering a sense of cultural connection and appreciation for traditions surrounding Día de los Muertos. The library has also organized displays featuring books about the Day of the Dead, as well as decorations and events about the holiday, making it accessible to community members of all ethnic groups and ages.

The Community Ofrenda symbolizes a bridge between cultures, allowing library patrons to engage with and celebrate the rich heritage of the Day of the Dead. The goal is to preserve tradition, foster unity, and encourage the sharing of remembrance by the diverse members of the Adrian community.

The Ofrenda and the Community Ofrenda celebration are sponsored and co-hosted this year by HOLA (Hispanics of Lenawee Alliance) and Meijer.

The library’s Community Ofrenda in 2024.

Photos welcomed: The library is inviting people to honor their loved ones by bringing in a photo of a departed person or pet to include in the Community Ofrenda. Photos should be printed and no larger than 5x7 inches. They will be accepted from Oct. 13 to Oct. 24. Please label your photo with your name and contact information so it can be returned.

Community invited to help with setup: The construction of an Ofrenda is an important part of honoring the dead. The library invites community members to help set up the Community Ofrenda on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10-11:30 am.

Adult craft project: Get ready for Halloween or Día de los Muertos by decorating two different paper bags with skulls that can be used as a lantern, a decoration, or for trick-or-treating. This craft project will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 5-6 p.m., and is for ages 18 and up. Registration is not required.

Game night: Have fun playing the traditional Mexican bingo board game Loteria, themed around the Pixar movie “Coco,” which was inspired by Día de los Muertos. All ages are welcome and refreshments will be provided. Registration is not required.

Ofrenda workshop: Would you like to set up an Ofrenda but don’t know where to start? This workshop will cover the basic elements of setting up an ofrenda, and participants will also learn how to make traditional paper flowers. This workshop is for ages 18 and up. Registration is not required.

Community Ofrenda celebration: The activities will culminate in a Community Ofrenda celebration on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 10 a.m. Guests will learn about the origin and meaning of Día de los Muertos, altars and their elements, the symbolism of La Catrina, and how the holiday is celebrated in different parts of the world. Traditional refreshments will be offered. The celebration is open to the public and all ages are welcome.

For more information, visit the library at 143 E. Maumee St., go to www.adrian.lib.mi.us, or call 517-265-2265.

LOCALES

Las elecciones municipales son el 4 de noviembre

Artículo original por Erik Gable Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

ADRIAN — Los votantes de la Ciudad de Adrian elegirán a los Comisionados de la Ciudad y decidirán sobre dos propuestas electorales en las elecciones del 4 de noviembre.

La votación se llevará a cabo en el espacio de la feria y de eventos del Condado de Lenawee, 602 N. Dean St., de 7 a.m. a las 8 p.m.

Los residentes también pueden votar en ausencia. Para obtener información sobre el voto en ausencia, comuníquese con la Secretaria Municipal April Hamann en ahamann@adrianmi.gov o al 517-264-4866.

He aquí un vistazo a lo que está en la boleta.

Comisión de la Ciudad

La alcaldesa Angela Sword Heath no tiene oposición para la reelección, pero hay seis candidatos para tres puestos en la Comisión de la Ciudad de Adrian. Los comisionados cumplen mandatos de cuatro años. Los votantes pueden seleccionar hasta tres candidatos.

Aarón J. Chesher es maestro y voluntario en varias organizaciones comunitarias. Nació en Adrian y se mudó por varios años antes de regresar a Adrian con su esposo en 2022.

Chesher se inspiró para postularse para un cargo después de ver el impacto positivo de construir relaciones saludables entre personas marginadas, como las comunidades LGBTQ+ e Hispana, y los representantes del gobierno local.

Él cree que las principales prioridades de la ciudad para los próximos cuatro años deberían ser apoyar a las pequeñas empresas y atraer empleadores, implementar una estrategia sensata y favorable a los residentes para combatir el deterioro, ampliar oportunidades tanto recreativas y culturales en Adrian y restablecer la Comisión de Relaciones Humanas (Human Relations Commission) para combatir la discriminación. Apoya las políticas que impiden que la ciudad colabore con agentes federales de inmigración. Chesher afirmó que le gustaría mejorar la comunicación entre el Ayuntamiento y los residentes de Adrian mediante la celebración de asambleas comunitarias vecinales y el aumento del acceso bilingüe a la toma de decisiones municipales. También desea crear más oportunidades para que los jóvenes participen en el gobierno local. Gordon D. Gauss es un titular que se postula para su segundo mandato en la comisión. Es un Ejecutivo Automotriz jubilado que creció en Adrian y se graduó del Colegio de Adrian (Adrian College). Luego, desarrolló su carrera en California antes de regresar a Adrian con su esposa en 2012. Antes de ser elegido para la Comisión Municipal, formó parte de la Comisión de Planificación (Planning Commission). Es miembro activo del Club Kiwanis (Kiwanis Club).

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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.

Libros para adolescentes en español se añaden a la colección de la biblioteca

ADRIAN — Se han agregado 153 libros nuevos en español a la colección de la Biblioteca del Distrito de Adrian, gracias al reciente patrocinio del Consejo Juvenil de Lenawee (Lenawee Youth Council).

Las adiciones son principalmente ficción, incluyendo algunas novelas gráficas, pero también se incluyen libros de no ficción. Las selecciones iniciales fueron realizadas por Jess Bruechert, Bibliotecaria de Servicios Juveniles, y la lista fue revisada por la Asistente de Biblioteca Bilingüe Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares. Buscaron buenos libros que fueran populares entre los usuarios de la biblioteca y también intentaron encontrar obras escritas por hablantes nativos de español, aunque también hay muchos libros traducidos, incluidos algunos de la popular autora de fantasía Sarah Maas. Algunos de los libros se solicitaban con frecuencia mediante préstamo interbibliotecario. Ahora, los residentes de Adrian que hablan español pueden disfrutar de los beneficios de leer libros en español, como mantener la fluidez y ampliar su vocabulario, directamente en la biblioteca de su ciudad.

La ampliación de la colección en español de la biblioteca para incluir libros para adolescentes fue uno de los 11 proyectos financiados por el Consejo Juvenil de Lenawee este año.

La Bibliotecaria de Servicios Juveniles Jess Bruechert y la Asistente de Biblioteca Bilingüe

Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares muestran algunos de los libros en español que se agregaron recientemente a la colección para adolescentes de la biblioteca.

El Consejo Juvenil es un proyecto de la Fundación Comunitaria Lenawee que ofrece a los jóvenes del Condado de Lenawee la oportunidad de adquirir experiencia en liderazgo y participar en la filantropía comunitaria. Cada año, el Consejo Juvenil de Lenawee acepta solicitudes de patrocinio para proyectos que benefician a los jóvenes de la

comunidad. Los miembros del Consejo Juvenil deciden qué proyectos financiar. Para obtener más información sobre la Biblioteca del Distrito de Adrian, llame al 517-265-2265 o visite adrian.lib.mi.us. Para obtener más información sobre el Consejo Juvenil de Lenawee, comuníquese con Paula Trentman al 517-263-4696 o envíe un correo electrónico a paula@lenaweecf.com.

La biblioteca de Adrian organiza actividades para celebrar el Día de Muertos

Por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

ADRIAN — La Biblioteca del Distrito de Adrian honrará el Día de los Muertos a través de una Ofrenda Comunitaria, creando un ambiente acogedor para que los miembros de la comunidad celebren y reflexionen sobre las vidas de los seres queridos que han fallecido. Además de reconocer el Día de Muertos el 1 de noviembre, la biblioteca está planeando diferentes actividades culturales durante octubre para crear conciencia sobre el significado y los aspectos culturales de esta celebración. Durante los últimos dos años, la Ofrenda Comunitaria en la biblioteca ha sido el punto focal de un evento comunitario, fomentando la conexión cultural y el aprecio por las tradiciones del Día de Muertos. La biblioteca también ha organizado exhibiciones con libros sobre el Día de Muertos, así como decoraciones y eventos relacionados con la festividad, haciéndola accesible a todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad, de todos los grupos étnicos y edades.

La Ofrenda Comunitaria simboliza un puente entre culturas, permitiendo a los usuarios de la biblioteca conectar con la rica herencia del Día de Muertos y celebrarla. El objetivo es preservar la tradición,fomentar la unidad y alentar el intercambio de recuerdos entre los diversos miembros de la comunidad de Adrian.

Este año, la Ofrenda y la celebración comunitaria de la Ofrenda están patrocinadas y organizadas conjuntamente por HOLA (Hispanos de Lenawee Alliance) y Meijer.

Se aceptan fotografías: La biblioteca invita a las personas a honrar a sus seres queridos trayendo una foto de una persona fallecida o de su mascota para incluirla en la Ofrenda Comunitaria. Las fotos deben estar impresas y no deben superar las 5x7 pulgadas. Se aceptarán del 13 al 24 de octubre. Por favor, etiquéte su foto con su nombre e información de contacto para que podamos devolverla.

Comunidad invitada a ayudar a la puesta: La elaboración de una Ofrenda es una parte importante del homenaje a los difuntos. La biblioteca invita a los miembros de la comunidad a ayudar a poner la Ofrenda Comunitaria el sábado 25 de octubre, de 10:00 a 11:30 am. Proyecto de manualidades para adultos: Prepárate para Halloween o el Día de los Muertos decorando dos

bolsas de papel con dibujos de calavera que puedes usar como farol, decoración o para pedir dulces. Este proyecto de manualidades se llevará a cabo el martes 28 de octubre, de 5:00 a 6:00 pm, y es para mayores de 18 años. No es necesario registrarse.

Noche de juegos: Diviértete jugando el tradicional juego mexicano de mesa Lotería, con el tema de la película de Pixar “Coco”, inspirada en el Día de los Muertos. Todas las edades son bienvenidas y se ofrecerán refrigerios. No es necesario registrarse. Taller Ofrenda: ¿Te gustaría poner una ofrenda pero no sabes por dónde empezar? Este taller cubrirá los elementos básicos para crear una ofrenda. Los participantes también aprenderán a hacer flores de papel tradicionales. Este taller es para mayores de 18 años. No es necesario registrarse.

Celebración de la Ofrenda Comunitaria: Las actividades culminarán con la celebración de la Ofrenda Comunitaria el sábado 1 de noviembre a las 10:00 a. m. Los invitados aprenderán sobre el origen y el significado del Día de los Muertos, los altares y sus elementos, el simbolismo de La Catrina y cómo se celebra esta festividad en diferentes partes del mundo. Se ofrecerán refrigerios tradicionales. La celebración está abierta al público y son bienvenidas todas las edades. Para obtener más información, visite la biblioteca en 143 E. Maumee St., vaya a www.adrian.lib.mi.us o llame al 517-265-2265.

La Ofrenda Comunitaria de la biblioteca en 2024.

HOLA insta a los residentes Hispanos a obtener tarjetas de pasaporte

Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

ADRIAN — A raíz de una decisión de la Corte Suprema que permite a los funcionarios federales de inmigración utilizar la raza de una persona como un factor para determinar si la detendrán e interrogarán, un grupo de defensa local insta a los residentes de origen Hispano a obtener tarjetas de pasaporte si actualmente no las tienen.

Hispanos de la Alianza de Lenawee (HOLA) dijo en una declaración emitida el 10 de septiembre qué llevar una tarjeta de pasaporte es una manera en que las personas pueden demostrar fácilmente su ciudadanía si son blaco de perfilación racial.

“Tememos que cualquier individuo Hispano, independientemente de su estatus de ciudadanía, pueda ser detenido y se le pueda pedir que presente documentación simplemente por hablar español o aparentar tener un trabajo de bajo salario”, dijo en el comunicado Ben Negron, Director Ejecutivo de HOLA.

“Seamos claros: este fallo debilita las protecciones de la Cuarta Enmienda contra registros e incautaciones ilegales. Envía un mensaje alarmante a las comunidades hispanas de todo el país: que nuestra apariencia, nuestro idioma y nuestro trabajo pueden usarse en nuestra contra”, declaró Negron. “Incluso quienes nacieron en Estados Unidos, con actas de nacimiento y estatus legal, no son inmunes. Los agentes de ICE no están obligados a aceptar licencias de conducir estatales como prueba de identidad federal. Por lo tanto, HOLA insta encarecidamente a todos los residentes Hispanos del Condado de Lenawee que actualmente no posean una tarjeta de pasaporte estadounidense a que inicien el proceso de solicitud de inmediato. Si bien esto no puede evitar la detención, puede reducir significativamente el tiempo dedicado a verificar el estatus legal”.

En una decisión temporal en septiembre, la Corte Suprema votó 6-3 para pausar una orden de un juez de distrito en California que habría prohibido a los agentes de inmigración detener a una persona basándose en cualquiera de estos factores: la raza de la persona, el idioma que habla, si habla inglés con acento, estar presente en un lugar donde los agentes federales afirman que se sabe que se reúnen inmigrantes indocumentados o trabajar en trabajos específicos como jardinería o construcción.

El fallo significa que los agentes federales pueden seguir utilizando esos factores como justificación para detener a personas mientras la apelación de la administración Trump al fallo del Juez de Distrito avanza en el sistema judicial. En los últimos meses se han documentado numerosos incidentes de ciudadanos estadounidenses arrestados y encarcelados por agentes de inmigración. En julio, el funcionario del gobierno, Tom Homan, admitió que ciudadanos habían sido detenidos en redadas de inmigración.

Puede encontrar información sobre cómo solicitar un pasaporte o una tarjeta de pasaporte en www.usps.com/ international/passports.htm.

CALENDARIO DEL CENTRO EBEID PARA OCTUBRE

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

Yoga para Todos (por YMCA) — el martes, 2, 9, 16, 23 y 30 de octobre, 4 p.m. Únete a otros en esta clase de yoga de bajo impacto que promueve la fuerza, la resistencia y la estabilidad al tiempo que mejora la flexibilidad a través de posturas de yoga fluidas.

Plantando para el Futuro (por Lenawee Conservation District) — el jueves, 9 de octubre, 6 p.m. Una de las

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Gauss afirmó que una de las mayores prioridades de la ciudad debe ser la limpieza del deterioro. Votó a favor de la ordenanza de inspección de puntos de venta (Point-of-sale inspection ordinance) aprobada el año pasado y sigue creyendo que es una buena herramienta para mejorar las viviendas deterioradas. También afirmó que la ciudad necesita invertir en infraestructura.

Él dijo que otra prioridad debe ser aumentar la cantidad de viviendas en la ciudad, así como atraer empresas.

Gauss dijo que le gustaría que la ciudad aumentará las oportunidades recreativas para los jóvenes.

También cree que la Comisión de la Ciudad ha estado haciendo un mejor trabajo en materia de transparencia, pero puede seguir mejorando.

Douglas Miller es un titular que se postula para su segundo mandato en la comisión. Está jubilado del Departamento de Teatro de la Universidad de Siena Heights (Siena Heights University), donde también forma parte de la junta de exalumnos. También fue miembro de la Junta Directiva de la Ópera de Croswell (Croswell Opera House).

Miller dijo que su carrera en el teatro implicaba trabajar con presupuestos, personal y cronogramas, y que esas tres cosas también son parte del trabajo de un Comisionado de la Ciudad.

Él cree que la comisión debe trabajar para hacer que la ciudad sea lo más vibrante posible, y dijo que los esfuerzos para desarrollar la calle North Winter en el centro y abordar el deterioro son dos ejemplos de ello.

Miller dijo que la ciudad debe intentar ayudar a los residentes con dificultades, incluso si eso a veces puede implicar gastar dinero. También afirmó que es importante servir a todos en la ciudad, sin importar en qué vecindario viven.

Chip Moore es originario de Hillsdale, pero es residente de Adrian desde hace mucho tiempo. Es Veterano del Ejército y propietario de las aseguradoras: Adrian Insurance y Tecumseh Insurance.

Es miembro del Club Rotario del Medio Día de Adrian (Adrian Noon Rotary Club) y de la Junta Directiva

cosas más optimistas que puede hacer es plantar bulbos en el otoño. Aprenda sobre diferentes tipos de bulbos y técnicas de plantación.

Reunión de la Coalición Comunitaria — el lunes, 13 de octubre, 5 p.m. La Coalición celebra su reunión mensual el segundo lunes de cada mes a las 5 p.m.

Seguridad Corporal (por Lenawee Great Start y el Child Advocacy Center)‚ el jueves, 15 de octubre, 5:30-7 p.m. Esta importante educación enseña a los niños a identificar toques seguros e inseguros, comprender el consentimiento, reconocer situaciones incómodas o aterradoras y los empodera con las habilidades y el conocimiento necesarios que disminuirán la probabilidad de que se conviertan en víctimas de abuso sexual infantil. Se proporcionará cena y cuidado de niños. Se requiere inscripción previa.

Entrenamiento de Narcan 101 (por Community Mental Health) — el jueves, 16 de octubre, 4 p.m. Únase a otros para esta capacitación de Narcan que enseña cómo reconocer una sobredosis de opioides, comprender cómo funciona Narcan para revertirla y cómo administrar el medicamento de manera segura.

de la Orquesta Sinfónica de Adrian (Adrian Symphony Orchestra Board), y hace varios años también formó parte de la Junta Directiva de la Autoridad de Desarrollo del Centro (Downtown Development Authority Board).

Moore dijo que se sintió atraído a postularse porque estaba decepcionado con los cierres obligatorios durante la pandemia de COVID-19 y su impacto en las pequeñas empresas. También cree que los empresarios necesitan estar representados en la Comisión Municipal.

Él dijo que puede ser difícil para las empresas colaborar con la ciudad y que le gustaría cambiar eso. Quiere facilitar la creación y administración de empresas en Adrian.

Algo que Moore quisiera cambiar en el funcionamiento de la Comisión Municipal es que la sección de comentarios públicos de las reuniones de la comisión se centrará más en el diálogo entre residentes y comisionados. También le gustaría debatir la idea de elegir a los comisionados por distritos electorales en lugar de que todos los comisionados sean elegidos por toda la ciudad.

Tiffany Sieler-Zych es la propietaria del restaurante Downtown Dempsey’s, que abrió justo después de graduarse de la universidad en 2018. Tiene una Licenciatura de la Universidad de Michigan y una Maestría en Administración Pública de la Universidad de Columbia (Columbia University).

Sieler-Zych se inspiró inicialmente para postularse tras la aprobación por parte de la Comisión Municipal de la ordenanza de inspección de puntos de venta (Point-of-sale inspection ordinance), a la que se opone. Cree que la ordenanza no es adecuada para Adrian y que representa un obstáculo para las familias que se mudan allí.

Además de derogar la ordenanza de puntos de venta, dijo que una de sus prioridades sería garantizar que los proyectos en los que la ciudad gasta dinero estén alineados con el objetivo de crear una mejor comunidad.

Ella dijo que puede ser difícil para las empresas trabajar con la ciudad y que le gustaría ver una comunicación más transparente y políticas claras.

Sieler-Zych afirmó que los residentes deberían poder confiar en que los funcionarios electos representarán sus intereses con honestidad y

Alquiler para el Exito (por Community Action Agency) — el jueves, 21 de octubre, 5:30-7 p.m. Aprenda sobre las leyes de vivienda justa, contratos de arrendamiento, derechos de los inquilinos, mantenimiento, reparaciones y más. Se requiere registro.

Exploración de Carreras de Realidad Virtual — el miércoles, 22 de octubre, 3:30-5 p.m. Venga a explorar más de 20 simulaciones de carreras prácticas con los auriculares Transfer VR, que ofrecen experiencias inmersivas en campos como la aviación, la atención médica, la ingeniería, la construcción y otros oficios. Adultos y niños mayores de 12 años son bienvenidos.

Baile en Línea (con Tichina Carter) — el viernes, 24 de octubre, 6 p.m. Tichina compartirá las últimas tendencias en baile en línea mientras socializas con otros y haces tu ejercicio diario de una manera divertida.

Padres de Lenawee (facilitado por De’Angelo Boone) — el martes, 30 de octubre, 6 p.m. Todos los padres del condado de Lenawee están cordialmente invitados a ser parte de esta iniciativa de apoyo al padre.

fervor. Quiere asegurarse de que las preocupaciones de los residentes se validen y se debatan.

James Trull trabaja como camionero. Empezó a asistir a las reuniones municipales hace unos años cuando se propuso una controvertida ordenanza sobre vehículos recreativos. Mientras asistía a esas reuniones, comentó, se dio cuenta de que muchos Ciudadanos de Adrian sentían que no se les escuchaba. Comentó que ha tenido la experiencia personal de enviar correos electrónicos a los Comisionados de la Ciudad sin obtener respuesta, aunque comentó que algunos de los comisionados que sí respondieron fueron muy serviciales.

Asistir a las reuniones del gobierno de la ciudad despertó su interés en participar y recientemente participó en la Academia Comunitaria de Adrian (Adrian’s Community Academy) para aprender más sobre cómo funciona el gobierno.

Trull considera que la vivienda y el deterioro son dos problemas importantes, pero cree que, en lugar de aprobar nuevas ordenanzas, la ciudad debe hacer cumplir las existentes. También afirmó que si la ciudad no elimina los obstáculos para los negocios, estos podrían cerrar o establecerse en otra comunidad.

Le gustaría que más información sobre el gobierno de la ciudad llegará al público.

Ordenanza de punto de venta

Los votantes decidirán si derogan la ordenanza de inspección de bienes raíces promulgada el año pasado. Esta ordenanza exige que las propiedades residenciales pasen una inspección exterior antes de su venta.

