The Lenawee Voice — September 2026

Para noticias locales en español, por favor vaya a la página A11 Adrian College names the school’s next president

Local developer talks about why he took on the Adrian Mall

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Adrian Symphony offers season of familiar melodies

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THE LENAWEE VOICE

ADRIAN, MICHIGAN

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Local brothers open Golden Griddle restaurant in former Big Boy » PAGE C1

Analise Carabajal-Ortiz, Selena Solis, and Daisy Solis perform with the Raíces de mi Tierra dance troupe at this year’s Cinco de Mayo celebration at the Lenawee County Fair & Event Grounds. PHOTOS BY ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Lenawee County athletes begin fall season » SPORTS, SECTION C

Celebrating traditions through dance Raíces de mi Tierra dance troupe connects young people to history and culture By Erik Gable

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‘Come From Away’ tells a story of hospitality and human kindness » PAGE D5

ADRIAN — Teresa Gutierrez started dancing when she was 3 years old, and she still remembers how it felt. “It was joy,” she said. “It felt like I was the only person on that stage, and I wasn’t dancing in front of a bunch of people, it was just me in my own space.” Now she’s helping a new generation of children and teens experience the same thing, as she takes the reins of an Adrian dance troupe whose roots go back 50 years. Today, the troupe is called Raíces de mi Tierra — Spanish for “roots of my town.” It provides an opportunity for young people to learn about the folkloric dance traditions of Mexico, connecting to both history and heritage. The dances they learn reflect the stories of different regions. For example, one of the dances, Las Chiapanecas, comes from Chiapas in southern Mexico, while Jarabe Tapatío, also known as the Mexican Hat Dance, is from Guadalajara in the west.

Three of the women who have taught folklórico dance in Adrian over the years: Adelita (Yaya) Solis, who took over the troupe Cielito Lindo from Blanca Martinez back in 1981; Raquel Ybarra, who ran the group as Tropa de Niños Pequeños; and Teresa Gutierrez, who took on the role this year and changed the group’s name to Raíces de mi Tierra, which is Spanish for “roots of my town.” In 1976, when Blanca Martinez started a children’s dance troupe in Adrian, it was called Cielito Lindo. Adelita (Yaya) Solis took over in 1981. Solis and Martinez made all of the girls’ skirts for the dances by hand. That was no small task, since each one contained eight to 10 yards of material. They would practice anywhere they could — mainly in people’s garages, driveways, and back yards. Emily Martinez and Annita Galnares, now Aranda, were instrumental

Four area projects will be funded by state legislative earmarks » PAGE A8

in spreading the word about the troupe. Solis’ best friend — Juliana Ramirez, who was also Gutierrez’s mother — helped with hair, makeup, costumes, and more. Raquel Ybarra was one of the dancers in those early days, starting when she was 10 years old. She would later become the group’s leader, using the name Tropa de Niños Pequeños (troupe of young children).

See DANCE, page A15

Tecumseh’s Ididit Inc. serves car enthusiasts all over the world » PAGE A9

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SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Antonis (Tony) Coumoundouros has been named the 18th president of Adrian College.

Coumoundouros named Adrian College president Antonis Coumoundouros first joined the college faculty in 2008 ADRIAN ­— The Adrian College board of trustees has appointed Dr. Antonis (Tony) Coumoundouros as the institution’s 18th president. Coumoundouros currently serves as dean of graduate studies and continuing education, and is a longtime professor of philosophy and leadership. “Tony Coumoundouros is the right leader at the right time for Adrian College,” Patrick Farver, chairman of the Adrian College board of trustees, said in a news release. “Throughout the presidential search process, it became increasingly clear that Tony possesses the vision, integrity, and proven leadership necessary to build upon Adrian College’s remarkable momentum. He understands who we are, where we’ve been, and most importantly, where we can go. The board is confident that he will lead Adrian College into its next chapter with energy, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to our students.” As dean of graduate studies and continuing education, Coumoundouros has overseen efforts to launch new graduate programs aligned with workforce demand, expanding partnerships with business and educational organizations, and leading academic initiatives designed to enhance student success and institutional sustainability. He has also served as faculty president, director of the Institute for

Leadership and Ethics, department chair, and faculty athletic representative. Adrian College trustee David Hickman, who chaired the presidential search committee, said Coumoundouros “distinguished himself through his strategic vision, his demonstrated success in driving academic innovation, and his authentic commitment to the Adrian College community.” Coumoundouros has outlined a vision centered on four strategic priorities: expanding enrollment, strengthening workforce-integrated liberal arts education, fostering strategic partnerships and innovation, and enhancing the student experience through academic and athletic excellence. “Adrian College has been my professional home for nearly 20 years, and I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary dedication of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and trustees,” Coumoundouros said. “Together, we will honor the legacy that has made Adrian College exceptional while boldly embracing new opportunities to expand our impact, strengthen our academic mission, and prepare our students to lead lives of purpose and distinction.” Coumoundouros earned his bachelor’s degree from Radford University and both his master’s degree and Ph.D. in philosophy from Duquesne University. He has been an Adrian College faculty member since 2008. He will take over the presidency from predecessor Jeffrey Docking in January.

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SEPTEMBER 2026

LOCAL NEWS

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

‘I want to walk in and be proud of it’ The developer behind the new plans for the Adrian Mall remembers shopping at the mall when he was growing up By Renee Lapham Collins The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — When Mike Howard puts his name on something, he wants to be proud of it. That is one reason the longtime commercial real estate developer plans to rename the former Adrian Mall the Howard Center as he begins what could be a years-long transformation of one of Adrian’s most visible commercial properties. “When I put my name on it, I want to walk in and be proud of it,” Howard said. For Howard, who lives nearby at Round Lake, the project is not simply another piece of real estate to buy, improve and quickly sell. He remembers coming to the Adrian Mall as a kid, buying tapes at Musicland and cruising the strip. Now he owns it. “I really care about this,” he said. “I honestly care about this.” Howard said he has already had offers involving portions of the property, but he is willing to wait. “This is my thing,” he said. “I named it after myself, so I have to make it nice.” That philosophy comes up frequently in conversation. Howard likes taking properties that have seen better days and finding a way to make them useful and attractive again. He points to architectural details he has added to other developments that cost more but do not necessarily bring in additional rent, for example the exterior additions to Barron Commons, which he is developing on the site of the former Wendy’s restaurant in Tecumseh. “I don’t care,” he said. “I want it to look nice.” Howard expects the Adrian project could eventually represent an investment of about $70 million. Plans include an upscale indoor self-storage facility in the former JCPenney space, to be called Captain Emma’s after his beloved Maltese who died recently at the age of 17, and a new 7,000-square-

Developer Mike Howard is pictured at the Adrian Mall, which he is working to rehabilitate and turn into a viable commercial center again. RENEE LAPHAM COLLINS/LENAWEE VOICE foot retail center on property just south of the existing mall. He also is talking with a large national grocer and other national retailers, although he is not yet identifying them. Howard said he is in no hurry to fill space simply for the sake of filling it. “I just want the right fit,” he said. “My decisions will have an impact on the community and I’m going to be here. I don’t think of the quick deal. I know a lot of people just do the quick deals and move on. I don’t do that.” Howard has been learning how to buy, sell and make deals since he was 15. He grew up in Toledo, graduated from Ottawa Hills High School and worked in gas stations and convenience stores owned by his father. He stocked beer, sold lottery tickets, dealt with customers and began selling used cars from the parking lot of his father’s station at Monroe Street and Upton Avenue. After Howard saved about $14,000, his father asked how much money he had and announced that he was buying a house. “Congratulations, you got a house,” Howard recalled being told. “Now you’ve got to figure out how to fix it up.” Howard and his brother scraped wallpaper, repaired sinks and learned as they went. Education was also important in his family. After attending Ohio State University, Howard transferred to the

University of Toledo, where he earned an undergraduate business degree, an MBA and a law degree. His grandfather had encouraged him to finish his education, telling him that money and possessions could be lost, but an education could not be taken away. Even while pursuing graduate degrees, Howard continued in real estate, at one time managing 115 residential properties. Today, commercial real estate is his focus and his passion. “It’s like a dream,” Howard said. Getting there, however, included failed deals, mistakes and losing his own money. “You’re learning as you go,” he said. “A lot of it’s just doing the deal and making a million mistakes.” Eventually, he said, experience builds confidence. Howard now has projects and properties across Michigan and northwest Ohio, including developments in Milan, Saline, Hillsdale, Muskegon, Dundee and Toledo. A large part of making those projects work, he said, is networking — talking

with existing tenants about where they want to expand and noticing which businesses are missing from a community. “You go to a city and you see everybody else there and you don’t see a Jimmy John’s or a Dunkin’ or something,” he said. “Hey, why aren’t you here?” Area residents will see the results of another Howard project much sooner in Tecumseh. Work is moving ahead at the former Wendy’s property, where the Barron Commons development will include Jimmy John’s, Dunkin’, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Domino’s Pizza. Howard said he currently has multiple letters of intent for the fifth space and is waiting to decide which tenant will be the best fit. He expects to turn the individual units over to tenants by the end of September. Each business will then complete its own interior build-out. Howard said Jimmy John’s is likely to open first because its plans have already been approved and the company is ready to begin work. Barron Commons is named for Howard’s 15-month-old son, Michael Barron Howard. Howard lives at Round Lake with Barron and his fiancée, Carrie Lynn, an assistant professor at Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. Becoming a father has added another dimension to the way Howard thinks about his work. Asked what drives him, he answered, “Just to leave a legacy for my kids, I guess.” Real estate appeals to him partly because it is visible, he said. He can drive past a property and see what he created — a once-vacant building transformed and people employed there. And sometimes, little Barron comes along to see it, too. Howard frequently takes his son to job sites and hopes someday Barron might share the enthusiasm for real estate that began for his father in a Toledo gas station parking lot at age 15. “I hope he loves it as much as I do,” Howard said.

Another development, at the former Wendy’s location in Tecumseh, will feature a Jimmy John’s, Dunkin’, Tropical Smoothie, and Domino’s Pizza.

A4 | LOCAL NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Former SHU programs being transferred; Most local millages pass proposals will be sought for facilities ADRIAN — Most ballot questions that went before voters on Aug. 4 were approved. The lone exception was a millage for facilities and equipment in the Britton Deerfield school district.

Townships

Blissfield Township: The road millage renewal passed 542-353, and four millage renewals related to the fire department passed by margins of 567-317, 565-324, 537-201, and 530-307. Clinton Township: The fire department millage renewal passed 700-147. Deerfield Township: The fire operations renewal passed 235-65, the fire equipment renewal passed 226-73, and the road millage renewal passed 250-92. Dover Township: The road millage renewal passed 141-108 and the advanced life support ambulance renewal passed 168-81. Medina Township: The roads and bridges renewal passed 124-45. Palmyra Township: The fire department operations renewal passed 254-94. Riga Township: The fire millage renewal passed 202-84, the fire equipment millage renewal passed 202-84, and the road millage renewal passed 181-103. Rollin Township: The fire millage passed 556-198. Tecumseh Township: The fire, police and ambulance renewal passed 331-46. Woodstock Township: The fire millage renewal passed 556-167.

School districts

Britton Deerfield: A sinking fund proposal for equipment and facility needs failed, with 326 people voting yes and 481 voting no (301-445 in the Lenawee County portion of the district and 25-36 in the Monroe County portion). Hudson: The operating millage renewal passed, 535-304 (448-238 in the Lenawee County portion of the district and 87-66 in the Hillsdale County portion). Morenci: The operating millage renewal passed, 394-145. Waldron: The operating millage renewal passed, 212-163.

Dahlgren meets threshold to appear on November ballot Local Buzz Radio

ADRIAN — An August primary writein campaign earned Democrat John Dahlgren enough votes to appear on the November ballot to challenge incumbent Republican Nancy Jenkins-Arno for the 34th House District seat covering most of Lenawee County. The Lenawee County board of canvassers determined that Dahlgren, who needed at least 476 write-in votes to have his name be on the general election ballot, had received 482. An unpaid fee from two years ago had disqualified Dahlgren’s initial candidate filing, forcing him to run as a write-in. Although 1,645 Democratic write-in votes were cast for state representative in the district, only those cast for Dahlgren could be counted as he was the only declared write-in candidate for the seat. A write-in campaign for Deerfield Township clerk was also successful as recent appointee Melissa Burnor, who needed at least nine write-in votes in the Republican primary, received 25 to have her name appear on the ballot in November after a paperwork issue kept her name off the August ballot.

ADRIAN — Siena Heights University held its last commencement at the end of May with a graduating class of 731. Now the university and the Adrian Dominican Sisters, who founded the school back in 1919, are working to figure out what’s next. A group called the Phoenix Committee has been working to transfer some academic programs to other institutions, in addition to working toward the eventual repurposing of Siena Heights University’s Adrian campus. The 12-member committee includes representatives of Siena Heights, the Adrian Dominican Sisters, and the larger community. In June, university leadership finalized agreements to move 11 academic programs to partner institutions. These agreements are designed to ensure continuity for students and preservation of key academic offerings aligned with the university’s mission: n Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, founded by the Grand Rapids Dominican

Sisters, will build upon Siena Heights University’s established academic programs to develop its bachelor’s degree programs in Criminal Justice and Social Work and its master’s degree program in Healthcare Leadership. n Barry University in Florida, founded in 1940 by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, will be continuing the SHU Global programs, which include accounting, applied science, business administration, management, marketing, and multidisciplinary studies. n The Siena Heights nursing program is being transferred to Cleary University in Howell. Siena Heights will provide access to program requirements, course descriptions, and program learning outcomes to each of these institutions, according to a news release. They will be allowed to use Siena’s name and logo when promoting the designated programs. Unused medical supplies from the nursing program at Siena Heights University were recently shipped to

Venezuela for relief aid in response to the devastating earthquakes there. Ten bins and boxes contained bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes, syringes, sterile gloves, and even trach suctioning kits, among other supplies, that were donated to a group in Detroit coordinating relief efforts. The Adrian Dominican Sisters contributed funds to help cover the costs of transporting these and other donated goods to people in need in Venezuela. Steps are now underway to solicit proposals for use of the campus and its facilities. The Phoenix Committee has engaged JLL, a global commercial real estate services and investment management company, to assist with this outreach effort, which will be undertaken both locally and nationally. More information will be issued to those who express interest and proposals will be vetted by JLL and members of the Phoenix Committee. Parties wishing to receive more information are asked to notify JLL by emailing aj.weiner@jll. com or jordan.gasper@jll.com.

Commission hears update on water treatment options ADRIAN — Utilities director and acting city administrator Will Sadler gave Adrian city commissioners updated cost estimates on some of the options for upgrading Adrian’s water treatment plant on Aug. 17. The commission has been looking for ways to address persistent taste and odor complaints stemming from the organic compounds 2-methylisoborneol and geosmin, which are created by algae in Lake Adrian. Although most Adrian city water comes from a wellfield on Hamilton Highway, those wells aren’t able to fulfill all of the city’s needs, so the city is still partially reliant on Lake Adrian, a manmade reservoir that was created by damming Wolf Creek about 85 years ago. Sadler said the equipment for ozone or advanced oxidation treatment would cost between $6.5 million and $8 million to purchase and install, depending on what option the city chose. In ozone treatment, ozone gas, a powerful oxidizing agent, is introduced into the water, where it dissolves and reacts with contaminants. Advanced oxidation is similar, but involves combining ozone treatment with other methods such as hydrogen peroxide. He said Monroe uses advanced oxidation. “They’ve used this for a long time,” Sadler said, “and their taste and odor complaints, they say, are few and far between.” The cost could be spread out over 20 or 30 years, he said, and there’s a possibility of getting partially forgivable loans from a state revolving fund to help pay for it. Another strategy, reverse osmosis, would cost at least $25 million, Sadler said. He described that option as “really reaching.” Sadler noted that in addition to the cost to get a new treatment method up and running, the city will need to figure out annual operating costs. “Those are all things that we can get answers to before we make a decision,” he said. Sadler said in order to pursue state funding, the city would need to conduct a pilot study. Ironically, to have a

successful pilot study, the city would need to hope for poor conditions in the lake in order to get good data on the effectiveness of treatment. Sadler said he views the state revolving fund as a more likely source of funding than grants, because although it is competitive, the available grants are even more competitive. To apply for money from the revolving fund, the city would need to submit a notice of intent by Nov. 1, and then have a project plan completed by late spring. Sadler said the city has been scoring well on revolving loan fund applications in recent years. “We’ve scored very well lately, so that’s good,” he said. “If we do score well, then they’ll make a decision probably late summer or early fall of next year, and that’s when the real work starts. That’s when we start design, and we’ll have probably about eight to nine months to do design work and get everything turned in for construction to start in 2028.” Sadler also discussed the city’s attempts to get permission for a fifth well at the Hamilton Highway wellfield. Although a fifth well would be a backup for when one of the other four is offline for maintenance or repairs, Sadler said the state will probably not allow five wells to all be pumping at the same time, due to the capacity of the aquifer. Being able to only use groundwater would be ideal, Sadler said, but “we’re not going to get rid of the lake. We just have to face that. We’re going to have that lake, so we need to figure out how to treat that better.” In other discussion: n Commissioner Mary Roberts reported on her investigation into the possibility of getting a state legislative appropriation for water improvements. In the last state budget, she said, only three proposals for water projects were successful. She said getting a legislative earmark would be “a huge challenge,” and that if the city wants to pursue it, lobbying local representatives in Lansing will be essential. n Commissioner Bob Behnke said water treatment doesn’t fix the underlying problem of phosphorus

and nitrogen runoff from upstream, which leads to algae growth. He said Michigan and Ohio have looser regulations on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) than Indiana, and that contributes to the problem. Commissioner Matt Schwartz said he was “absolutely astounded” by the difference between Michigan and Indiana laws, and that while local governments can’t control that, the city should try to influence state decisions that affect city water.

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LOCAL NEWS | A5

SEPTEMBER 2026

City commission names new interim administrator By Erik Gable

The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — The Adrian City Commission has hired a new interim city administrator. Ted Andrzejewski of Eastlake, Ohio, was appointed by a 5-1 vote on Aug. 20. Andrzejewski’s appointment followed a series of twists and turns in the city’s search for new leadership following Chad Baugh’s departure this spring. After Baugh resigned to accept a position in Wayne County, utilities director Will Sadler was named acting administrator while the commission sought a replacement. The position was posted and the commission interviewed four candidates in June, but chose not to hire any of them. At the time, the plan was to keep Sadler in the role for six months, then try again. However, in late July, Sadler decided not to stay in the acting administrator position and submitted his resignation, which was to take effect as soon as a replacement could be found. He will return to his regular job as utilities director. On Aug. 3, city commissioner Bob Behnke said he would be interested

in the interim administrator job. If appointed, he would have needed to resign from the commission. The rest of the commission decided to interview Behnke along with other candidates, who were identified from a list of retired administrators who are interested in temporary assignments. They ended up interviewing three people: Andrzejewski, Behnke, and Jae Guetschow, who is a former Blissfield village president and Brooklyn village administrator. Andrzejewski and Behnke emerged as the leading candidates, with commissioners noting that Guetschow’s experience was mainly in smaller municipalities. During his interview, Andrzejewski compared the interim city administrator’s role to that of a backup quarterback whose role is to fill in, win some games, try to make a difference, and ultimately set the next administrator up for success. He stressed communication, saying that he has an open-door policy. He also told commissioners that although he’s retired and only seeking a temporary role, he’s willing to stay as long as he’s needed. “I will stay until you get a permanent

administrator,” he said. “I will never leave you hanging.” Early in their discussion, commissioners Chip Moore and Matt Schwartz said Andrzejewski was their first choice and Behnke their second. Commissioner Aaron Chesher ranked Behnke first and Andrzejewski second. Mayor Angela Sword Heath and commissioners Mary Roberts and Tiffany Zych initially said they were evenly divided between the two, but over the course of the discussion, all three ended up favoring offering the role to Andrzejewski. Moore said he liked Andrzejewski’s financial background, including the fact that his previous career was in banking and that he took over as Eastlake mayor while the city, which is about the same size as Adrian, was in a fiscal emergency. “He’s been through this before, he’s a banker, he understands finance, and that’s the No. 1 need in this city,” Moore said. Chesher argued that Behnke’s familiarity with Adrian made him the right choice. He said that not needing to spend as much time getting a new administrator acclimated to the city “would take a lot of work off of the department heads and the city staff.”

Several commissioners said they liked the 120-day plan that Behnke handed them before his interview, and even discussed the idea of asking Andrzejewski to prepare something similar. But Roberts said it wouldn’t make sense to ask that of somebody who isn’t currently part of city government, and Heath said there are advantages both to hiring somebody who already knows Adrian and to bringing in somebody who can look at things from a fresh perspective. Heath also said she agreed with residents who were troubled by the idea of removing an elected commissioner from his role and appointing him administrator, then having a vacancy on the commission that would need to be filled either by appointment or by a special election several months from now. She said she feels Behnke can make a bigger contribution to Adrian in his current role, because “he challenges us in a good way on the commission.” Heath said she liked Andrzejewski’s “experience, attitude, approach, and dedication.” The vote to hire Andrzejewski was 5-1, with Chesher dissenting.

Chick-fil-A plans approved for Division Street in Adrian By Erik Gable

The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Plans for a Chick-fil-A on Division Street near Lowe’s received conditional approval from the Adrian City Planning Commission at its Aug. 4 meeting. Planning commissioners had only minor requests for changes to the plan, which was presented by Leslie Accardo, senior project manager with the civil engineering firm PEA Group. Before describing the site plan, Accardo described the company’s franchising model. “They like to get someone in the area who’s local and this is their fulltime job, so they don’t have 10 Chickfil-A’s, they typically just have one,” she said. “In rare cases they may have up to three.” That means franchise owners “are very much involved in everyday operations,” she said.