Quienes apoyan la ordenanza afirman que es una herramienta eficaz para hacer los vecindarios más seguros y atractivos. Quienes se oponen a ella afirman que es demasiado intrusiva y que existen mejores maneras de lograr esos objetivos.

Un voto “sí” significa derogar la ordenanza.

Pregunta de Citizens Gas Los votantes también decidirán si se renueva un acuerdo de 30 años para que Citizens Gas siga suministrando gas natural en la ciudad. Un voto “sí” significa renovar el acuerdo.

EDITORIAL

The future of Bohn Pool

Some hard choices are in store for Adrian regarding the city’s public pool.

At more than 50 years old, it’s long past the expected end of its useful life. And because there are only so many times things can be repaired and patched, the city commission will soon need to make a choice about whether Adrian should continue to have a public pool in the future.

The cost of a complete overhaul is daunting — though getting rid of the pool entirely wouldn’t be cheap either, as removing it and restoring the land to its original condition would be expensive in its own right.

One issue discussed at the past few city commission meetings is that pool use has been declining. Adrian is not the only community to see this trend. Maybe kids just have more options during the summer than they used to; maybe splash pads like the one at Parish Park are just as desirable for cooling off in the summer heat.

Last month, some commissioners wondered if it would make sense to install more splash pads at parks around the city instead. There is merit to this idea. Perhaps the best argument for it is that, rather than a single large facility located on the west side of town, amenities could be spread more equally throughout the community. Putting more money into recreational opportunities like splash pads could improve quality of life across the entire city, strengthening all of our neighborhoods.

At the same time, splash pads may be good for cooling off, but they can’t offer all of the same opportunities as a public pool — swimming lessons chief among them. Drowning rates in the U.S. have ticked upward over the past few years, and we can’t ignore the benefits of more children learning to swim. The next year will help determine whether community partnerships, for example with Adrian Public Schools, can make this opportunity just as accessible to city residents as it is now.

Here is one thing we’ll say for sure: this decision should not be made based on the fact that Bohn Pool operates at a deficit every year — that is to say, user fees don’t bring in enough money to cover costs, so the difference has to be made up with general fund dollars. It’s popular to insist that government ought to run like a business, but government has a completely different purpose. The purpose of a business is to make a profit — while the purpose of government is to serve the people. Investments in quality of life don’t always make money, and that’s OK.

This moment calls for careful planning, for considering all of the options, and for public engagement. Residents should consider what they want in public recreational amenities and tell their elected representatives. When open forums are held for the next parks and recreation long-term plan, people need to attend. It’s time to come together and talk about what we want to invest in as a community — and as many people as possible need to be part of the conversation.

LOCAL VIEWS

Siena Heights closure must spark bold action, not quiet acceptance

The announcement that Siena Heights University will close at the end of the 2025–2026 academic year is a moment of deep sadness for Adrian — and a test of our resolve as a community.

For over 100 years, Siena Heights has been more than an academic institution. It has been a vital civic partner, shaping the lives of students, creating jobs, and anchoring our city through its enduring bond with the Adrian Dominican Sisters. To lose this institution is to lose a part of our identity.

But while this moment is painful, it must not become permanent defeat.

Around the country, communities have faced similar losses — and responded not with resignation, but with imagination. When Marygrove College closed in Detroit, its campus was reimagined into a cradle-tocareer educational ecosystem, community resource hub, and anchor

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Township boards biased against solar projects

I’ve gone to all of Deerfield and Blissfield Township’s Orsted public solar meetings and the RWE Clean Energy Palmyra Township meetings.

I’ve noticed the bias in the boards against farmers trying to make a living. In none of these meetings have they

BOB BEHNKE

for neighborhood revitalization. That transformation didn’t erase the pain — but it gave the space new life, rooted in the same mission of service.

In Burlington, Vermont, the closure of Burlington College could have left a blighted hole on the city’s waterfront. Instead, parts of the property were transformed into affordable housing and green space, helping to meet urgent community needs while preserving the site’s value.

These examples show us what is possible. Siena Heights’ beautiful campus, historical legacy, and strategic location are assets that can still serve

addressed the disaster of what these farm tariffs have done to the farming community. Their biggest customer is China and China is now buying their farm commodities from Brazil leaving American farmers out, which makes up over 80% of their market. I hear these boards say it’s all about saving prime farm ground. They don’t want to look at a solar farm, but not one on these boards have noted that if farmers can’t sell their commodities at a profit, that makes their arguments moot. If you

Adrian — if we have the courage and creativity to see them differently. Now is the time for local, county, state, and federal leaders to step forward — not just to reflect on what is being lost, but to help us imagine what can be gained. What role could this space play in workforce development, healthcare access, housing, community recreation, and the arts? How can we ensure that the Dominican legacy of education and social justice continues to shape our future?

Adrian is no stranger to reinvention. We’ve faced challenges before — and risen stronger. The closure of Siena Heights is not the end to this story, but a new chapter. It’s a call to action. Let’s answer it with vision, investment, and resolve.

Bob Behnke is a retired school superintendent and current Adrian City Commissioner.

do a simple Google search you would see multiple stories about farmers going bankrupt because their costs far exceed their selling prices.

Residential homeowners living in agricultural-zoned districts do not have the same rights as those living in residential zoned land. This is why most farmers are not coming to these board meetings. They know they are not being heard.

Paul Wohlfarth, Ottawa Lake

SPORTS

Hudson marks 50th anniversary of ‘The Streak’

By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

HUDSON — Hudson made Friday nights famous way before there was a Friday Night Lights.

On Friday, Oct. 17, Hudson will host Hillsdale in a battle of two Lenawee County Athletic Association football teams. But what is significant about this game is that the community will gather to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its record-setting 72-game winning streak and honor those attached to the Michigan high school record for most consecutive wins in state history.

“A streak of this magnitude becomes more than just a record on paper,” alumni association director Lindsey Rogers said. “It is molded into the very identity of the community.”

A reception is scheduled for former players, coaches, cheerleaders, and band members at the Hannan-Colvin Post 180 Hudson American Legion from 4:30 to 6:30 on Friday afternoon. Rogers and local Hudson sports historian Bill Mullaly expect more than 200 individuals who were part of the winning streak to attend the festivities.

After a season-opening loss to Blissfield in 1968, the start of the streak began with a dominating 33-0 win over Clinton. The shutout was the first of 35 shutouts recorded by the Tigers under the direction of Hall of Fame head coach Tom Saylor.

“The winning streak was a special time in my life and for the entire community of Hudson,” Saylor said in a 2022 interview with Mullaly, who also writes for the Hudson Post Gazette.

“There were a lot of great players during those years, and I still value greatly the years I spent at Hudson.

“We will never forget the memories the winning streak gave us all as a team and as a community,” added Saylor, who posted a 94-5-1 career mark during an 11-year career at Hudson from 1966 to 1976.

Throughout the eight-year streak, Saylor-coached Hudson teams controlled their opponents with a punishing ground game and its tough-minded defense. Their efforts received not only statewide recognition but national recognition from CBS’s NFL Today program and Sports Illustrated.

“He knew how to win,” said Chris Luma, who starred under Saylor in 1975-1976. “I don’t know how else to say it. He knew how to win. He just knew how to get the most out of kids. He knew how to get you to work harder. You just always had it in your mind that you were working harder than the other team.”

A couple of times, though, Hudson rallied to keep the streak alive in 1974. The Tigers dug deep and managed to overcome a first-half deficit against its U.S. 127 rival Addison for a 26-21 win, and two weeks later, a come-frombehind 14-8 last-second win over Grass Lake.

Luma also recalled a time when Hudson had a lackluster first-half game against Hillsdale in 1976. Saylor had a team manager deliver a handwritten note at halftime that said the one opponent that could keep Hudson out of the Class C playoffs was losing.

“He was a psychological master,” added Luma, who coached Hudson

from 1997 until 2019 and captured a Division 7 state championship in 2010.

“He goes, ‘Well, just what I thought. Flat Rock’s getting beat. You win tonight; you’re in the playoffs.’ ”

The Tigers rallied in the second half

and earned the win. Despite the secondhalf comeback, Flat Rock still edged out Hudson for a spot in the playoffs. Although they missed out on the playoffs, Luma said Saylor inspired players with creative means of motivation.

“He made sure that we understood the big picture of what was going on,” Luma said of Saylor, who instilled a sense of pride during the streak. “But he also would remind you how embarrassing it could be if we don’t play well.”

The Tigers received statewide recognition with three consecutive Associated Press-voted state championships in 1972, 1973, and 1974. The Hudson football teams from 1968 to 1975 received an induction into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in May 1976.

High school football represents the small-town community, bringing people together and celebrating the game itself.

The much-publicized winning streak provided more than recognition for the community.

“Everyone worked together, and the Hudson community was behind the team 100 percent,” Mullaly said. “Back then, when you said you were going to the game, everyone knew what game you were talking about.”

The sentiment resonates throughout the town to this day, Rogers said.

“For Hudson, the 72-game winning streak wasn’t only about football victories,” Rogers said. “It was also about pride and unity. It gave families, businesses, and neighbors a common rallying point, creating traditions that still carry on today.”

The tradition is a part of the Rogers family as Lindsey’s husband, Dan, is the current head coach, who won a Division 8 state championship in 2021 with their son Payton, a key member of the team.

“Wearing the Hudson uniform connects them to a tradition of greatness and determination that was built long before their time,” Rogers said. “It sets a standard to inspire them to chase greatness in their own way, whether on the field, in the classroom, or in life.”

Halfback Greg Gutierrez scores in Hudson’s 1975 season opener, in which the Tigers defeated Blissfield 32-0 for their 63rd win in a row during the team’s record-setting 72-game winning streak. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIKE MILLS, HUDSON MUSEUM

Coach Tom Saylor is hoisted in the air during a victory celebration in downtown Hudson on Nov. 11, 1972, after Hudson beat Morenci 42-0 to tie the previous state winning streak record of 44 games.

LAND & WATER

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

Michigan farmers feel the squeeze

By Lauren Gibbons and Laura Herberg Bridge Michigan

SPARTA — West Michigan farmer Jim May has given up on the idea of making a profit off his harvest this year. At this point, he’s just hoping he breaks even.

“I don’t think we’re even going to cover expenses,” the Sparta-based corn and soybean farmer told Bridge Michigan. “Last year was bad enough, but you know, you paid the bills. This year is worse.”

Michigan farmers face uncertainty even in the best of times, with workforce shortages, fluctuating crop prices and ever-unpredictable weather patterns.

But this year, they’ve faced new threats: Trade disputes stemming from President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariffs, a summer drought in key growing regions and the unknown future of the federal farm bill.

“This is an uncertain time for Michigan farmers and rural businesses that work with them,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. “As long as there have been farmers, farmers have been dealing with uncertainty … but no doubt, today is different.”

Farm groups have been sounding the alarm on the impacts of tariffs on Michigan farmers for months, citing the state’s close two-way trade relationship with Canada and the possibilities of restricted markets, decreased profits for farmers and higher food prices for consumers.

State officials say some of those fears are already coming to pass.

Farm groups have been sounding the alarm on the impacts of tariffs on Michigan farmers for months, citing the state’s close two-way trade relationship with Canada and the possibilities of restricted markets, decreased profits for farmers and higher food prices for consumers.

State officials say some of those fears are already coming to pass.

In the first half of 2025, Michigan soybean meal exports fell by 46% compared to the prior year, wheat exports declined 89%, fresh cherry exports fell 62% and fresh apple exports declined 58%, according to a report released in September by the state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Tim Boring, director of Michigan’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said he continues to hear from farmers and producers across the state who are “deeply concerned about their ability to weather market uncertainty.”

“Tariffs are jeopardizing agricultural jobs, disrupting rural economies and reducing Michiganders’ access to affordable food,” Boring said in a statement.

China boycott and a ‘financial precipice’

One major stressor for farmers: a Chinese boycott of U.S. soybeans prompted by an ongoing trade dispute with the Trump administration. China is the world’s largest soybean importer and in recent months has turned to Brazilian farmers for its soybean needs.

“China hasn’t bought a soybean,” said Jed Welder, who grows corn, soybeans and wheat on his farm in Sheridan, northeast of Grand Rapids. “At this point last year they bought about 40% of our crop.”

Still, Welder said, he and his farming neighbors are stopping short of criticizing President Trump.

“We all voted for this administration and the president is a big fan of farmers. In fact, my dad has a green John Deere MAGA hat,” he said. “So we’re all trying to just be patient.”

Trump urged China in August to quadruple its U.S. soybean purchases, and U.S. and Chinese officials met on trade in Spain in September.

The American Soybean Association, in an Aug. 19 letter to Trump, warned that soybean farmers “are standing at a trade and financial precipice,” warning the president that the longer it takes him to reach a trade deal with China, “the worse the impacts will be on U.S. soybean farmers.”

May, the Sparta farmer, said the standoff is impacting “everybody that raises soybeans.” Personally, he’s put off buying any new equipment or making upgrades to his farm due to the uncertainty.

Short of additional government subsidies for farmers losing markets to South American farmers or forced to sell at lower-than-anticipated prices, a warm autumn is the best case scenario to salvage the year, May said.

“If we have good weather to get the harvest done, it just makes things so that you don’t have to worry as much,” he said.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer warned in September that tariffs are “causing massive uncertainty for our farmers and agriculture industry, threatening hundreds of thousands of jobs statewide.”

She urged state lawmakers to include pro-farmer funding as they attempt to negotiate a new state budget.

Soybean farmers are predicting strong yields this fall, meaning China being out of the market “presents a major concern,”

said Lippstreu of the Michigan AgriBusiness Association.

Lippstreu said the agriculture industry is encouraged by tariff exemptions for agricultural trade between the U.S., Canada and Mexico, stressing that with Canada in particular, Michigan needs to see “a long-term, predictable trade relationship continue.”

Weather woes and other stressors

But it’s not just tariffs — weather, low sales prices and high operational costs are also squeezing many Michigan farmers.

Throughout this year’s growing season, parts of southwest Michigan, mid-Michigan and the Thumb experienced conditions ranging from dryness to moderate-to-severe drought. On July 30, the USDA designated Gladwin County a disaster area because of drought conditions.

Welder, the farmer in Sheridan, said he experienced 43 days without any measurable precipitation. That hurt his corn crop.

“I would estimate we’ve taken about a third off of our yield that we anticipate every year,” he said.

This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Read more at bridgemi.com.

Jim May, pictured at his farm in Sparta, told Bridge Michigan he’s hoping to break even this year amid lower crop prices and trade disputes with China that are disproportionately impacting soybean growers. KRISTEN NORMAN/BRIDGE MICHIGAN)

Giles from page A1

University, where he played running back and nickel linebacker for the Saints and became an academic All-American.

Originally intending to study engineering because he was interested in architectural design, he ended up majoring in accounting and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Next, he pursued a master’s degree in accounting at Bowling Green State University.

SHU not only provided Giles with his undergraduate education, but it was also where he met his wife, Mykala, who was a fellow student.

The pair first bonded over a book on Christian dating that he’d been discussing with a friend and that Mykala wanted to read. He loaned it to her, and through talking over the principles in the book the two became friends. They married in June 2020 and now have three children: Ronnie III, Ania, and James.

Mykala became the Adrian Dominican Sisters’ director of the Office of Justice, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in September.

Giles’ first job after college was as an accountant in the Jackson office of the professional advisory firm Rehmann. He soon discovered, however, that he wanted to do something different with his life.

Point of sale

from page A1

to get the measure placed on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The ordinance creates “lots of red tape. It makes the process of buying and selling more difficult,” Smith said.

“A sale should be between buyer and seller, not with government interference,” she said, and some lenders already require certain repairs be done before a loan is issued.

Smith said she and other members of the pro-repeal group have heard from everyone from sellers to those in the real estate business, such as Realtors and title-insurance professionals, about the headaches the ordinance has caused them.

In addition, her group believes that the ordinance was unnecessary in the first place.

“The city already has ordinances on the books as far as code,” she said. “It’s an enforcement issue. The city has to figure out how to enforce the ordinances it already has.”

According to information provided by Hewitt-Cruz at the city commission’s Sept. 15 meeting, up to that point 141 homes had been inspected, with 18 of those passing inspection without findings, 74 homes where the buyer or seller completed repairs prior to closing, and 49 homes where repairs were still in progress.

To Smith, those statistics are telling. “Out of 141 properties inspected, only 18 passed,” she said.

“Why are they waiting until there’s a property transfer? A house has been in that condition long before now. We all want to take pride in our community, but not at the expense of homeowners and their equity.”

She also noted that during the Sept. 15 presentation to the city commission, it was acknowledged that some of the enforcement actions stemming from the city inspections have been taken against neighboring properties that the inspector can see when looking at the house actually being sold.

“I appreciated accounting because of the skill set,” he said, “but my personality would not let me not pursue working with people, working for the betterment of others.”

“Nothing’s going to happen overnight. It’s going to take time. But we think that we’re going to form good partnerships.”

— Ronnie Giles Jr.

He left that company for a job as an assistant director of philanthropy at Albion College, where he spent about three years. Then the development director’s position opened up at Siena Heights, and the opportunity to serve his alma mater “couldn’t be turned down,” he said.

But after a few months at SHU, he found himself searching for a deeper connection with the community. A career connections fair brought him into contact with Randy Yagiela of Lenawee Now, and that, in turn, led to Giles becoming a business development manager for the Align Center in May of this year.

Then, the search process for the center’s new executive director opened up and he applied. “I wanted to show my commitment to Align and show my commitment to Lenawee County,” he said.

Jim Kapnick, speaking for the Committee to Stop Blight, Crime & Drug Houses in Adrian, which supports the ordinance, said that the measure has been effective in helping address the city’s blight problems.

“I personally think it’s done what the overall intent is, which is to beautify the city of Adrian,” he said.

“It’s solving the bigger issue of making neighborhoods look better,” he added. The houses being inspected are all homes “that are going to look better. Without this, the [buyer] could buy the house and just leave it [as it is].”

And, he said, having the inspection done at the time the house is sold, when money is changing hands, is “kind of the nice thing about point of sale.”

Smith said she and the pro-repeal group believe there are better ways to solve the blight problem.

“No one wants blight or drug houses,” she said, in a reference to the proordinance group’s name, but “what are things we can do to attack blight without attacking the rights of property owners? Lots of issues cause blight, and that’s what we want to see our leaders tackle.”

Now that he’s at the helm, his first task is “helping the community understand who we are and what it is that we do,” he said. “We are a hub for workforce development, connecting companies and employees and educators.”

Community engagement will be at the heart of the process. “I want to work hand in hand with the community to come up with creative solutions that will benefit us all,” he said.

As the center has begun hosting events, “the word is getting out,” he said, “and I believe we’re starting to pick up momentum. The goal now is to explain the mission so people understand what we’re doing.

“Nothing’s going to happen overnight. It’s going to take time. But we think that we’re going to form good partnerships.”

3120 North Adrian Highway, Adrian 517-265-6918 • adrianskatery.com

OUR TOWNS

Morenci undertakes a comprehensive forestry plan

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

MORENCI — If you live in Morenci and noticed somebody walking down the street and taking careful note of all the trees, that was Steve Lane.

Lane, an urban forestry consultant, has been engaged by the city of Morenci to work on a 20-year plan for managing all of the trees on public property on the city. The grant-funded project aims to help the city be proactive, rather than reactive, about managing its tree population, and it includes a comprehensive inventory of all the trees on public land in Morenci — about 1,350 in total.

Industrial Arts at Adrian High School » PAGE B10

Cows and Coffee

MORENCI Asam Acres offers a glimpse of farm life to the community

By Kadi Franson The Lenawee Voice

Lane spent about two weeks in Morenci in September, walking every block as well as going carefully through city parks and cemeteries, logging all of the trees, measuring them, and making notes on their overall health, preparing to put together recommendations for future management.

See TREES, page B9

TECUMSEH

FRANKLIN TWP. — Pulling into Asam Acres off of M-50 requires some attentiveness. Animals of all stripes range freely, and on my recent visit, a handful of children were rapt as they fed goats and a passing emu from cups of animal feed. I slowed down and attempted to claim the right of way but as soon as they scattered, a chicken commenced crossing the road.

I was here for Cows and Coffee, a free event open to the public on weekends from July through December. As the name suggests, there are cows, and

there is also coffee. Visitors are invited to roam throughout and enjoy the animal ambience.

The farm itself has an unpolished, working feel to it. Many of the facilities are old, added throughout the decades as practical needs met available resources. There is a general ad hoc air to the place, which is punctuated by the menagerie of species that one might encounter, from exotic birds to foxes. This wild assortment is less an intentional curation of critters and more due to the fact that a majority of the animals are rescues.

The pasture is full of geriatric horses, and the entry is a hangout for roosters. Christie Asam and Chris Bergman, the couple who own the farm, didn’t initially plan to be animal rescuers, but

See COWS AND COFFEE, page B9

Cows and Coffee manager Kayla Hallmark, at left with her son Mason Higgins, 4, watch as Grayson Brady, 7, Theodore Hankerd, 4, and John Hankerd, 6, feed a Shetland pony at Asam Acres on Sept. 14. Looking on as the kids feed the pony are Ashley Brady, Sophia Friske, and Lauren Hankerd. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Mila and Joel Skupy of Plymouth feed some of the goats at Asam Acres during Cows & Coffee on Sept. 14.

Arborist Steve Lane measures the diameter of a tree in Morenci’s Oak Grove Cemetery on Sept. 17. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Youth Council funds teen books in Spanish for library collection

ADRIAN — About 150 new books in Spanish have been added to the Adrian District Library’s collection, thanks to a recent grant from the Lenawee Youth Council.

books in the language — such as retaining fluency and expanding vocabulary — right at their hometown library.

ADRIAN

The additions are primarily fiction, including some graphic novels, but nonfiction books are also included.

The initial selections were made by Jess Bruechert, youth services librarian, and the list was vetted by bilingual library assistant Lizbeth Perez-Cazares.

They looked for good books that would be popular with library patrons, and also tried to find selections that were written by native Spanish speakers — although there are many translated books as well, including some by the popular fantasy author Sarah Maas.

Some of the books are ones that were frequently requested through interlibrary loan. Now Adrian residents who speak Spanish can enjoy the benefits of reading

The expansion of the library’s Spanish collection to include teen books was one of 11 projects funded by the Lenawee Youth Council this year.

The Youth Council is a project of the Lenawee Community Foundation that offers young people in Lenawee County the opportunity to gain leadership experience and become engaged in community philanthropy.

Each year, the Lenawee Youth Council accepts grant applications for projects that benefit young people in the community. The youth council members decide what projects to fund.

For information about the Adrian District Library, call 517-265-2265 or visit adrian.lib.mi.us. For information about the Lenawee Youth Council, contact Paula Trentman at 517-263-4696 or email paula@lenaweecf.com.

Youth services librarian Jess Bruechert and bilingual library assistant Lizbeth Perez-Cazares show some of the Spanish books that were recently added to the library’s teen collection with the help of a grant from the Lenawee Youth Council. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

‘The Talebearer’ welcomes readers of all ages

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

BROOKLYN — The Talebearer Bookstore in Brooklyn is now open and welcoming readers of all ages.

The bookstore was opened in late 2024 by Kate Manville-Schwartz, owner of the Choate Marketplace building where it is located, and purchased by Stacy Halacka in February.

BROOKLYN

Halacka decided to buy the bookstore after her daughter went to college, which meant Halacka would no longer be frequently traveling with her to show horses.

“I knew that it was coming to an end and I wanted to do something for myself,” Halacka said.

“I’d always loved books, of course, loved reading,” she continued. “It’s kind of funny because I’m dyslexic.”

She was diagnosed with dyslexia when she was in college, and said that “I definitely read differently.”

But, she said, “it works and I enjoy it so much that it’s not a task. It should be encouraging to other people because if I can do it, you can do it.”

The bookstore carries hardcover and paperback books for children, young adults and adults. There is a small usedbook section. Craft kits, plushies, stickers and reading glasses are a few of the other items for sale.

The Talebearer has a story time for children on the second Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m. Halacka also hosts book signings for local authors. A book club meets on the first Thursday of the month. Halacka is enthusiastic about the book club because it “gets me out of my rut,”

she said. Her favorite genre is historical fiction and thrillers, but she benefits from reading a book from other genres in the book club.

She also hopes to bring in a speaker to hold a program on genealogy in the future.

Visitors can also meet Frankie, the bookstore rabbit. Halacka wrote a book, “Frankie, The Talebearer” about how he came to work at the bookstore. Frankie came from Rabbit Angels Rabbit Rescue in Kalamazoo. Halacka’s cat, who is also featured in the book, came from the

Humane Society, and Halacka tries to support both organizations.

Halacka wants the bookstore to be a place where people can come in, enjoy being there, and talk about books with her. She also wants to reach young adults in grades eight through 12.

“I know they read for school, but that’s not the same as coming home and quieting yourself with a book, and learning to use your imagination instead of having your imagination presented to you via video games,” she said.

“I think we’re in an age where people

need to sit down, calm themselves, and use their imagination,” Halacka said.

“Reading just is the quiet that I think everyone needs.”

The Talebearer is located inside the Choate Marketplace at 102 N. Main St. in Brooklyn. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The bookstore can be reached by email at thetalebearer25@gmail.com, by phone at 517-592-4011, or online at TheTalebearer.com.

Stacy Halacka, owner of The Talebearer bookstore, is pictured with Frankie, the bookstore rabbit. The Talebearer is located inside Choate Marketplace at 102 N. Main St. in downtown Brooklyn. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE

Community leaders gather for State of the Irish Hills

BROOKLYN — Community leaders, elected officials, and regional partners gathered at Michigan International Speedway on Sept. 5 for the annual State of the Irish Hills, sponsored by the Irish Hills Regional Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Visit Lenawee and Experience Jackson.

n Jenna Salazar, marketing director of Visit Lenawee.

n Ryan Tarrant, president and CEO of Experience Jackson.

BROOKLYN

The event centered on collaboration around economic development and recreational opportunities that make the Irish Hills a special place to live, work and play.

This year’s program began with welcoming remarks from Joe Fowler, president of Michigan International Speedway, followed by a panel discussion on the theme “Balancing Growth, Recreation, and Community Well-Being.”

The panel featured:

n Jacob Hurt, executive director of the Region 2 Planning Commission and its Southern Michigan Outdoors initiative.

n Denis Tison, Wildlife Biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

n Ben Speigel of the Parks Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

n Cindy Hubbell, president and CEO of the Irish Hills Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Panelists discussed tourism, outdoor recreation, workforce attraction, and regional collaboration. An impactful highlight of the event was the recognition of the Greater Irish Hills InterMunicipality Committee, which brings together leaders and officials from 14 municipalities to work collectively on shared regional goals. The committee is facilitated by the Irish Hills Chamber and has also developed the Irish Hills Recreation Plan, a cooperative strategy to guide long-term recreational improvements across the region.

“Events like this remind us of the power of collaboration,” Hubbell said. “By bringing together leaders across counties, municipalities, and

organizations, we are building a stronger, more resilient Irish Hills that will benefit both residents and visitors for generations to come.”

Blissfield library starts Early Learning Backpack Program

BLISSFIELD — The Schultz-Holmes District Library is launching an Early Learning Backpack Program, featuring resources designed to support families with young children by exploring STEM themes and building early literacy skills. Available beginning Oct. 1, these themed backpacks are filled with carefully selected books, hands-on activities, and early learning tools for children from birth through age 8. Each backpack focuses on a specific learning topic from a collection which includes

BLISSFIELD

magnetics, vehicles, house or bridge building, coding, and more.

“I’m excited that our library is offering early learning backpacks to families. They’re a wonderful way to feed children’s curiosity at home and take the fun of the library home with them,” library board president Ciara McGrane said in a news release.

Patrons can borrow the backpacks by checkout with a library card for up to four weeks. The library encourages families to explore different themes over time to support well-rounded early development. The collection features a rotation of 40 early learning kits.

This initiative, made possible through support from the voters who passed the district library’s operational millage in 2024, reflects the Schultz-Holmes District Library’s commitment to bridging learning gaps and fostering educational equity in its community.

For more information or to browse the Early Learning Backpack themes, visit blissfieldlibrary.org or call 517-486-2858.

The Schultz-Holmes District Library currently holds over 30,000 volumes, subscribes to 60 circulating magazines, actively pursues local history materials, and provides free public-access computer and wireless

internet. In addition to programs for children and teens, including weekly story times and a busy summer reading program, the library offers programs for adults, including its Taste the State and Blissfield Unbound program series, as well as the Art at Your Feet public art street fair.

The library also maintains a website, blissfieldlibrary.org, which offers free patron access to dozens of media and instructional opportunities, including the Blissfield High School yearbook from 1948 to 2018.

All library programs are free and open to the public.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church packages meals for those in need

TECUMSEH — On Sunday, Sept. 14, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Tecumseh again participated in packaging meals to provide fortified, dehydrated meals in cooperation with Rise Against Hunger.

TECUMSEH

Rise Against Hunger is a nonprofit whose mission is to end hunger by empowering communities in a global movement.

The church organized more than 60 volunteers to work on the mission project.

Over the past three years, Gloria Dei has packaged over 12,000 meals each year to be distributed to people in need. This year the congregation committed to increase that number to 15,000. In the past, meals have gone to South Africa and the Philippines.

The church also celebrated “God’s Work, Our Hands,” a Lutheran day of service, to show care and concern for others. In addition to other social outreach activities that take place during the year, this is an intentional day of service every September that is celebrated by member churches of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is at 108 Brown St. in Tecumseh. The pastor is Ted Kerr.

The annual State of the Irish Hills meeting took place on Sept. 5, sponsored by the Irish Hills Regional Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Visit Lenawee and Experience Jackson. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE IRISH HILLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Members of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church take part in packaging meals for Rise Against Hunger on Sept. 14. PHOTO COURTESY OF ELAINE WEBB

Tecumseh antique mall has a new owner

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

TECUMSEH — Antique shoppers can continue to add to their collections at a longtime favorite destination thanks to the sale of the former Hitching Post Antiques Mall in Tecumseh.

Nicholas Wegman purchased the antique mall, now called Antiques at the Next Level, on Aug. 1.

One of his reasons for buying the antique mall is that it is located next to his business Next Level Automotive Semi Truck & Trailer Roadside Assistance, but he also inherited an interest in antiques from his grandparents, and he also loves history.

TECUMSEH

“I’ve always been drawn to any facet of history,” he said.

“My grandpa always had old cars and trucks, and my grandma was always collecting glassware and other items,” he continued. “I think just being around them at such a young age left an imprint.”

Wegman himself is drawn to items that reflect his automotive business.

“Being a car guy, I love the old gas and oil stuff,” he said. “I’ve always thought it would have been great to grow up in the ’50s.”

Although ownership of the business has changed, many of the other aspects have stayed the same. Wegman said that the vendors and dealers from the Hitching Post are still part of Antiques at the Next Level. In addition, employees Theresa Nelson and Kelly Overholt decided to stay on after the business was sold.

“Theresa and Kelly are really some amazing people and are the lifeblood of the antique store,” Wegman said.

“We really would not be able to operate the store without them,” he added. “We are so pleased that they were open to staying with us.”

Although some things at Antiques at the Next Level are the same since Wegman bought the store, changes are coming to the store in the future.

“Obviously, we have changed the name to align with our other businesses,”

he said. “We have started a lot of general building maintenance items. We are revamping the interior of the building with fresh paint, flooring and new lighting. We are also painting all of the buildings to match our other building next door.”

“Our goal is to make the antique store a part of the charm that is Tecumseh,” he said.

Wegman said what makes Antiques at the Next Level stand out are the people and the merchandise that are part of the store.

“Whether it’s our staff or our dealers, we have some of the kindest and most

knowledgeable people in the industry,” he said. “Our store is filled with real antiques of all kinds, from around the globe and that span several centuries.” Antiques at the Next Level is located at 1322 E. Monroe Road (M-50) in Tecumseh.

Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information is available on Facebook at facebook.com/ antiquesatthenextlevel or by phone at 517-423-8277.

Pictured at Antiques at the Next Level are Kendra and Nicholas Wegman with their daughters, Madelyn and Hailey. They purchased the former Hitching Post Antiques Mall from the Nelson family this summer. PHOTO COURTESY OF NICHOLAS WEGMAN

SEEN

— AROUND — LENAWEE COUNTY

Ashley Bayko demonstrates how to throw pottery on a wheel at the Artalicious fine arts fair in downtown Adrian on Sept. 20. PHOTOS BY LAD STRAYER

Musicians Cody and Ashleigh Cooper perform along North Main Street during Artalicious.

Festival committee chairman Don Taylor was undeterred by the rain on Sept. 21.

BRIDGE WALK

ANTIQUE TRACTOR SHOW

The Farmers Antique Tractor and Engine Association fall show gave antique tractor enthusiasts from across the region a chance to show their collections to visitors. This 1935 John Deere Model “D” was previously owned by Dick Thomas of Clinton, who found it abandoned and covered in vines and poison ivy and lovingly restored it to working order. Thomas died in March, so this year his grandson, Jim Daugherty of Onsted, drove the tractor at the FATEA fall show to honor his memory. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Ella and Oz Gurzynski of Houghton Lake operate a 1914 steam traction engine owned by the Demlow family, and previously owned by Ben and Bonnie Carpenter of Carpenter Farms, at the FATEA fall show, which took place from Sept. 19-21 on the association grounds in Rome Township.

Anthony Hehl of Ida demonstrates a 130-year-old duplicating lathe that would have been used to make axe handles, spokes for wagon wheels, or anything else with an unusual pattern that couldn’t be made on a traditional lathe. In an 1890s factory setting, it probably would have been powered by a steam engine or a water wheel.

Morenci’s annual Silver Creek Bridge Walk took place on Labor Day at the Murray D. Van Wagoner Memorial Bridge just north of the Ohio border. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Delicious local food was the order of the day at Taste of Lenawee, a fundraiser held on Sept. 19 for a variety of small business development programs run by Launch Lenawee and the Adrian Armory Event Center. Guests sampled food from local restaurants and caterers, and in addition, five longstanding local businesses — A-Drain Plumbing, El Chapulin restaurant, Sphere Contracting, Grey Fox Floral, and Hadden Tire — were honored in Launch Lenawee’s inaugural Under the Radar awards.

Looking for a career with purpose?

Join our team at the LISD!

Whether in a classroom, on a school bus, or in an office, our goal is the same: supporting and serving learners.

Careers at the LISD span a range of programs and services, including special

University on Oct. 25, followed by two games at Augsburg University on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, and their home opener against

on Nov. 7 and 8. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUNCH LENAWEE

Members of the Adrian College women’s hockey team, some on roller skates, take part in the college’s Homecoming parade on Sept. 20. The team’s season will begin with an exhibition game at Trine

Marian University

Members of the synchronized skating team walk in Adrian College’s Homecoming parade on Sept. 20.

Cows and Coffee

from page B1

as more and more people dropped off their unwanted animals, the role found them. They leaned into this new reality, allowing it to help them shape their purpose. Working farm, animal rescue, cows and coffee.

Not to mention community. “It’s all about the education,” Bergman told me as I perched on a stool in the small concession room, where visitors from far and wide are greeted, and where snacks, coffee, T-shirts, and animal feed are sold. We had been talking about the importance of giving young people a chance to experience the farm and homestead life, acknowledging that many farms don’t allow the public inside to see how things operate. Here, people could visit for just an afternoon or stay longer, getting their hands dirty as volunteers.

On this Sunday, several families wove in and out of the buildings, stopping to interact with the many animals. A small girl peered around the chicken coop, where hens laid in roosting boxes. She discovered some eggs and pointed her chubby finger with glee. “Look! Mom! Eggs in there!” Then she turned to me, incredulous. “Look! Eggs!”

For many children, places like Asam Acres offer a unique opportunity for hands-on exposure to animals and a glimpse of the daily cycles of life on the farm. Here, they might make connections about where their food comes from, or learn a new fact about piglets while getting to scratch a bristly snout.

Bergman is often on hand to share information about life on the farm, with topics ranging from animal husbandry to compost.

Trees from page B1

“Trees, especially when you have a lot of them and they’re large, can be a tricky asset to manage,” Lane said.

Some trees may be recommended for placement on a standard pruning cycle of once every six or seven years. Others may need pruning more urgently. And some will be recommended for removal — more urgently if they pose a hazard to people or property, less urgently if they do not.

Lane noted that having dead limbs doesn’t necessarily mean a tree is unhealthy. As a tree grows taller, the leaves in the lower part of its canopy start to get less light — and, recognizing this, it’ll shut the lower branches down.

“It’s just a part of what trees do,” he said. Developing an urban forestry management plan is a cooperative

REVIVING A HOMECOMING TRADITION

For a handful of other local youth, weekends at Asam Acres mean a job with direct animal care experience. I caught up with Alex, an incoming freshman at Tecumseh High School, as he was leading a retired circus horse named Aries around the yard. Alex spoke of the many opportunities to learn as a farmhand, and his special bond with the horses.

process between Lane and city leaders, and there needs to be some flexibility — in part because the initial cost estimate for implementing the ideal plan always ends up being too high. Then Lane can help with the process of prioritizing. An urban forestry management plan usually goes through several drafts before it’s finished.

Of course, storms can throw a wrench into things — but because it’s a given that they will happen, with the only question being when, storm response planning is part of the strategy.

“Adaptive management is the name of the game,” Lane said.

When the process is finished, Morenci will have a complete inventory of every tree on public land in the city along with notes on its condition and management recommendations.

Lane will also assemble a list of open planting spaces, which are places

The same sentiment was echoed by Kayla Hallmark, 24, who was working the concession stand. As we talked, she shared her deep affinity for pigs. “I’d be here even if they didn’t pay me,” she told me. “I love it.”

that could benefit from having a tree planted there. That list will come with recommendations for suitable species — for example, if the space is under a power line, the recommendation will be for a tree that won’t grow tall enough to pose a hazard.

“Trees, especially when you have a lot of them and they’re large, can be a tricky asset to manage.”

— Steve Lane

A healthy tree canopy provides a lot of benefits for a city, Lane said, including shade, temperature reduction, energy savings, and even improved stormwater uptake coming from the fact that trees pull up water through their roots, helping to reduce flooding risk and ease the burden on stormwater systems.

For families seeking weekend adventures that educate as much as they entertain, this rescue/farm/coffee/ community hybrid offers something unique in the Tecumseh area. Asam Acres is located at 1835 W. Monroe Road (M-50), and hosts Cows and Coffee on weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

An open house was held in September to get residents’ input on the forestry plan, and another meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 10, from 4-6 p.m. at Stair District Library, 228 W. Main St.

The community conversation will give residents a chance to review the first draft of the plan and provide feedback on the future of Morenci’s trees. Attendees will learn how the tree inventory works and how it helps plan pruning schedules, tree plantings, and removals, ensuring that public trees remain healthy, vibrant, and well cared for, according to Heather Sarnac, the city’s community and economic development director.

The project to develop a 20-year forestry management plan is funded by the USDA Forest Service and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Urban and Community Forestry Program, with money allocated through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Old farm buildings at Asam Acres now hold community-friendly signs like “Cow Wash.” KADI FRANSON/LENAWEE VOICE

A few of the many charismatic personalities that might be encountered during a stroll around Asam Acres. KADI FRANSON/LENAWEE VOICE

Adrian’s Main Street program and Downtown Development Authority worked with Adrian Public Schools to revive the tradition of students decorating downtown windows for Homecoming. Once a regular tradition, window painting was brought back this year after several business owners suggested it. Community members are encouraged to stroll through downtown to enjoy the student artwork now on display in storefront windows. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ADRIAN DDA

AHS Industrial Arts program provides hands-on experience

ADRIAN — Adrian Public Schools recently launched a new Industrial Arts program that will enable students to explore woodworking and other skilled trades. This marks the first year of the program, which lays the foundation for future career pathways in the trades.

The course is taught by Tony Aiken, an experienced Industrial Arts educator who brings a strong knowledge base and enthusiasm for the trades. Students will learn the fundamentals of woodworking and craftsmanship while gaining handson experience with industry-standard tools and equipment, including planers, drill presses, mills, routers, band saws, and mitre saws, as well as other shop machinery.

ADRIAN

The launch of Industrial Arts has been made possible through the financial support of Adrian Mechanical Services and the Lenawee Intermediate School District through a Career Prep Grant that helped purchase the equipment essential to starting the program.

“This program is another important piece of our Diploma Plus initiative,” Sam Skeels, Adrian High School principal, said in a news release. “We want every student to graduate not only with a diploma but also with opportunities to earn certifications or credentials that give them an advantage after high school. Industrial Arts provides students a pathway to begin developing those skills here at Adrian and, if they choose, continue to the LISD Tech Center for advanced training.”

Derrick Richards, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, emphasized the value of the hands-on approach.

“Industrial Arts is giving our students exposure and real experience with professional-grade tools and machinery,” Richards said. “These opportunities build confidence, technical skills, and a foundation for whatever pathway students

choose to pursue after high school.”

Looking ahead, Adrian Public Schools plans to expand the program by pursuing NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) accreditation, with support from the Align Center. NCCER accreditation provides industry-recognized, portable credentials, ensuring students are trained to nationally established standards in the skilled trades.

“Whether a student plans to enter the skilled trades, pursue college, or take advantage of programs like dual enrollment and honors courses, Adrian Public Schools is committed to supporting every student,” said APS superintendent Nate Parker. “Industrial Arts is one way we are providing handson learning and career exploration, while our broader programs ensure all students have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed after high school.”

Veterans Night at Maple Stadium

ADRIAN — Adrian Public Schools will host Veterans Night during the Adrian vs. Tecumseh football game on Friday, Oct. 3, at Maple Stadium.

A recognition ceremony will take place before the 7 p.m. kickoff. All veterans from Adrian, Tecumseh, and surrounding communities are invited to attend. Veterans will receive free admission to the

game, and those who wish to participate in the on-field ceremony should gather at the stadium’s flagpole by 6:30 p.m.

The American Legion Post 97 will lead the flag-raising ceremony and other formal tributes.

Maple Stadium is located next to Michener Elementary School at 104 Dawes St.

Student Thomas Darr works with teacher Tony Aiken in Adrian High School’s Industrial Arts class. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ADRIAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Adrian High School student Liliana Earles works with teacher Tony Aiken in the AHS Industrial Arts program.

Boot Jack Tavern in the Irish Hills has a new owner

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

MANITOU BEACH — The Boot Jack Tavern in Manitou Beach isn’t Johnnie DeAngelis’ first bar — or even his first in the Lenawee County area.