Accardo said the plans call for a restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating and a drivethrough lane. All access would be through the Lowe’s parking lot, with no driveways being added onto Division Street. The property would be subleased from Lowe’s, which Accardo said has reviewed and signed off on the plans. Planning commissioners asked several questions about the proposal. Number of parking spaces: The city zoning code would normally call for 15 to 18 parking spaces for a building this size (approximately 4,500 square feet), but the Chick-fil-A plan calls for 49. “It’s because we do have a large dine-in customer base that do spend their time in the restaurant,” Accardo said, adding that there will also be a play area in the restaurant. The chain’s customers are typically 40% dine-in and 60% drivethrough, she said. Pedestrian access: With a sidewalk recently having been installed along

Division Street, planning commissioners asked about pedestrian access from it. “When we first started this project, there was no sidewalk out front. We’ll take a look at that and try to provide some pedestrian access,” Accardo said. She added that the company does not want pedestrians going through the drivethrough lane, so the pedestrian access plan will avoid that. Overflow traffic: The site plan review by McKenna, the consulting firm that provides planning and zoning services to the city, noted that some other Chick-fil-A restaurants in Michigan have experienced their drivethrough lines spilling outside of the site boundaries. “What’s your plan for excess drivethrough traffic if the lines are full?” asked planning commissioner Don Taylor. “Currently we have 35 stacking spaces,” Accardo said, adding that space for 35 vehicles in the drivethrough is typical for a larger market and “we’re

not expecting that same level of volume here.” “Chick-fil-A does a really good job with training the employees when they start,” she added. “They go through traffic training, traffic control, just making sure that they’re moving customers through the drivethrough lane. If there’s ever a concern that there are people backing up, they will get people out there directing traffic.” Traffic control onto Division Street: The city engineering department originally asked that a “Right Turn Only” sign be installed where drivers would exit the southernmost Lowe’s driveway onto Division Street. Accardo said that any changes to the ingress or egress would cause Lowe’s to reject the plan, and the planning commission ultimately did not ask for a turning restriction out of that driveway. The address is 1369 Division St. Accardo said plans call for construction to begin in the spring.

A6 | LOCAL NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

City accepts local builder’s offer to buy Fee House

Karrie and Kevon Martis are pictured in front of the Fee House on South Main Street. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

By Erik Gable

The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — The Adrian City Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 3 to sell the Fee House, a historic home at 411 S. Main St., to a local builder who proposed to restore it as a single-family residence but also make it available for public events in partnership with Hidden Lake Gardens. The 1845 house was once the home of Harry and Harriett Fee. Harry Fee was the benefactor who helped create Hidden Lake Gardens, a botanical garden and arboretum operated by Michigan State University, and Harriett Kimball Fee created an endowment that funds the upkeep of Adrian’s parks. The house was bequeathed to the city upon the death of its most recent owner, and the city commission listed it for sale earlier this year with several conditions, including that it remain a single-family residence. Kevon Martis of Riga operates Kevon Martis & Associates and also serves on the Lenawee County Commission. He and his wife, Karrie, offered to pay $75,000 for the house. While acknowledging that their bid was less than the original asking price of $220,000, Martis said the anticipated cost of renovations made offering $220,000 impossible. He also said he would make the house and grounds available for public programming and make a legally binding commitment to provide for its future upkeep. “Not only have I offered $75,000 cash for the property, my offer also includes a commitment to put $200,000 upon our deaths into an investment with the Lenawee Community Foundation to care for the property into the future,” Martis told the city commission. In addition, Hidden Lake Gardens will have a permanent right of first refusal to acquire the house in the event that the Martises’ heirs do not want to continue as its owners. The commission chose Martis’ proposal over two others. One of the other bidders, Daniel Demlow of Saline, proposed to turn the house into a bed-and-breakfast. Demlow also spoke at the commission meeting, saying his family has deep roots in Lenawee County and that he is a graduate of Sand Creek High School. He told the commission he is the general manager of a robotics and automation company in Saline. “My vision is to restore the Fee House to its historic beauty and operate a boutique bed-and-breakfast that attracts visitors to Adrian,” Demlow said. “I plan to partner with local restaurants,

businesses, and attractions to create destination experiences that encourage guests to spend time and money throughout our community.” Demlow offered $50,000, with a note that he was willing to pay $5,000 over any other comparable offer, up to a maximum of $160,000. His proposal also asked the city to consider a five-year tax deferral and to commit to not reassessing the property’s value during the first 10 years. A third proposal was for $20,000 and was submitted by Soprinye T. Dappa of Denver, Colorado. Martis submitted several letters of support for his plan. Paul Pfeifer, managing director of Hidden Lake Gardens, wrote that he anticipates many opportunities to partner with the Martis family. Those opportunities include developing gardens and offering educational events and community activities in the house and on its grounds. Luke Barnett, president of the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, talked about making the house a learning opportunity for historic preservation students. And local architect Brenda Rigdon, who also spoke at the meeting, said she was impressed with Martis’ plans for a historically faithful restoration. “I firmly believe that Kevon and his wife Karrie will be the best stewards of this architectural treasure,” said Rigdon, who is also the former executive director of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network. Speaking after the meeting, Martis said he views the Fee House as a second home, but also as a resource that he intends to make an active part of the community. He said he plans to begin work as soon as possible upon completing the purchase. Although restoration will probably take three or four years, he said, there will be some dramatic changes in the first year. The changes people will notice when they pass the house include shutters on the windows and a railing around the top of the porch on the south side of the house — features that historical photographs show the house had in the past. Martis also said the house hasn’t undergone a major renovation since the 1930s — but that’s actually a good thing. “When Mr. Fee redid this in the 1930s, it was done with the highest state-ofthe-art technology at the time, and I’m just so pleased that nobody messed it up afterwards,” he said. Martis said he hopes to make the house a point of community pride. “We’ll do everything we can to make the city proud of this,” he said.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

LOCAL NEWS | A7

SEPTEMBER 2026

Comstock Park is pictured on the evening of Aug. 18. The Adrian City Commission voted to hire the Mannik & Smith Group to develop the city’s new five-year parks and recreation plan. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

City hires firm to develop parks and recreation plan By Erik Gable

The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — The Adrian City Commission dealt with two strategic planning questions on Aug. 17, voting to hire the Mannik & Smith Group to develop a five-year parks and recreation plan, while also pausing work on a new strategic plan for the entire city. The city had put both projects out to bid at the same time and received five replies. Mannik & Smith bid only on the parks plan. Vertical Strategies, McKenna, and Constantia Consulting submitted bids for both projects, and Double Haul Solutions submitted a bid on behalf of both themselves and Beckett & Raeder, indicating that they would do the overall plan and the other firm would do the parks plan. Todd Brown from Mannik & Smith was at the meeting to speak during the public comment period. He told them that of Mannik & Smith’s 650 employees, about half are in Michigan and 50 in Lenawee County, and that about 30 people work in the firm’s downtown Adrian office. He also noted that he worked for the city for 10 years, and that he was the director of parks and engineering when he left to join Mannik & Smith. “I don’t know if we’re low or if we’re high or if we’re in the middle, but I can tell you we’re the best value,” he said. “And the reason is that we will not be spending any of that budget learning the city’s parks. We know the city’s parks. We know the city staff who take care of and maintain the parks, and we know all the stakeholders who are involved to help make decisions.” Commissioner Mary Roberts asked about the idea of doing the parks and recreation strategic plan in-house, which is how the previous five-year plan was developed. Director of engineering services Matt Tomaszewski, who is also currently the acting parks and recreation director, said it would be possible. “It would just take a lot of late nights in the office with the three of us that we have,” he said. But Tomaszewski also described the previous document as “a very basic plan,” good enough to meet the basic requirements for Department of Natural Resources grants, but not an in-depth strategy. “I think our goal this time was to really dive deeper into the parks and rec plan,”

he said. “I keep hearing that we want to build our recreation department back up and build our parks to become better.” Commissioner Matt Schwartz expressed concern about overloading the parks and recreation staff. “I’m not saying you’re not capable, I’m saying that’s a deep concern — how thin can we stretch you before other things break?” Schwartz asked. “Absolutely,” Tomaszewski said. “That’s always a concern when you take on more duties. But I will do everything that I can to make it happen if that’s the direction the commission decides to go.” The city budget also played a big role in the discussion. Commissioner Bob Behnke noted that the line item in the budget for strategic planning consultants is $50,000, and depending on which firm was chosen, the cost of doing both the overall plan and the parks and recreation plan could exceed that number by a lot. Schwartz asked if there’s any good news from the recently concluded fiscal year that would result in more money being available. Finance director Nathan Owen said the answer is no, and that preliminary numbers indicate last year’s general fund expenses exceeded revenue by about $500,000. Roberts noted that revenue sharing from the state, particularly from marijuana taxes, came in significantly lower than expected. Mannik & Smith’s bid for the parks and recreation plan was about $25,000, and Tomaszewski told the commission that half of that amount — because the plan is for both parks and recreation — could come from the Fee Estate, an endowment that funds the city’s park system. The board voted 6-0, with commissioner Chip Moore absent, to accept Mannik & Smith’s proposal for the parks and recreation plan. They did not take any action on the overall master plan. During the public comment period at the end of the meeting, the commission heard two comments about the hiring of Mannik & Smith, one against and one in favor. Michelle Taylor of Adrian called the city’s contracts with the firm “over the top and beyond ridiculous,” and said the plan should be done in-house. Jacob Cooper of Adrian said Mannik & Smith is “a good local firm doing good local work,” and that although the city’s total spending with them may seem high, it’s because they’re taking on a lot of projects and saving the city the expense of in-house engineers.

A8 | LOCAL NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

State budget earmarks to fund four area projects Projects in Adrian Township, Brooklyn, and Hudson are among the items to be funded by legislative appropriations

of the navigators. For adults, the Align Center will host training sessions to teach people how to use the technology. Ultimately, the plan is to develop a scalable model that can be replicated by users across the state, such as chambers of commerce, workforce agencies, and intermediate school systems. “We’re encouraging businesses, adults, and students to get involved. … It’s a great opportunity for Lenawee County,” Giles said.

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — More than $2.4 million in funds from the state of Michigan’s fiscal year 2027 budget has been approved by the Michigan Legislature for four projects in Lenawee County and the village of Brooklyn. The appropriations requests were made by state Rep. Nancy Jenkins-Arno (R-Clayton), state Rep. Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy), and state Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Township) for projects in their districts.

Adrian Charter Township public safety facility

Adrian Township Supervisor Steve May is pictured in front of the current fire department building. A legislative appropriation in the current state budget, along with money already budgeted by the township, will fund the consolidation of the police department, fire department, and administrative offices into one building. ARLENE BACHANOV/LENAWEE VOICE

Align Center for Workforce Development, Adrian One of Jenkins-Arno’s two funded appropriations requests was for $1.5 million over two years for a pilot career development program created by the Align Center for Workforce Development. The Lenawee Now Foundation will serve as the fiduciary for the funding. The program is designed to increase career awareness and postsecondary readiness for K-12 students through the use of both technology and career navigators. Adults seeking new employment opportunities will be able to take part as well. The funding request submitted by Lenawee Now calls the proposal an “allin” model for consistently and effectively communicating with students and adults about career options. “It’s very much boots on the ground,” Align Center executive director Ronnie Giles Jr. said in an interview. Among the project’s goals is to build a network of employers, secondary institutions, and workforce development organizations. Participants will work with the career navigators and the technology platforms to discover their likes and interests, build portfolios and educational plans, and make career connections. On the business side of the equation, participating companies will have their own navigational support so that they can communicate promising job paths to students. The project would also assist them in the hiring process. Students will receive school-based career education services with the help

A rendering of the planned township building.

Weatherwax Park in Brooklyn, pictured during an event in May, was awarded funds for a redevelopment project that will include an amphitheater, parking lot, walkways, landscaping, decorative lighting, improved public restrooms, and a concession stand. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN

Jenkins-Arno also sponsored an appropriations request for $350,000 to help Adrian Charter Township consolidate its police, fire, and administrative facilities into one building. Currently, those facilities are spread out over three buildings. “That’s three separate buildings that we take care of,” along with three different utility and security bills, Adrian Township Supervisor Steve May said. Additionally, each building has its own set of issues. The building used for the administrative offices dates to 1929, and work needs to be done on both it and the police department building, which was previously a private home. The fire department facility was built in the 1980s. A single facility would not only streamline operations, May said, but would meet current building codes. The township board was still discussing the details of the project as of the Lenawee Voice’s deadline, but the idea is to create an L-shaped building by adding onto the existing fire department facility. The existing administrative and police department buildings would be demolished. The total building size would be about 9,000 square feet, much of it used to house the township’s fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, and a township vehicle, with the rest of the space used for administrative functions and police department facilities including a training room and an armory. “We’re trying to serve the community,” May said. “It won’t be flashy, but it will be practical.” So far, he added, what community feedback there has been on the project has been positive. The state funding will be used in conjunction with money already in the township budget.

See APPROPRIATIONS, page A13

THE LENAWEE VOICE

A9

SEPTEMBER 2026

After 40 years, Tecumseh’s Ididit Inc. is still serving car enthusiasts all over the world By Renee Lapham Collins The Lenawee Voice

TECUMSEH — The 40th anniversary of Ididit Inc. was supposed to include plenty of chrome, horsepower and classic cars. The Aug. 22 celebration coincided with the Tecumseh company’s annual car show, which typically draws dozens of classic cars and hundreds of enthusiasts. This year, however, Mother Nature had other plans. Most of the judging had been completed before a torrential rainstorm sent many car owners and spectators scrambling for shelter or heading home. The weather did little to dampen the celebration. Employees, friends and visitors gathered to mark the milestone, enjoy food trucks and tour the manufacturing plant. Visitors even went home with a fitting keepsake — tiny steering-column keychains made on site. Inside the plant, steering columns in various stages of production move from workbench to workbench, assembled not by robots or elaborate automated equipment, but by employees using hand tools. That is by design, said Derek Auten, Ididit’s lead sales tech, who led visitors through the plant during the anniversary celebration. Because the columns can be assembled with hand tools, they also can be taken apart with hand tools if they ever need to be repaired or rebuilt — an important consideration for a product that may spend decades inside a vehicle. “We want to make sure that we’re delivering a product that’s going to last those generations and will be there for them and keep it safe and keep it on the road,” Auten said. That philosophy has helped carry Ididit from a small family business started in 1986 by Ken and Jane Callison to a Tecumseh manufacturer whose steering columns now travel around the world. The company produces steering columns for custom cars, golf carts, industrial vehicles and other applications. Depending on production needs, about 70 to 200 columns can be completed in a day, ranging in price from about $500 at the low end to as much as $2,000. About 90% of the company’s product moves into the supply chain to vehicle manufacturers, while about 10 percent is sold directly to customers.

Trever Cornwell, president and general manager of Ididit, is pictured with Derek Auten, lead sales technician, at a 40th anniversary open house on Aug. 22. Ididit makes aftermarket steering columns and related accessories. RENEE LAPHAM COLLINS/LENAWEE VOICE Auten is one of five people in sales, but his job goes well beyond simply taking orders. A Tecumseh native who has been with Ididit for about 12 years, he spends much of his time helping customers figure out what they need and troubleshooting installation problems. Sometimes that requires reminding customers that a steering column is, after all, a critical safety component. “My job is to make sure people don’t kill themselves with a screwdriver,” he joked. The calls come from across the United States and around the world. Auten has worked with customers in Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, Spain and South Africa, among other places. Wherever someone is rebuilding or modifying a vehicle, there is potentially a need for what Ididit makes. The company employs about 44 people, many of whom have been there for years. During the tour, Auten pointed out employees with 20 years or more at the company, evidence of relatively low turnover in a workplace where openings are often sought after. Leading the operation today is president and general manager Trever Cornwell, who has been with Ididit for nine years. A lifelong car enthusiast, Cornwell said the work is a natural fit. That enthusiasm is easy to see throughout the plant, from the components being machined and assembled to the finished columns

packed and ready for shipment. At one point during the tour, Auten gestured toward rows of boxed products stacked on shelving — roughly a half-million dollars’ worth of inventory, he estimated. Business has been strong, with the company experiencing a number of record-setting sales months. But Ididit’s story began much more modestly. Ken and Jane Callison founded the company in 1986, and even the name grew out of those early days. As Auten tells the story, Ken took his steering columns to one of his first shows and, proud of what he had created, declared, “I did it.” The phrase stuck. So did the business. Jane Callison was every bit as much a part of its growth as Ken. At a time when the automotive aftermarket industry was overwhelmingly male, she became a recognized businesswoman and industry leader. Ididit became a family affair, with the Callisons’ children, Scott and Kimberly, son-in-law Greg and several grandchildren working at the company at various times. Jane was named Goodguys “Woman of the Year” in 1997 and, together with Ken, was inducted into the Hot Rod Industry Alliance Hall of Fame in 2017.

Machine operator Corey Thompson was making souvenir steering column keychains on site for visitors to Ididit’s 40th anniversary celebration. She also mentored others in the industry and was well known in the Tecumseh community. After nearly three decades at the helm, the Callison family sold Ididit in 2015 and retired. The company they started, however, continued to grow. Today its products can end up in everything from a newly built custom vehicle to a car whose owner simply wants to keep it running for another generation. That connection between product and owner is something Auten returns to repeatedly. For him, the job is not simply about manufacturing another steering column or filling another order. It is about helping someone keep a vehicle that matters to them on the road. And after 40 years, that may be the simplest explanation for why Ididit has endured. “Wherever there’s a car someone wants to keep up and needs a column,” Auten said, “we will be there for them.”

It’s not just about making steering columns — it’s about helping someone keep a vehicle that matters to them on the road.

A10

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Bradford Trail Apartments near Adrian doubling in size

YOUR GOOD NEIGHBOR PHARMACY

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See us for your CPAP needs! 120 E. Chicago Blvd. | Tecumseh, MI 49286 | 517-423-3250 Dreyson Waynick, chief operating officer of DJW Homes, stands in front of new apartments being constructed at Bradford Trail. ARLENE BACHANOV/LENAWEE VOICE By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN TWP. — Construction is well underway on the second phase of the Bradford Trail Apartments, located at 1215 Corporate Drive just outside Adrian. Bradford Trail opened its first 48-unit building last year, which was leased up immediately, Dreyson Waynick, chief operating officer of DJW Homes, said. The second building, also with 48 units, is slated to be ready for tenants in November. Rents start at $1,400, but tenants who reserve apartments before the units open will receive a $50-per-month discount for the first year. Additionally, Waynick said, they will receive $500 off their first month’s rent. Each unit is 824 square feet with two bedrooms and two baths. Ground floor apartments have patios and middle- and upper-floor apartments have balconies. All appliances are included, with inunit washers and dryers. Water, sewer and garbage service is a flat rate of $60 per month. Pets are welcome for an additional fee. “The units are highly energy-efficient as well,” Waynick said. The 26-acre site includes a threeacre pond that will be cleaned up and stocked with fish. A mile and a halflong hiking trail surrounds the pond, and construction will start soon on a clubhouse, featuring a gym, that overlooks the pond. A pool is also in the works, as is a Frisbee golf course. In time, more apartments will be added and townhomes will be built around the pond. Waynick said his

company has just acquired 10 more acres at the site, allowing for future expansion. DJW Homes is a family-owned building company that has been based in Lenawee County for about 40 years now, Waynick said. His father, Dovelyn, who founded the company, serves as president, and Dreyson’s brother, Devin, is the project manager. The company offers homebuilding across the region including Jackson, Washtenaw, Hillsdale, and Monroe counties in addition to Lenawee, and in Fulton, Lucas, and Wood counties in Ohio. Much of its business has been in single-family home construction, with commercial construction added to the portfolio about five years ago. Its currently available single-family residential communities in the county include Lenawee Hills northwest of Adrian, Green Acres on the city’s southwest side, and Gady Pines along Gady Road between Adrian and Tecumseh. A small subdivision on Valley Road, Cedar Valley, is sold out. The company also built the Rolling Oaks subdivision in Jackson County and is currently constructing an 8-unit apartment complex at Gady Pines. Waynick said they will also close soon on another property in the county on which they will build 10 single-family homes. Waynick said that housing demand is strong in Lenawee County. “Housing need goes along with population,” he said. “Michigan is kind of stagnant [in population], but Lenawee County is a great place to do business.” The company can be reached at 517-618-1308 or at DJWHomes.com.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

A11

SEPTIEMBRE 2026

NOTICIAS LOCALES

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

Celebrando las tradiciones a través de la danza Artículo original por Erik Gable Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares ADRIAN — Teresa Gutiérrez empezó a bailar cuando tenía 3 años y todavía recuerda cómo se sentía. Fue una experiencia llena de alegría, como si todo lo demás desapareciera y ella fuera la única persona en el escenario. Ahora está ayudando a una nueva generación de niños y adolescentes a experimentar lo mismo, al hacerse cargo de una compañía de danza de Adrian cuyas raíces se remontan a 50 años atrás. Actualmente, el grupo se llama Raíces de mi Tierra. Este ofrece a los jóvenes la oportunidad de aprender sobre las tradiciones de danza folclórica de México, conectándolos con la historia y el legado. Los bailes que aprenden reflejan las historias de diferentes regiones. Por ejemplo, uno de los bailes, Las Chiapanecas, proviene de Chiapas, en el sur de México, mientras que Jarabe Tapatío, también conocido como el baile del sombrero mexicano, es de Guadalajara, en el oeste. En 1976, cuando Blanca Martínez fundó un grupo de danza infantil en Adrian, se llamaba Cielito Lindo. Adelita (Yaya) Solís asumió el cargo en 1981. Solis y Martinez confeccionaban a mano todas las faldas de las chicas para los bailes. No era una tarea fácil, ya que cada una requería entre ocho y diez yardas (7.315 a 9.144 metros) de tela. Practicaban donde podían, principalmente en garajes, entradas de casas y patios traseros. Emily Martinez y Annita Galnares, ahora Aranda, fueron fundamentales para dar a conocer al grupo. La mejor amiga de Solis — Juliana Ramirez quien además era la mamá de Gutierrez, ayudaba con el peinado, maquillaje, trajes y más. Raquel Ybarra fue una de las bailarinas en aquellos primeros tiempos, comenzando cuando tenía 10 años. Más tarde se convertiría en la líder del grupo, usando el nombre Tropa de Niños Pequeños. Para Ybarra, enseñar danza no es solo una forma de honrar sus raíces, sino también una manera de fomentar

Analise Carabajal-Ortiz, Selena Solis y Daisy Solis se presentaron con Raíces de mi Tierra en la celebración del Cinco de Mayo de este año en el perímetro ferial y de eventos del Condado de Lenawee (Lenawee County Fair and Event Grounds).