DeAngelis bought the Boot Jack Tavern on July 23. He started working in the bar and restaurant business in 2008.

He also owns 12 other bars, including ones in Clinton, Brooklyn, Hanover, Onsted and, soon, Riga. Other locations include St. Ignace and the metro Detroit area. The Boot Jack Tavern is the only location that he operates with a business partner — James Olson, who is the son of his best friend.

MANITOU BEACH

“I never wanted a bar,” DeAngelis recalled of his entry into the business.

“I wanted to learn how to play pool, so I bought a bar,” he continued. “But I couldn’t even touch a pool table for three years after I bought my first bar.”

DeAngelis has added some new menu items already and plans on a bigger menu change in the near future. Part of the plan is to add some “home-style cooking” meals.

“We kept a lot of the items that people like,” he said. “We’ve put on some new items that are going to be on the new menu.”

“We added steaks, a pork chop dinner and a smothered chicken breast specials,” he added. “We’re going to unveil an entire new menu shortly.”

Changes are also on the way for the tavern building itself. DeAngelis plans to add five new TVs, as well as turning the existing patio into a 1,100-squarefoot game room with additional seating, adding a new screened-in patio area, and possibly a rooftop bar.

Buying the Boot Jack Tavern is part of a bigger picture for DeAngelis. He said that the more food contracts he has, the more affordable he can make menu items.

The Manitou Beach location isn’t too far from Johnnie’s Bar & Grill in Onsted or Shady’s Tap Room in Brooklyn, he said.

Having more locations also helps with flexibility with staffing between locations, he said. DeAngelis employs 12 people at the Boot Jack Tavern and 165 across all of his operations. He credits much of his business success to his many long-term employees.

DeAngelis said that cleanliness and consistency are what he strives for in his bars.

“We run a pretty clean operation,” he said. “The food ingredients we use and the food we buy are top-notch.”

“We try to focus on consistency,” he continued. “If you like it or don’t like, it should be the same every single time.”

The Boot Jack Tavern is located at 735 Manitou Beach Road in Manitou Beach.

Hours are Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.

More information, including the menu, can be found on the website at bootjacktavern.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/bootjacktavern. The phone number is 517-252-5475.

Johnnie DeAngelis is the new owner of the Boot Jack Tavern on Manitou Beach Road. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE

NEIGHBORS

Lenawee Youth Lacrosse introduces young athletes to a unique sport

By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — The Lenawee Youth Lacrosse organization is introducing young people in the county to a sport with all the physicality of football, the quickness of basketball, and the patience of baseball.

“Lacrosse combines the skillset of many sports,” said Mitch Felkey, one of the organization’s coaches. “In lacrosse, anyone can contribute, and size does not matter. Players who succeed must

become ambidextrous to truly be a threat. It is thrilling to watch and play.”

Student-athletes who take on lacrosse have a chance to learn a unique sport and appreciate the nuances of the game.

“Lacrosse is an option for the kids who aren’t big and strong enough to play football, not a fan of baseball or soccer, or just want to try something new,” board member Cindy Hook said. “We are lucky that our community provides the opportunity for the younger kids to try out lacrosse.”

The organization began in Tecumseh as Tecumseh Youth Lacrosse, under the direction of Tom Marble and as part of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. As the interest in lacrosse rose throughout Lenawee County, Tecumseh Youth Lacrosse transitioned to Lenawee Youth Lacrosse nearly a decade ago.

“I liked the convenience of this program, the knowledge that was available, and the patience of the coaches,” said Jacob Small, who graduated from Tecumseh High School and now plays

lacrosse at Adrian College. “The coaches are very knowledgeable within the sport and teach by example.”

Since its inception in 2003, the program has experienced significant growth as word of its success spread and interest increased. The group offers multiple types of lacrosse camps that provide proper training and a place to play the game.

“Our lacrosse program came with lessons, training, and camaraderie,”

See LACROSSE, page C2

Carl Lewandoski, right, assisted by Adrian College lacrosse players and twin sisters Grace (left) and Avah Holland, teaches a Lacrosse Fundamentals clinic on Sept. 22 at the Frank & Shirley Dick Family YMCA. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

said Felkey, who also served as the head coach at Tecumseh High School from 2006 to 2011. “As kids came to love it, their parents began supporting it more and more.”

Derek Martin, a 2014 graduate of Tecumseh High School, is one of the program’s alumni. He continued his lacrosse career at Siena Heights University, where he and nine other former LYL members helped the Saints reach the NAIA national tournament for four consecutive years under head coach Ed Maloney.

“Not only did youth lacrosse build lifelong friendships with myself and my teammates, but it also provided a way for us to get a higher education while sticking together and continuing to do what we loved along the way,” Martin said.

Martin said the LYL organization, with mentors such as Marble, Felkey, Jim Hook, and Carl Lewandowski, instilled a love of the game without forcing the game.

“Our coaches did a great job of making everything a game,” said Martin, who gained a much deeper appreciation of the sport of lacrosse from his mentors. “Yes, we focused on the fundamentals, but they had a large focus on the fun we could have learning them.”

Jim and Cindy Hooks, who moved to Tecumseh in 1993 from Syracuse, N.Y., where lacrosse reigned supreme, noticed a lack of interest in lacrosse in Michigan, which made them sad. But when Jim Hook had an opportunity to join Lewandowski and the other coaches at the LYL, they welcomed him with open arms.

“His passion for the game ran deep and nothing excited him more than introducing the game of lacrosse to youngsters,” Cindy Hook said of her late husband. “It wasn’t just about teaching how to pass, catch, and shoot. He wanted to teach them the history of the game and how it evolved into the game they play today.”

Hook said she is thankful that LYL allowed her husband to share his knowledge of the game he loved, a sport that he played, coached, and refereed for more than 50 years.

“He was very proud of how these kids continued to grow, not only in their ability, but also in their love of the sport,” Hook said.

Martin, reflecting on his time as a young player, said the youth programs focused heavily on fundamentals, but the coaches did not discourage creativity on the playing field.

“They cultivated an environment where we weren’t afraid to try new things,” Martin said, noting that there’s more than one way to earn success in such a unique sport.

As student-athletes progress through the LYL program and then compete in high school or college, one benefit is that they return to teach the next generation of players. For example, Michael Birt III developed an interest in

coaching because of his time as a player in Lenawee Youth Lacrosse. A Tecumseh High School and Siena Heights graduate, he coached lacrosse at Cadillac High School after graduation and is now back in Lenawee County coaching for LYL. Lewandowski just wrapped up a monthlong Lacrosse Fundamentals camp at the Frank & Shirley Dick Family YMCA, taught with the assistance of players from the Siena Heights University

men’s team and the Adrian College women’s team. A four-week session of Speed Lacrosse and an Offense Specialty Clinic will be offered in October. Then in November the organization will offer another session of Lacrosse Fundamentals and a Defense Speciality Clinic. Programs are open to students in second through eighth grades. To learn more, visit lylax.net or call 517-442-8045.

Lyla Ebeling practices her throwing technique during a Lenawee Youth Lacrosse fundamentals clinic while Avah Holland, a Tecumseh High School graduate and Adrian College lacrosse player, watches. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Adrian College lacrosse player Grace Holland cheers as Carolina Lopez practices running while cradling the ball.

Avah Holland coaches Finley Staten, Lyla Ebeling, Emma Santos, and Finn Almes in throwing technique during a Lacrosse Fundamentals clinic offered by Lenawee Youth Lacrosse at the Frank & Shirley Dick Family YMCA.

Rotary’s Little Free Libraries promote reading

By Julie C. Clemes

Lenawee Voice

The

ADRIAN — A new Free Little Library outside the Align Center for Workforce Development at 440 E. Church St. is the 29th to be installed by the Adrian Morning Rotary Club since the group launched its Little Free Library program in March 2015.

SERVICE CLUB ROUNDUP

The club partners with Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan to get most of the books for the project. Club members go once a month to Goodwill to sort through boxes of books to find the ones that will work best for the Little Free Libraries.

Jessica Johnson, director of Adrian Morning Rotary’s Little Free Libraries committee, said the club also purchases some books from Scholastic Books to fill gaps such as board books for young readers, multicultural books and bilingual books.

Other book donations come from the community as well. ProMedica Hickman Hospital sponsored a book drive last year, Johnson said, and Manchester High School donated a van full of books for the project.

Community members can also bring books they wish to donate to the Adrian District Library at 143 E. Maumee St. The library provides space for the club to store books that are waiting to be distributed to the project’s sites.

People can also put books in the Little Free Libraries on their own or arrange to have a club member pick up donations, Johnson added.

The Little Free Libraries have books for both adults and children.

“We do cater to both because we’re trying to promote literacy in the community for both children and adults alike,” Johnson said.

The freestanding structures are located in front of businesses, churches, and sometimes individuals’ homes. One

Free Library is located outside the

Center and features books that are suitable for readers learning English.

Club members build the structures.

“They’re getting better every time they build them,” Johnson said. Metal roofs are now used because they last longer, she added.

Although the slogan is “Take a book, leave a book,” the Rotarians don’t mind if people don’t follow it. “We want everyone to take as many books as they want that they’re going to use and read, so you don’t necessarily have to leave a book behind when you take one,” Johnson said.

See SERVICE CLUBS, page C6

Pictured with the Little Free Library at the Align Center for Workforce Development are Idalí Feliciano, Jessica Johnson, and Mary Jane Dopp, former Align Center interim director Ron Griffith, and Rotarian Michelle Lisboa, joined by Jori Johnson, 5, and Victoria Santiago, 9. The installation is the club’s 29th. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Little

Adrian Rea Literacy

Free computer classes at the Adrian District Library

ADRIAN — The Adrian District Library is hosting a series of in-person classes to help people gain confidence and new skills using a computer or smartphone. All classes will be held in the community room at the library, 143 E. Maumee St., in downtown Adrian.

Computer Basics: Windows — Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 6-7:45 p.m. Learn how to use a PC with the Windows 11 operating system.

Internet Basics — Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 6-7:45 p.m. This in-person

workshop is for people who are new to the internet or want to build more confidence finding information online and navigating websites.

Email Basics — Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 6-7:45 p.m. Attendees will create a Gmail account. They will also learn how to perform basic email functions, such as sending, receiving, and replying to email. Also, they will learn to recognize and deal with spam, organize and delete emails, and search for messages.

Cybersecurity Basics — Monday,

Oct. 27, from 6-7:45 p.m. This workshop is for those who are interested in safety online and want to protect themselves from fraudsters and scams.

Android Phone Basics — Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 6-7:45 p.m. This workshop is for those who have a new Android mobile device, or are considering getting one, and want to learn more about the basic functions. It will support attendees to get connected, identify common apps, and build confidence in using their device safely.

iOS Phone Basics — Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 6-7:45 p.m. This workshop is for those who have a new iOS mobile device, or are considering getting one, and want to learn more about the basic functions. It will teach how to get connected, identify common apps, and build confidence in using their device safely.

There’s no cost to attend these classes, but registration is required. Register online at adrian.lib.mi.us or call the library at 517-265-2265.

Lenawee Community Chorus seeking new members

ADRIAN — The Lenawee Community Chorus is now recruiting singers for the fall 2025 season.

No audition is required, and singers ages 16 and up are welcome.

Music styles range from traditional to contemporary, classical to pop. All rehearsals are held on Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m., in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church, 1245 W. Maple Ave. in Adrian.

To make membership more accessible, the chorus has lowered its membership cost per semester to $50 for adults, $30 for students, with scholarships available.

The Lenawee Community Chorus will present its 58th annual December concert on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. at the Methodist church.

The Lenawee Community Chorus, at 58 years old, is Michigan’s oldest continually operating ensemble of its type — a no-audition group comprised of local people of all musical abilities who just love to come together and make music.

The group focuses on learning new literature, improving vocal skills, and sharing a love of vocal music with the Lenawee County community.

New members are welcome to join any of the group’s 7 p.m. Wednesday rehearsals at First United Methodist Church from now until Oct. 29.

The chorus is directed by Brad Pierson.

For more information about the Lenawee Community Chorus, visit LenaweeChorus.org.

Morenci school foundation honors Ted and Ivy Hutchison

By Gayle Hazelbaker The Morenci Advocate

MORENCI — The 2025 Morenci Education Foundation dinner and auction is dedicated to Ted and Ivy Hutchison, two dedicated alumni who have given a lot to Morenci.

Ivy graduated from Morenci in 1978 and attended Adrian College to study elementary education. After completing two years, she took a break to raise her children. In 1987, she began working at Morenci Elementary School as a teacher’s aide. Later, the family moved to Drummond Island, where she taught in a co-op preschool. It was there that Ivy realized preschool was truly where her passion lay.

“I’m the oldest of six. I always knew I wanted to work with kids,” she reported. “But it wasn’t until Drummond Island that I knew it was with preschoolers.”

When the family moved back to Morenci in 2000, Ivy began working for Head Start in Morenci as an aide. Balancing three children at home and full-time work, she took online classes and earned her B.A. in Family Life Education from Western Michigan University. She accepted a position with Early Head Start in Adrian as a home visitor, where she worked with infants and toddlers and their families. Throughout her time in Morenci, she has been deeply involved in the community — serving as PTO president, planning the annual Fun Night, and volunteering at the elementary school whenever needed. She also joined the Garden Club in 2005, helping connect students with gardening and crafting activities.

Over the years, Ivy has served as a school board member, 4-H leader, Girl Scout leader, and coach for softball,

soccer, and baseball. She has also supported Band Boosters, PTA, the Town & Country Festival, and the Alumni Connection. Like her husband, Ted, she is dedicated to helping wherever they are needed. “You see a need, you fill it.” Ivy said as Ted nodded in agreement. “We don’t say no very often.”

Ted started helping and working at a young age, doing yard work for residents, and taking a job at Knoblauch Grocery Store at age 14. After graduation, he bought a house in Morenci. Newly married to Ivy, he gained valuable hands-on experience making it livable.

“It was a real fixer-upper. And we did it ourselves,” he said. He later worked

at Stauffer Chemical in Weston, where he earned his journeyman millwright certification — a skill that would prove valuable throughout his career.

In 1988, when the family moved to Drummond Island, Ted quickly adapted to the challenges of island life. “I liked living on the island. It was quiet. You could spend a lot of time outdoors with nature,” he said. He worked at the water treatment plant for Domino’s Lodge, earning the first of many water treatment certifications.

When the family returned to Morenci. Ted began a new career with the Lenawee County Drain Commission, where he earned numerous certifications

and licenses. He then became the wastewater operator for the city of Hudson while also working part time as Morenci’s wastewater operator. During this time, he was honored as Michigan’s Wastewater Operator of the Year.

In addition to his career, Ted has contributed to the community by helping with Garden Club flowers, the Alumni Reunion Committee, and the Town & Country Festival Committee. He currently supports the DDA with projects and enjoys tinkering in his barn, working around the house, and helping family and friends with various projects.

When asked to name three things he really likes about Morenci, he replied, “There are so many opportunities to be involved with the community. You can help with an event already planned, or you can create your own.” He then talked about a BB gun tournament he sponsored, for which he also handcrafted the trophies. Secondly, he named the Stair District Library as a favorite part of Morenci. “They have fun activities for the kids and always help people. They are a great asset.” Lastly, Ted said, “This is a safe community. If you need help, you can ask a stranger and not worry about being in danger. People will help.”

Ivy answered the same question by saying, “I like how the community pulls together in times of need or celebration, how our downtown is really coming together and because our school is small, everybody knows everybody and that makes for a tight knit community.”

The 2025 Morenci Education Foundation Dinner and Auction will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 6 p.m. in the Morenci High School cafeteria.

The evening will also include the presentation of Distinguished Alumni Awards to John Craig ’88 and Kay Dickerson-Holubik ’02.

Members of the Lenawee Community Chorus perform during their April 6 concert at First United Methodist Church, which is also where the group rehearses. PHOTO BY DRAKE LOLLEY

Ivy and Ted Hutchison will be honored at the Morenci Education Foundation’s annual dinner on Oct. 11. GAYLE HAZELBAKER/MORENCI ADVOCATE

Lenawee Cares begins 2025-26 campaign

ADRIAN — Lenawee Cares, a project of the Lenawee Community Foundation, kicked off its 2025-26 fundraising campaign on Sept. 18.

Tax-deductible pledges can be made directly or through payroll deduction if the donor’s employer is participating. Money raised in the fall is distributed through annual grants to local nonprofits starting in the spring.

“Here’s what I love about Lenawee Cares,” said LCF board member and Lenawee Cares committee chair Haley Entmaa during the kickoff. “It’s easy to give, and every single dollar makes a difference, and behind every dollar is a story.”

For more information, go to lenaweecommunityfoundation.com/lenawee-cares.

Local Toys for Tots drive will kick off on Oct. 3

ADRIAN — This year’s Lenawee County Toys for Tots campaign will kick off on Oct. 3 from 4-7 p.m. during the First Friday Car Show at the Lenawee County Fair and Event Grounds, 602 N. Dean St., Adrian.

Last year, working through four distribution partners, the drive provided 9,094 toys and served 1,388 kids. The distribution partners were the Tecumseh Service Club, Associated

Charities, Hudson Area Schools, and the Salvation Army.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering or hosting a collection box can email coordinator Bob Behnke at lenawee.county.mi@toysfortots.org or call 248-730-7650.

All donations stay in Lenawee County.

More information is also available at facebook.com/LenaweeToysforTots.

Dave

for

St. John’s plans sauerkraut supper

ADRIAN TWP. — Members of St. John’s Lutheran Church began preparations on Sept. 21 for the church’s annual sauerkraut supper, which will take place on Saturday, Nov. 1, beginning at 3:30 p.m. and lasting to 6 p.m. or until all the meals are gone.

The menu will consist of homemade sauerkraut, roast pork, mashed potatoes and gravy, baked beans, applesauce, a roll, and apple or pumpkin pie. The cost is $15 per serving, cash only, and the dinner will be drive-through only.

Bixby employee reunion is Oct. 11

ADRIAN — The third annual Bixby Hospital employee reunion will take place on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 1-4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian.

Past employees, physicians, and volunteers are welcome to attend. Attendees are asked to bring their own beverage and a dish to pass based on the first letter of their last name: A-H main dish, I-P salad, Q-X dessert. Email k.raines360@comcast.net for more information.

Weber Center highlights fair trade

ADRIAN — In recognition of Fair Trade Awareness Month in October, the Weber Retreat and Conference Center on the campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters is highlighting the fair-trade items from all over the world that can be found in the Weber Center Shop.

The Weber Shop has an extensive selection of Fair Trade items from Africa, Peru, Bangladesh, Indonesia, India, West Bank, Vietnam, Haiti, and more. The selection includes jewelry, soaps, scarves, ornaments, nativities, and wind chimes.

The Weber Center Shop’s hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shop is closed for lunch from noon to 12:45 p.m.

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

Siena Heights makes plans for final Homecoming

ADRIAN — Siena Heights University is making plans for its final Homecoming and Fall Alumni Weekend from Oct. 3-5.

The weekend will bring together alumni, students, faculty, staff, families, and friends to honor Siena’s traditions while creating new memories. Highlights include the beloved “Paint Rave,” spirited athletic events, alumni reunions, theatre shows, student-led activities, and the “Gold Out” at the Homecoming football game.

“This cherished tradition has long brought our community together, and we look forward to celebrating together with our Saints family,” Kate Hamilton, vice president for advancement and alumni relations, said in a news release.

Jacob Wilson, director of student engagement, said the schedule reflects student energy and creativity.

“Our main goal for this year’s Homecoming is to create a week of joy and celebration for our entire community,” he said. “The spirit of the week is a direct reflection of our students. We listened to their ideas, and that’s how events like the return of the Paint Rave and new partnerships with student clubs came to be.”

The weekend will also include the inauguration of Dr. Cheri Betz as SHU’s final president during Homecoming

Mass in St. Dominic Chapel on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 4 p.m.

Another opportunity for the Siena Heights community to gather will be the Spring Alumni Weekend, April 17-18. For more information, call the alumni office at 517-264-7140.

THEATRE SIENA’S FINAL SEASON

Theatre Siena is raising the curtain on its final season with the musical “Little Women.” This story of family, love, and perseverance will showcase the talents of SHU theater students.

“We are grateful to have the opportunity to offer the community one last season of the quality of shows that Siena Heights University has become known for,” said Mark DiPietro, assistant dean of performing arts and education. The show will run Oct. 2–5, with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and a final performance on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 2:30 p.m.

The season will also include “All in the Timing” by David Ives, William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” and the musical “Oklahoma!”

EBEID CENTER SCHEDULE

The following activities are schduled for October at the Ebeid Center, 801 E. Maumee St.

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

Yoga for All (offered by the YMCA) — Thursdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, at 4 p.m. A free, low-impact yoga class that promotes strength, stamina and stability while enhancing flexibility. Appropriate for all skill levels.

Money Management (presented by Community Action Agency) — Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Learn how to be more organized about money, determine and evaluate monthly income and expenses, plan a budget, track spending, calculate your debt-toincome ratio, and tackle debt including student loans.

Planting for the Future (offered by the Lenawee Conservation District) — Thursday, Oct. 9, from 6-7 p.m. Learn about different types of bulbs and planting techniques, as well as how to prepare your garden for the fall.

East Adrian Community Coalition meeting — Monday, Oct. 13, from 5-6 p.m. The coalition meets on the second Monday of every month.

Body Safety (made possible by Lenawee Great Start and the Child Advocacy Center) — Tuesday, Oct. 14, 5:30-7 p.m. This education is about teaching children to identify safe and unsafe touches, understand consent, and recognize uncomfortable or frightening

situations, with the goal of empowering them with the skills and knowledge to lessen the likelihood of childhood sexual abuse. Dinner and childcare will be provided. Pre-registration is required.

Narcan Training 101 (presented by Community Mental Health) — Thursday, Oct. 16, at 4 p.m. This short, simple training will address how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer Narcan to reverse its effects.

Rent for Success (presented by Community Action Agency) — Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 5:30-7 p.m. Learn about fair housing laws, lease agreements, tenants’ rights, maintenance, repairs, and more. Particpants who complete this course and a private budget counseling session with CAA will receive a $50 stipend. Preregistration is required.

Virtual Reality Career Exploration (presented by Michigan Works! Southeast) — Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 3:30-5 p.m. An opportunity to explore more than 20 hands-on career simulations with virtual reality headsets, offering immersive experiences in fields such as aviation, healthcare, engineering, construction, and other trades. Adults and kids ages 12 and up are welcome.

Line Dancing — Friday, Oct. 24, from 6-7 p.m. Tichina Carter will share the latest trends in line dancing while you socialize with others and get your daily exercise in a fun way.

Fathers of Lenawee (facilitated by De’Angelo Boone) — Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 4 p.m. All Lenawee County fathers are invited to be a part of this support group. For more information about any Ebeid Center programs, email AdrianENP@ ProMedica.org or call 517-264-1365.

and Darcel Shankle, Tim Mammel, and Neil Hailey work on preparations

St. John’s Lutheran Church’s annual sauerkraut supper.

Service

clubs from page C3

Community members can donate to help fund the project or learn how to sponsor a Little Free Library through the club website at adrianmorningrotary.org, or mail in a check, Johnson said. More information is available on the website.

Rotary fundraisers: The Adrian Morning and Noon Rotary clubs will join together on Friday, Oct. 24, for a Dine to Donate event at Aubree’s Pizzeria & Grill from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aubree’s will make a donation to the fundraiser for each diner who mentions that they are there to support the Rotary clubs with their fundraising for the International Polio Vaccine End Polio Project. Aubree’s is located at 1329 S. Main St. in Adrian.

The Rotary clubs will also hold a “Purple Pinkie Project” on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Adrian City Market, located at 115 Toledo St. in Adrian. Participants will have their pinkie fingernail painted purple for a donation. Each purple pinkie will represent children who get vaccinated for polio, especially in India and Pakistan, according to Michele Gardner from Adrian Noon Rotary.

Kiwanis Holiday Cheese Sale: The Kiwanis Club of Adrian is hosting its 46th annual Holiday Cheese Sale, featuring a selection of cheeses, beef log and summer sausage and butter cheese, as a fundraiser. Ordering information is available at adriankiwanis.org.

Kiwanis of Tecumseh fundraiser: The Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh is selling gourmet mixed nuts, roasted and seasoned with sea salt, online and at local shops and businesses. (No peanuts.) More information about the holiday fundraiser is available online at k04618.site.kiwanis.org.

Rotary wreaths: The Adrian Morning Rotary Club is selling holiday wreaths online at adrianmorningrotary.org. See the website for more details.

Morenci Kiwanis Wishing Tree project: Starting Nov. 17, stars for the Wishing Tree Project will be available

Allison Ott is the Kiwanis Club of Adrian’s Kiwanian of the Year. She is a member of the Flag Committee and the Duck Race Committee, writes the club newsletter, and has served on the Kiwanis Foundation board. Ott works at Gurdjian Insurance and also farms with her husband, Joe. She serves as Seneca Township clerk and is a member of of Weston United Methodist Church, in addition to volunteering with Lenawee Cares and Adrian Public Schools. She is pictured here, at left, accepting the award from 2024 Kiwanian of the year Linda Benschoter.

on the Kiwanis of Morenci Facebook page. Additional stars will be posted as more families are added to the list. More information will be available on claiming a star and returning the gift items closer to the posting date. All gifts will be due to WesBanco in Morenci by Dec. 12. Monetary donation can be mailed to Morenci Kiwanis, PO Box 84, Morenci MI 49256 or sent via Venmo to @MorenciKiwanis.

Tecumseh Service Club: Upcoming Tecumseh Service Club meetings will be on the first Monday of September, October, November and January at 7 p.m. at Tecumseh United Methodist Church, 605 Bishop Reed Drive, Tecumseh MI. Anyone interested in joining the group is welcome to attend. Applications for Christmas assistance will be available online at tecumsehserviceclub.com starting Oct. 15. Residents must live in the Tecumseh school district or in Clinton, Britton or Tecumseh to qualify.

Ruber ducks are dropped into the River Raisin for the Kiwanis Club of Adrian’s Duck Race on Sept. 21. The first place winner was Earl Brock, second place winner was Charlene Sullivan, and third place winner was Drew Gietzen.

Athena Lenawee celebrates contributions to community

By Kate Mitchell The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — The members of Athena Lenawee know that when women support women, incredible things happen.

That belief is at the heart of everything the organization does, from the grants it offers to its scholarship program to its annual awards, which were given out at a ceremony at the Hills of Lenawee Golf Club on Sept. 16.

Athena’s highest honors — the Leadership Award, Young Professional Award and Parthenon Award for Business — recognize individuals and organizations who not only excel in their respective fields but help others be their best, too.

Helping others is something that Athena Lenawee Leadership Award recipient Sherri Tuckey, owner of Tuckey’s Big Boy in Tecumseh, knows well. Whether it’s providing meals, raising money through bake sales, serving on local boards and more, Tuckey has dedicated her life to being of service to those around her.

“I’m here to accept this award for everybody who just wants to get up and do what they’ve got to do to help,” she said. “When each of us gives a little — be it time, talents or treasures — we lift up the whole community.”

Tuckey has been passionate about uplifting her community for her entire life. Her long list of accomplishments and passions were nurtured by the women she was surrounded by in her youth, like her mother and aunt, and she took their example to heart. On top of everything else she does for Tecumseh and beyond, Tuckey has become a dedicated mentor to young women, helping them grow to become the strongest, best versions of themselves.

“I don’t see myself as a leader,” she said. “I’m always working behind the scenes. But maybe that’s what leadership really is. It’s about showing up, pitching in and helping others succeed.”

This passion is one that’s shared by Kara Dominique, this year’s Athena Young Professionals Award recipient. Dominique, community relations manager for Lenawee Medical Care Facility, knew right away that she wanted “more than a paycheck” out of her work. She took that dream and ran with it, championing expanded Alzheimer’s drug coverage in Washington D.C., becoming a legal advocate for Catherine Cobb Safe House, serving as the president of the Zonta Club of Lenawee and more.

“When there’s a will and a very determined group of women, they’re going to make a way,” said Dominique.

She may be young — the Young Professionals Award is limited to women 40 and under — but she’s accomplished a lot, including volunteering with and eventually working for Hospice of Lenawee, starting her on the path that led her to her current position.

“There, I was able to rediscover my passion of working for a mission,” she said. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, she took things to the next level. Delivering meals to homebound seniors and volunteering at vaccine clinics, Dominique put herself on the front lines to help her most vulnerable neighbors at every opportunity.

“During a great time of uncertainty, I felt it was my duty to serve my community when so many other people couldn’t. I did what I could to ensure that everybody in our community was as safe and as happy as they could be during that time.”

While individual leaders are a vital part of any thriving community, businesses and organizations do so much to uplift the people who call it home. Uplifting residents is something that the leadership of Lenawee County — this year’s Athena Parthenon Business Leadership Award winner — understands deeply.

With women holding more than 60% of the department leadership roles in Lenawee County, they are proof that helping women thrive helps your community thrive, too.

“The Athena Parthenon Award is a symbol of Lenawee County’s core values and our shared mission,” said Kim Murphy, Lenawee County administrator, who accepted the award on behalf of the county and its employees. “Demonstrating commitment that goes beyond our daily work, uplifting every individual — especially women — to help them realize their full potential.”

While the county has made great strides in welcoming women into leadership roles, it wasn’t always that way. It has only been within the last five years, Murphy said, that women have been taking the reins at that level in Lenawee County.

“Over the years, we have worked to foster a culture where creativity and initiatives are not just encouraged but celebrated in women and men alike,” Murphy said. “We believe that true, professional excellence can only be achieved when everyone has a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation.”

This year’s awards ceremony brought out dozens of attendees to celebrate this year’s crop of winners, some of whom were past award recipients themselves.

“I love to see young women professionals just starting out who aren’t just focused on their career but on giving back to their community,” said 2024 Young Professional Award winner Landa Fick, a mortgage lender with TLC Credit Union. “Tonight, Kara showed that it’s not just her job, she’s giving back in so many other ways and getting involved.”

For others, seeing a loved one receive the honor was just proof of something they already knew to be true.

“Sherri has always been a wonderful person, from the time she was a young girl,” said Lucinda Hand, Tecumseh resident and Tuckey’s aunt who was there to celebrate her niece’s accomplishments. “She’s blossomed as an adult, I’m so happy and impressed and proud of her.”

It was even a special night for family who couldn’t join but celebrated from afar.

“Kara has invested so much in her career and her community simultaneously, and I’m thrilled to see her get such recognition for it,” said Nicole Dominique, Kara Dominique’s sister who lives in Grand Rapids. “This honor is so well deserved and so inspiring to witness.”

The awards may be done for the year but Athena’s work continues. The organization is already planning for upcoming events that will fund initiatives like the scholarship program and mini-grants that do the daily work of empowering women across the Lenawee County community, work that is exemplified by this year’s award recipients.

“This award is not something you just get one year and then tuck it away,” said Marcy Brown, Athena Lenawee fundraising and awards event chair. “You live it each year. It’s awesome to live in a community that supports women to be developed not only into leaders but to contribute to this community, making it what it is today. It’s an honor to keep that spirit alive and make the community a better place.”

Sherri Tuckey speaks while accepting the Athena Lenawee Leadership Award on Sept. 16 at the Hills of Lenawee Golf Club in Adrian. PHOTOS BY KATE MITCHELL/LENAWEE VOICE

County administrator Kim Murphy speaks on behalf of the leadership of Lenawee County at the Athena Lenawee awards dinner.

Kara Dominique was the recipient of this year’s Young Professionals Award presented by the women’s leadership organization Athena Lenawee.

Goodwill names interim leader

ADRIAN — Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan announced on Sept. 10 that Rachel Letson has been appointed as the organization’s interim president and chief executive officer.

Letson, the organization’s retail director, will lead the nonprofit during a period of transition as the board of directors undertakes a comprehensive search process for a permanent president and CEO.

“I’m honored to support Goodwill through this phase of our next transition,” said Letson. “We plan to continue the high level of service our community has come to expect from us.”

Letson brings proven leadership experience and a deep commitment to Goodwill’s mission of helping individuals overcome barriers to employment, build sustainable careers, and strengthen their communities, the organization said in

a news release. In her interim capacity, she will focus on ensuring organizational stability, supporting staff, and advancing ongoing initiatives that serve southeast Michigan residents.

“We are fortunate to have Rachel step into this important role at such a pivotal time for our organization,” said board chair Frank Hribar. “Her knowledge of our operations and her passion for our mission will provide steady leadership as we continue to serve the community and position Goodwill for long-term success.”

The board is working with an external human resources consulting firm to guide the search for a permanent president and CEO, with a goal of completing the processs by the end of the year.

For more information about Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan, visit goodwillsemi.org.

Rachel Letson has been named interim president and chief executive officer of Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan.

Habitat chapter recognized as Innovative Nonprofit of the Year

ADRIAN — Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County has been honored with a 2025 Raise Award in the Innovative Nonprofit of the Year category. The annual Raise Awards recognize excellence, innovation, and dedication among organizations and individuals in the nonprofit community.

Winners were recognized during the Raise 2025 conference, hosted by OneCause, a leading provider of digital fundraising technology. This year’s awards saw nominations from across the United States, making Habitat Lenawee’s win a testament to its community-driven efforts and lasting impact.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition,” said Wendy Knox, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County. “Innovation for us means listening to our community and finding creative ways to bring people together to build homes, hope, and partnerships. The pickleball tournament was a perfect example of how collaboration with the city of Adrian and local supporters can create both joy and impact. This award reflects the strength of our community and the passion of our volunteers, sponsors, and staff.”

Each submission for the Raise Awards is reviewed by a committee of 30 peer nonprofit professionals and industry experts, evaluating entries based on fundraising achievements, campaigns, and events from March 2024 through March 2025.

Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee stood out for its groundbreaking initiatives, fundraising success, and tangible difference in the lives of the families it serves. In particular, the group was honored for its collaboration with the city of Adrian to launch the county’s first charity pickleball tournament. This community-driven fundraising model not only raised critical support but also engaged new audiences in Habitat’s mission.

“The Raise Awards celebrate the changemakers who push boundaries and reimagine what’s possible in fundraising,” said Steve Johns, chief executive officer of OneCause. “This year’s winners inspire all of us with their passion, innovation, and dedication to building better tomorrows. They’re proof of how fearless leadership can spark lasting change in our communities.”

Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County was founded in 1989. For more information, go to habitat-lenawee.org.

Dominicans welcome new candidate

ADRIAN — The Adrian Dominican Congregation welcomed a new candidate during a prayer service at the Adrian Motherhouse on Sept. 8.

“I desire to grow in authenticity, speak my truth, share my gifts in service and prayer. I ask to walk together in community, in challenge that is mutual, caridad amistad, and to find friendships along the way,” said Elizabeth Guerrero during the Rite of Entrance into Candidacy. The rite is the first step in a formation process that could lead her to taking her first profession of vows with the Adrian Dominican Sisters.

As a symbol of her desire for entrance, Guerrero knocked on the door of St. Catherine Chapel and was admitted by Sister Tarianne DeYonker, OP, director of candidacy. During a formal examination by Prioress Elise D. García, OP, DeYonker attested to Guerrero’s readiness to begin a year of discernment as a candidate.

Guerrero will spend her candidacy year volunteering at the St. Mary Food Pantry and Dire Needs program of Holy Family Parish in Adrian, tutoring at the Adrian Rea Literacy Center, helping set up new art displays for the art

in Madden Hall at the Motherhouse, visiting

OneCause CEO Steve Johns is pictured with Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County director of development and marketing Carrie Hartley at the Raise 2025 conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Sister Tarianne DeYonker, left, opens the chapel door for Elizabeth Guerrero, symbolic of her entrance into the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

gallery

Sisters living at the Dominican Life Center, and studying Spanish and the history of the Adrian Dominican Sisters.

Gus Harrison inmates provide backpacks for local students

ADRIAN — Students across Lenawee County walked into classrooms this fall with new backpacks, fresh supplies, and a boost of confidence thanks to an unexpected source: the Warden’s Forum at Gus Harrison Correctional Facility.

Through fundraising and collaboration, inmates at the prison donated more than $2,000 worth of backpacks and school supplies to support students experiencing homelessness and foster youth in the Lenawee Intermediate School District.

For correctional officer Matt Randall, Warden’s Forum liaison, the program reflects the heart of the forum’s mission.

“The goal of Warden’s Forum is to have the ‘best’ prisoners on the compound work together with facility staff like myself to make the facility run as smooth and as safe for everyone as possible,” he explained. “Part of that includes special incentives, like fundraisers, that encourage good choices. When this happens, the benefits go far beyond our walls.”

From the correctional leadership perspective, Randall says the donations carry an even bigger purpose. “Our goal is to prepare them for a successful reintegration back into the communities as law-abiding and productive citizens,” he said.

The Prisoner Benefit Fund (PBF), which covers the donations, is not taxpayer-funded. Instead, it’s built from the prisoners’ own purchases through vending machines, secure packs, and the prison store. A portion of every purchase is set aside, and the forum votes on how the money should be used.

“This year our PBF donated bookbags and school supplies to students experiencing homelessness and foster children of Lenawee County,” Randall said. “It’s their money, nothing to do with taxpayers or state funds. They can choose to spend it how they want, and they continue to choose to give back.”

Chris Howard, homeless education coordinator for the LISD, said the gifts were meaningful to students.

“The greatest story is knowing that all kids have the potential to walk in on the first day of school with a new backpack just like their peers. This is such a huge deal for kids as part of fitting in,” he said.

Howard added that donations like these also support academic success.

“We know kids miss school for a variety of reasons, including not having basic needs and school supplies,” he said. “The more we can do to take care of these needs, the more likely a child is to have good attendance. Once they are able to attend school regularly, it really removes a lot of barriers to learning and social interactions.”

For many inmates, the donation is about more than money. It’s about redemption. “This experience for me has opened my eyes to how many children are out there struggling to have their basic needs met,” said inmate Steven Saylor. “It has brought peace and a sense of accomplishment to me just knowing that I could have an impact on so many individual’s lives. It also has made me more aware of what I can do to help people, especially the children, when I am released.”

GARDEN OF THE MONTH

Michigan Department of Corrections employee Matt Randall with some of the backpacks purchased for Lenawee County students experiencing homelessness and foster youth through the Prisoner Benefit Fund at Gus Harrison Correctional Facility. LISD PHOTO

The gardens of Tony Williams were named Garden of the Month for August by the Adrian Garden Club.

GLEANER DONATES TO APS STUDENTS

A program for students facing housing difficulties received boxes of supplies just before school started thanks to a Gleaner Life Insurance Society service group. Legacy Arbor delivered more than $2,000 worth of items and gift cards to the Families in Transition program at Adrian High School. Gleaner Life employees delivered several boxes of hygiene items including carrying cases, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, soap, and personal care items, plus pens, pencils, binders and other school supplies. In addition, the service group purchased and delivered 60 hooded sweatshirts and 60 $10 McDonald’s gift cards. Pictured here are Angela Pooley (second from right), coordinator of Adrian Public Schools’ Families in Transition program, with members of Gleaner Life’s Legacy Arbor, from left, Nikki Carson, Elly Sager, Rebecca Creque, Liz Greenwell, Christina Zeller and Kristin Reid. GLEANER LIFE INSURANCE SOCIETY

Nominations sought for Courage to Care Award

ADRIAN — The Lenawee County Continuum of Care is accepting nominations for the 2025 Norma Dell Courage to Care Award, which honors the efforts of Sister Norma Dell, OP, an Adrian Dominican Sister who worked tirelessly for decades to serve people experiencing homelessness. The award recognizes the efforts of an individual or organization who has made extraordinary contributions toward alleviating homelessness in

Lenawee County. The award is presented annually at the November Continuum of Care meeting, which this year will be on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 3:30 p.m. at Goodwill Industries, 1357 Division St., Adrian.

The nomination form can be found on Lenawee County’s Continuum of Care Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ lenawee.county.CoC. Nominations must be emailed to cara.coc.chair@gmail.com or jbradley@lcmha.org by Oct. 10.

9/11 MEMORIAL AT STATE CAPITOL

State Rep. Nancy Jenkins-Arno, R-Clayton, welcomed Michigan State Police Detective

Larry Rothman from Tecumseh as her guest at the Michigan State Capitol during the annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony held by the Michigan House of Representatives. The event brings together legislators and their invited guests, including local first responders and military personnel, to honor and remember. In addition to commemorating the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the ceremony serves as a tribute to Michigan’s first responders, public safety professionals, and servicemembers.

Sgt.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

LCMHA to install naloxone boxes in

Hudson and Morenci to fight overdoses

Naloxone, also known as Narcan, can save lives after opioid overdoses.

ADRIAN — The Lenawee Community Mental Health Authority has announced the placement of two new naloxone distribution boxes in two Lenawee County communities.

The boxes, which resemble newspaper boxes, are funded by a grant from the Opioid Prevention and

Education Network (OPEN). They will provide free, life-saving naloxone to the public, no questions asked.

Naloxone, often known by the brand name Narcan, is a medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Providing it in a discrete, easily accessible format is a critical step in the fight against the opioid crisis.

The new naloxone boxes will be located at:

n Mike’s Pharmacy, 133 E. Main St., Morenci.

n The Thrifty Hippie, 203 W. Main St., Hudson.

“These naloxone boxes are a vital addition to our community’s harm reduction efforts,” Kathryn Szewczuk, LCMHA executive director, said in a news release. “This initiative, supported by the generous grant from OPEN, ensures that more people have access to this life-saving tool exactly when they need it. We’re grateful to Mike’s Pharmacy and The Thrifty Hippie for partnering with us to make this possible.”

The naloxone boxes are designed to be easily accessible to anyone, 24/7. Inside, people can find kits that include

Department on Aging centralizes meal preparation in new kitchen

October marks a new chapter for the Lenawee Department on Aging in how meals are prepared and distributed for older adults through the home-delivered meal program and the congregate meal sites.

In the past, the Department on Aging operated four kitchens to provide meals for seven senior centers. Over the last decade, equipment challenges and building changes reduced that number to just two kitchens, located in Hudson and Adrian. In 2009, thendirector Tom MacNaughton and the board adapted the Adrian Senior Center kitchen to include a walk-in cooler and freezer. However, as demand for meals continued to grow, the space could no longer keep up. Despite ongoing adaptations, the aging equipment and confined workspace raised concerns about safety and efficiency.

County administration and Department on Aging leadership began exploring solutions to address three main issues: outdated equipment and electrical systems, insufficient food

CARI REBOTTARO

storage, and processes that posed a risk of workforce injury. These challenges grew as demand for homedelivered meals, congregate meals, and newer curbside meal options steadily increased.