Tres de las mujeres que han enseñado danza folclórica en Adrian a lo largo de los años son: Adelita (Yaya) Solis, quien se hizo cargo del grupo Cielito Lindo de manos de Blanca Martínez en 1981; Raquel Ybarra, quien dirigió el grupo como Tropa de Niños Pequeños; y Teresa Gutiérrez, quien asumió el cargo este año y cambió el nombre del grupo a Raíces de mi Tierra. el entendimiento entre diferentes grupos de personas. Ella quiere que la gente se apasione por aprender sobre las culturas de los demás.

En una ocasión, mientras daba clases en la Escuela Primaria Madison, una niña le dijo que quería bailar, pero que su abuela pensaba que no podía formar parte del grupo porque no era mexicana. Ybarra tranquilizó a la niña diciéndole que cualquiera podía unirse, y así fue como la niña terminó bailando con el grupo durante los siguientes tres años. Con el paso de los años, Ybarra perfeccionó sus técnicas de enseñanza de danza, aprendiendo a menudo de sus alumnos. El Distrito Escolar de Madison alberga el programa del condado para estudiantes sordos y con problemas de audición. En su segundo año de enseñanza, Ybarra tuvo una alumna que usaba prótesis auditivas en ambos oídos y tenía dificultades para filtrar el sonido, por lo que escuchar las instrucciones mientras sonaba música y otros niños se movían a su alrededor era muy difícil. Así que Ybarra comenzó a enseñar con gestos además de palabras, usando movimientos de manos para indicarle a la niña cuándo moverse y cuándo girar. Pronto descubrió que enseñar de esa manera no solo ayudaba a una niña con problemas de audición, sino que también era útil para todos los demás alumnos.

Dos hermanos abren un nuevo restaurante en Adrian Artículo original por Julie C. Clemes Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares ADRIAN — Trabajar en el negocio de los restaurantes es una tradición familiar para George y Alex Trejo. Los dos hermanos, que llevan 17 años viviendo en Adrian, han abierto un nuevo restaurante llamado The Golden Griddle en el antiguo local de Big Boy en la calle Broad. Los hermanos han trabajado en restaurantes durante muchos años y tienen familiares que son dueños de restaurantes en Blissfield y Brooklyn. El restaurante Golden Griddle tiene capacidad para 140 comensales. Se han cambiado los pisos, las mesas y las sillas, y se ha ampliado la cocina. El restaurante sirve desayuno, almuerzo y cena. George Trejo dijo que él y su hermano quieren ofrecer a su pueblo la mejor comida posible todos los días.

En la fotografía aparecen Alex y George Trejo, los propietarios de The Golden Griddle, junto con el hijo de George, Max. El restaurante Golden Griddle está ubicado en 126 N. Broad St., en Adrian. Su horario es de lunes a sábado de 7:00

a.m. a 8:00 p.m. y los domingos de 7:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. Para más información, llame al 517-265-9277.

Ybarra también impartió clases en Morenci durante varios años y dirigió un club de baile extraescolar. Daba clases de baile los jueves en Morenci y los viernes en Adrian, y cuando se reunían para una actuación, era como si hubieran estado ensayando juntos todo el tiempo. Cuando Ybarra se retiró de la dirección del grupo, se lo cedió a Gutiérrez, quien le dio al grupo su nombre actual, reflejando el hecho de que los bailes también forman parte del patrimonio de Adrian como comunidad. Gutiérrez y sus tres hermanos crecieron en el grupo, aprendiendo no solo de Solis sino también de su madre, quien dirigía ensayos adicionales en casa. Como estudiante de la Escuela Preparatoria de Adrian, Gutierrez también enseñó a bailar a otros estudiantes como parte de un grupo de diversidad que ella misma fundó hace. El baile ha seguido siendo importante para ella durante toda su vida. Ahora espera con ilusión escribir el siguiente capítulo de la historia del grupo, enseñando las tradiciones de la danza folclórica a una nueva generación. Planea dirigir el grupo durante todo el año, con cada temporada comenzando y terminando en julio, y un receso desde el Día de Acción de Gracias hasta mediados de enero. El grupo ahora forma parte de Chico’s Cinco de Mayo, una organización sin fines de lucro 501(c)(3), aunque realizará su propia recaudación de fondos de forma independiente del festival del Cinco de Mayo. Entre sus patrocinadores se encuentran la sección de Adrian de Latino Leaders for Equity Advocacy & Development (LLEAD) y el Adrian Diversity Event Fund. Entre las próximas presentaciones, destaca una programada para las 6:00 p.m. el miércoles 30 de septiembre en la Biblioteca del Distrito de Adrian. Aunque la temporada ya ha comenzado, bailarines de entre 4 y 18 años todavía pueden unirse al grupo hasta finales de septiembre. No se requiere experiencia. Cualquier persona interesada en unirse puede enviar un correo electrónico raicesdemitierra.2608@gmail.com.

Nuevos líderes en Springbrook ADRIAN — Al comenzar el nuevo año escolar, la Escuela Secundaria Springbrook (Springbrook Middle School) contará con un nuevo director y un nuevo subdirector. El ex director Adam Benschoter se jubiló al final del último año escolar. Jason Skeels, quien anteriormente se desempeñaba como subdirector, fue contratado para reemplazarlo. Skeels trabaja en el distrito desde 2017. Eric Emmendorfer es el nuevo subdirector. Ha trabajado en el Distrito Escolar de Adrian durante 17 años, donde comenzó como profesor de Matemáticas. — Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

A12 | NOTICIAS LOCALES

SEPTIEMBRE 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

La ciudad tiene un nuevo administrador interino Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares ADRIAN — La Comisión Municipal de Adrian ha contratado a un nuevo administrador municipal interino. El ex administrador Chad Baugh renunció esta primavera para aceptar un trabajo diferente en el Condado de Wayne. El Director de Servicios Públicos, Will Sadler, fue nombrado administrador interino mientras la comisión buscaba un reemplazo. La comisión entrevistó a cuatro candidatos en junio, pero decidió no

El Boys & Girls Club inicia su programación de otoño Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares ADRIAN — El Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee comenzó su programación de otoño a finales de agosto. El club presta servicios a estudiantes del Condado de Lenawee desde primero hasta duodécimo grado. La membresía cuesta 3 dólares al año. El horario escolar habitual será el siguiente: n Adrian — De 2:45 p.m. a 7:00 p.m. n Hudson — De 2:45 p.m. a 6:00 p.m. Las dos ubicaciones ofrecen ayuda con las tareas escolares, actividades educativas y oportunidades sociales y recreativas. En colaboración con las Escuelas Públicas de Adrian, se ofrecerá cena en la casa club de Adrian de lunes a viernes a las 4 p.m. Las familias interesadas en que sus hijos asistan deben registrarse en línea visitando bgclenawee.org y haciendo clic en “Join” (Unirse). Se anima a los socios que no hayan renovado su membresía durante el verano a que completen el proceso de renovación a través del sistema de registro en línea del club. Se ofrece transporte diario desde las escuelas de Adrian y Madison hasta el club, así como desde el club de Hudson hasta los hogares de los estudiantes después de las actividades. El Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee atiende a más de 1.000 jóvenes cada año. El club también continúa expandiendo su programa de mentoría este año gracias a una subvención continua de las Hermanas Dominicas de Adrian. Para obtener más información sobre el programa de mentoría, comuníquese con Kristen Anderson a kanderson@bgclenawee.org.

contratar a ninguno de ellos. En aquel momento, el plan era mantener a Sadler en el cargo durante seis meses y luego volver a intentarlo. Sin embargo, a finales de julio, Sadler decidió no continuar con el cargo de administrador interino y presentó su renuncia, la cual se haría efectiva tan pronto como se encontrara un reemplazo. Regresará a su puesto habitual como director de servicios públicos. El 3 de agosto, el Comisionado Municipal Bob Behnke manifestó su

interés en el puesto de administrador interino. De haber sido nombrado, habría tenido que renunciar a su cargo en la comisión. El resto de la comisión decidió entrevistar a Behnke junto con otros candidatos, quienes fueron seleccionados de una lista de administradores jubilados interesados en puestos temporales. Además de Behnke, la comisión entrevistó a Ted Andrzejewski, ex alcalde de Eastlake, Ohio, y a Jae Guetschow, ex presidente de la aldea de Blissfield y ex administrador de la aldea de Brooklyn.

La comisión votó 5-1 a favor de ofrecerle el puesto a Andrzejewski. Los comisionados que votaron por su contratación afirmaron que les gustaba su experiencia financiera. Además, la Alcaldesa Angela Sword Heath declaró que se mostraba reacia a destituir a Behnke del puesto en la comisión para la que los votantes lo eligieron. El comisionado Aaron Chesher votó en contra de la contratación de Andrzejewski. Argumentó que Behnke sería una mejor opción porque ya conoce la ciudad y los problemas que enfrenta.

La comisión municipal recibe una actualización sobre las opciones para el tratamiento del agua Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares ADRIAN — Will Sadler, Director de Servicios Públicos y Administrador Municipal Interino de la Ciudad de Adrian, presentó a los comisionados de la ciudad presupuestos de costos actualizados sobre algunas de las opciones para modernizar la planta de tratamiento de agua de Adrian en la reunión de la comisión del 17 de agosto. La comisión ha estado buscando maneras de abordar las quejas persistentes sobre el sabor y el olor que provienen de los compuestos orgánicos 2-metilisoborneol y Geosmina, que son producidos por las algas en el lago Adrian. La mayor parte del agua que consume la Ciudad de Adrian proviene de un campo de pozos en la autopista Hamilton, pero esos pozos no son capaces de satisfacer todas las

necesidades de la ciudad, por lo que la ciudad todavía depende parcialmente del lago Adrian, un estanque artificial. Sadler expuso que el equipo para el tratamiento con ozono o la oxidación avanzada costaría entre 6,5 y 8 millones de dólares por la compra e instalación, dependiendo de la opción que elija la ciudad. En el tratamiento con ozono, se introduce gas ozono, un potente agente oxidante, en el agua, donde se disuelve y reacciona con los contaminantes. La oxidación avanzada es similar, pero combina el tratamiento con ozono con otros métodos, como el peróxido de hidrógeno. El comunicó que Monroe utiliza oxidación avanzada y reciben muy pocas quejas. El costo podría distribuirse a lo largo de 20 o 30 años, dijo. La ciudad también podría solicitar un préstamo al estado. Otra estrategia, la ósmosis inversa,

costaría al menos 25 millones de dólares. Sadler declaró que esa opción es menos viable. El proceso para solicitar financiación estatal es prolongado. Sadler manifestó que las obras de mejora de la planta de tratamiento de agua probablemente no podrían comenzar antes de 2028. La ciudad también está solicitando permiso para perforar un quinto pozo en la propiedad ubicada en la autopista Hamilton. Sadler explicó que un quinto pozo serviría como respaldo para cuando uno de los pozos esté fuera de servicio por mantenimiento o reparaciones, pero aun así no permitiría que la ciudad deje de usar el lago Adrian, ya que el acuífero no tiene la capacidad suficiente para cubrir las necesidades de la ciudad. Sadler declaró que es poco probable que la ciudad pueda eliminar por completo la necesidad de agua del lago.

Lenawee Pride regresa al centro de Adrian Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares ADRIAN — Con el objetivo de crear un ambiente de inclusión y pertenencia, el festival anual Lenawee Pride regresará al Centro de Adrian este mes. El evento tendrá lugar el sábado 26 de septiembre, de 3:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m., en el Pabellón del Mercado Municipal (City Market Pavilion), situado en 115 Toledo St. Lenawee Pride comenzó como un picnic comunitario en el parque Burr Ponds en 2019 y desde entonces no ha dejado de crecer. Originalmente fue organizado por un grupo local llamado M Society, pero este año se convirtió

en una organización independiente sin fines de lucro. Desde su creación como una nueva organización, Lenawee Pride ha organizado eventos mensuales en diversos negocios del Condado de Lenawee, que combinan encuentros sociales y reuniones de planificación. Estas actividades forman parte de un esfuerzo por fomentar la participación comunitaria en la planeación del festival. Kristina Henning, presidenta de la nueva organización, afirmó que el evento se ha ido configurando gracias a las aportaciones de la comunidad. El festival contará con más

espectáculos en vivo que el año pasado. Habrá música en vivo a cargo de Baddie Brooks y Hornet’s Daughter, ambas ya han participado en eventos anteriores del Lenawee Pride. Además, el comité ha confirmado la presencia de los artistas drag Virgil Ciel, Nika Fierce, Solo Jackson, Cherri the Khimera, Fanasthma y Gizelle DeVaux. Entre las actuaciones en vivo, W4 Entertainment ofrecerá servicio de DJ. Las actividades incluyen pintura de caras gratis a cargo de Colorful Events y clases de baile en línea a cargo de Cypressene Fitness. Habrá dos camiones de comida: Bussin’ Bowls y Rock Yo Taco.

Concurso de cocina comunitario

El festival de arte se celebra los días 19 y 20 de septiembre

ADRIAN — La East Adrian Community Coalition llevará a cabo su sexto concurso anual de cocina comunitaria el sábado 12 de septiembre, de 2:00 p.m. a 5:00 p.m. La competición amistosa tendrá lugar en el parque Parish, 721 Erie St. Se invita al público a que venga, disfrute de la comida, anime a los cocineros y disfrute un rato conviviendo con sus vecinos. Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a eastadriancc@ gmail.com.

ADRIAN — Artalicious, el festival anual de bellas artes del Centro de Adrian, tendrá lugar el: n Sábado 19 de septiembre, de 10:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m. n Domingo 20 de septiembre, de 11:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m. Más de 60 artistas individuales venderán sus obras a la venta en diversos medios en diversos medios que incluyen pintura, fotografía, escultura, cerámica, artes textiles y más.

Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

Además de vender obras originales, muchos artistas ofrecerán demostraciones en vivo durante el evento. Para enriquecer la experiencia artística, varias organizaciones locales sin ánimo de lucro participarán en el festival, y cada una ofrecerá algún tipo de actividad artística para la juventud y sus familias. Solo el sábado, tras completar 10 actividades artísticas, los jóvenes podrán llevar sus creaciones al “Louvre Junior”, gestionado por el Adrian Center for the Arts. Allí aprenderán un

poco sobre el mundialmente famoso Museo del Louvre y vivirán la emoción de convertirse en coleccionistas de arte. Cada joven participante tendrá la oportunidad de elegir una obra de arte original para llevarse a casa, donada por miembros del Adrian Center for the Arts y artistas locales. También habrá música en vivo durante todo el evento, incluyendo actuaciones de estudiantes de las Escuelas Públicas de Adrian a las 10 de la mañana del sábado y de la Banda Municipal de Adrian a las 3 p.m. del domingo.

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POLICE REPORTS Following are reports from law enforcement agencies listed in the Courts and Law Enforcement Management Information Systems (CLEMIS) database. ADRIAN CITY July 25: Assault, 300 block of Budlong Street. Sexual assault, 1000 block of South Winter Street. Assault, East Maumee Street at North Broad Street. Larceny and theft from a vehicle, 600 block of Lenawee Street. Credit card or ATM fraud, 500 block of Division Street. Larceny, East Maumee Street at North Locust Street. Theft from a vehicle, 100 block of Seeley Street. July 26: Shoplifting, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Intimidation, 800 block of Vine Street. July 27: Theft from a vehicle, 600 block of Grand Street. Burglary, 1000 block of East Michigan Street. Fraud, 1200 block of North Main Street. Sexual assault, 1200 block of North Main Street. Assault, 1100 block of East Hunt Street. July 28: Vagrancy, 1400 block of West Maple Avenue. Theft from a vehicle, 200 block of East Maple Avenue. Theft from a vehicle, 1300 block of South Winter Street. Fraud, 400 block of College Avenue. Sexual assault, 400 block of March Drive. Sexual assault, 500 block of Riverside Avenue. Assault, 600 block of Tabor Street. Property damage, 200 block of East Church Street. Assault, 600 block of North Dean Street. July 29: Burglary, 800 block of Dennis Street. Larceny, 600 block of North Dean Street. Drug violation, 300 block of South Mckenzie Street. Theft from a building, 100 block of East Maumee Street. July 30: Theft from a vehicle, 800 block of Howell Avenue. Disorderly conduct, Division Street at East Michigan Street. Assault, 600 block of North Dean Street. July 31: Theft from a building, 400 block of Merrick Street. Aug. 1: Assault, 600 block of West Beecher Street. Burglary and assault, 800 block of Toledo Street. Aug. 2: Disorderly conduct, 400 block of South Winter Street. Disorderly conduct, South Winter Street at Dallas Street. Burglary, 200 block of West Beecher Street. Disorderly conduct, assault, and property damage, 100 block of Pleasant Knoll Drive. Property damage, 700 block of East Butler Street. Aug. 3: Property damage, assault, and vagrancy, Lansing Avenue at Louise Drive. Property damage, 500 block of East Beecher Street. Aug. 4: Property damage, 1300 block of South Winter Street. Assault, 1200 block of North Main Street. Larceny, 600 block of South Madison Street. Drug violation, 1100 block of North Main Street. Shoplifting, 1500 block of West Maumee Street. Aug. 5: Assault, 800 block of Ormsby Street. Shoplifting, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Assault, 200 block of East Beecher Street. Assault, 900 block of East Butler Street. Aug. 6: Assault, 800 block of South Main Street.

Appropriations from page A8 “We’ve been very diligent and very intentional in our budgeting,” May said. “The $350,000 really gives us some flexibility.” If the project moves forward as envisioned, May said he expects construction to start around October so that the exterior can be completed before winter. The interior work would then begin. “I’m optimistic that sometime in the summer it would be completed,” he said.

Hudson Senior Center A $60,000 appropriation spearheaded by Wortz will go to upgrade kitchen equipment and make needed repairs at the Hudson Community Center, which serves as the city’s senior center during the day.

Aug. 7: Fraud, 800 block of East Hunt Street. Assault, 600 block of North Dean Street. Assault, 200 block of Cross Street. Assault, 500 block of East Church Street. Aug. 8: Theft from a vehicle, 600 block of Chestnut Street. Burglary, 1300 block of Lowe Avenue. Property damage, 900 block of West Michigan Avenue. Wire fraud, 1800 block of West Maumee Street. Assault, 700 block of West Maple Avenue. Property damage, 700 block of Erie Street. Operating while intoxicated, West Maumee Street at North Charles Street. Aug. 9: Motor vehicle theft, 400 block of Frank Street. Aug. 10: Theft from a vehicle and motor vehicle theft, 1300 block of South Main Street. Burglary and property damage, 1300 block of South Main Street. Intimidation, 100 block of West Maumee Street. Property damage, 800 block of Dennis Street. Property damage, 1300 block of South Winter Street. Theft from a building, 600 block of Comstock Street. Aug. 11: Intimidation, 700 block of Howell Avenue. Fraud, 900 block of Division Street. Theft from a building, 400 block of Colorado River Drive. Aug. 12: Theft from a vehicle, 1000 block of Lansing Avenue. Burglary and theft from a building, 1000 block of Erie Street. Assault, 800 block of Caton Avenue. Aug. 13: Operating while intoxicated, West Beecher Street at Howell Avenue. Fraud, South Winter Street at South Main Street. Aug. 14: Shoplifting, 1400 block of West Maumee Street. Property damage, 100 block of Towle Street. Property damage, 100 block of East Maumee Street. Aug. 15: Assault, 100 block of Pleasant Knoll Drive. Property damage, 1300 block of Williams Street. Aug. 16: Intimidation, 100 block of Sand Creek Highway. Operating while intoxicated, South Main Street at East Church Street. Shoplifting, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Aug. 17: Drug violation, East Michigan Street at Division Street. Larceny, 600 block of South Madison Street. Aug. 18: Assault, 100 block of West Maumee Street. Larceny, 800 block of Clinton Street. Aug. 19: Property damage, 600 block of West Beecher Street. Aug. 20: Property damage, 300 block of Erie Street. Disorderly conduct, 1100 block of Lansing Avenue. Identity theft, 600 block of Tabor Street. Shoplifting, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Wire fraud, 600 block of Saint Joseph Street. Sexual assault, 500 block of Finch Street. Assault, 600 block of West Beecher Street. Aug. 21: Assault, 1300 block of South Main Street. ADRIAN TWP. July 31: Intimidation, 3500 block of Hunt Road. Aug. 13: Assault, 2700 block of Hunt Road.

The facility “is also an important gathering place for community activities and can support residents during emergencies,” city manager Jeremiah Davies said in an email. “For example, we used it as a cooling center during the recent heat waves, and our residents actively used it.” The funding will support a variety of infrastructure improvements including replacing severely aged kitchen cabinets, countertops and stoves used to prepare meals for those attending the center and for homebound seniors in the Hudson area. Rotted flooring will also be replaced and wall repairs made. “These improvements will help ensure that the facility remains safe, sanitary, and welcoming for its many users,” Davies said. “I am extremely excited about this investment and grateful to Representative Jennifer Wortz and her staff for their support and responsiveness

BLISSFIELD TWP. Aug. 10: Assault, 9700 block of Deerfield Road.

OGDEN TWP. July 27: Theft from a building, 10000 block of Pence Highway.

CAMBRIDGE TWP. July 25: Property damage, Grassy Lake Road at Brix Highway. July 26: Burglary, 600 block of Oak Hills Drive.

ONSTED VILLAGE Aug. 10: Disorderly conduct, 7900 block of Onsted Highway.