After careful planning and collaboration, a new centralized kitchen has been built at the Maurice Spear Campus. This facility features modern equipment, more workspace, and improved processes. All meals will now be prepared in this one location, dedicated solely to food production. The seven senior centers will continue to serve as gathering places for older adults to enjoy meals together. With the exception of the Adrian home-delivered

routes, meals will still be distributed from local senior centers by community volunteers. Deliveries previously leaving from the Adrian Senior Center will now be picked up at the Central Kitchen.

This new kitchen was built as part of the Maurice Spear Campus expansion. The shared space allows two county programs to operate independently under one roof, reducing facility costs while strengthening support for two of Lenawee County’s most vulnerable populations.

This centralized kitchen represents more than a new building — it marks the beginning of a safer, more efficient process for preparing and distributing meals to older adults across Lenawee County. By updating the way meals are made and delivered, the Department on Aging can continue meeting today’s needs while being prepared for tomorrow’s growth.

Cari Rebottaro is director of the Lenawee County Department on Aging.

Why handwashing still matters

Every year on Oct. 15, communities around the world observe Global Handwashing Day, a vital reminder that something as simple as washing hands with soap can save lives.

Handwashing is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to stop the spread of germs. It helps protect individuals from common respiratory illnesses such as colds and flu, as well as diarrheal diseases that can be particularly dangerous for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Studies show that proper handwashing can reduce cases of diarrheal illness by up to 40% and respiratory infections by more than 20%, making it a powerful tool for improving public health.

Many harmful germs are spread when people touch contaminated surfaces, prepare food, eat, or care for others without first cleaning their hands. Whether at home, work, school, or out

in the community, washing hands at key times, after using the restroom, before eating, after coughing or sneezing, and after handling animals or garbage, can significantly reduce the chance of getting sick or spreading illness to others. This small act also helps protect the most vulnerable in our community, including young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, who are more at risk for serious complications. Teaching proper handwashing early, reinforcing it often, and modeling it consistently contributes to a healthier and safer community.

Hand hygiene also supports broader public health efforts. Fewer infections mean fewer antibiotics are needed, which helps slow the spread of antibiotic resistance, a growing public health concern.

The good news is that handwashing does not require special equipment or expensive supplies. All that is needed is clean, running water and soap. The CDC recommends a simple five-step method: wet, lather, scrub for at least 20 seconds, rinse, and dry. When soap and water are not available, hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol are a good alternative.

Promoting hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to keep Lenawee County healthy. On Global Handwashing Day, and every day, clean hands represent a shared commitment to the health and safety of our community.

two doses of naloxone nasal spray and instructions on how to use it.

The goal is to empower bystanders and community members to respond effectively to opioid overdose situations. Lenawee Community Mental Health Authority is the public mental health service provider for residents of Lenawee County. The agency offers a wide range of services, including crisis intervention, substance use treatment, and mental health support for adults, children, and families.

For more information about LCMHA, call 517-263-8905.

IN BRIEF

Drug take-back day set for Oct. 25 at Hickman Hospital

ADRIAN TWP. — Residents can safely dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired medications this fall at a drive-through drug take-back day at ProMedica Hickman Hospital.

The event is on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at ProMedica Hickman Hospital, 5640 N. Adrian Highway, Adrian. Medications, sharps, and liquid prescriptions can be brought in for safe disposal. Sharps must be placed in a proper sharps container or a sturdy plastic bottle with a secure lid.

Connections Cafe offers technology session

ADRIAN — Connection Café, organized by the WellWise Services Area Agency on Aging, is all about bringing older adults together for conversation, fun, and engaging topics that support healthy, active living. The next event will focus on technology and is on Monday, Oct. 27, at 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian. For more information, call 517-592-1974.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Greater Hudson Area Breast Cancer Support Group: First Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m., Main Street Perk, 211 Main St., Hudson. Contact Carolyn Booker, 517-812-8855.

Celebrate Recovery: A Christcentered recovery group meeting Saturdays at 9 a.m. at Ogden Church, 3201 East U.S. 223, Adrian. Contact Roger or Theresa Miller, 517-215-5754 or theresamillercr@yahoo.com. Good Grief: Free drop-in group for adults widowed earlier in life, meeting on the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Hospice of Lenawee, 1903 Wolf Creek Hwy., Adrian. Contact Heather Popkey or Karen Cheney at 517-263-2323.

To submit a support group listing or report any corrections or changes, please email Linda Cline at lcline@lenaweevoice.com.

Monica Hunt is the Lenawee County Health Department’s health officer.

MONICA HUNT

IN MEMORY

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

[ADS] Adrian Dominican Sisters, adriandominicans.org

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

[BJFH] Borek Jennings Funeral Home, borekjennings.com

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

[CLR] Charles R. Lux Funeral Home, charlesrlux.com

[E] Eineder Funeral Homes, einederfuneralhomes.com

[H] Handler Funeral Homes, handlerfuneralhomes.com

[MFH] Mortensen Funeral Homes, mortensenfuneralhomes.com

[PA] Purse Funeral Home in Adrian, pursefuneralhome.com

[PS] Gil Purse & Son, gilpurseandson.com

[W] Wagley Funeral Homes, wagleyfuneralhomes.com

Sister Rosalie Equerra, OP, 86, of Adrian died on Aug. 13. Formerly known as Sister Maria Antonia, she was in her 69th year of profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. She ministered for 17 years in Michigan, Arizona, and Nevada. She then co-founded Focus Life, later called Life Directions, and ministered in numerous roles in that organization in Detroit, Chicago, and Arizona, for a total of 44 years. [ADS]

Jack Joseph Heisler, 86, of Pittsford died on Aug. 14. He was a 1958 graduate of Onsted High School and then worked at Adrian Steel as a welder, then went to Dura Corp., where he worked for over 30 years until retirement. [PA]

Denver Ray Smith, 68, of Sand Creek died on Aug. 14. He attended Tecumseh High School and graduated from Sand Creek High School. He spent many years in the construction field and later served as a head maintenance man. He was an avid outdoorsman. [PA]

Sister Dorothy Booms, OP, 90, of Adrian died on Aug. 18. Formerly Sister Rose Alphonsus, she was in her 72nd year of profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. A native of Harbor Beach, Michigan, she ministered in education in Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Florida, and California for 31 years, including serving as principal of Dickinson Area Catholic School in Iron Mountain. [ADS]

Robert A. Weaver, 84, of Tavares, Florida, formerly of Hudson, died on Aug. 21. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard. He owned and operated Pliable Products in Somerset for over 20 years, retiring in 2008. [BVH]

Sister Donna Baker, OP, 76, of Adrian died on Aug. 22. She was in her 58th year of profession as an Adrian Dominican Sister. She was born in Detroit, and after entering the Congregation spent 48 years ministering in education in Michigan, Florida, and Slidell, Louisiana. Her service included 15 years at Rosarian Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida. [ADS]

Sister Margaret Mary “Peggy” Fornicola, OP, 79, of Adrian died on Aug. 22. She was in her 63rd year of profession as an Adrian Dominican Sister. Formerly Sister Joseph Carolyn, she was born in Sault Ste. Marie and spent all but five years of her 50-year education ministry in her beloved Upper Peninsula. [ADS]

Scott Allan “Scooter” McMunn, 60, of Swanton, Ohio, died on Aug. 22. He was a 1984 graduate of Adrian High School and studied landscape and nursery management at Michigan State University. He started his own patio design business in 1988. He was also an award winning sculptor. [PA]

Shirley J. Conrad, 92, of Adrian died on Aug. 23. A lifelong animal lover, she was very dedicated to her pets. She found joy in being outdoors, camping, hunting, and fishing. [AM]

George Roberson Kuykendall, 95, of Morenci died on Aug. 23. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He enlisted in 1947 and moved up in rank to

master sergeant. He was awarded a Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars before his honorable discharge in 1954. After retirement from the Morenci Super Valu, he and his wife spent winters in Florida and summers at Green Valley Campground. [AM]

Rose “Marie” Marrison, 89, of Tecumseh died on Aug. 23. She dedicated much of her working life to caring for others as a nurse’s aide at Lenawee Medical Care Facility. [AM]

Albert Harry Cook Jr., 79, of Adrian died on Aug. 24. He was a 1964 graduate of Adrian High School and spent 30 years working in law enforcement for the Morenci Police Department, Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office, and Woodstock Township Police Department. He served 21 years in the Michigan National Guard, Company B, 156 Signal Battalion in Adrian, retiring with the rank of staff sergeant. [AM]

Scott Phillip Bachman, 43, of Morenci died on Aug. 25. He was a 2000 graduate of Morenci High School and earned an associates degree in business from Jackson Community College. He was the owner of Bachman Kennels, breeding nationally recognized dogs, such as Basset Hounds and Beagles. He was a big supporter of Hudson and Morenci communities. [AM]

Roger K. Emmons, 86, of Morenci died on Aug. 25. He was a 1956 graduate of Morenci High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army and Army National Guard. He was a farmer his entire life. He also worked at Morenci Rubber until their closing, then worked at Bohn Aluminum until his retirement in 2010. He was an avid sports fan, was active in 4-H, and was on the color guard for all Sand Creek football games. He was a member and past commander of the American Legion Post 275 and a member of the Morenci Sportsmen Club and Jasper Bible Church. [AM]

Terry Lee Heldt Sr., 76, of Britton died on Aug. 25. He spent his career working in the industrial field as a factory machinist. At home he enjoyed using his skills in woodworking and working on anything mechanical. [H]

Della M. Merillat, 89, of Hudson died on Aug. 25. A lifelong farmer’s wife, she enjoyed golfing, cross stitching, canning, and baking cookies. She attended Medina Federated Church. [AM]

Jesus “Jesse” Perez Jr., 69, died on Aug. 25. He loved his family and community, and was a dedicated sports fan who found great joy in attending games and sharing in the lessons that sports provided. [PS]

Thomas “Tom” Lee Jones, 88, of Adrian died on Aug. 26. He was a graduate of Adrian High School and went on to attend Michigan State University. He later served in the U.S. Army. His career was in manufacturing where he worked at Adrian Chain and Cable, and later at Tecumseh Products as a senior manufacturing engineer. He was a member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church. [W]

Katrene Diane Starling, 80, of Tecumseh died on Aug. 26. She began her career as a hair stylist and then worked in home décor and gift sales and merchandising. She held leadership roles in Wasthenaw County 4-H and the Saline Community Fair. She was crowned Miss Saline in 1962 and led the Miss Saline Pageant for 25 years. She attended St. James United Church of Christ in Saline. [AM]

Roberta Lee “Bobbie” Cooper, 60, of Adrian died on Aug. 27. She lived her entire life in Adrian and loved watching movies, especially natural disaster movies and Disney films. [PA]

Alice Irene Goetz, 92, of Riga died on Aug. 27. She was a 1951 graduate of Blissfield High School. In addition to jobs at the Blissfield Canning Factory, U.S. Census, and Avon, she volunteered for the March of Dimes, Blissfield Band Boosters, and the God is the Answer Christian Women’s Retreat. She was a leader in the South Riga Go-Getters 4-H Club and a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and created a successful guest concert series during her years as music coordinator. [W]

Shirley Mae Schubert, 90, of East Lansing, formerly of Adrian, died on Aug. 27. She enjoyed hosting parties, playing cards and going dancing. [AM]

Bruce Taylor, 68, of Tecumseh died on Aug. 27.

Kathryn “Kathy” Aube, 76, of Adrian died on Aug. 28. She obtained a bachelor’s degree from Spring Arbor College with a focus on nursing home administration, then worked at Lenawee Medical Care Facility where she eventually became the administrator, retiring in 2012. She loved animals and showed St. Bernards at a variety of AKC events alongside her father. [W]

Briggada Ann “Bridget” Carranza, 60, of Adrian died on Aug. 29. She was a 1983 graduate of Madison High School. She attended Adrian College and worked as a dietary manager in the healthcare industry at Adrian Health Care. [AM]

John Patrick Long, 79, of Lake Washington, formerly of Clarklake, died on Aug. 29. He was a member of the Brooklyn Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #2651, Napoleon Lodge #301, Free and Accepted Masons, and was a Clark Lake Lions Club member and had served as club president. He worked as a financial planner and stockbroker, then in retirement worked at Arthur-Day Funeral Home (Eineder Funeral Home) in Michigan Center. He was a supporter of Napoleon Schools athletics and worked in the press box for over 25 years. [E]

Ronald Rupley Jr., 76, of Adrian died on Aug. 29. He loved volunteering for Meals on Wheels and watching sports, especially the Tigers and Pistons. [PA]

Edith “Edie” L. Coates, 79, of Tecumseh died on Aug. 31. After retiring from Tecumseh Public Schools, she worked for several years at Busch’s in Tecumseh. [PS]

Patrick Cheng, 56, of Tecumseh died on Sept. 1. He was a 1987 graduate of Chelsea High School. He was a skilled carpenter, and after owning his own business, he became a stay-at-home father to his four daughters. He was a member of the Tecumseh Church of the Nazarene for over 20 years, a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association, and ministry leader at Celebrate Recovery in Tecumseh. [PS]

Mary Belle Morrison, 81, of Onsted died on Sept. 1. After she retired as a teacher in the Detroit area, she and her husband moved to Loch Erin. She was a volunteer with Hospice of Lenawee and Habitat for Humanity. She also volunteered to participate in Alzheimer’s Disease research projects conducted by the University of Michigan. [AM]

Candace Ann “Candy” (Pichler) Bates, 78, of Coldwater died on Sept. 3. She was a graduate of Adrian High School and after graduation she attended Hillsdale Beauty College.

Jerome Paul “Jerry” Freytag, 88, of Hudson died on Sept. 3. He was a 1954 graduate of Napoleon High School and a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He worked for Magnavox in Fort Wayne, IMCO in Adrian, and Hudson State Savings Bank in Hudson, and was city manager, clerk and treasurer for the city of Hudson. [BVH]

Kody James Clark, 31, of Woodstock Township died on Sept. 4. He was a graduate of Onsted High School. After graduation he worked in welding. [E] Benita Viola Aldrich, 97, of Hudson died on Sept. 5. She sold Avon Products for 60 years, retiring in 2014. She and her husband had a home at Strawberry Lake in Evart. She was a member of Hudson First United Methodist Church. [AM]

Cynthia S. Garrish, 69, of Adrian died on Sept. 5. She worked as a CENA/Nurses Aid for 45 years, retiring from the Saline Evangelical Home. [PA]

Barbara Ann Watson, 89, of Adrian died on Sept. 5. She worked as a seamstress for General Motors for 26 years, retiring in 1995. [PA]

Karlie Lynne (Wright) Baird, 32, of Macon died on Sept. 6. She was a graduate of Tecumseh High School and obtained her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Siena Heights University. She held a variety of jobs including a project manager at Amerivac Hydro Excavation and running her own bartending business. [H]

Patricia Ann “Patty” Shearer, 84, of Adrian died on Sept. 6. She was a 1959 graduate of Adrian High School. She worked as an administrative assistant for Community Action Center/WIC for 27 years. She attended Petersburg Lowerlight Church. [PA]

Bonnie May Clement, 70, of Adrian died on Sept. 7. She was a graduate of Summerfield High School in Petersburg. She was a caregiver with Christ Centered Homes and retired in 2005. [AM]

Ruth Ann (Walter) Hilton, 81, of Morenci died on Sept. 7. She worked at the former Fayette Tubular until it closed. [AM]

Marjorie L. Phipps, 99, of Jasper died on Sept. 7. She worked in the dietary department at Bixby Hospital beginning in 1949. She was a member of the Crimson Classic Red Hat Society and worked bingo games for the AmVets. [AM]

Larry E. Van Valkenburg, 78, of Adrian died on Sept. 7. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, then worked as a controller at several airports, including Detroit Metro, Jackson and Toledo. Following the mass layoffs of controllers in 1981 he began working at Adrian College and eventually became the food service director, then worked as a controller at Willow Run Airport from 1999 until retiring in 2011. He coached pole vaulting at Madison High School for 25 years. He was a member of the Morenci American Legion Post 368 and the Lenawee County 40&8. [AM]

Janice Vinetta Collins, 85, of Adrian died on Sept. 8. She was a 1958 graduate of Britton High School. She operated Maple Hill Upholstery in Hudson for many years. [PA]

Sandra Jeane Hudick, 83, of Brooklyn died on Sept. 8. She was a talented quilter and seamstress, and a member of a quilting group that donated quilts to veterans. [E]

Ruben Alvaro Salazar, 67, of Adrian died on Sept. 8. He was a graduate of Adrian High School. He retired from his career as a master mechanic in 2023. [PA]

Mark Arlis Spivey, 63, of Saline died on Sept. 8. He was born in Tecumseh. After graduating from high school he spent his working years in construction. [H]

Jack Warner Damon, 88, of Onsted died on Sept. 9. He was a 1955 graduate of Summerfield High School. He began working at Merillat in Adrian in 1955, retiring in 1999. He donated his time as Santa Claus for many families, the Merillat office, and the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home open house for Associated Charities. [AM]

Julia Kennetha Evans, 81, of Adrian died on Sept. 9. She was a 1961 graduate of Cement City High School. She worked for 31 years on the assembly line at Fayette Tubular. [AM]

Esther Ailene Moore, 98, of Adrian died on Sept. 9. She was a 1945 graduate of Adrian High School. She ushered at the Croswell Theatre and later worked at the Stubnitz Environmental Education Center before working at the Tecumseh Public Library for 15 years, retiring in 1994. She was a longtime member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church. [W]

Clyde “Butch” Moore Jr., 77, of Adrian died on Sept. 9. He worked for 34 years at Ford Motor Company. [PA]

Leon Joseph Wesley, 85, of Manitou Beach died on Sept. 9. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Arkansas Tech University in Architectural Engineering and served in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of captain. He had a 30-year career at Owens Corning Fiberglass. After retirement he and his wife moved to their home on Devils Lake, where he was an active member of St. Mary on the Lake parish. [AM]

Tammy Lozano, 57, of Adrian died on Sept. 10. [PA]

William “Danny” Daniel Bowden, 60, of Clinton died on Sept. 11. He was a member of the Tecumseh American Legion and he loved working on cars. [H]

William Henry “Bill” Coleman, 80, of Deerfield died on Sept. 11. He grew up in Stockbridge and Petersburg, then attended Blissfield schools. He worked for 42 years at the former Tecumseh Products, where he worked as a forklift operator and retired in 2007 from the Clinton plant. He also farmed for Paul Vergote. [AM]

Earl H. Cook Jr., 77, of Clinton died on Sept. 11. He served as an Army Infantryman and communications specialist in Vietnam. He had a 36-year career at Ford Motor Company. He played in weeknight softball leagues and weekend tournaments, umpired countless games, coached Little Leagie, and helped build a softball program at Tate Park. [H]

Ruth M. (Richardson) Gittings, 73, of died on Sept. 11. She enjoyed quilting and sewing and was a seasoned deer hunter. She attended Hillsdale Free Methodist Church. [H]

Margaret Madeline Neuman, 94, of Blissfield died on Sept. 11. She was a 1949 graduate of Blissfield High School. After graduation she worked at Stoner’s Dime Store and Gamble Hardware in Blissfield for a few years. She was a longtime member of Palmyra Presbyterian Church. She was involved with the Blissfield Senior Center and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. [W]

Russell Keith Tompkins, 83, of Morenci died on Sept. 11. A U.S. Army veteran, he completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Toledo and began a career in healthcare, retiring from St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo. He also worked at the Morenci and Tecumseh hospitals and served with the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Mounted Division and the Sheriff’s Reserve. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Morenci, American Legion Post 268, Morenci Kiwanis, and the Eagles #1297, and raised the flag before Morenci football games. [AM]

Ronald Dennis Mangrum, 82, of Adrian died on Sept. 12. He worked at Bohn Aluminum in Adrian for 25 years before continuing his career at Lenawee Stamping, retiring in 2012. To his coworkers he was known as “Horsefly.” He was a member of Solid Rock Church of Lenawee for the last 25 years, and he grew and sold Christmas trees. [PA]

Norma Frances Hards, 84, of Tecumseh died on Sept. 12. She enjoyed watching sports, was a competitive card player, and also loved Bingo and Words with Friends. [H]

Timothy Robert Thornton, 68, of Clarklake died on Sept. 12. He was a graduate of John Glenn High School, an avid deer hunter, and a fan of the Detroit Tigers, Lions, Pistons, Red Wings and University of Michigan. [E]

Linda Walker, 82, of Tipton died on Sept. 12. She was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in the Irish Hills. She worked in the restaurant industry as a waitress. She loved sewing and was known for her blankets, which she sold at area festivals. [H]

Jeanne E. Bope, 84, of Kiwadin died on Sept. 13. During her career she was a medical social worker at Bixby Hospital. [MFH]

Chester “Chet” S. Krzemien, 82, of Tecumseh died on Sept. 13. He was a 1962 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Gaylord. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. He was employed by the Saline Ford Plant for 35 years, retiring in 1998. He was a member of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. [AM]

Richard Eli “Rich” Lapham, 53, of Novi died on Sept. 13. He was a 1990 graduate of Tecumseh High School, then

earned degrees from Schoolcraft College in Livonia. His love of all things automotive drove him to positions with Rush Trucking and most recently Ryder Corporation, where he had been employed as a senior logistics analyst on the MOPAR account for the last 14 years. [PS]

JoAnn May Callahan, 83, of Adrian died on Sept. 14. She worked as an insurance office assistant at the House of Insurance in Toledo until her retirement. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. [AM]

Leora Jean Oberling, 97, of Morenci died on Sept. 14. She was a 1943 graduate of Gorham Fayette High School. She owned Hudson Fabricators until she was 50 years old. She then worked at Morenci Fabricare until she was 84. [AM]

Carol Lue (Glaser) Weaver, 75, of Adrian died on Sept. 14. She was a 1969 graduate of Adrian High School. She held a master’s degree in community mental health and provided therapy in Hillsdale through Jackson-Hillsdale Community Mental Health and then for Journeys of Michigan. Following retirement she volunteered for Meals on Wheels, among others. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Tecumseh. [W]

Nancy Ann Smith, 89, of Adrian died on Sept. 15. She coached high school volleyball at Adrian High School and softball at Siena Heights University, and officiated both sports well into her later years. [W]

Gene Spencer Willi Sr., 91, of Vineyard Lake died on Sept. 15. He was

BUSINESS

a passionate bowler and would bowl four nights a week. He was active in the Napoleon Lions Club. [E]

Shirley Ann Merillat, 90, of Tecumseh died on Sept. 16. She retired from General Motors, where she worked sewing in the Fisher Body Division. She and her husband owned and operated Merillat International Airport. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church for over 70 years and was an active member of the Altar Society. [H]

Alan Wilkerson, 76, of Canton died on Sept. 16. He was a 1967 graduate of Adrian High School. After retiring from Romulus High School, where he was the principal, he and his wife, Phyllis, opened the Governor Croswell Tea Room in Adrian and ran it for many years.

Mark Clare Girbach, 77, of Adrian died on Sept. 17. He was a 1968 graduate of Saline High School. He worked at Bridgewater Lumber Company in Saline until 2008. He was a member of St. James United Church of Christ in Saline. [AM]

Brenda Marie (Cambal) Zimmanck, 64, of Blissfield died on Sept. 17. She was a 1980 graduate of Blissfield High School. She held various jobs and spent 15 years at GM Powertrain in Toledo. [W]

Roy Alfred Jennings, 72, of Lenawee County died on Sept. 18. [H]

Bonita Jean Traxler, 84, of Tecumseh died on Sept. 18. She was a member of Tecumseh Missionary Baptist Church. She was a homemaker and enjoyed reading, running, and sewing. [H]

Janet Louise (Nelson) Crawford, 88, of Mount Pleasant died on Sept. 19. She earned a degree from Adrian College in 1964 and devoted her career to education, teaching high school English. She also volunteered at Bixby Hospital. [CRL]

Larry Dale King, 92, of Adrian died on Sept. 19. Starting as a janitor at Clinton Engines, he later became a journeyman tool maker. He started a heating, cooling, and plumbing business out of his home. In 1965 he and his wife founded King Tool and Die in Adrian. [W]

Orville Rodgers Stover, 89, of Adrian died on Sept. 19. He was retired from Brazeway in Adrian, where he had worked for 28 years. He served as a deacon at Christ Temple Ministries for 47 years. [PA]

Thomas Arthur Vance, 81, of Tecumseh died on Sept. 19. He was a graduate of Milan High School and a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He retired from Ford Motor Co.’s Rawsonville Plant after 37 years. [PS]

Steven Hollis Walker, 72, of Tecumseh died on Sept. 19. In his early years he owned a gas station in Allen and later worked at the Chrysler Proving Grounds as a driver mechanic for 30 years, retiring in 2003. He was a member of a late-model dirt racing crew. [H]

Joyce Ann LeVeck, 77, of Adrian died on Sept. 20. She was a 1966 graduate of Adrian High School. She was a supervisor at JC Penney in the Adrian Mall for 16 years and worked at Woolworths for 12 years as the manager of the Harvest House restaurant. [W]

ARTS & LIVING

THE LENAWEE VOICE FOURTH SECTION OCTOBER 2025 ASO presents movie music concert » PAGE D3 Celebrate fall

Legendary outlaws take to the stage

‘Bonnie & Clyde’ opens at the Croswell on Oct. 17

ADRIAN — The story of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow has fascinated Americans for nearly a century. Together with Barrow’s brother Buck and his wife Blanche, they cut a swath across the United States, committing a series of robberies and murders before they were killed in a shootout on May 23, 1934.

Their lives and their legendary crime spree have been adapted into several films — and also into a stage musical, which will be performed at the Croswell Opera House for two weekends in October.

“Bonnie & Clyde” features music by Frank Wildhorn, who is also known as the composer of “Jekyll & Hyde.”

The musical premiered in 2009 at the La Jolla Playhouse in California, and debuted on Broadway in 2011.

In the Croswell’s production, the role of Bonnie is played by Emma Skaggs of Perrysburg, Ohio, whose previous roles include Carole King in “Beautiful” and Ariel in “The Little Mermaid.”

See ‘BONNIE & CLYDE,’ page D2

TCA kicks off touring season

Legacy, a male vocal group composed of

performers

from

and the

as part of the Tecumseh Center for the Arts’ National Touring Season on Nov. 1. LEGACYINCONCERT.COM

TECUMSEH — The Tecumseh Center for the Arts will kick off its 2025–2026 National Touring Season this month, with a lineup that includes magic, music, comedy, and cultural celebration.

“This season truly has something for everyone — whether you love magic, Motown, family fun, Elvis, Celtic music, or soulful vocals,” Amy Slupe, executive director of the TCA, said in a news release.

“We’re proud to continue bringing worldclass entertainment to our community and look forward to sharing these unforgettable performances with audiences of all ages.”

Illusionist Daniel Martin — Saturday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Award-winning magician Daniel Martin will present an

evening of sleight-of-hand, illusions, and comedy as the first act in the TCA’s touring season. Known for his charismatic and interactive performances, Martin will present a high-energy show full of wonder and amazement.

Legacy presents Motown & More — Saturday, Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m. This vocal quartet will deliver a nostalgic journey through the legendary sounds of Motown, classic

See TCA, page D2

Exhibit explores the intersection of fine arts and skilled trades

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ANN ARBOR — Luke Barnett believes that the intersection between fine arts and skilled trades is a lot bigger than most people think.

Showcasing that intersection is the goal of “Michigan Contemporary Craft,” an exhibit by staff and alumni of the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in Adrian that’s on display through Oct. 5 at the Ann Arbor Art Center.

Barnett, founder and president of the woodworking institute, said that SBWI teaches woodworking as both an art and a trade.

“I’m a firm believer that what we do fits in both of those categories,” he said.

“Think about the Notre Dame cathedral,” Barnett said. “Was that built by tradespeople or was it built by artisans?”

Each piece in the exhibit has a dual identity, as both a creative work and something practical.

“Everything here is in an art gallery — it’s art, it’s beautiful — but it can also be sold and put in someone’s home and used,” said Carolyn Racine, who worked on curating the exhibit and is also one of the artists.

Every piece is one-of-a-kind, crafted by hand and created with an artist’s eye.

A freestanding “Creature Cabinet” made by KJ Borucki was designed to echo the shape of a praying mantis. “I wanted it to have an organic shape,” Borucki said of the piece, which is about as tall as a person and includes a cabinet, side pockets, and a few small drawers whose handles are intricate rope-like chains that she made from wire.

triple-threat

straight

Broadway

West End, will present “Motown & More”

KJ Borucki is pictured with “Creature Cabinet,” made to evoke the shape of a praying mantis, at the Ann Arbor Art Center gallery. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

R&B, and soul. With smooth harmonies, slick choreography, and heartfelt showmanship, Legacy brings to life the hits of artists like the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye.

Alex Zerbe, The Zaniac (Special Family Event) — Saturday, Jan. 24, at 2 p.m. Two-time Guinness World Record holder Alex Zerbe will present a laugh-out-loud family show packed with juggling, comedy, stunts, and surprises. Known as “The Zaniac,” Zerbe has been described as a living cartoon with his zany humor, beatboxing, and circusinspired skills.

Elvis tribute by Jimmy Holmes— Saturday, Feb. 14, at 7:30 p.m. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the winner of Graceland’s 2025 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist honor, Jimmy Holmes, as he brings the King’s music back to life. Holmes captures Elvis’ timeless charisma in a moving concert of love songs and rock ’n’ roll favorites, from tender ballads to high-energy classics.

On the Lash (Celtic band) — Friday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m. The TCA will kick off St. Patrick’s Day weekend with On the Lash, a Celtic rock band blending traditional Irish and Scottish folk music with modern energy. Known for their lively shows and irresistible rhythms, they deliver a night of fiddles, pipes, percussion, and crowd-pleasing fun.

‘Bonnie & Clyde’

from page D1

Clyde is played by Kevin Ludwig of Monclova, Ohio, most recently seen as Jack Kelly in Newsies and Tommy DeVito in “Jersey Boys.”

Buck and Blanche are portrayed by Maxwell Lam of Adrian and Nicole Merchant of East Lansing.

The cast also includes Colbie Baer, Raymond Collins, Zarek Devlin, Meg Lam, Derrick McCullough, and Bryan Shane, all of Adrian; James Fischer and Stephanie Walters of Ann Arbor; Matthew Herr of Britton; Michael Cicirelli of Jackson; Debra Nichols and Mary Rumman of Milan; Walter Book of Petersburg; Eryn Gerweck and Jeffrey King of Temperance; Dean Ludwig of Monclova, Ohio; Yasmeen Perrin of Oregon; Lydia Schafer of Ottawa Hills; Alan Jimenez of Perrysburg; Ciara Lieberman of Sylvania; and Ekaterina Helpman of Toledo.

Lola Kristine — Saturday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. Acclaimed vocalist and pianist Lola Kristine and her band return to the TCA stage with a soulful blend of blues, jazz, and pop. Her rich, expressive voice moves effortlessly from deep, sultry tones to powerful, gospelinfused highs.

All performances take place at Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh. Discounts are available when purchasing a season subscription,.

Tickets are available online at thetca.org, at the TCA box office on Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 5 p.m., or by phone at 517-423-6617.

The Tecumseh Center for the Arts is a city-owned, 572-seat performing arts venue presenting national touring acts, community productions, dance, and cultural events.

TECUMSEH

YOUTH THEATRE

The TCA is also the home theater for Tecumseh Youth Theatre. This fall, TYT presents “The Jungle Book, Kids,” a version of the beloved Disney story adapted and abridged for young audiences.

Performances are Saturday, Oct. 4, at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 5, at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $15 ($12 for seniors 60 and above, and $10 for youth under 18), and are available at thetca.org.

The production is directed and choreographed by Debra Ross Calabrese, with music direction by Dave Rains.

Wildhorn’s nontraditional score combines elements of rockabilly, blues and gospel music.

The show is recommended for adults and mature teens as it features realistic on-stage violence, including gunfire, as well as strong language and implied sexual situations.

Tickets range from $26 to $46 for adults, $16 to $26 for students, and may be ordered online at croswell.org or by calling 517-264-7469.

Dates and times

n Friday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m.

n Saturday, Oct. 18 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

n Sunday, Oct. 19 at 2:30 p.m.

n Thursday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

n Friday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

n Saturday, Oct. 25 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

n Sunday, Oct. 26 at 2:30 p.m.

Woodworking

from

The organic feel of the piece comes in part from Borucki’s choice of spalted maple for the body. “I just love the way it moves, like it has a mind of its own,” she said. “It’s really difficult to work with, because the grain switches direction, but it was worth it.”

Another piece in the exhibit, an entertainment center by Scott Treppa, features a mountain landscape inlaid into the front using various wood veneers.

A piece by Zack Fealk titled “Sit and Listen” — made from, among other materials, a piece of walnut that he

found in a barn in Maine and shaped using hand tools — is both a seat and a stand for a record player, complete with a case that’s just the right size and shape to hold a record collection.

In addition to Barnett, Racine, Treppa, Fealk and Borucki, the exhibit includes work by Logan Balis, Armando Covarrubias, Peter Densmore, Adam Davies, Jaime Marvin, Michael O’Connor, and Matt Shockey.

The Ann Arbor Art Center’s gallery is at 117 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 5-7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Michigan Contemporary Craft” will close on Oct. 5.

Artists featured in “Michigan Contemporary Craft” at the Ann Arbor Art Center include, in the back row, Carolyn Racine, Luke Barnett, Scott Treppa, KJ Borucki, Jaime Marvin, Michael O’Connor, Zack Fealk, and Adam Davies; and in the front row, Peter Densmore, Matt Shockey, and Logan Balis. Not available for the Aug. 29 opening was Armando Covarrubias. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Zack Fealk poses with “Sit and Listen,” a piece he made that is part of the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute’s show at the Ann Arbor Art Center gallery.

page D1

Adrian Symphony opens its season with movie music concert

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Music from films as diverse as “Charade,” “King Kong,” and the “Lord of the Rings” and James Bond franchises are on the program for the Adrian Symphony Orchestra’s seasonopening concert.

The performance, which the ASO has titled “Epic Soundtracks Live,” is at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Adrian College’s Dawson Auditorium. Tickets are $41/$35/$27 for adults, $39/$33/$27 for senior citizens, and $22/$19/$15 for students, and are available by calling 517-264-3121; online at adriansymphony.org; at the ASO offices in Mahan Hall, Adrian College, during business hours; or at the door beginning one hour before concert time.

‘Epic Soundtracks Live’

DATE AND TIME: Sunday, Oct. 5 at 3 p.m.

LOCATION: Dawson Auditorium,

Adrian College

TICKETS: $41/$35/$27 ($39/$33/$27 for seniors, $22/$19/$15 for students)

TO ORDER: 517-264-3121 or online at adriansymphony.org

In addition to the films listed above, movies such as “How to Train Your Dragon,” “The Magnificent Seven,” “Gladiator,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and “Back to the Future” are all represented.

“It’s all the stuff I love that isn’t John Williams,” Kiesling joked, a reference to the many times that iconic film composer’s music has been part of ASO pops concerts over the years.

While it was certainly difficult to narrow down the choices, the fact is that not every film score is especially adaptable to a concert format. “Not all films excerpt well,” he said, by having themes that can be lifted out of the larger soundtrack and played separately from the rest of the music.

OCTOBER

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.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1

Together We Heal: A Health Fair for Every Body

Adrian District Library, 1-6 p.m.

An inclusive event designed to support and uplift the health and wellbeing of all in our community. Sponsored by The M Society. 143 E. Maumee St., Adrian adrian.lib.mi.us or 517-265-2265

Adopt-a-Stream

Two locations and times

Join the River Raisin Watershed Council in searching for aquatic macroinvertebrates in order to better understand the water quality of the River Raisin Watershed. Two different sites will be examined on Oct. 1: Bird Park, 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh, at noon, and Blood Road off of Rogers Highway near Tecumseh at 3 p.m.

riverraisin.org/upcoming-events

517-662-8755

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2

Harvest Festival

Audience members are invited to participate in a costume contest during the concert by dressing up as their favorite movie characters. The audience will determine the winner.

In past years, the movie-music pops concert has been a very popular part of the ASO’s season in the February slot. This year, however, the orchestra decided to kick things off with this concert and do a different pops concert, one with a Valentine’s theme, in February.

“We think starting the season with this concert, which has been so successful, will be a nice way to start the year,” ASO Music Director Bruce Anthony Kiesling said.

Guest artist for the performance is Riley Hahn, a BFA student in the University of Michigan’s musical theater program, who will perform four of the James Bond films’ best-known songs: “For Your Eyes Only,” “Skyfall,” “You Only Live Twice,” and “Nobody Does it Better.”

Kiesling first met Hahn through a video audition she did last year. “I knew right away she’d be perfect for this,” he said. “She has the right voice for this type of music.”

And while there may not be any John Williams — who, incidentally, is a master when it comes to writing film scores that can be excerpted for the concert hall — on the program, having music from “Charade” will allow the audience to hear a composer who, in his day, was similar to Williams when it came to popularity: Henry Mancini.

Aside from Marvin Hamlisch, “Mancini was really the only other [film] composer to be a household name” in the 1970s, Kiesling said. “He had lots of hits on the pop charts.”

Mancini’s many hits from his film music include everything from “Baby Elephant Walk” from “Hatari!” to “Moon River” from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” to the “Pink Panther” theme.

Out of all that composer’s wellknown film scores, Kiesling chose “Charade” for its opening sequence, which he described as having “almost a ‘Mission: Impossible’ vibe.”

With such a wide range of film genres and eras represented in the concert, everyone from kids to grandparents will probably hear music they know.

“We did kind of want it to be a little bit of everything — some new stuff, some classics,” Kiesling said.

Downtown Blissfield, 3-7 p.m.

Celebrate the season at Blissfield’s Harvest Festival — a fun, family-friendly event that’s completely free. Enjoy an afternoon packed with festive activities for all ages. Includes a bakeoff, bounce house, and more.

517-486-4347

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3

First Friday Car Show

Lenawee County Fairgrounds, 4-7 p.m.

The last show in the season for the First Friday Car Show series at the fairgrounds includes activities for all ages and live music by Jaded Soul.

602 N. Dean St., Adrian

Adrian First Fridays

Downtown Adrian, 5-8 p.m.

This month’s First Friday is all about pumpkins, community, and fun. Attractions include wrestling matches in the streets, inflatables and kids’ activities, live music, food trucks, retail specials, and more.

Spooky Scavenger Hike

Indian Crossing Trails, 5:30 p.m. (for families) or 6:15 p.m. (adults only).

An evening of spine-chilling stories, hairraising hidden items, and more is in store during this hike through Indian Crossing Trails. Meet at the entrance to Indian Crossing Trails at Satterthwaite Park, where you’ll receive a scavenger hunt list and cider, then trek through the trails for eerie tales and sunset views. $5 per person. Preregistration is encouraged but not required.

703 E. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh tecumsehparksandrec.recdesk.com 517-423-5602

Riley Hahn Soloist

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4

Ag Day

Carpenter Farms, all day Carpenter Farms’ annual Ag Day includes the Pumpkin Patch Dash 5K run at 9 a.m. and a kiddie pedal pull at noon. Then at 5 p.m., guests can enjoy a farm-to-table dinner featuring a multi-course meal crafted from locally sourced ingredients, some grown right at Carpenter Farms. Dinner includes complimentary cocktails, wine, and other beverages. The dinner will close with a hayride tour of the farm. Tickets for the dinner are $60 and can be ordered at at carpenterfarms. square.site.

2534 East U.S. 223, Adrian carpenterfarmsadrian.com

Stubnitz Family Fall Festival

Heritage Park, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Enjoy the beauty of Heritage Park at the Stubnitz Environmental Education Center. All day events include kids’ nature crafts, a scavenger hunt, storywalk, interactive tables, and more. Other activities:

n 10 a.m. — Educational program with live reptiles.

n 11:30 a.m. — Guided storywalk and hike.

n Noon — Hayride.

n 12:30 p.m. — Live animal program with Joby Cuellar and his amazing critters.

The festival is free.

3221 N. Adrian Hwy., Adrian www.lisd.us or 517-265-2119

Love Shouldn’t Hurt Annual Community Event

Trestle Park, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Catherine Cobb Safe House hosts a familyfriendly day with yard games, selfcare opportunities (including self-defense, chair massages, and yoga), vendors, food trucks, music, and education. Bring your own chair. Any changes due to weather will be announced on WLEN 103.9.

302 Hunt St., Adrian catherinecobb.org

‘The Jungle Book, Kids’ Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Tecumseh Youth Theatre presents Disney’s “The Jungle Book, Kids,” an abridged version of the classic animated film. thetca.org

Morenci Fall Fest

Downtown Morenci, 4-11 p.m.

Morenci’s free autumn celebration is expanding this year, stretching along Main Street from Summit to Baker, and along North Street from Main to Locust. It includes live music, food, vendors, and activities for all ages. The hours of 4-7 p.m. will be filled with familyfriendly fun along Main Street, including a photo booth, face painting, a petting farm, archery, a caricature artist, and hayrides. A free outdoor concert at 8 p.m. will feature Chase Van Brandt & the Dive Bar All-Stars.

Music on the Porch

Smith-Kimball Community Center, 4 to 5:45 p.m.

An outdoor public event with Pickin’ Roots Unplugged featuring Larry Rothman. Bring your own lawn chairs or picnic blanket. Co-hosted by the Village of Clinton, the Downtown Development Authority, and the Smith-Kimball Community Center board. Free. 211 Tecumseh St., Clinton voc-skcc.org or 517-456-6528

A Night Out for Outdoor Enthusiasts

The Mill Sports & Event Center, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Join the Irish Hills Regional Chamber of Commerce for a fun-filled evening of dinner, raffles, games, live/silent auctions, prizes and more. This is the chamber’s largest fundraising event for the year and will help provide scholarships to local students, as well as support the mission of the Irish Hills Regional Chamber of Commerce to promote business growth and development. Doors open at 4:30 pm. Tickets are $65 per person, $120 per couple, or a table of eight for $480.

230 N. Main St., Onsted irishhills.com

Fall Fest at Grace Point Grace Point Church, 5-8 p.m. Games, food, and fun, including pumpkin decorating, face painting, pumpkin bowling, guessing games, a hula hoop pumpkin toss, hayrides, bonfire, and axe throwing, plus a play area for the little ones. Free.

4612 N. Adrian Hwy., Adrian gracepointefc.org

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5

Adrian Symphony Orchestra: ‘Epic Soundtracks Live’ Dawson Auditorium, 3 p.m.