CLINTON VILLAGE Aug. 11: Assault, 100 block of West Michigan Avenue. DOVER TWP. Aug. 19: Assault, 3700 block of Wheeler Highway. FAIRFIELD TWP. July 29: Credit card or ATM fraud, 8800 block of Lyons Highway. FRANKLIN TWP. Aug. 3: Larceny, 1000 block of Pentecost Highway. Aug. 7: Assault, 12900 block of Tipton Highway. Aug. 8: Assault, 100 block of Musgrove Trail. HUDSON TWP. Aug. 3: Intimidation, 1800 block of South Keil Highway. Aug. 12: Operating while intoxicated, Hughes Highway at Medina Road. Aug. 17: Operating while intoxicated, 6900 block of Hughes Highway. MACON TWP. Aug. 5: Property damage, Ridge Highway at Britton Highway. Aug. 19: Intimidation, 8000 block of Short Street. MADISON TWP. July 26: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223. July 27: Assault, 1800 block of West U.S. 223. July 31: Fraud, 200 block of Medina River Ct. Aug. 1: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223. Aug. 2: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223. Aug. 3: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223 (two reports). Aug. 5: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223. Aug. 7: Intimidation, 2100 block of East Carleton Road. Aug. 8: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223. Aug. 9: Disorderly conduct, 1600 block of Larch Street. Aug. 10: Assault, 200 block of Tiffany Street. Aug. 11: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223. Intimidation, 1600 block of East U.S. 223. Aug. 12: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223. Aug. 15: Motor vehicle theft, 1500 block of Naomi Avenue. Aug. 17: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223. Aug. 21: Wire fraud, 1100 block of West Beecher Road.

throughout the process, as well as to Representative Nancy Jenkins-Arno for her support,” he continued. “As city manager, I believe it is my responsibility to be the city’s biggest advocate, and that’s doing everything I can to ensure no stone is left unturned. That meant attending Representative Wortz’s coffee hours, constant calls and emails to her and her staff, staying in regular contact, and continuing to make the case for why this project matters to Hudson. “I greatly appreciate that they listened to and recognized the value of this facility to the Hudson community and the surrounding area.”

Weatherwax Park, Brooklyn The park, on the east side of downtown Brooklyn, was allocated $500,000 for a redevelopment project that will bring an amphitheater, parking lot for downtown businesses, walkways, landscaping, decorative lighting, and

PALMYRA TWP. July 27: Burglary, 3700 block of East U.S. 223. Larceny, 5500 block of East Carleton Road. Aug. 12: Credit card or ATM fraud, 4900 block of East U.S. 223. Assault, 1700 block of South Raisin Center Highway. Sexual assault, 1700 block of South Raisin Center Highway. Aug. 13: Assault, 8400 block of Driggs Road. Aug. 16: Assault, 6400 block of East U.S. 223. Aug. 18: Fraud, 3200 block of Sharp Road. Aug. 19: Larceny, 4700 block of Etter Road. RIGA TWP. July 28: Assault, 7100 block of Silberhorn Highway. Aug. 18: Theft from a vehicle, 9000 block of East Yankee Road. ROLLIN TWP. July 27: Larceny, 17500 block of Hillside Road. July 28: Credit card or ATM fraud, 800 block of Oxford Avenue. Aug. 5: Assault, 16200 block of Meateau Drive. ROME TWP. Aug. 13: Motor vehicle theft, 11200 block of West U.S. 223. TECUMSEH CITY July 29: Larceny, 200 block of South Pearl Street. Aug. 1: Assault, 100 block of North Pearl Street. Aug. 2: Shoplifting and theft from a vehicle, 1200 block of West Chicago Blvd. Aug. 4: Larceny, 800 block of Stetson Street. Larceny, 500 block of West Kilbuck Street. Aug. 10: Assault and property damage, 300 block of East Chicago Blvd. Aug. 17: Sexual assault, 800 block of Adrian Street. Credit card or ATM fraud, 600 block of Shadow Brooke Lane. Aug. 20: Assault, 600 block of West Cummins Street. TECUMSEH TWP. July 26: Assault, 5300 block of East M-50. WOODSTOCK TWP. July 29: Burglary, 13600 block of West U.S. 12. July 30: Fraud, 6000 block of Belvidere Street. Aug. 7: Identity theft, 10300 block of Herold Highway. Aug. 10: Assault, 15800 block of Winter Road.

improved public restrooms with a concession stand. Total cost of the planned project is $1 million. In addition to the state funds, the village is contributing an additional $200,000 and awaiting possible funding from the state Department of Natural Resources that would potentially add another $300,000 for the project to close the funding gap. The park is the site of community events including the Art in the Park series. Village leaders plan to use the enhanced space for more events, such as outdoor movies, concerts, and festivals. “Creating a more welcoming space at Weatherwax Park will boost quality of life for our residents and bring more people to Brooklyn,” village manager Matt Swartzlander said in a press release. “We thank Sen. Shink for this critical funding to make our dream into a reality.” Construction is expected to start in 2027.

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PERSPECTIVES

Letters to the Editor should be 300 words or fewer and may be emailed to letters@lenaweevoice.com. Please include your town of residence and a phone number for verification purposes.

EDITORIALS

More news is good news In August, a new weekly newspaper hit the streets — the Adrian Reporter, published by Meadowbrook Media. A few people have asked us if this new publication is part of our company, or even if the Lenawee Voice has been sold. The answer to both questions is no. Our company, Lenawee Independent Media, publishes the Lenawee Voice (launched in November 2023) and the Morenci Advocate (launched in 2025). Meadowbrook Media publishes the Tecumseh Herald, Clinton Local, Blissfield Advance, Brooklyn Exponent, and now the Adrian Reporter. Meanwhile, the Hudson area is served by the independently-owned Hudson Post Gazette. Though Lenawee County’s corporate-owned daily has become a shell of its former self, it’s a positive development that Adrian is now covered by two independent, locally owned print newspapers for the first time since the 1970s — pretty impressive for a town our size! And in an era of news deserts, it’s unusual that our county actually has more local newspapers than it did a decade ago. We welcome the Adrian Reporter to the Adrian news scene, and we encourage our readers to check it out. More local news makes our community stronger and more connected.

Good signs for the Adrian Mall property If you heard that a new developer was announcing plans for the Adrian Mall site and your first thought was “here we go again” ... well, that’s understandable. After the mall’s long decline, it seems like the story of that property has been nothing but one plan after another that never went anywhere. But one key piece of information provides hope that this time will be different. The developer, Mike Howard, hails from Toledo and lives at Round Lake. Like so many people here, he has memories of shopping at the Adrian Mall when he was growing up. Occupying one of the most hightraffic spots in Lenawee County, the mall has arguably become our most prominent eyesore — making Adrian look like a town in decline. It’s good news when a property like this is owned by somebody for whom it isn’t just a dot on a map or a line on a balance sheet. Whatever comes next for the mall property, it won’t look like it did 30 or 40 years ago. The indoor shopping malls that were an iconic part of ’80s and ’90s culture belong to a specific moment in time — and that’s OK, especially as our historic downtowns begin to make a comeback. What matters is the mall property becoming an asset to Adrian rather than a detraction. And we feel more optimistic about that now — because local ownership is far preferable to outof-town developers calling the shots. We wish Mike Howard good luck and we look forward to seeing what’s next.

Michigan should cap utility rate hikes I’ve lived my whole life in Lansing. I’m a father of two, a grandfather of six and I work at an assisted living community. My work is rewarding because it allows me to help older adults maintain their autonomy, dignity and quality of life – I like making that possible for them. I’ve always believed that if you work hard and pay your bills, you should be able to afford a good life and take care of your family. As our country marks its 250th year, the promise of a good life in exchange for hard work feels increasingly empty. Like millions of working Americans, I live paycheck to paycheck. With the high cost of everyday goods and soaring utility bills, I’m barely keeping it together. Every month is a high wire balancing act, and the biggest thing throwing me off balance is my utility bills. My electric bill alone runs between $106 and $120 a month, and it’s even higher during the summer when Michigan heat becomes unbearable. I’ve been a Consumers Energy customer for as long as I can remember, and the rates keep climbing year after year. When my electricity bill skyrockets, I have to give up something else, whether it’s gas, food or medicine. I have to put retirement savings on hold in order to take care of today’s bills, putting the idea of retirement even further away. Right now, I’m waiting to find out whether my insurance will cover medication that could cost me $200 out of pocket. The reality for far too many people in Michigan today is battling just to cover the necessities, let alone

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Politicians’ connections The Adrian City Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 3 to sell the historic Fee House to Lenawee County commissioner Kevon Martis

GREGORY WARREN any simple things that bring us joy, connection and relief from daily stress. Michigan lawmakers need to step in to address skyrocketing costs. They can start somewhere small, by placing a cap on how much utility companies can raise rates year after year. Consumers Energy reported over $8.5 billion in revenue in 2025. They have more than enough money to function without continuing to gouge customers in Michigan. Our state politicians may not be able to control gas prices, insurance premiums or food costs, but they can help keep our utility rates in line. A utility rate cap would help families budget each month and provide more predictability. These days, it feels like every grocery trip, doctor’s visit or gas tank refill is more expensive than the last. Our utility bills don’t have to follow the same pattern. Other states, like New Jersey, are already recognizing that soaring utility bills deserve immediate attention. If they are serious about affordability issues, Michigan lawmakers need to show the same sense of urgency for us. We cannot expect corporations like Consumers Energy to hold themselves accountable, so our lawmakers need

for $75,000, well below its appraised value of $220,000. Daniel Demlow offered $50,000, adding that he was willing to pay $5,000 over any other comparable offer, up to a maximum of $160,000. It is unclear if promises will be kept as time passes on. Politicians generally benefit from their positions.

to step in. In fact, Consumers Energy continues asking customers for more. After receiving one rate increase, the company is already back asking for another. Meanwhile, their executives earn salaries most working people can’t even imagine. It is outrageous for Consumers Energy to ask for more money from Michigan families while paying their CEO millions of dollars. Read the room: Michigan families are struggling and skyrocketing utility bills are at the center of the problem. All Americans should be able to afford a good life — no exceptions. That is not a crazy idea. And yet people like me, who work hard and have done everything right, are falling further behind every year. A cap on utility rates would be lifechanging for millions of Michiganders. Beyond just a few extra dollars each month, a rate cap would provide stability, predictability and accountability. As our nation marks 250 years of independence, lawmakers should remember the people who keep this state running: caregivers, custodians, factory workers, teachers, retirees, parents and grandparents and so many more. We are doing our part and then some. All we’re asking for is a shot at the American Dream and for lawmakers to stop Consumers Energy from making it more out of the grasp of everyday people. Gregory Warren is a 62-year-old father and grandfather who works full-time at an assisted living facility. This column was distributed by Michigan Advance (michiganadvance.com).

They have insider contacts no others have to economic benefit themselves. Hopefully the media follows this story closely. Media is our best enforcement tool keeping our political class working for us. —­Paul Wohlfarth, Ottawa Lake

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Dance from page A1 For Ybarra, teaching dance isn’t just a way to honor her own ancestry, it’s a way to promote understanding between different groups of people. “We want people to love to learn about other cultures and heritages,” she said. “We are all equal regardless of our culture, our heritage. Let’s learn about each other.” Once, while she was teaching at Madison Elementary School, a little girl told her she wanted to dance but her grandmother didn’t think she could be part of the group — “because I’m not Mexican.” “I said, ‘you don’t have to be. You can join the group,’” Ybarra said. “She danced for, I want to say, at least three years.” Over the years, Ybarra developed her techniques for teaching dance, often learning from her students along the way. The Madison school district is home to the countywide program for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. In her second year of teaching, Ybarra had a student who wore hearing aids in both ears and had trouble filtering sound, so hearing instructions while music was playing and other children were moving around her was very difficult. So Ybarra began teaching with gestures alongside words. “I started doing the hand motions to signal her when to move, when to turn,” she said. “But I noticed it didn’t just benefit her, it benefited the other children.” Ybarra also taught in Morenci for several years, and ran an after-school dance club there. She would teach dances after school on Thursdays in Morenci and on Fridays in Adrian — and when they came together for a performance, “you could never tell they never practiced together.” When she retired from leading the troupe, Ybarra turned it over to Gutierrez, who gave the group its current name, reflecting the fact that the dances are also part of Adrian’s heritage as a community. Gutierrez and her three brothers grew up in the troupe, learning not just from Solis but also from their mother. “She would have us practice outside of Yaya’s practice, at home,” Gutierrez said. “She was very into the posture of the dance and making sure you were looking out at the crowd and not down at your feet.” She remembers always wanting to learn more. “I loved the stage,” she said. “I never wanted to get off the stage.” As a student at Adrian High School, Gutierrez also taught other students to

Teresa Gutierrez teaches a dance to Izabel Morgan, Juliana Ramirez, and Ameera Torres during a practice on Aug. 21 outside the St. Joseph campus of Holy Family Parish in Adrian. PHOTOS BY ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Members of Raíces de mi Tierra take part in a performance at this year’s Cinco de Mayo. At left, longtime instructor Raquel Ybarra dances alongside students Gianna Clark and Lylah Gutierrez. At right are two of the younger dancers, Adelina Toy and Max Trejo. dance as part of a diversity group she started one year. “I’ve never fallen out of love with it,” she said. “It’s always been something very important to me.” Now she’s looking forward to writing the next chapter in the group’s history, teaching folklórico dance traditions to a new generation. She plans to run the group yearround, with each season starting and ending in July, and a break from Thanksgiving to mid-January. The group is now under the umbrella of Chico’s Cinco de Mayo, a 501(c)(3)

Upcoming performance Raíces de mi Tierra will perform at the Adrian District Library, 143 E. Maumee St., on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 6 p.m. Although the troupe’s season has begun, young dancers ages 4 to 18 are still welcome to join through the end of September. No experience is necessary. For more information, email raicesdemitierra.2608@gmail.com. nonprofit organization, though they will do their own fundraising separately from the Cinco de Mayo festival.

Supporters include the Adrian chapter of Latino Leaders for Equity Advocacy & Development (LLEAD) and the Adrian Diversity Event Fund. Upcoming performances include one scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Adrian District Library, 143 E. Maumee St. Although the season has begun, dancers from ages 4 to 18 are still welcome to join the group through the end of September. No experience is necessary. Anyone interested in joining can email raicesdemitierra.2608@gmail.com for more information.

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Adrian Dominicans mark milestones in discernment » PAGE B2

List of 4-H honors from the Lenawee County Fair » PAGE B5

NEIGHBORS

Preserving the family farm » PAGE B10

THE LENAWEE VOICE SECOND SECTION SEPTEMBER 2026

Fifty years at the Lenawee County Fair

Volunteers place flags for “The Ongoing Cost of War,” a project by the local organization VALOR (Veterans and Loved Ones Resources). PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIANNA JOHNSTON

Group invites public to participate in flag project to aid veterans CLAYTON — The local organization VALOR, which stands for Veterans and Loved Ones Resources, is inviting the public to join in helping to prevent veteran suicides. VALOR operates two programs. One is a series of breakfasts for veterans, held every month in multiple locations to provide a sense of community and a good meal. The other is “The Ongoing Cost of War,” a tribute of 22 flags and lights that are placed every day in September as a visual reminder of the number of veterans lost each day to suicide. This will be the group’s fifth year setting up the display in Clayton, and displays will also take place in Hudson, Adrian, Tecumseh, and Hillsdale. September is Veteran Suicide Awareness Month. The group is inviting the public to join them from 6-9 p.m. every Wednesday in September at the Clayton village park on State Street for a bonfire, s’mores, hot dogs, and a place for veterans to have a sense of community and find out about resources they may need. For more information, visit ongoingvalor.com.

Mike McLemore stands at the sound board at the Lenawee County Fair bandshell on Aug. 1, the last day of the 2026 fair. He’s been in charge of sound at the fairgrounds for 50 years. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE By Erik Gable

The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — The first time Mike McLemore ran sound at the Lenawee County Fair, he was convinced he’d never be asked to do it again. He was brand new to the sound business — “young and dumb,” in his own words — and went into the job with nowhere near enough staff. It was overwhelming. “I was so disappointed in myself, I thought ‘Nobody’s ever going to hire me again,’ ” he recalled. But instead, the fair board asked him back. That was 50 years ago, and he’s been managing sound at the fairgrounds ever since. McLemore, who now lives near Onsted, started working in sound while

he was still a student at Adrian High School. He would repair equipment and do installations for everyone from churches to businesses that wanted to play background music. Sometimes that required creative solutions. He once bought a radiocontrolled car and used it to run wires above the ceiling tiles in a store. In 1980, he named his business The Sound Doctor, and he’s still using that name today. Fifty years ago, the sound setup at the fairgrounds wasn’t much to look at. First, the sound board at the bandshell was just set up on the bleachers; later on, it was placed on a piece of scaffolding. Neither setup was ideal for expensive equipment. One year, during a heavy storm, McLemore had to stay on the

scaffolding with his gear, desperately holding tarps in place to protect it from the wind and rain. A few years later, the current tower in the back of the seating area was built. McLemore has seen plenty of changes in sound technology over the past 50 years. The digital age has made everything smaller — “there was a time I owned speakers I couldn’t pick up by myself,” he said — and speakers are much better. On the other hand, technology has brought new challenges, such as people wanting to play music over the sound system from their phones. “That makes me nervous, because I don’t know what’s going to come on their phone,” he said.

See SOUND DOCTOR, page B4

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SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Adrian Dominicans mark two milestones in religious profession

Sister Jamie Caporizo, OP, is pictured during her First Profession of Vows with her parents, James and Sheila Caporizo, and Sister Elise D. García, prioress of the congregation. ADRIAN — The celebration of the Feast of St. Dominic took on additional significance as Sister Jamie Caporizo, OP, made her first Profession of Vows before a packed St. Catherine Chapel at the Adrian Dominican Sisters Motherhouse on Aug. 8. Her proclamation of faith as she made her temporary vows was witnessed by Adrian Dominican Sisters, sisters from other Dominican congregations and other congregations of women religious, associates, coworkers, family members, and friends. The Rite of Profession began with a formal examination by Prioress Elise D. García, OP. Caporizo then shared her intent to profess vows with the Adrian Dominican Sisters. “Today I intend to ask God, our Congregation, and the Church to profess vows as a Dominican Sister,” she said. “I desire to consecrate myself to the truth, who is Christ. I seek to open myself to the transformation of the Spirit and in so doing become the hands, the feet, and the voice of Christ to those to whom I am sent ... May I be a reed of God through whom the music of God is always singing.” Caporizo is originally from Connecticut and holds a bachelor’s degree in music and choral conducting from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. After teaching music at her elementary school alma mater, she earned a master’s degree in sacred music from the University of Notre Dame. She will move to Miami, Florida, to serve as the director of health, arts and spirituality and coordinator for music ministry at Barry University.

Sister Sara Fairbanks, left, and Sister Tarianne DeYonker, right, help to clothe Sister Elizabeth Guerrero in a preaching garment as part of her reception into the novitiate. Elizabeth Guerrero received into novitiate: Sister Elizabeth Guerrero was received into the novitiate during evening prayer on Aug. 7. Reception into the novitiate is a key step in initial formation leading to vowed life within a congregation. It is when a woman is accepted as part of the religious community and charged with learning more about that community through structured study before taking the next step, First Profession of Vows. After spending a year as a candidate in Adrian, Guerrero will spend the coming year at the InterCongregational Collaborative Novitiate in Chicago. Single young Catholic women who wish to discern a call to religious life are invited to contact the Adrian Dominican Sisters by emailing vocations@ adriandominicans.org.

AMERICAN FARM MUSEUM The American Farm Museum and Education Center held a fundraiser on Aug. 7 on the grounds of the Hathaway House in Blissfield. Guests had a chance to see the work in progress inside the Hathaway House, which will house the Charles and Barbara Burkholder farm toy collection. DEBORAH J. COMSTOCK/ LENAWEE VOICE

THE LENAWEE VOICE

NEIGHBORS | B3

SEPTEMBER 2026

Pack a Purse campaign helps women in need

Gleaner gathers donations to help students experiencing challenges

JACKSON — What began as the first community service initiative of the newly formed Professional Women in Building Council of Jackson, Hillsdale & Lenawee has turned into an outpouring of generosity across the region. The council’s inaugural Pack a Purse campaign collected 265 donated purses, along with hundreds of essential personal care items to fill them for women in need. In August, the Professional Women in Building Council delivered 50 filled purses to each of three organizations serving women throughout the HBA’s three-county territory: n AWARE Shelter in Jackson. n Catherine Cobb Safe House in Adrian. n Domestic Harmony in Hillsdale. Each purse was packed with everyday necessities including shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, lotion and other personal care items. “The response completely exceeded what we imagined when we started Pack a Purse,” said Casey Barratt, chair of the Professional Women in Building Council of Jackson, Hillsdale & Lenawee. “People donated purses, filled them with necessities and helped us turn a simple idea into something that will directly impact women throughout our communities.” With 265 purses donated and 150 distributed, the council is now looking for additional shelters, nonprofit organizations or programs serving women that could benefit from the remaining donated purses. Organizations in Jackson, Hillsdale, Lenawee or surrounding communities that could put the purses to good use are encouraged to contact the Home Builders Association at 517-783-4800. Pack a Purse was launched shortly after the Professional Women in Building Council was officially chartered by the National Association of Home Builders in June. The Professional Women in Building Council is part of the Home Builders Association of Jackson, Hillsdale & Lenawee and is open to women working in residential construction and related industries, as well as women who support the housing industry through business, professional and community partnerships. For more information, visit hbajmi.com.

ADRIAN — In an effort to help students in need successfully return to school, Gleaner Life Insurance Society’s Legacy Arbor service group recently donated more than $1,500 of school supplies and funding. Angela Pooley of Adrian Public Schools’ Families in Transition program said more than 200 students in her group are typically assisted each year. In addition to helping students facing housing insecurity, the donated school supplies benefit any student in need. “There are so many kids who fall through the cracks,” she said. Items were donated at Gleaner Life’s headquarters by employees as well as the public. Supplies valued at about $700 included hygiene products and hooded sweatshirts, as well as classroom materials. A check for $520 represented cash donations, plus $300 in gift cards to restaurants where students can use Wi-Fi. This was the sixth year the Gleaner group has organized the school supply drive. Founded in 1894, Gleaner Life Gleaner Life’s Legacy Arbor donation for students experiencing homelessness was Insurance Society is a nationally presented to Angela Pooley, center, of the Adrian Public Schools Families in Transition recognized not-for-profit fraternal program, by Gleaner employees Christine Zeiler, Nikki Carson, Elly Sager and Kristin benefit society based in Adrian. Horton.

GOLF OUTING FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS

Morenci American Legion Post 368 hosted a golf outing on Aug. 9 at Evergreen Golf Course near Hudson to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. Pictured here are Trent Dominique, who started the event; Matt Hewitt, Legion post commander; and Deb Hewitt, Legion Auxiliary president.

B4 | NEIGHBORS

IN BRIEF Refashioned Runway: Salvation Army to hold thrift store fashion show ADRIAN — The Salvation Army of Lenawee County is seeing a growing need for assistance throughout the community while experiencing a decline in charitable donations. To help raise awareness and support for its programs, the organization is launching a new fundraising event, Refashioned Runway, a thrift store fashion show taking place on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1245 W. Maple Ave. The event will showcase creative, stylish outfits sourced from the Salvation Army Family Thrift Store, which helps fund vital local services. Tickets are $25, and each model will have an online fundraising page where supporters can donate on their behalf. For more information, call Major Laura Lunnam at 517-265-2038 or go to facebook.com/Adrian.TSA.

Lenawee Youth Council now accepting grant applications ADRIAN — The Lenawee Youth Council, a program of the Lenawee Community Foundation, begins accepting grant applications from youth groups and organizations in Lenawee County on Sept. 1. Grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded to support local projects that benefit youth. To be considered, projects must: n Demonstrate community value and build youth assets. n Provide evidence of active youth participation, youth volunteerism, and partnerships with the Lenawee Community Foundation and its programs. n Be written by or in collaboration with youth. Preference will be given to projects that benefit communities across Lenawee County and commit to raising matching dollars. Lenawee Youth Council members will review grant applications for eligibility and will make recommendations to the Lenawee Community Foundation board of directors. Applications are due by Oct. 1, and recipients will be notified by Dec. 1. All grant applications must be submitted electronically. To apply, visit goapply2.akoyago.com/ lenaweecf. Applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation before submitting a request.

Hospice volunteer training starts in October ADRIAN — Hospice of Lenawee is seeking caring and compassionate people to serve as hospice volunteers, and the next four-week training session for prospective volunteers begins Oct. 21. All four training sessions must be attended to become a hospice volunteer. The sessions will include information on the hospice philosophy and the many roles in which someone can donate their time and skills. Anyone interested in the training is asked to contact Heather Rowe at 517-263-2323 by Oct. 7.

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Lenawee Community Chorus invites new members as it marks 60th season ADRIAN — The Lenawee Community Chorus is celebrating its 60th season this year and invites community members to join in the milestone year. The chorus 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. Music styles range from traditional to contemporary, classical to pop.

Starting Sept. 2, new and returning singers are welcome to join rehearsals on Wednesdays fron 7-9 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian. The group will be preparing music for its Dec. 13 “The Light We Share” holiday concert and a Dec. 12 collaboration with Adrian Symphony Orchestra. Singers are needed in all voice parts, especially tenors and basses.

September rehearsals are free to attend for those who are considering becoming a member. Fall session membership fees will be $50 for adults, $30 for students, with scholarships available. An early registration form is available at TinyURL.com/enrollLCC. For more information, follow the group on Facebook at facebook.com/ Lenaweecommunitychorus or visit LenaweeChorus.org.

Boys & Girls Club begins fall programming ADRIAN — The Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee began its fall programming at the end of August. The club serves Lenawee County students in first through 12th grades. Membership is $3 per year. Regular school-year hours will be: n Adrian Clubhouse — 2:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. n Hudson Clubhouse — 2:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. Both locations offer homework assistance, educational activities, and social and recreational opportunities. In partnership with Adrian Public Schools, dinner will be provided at the Adrian clubhouse Monday through

Friday at 4 p.m. Families interested in having their children attend must register online by visiting bgclenawee.org and selecting the “Join” option. Members who have not updated their membership over the summer are encouraged to complete the renewal process through the club’s online registration system. Transportation is available daily from Adrian and Madison schools to the club, as well as from the Hudson club to students’ homes after programming. The Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee serves over 1,000 youth every year.

“After an amazing summer full of fun and growth, we’re thrilled to welcome students back for an exciting school year,” said Sara Herriman, the club’s chief executive officer. “New and enhanced programs are all set to make this year both enriching and memorable.” The club is also continuing to expand its mentorship program this year thanks to an ongoing grant from the Adrian Dominican Sisters’ Resilient Communities Initiative. For more information about the mentorship program, contact Kristen Anderson, mentorship coordinator, at kanderson@bgclenawee.org.

New director named at Weber Center ADRIAN — Julie Barst became the director of Weber Retreat and Conference Center this summer, succeeding Sister Janet Doyle, OP, who had served in that role since 2016. The Weber Center is a program of Julie Barst the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Barst previously served as provost and vice president of academic and student affairs during the last academic year of Siena Heights University. She sees her new role at Weber Center as an extension of her involvement with the Adrian Dominican Sisters for the past 14 years at

MILESTONES Pat & Mary Ulanowicz of Adrian marked their 40th anniversary on Aug. 15. They have two children, Brittney (Joe) Dulbs of Tecumseh and B. (Jenna) Pat & Mary Ulanowicz Ulanowicz of Adrian, and three grandchildren. Wedding and anniversary announcements may be emailed to news@lenaweevoice.com, and will be published as space allows.

Siena Heights University. During those years, she worked with many Sisters, both at the university and at the Motherhouse. “My first semester here at Siena, I joined the anti-human trafficking task force that Sisters Thérèse Haggerty and Jean Tobin started,” she said. “I have developed over 14 years such a deep respect for the Sisters and the Dominican Charism, and the opportunity to keep contributing to that mission was very exciting to me. It felt like a natural extension of a lot of the work that I’ve been doing at Siena.” A native of St. Charles in Saginaw County, Barst grew up one block from M-52, which leads circuitously to Adrian. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an accounting major at Central Michigan University. She also holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in literary

studies, both from Purdue University. After earning her Ph.D. in 2009, she began her career in higher education at South Dakota State University as an assistant professor of English. She was hired at Siena Heights three years later. Barst said she hopes to function as a teacher at Weber Center. “I’m excited to think of the programming I could bring in, and the audiences it might serve,” she said. She also hopes to add a course on current events in race or gender studies and to fulfill the role of hospitality, welcoming Sisters and the broader community to Weber Center. “I feel honored to have been chosen to continue the mission of the Weber Center,” Barst said, “and my hope is to build on the amazing foundation that Sister Janet and the others before her have created.”

Sound Doctor

the fairgrounds over the years. But one stands out in particular — for personal reasons, not professional ones. He was working at a fair queen contest, paying more attention to the sound board than to what anyone was doing on stage, when he heard something he didn’t expect: the outgoing fair queen thanking the sound team for their work. “That’s not something sound guys hear,” he said. “We hear when it doesn’t work.” He and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 32 years this September — and it all started at the fair. Today, The Sound Doctor consists mainly of McLemore and two employees, Chris Momany and Dave Cramer. They run sound for fairs and festivals all over the country, from Vermont to Florida to Iowa. But for McLemore, the Lenawee County Fair is still special. “We do a lot of national stuff, which is fun,” he said, “but it’s not as much fun as this.”

from page B1 The fairgrounds have changed too. “We’ve watched the fair grow quite a bit over the years,” he said. The current bandshell is the fair’s third, and the show barn recently underwent a major renovation. “I’d say the last few years the grounds have improved incredibly,” McLemore said. All four of McLemore’s children helped with sound at the fairgrounds growing up, and one — his daughter Megan — still takes time off from her job every year to work the fair. The Sound Doctor currently maintains and operates a total of 13 sound systems at the fairgrounds, covering everything from the bandshell and grandstand to the show barns and the public address system. Not surprisingly, McLemore has seen a lot of concerts and competitions at

THE LENAWEE VOICE

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LENAWEE COUNTY 4-H RESULTS The following listings were provided by Lenawee County 4-H. Repeated names represent multiple honors won by the exhibitor in that category. Please report any errors or omissions to news@lenaweevoice.com to be corrected and included in our October issue. FAIR PARADE 4-H FLOAT WINNERS 1st: Rome Blue Ribbons 2nd: Country Clovers 3rd: Quaker Willing Workers BEEF BREEDING Grand Champion Chiania Scott Hensley, South Riga Go-Getters Grand Champion Commercial/Cross David Bauer, Fairfield 4-H Reserve Champion Commercial/Cross Brielle Cannon, Blissfield Hoofs and Horns Grand Champion Hereford Tyler Hosler, Rome Blue Ribbons Grand Champion Shorthorn Grady Barth, Rome Blue Ribbons Reserve Champion Shorthorn Scott Hensley, South Riga Go-Getters Grand Champion Simmental Eloise Terry, South Riga Go-Getters Grand Champion AOB Andi Dillon, Quaker Willing Workers Reserve Champion AOB Luke Lemons, Rome Blue Ribbons Champion Showman Andi Dillon, Quaker Willing Workers Reserve Champion Showman Luke Lemons, Rome Blue Ribbons Overall Supreme Champion Animal Eloise Terry, South Riga Go-Getters MARKET BEEF Grand Champion Market Animal Andi Dillon, Quaker Willing Workers Reserve Grand Champion Market Animal Ryan Good, Britton Macon Classic Clovers Grand Champion Feeder Calf Brayden Shadewald, Blissfield Hoofs & Horns Reserve Grand Champion Feeder Calf Mollee Wahl, Palmyra Future Leaders Grand Champion Holstein Beef Landon Lakatos, Quaker Willing Workers Reserve Grand Champion Holstein Beef Jaci Christian, Quaker Willing Workers Junior Feeder Calf Showman Eloise Terry, South Riga Go-Getters Intermediate Feeder Calf Showman Layne Ladd, Give It Your All Senior Feeder Calf Showman Emily Burgess, Tipton Jets Junior Beef Showman Mollee Wahl, Palmyra Future Leaders Intermediate Beef Showman Ian Good, Britton Macon Classic Clovers Senior Beef Showman Andi Dillon, Quaker Willing Workers Overall Champion Beef Showman Andi Dillon, Quaker Willing Workers Overall Reserve Champion Beef Showman Abigail Willett, Lenawee Shooting Stars DAIRY Intermediate Heifer Calf Holstein Paisley Racine, Tipton Jets Intermediate Heifer Calf Fleckvich Olivia Wooster, Rome Blue Ribbons Summer Yearling Heifer Holstein Cory Hoover, Medina Pioneers Summer Yearling Heifer Jersey Julianna Kurutz, Lenawee Rascals Junior Heifer Yearling Jersey Daylin Pearce, Shooters Inc. Senior Heifer Yearling Holstein Lillian Root, Medina Pioneers

Junior Champion Female Holstein Lillian Root, Medina Pioneers Junior Champion Female Jersey Daylin Pearce, Shooters Inc. Reserve Junior Champion Female Holstein Cory Hoover, Medina Pioneers Reserve Junior Champion Female Jersey Julianna Kurutz, Lenawee Rascals Junior 2-Year-Old Cow Holstein Blake Root, Medina Pioneers Junior 2-Year-Old Cow Jersey Sophie Smith, Tipton Jets Senior Champion Female Holstein Blake Root, Medina Pioneers Senior Champion Female Jersey Sophie Smith, Tipton Jets Grand Champion Female Holstein Blake Root, Medina Pioneers Grand Champion Female Jersey Sophie Smith, Tipton Jets Grand Champion Female Fleckvich Olivia Wooster, Rome Blue Ribbons Reserve Grand Champion Female Holstein Lillian Root, Medina Pioneers Reserve Grand Champion Female Jersey Daylin Pearce, Shooters Inc. Supreme Champion Dairy Animal Blake Root, Medina Pioneers Reserve Supreme Champion Dairy Animal Sophie Smith, Tipton Jets Best Udder of Show Sophie Smith, Tipton Jets Club Herd Medina Pioneers Senior Showmanship Cory Hoover, Medina Pioneers Intermediate Showmanship Blake Root, Medina Pioneers Junior Showmanship Paisley Racine, Tipton Jets Champion Showman Blake Root, Medina Pioneers Pee Wee Showmanship John Wooster, Rome Blue Ribbons

DAIRY FEEDER Champion Dairy Feeder Calf Annabelle Beyer, Country Clovers Reserve Champion Dairy Feeder Calf Levi Clark, Quaker Willing Workers Junior Showman Joseph Harrison, Leads & Leashes Intermediate Showman Olivia Taylor, Palmyra Future Leaders Senior Showman Makayla Six, Lenawee Shooting Stars Overall Champion Showman Joseph Harrison, Leads & Leashes Reserve Champion Showman Makayla Six, Lenawee Shooting Stars DOGS Obedience Pre-Novice A (8-11) 1st: Claire Sumner, Ponies Inc. 2nd: Elsie Keith, Palmyra Future Leaders 3rd: Claire Ruesink, Palmyra Future Leaders Obedience Pre-Novice A (16-19) 1st: Raylee Weston, Palmyra Future Leaders Obedience Pre-Novice B (8-11) 1st: Scarlett Wells, South Riga Go-Getters 2nd: Sadie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers 3rd: Ella Fick, Haydayz Obedience Pre-Novice B (12-15) 1st: Logan Wells, South Riga Go-Getters 2nd: Molly Wright, Dog Gone Fun 3rd: Jacob Preston, South Riga Go-Getters Obedience Pre-Novice B (16-19) 1st: Ellie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers 2nd: Leah Mishka, Lenawee FFA Obedience Pre-Novice C (12-15) 1st: Tino Madelka, Dog Gone Fun 2nd: Shylynn Johnston, Dog Gone Fun Obedience Novice A (8-11) 1st: Abigail Nelson, Onsted Sweet Clovers

Obedience Novice A (12-15) 1st: Carly Melchert, Leads & Leashes Obedience Novice A (16-19) 1st: Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders 2nd: Ellie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers Obedience Novice B (16-19) 1st: Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders Obedience Graduate Novice A (16-19) 1st: Kendalyn Perry, Quaker Willing Workers Grand Champion Pre-Novice Obedience Ellie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers Reserve Grand Champion Pre-Novice Obedience Logan Wells, South Riga Go-Getters Grand Champion Novice Obedience (Tie) Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders Reserve Grand Champion Novice Obedience Abigail Nelson, Onsted Sweet Clovers Agility Beginners A (8-11) 1st: Sophia Melchert, Leads & Leashes 2nd: Claire Sumner, Ponies Inc. 3rd: Claire Ruesink, Palmyra Future Leaders Agility Beginners A (16-19) 1st: Raylee Weston, Palmyra Future Leaders Agility Beginners B (8-11) 1st: John Neill, Rome Blue Ribbons 2nd: Matthew Oaklief, Palmyra Future Leaders 3rd: Ella Fick, Haydayz Agility Beginners B (12-15) 1st: Molly Wright, Dog Gone Fun 2nd: Shylynn Johnston, Dog Gone Fun 3rd: Ariya Cook, Shooters Inc. Agility Beginners B (16-19) 1st: Leah Mishka, Lenawee FFA 1st: Ellie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers 3rd: Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders Agility Beginners C (12-15) 1st: Mikayla Flores, Dog Gone Fun 2nd: Macy Anderson, Dog Gone Fun 3rd: Kenzie Anderson, Dog Gone Fun Agility Intermediate A (8-11) 1st: Sadie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers 2nd: Abigail Nelson, Onsted Sweet Clovers 3rd: Miles Inclan, Dog Gone Fun Agility Intermediate A (12-15) 1st: Carly Melchert, Leads & Leashes Agility Intermediate B (16-19) 1st: Ellie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers Agility Advanced A (16-19) 1st: Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders Agility Advanced B (8-11) 1st: Kendalyn Perry, Quaker Willing Workers Grand Champion On-Leash Agility Sophia Melchert, Leads & Leashes Reserve Grand Champion On-Leash Agility: Leah Mishka, Lenawee FFA Ellie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers Grand Champion Off-Leash Agility: Ellie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers Reserve Grand Champion Off-Leash Agility: Sadie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers DOG HANDLING AND RALLY Handling A (ages 8-11) 1st: Gracelyn Williams, Palmyra Future Leaders 2nd: Claire Sumner, Ponies Inc. 3rd: Sam Pawlisch, Palmyra Future Leaders Handling A (16-19) 1st: Raylee Weston, Palmyra Future Leaders Handling B (8-11) 1st: Sadie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers 2nd: Abigail Nelson, Onsted Sweet Clovers 3rd: Claire Ruesink, Palmyra Future Leaders Handling B (12-15) 1st: Ariya Cook, Shooters Inc. 2nd: Audrey Pawlisch, Palmyra Future Leaders 3rd: Jacob Preston, South Riga Go-Getters Handling B (16-19) 1st: Ellie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers 2nd: Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders 3rd: Leah Mishka, Lenawee FFA Advanced Handling 1st: Scarlett Wells, South Riga Go-Getters 2nd: Logan Wells, South Riga Go-Getters 3rd: Kendalyn Perry, Quaker Willing Workers

Rally Novice A (ages 8-11) 1st: Scarlett Wells, South Riga Go-Getters 2nd: Elsie Keith, Palmyra Future Leaders 3rd: Sam Pawlisch, Palmyra Future Leaders Claire Sumner, Ponies Inc. Gracelyn Williams, Palmyra Future Leaders Rally Novice A (16-19) 1st: Raylee Weston, Palmyra Future Leaders Rally Novice B (8-11) 1st: Sadie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers 2nd: Miles Inclan, Dog Gone Fun 3rd: Claire Ruesink, Palmyra Future Leaders Rally Novice B (12-15) 1st: Ariya Cook, Shooters Inc. 2nd: Augustino Mandelka, Dog Gone Fun 3rd: Logan Wells, South Riga Go-Getters Rally Novice B (16-19) 1st: Ellie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers Rally Intermediate A (8-11) 1st: Sophia Melchert, Leads & Leashes 2nd: Abigail Nelson, Onsted Sweet Clovers 3rd: Ella Fick, Haydayz Rally Intermediate A (12-15) 1st: Carly Melchert, Leads & Leashes 2nd: Audrey Pawlisch, Palmyra Future Leaders 3rd: Jacob Preston, South Riga Go-Getters Rally Intermediate A (16-19) 1st: Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders 2nd: Ellie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers Rally Intermediate B (16-19) 1st: Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders 2nd: Kendalyn Perry, Quaker Willing Workers 3rd: Leah Mishka, Lenawee FFA Top Competitor Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders Grand Champion Handler Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders Reserve Champion Handler Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders GOATS Grand Champion Dairy Meat Jacob Caplon, Tipton Jets Reserve Champion Dairy Meat Abigail Nelson, Onsted Sweet Clovers Grand Champion Boer Meat Andi Dillon, Quaker Willing Workers Reserve Champion Boer Meat Natalie Watkins, Rome Blue Ribbons Junior Showman Levi Osgood, Palmyra Future Leaders Intermediate Showman Jacob Caplon, Tipton Jets Senior Showman Leah Mishka, Lenawee FFA Overall Champion Showman Leah Mishka, Lenawee FFA Grand Champion Milker Goat MaryOlive Caplon, Tipton Jets Reserve Champion Milker Goat Leah Mishka, Lenawee FFA Grand Champion Pygmy Levi Osgood, Palmyra Future Leaders Grand Champion Boer Evan Gould, Stateline Hustlers Reserve Champion Boer Abigail Bauer, Fairfield 4-H Grand Champion Alpine Leah Mishka, Lenawee FFA Reserve Champion Alpine Grace Brockway, Fairfield 4-H Grand Champion LaMancha Leah Mishka, Lenawee FFA Reserve Champion LaMancha Ethan Coblentz, South Riga Go-Getters Grand Champion Nubian Violet Caplon, Tipton Jets Reserve Champion Nubian Grace Brockway, Fairfield 4-H Grand Champion Saanen, Toggenburg, Oberhasli: Ellie Boring, Not So Boring Reserve Champion Saanen, Toggenburg, Oberhasli David Bauer, Fairfield 4-H Grand Champion Nigerian Dwarf MaryOlive Caplon, Tipton Jets Reserve Champion Nigerian Dwarf MaryOlive Caplon, Tipton Jets

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SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

HORSE & PONY Champion Registered AQHA Horse Abigail Martinez, Dream Riders Reserve Champion Registered AQHA Horse Alaina Parker, Haydayz Champion Grade Horse at Halter Everly Patrowski, Ribbon Chasers Reserve Champion Grade Horse at Halter Brook Harrison, Leads & Leashes Champion Fine Horse at Halter Grace Halter, Serenity Equestrians Reserve Champion Fine Horse at Halter Katherine Scholten, Dream Riders Champion Other Registered Horse at Halter Miranda Parker, Haydayz Reserve Champion Other Registered Horse at Halter Jill Emery, Ribbon Chasers Champion Mini Registered Horse at Halter Emma Murphy, Quaker Willing Workers Champion Mini Grade Horse at Halter Serenity Johnson, Dream Riders Reserve Champion Mini Grade Horse at Halter Lily Bayles, Lenawee Legends Grand Champion Mini Horse Serenity Johnson, Dream Riders Reserve Grand Champion Mini Horse Lily Bayles, Lenawee Legends Champion Registered Pony at Halter Kennedy Iffland, South Riga Go-Getters Champion Grade Pony at Halter Madelyn Brockway, Serenity Equestrians Reserve Champion Grade Pony at Halter Paisley Deans, Lenawee Go-Getters Grand Champion Horse at Halter Grace Halter, Serenity Equestrians Reserve Grand Champion Horse at Halter Miranda Parker, Haydayz Grand Champion Pony at Halter Madelyn Brockway, Serenity Equestrians Reserve Grand Champion Pony at Halter Kennedy Iffland, South Riga Go-Getters Champion Trail Horse/Pony Lucas Halmekangas, Ponies Inc. Reserve Champion Trail Horse/Pony Abigail Martinez, Dream Riders Champion Mini Trail Horse Abigail Nelson, Onsted Sweet Clovers Reserve Champion Mini Trail Horse Lily Bayles, Lenawee Legends Champion Contesting Horse Liliana Bear, Serenity Equestrians Liliana Gintack, Serenity Equestrians Reserve Champion Contesting Horse Jennifer Reko, Serenity Equestrians Champion English Pleasure Horse/Pony Ellie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers Reserve Champion English Pleasure Horse/Pony Avery Gawronski, Rome Blue Ribbons Champion English Equitation Horse/Pony Ellie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers Reserve Champion English Equitation Horse/Pony Denea Covey, All Around Equestrians Champion English Bareback Equitation Horse/Pony Tessa Williams, Serenity Equestrians Reserve Champion English Bareback Equitation Horse/Pony Abigail Martinez, Dream Riders Champion Saddle Seat Pleasure Horse/ Pony Cameron Carpenter, Dream Riders Reserve Champion Saddle Seat Pleasure Horse/Pony Serenity Johnson, Dream Riders Champion Saddle Seat Equitation Horse/ Pony Serenity Johnson, Dream Riders Reserve Champion Saddle Seat Equitation Horse/Pony Ellie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers Champion Western Pleasure Horse/Pony Avery Gawronski, Rome Blue Ribbons Reserve Champion Western Pleasure Horse/Pony Jill Emery, Ribbon Chasers Champion Western Equitation Horse/Pony Avery Gawronski, Rome Blue Ribbons

Champion Duck Cameron Dickerson, Palmyra Future Leaders Reserve Champion Duck Natalie Dickerson, Palmyra Future Leaders Champion Goose Cameron Dickerson, Palmyra Future Leaders Reserve Champion Goose Cameron Dickerson, Palmyra Future Leaders Champion Large Fowl Natalie Dickerson, Palmyra Future Leaders Reserve Champion Large Fowl Keegan Eisenmann, Rome Blue Ribbons Champion Bantam Luke Lemons, Rome Blue Ribbons Reserve Champion Bantam Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders Champion Breed Waterfowl Natalie Dickerson, Palmyra Future Leaders Reserve Champion Breed Waterfowl Cameron Dickerson, Palmyra Future Leaders Champion AOV Wyatt Sanford, Shooters Inc. Reserve Champion AOV Rayne Holderman, Onsted Sweet Clovers Best of Show Fowl Natalie Dickerson, Palmyra Future Leaders Reserve Best of Show Fowl Luke Lemons, Rome Blue Ribbons 1st In Class Broilers Megan Huston, Lenawee Shooting Stars 2nd In Class Broilers Denae Covey, All Around Equestrians 1st In Class Roasters Natalie Barrett, Deerfield Lucky Clovers 2nd In Class Roasters Chloe Emmons, Deerfield Lucky Clovers 1st In Class Meat Duck Aidan Sweinhagen, Tipton Jets 2nd In Class Meat Duck Cameron Dickerson, Palmyra Future Leaders Grand Champion Turkey Colt Jennings, Lenawee Shooting Stars Reserve Champion Turkey Jaxon Brasher, Quaker Willing Workers Grand Champion Meat Pen Megan Huston, Lenawee Shooting Stars Reserve Champion Meat Pen Denae Covey, All Around Equestrians Grand Champion Meat Waterfowl Aidan Sweinhagen, Tipton Jets Reserve Champion Meat Waterfowl Cameron Dickerson, Palmyra Future Leaders Grand Champion Overall Eggs Autumn Jula, Nature Buds Reserve Grand Champion Overall Eggs Gracelyn Williams, Palmyra Future Leaders Champion Production Autumn Petterle, Quaker Willing Workers Reserve Champion Production Sophia Melchert, Dog Gone Fun

Olivia Taylor of the Palmyra Future Leaders 4-H club won first place intermediate showman in the Dairy Feeder category. SARAH TAYLOR

Keegan Eisenmann of the Rome Blue Ribbons with his Reserve Champion fowl. MEGAN EISENMANN

Reserve Champion Western Equitation Horse/Pony Denae Covey, All Around Equestrians Champion Bareback Equitation Horse/ Pony Ellie Nichols, Onsted Sweet Clovers Reserve Champion Bareback Equitation Horse/Pony Abigail Martinez, Dream Riders Champion Ranch Pleasure Lucas Halmekangas, Ponies Inc. Reserve Champion Ranch Pleasure Denae Covey, All Around Equestrians Champion Ranch Riding Lucas Helmakangas, Ponies Inc. Reserve Champion Ranch Riding Jill Emery, Ribbon Chasers Champion Fitting & Showing Horse/Pony Alison Morton, Haydayz Reserve Champion Fitting & Showing Horse/Pony Maggie Myers, All Around Equestrians LIVESTOCK PROJECT RECORD BOOKS: GOATS Beginner 1st : Nova Rock, Medina Pioneers 2nd: Stella Damon, Medina Pioneers 3rd: Keegan Damon, Medina Pioneers Intermediate 1st: Gabe Sanford, Shooters Inc. 2nd: Matthew Oaklief, Palmyra Future Leaders 3rd: Gabrielle Maurer, Britton-Macon Classic Clovers Advanced 1st: Mary Olive Caplon, Tipton Jets 2nd: Andi Dillon, Quaker Willing Workers 3rd: Hailey Miner, Lenawee Tech Center FFA

Maggie Huff of the Britton-Macon Classic Clovers with her runway and sewing ribbons. TONI HUFF LIVESTOCK PROJECT RECORD BOOKS: SHEEP Beginner 1st: Libby Bleecker, Quaker Willing Workers Intermediate 1st: Colt Jennings, Lenawee Shooting Stars 2nd: Sophie Smith, Tipton Jets 3rd: Natalie Wilson, Onsted Sweet Clovers LIVESTOCK PROJECT RECORD BOOKS: BEEF Beginner 1st: Luke Lemons, Rome Blue Ribbons LIVESTOCK PROJECT RECORD BOOKS: DAIRY FEEDER Beginner 1st: Annabelle Beyer, Country Clovers 2nd: Madeline Beyer, Country Clovers 3rd: Autumn Petterle, Quaker Willing Workers Intermediate 1st: Rachel Brayton, Onsted Sweet Clovers LIVESTOCK PROJECT RECORD BOOKS: RABBITS Beginner 1st: Libby Bleecker, Quaker Willing Workers POULTRY Junior Showman Ellie Huff, Britton-Macon Intermediate Showman Gabriel Sanford, Shooters Inc. Senior Showman Natalie Dickerson, Palmyra Future Leaders Overall Champion Showman Natalie Dickerson, Palmyra Future Leaders Reserve Champion Showman Wyatt Sanford, Shooters Inc.

POULTRY FLYING CONTEST Bantams 1st: Maizey James, Leads & Leashes 2nd: Sonny Sieler, South Riga Go-Getters 3rd: Jade Ery, Deerfield Lucky Clovers Light Weight/Production 1st: Jacob Ahlers, Dog Gone Fun 2nd: Jed Salisbury, Rome Blue Ribbons 3rd: Tino Mandelka, Dog Gone Fun RABBITS Best of Show Annabella Demonico, Quaker Willing Workers Best Opposite of Show Makayla Six, Lenawee Shooting Stars Champion Roaster Claire Smith, Tipton Jets Reserve Champion Roaster Isabella Linsgeseder, Haydayz Champion Fryer Pen Kennedi Six, Lenawee Shooting Stars Reserve Champion Fryer Pen Liliana Brugger, Lenawee Shooting Stars Champion Homegrown Roaster MaryOlive Caplon, Tipton Jets Reserve Champion Roaster Jacob Caplon, Tipton Jets Champion Homegrown Fryers Jacob Caplon, Tipton Jets Reserve Champion Homegrown Fryers MaryOlive Caplon, Tipton Jets

THE LENAWEE VOICE

B7

SEPTEMBER 2026 Reserve Champion Purebred Madalyn Schultz, Rome Blue Ribbons Overall Champion Showman Jonathan Fisher, South Riga Go-Getters Reserve Champion Overall Showman Andi Dillon, Quaker Willing Workers Swine Showman (Junior) Hazel Warner, South Riga Go-Getters Swine Showman (Intermediate) Brenden Cannon, Blissfield Hoofs & Horns Swine Showman (Senior) Jonathan Fisher, South Riga Go-Getters

Paisley Deans of the South Riga Go-Getters. GLORIA LEUPP

RABBITS (CONTINUED) Champion Showman Ben Wheeler, Lenawee FFA Junior Showman (9-12) Eastyn Stump, Palmyra Future Leaders Intermediate Showman (12-14) Lizabeth Taylor, Rome Blue Ribbons Senior Showman (15-19) Ben Wheeler, Lenawee FFA SHEEP Grand Champion Market Lamb Georgia Barth, Rome Blue Ribbons Reserve. Champion Market Lamb Ben Wheeler, Lenawee FFA Grand Champion Pen of Market Lambs Wesley Garrison, Quaker Willing Workers Reserve Champion Pen of Market Lambs Grady Barth, Rome Blue Ribbons Champion Ewe Georgia Barth, Rome Blue Ribbons Reserve Champion Ewe Blake Swindeman, South Riga Go-Getters Champion Wether Ben Wheeler, Lenawee FFA Reserve Champion Wether Colt Jennings, Lenawee Shooting Stars Overall Champion Showman Georgia Barth, Rome Blue Ribbons Reserve Champion Showman Violet Hinde, Palmyra Future Leaders Senior Showman Violet Hinde, Palmyra Future Leaders Intermediate Showman Georgia Barth, Rome Blue Ribbons Junior Showman Raelynn Lamb, Quaker Willing Workers Lead Class Colt Jennings, Lenawee Shooting Starz Senior Lead Class Violet Hinde, Palmyra Future Leaders Intermediate Lead Class Veronica Hinde, Palmyra Future Leaders Junior Lead Class Victoria Hinde, Palmyra Future Leaders SHEEP BREEDING Champion Ewe Meat Breed Georgia Barth, Rome Blue Ribbons SWINE Grand Champion Market Hog Andi Dillon, Quaker Willing Workers Reserve Champion Market Hog Sawyer Lennard, Stateline Hustlers Champion Barrow Andi Dillon, Quaker Willing Workers Reserve Champion Barrow Brayden Shadewald, Blissfield Hoofs & Horns Champion Gilt Sawyer Lennard, Stateline Hustlers Reserve Champion Gilt Andi Dillon, Quaker Willing Workers Champion Purebred Brayden Shadewald, Blissfield Hoofs & Horns

ARTS/CERAMICS Special Honors Penelope Andre, Britton-Macon Michaela Cross, Palmyra Future Leaders Dani Whelan, Tipton Jets Lane Sellers, Lenawee Shooting Stars Nora Shirkey, Ponies Inc Paige Holt, Shooters Inc Madison Petry, Ponies Inc Virginia Barrett, Britton-Macon Macy Anderson, Dog Gone Fun Helen Wines, Onsted Sweet Clovers Shyanne Clark, Bits &Pieces Nora Shirkey, Ponies Inc Gretchen Spence, Tipton Jets Abigail Meyers, Britton-Macon Emma Emrick, Nature Buds Ellie Huff, Britton-Macon Claire Smith, Tipton Jets Annabelle Blunt, Serenity Equestrians Madison Petry, Ponies Inc. Annabelle Blunt, Serenity Equestrians Carly Melchert, Leads & Leashes Annabelle Blunt, Serenity Equestrians Helen Wines, Onsted Sweet Clovers Extra Special Honors Claire Smith, Tipton Jets Gretchen Spence, Tipton Jets Morgan Anderson, Serenity Equestrians Helen Wines, Onsted Sweet Clovers Madelyn Brockway, Serenity Equestrians Gretchen Spence, Tipton Jets Kendall Barrett II, Deerfield Lucky Clovers CRAFTS Special Honors Violet Hinde, Palmyra Future Leaders Vera Hinde, Palmyra Future Leaders Grace Thompson, South Riga Go-Getters Henley Milliman, Leads & Leashes Morgan Anderson, Serenity Equestrians Vera Hinde, Palmyra Future Leaders Norah Anderson, Tipton Jets Helen Wines, Onsted Sweet Clovers Alana Ramsey, Rome Blue Ribbons Emma Porter, South Riga Go-Getters Carly Melchert, Leads & Leashes Helen Wines, Onsted Sweet Clovers Michaela Cross, Palmyra Future Leaders Sawyer Spence, Tipton Jets Ellie Boring, Not So Boring Rayne Holderman, Onsted Sweet Clovers Alison Morton, Haydayz Olivia Kuenzer, Aggies 4-H Emery LaVoy, Palmyra Future Leaders Kylee Parkhurst, Quaker Willing Workers Waylon Ostrander, Palmyra Future Leaders Natalie Dickerson, Palmyra Future Leaders Extra Special Honors Violet Hinde, Palmyra Future Leaders Katie Mitchell, Raisin Slickers Veronica Hinde, Palmyra Future Leaders Olivia Taylor, Palmyra Future Leaders Cash Williams, Quaker Willing Workers Olivia Mullins, Quaker Willing Workers Avery Gawronski, Rome Blue Ribbons Gretchen Spence, Tipton Jets Keegan Eisenmann, Rome Blue Ribbons Ryden Luma, Quaker Willing Workers ENTREPRENEURSHIP Special Honors Caden Schmidt, Ponies Inc. Ellie Huff, Britton-Macon Katie Mitchell, Raisin Slickers Gracelyn Williams, Palmyra Future Leaders Extra Special Honors Wesley Garrison, Quaker Willing Workers Dottie Mitchell, Raisin Slickers

FLORICULTURE Special Honors Tabatha Reimold, Onsted Sweet Clovers Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders Brynn Publiski, Haydayz Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders Jacob Ahlers, Dog Gone Fun Kenzie Anderson, Dog Gone Fun Brynn Publiski, Haydayz Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders Helen Wines, Onsted Sweet Clovers Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders Gretchen Spence, Tipton Jets Veronica Hinde, Palmyra Future Leaders Gretchen Spence, Tipton Jets Extra Special Honors Tabatha Reimold, Onsted Sweet Clovers Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders Brynn Publiski, Haydayz Gretchen Spence, Tipton Jets Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders

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SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Chloe Emmons of the Deerfield Lucky Clovers 4-H Club. KAITLIN EMMONS

Scarlett Wells of South Riga Go-Getters and Wrinkles the Dachshund won the ages 8-11 costume class. MEGGIN WELLS FOODS AND NUTRITION Special Honors Logan Irwin, Onsted Sweet Clovers Rose Griffith, Lenawee Shooting Stars Keegan Eisenmann, Rome Blue Ribbons Sylvia Slovinski, Dream Riders Paige Mathis, Rome Blue Ribbons Abigail Goetz, South Riga Go-Getters Sophia Kruger, Nature Buds John Appling, Deerfield Lucky Clovers Olivia Kuenzer, Aggies 4-H Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders Extra Special Honors Dottie Mitchell, Raisin Slickers Keegan Eisenmann, Rome Blue Ribbons Sophia Kruger, Nature Buds John Appling, Deerfield Lucky Clovers Olivia Kuenzer, Aggies 4-H Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders HORTICULTURE Special Honors Abbigail Mitchell, Raisin Slickers Autumn Jula, Nature Buds Zoe Mabbott, Lenawee FFA Alexyss Wielfaert, Britton-Macon Extra Special Honors Autumn Jula, Nature Buds MISCELLANEOUS PROJECTS Special Honors Brodie Pixley, Palmyra Future Leaders Ryder Felver, Lenawee Shooting Stars Zachary Taylor, Palmyra Future Leaders Helen Wines, Onsted Sweet Clovers Bryton Sword, Onsted Sweet Clovers Rachel Brayton, Onsted Sweet Clovers

OPEN CLASS STATIC EXHIBITOR FIRST PLACE WINNERS BY DEPARTMENT Needlework: Nancy Beaubien, Amy Cottrill, Denise Duda, Jan Emmons, Angela Mallory, Yvonne McNicol, Jean Parmley, Amber Pedersen, Lisa Phillips, Carol Racine, Chris Wisneski. Youth 1st place: Emily Hepner, Jonah Enriquez. Best of Show for Needlework: Nancy Beaubien. Sewing: Roberta Anderson, Susan Andrews, Barbara Baker, Nancy Beaubien, Chelsea Ellis, Chris Hill, Gwen Ruesink, Celesta Smith. Best of Show for Sewing: Chris Hill. Handspun: Denise Duda. Flowers: Barbara Baker, Nancy Beaubien, Lauren Campbell, Desiree Eaton, Quinn Elliott, Quinn Hensley, Oakley Payne, Ashlee Pelham, Garrett Publiski, Sarah Publiski, Gwen Ruesink, Janet Taylor, Joyce Thompson, Ron Thompson. Best of Show for Flowers: Nancy Beaubien, Garrett Publiski, Joyce Thompson. Folk Art: Karen Apolloni, Barbara Baker, Nancy Beaubien, Amy Cottrill, Chelsea Ellis,

Harlee Dotson of the Rome Blue Ribbons 4-H club. JENNIFER DOTSON Ava Wilson, Palmyra Future Leaders Ethan Cushing, Nature Buds Cali Wismer, Quaker Willing Workers Extra Special Honors Helen Wines, Onsted Sweet Clovers PERFORMING & COMMUNICATION ARTS Special Honors Allison Brockway, Fairfield 4-H Abigail and Allison Brockway, Fairfield 4-H Jane Fisher, Ponies Inc. Paisley Johnson, Ponies Inc. Extra Special Honors Helen Wines, Onsted Sweet Clovers Norah Anderson, Tipton Jets PHOTOGRAPHY Special Honors Penelope Johnson, Ponies Inc. Lucille LaVoy, Palmyra Future Leaders Gretchen Spence, Tipton Jets Allison Brockway, Fairfield 4-H Delilah Loar, Palmyra Future Leaders Norah Anderson, Tipton Jets Ava Marks, Palmyra Future Leaders Kaitlyn Comar, Lenawee Shooting Stars Taylor McLaughlin, South Riga Go-Getters Luke Kastel, South Riga Go-Getters Gwyneth Gray, Haydayz Levi Kastel, South Riga Go-Getters Claire Smith, Tipton Jets Abigail Goetz, South Riga Go-Getters Hazel Shirkey, Ponies Inc. Dottie Mitchell, Raisin Slickers Dottie Mitchell, Raisin Slickers Extra Special Honors Kinsley Ruttkofsky, Deerfield Lucky Clovers Ethan Publiski, Palmyra Future Leaders

Desiree Eaton, Jodie Gunn, Kalli Hensley, Jenette Holderman, Rayne Holderman, Thomas Lucas, Jean Parmley, Ashlee Pelham, Celeste Smith. Valerie Wilson. Junior 1st place: Emily Hepner. Youth 1st place: Quinn Hensley, Oakley Payne, Sawyer Payne. Best of Show for Folk Art (adult): Thomas Lucas. Best of Show for Folk Art (Youth): Quinn Hensley. Vegetables: Amy Baggett, Nancy Beaubien, Darel Behrman, Desiree Eaton, Jodie Gunn, Wilber Maisterich, Amy Pelham, Sarah Publiski, Gwen Ruesink, Monica Siebarth. Youth 1st place: Abigail Hepner, Oakley Payne. Best of Show for Vegetables (Adult — Herb Plant): Monica Siebarth. Best of Show for Vegetables (Youth — Scarecrow): Abigail Hepner. Baked Goods/Canning Department — Baked Goods: Barbara Baker, Nancy Beaubien, Jared Halliwill, Rayne Holderman, Jamie Hoover, Rachel Krzeczkowski, Amy Pelham, Mary Pitock, Sarah Publiski, Gwen Ruesink, Joyce Thompson. Youth 1st place: Abigail Hepner, Remington Payne, Garrett Publiski. Canned Goods: Chelsea Ellis, Cherryl Jackson, Shelly Keller, Angela Mallory, Sybil McKinney, Valerie Wilson. Best of Show

Madison Hubbard of the Tipton Jets 4-H Club. AUTUMN HUBBARD

Jaxon Loar, Palmyra Future Leaders Kinzey Solomon, Lenawee Shooting Stars Avah Jenkins, Onsted Sweet Clovers Ethan Anderson, Tipton Jets POWER Special Honors Waylon Peebles, Fairfield 4-H Extra Special Honors Troy Iott, South Riga Go-Getters SCIENCE Special Honors Lane Stump, Palmyra Future Leaders

Sophie Linger, Country Clovers Penelope Andre, Britton-Macon Blake Swindeman, South Riga Go-Getters Grace Thompson, South Riga Go-Getters Sophia Melchert, Leads & Leashes Abigail Wegner, State Line Hustlers Ellie Huff, Britton-Macon Extra Special Honors Ellie Huff, Britton-Macon Grace Thompson, South Riga Go-Getters Maggie Huff, Britton-Macon Blake Swindeman, South Riga Go-Getters Kennedi Six, Lenawee Shooting Stars Morgan Anderson, Serenity Equestrians

SEWING & NEEDLEWORK Special Honors Morgan Anderson, Serenity Equestrians Morgan Anderson, Serenity Equestrians Kennedi Six, Lenawee Shooting Stars Ellie Huff, Britton-Macon Maggie Huff, Britton-Macon

SHOOTING SPORTS/OUTDOOR EDUCATION Special Honors Abigail Wegner, Stateline Hustlers Helen Wines, Onsted Sweet Clovers Extra Special Honors Helen Wines, Onsted Sweet Clovers

for Baking: Rachel Krzeczkowski. Best of Show for Baking (Youth): Abigail Hepner. Best of Show Homegrown Award: Angela Mallory. Best of Show for Canned Goods: Shelly Keller. Fine Arts: Jordano Apolloni, Connie Brummitt, Paula Buermele, Deloris ClarkCheaney, Desiree Eaton, Jodie Gunn, Rayne Holderman, Celeste Smith. Junior 1st place: Lincoln Chrisman and Emily Hepner. Youth 1st place: Abigail Hepner. Best of Show for Fine Arts: Deloris Clark-Cheaney. Best of Show for Fine Arts (Junior): Emily Hepner. Best of Show for Fine Arts (Youth): Abigail Hepner. Antiques: Roberta Anderson, Steve Anderson, Susan Andrews, Nancy Beaubien, Deborah Bigelow, Quinn Elliott, Rayne Holderman, Shelly Keller, Jerome Matteson, Neil Neumann, Jean Parmley, Monica Siebarth, Joyce Thompson. Youth 1st place: Abigail Hepner. Photography: Holly Beckwith, Kathleen Beyer, Connie Brummitt, Byron Buermele, Paula Buermele, Deloris Clark-Cheaney, Maegan Kintner, Jerome Mattson, Cole Publiski, Jolene Siebarth, Evan Stone, Contina Vandevender, Valerie Wilson, Carly Zilke.

Youth 1st place: Jasion Crawford, Pason Fox, Abigail Hepner. Best of Show for Photography: Connie Brummitt. Best of Show for Photography (Youth): Pason Fox. BEAUTIFY THE FAIRGROUNDS CONTEST Youth Annuals 1st: Quaker Willing Workers 2nd: Lenawee Cottontail 3rd: Rome Blue Ribbons Youth Perennials 1st: Dog Gone Fun 2nd: South Riga Go Getters 3rd: Lenawee Shooting Stars Adult Perennials 1st: Adrian Women’s Club 2nd: Lenawee 4-H Council TALLEST CORN CONTEST Andrew Ries, Tipton (12 feet, 6¾ inches) NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION BOOTH CONTEST 1st: Salvation Army 2nd: Hidden Lake Gardens 3rd: Lenawee Co. Dairyman’s Association

THE LENAWEE VOICE

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SEPTEMBER 2026

LAND & WATER IN BRIEF

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.

Volunteer group works to care for Watkins Lake State Park near Brooklyn

A volunteer from Trout Unlimited teaches about fishing at a previous Great Outdoors Youth Jamboree.

Great Outdoors Youth Jamboree set for Sept. 13 at Lake Hudson Recreation Area HUDSON TWP. — Lake Hudson Recreation Area is hosting the annual Great Outdoors Youth Jamboree on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is designed for families to come and participate in a multitude of activities designed to spark an interest in the outdoor world. This year activities will include a BB gun range, archery range, fly rod casting, dog handling demonstration, and more. There will be a food truck on site, and Department of Natural Resources professionals will be available to answer questions. A park pass is required for entry, and can be purchased at the gate. This event is a collaborative effort by Michigan DNR and Pheasants Forever.

Martin named 2026 Michigan 4-H Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer EAST LANSING — Washtenaw County 4-H volunteer Jean Martin has been honored with the prestigious 2026 Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award. Martin has been a leader in the Washtenaw County 4-H program for 33 years. Since the late 1990s, Martin has served on the Washtenaw County 4-H Advisory Council, including as secretary. She is also co-superintendent of still projects, overseeing judging, recruiting and orienting judges, and ensuring the department runs smoothly. Martin serves as an administrative leader for Country Expressions 4-H Club and assists with the county 4-H archery program.

Geoffrey Cripes, Kevin Dmitry, and Allison Krueger search for phragmites in a wetland at Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve. KADI FRANSON/LENAWEE VOICE

By Kadi Franson The Lenawee Voice

BROOKLYN — From across the field, someone’s voice rang out: “I think I found one!” Allison Krueger, a stewardship planner for the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, walked over to inspect a segment of grass held up by a volunteer. It turned out to be a big bluestem. A few minutes later, from a different corner of the field: “Here’s one!” A reed canary, another false alarm. The day’s endeavor was a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. Or, more aptly, a phragmite in a wetland. Krueger, alongside a cohort from Friends of Watkins Lake (FoWL), was hosting a volunteer workday to monitor phragmites at Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve. Phragmites, also known as common reed, is a nonnative perennial that can grow up to 15 feet high, with fast-growing rhizomes that quickly overtake wetlands. Monitoring is one way to stop the spread before it happens. “If you can catch it early, it makes a big difference,” said Geoffrey Cripes, FoWL’s president. There is also a phragmites subspecies native to North America, but the nonnative variety at issue has only been here since the late 1700s, thought to have arrived as a stowaway in cargo ship

ballast water from Eurasia, or in shipping materials. Back in its native range, the plant isn’t considered invasive; it’s balanced by the many species it coevolved with, and in places like the Netherlands it’s used for thatch roofing and natural water treatment systems that filter pollutants from wastewater. The entire plant is even edible, raw or cooked. Here, with few predators, diseases, or parasites, it spreads unchecked, forming dense reed beds that reduce aquatic ecosystems to monocultures and crowd out native biodiversity. In the section of Watkins Lake we were walking today, earlier treatments by the county parks crew had already knocked the population down substantially. This was good news for the wetland, but it meant our search was a genuine hunt: fewer plants, spread thinner, and easy to confuse with other reedy species. As the group of about ten fanned out, wading through chest-high vegetation, I noticed several swamp milkweeds. Swamp milkweed is a native perennial with magenta blooms known for attracting pollinators, like the monarchs flitting through the tall grass. Grey coneflower, coreopsis, and hemp dogbane were blooming too. From a stand of cattails came the repeated “Witchity-WitchityWitchity!” of a Common Yellowthroat,

followed by the melodic phrase of a nearby Song Sparrow. One recent bird survey counted 48 bird species on the preserve. The land itself carries an older story. This 100-acre block, Krueger explained, was historically oak-hickory forest before being settled as farmland by the Watkins family. In the mid-1800s, Royal Watkins was a local abolitionist who worked alongside Laura Haviland, a well-known figure in the Underground Railroad, to help a friend named John White escape bounty hunters who had tracked him from Kentucky. The farm was later seeded with native wildflowers, part of a slow conversion from working land into the preserve we were now combing for an invasive reed. It’s a preserve still very much in progress. Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve was established only a decade ago, and it now holds Wildlife Refuge status for the quality of habitat it provides to migratory and breeding birds. That status doesn’t protect it automatically: invasive species like phragmites are one ongoing threat, and a proposed gravel mine on adjacent land is another, raising the kind of development pressure that preserves like this one are especially vulnerable to.

See WATKINS LAKE, page B10

B10 | LAND & WATER

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Legacy Land Conservancy staff members Susan LaCroix, left, and Diana Kern, right, are pictured with sisters Cathy and Judy Harsh. PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGACY LAND CONSERVANCY

Lenawee County sisters honor father’s wishes by preserving family farm ADRIAN TWP. — More than a century after their grandfather purchased the family farm, two Lenawee County sisters have ensured the 78-acre property will remain productive farmland forever — just as their late father hoped. “It’s what Dad wanted,” Judy Harsh said. “We knew from a young age that preserving this farmland and its cherished piece of our family’s history was important to him.” Working with Legacy Land Conservancy over the last four years, the sisters Cathy and Judy Harsh placed a conservation easement on their property, permanently protecting active farmland, a large woodland and pond, and important natural features that support clean water and local agriculture. The Harsh Family Farm project is Legacy Land Conservancy’s first completed conservation project located entirely within Lenawee County since expanding into the county in 2021. It reflects growing interest in voluntary conservation across the region, and serves as inspiration for more land protection in the area. The property contains prime farmland that has sustained a farm-dependent community for generations. However, according to the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture, Michigan lost 292,021 acres of farmland from 2017 to 2022. Despite these alarming trends, the farm has remained in the family’s care for more than a century. Purchased by the sisters’ grandfather around 1908, it has supported generations of agriculture and family memories. “Seven of us grew up on the farm,” Cathy said. “Our best memories are of drinking fresh milk from cows we raised and eating vegetables straight from the field.”

Surrounded by changing land uses and increasing development pressure, the sisters wanted to make sure their family’s farm would continue serving agriculture, wildlife, and future generations. Today, Cathy and Judy lease the property’s three active fields to two local farmers, ensuring the land continues producing food in private ownership while remaining conserved forever. Beyond its productive farmland, the property includes woodland and a pond that help provide habitat for wildlife, filter runoff, and improve water quality throughout the River Raisin watershed, which drains into Lake Erie. By maintaining its natural state, the property helps protect the quality and flow of water for the Adrian and Blissfield areas and other communities downstream, supporting everything from local drinking water to the health of nearby ecosystems. The sisters are also restoring the open fields along the woodlands through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Reserve Program, planting native grasses and wildflowers that support monarch butterflies and other wildlife. “Every land protection project starts with one family deciding their land has a future beyond themselves,” Legacy Land Conservancy executive director Diana Kern said. “We’re hopeful this project encourages more Lenawee County landowners to explore conservation and strengthen a growing network of protected farms, forests, and waterways.” Landowners interested in learning more about conserving their land can contact Legacy Land Conservancy at 734-302-5263.

Watkins Lake from page B9 After two hours of searching, the group had found only a handful of the target plants. “I hope you all didn’t feel like you wasted your time,” Krueger laughed. Given the circumstances — that nobody had actually hoped to find a stand of well-established phragmites — everyone agreed it was a good outcome. “Even more fun when you come up empty-handed!” Cripes said. Kevin Dmitry, a FoWL volunteer, was in good spirits about it. “Charging through grasses that are taller than me — now that’s a pretty good time.”

Volunteers catch a lift back to the trailhead after a day of searching for invasive phragmites at Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve. KADI FRANSON/LENAWEE VOICE

THE LENAWEE VOICE

B11

SEPTEMBER 2026

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Harmony Grove Spa & Wellness now open in Adrian By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — After having a baby, Korie Terwilliger looked for a new home for the massage business she had built up before maternity leave. After her parents bought a building at the Four Corners in downtown Adrian, Terwilliger moved in. Harmony Grove Spa & Wellness Center opened six months ago. Terwilliger was able to bring many of her previous clients into her business, but said that there is “plenty of room for growth” at the new location. The facility has eight rooms for massage and employs three massage therapists, besides Terwilliger herself. Also on staff are two yoga and Pilates instructors who are available for both individual and class instruction. Prenatal yoga classes are available. Terwilliger, who is originally from Onsted, studied at the Adrian School of Massage, then moved to Florida for extra medical training, including working in an osteopathic setting and working with cancer patients. “I wanted a more refined medical background for massage,” she said. She then moved back and built a practice at another massage practice in Adrian before opening Harmony Grove Spa & Wellness Center. Terwilliger said what makes her center unique is the variety of massage techniques that are used by the staff. “Even if we all practice the same modalities, we all do them differently,”

Korie Terwilliger is the owner of Harmony Grove Spa & Wellness Center at 101 W. Maumee St. in Adrian. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE she said. “Everyone has their own flavor.” Treatments available include therapeutic massage, Swedish massage, sports massage, hot stone therapy and Thai stretch therapy. The massage experience can include anything from a high-end spa experience to assisting people who are immunocompromised, such as those who just finished chemotherapy. The spa also offers sports therapy.

Also available are oncology-informed massage, prenatal massage, palliative massage, infant and pediatric massage, and cupping therapy. If a client comes in for a certain type of treatment, such as deep-tissue work, but that doesn’t turn out to be the right approach, the staff can adapt the treatment and move into something that will work better. A full list of massage and therapy

services, along with prices, can be found at harmonygrovewellness.com. Harmony Grove Spa & Wellness Center is at 101 W. Maumee St. in downtown Adrian. Appointments can be made online at harmonygrovewellness. com, or by calling or texting 517376-4249. Text message is preferred. Facebook messages are also accepted. More information is also available at facebook.com/HarmonyGroveWellness.

B12 | HEALTH & WELLNESS

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Back-to-school screenings help remove barriers to learning As students return to the classroom, parents are busy preparing school supplies, adjusting schedules, and helping their children start the year successfully. One important factor that is often overlooked is a child’s vision, hearing, and oral health. These three areas play a critical role in learning, development, and overall well-being. A child may have difficulty learning if they cannot see the board, hear their teacher, or are distracted by dental pain. Yet many children do not realize they have a vision, hearing, or oral health concern. As a result, these issues can go unnoticed for months or even years. Children may struggle academically, have difficulty concentrating, experience behavioral concerns, or miss school due to untreated health conditions. Early identification allows families to seek treatment before these problems begin affecting a child’s

MONICA HUNT educational experience. School-based screenings and assessments are among the most effective preventive public health services available to children. These programs help identify potential concerns early and connect families with appropriate follow-up care. While screenings do not diagnose medical conditions, they serve as an important first step in ensuring children receive the evaluations and services they may need. Michigan law recognizes the importance of these programs. Under the

Michigan Public Health Code (Act 368 of 1978), local health departments are required to provide vision and hearing screening services. Vision screenings are conducted at least once between ages 3 and 5, prior to kindergarten entry, and again in grades 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. Hearing screenings are conducted between ages 3 and 5 and at regular intervals throughout elementary school. Michigan has also strengthened its focus on children’s oral health. Public Act 316 of 2023 established the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) requirement for children entering their first year of school. The assessment may be completed up to six months before the start of school or during a child’s first year of enrollment. Research has consistently shown that poor oral health can negatively affect attendance, concentration, academic performance,

and overall quality of life. These programs continue to make a measurable impact in our community. During 2025, the Lenawee County Health Department conducted 6,956 vision screenings, 4,683 hearing screenings, and 567 Kindergarten Oral Health Assessments. Early identification of vision, hearing, and oral health concerns can make a meaningful difference in a child’s educational experience, helping ensure they are healthy, engaged, and ready to learn. For more information about vision screening, hearing screening, and oral health assessment programs, please visit the Lenawee County Health Department at www.lenaweehealthdepartment.org. Monica Hunt is the Lenawee County Health Department’s health officer.

Foster Grandparent program benefits both seniors and kids Making a difference in someone else’s life can be a positive and rewarding experience. By just giving of your time you can become the highlight of a child’s life. Helping children to excel and learn is a great experience and the rewards are plentiful. The Foster Grandparent Program began on Aug. 28, 1965, as a national demonstration effort to show how limited-income persons over the age of 55 have the maturity and experience to establish a personal relationship with children. The seniors serve as mentors and tutors, working 20 to 30 hours per week, at schools, Head Starts, and other

CARI REBOTTARO learning facilities. They offer emotional support, personal attention, and one to one help, building a relationship with those that need it most. The Foster Grandparents receive a tax-free stipend of $4 an hour, reimbursement for transportation, a meal, insurance coverage while on duty,

and annual physicals. As well as social and community involvement, that helps to improve their health and well being. Monthly inservice training meetings provide ongoing informational opportunities, with local speakers, a meal, and social interaction. Lenawee County started a Foster Grandparent program in 1978. Since this date seniors have served as foster grandparents, contributing countless hours of nonjudgemental guidance to the students they work with. In addition, generations of children and young adults have been mentored, tutored and received guidance, helping them to become more independent and self

reliant, and improving on their reading, writing, and math skills, as well as social interactions and self-esteem. The program offers an excellent opportunity for older persons to share their lifetime of experience with children in need of a supportive relationship. Anyone that would like to make a difference in a child’s life, while earning a small tax-exempt income, please contact the Foster Grandparent Director; Judy Bays at the Lenawee County Department on Aging at 517264-5280 for information about the program. Cari Rebottaro is director of the Lenawee County Department on Aging.

University of Michigan liver transplant program earns Top 5 national ranking for transplant access

WellWise Services Agency on Aging offers Walk With Ease program BROOKLYN — WellWise Services Area Agency on Aging is hosting a six-week Walk With Ease group from Sept. 10 to Oct. 15. Walk With Ease is a program developed by the Arthritis Foundation. The group will meet from noon to 12:45 p.m. on Thursdays at WellWise Services, 107 Chicago St., Brooklyn. The program includes: n Stretching and strengthening exercises. n Tips for making physical activity part of your everyday routine. n Expert health advice from the Arthritis Foundation. n Personalized, safe walking routines. n Camaraderie and fun. Goals include improving balance, reducing pain, building stamina, and helping to manage arthritis. For more information, contact WellWise Services at 517-592-1903.

ANN ARBOR — The adult liver transplant program at University of Michigan Health has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading programs for helping patients receive a deceased donor liver transplant faster than most transplant centers in the nation and is the top program in the state of Michigan, according to recent data released by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. Among the 153 adult liver transplant programs evaluated nationwide, the U-M Health liver transplant program

was ranked fourth in the nation in the category “Get a Deceased Donor Transplant Faster,” a measure designed to help patients understand how quickly they are likely to receive a deceased donor transplant at a particular center. “A faster time to transplant can increase positive transplant outcomes for patients as they have spent less time becoming sicker on the waitlist,” said Dr. Alexandra Shingina, medical director of the liver transplant program. “Our commitment to finding the

fastest and safest way to transplant those waiting on the liver transplant list ensures that U-M Health Transplant Center patients have the best chance at a positive outcome from their transplant.” For patients and referring providers, early referral matters. Current U-M Health program data shows that liver transplant patients wait an average of: n 14 days from referral to evaluation. n 55 days from evaluation to listing. n 15 days from listing to transplant.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Day Services, 327 Erie St., Adrian. Free respite care is available during the meeting. Call 517-266-2588 to reserve a spot or ask questions. Men’s Caregiver Support Group: This group meets the first Friday of each month from 2-3 p.m. at Daybreak, 327 Erie St. This group is facilitated by a male counselor, who also has caregiving experience. The group is available for men to share their caregiving challenges and provide support. Respite is available by calling Daybreak Adult Day Services at 517-266-2588. Overeaters Anonymous: Saturdays at 10 a.m., Mondays at 1:30 p.m., and Thursdays at 4 p.m. at Serenity House, 600 Gulf St., Adrian. Al-Anon Meetings: Tuesdays at noon, NewSong Church, 5211 S. Occidental Hwy., Tecumseh.

Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Madison Church of the Nazarene, 3993 Treat Hwy., Adrian. Thursdays at 6 p.m., NewSong Church, 5211 S. Occidental Hwy., Tecumseh. Thursdays at 7 p.m., All Saints Episcopal Church, 151 N. Main St., Brooklyn. Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., Tecumseh District Library, 215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh. Sundays at 1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian.

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 the month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Hospice of Lenawee, 1903 Wolf Creek Hwy., Adrian. Contact Heather Popkey or Karen Cheney at 517-263-2323. Caregiver Support Group: The Lenawee Department on Aging invites all caregivers to its Caregiver Support Group on the first Monday of the month at 2 p.m. at Daybreak Adult

To submit a support group listing or report any corrections or changes, please email Linda Cline at lcline@lenaweevoice.com.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

B13

SEPTEMBER 2026

IN MEMORY We regret that space does not allow us to print detailed obituaries. These listings are intended as a guide to the obituaries that may be found on local funeral homes’ websites. When available, brief biographical information is provided to aid the reader in determining if they knew the deceased. To view complete information, please refer to this key: [ADS] Adrian Dominican Sisters, adriandominicans.org [AM] Anderson-Marry Funeral Homes, andersonfuneralservices.com [BJFH] Borek Jennings Funeral Home, borekjennings.com [BVH] Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home, brownvanhemert.com [E] Eineder Funeral Homes, einederfuneralhomes.com [H] Handler Funeral Homes, handlerfuneralhomes.com [PA] Purse Funeral Home in Adrian, pursefuneralhome.com [PS] Gil Purse & Son, gilpurseandson.com [W] Wagley Funeral Homes, wagleyfuneralhomes.com

Larry David Day, 77, of Brooklyn died on May 31. He proudly served as a member of the Army National Guard. He was a selfemployed carpenter who had a passion and skill for woodworking. [BVH] Khristofer Keith “Boots” Taylor, 25, of Adrian died on July 16. He was a native of Winfield, Alabama. [PA] Bennie N. Hyder, 88, of Adrian died on July 18. He enjoyed classic cars and going to car shows. He worked at Brazeway in Adrian for many years until his retirement. [AM] Gary Edward Steinman, 78, of Tecumseh died on July 18. He had a passion for skydiving, completing over 1,000 jumps. He also enjoyed scuba diving, early morning walks, and lending a helping hand to his neighbors, and was an avid handgun collector. [AM] Tina Douglas, 57, of Addison died on July 19. She was a 1987 graduate of Addison High School. She was employed with Jackson-area postal services. She enjoyed touring lighthouses and exploring waterfalls. [BVH] Mary “June” Badder, 95, of Adrian died on July 20. She was a homemaker after graduating from high school until she opened her own day care center in 1976. She had a passion for helping children develop skills for starting their school careers. [AM] Lisa Marie Cornwell, 55, of Adrian died on July 21. She was born in Jackson. [PS] Walter Wayne Franke, 79, of Hudson died on July 21. After high school he served in the U.S. Army as a heavy vehicle driver. He worked as a truck driver for 35 years, retiring in 2005. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sighting in his guns and working on cars. He was a member of the Hillsdale American Legion. [AM] Alfred James John Scheiblich, 78, of Adrian died on July 22. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard for several years, primarily in Spain. He was a firefighter and paramedic in Lauderhill, Florida. After retiring from public service he became a journeyman lineman, a career that eventually brought him to Michigan. He was an avid motorcyclist in his younger years. [W] Bernard Eugene Southwell, 88, of Hudson died on July 22. He was a 1955 graduate of Onsted High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1958-61. He was a lifelong electrician and owned and operated Hudson Electric. He also worked for IBEW Local 8 of Toledo, retiring from the union hall in 2002. He enjoyed farming, bee keeping, and gardening. He attended the First Baptist Church in Hudson and the Hudson Senior Center. [BVH] Edward Michael “Mike” Benes, 86, of Brooklyn died on July 23. He was a graduate of Adrian College and a member of Alpha Tau Omega. He earned a master’s degree in education from Eastern Michigan University. He taught at Michener Elementary School in Adrian and eventually became principal. He also worked at Prairie, Garfield and Alexander elementary schools and Drager Middle School. He was a member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Cambridge Junction, and was involved with the Lions Club. [W] Rosemary Louise Borton, 87, of Hudson died on July 23. She was a graduate of Hudson High School and began her career as a cook in the school cafeteria before working as a cashier at Bob’s Market

House. She enjoyed gardening, knitting, crafting, and assembling puzzles. [AM] Lynn Edward Crots, 88, of Deerfield died on July 23. He graduated from Blissfield High School and while in school began working at Tecumseh Products. In the 1960s he founded Lynn’s Excavating. Later he partnered with his son, Randy, as co-owner of Lasershot Farm Drainage, which they operated for 35 years. He earned his pilot’s license before his driver’s license and enjoyed flying Cessna airplanes and Bell helicopters. He was a longtime member of Blissfield Baptist Church and attended Deerfield Church of God. [PA] David Scott “Jungle” George, 68, of Adrian died on July 23. He attended Adrian High School and worked at Kroger for many years, and also was a maintenance man for Maple Woods. He enjoyed fishing on Lake Adrian, motocross, and hunting. [PA] Julia “Julie” A. Holtz, 90, of Adrian died on July 23. She was a graduate of Adrian High School and Adrian College. She taught in Adrian Public Schools for 28 years. She was part of the Jaycee Auxiliary, Tau Delta Sorority, Tabea Sorority, and Michigan Education Association Retirees. She was a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. She loved family gatherings at her Devils Lake home. [W] James Edward Bauer, 94, of Manchester died on July 24. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany, and worked for a number of beer distributors. Farming and hard work were very important to him. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Manchester and St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Tecumseh. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Elizabeth’s Men’s Group. [H] Ronald Lee Belman, 63, of Norvell died on July 24. He was born in Hudson. He retired from Lynair Inc. after 30 years of service. [PA] Kathleen R. “Kathy” Johnson, 79, of Brooklyn died on July 24. She was valedictorian of the Brooklyn High School class of 1965, and a graduate of Justin Morrill College at Michigan State University. She began her career as a secretary in a foreign embassy, and earned an MBA from George Washington University, working for decades in Washington, D.C. She retired as assistant to the director of the Smithsonian Institution. [E] Thomas William “Tom” McIntyre, 85, of Tecumseh died on July 24. He earned degrees from DePauw University and the University of Iowa, and he worked as a chemist for Eli Lilly. He was nicknamed “Tigger” for his boundless energy. He later established Kingwood Laboratory, where he produced saliva replacement products for cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment, that were later found to also be helpful for vocal performers. He was an active member of the Human Ecology Action League. [PS] Marlene Nelson, 92, of Adrian died on July 24. Over the years, she and her husband owned and operated several antique businesses, including the Village Pump in Northville, Red Rock Horse Farm in Clinton, and The Hitching Post in Tecumseh. [AM] Sister Kathleen Voss, OP, 85, of Adrian died on July 24. Formerly Sister William Lorraine, she was in her 65th year of profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. She was born in Detroit.

After entering the Congregation, she spent more than 20 years ministering in schools in Florida, South Carolina, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. She was a social worker and counselor who ministered as a mental health therapist and in pastoral ministry in Florida. She later taught graphic design at a Detroit high school. [ADS] Lora M. (Gilbert) Byers, 96, of Adrian died on July 25. She was a lifelong member of the Salvation Army and served in many offices including Girl Guard and Sunbeam Leader, Home League Secretary, Songster leader, Corps Cadet leader, and Sunday School teacher, retiring in 2012. She was also employed at NuWay, Inc., Ace Hardware, and Kanes Kitchens. [W] Caroline Barbara Schwartz, 92, died on July 25. She was employed for over 30 years as an insurance agent. She enjoyed going with her daughter, Joanne, to the Ann Arbor Farmers Market where she helped selling produce. [H] Lois Withrow, 87, of Tecumseh died on July 25. She worked in the cafeteria for Tecumseh Public Schools. She was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church for over 60 years. She was part of the Herrick Hospital Auxiliary, volunteered with the Red Cross, and was a member of 4-H. She enjoyed Aquacise at the YMCA for over 40 years and would occasionally teach the class. [H] Randall Roger Ries, 73, of Adrian died on July 26. He was a 1971 graduate of Morenci High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from Eastern Michigan University. He spent his career with Tecumseh Products until his retirement, ultimately earning the title of supervisor. [AM] Billie Mynette Smith, 65, of Hudson died on July 26. She worked for several years as a server at Northwood Villa and later as a receiving clerk at Bob’s Market House. She loved the water and entertaining family and friends at her home on Lime Lake in Hudson. [AM] Virginia Ruth Butler, 90, of Onsted died on July 27. In 1989 she fulfilled a lifelong dream by earning her diploma from Onsted High School. She was a member of Union Gospel Church in Tipton. She was a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader in Onsted. She worked briefly for Montgomery Ward in Adrian and for a number of years at Sauk Valley Farms resort as a seamstress. She also worked at Provincial House in Adrian. [PS] Jerry Lee Dills, 81, of Adrian died on July 27. After high school he earned an associate degree in drafting and worked for Krieghoff Lenawee as a superintendent/carpenter, retiring in 2008. He was a member of St. Stephen Evangelical Lutheran Church and served as the maintenance chair for many years. [AM] Fay Ivan Greene, 104, of Tecumseh died on July 27. He was a 1940 graduate of Hanover High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1940-46 aboard the USS Pruitt and USS Massey, achieving the rank of Sonar Second Class. He worked as a truck driver, first for Jack Smith Beverage in the Ann Arbor area, and later for Kuhlman Concrete, retiring in 1984. He was active in the Tecumseh Fan Club and was a member of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church. [H] Donna Lee (Hamilton) McGuire, 83, of Adrian died on July 27. She was a hardworking woman who never liked to sit still and was always there to lend a hand. [PA] Robert (Bob) W. Hudspeth, 87, of Brooklyn died on July 29. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Whittaker. He retired in 2003 from Ford Motor Co. in Ypsilanti after 40 years as a hydraulic journeyman. In 2003 he moved into Brooklyn Living Center, where he earned the nickname “Butter Bob” for bringing his own blue bottle of squeeze butter to every meal. [E] William L. “Bill” Williams, 95, of Adrian died on July 29. He served in the U.S. Air Force and graduated with a degree in pharmacy from Wayne State University. In addition to being a pharmacist he owned and operated Wilderness Retreat Campground in Dundee alongside his family for over four decades. [H]

Steven Leroy Williams, 74, of Pittsford died on July 30. He was a 1970 graduate of Waldron High School and was a lifelong farmer. He served as a school board member and was a constant presence at area youth sports. He enjoyed lively discussions about politics and farming, especially at Prattville Fertilizer & Grain. [AM] Janet Marie Foster, 90, of Adrian died on July 31. She retired from Simplex Industries where she worked for over 20 years. In her earlier years she worked at Stubnitz-Greene. She was creative and artistic and loved getting lost in a good book. [PA] Ricky Edward McAllister, 73, of Adrian died on July 31. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1969-70 and spent his career as a long-haul truck driver. He enjoyed rebuilding hot rods, displaying them at car shows, and competing in races. At one time he was a professional race car driver. [AM] Karen Lea Lesher (Butler), 61, of Toledo died on Aug. 1. Most of her adult life was spent as a homemaker with occasional employment in the service industry. She loved seeing her children graduate from Deerfield High School and begin families of their own. She enjoyed watching musicals at the Stranahan Theater, the Croswell Opera House, and in Rensselaer, Indiana, where two of her grandchildren performed. [W] Sister Martha Napior, OP, 87, of Adrian died on Aug. 1. Formerly Sister John Estelle, she was in her 70th year of profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. She was born in Detroit. She ministered in elementary education for 35 years in Illinois and Michigan before becoming a pastoral minister. In that capacity she served parishes in Arizona, Minnesota, and Michigan, including ministering to the Potawatomi Nation at the Hannahville Reservation in Harris, Michigan. She was fiercely committed to social justice, planting herself firmly on the margins of society in order to uplift others. [ADS] Pauline May Ramsey, 81, of Manitou Beach died on Aug. 1. She was a 1963 graduate of Dundee High School. She had been a member of Gateway Community Church in Onsted since 1975. She served as director of the Onsted Senior Center for over 30 years. [PA] Ray Hanrahan, 80, of Tecumseh died on Aug. 2. He earned an associate’s degree from Pace College in New York before joining the U.S. Army in 1965. He studied at New York City College of Technology, earning his HVAC certificate, and ultimately achieved licensure as an HVAC Watch Engineer. He worked in the power plant division of the Federal Reserve Bank in Lower Manhattan for 35 years, retiring in 2008. He and his wife relocated to Tecumseh in 2022. He had a lifelong passion for music and loved playing the guitar and blues harmonica. [PS] Sister Fran Madigan, OP, 91, of Adrian died on Aug. 2. Formerly Sister Frances Dennine, she was in her 73rd year of religious profession as an Adrian Dominican Sister. She was born in Chicago and baptized as Laverne Frances. After entering the Congregation she served in elementary education in Michigan, South Carolina, Florida, and Illinois for more than 30 years. She was administrator of the Motherhouse complex in Adrian for several years. She also served in pastoral ministry, migrant ministry, in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, as a health clinic administrator, and as a volunteer at literacy centers in Florida and Adrian. [ADS] Lucinda Rose Guitner, 81, of Cement City died on Aug. 3. She was born in Addison, was a 1964 graduate of Cement City High School, and attended Cement City Baptist Church. [E] Janet Mae (Schuller) Jensen, 90, of Sylvania died on Aug. 3. She and her husband purchased an A&W restaurant in 1969 and moved their family to Blissfield. She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, now Light of Christ Parish, for 57 years, serving faithfully as catechist, parish council member and editor of the parish newsletter. She also worked as a bank teller at Jipson Carter State Bank/Key Bank for five years before retiring. [W]

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SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

IN MEMORY Roger “Rick” Henry Wonderly, 75, of Britton died on Aug. 3. He was employed as a boat builder by Meyers Boats, which was originally located at the Allen Meyers Airport in Tecumseh. He was a car enthusiast and a member of the Southern Michigan Street Cruisers. [H] Emily Jane Bowman, 87, of Addison died on Aug. 4. She was a 1957 graduate of Addison High School. She worked at Addison Products for over 30 years as a bookkeeper, retiring in 2000. She also served as the Addison Village Clerk for many years. She was a member of Addison Congregational Church and a 4-H Leader. She made over 200 quilts with many of them donated to local churches, children, and the fire department. [BVH] George Ekins, 76, of Paradise, formerly of Hudson, died on Aug. 4. He was a 1968 graduate of Hudson High School. He worked at Town and Country Motorcycle Shop in Addison as a mechanic and as a machinist at a chemical factory. [BVH] Sister Barbara Gentry, OP, 91, of Adrian died on Aug. 4. She was in the 72nd year of her religious profession, first as a Benedictine Sister of Bristow, Virginia, and then since 1983 as an Adrian Dominican Sister. She was a native of Richmond, Virginia. She ministered in secondary education in Richmond and then was a pastoral minister at parishes in Virginia and South Carolina, and later for the Congregation in Adrian, for 28 years. She was also certified as a massage therapist. [ADS] Zane Alexzander Hall, 17, of Tecumseh died on Aug. 4. He was a bright, spirited young man with a contagious laugh and unforgettable smile. He was working toward his high school diploma and dreamed of joining the military after graduation. He had a creative mind and would spend hours building Lego creations. In alignment with his caring and generous spirit, he gave others the gift of life through organ and tissue donation, potentially saving up to five lives. [AM]

Joseph Walter Long, 56, of Adrian died on Aug. 4. For years he poured his heart into coaching basketball, mentoring young men and women and teaching them about life. He loved his role at Plymouth Christian Academy and Calvary Baptist Church and listening to the elementary students singing praise and worship songs. He was active in NewLife Church. [AM] Allan J.F. Faulds, 87, of Brooklyn died on Aug. 5. He was a graduate of DeVilbiss High School in Toledo. He worked as a barber for 12 years before transitioning to General Motors in Toledo, retiring after 30 years. [E] Robert Frederick Schultz, 76, of Madison Township died on Aug. 5. He was a 1968 graduate of Adrian High School. He worked for Lowe’s in Adrian until his retirement. He was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he served as a past council president, and was also a member of the Adrian Eagles. He loved playing his guitar and singing, especially at nursing homes. He participated in the Lenawee County Walk to End Alzheimer’s for several years and enjoyed performing at the Croswell Opera House. [AM] Manuel Valdez, 75, of Hudson died on Aug. 5. He worked for General Motors on the assembly line at the Fisher Body Plant in Tecumseh for most of his 31-year career, retiring in 2003. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War from 1968-72. [AM] Dawn Morton, 88, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died on Aug. 7. She was born in Jasper and passed away at her daughter’s home. She worked for 28 years in library systems. Jerry Lynn Hawkins, 85, of Tecumseh died on Aug. 8. He dedicated many years working for Tecumseh Products. On the side, he worked for farmers around the Britton and Ridgeway areas. He loved the outdoors, fishing, and rabbit and pheasant hunting. He also raised rabbits. [AM] Thomas “Tom” Charles Luck, 79, of Tipton died on Aug. 8. He was a 1965 graduate of Onsted High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1966-68. He was a

member of the Durkee Seager American Legion Post 550 in Onsted for 56 years. He managed the Onsted Lumber Company and later formed his own company, Tom Luck Builders, in the 1980s. He was also known as the “Christmas Tree Man,” owning the Pentecost Tree Farm with his brother Russ. [AM] Jane Ann (Boughton) Norris, 80, of Brooklyn died on Aug. 8. She attended Willow Run High School. She loved having her grandchildren spend summers with her which would include her “Granny Jane Special” — a peanut butter, banana and M&M sandwich — and the tradition of “Upside Down Day,” when they would have ice cream sundaes for breakfast, dinner for lunch, lunch for dinner, and cereal for dessert. [PA] James Arthur “Jim” Novak, 78, of Blissfield died on Aug. 8. He was a 1966 graduate of Blissfield High School. He began his 34-year career with the Blissfield Police Department in 1978. He was promoted to sergeant in 1987 and retired in 2012. He was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church and served on many boards there. He cared for and maintained the church for more than 20 years as custodian and groundskeeper. [W] Edward Howard Schmidt Jr., 64, of Tecumseh died on Aug. 9. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting at Eastern Michigan University. He dedicated many years to Kmart, where he served as a manager until his retirement in 2024. [AM] Charles Dean Sower, 81, of Adrian died on Aug. 9. He served in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. He began his career at Blissfield Manufacturing and in 1977 he started working at General Motors in Adrian. He then transferred to Janesville, Wisconsin, and finished his career at the Lansing GM Plant. He served as president of UAW Local 2031 in Adrian. He volunteered and coached little league in Adrian for Civitan for many years. [PA] Rochelle Renee Bowen, 56, died on Aug. 10. She was known for her genuine and compassionate demeanor, which was evident in her career as a nurse. [AM]

Eleanor (Lucy) Howe (Stratton), 89, of Hudson died on Aug. 10. She enjoyed riding motorcycles with her husband and also raced motorcycles. Later in life she became the owner of Howe’s Kountry Kettle in Hudson, known for the famous Kountry Potato and homemade apple dumplings. [BVH] Larry Gene Lyons, 72, died on Aug. 10. He was a graduate of Parkside High School, Ferris State College, and Spring Arbor University. He dedicated 43 years to the automotive industry, starting as a test technician then rising through the ranks of sales and engineering. He worked at Walker MFG/Tenneco Automotive, SJM, and Faurecia. [AM] Christopher Ross Keefer, 58, of Onsted died on Aug. 11. He was a 1987 graduate of Morenci Area Schools. He entered the workforce as a painter with employment in his uncles’ former business, Lenco Building Supply in Morenci. [AM] Michael D. “Mike” Landt, 80, of Tecumseh died on Aug. 11. He was a 1965 graduate of Monroe High School, where he played football and cemented his love of cars. He joined the Army’s 1st Cavalry Division in 1966 and trained at Fort Hood, Texas, where he parachuted out of airplanes. He deployed to Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart. He earned a business degree from Eastern Michigan University and began selling insurance. One of his passions was the Central Michigan Veterans Fund, where he supported an annual golf outing to raise money for veterans in need. [AM] Mona Kathleen Summers, 99, of Adrian died on Aug. 11. She was a graduate of Adrian High School. She managed the office for the family business, Summers Construction, and was a short order cook for one of her sons when he owned the Hi-Lo Grill. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Adrian. [W] Robert Burton Lape Jr., 82, of Tecumseh died on Aug. 12. He was retired from Ford Motor Co.’s Saline plant. He loved traveling on his Gold Wing motorcycle. [PA]

THE LENAWEE VOICE

B15

SEPTEMBER 2026

IN MEMORY Nancy Sue Schang, 88, of Morenci died on Aug. 13. She was born in Hillsdale and grew up in Waldron, graduating from high school with the class of 1955. She spent many years as a hairdresser in Addison and Morenci. She also worked for 20 years for Zee Medical in Toledo, delivering medical supplies and medications. She was active in the Morenci Kiwanis Club, Morenci American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, and the Morenci Eagles, where she bartended for several years. [AM] Deanna J. Perin, 89, of Hudson died on Aug. 13 at Lenawee Medical Care Facility in Adrian. [AM] Jackie “Jack” Lee Arnett, 94, of Clayton died on Aug. 14. He was born in Missouri. He worked for Tecumseh Products for over 43 years and then bought the Canandaigua Store in 1989, retiring in 2009. He attended Medina Federated Church. [AM] Nancy Jo Landers, 80, of Norvell died on Aug. 14. She was born in Tecumseh. She worked many years serving her community as a babysitter and later a bus driver. She later worked in the cafeteria at Napoleon Schools and as a custodian at Ackerson Lake School. After her years with the schools she worked at the Big Boy in Brooklyn, the Super 8 Motel in Brooklyn, and for several summers in the kitchen at Michigan International Speedway. She eventually continued her career at Brooklyn Living Center until her retirement. She hosted the Norvell Township Halloween Party for over 30 years. [PA] David Michael Lindeman Jr., 61, of Liberty Township died on Aug. 14. He was born in Addison and grew up in Brooklyn, where he was known by the nickname “Davy Crockett.” He attended Columbia Central High School, where he played baseball. He was a master sheet metal worker with Sheet Metal Workers Local 7, Zone 1, and a talented CAD detailer. [PA] Eleanor Marie Fick, 105, of Adrian died on Aug. 16. She was born near Deerfield, attended Deerfield Schools, and was a captain on the girls basketball team. Over the years she was employed at Bummies and Rock Inn of Adrian and retired at the age of 75 from Madison Township, where she had been employed for many years. [AM]

Rosemary Niblack, 96, of Britton died on Aug. 16. She was a 1948 graduate of BrittonMacon High School and earned a master’s degree from Western Michigan University. In 1952 she became an elementary school teacher in Britton-Macon Area Schools. She retired in 1992. She was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Clinton and delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. She was also a member of Questers, a group focused on historical preservation, restoration, and education. [H] Cherri Jon Irish, 77, of Addison died on Aug. 17. She was a 4-H leader, helping with everything from animals to sewing and baking. She was known by many of her grandchildren as Grandma Chicken. She was active in Wheatland Congregational Church for many years. [BVH] Joann Florence Gritzmaker, 91, of Hudson died on Aug. 18 at Adrian Bay Rehab and Nursing Center. She sang in the choir at the Blissfield Emmanuel Lutheran Church and later attended the Betzer Community Church. [BVH] Sandra Ann Jarrell, 80, of Morenci died on Aug. 18 at Lenawee Medical Care Facility in Adrian. She attended Chesterfield High School before transferring to Morenci High School, where she graduated in 1964. [AM]

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SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

mo m o Fall Fest

n er

ren

Saturday, October 3 Downtown Morenci

ic

ci

4-7 PM 4-7 PM

free activities DJ VanDamage family fun merchants & non-profits

8-11 PM 8-11 PM

live music

Chase VanBrandt & the Dive Bar All-Stars

food trucks • beer tents • local favorites

Morenci Social District open until 11pm

FREE ADMISSION

Morenci Church of the Nazarene marks centennial » PAGE C3

Cross country season begins » PAGE C9

OUR TOWNS

THE LENAWEE VOICE THIRD SECTION SEPTEMBER 2026

Lenawee County football preview » PAGE C7

Michigan winery pairings add to Manitou Beach shopping experience

Alex and George Trejo are pictured along with George’s son, Max, shortly before the brothers opened The Golden Griddle in the former Big Boy location in downtown Adrian. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE

Brothers open Golden Griddle restaurant in former Big Boy By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — For George and Alex Trejo, working in the restaurant business is a family tradition. When the brothers saw that the old Big Boy restaurant in Adrian was vacant, they got the idea of opening their own family restaurant, The Golden Griddle. “Seeing this building for a long time, just being empty,” George said, made them decide “let’s start investigating.” The Trejo brothers have lived in Adrian for 17 years. They started out as dishwashers and worked their way up, George said. Family members, including a brother and cousins, already owned family restaurants in Brooklyn and Blissfield, which was a motivator for the brothers. While the building hasn’t changed structurally, The Golden Griddle, which seats 140 guests, is upgraded with flooring, tables, chairs and an upgraded, enlarged kitchen. “It’s so much bigger than it used to be,” Alex said. All the mechanical and electrical systems and equipment is upgraded as well, George said. The menu includes breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Breakfast items include traditional favorites, such as eggs and toast, and specialties like omelets, skillets and griddle items. The lunch menu includes 20 types of sandwiches, including a Monte Cristo, a Reuben, a French Dip and a Big Jim. Seven varieties of burgers are available. Salads include a Cobb salad, gyro salad and chef salad. Hot sandwiches include roast beef, ham, meatloaf and turkey. Wraps can be ordered in a chicken bacon ranch and a Tuscan wrap, as well as four other varieties.

ADRIAN —

See GOLDEN GRIDDLE, page C4

Visitors to the stores at Manitou Beach can now also experience a variety of Michigan wines as they shop. Four Manitou Beach businesses — Faust House Scrap ’n’ Craft, the Manitou Beach Boathouse Art Gallery, Ang & Co., and Devils Lake View Living — have each paired with a winery to offer tasting experiences inside their stores. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID GAJDA AND JOSE MALAGON By Erik Gable

The Lenawee Voice

MANITOU BEACH — People browsing the stores in downtown Manitou Beach can now add to their experience by sampling Michigan-made wines while they shop. Or maybe it’s the other way around, and people heading out for an afternoon or evening of wine tasting can shop at the same time. It all depends on how you look at it. Four Manitou Beach businesses have partnered with four Michigan wineries to offer tasting rooms inside their shops. The goal is to aid in the village’s ongoing revitalization by giving people more to do while enjoying time at the lakes. The project is the brainchild of David Gajda and Jose Malagon, a local couple who have been buying, renovating and selling properties in Manitou Beach for about 20 years. Gajda grew up in Garden City and spent summers at the lake starting when he was 10 years old. He left the area after college and his technology career took him all over, including to Los Angeles, which is where he and Malagon first met. When Gajda first brought Malagon back to Michigan, it was a bit of a culture