The Adrian Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of movie music, from James Bond to “The Lord of the Rings” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.” The concert includes a costume contest, so bring the family and come dressed as your favorite movie character. $27-$41 (discounts for students and seniors).

240 S. Charles St., Adrian adriansymphony.org or 517-264-3121

‘The Jungle Book, Kids’ Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 3 p.m. Tecumseh Youth Theatre presents Disney’s “The Jungle Book, Kids,” an abridged version of the classic animated film. $15 (with discounts for students and seniors).

400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh thetca.org or 517-423-6617

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7

Marching Band Showcase

Adrian College, 6:30 p.m.

This event is put on by the Lenawee County Band Directors Association and Adrian College Bands. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Order of performance: National Anthem, Adrian College, Morenci, Britton Deerfield, Madison, Addison, Clinton, Onsted, Hudson, Sand Creek, Blissfield, Adrian, Tecumseh, Mass Band. $5 per person or $10 per family (cash only).

Docking Stadium, 110 S. Madison St., Adrian

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8

Brooklyn Car Show

Big Boy, 5-8 p.m.

Fun, food, and music, and of course lots of cars. 329 S. Main St., Brooklyn

Nocturnal Walk

Ramsdell Park, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Fly into the night with the River Raisin Watershed Council and learn all about bats. These nocturnal mammals have many special adaptations including ability to fly and how they locate food. Bats can help to control insect populations and even pollinate some plants. Participants will discover the sensitive habitats that bats need to grow and reproduce. This class will include a discussion on bat houses and how to build them. Participants should wear closed-toed shoes and bring flashlights and bug spray. To register, visit riverraisin.org/upcoming-events. For more information, email admin@riverraisin.org. $10. Forrister Road and Glen Hill Highway, Clayton riverraisin.org

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9

2025 Fall Health Check

First United Methodist Church, 8 a.m. to noon.

Free and low-cost screenings will be offered. Services available include adult immunizations, blood pressure checks; height and weight measurements, nutrition counseling, and medication counseling. For accurate results, do not eat or drink 12 hours before tests. Presented by ProMedica Hickman Hospital and United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties. For information, call 517-264-6821. 1245 W. Maple St., Adrian

Clinton Inn Mix & Mingle

The Clinton Inn, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

This business social is a high-energy, networking-style evening designed to connect local business professionals and spotlight The Clinton Inn as a gathering space for meetings, mixers, and community events. Admission is free but registration is required; visit theclintoninn.com and click on “Calendar.”

104 W. Michigan Ave., Clinton theclintoninn.com or 517-507-5777

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9

‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’ Adrian High School Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m.

Presented by students from Springbrook Middle School. Continues Friday and Saturday. Adults $8, students and seniors $6. 785 Riverside Ave., Adrian adrianmaples.org 517-263-0543

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10

‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’ Adrian High School Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m.

Presented by students from Springbrook Middle School. Continues Saturday. Adults $8, students and seniors $6. 785 Riverside Ave., Adrian adrianmaples.org or 517-263-0543

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11

Kelly Carter & Thomas Leffler Memorial Scholarship 5K

Downtown Tecumseh, 8 a.m.

Start/finish line is at the corner of Pearl Street and Chicago Boulevard. Registration fee is $20; race packets can be picked up at Carter Rehabilitation & Aquatic Center in Adrian on Oct. 10 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Awards will be given to the top finisher in each age group, both male and female. carterruns.com

517-263-4520

Appleumpkin Festival

Downtown Tecumseh, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This annual fall festival includes rides, carnival games, inflatables, bungee jumping, make-and-take crafts, helicopter rides, an antique fair, flea market, arts and crafts, live entertainment, food vendors and more. Continues Sunday. Free. downtowntecumseh.com/events

Apple Festival

Kapnick Orchards, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Watch apple cider being pressed, caramel apples being made fresh to order, and choose from seven flavors of Kapnick Orchards’ famous fry cake donuts, homemade pumpkin rolls and apple fritters. Pick your own apples and pumpkins, visit the farm animals, and more. A craft show will feature more than 80 booths and free transportation will be provided between Kapnick Orchards and the Appleumpkin Festival downtown. Continues Sunday. 4245 Rogers Highway, Britton www.kapnickorchards.com 517-423-7419

Wreck o’ Ween

Lenawee County Fair & Event Grounds, noon A tuff car and truck competition featuring customs, classics, beasts, and wreck-ready rides. Gates open at noon; kids’ costume contest at 2 p.m.; beer tent opens at 3 p.m.; tuff car and truck competition at 4 p.m. $10 (free for ages 5 and under).

602 N. Dean St., Adrian lenfair.com 517-263-3007

Fire Safety Celebration

Adrian District Library, 1 to 2 p.m.

The Adrian Fire Department will be bringing a truck to the library for this event intended for kids ages 2 and up. See the fire truck, read a story, and enjoy treats and crafts. Free; no registration needed.

143 E. Maumee St., Adrian adrian.lib.mi.us 517-265-2265

‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’ Adrian High School, 2 p.m. Presented by students from Springbrook Middle School. Continues Saturday. Adults $8, students and seniors $6. 785 Riverside Ave., Adrian adrianmaples.org or 517-263-0543

Illusionist Daniel Martin

Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.

Award-winning illusionist Daniel Martin makes the impossible possible on the TCA stage. $35 ($30 for seniors and military, $15 for kids).

400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh thetca.org or 517-423-6617

D6 | ARTS & LIVING

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12

Appleumpkin Festival

Downtown Tecumseh, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This annual fall festival includes rides, carnival games, inflatables, bungee jumping, make-and-take crafts, helicopter rides, an antique fair, flea market, arts and crafts, live entertainment, food vendors and more. Free. downtowntecumseh.com/events

Apple Festival

Kapnick Orchards, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Watch apple cider being pressed, pick your own apples and pumpkins, and more. A craft show will feature more than 80 booths and free transportation will be provided between Kapnick Orchards and the Appleumpkin Festival downtown.

4245 Rogers Highway, Britton www.kapnickorchards.com 517-423-7419

Speed Dating Event

Flying Otter Vineyard & Winery tasting room, 6 p.m.

This event will be offered for two different age groups (30s/40s and 50s/60s). $25; registration required at theperkywallflower.com. 3402 Chase Road, Adrian 567-302-0476

MONDAY, OCTOBER 13

Girl Scout Information Night

Adrian District Library, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Learn about the benefits of becoming a Girl Scout at this event. Girls in kindergarten through fifth grade and their parents or guardians are invited to attend and learn about Scouting opportunities that include STEM activities, exploring the outdoors, and more. For information, email helpdesk@ gshom.org or call 800-497-2688.

143 E. Maumee St., Adrian

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14

Make a Halloween 3D Shadow Box

Tecumseh District Library, 6-8 p.m.

Get into the Halloween spirit by designing your own 3D Shadow Box — complete with ghosts, pumpkins, haunted houses, and more. All supplies provided. For ages 18 and up. Register at tecumsehlibrary.org. 215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh 517-423-2238

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15

Granny Square Christmas Tree Workshop

Tink & the Frog Yarn Shop, noon In this fun and festive workshop, you’ll crochet a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree using six granny squares in graduated sizes. Whether you’re new to crochet or looking for a fun seasonal project, you’ll leave with a festive granny square Christmas tree — and the skills to make a whole forest at home. $25; please register at least 24 hours in advance.

128 E. Maumee St., Adrian tinkandfrogyarnshop.com 517-759-3990

Lunch and Learn:

Amazing Historical Sites

Weber Retreat & Conference Center, 12:15 p.m.

Paul Plassman, author of “Southern Michigan’s Castles, Churches and Courthouses,” will talk about amazing but often overlooked architectural gems. Free to attend; you can bring your own lunch or purchase one for $8 (please register at least two days in advance if ordering lunch).

1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian webercenter.org or 517-423-6617

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16

Paw-Print Ornament Pop-Up

Clay It Forward, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Get an impression of your pet’s paw in clay, add their name or the date with letter stamps, and pick out your glaze and ribbon color. Your finished piece will be kiln-fired, glazed, fired again, and ready in about two weeks. Each time block is for one pet, but if you have multiple pets, you can book your appointments back-to-back. Sessions are $20 for 20 minutes. Also offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For details, email clayitforwardmi@ gmail.com or call 517-500-3170.

210 S. Evans St., Tecumseh clayitforwardmi.com or 517-500-3170

Downtown Adrian Third Thursday

Downtown Adrian, 5-8 p.m.

Enjoy live music by Bret Maynard and Mark Poseler, plus giant pumpkin carving.

Witches Night Out 2025

Downtown Brooklyn, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Come to the Square in downtown Brooklyn for shopping, laughing, and spooky cheer.

Bring Your Own Talent Night

The Buzz Cafe & Marketplace, 6-8 p.m.

The Buzz presents an open mic night in collaboration with Above Pete’s Garage.

110 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-759-3289 or thebuzzadrian.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17

Howl-O-Ween Ball

Adrian College, 6 p.m.

The Lenawee Humane Society’s signature fundraiser begins with a cocktail hour, entertaining games, contests and raffles to help support shelter pets followed by dinner and a live auction. Learn more and reserve tickets at e.givesmart.com/events/K04.

$100 per person.

110 S. Madison St., Adrian lenhumanesoc.org

‘Bonnie & Clyde’ Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m.

This cult-favorite Broadway musical retells the unbelievable true story of America’s most infamous couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, the ill-fated lovers and outlaws whose story has been legendary since they achieved folk hero status during the Great Depression. Continues Saturday, Sunday and next weekend.

Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16.

129 E. Maumee St, Adrian croswell.org

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18

Fall Foliage Festival

Hidden Lake Gardens, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate the season with hayrides, children’s activities, food vendors, and live music by the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic — all surrounded by the beauty and bounty of autumn at Hidden Lake Gardens. Activities include hayrides, nature science experiments, and crafts with Michigan children’s book author Polly Cheney. Music by the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic will be at noon and 1 p.m.

Regular park admission cost applies. 6214 W. Monroe Rd., Tipton hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu 517-265-8399

Writing Workshop:

Nature’s Teaching on Letting Go Weber Retreat & Conference Center, 1-4 p.m.

All around us we have great teachers in the leaves and plants that do the “work” and then let go and move on. Our lives might have the same rhythm as we pay attention to the process. In this workshop we will have opportunities to look at our own — and others’ — process of letting go. This a hybrid workshop; a link will come closer to the workshop date for those who attend virtually. Beginning and experienced writers are welcome. $35; registration required.

1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian webercenter.org

‘Bonnie & Clyde’

Croswell Opera House, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.

The unbelievable true story of America’s most infamous couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Continues Sunday and next weekend.

Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. 129 E. Maumee St, Adrian croswell.org

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19

Walk to Remember

Oakwood Cemetery, 2 p.m.

Walk to Remember is organized by Tiny Purpose, an organization for people who have lost a baby during pregnancy or early infancy. Check-in starts at 1 p.m. at the Lenawee County Fair & Event Grounds, 602 N. Dean St., Adrian. Register at tinypurpose.com. Free. 333 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian tinypurpose.com or 517-423-2070

‘Bonnie & Clyde’

Croswell Opera House, 2:30 p.m.

Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. 129 E. Maumee St, Adrian croswell.org

NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet

Adrian College. 3:30 p.m.

An event to celebrate successes, honor community award recipients, and raise funds for the NAACP’s work and scholarships for Lenawee County graduates. Tickets $75 plus EventBrite fee; go to eventbrite.com and search for Lenawee NAACP.

110 S. Madison St., Adrian 517-902-6223 or lenaweenaacp@comcast.net

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21

Personal Grimoire Craft Class Tecumseh District Library, 6-8 p.m.

Participate in the spooky season by learning how to make your own personal grimoire in this hands-on workshop. No experience in book binding necessary; all tools and materials will be provided. For ages 18 and up. 215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh tecumsehlibrary.org 517-423-2238

Travel Tips with Bob Behnke

Adrian District Library, 6-7 p.m.

The Adrian District Library is hosting two sessions on travel tips on Tuesdays, Oct. 21 and 28, with Bob Behnke, who will present on ways to design a perfect trip to Europe built around participants’ schedules, interests and budget. Besides Europe, travel considerations about shorter trips within the U.S. and Canada will be discussed. The first session on Oct. 21 will cover planning travel, and the second session on Oct. 28 will go over tips for once you’ve arrived at your destination. Free; no registration needed.

143 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-265-2265

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23

Tea Tasting & English Breakfast Boards Schultz-Holmes District Library, 6 p.m. Join the Starling Lounge as they present a tea tasting at the library and serve up unique vegetarian English breakfast boards. Registration required; call 517-486-2858 or stop by the library

407 S. Lane St., Blissfield blissfieldlibrary.org 517-486-2858

‘Bonnie & Clyde’

Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m.

Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. Continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 129 E. Maumee St, Adrian croswell.org

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24

‘Bonnie & Clyde’ Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m.

The unbelievable true story of America’s most infamous couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Continues Saturday and Sunday. Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. 129 E. Maumee St, Adrian croswell.org

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25

Community Ofrenda Setup

Adrian District Library, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

The construction of an Ofrenda for Día de los Muertos is an important part of honoring the dearly departed. Teens and adults are welcome to help set up the library’s Community Ofrenda. adrian.lib.mi.us or 517-265-2265

‘Bonnie & Clyde’ Croswell Opera House, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. Continues Sunday.

129 E. Maumee St, Adrian croswell.org

MAUMEE STREET

MUSIC JAM:

An acoustic music jam for instruments such as dulcimer, guitar, banjo, bass, mandolin, whistle, accordion, fiddle, harmonica, marimba, bones and more meets on the second Saturday of every month, September through May, at First Presbyterian Church in Adrian. Enter through the side door.

Saturday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church 156 E. Maumee St. Adrian More info: 517-270-2870

Halloween Science Show

Adrian District Library, 3:15 p.m.

Experience a Halloween science show with Mad Science Detroit. This event will be held right before Downtown Adrian’s Trick-orTreating event. Kids ages 5 and over can enjoy tricks and treats including watching dry ice experiments. Free; no registration needed. 143 E. Maumee St., Adrian adrian.lib.mi.us or 517-265-2265

The Great Pumpkin Trail Hidden Lake Gardens, 4-8 p.m. Don’t miss the chance to show off your Halloween costume not once, but twice this year while enjoying Hidden Lake Gardens after hours. This family-friendly event invites

LIVE MUSIC AT BARS AND NIGHT SPOTS

Information in this listing is taken from a mixture of submissions and information published by the venues. We recommend verifying that information is up to date before making plans. To submit listings, email lcline@lenaweevoice.com before the 15th of the preceding month.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2

Linny & Moochie, 6-8 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3

Cat Canyon, 6-8 p.m., Flying Otter Vineyard & Winery, 3402 Chase Rd., Adrian.

Dan Bickle Band, 6-8 p.m., The Beach Bar, 3509 Ocean Beach Road, Clarklake.

Brad Skinner, 7-9 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Abba tribute by Dancing Queen 8 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4

Linny & Moochie, 1-4 p.m., Cherry Creek Winery, 11500 Silver Lake Hwy, Brooklyn. $5. Borderline, 8 p.m. to midnight, Adrian Eagles, 2570 W. Beecher, Adrian. $5 cover for non-members.

1980s Tribute by HairMania, 8 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9

Bret Maynard, 6:30 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10

Cat Canyon, 6-8 p.m., Flying Otter Vineyard & Winery, 3402 Chase Road, Adrian. Dude & the Flanman, 6-8 p.m., The Beach Bar, 3509 Ocean Beach Road, Clarklake.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11

Andy Schiller, 6-8 p.m., Flying Otter Vineyard & Winery, 3402 Chase Road, Adrian. Brittani Joy with Wasabi Pearls, 7-10 p.m., Tecumseh Tavern, 206 E. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh.

The 1985 Totally ‘80s Music Tribute, 8 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

guests of all ages to experience the gardens aglow with pumpkins, setting the perfect atmosphere for the spooky season. Begin your evening at the Visitors Center, then follow the illuminated trails out to the Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk and back to the Conservatory, where paths are carpeted in crimson, amber, and gold leaves. Last admission will be at 7:30 p.m. Regular admission rates apply.

6214 W. Monroe Road, Tipton hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu or 517-265-8399

After-Hours Music Festival Clinton Inn, 7-11 p.m.

A family-friendly outdoor event to benefit BraylonStrong, a nonprofit pediatric brain tumor foundation, feauring live music by Wishing Well, food trucks, cash bar, magic and balloon animals, outdoor games, and more. Details at braylonstrong.org/donate. 104 W. Michigan Ave., Clinton

TRICK-OR-TREAT

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15

The Metros, 7-10 p.m., Shady’s Taproom, 110 N. Main St., Brooklyn.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17

Cat Canyon, 6-8 p.m., Flying Otter Vineyard & Winery, 3402 Chase Road, Adrian. Kevin Wolf Duo, 6-8 p.m., The Beach Bar, 3509 Ocean Beach Road, Clarklake.

Bordine Loar, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Four Keys Brewing, 133 S. Lane St., Blissfield. Comedy Night, 7 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18

Linny & Moochie, 6-9 p.m., American Legion Post 97, 904 N. Main St., Adrian. Music from Jim Dandy, 7-10 p.m., Shady’s Taproom, 110 N. Main St., Brooklyn. Def Leppard Tribute by Armageddon, 8 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24

Cat Canyon, 6-8 p.m., Flying Otter Vineyard & Winery, 3402 Chase Rd., Adrian. Dude & the Flanman, 6-8 p.m., The Beach Bar, 3509 Ocean Beach Road, Clarklake. Van Halen Tribute by Panama, 8 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25

Jaded Soul, 8 p.m., Adrian Eagles, 2570 W. Beecher St., Adrian. $5 cover for non-members. Flyte, 8 p.m. to midnight, Jerry’s Pub, 650 Egan Hwy., Brooklyn.

Ozzy Osbourne Tribute by Ozzy Rebourne, 8 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31

Cat Canyon, 6-8 p.m., Flying Otter

Vineyard & Winery, 3402 Chase Road, Adrian. Brittani Joy with Wasabi Pearls, 7-10 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 Michigan Ave., Tipton.

Kiss Tribute by War Machine, 8 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26

‘Bonnie & Clyde’ Croswell Opera House, 2:30 p.m.

Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. 129 E. Maumee St, Adrian croswell.org

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31

Blissfield Rotary Halloween Bonfire Ellis Park, 7-9 p.m.

Celebrate Blissfield’s oldest Halloween tradition, dating back to 1936. Bring the whole family to Ellis Park for a fun-filled Halloween night with bounce houses, costume contests, prizes, food, a bonfire, and more, hosted by the Blissfield Rotary Club. 223 W. Adrian St., Blissfield blissfieldrotary.org

AND TRUNK-OR-TREAT EVENTS

Trick or Treat on the Greens, Twin Pines Eatery & Stone Mountain

Russell Road, Tecumseh, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Anyone of any age can dress up and walk

collecting treats from local businesses at each green.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16

Trunk-or-treat at Lenawee Medical Care Facility, 200 Sand Creek Hwy., Adrian, 5-7 p.m. Includes bounce houses, haunted barn, DJ, and more. More info: lenaweemedicalcarefacility.org or 517-264 5820.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21

Trunk-or-treat at the Lenawee District Library, 4459 U.S. 223, Adrian, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23

Trunk-or-treat at CR Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, 1211 U.S. 223, Adrian, 5-7 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25

Trunk or Treat, Woodbury Estates Apartments, 3100 S. Winter St., Adrian, 3-5 p.m. Downtown Adrian Trick-or-Treat, Maumee and Main streets, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31

Trick-or-Treat at Smith-Kimball Community Center, 211 Tecumseh St., Clinton, 6-8 p.m.

Halloween Family-Friendly Night at the Clinton Inn, 104 W. Michigan Ave., Clinton, 6-8 p.m.

Miniature Putt, 1102 W.

all 18 holes,

This Month in Downtown Adrian:

October

First Friday - Pumpkin Palooza

Friday, October 3rd

Join us for an action-packed night featuring professional wrestling in the streets, delicious bites from food trucks, live music by the Wasabi Pearls, local vendors, inflatables for the kids, and so much more. Don’t miss this festive fall celebration downtown!

Witches Night

Thursday, October 9th

Grab your broomsticks and gather your coven for Witches Night! Customers are encouraged to dress up in their best witchy attire for a chance to win a gift basket filled with goodies from local downtown businesses. Don’t miss this magical evening of shopping, fun, and spooky vibes!

Shop and Stroll- Fall Fashion Frenzy

Saturday, October 11th

Stroll through downtown and discover the season’s best styles at the Fall Fashion Frenzy Shop & Stroll! Take part in our Downtown Scavenger Hunt for your chance to win $200, $100, or $50 in Downtown Dollars!

Third Thursday- Live Giant Pumpkin Carving

Thursday, October 16th

Join us for live music by Bret Maynard and Mark Poseler plus the excitement of live giant pumpkin carving! Don’t miss this fun evening of tunes, creativity, and fall vibes downtown.

What’s Happenin’ Wednesday

Wednesday, October 22nd

Downtown is shining a spotlight on its service businesses! Whether it's a quick errand run, or you just want to support local, come on down! Check the Downtown Adrian Facebook page for details on winning Downtown Dollars during the scavenger hunt!

Downtown Trick or Treat

Saturday, October 25th

Bring the kids downtown for Downtown Trick-or-Treating! Make your way through the downtown stops to collect sweet treats and enjoy Halloween fun in a safe, family-friendly setting. Don’t forget your costumes!

A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors!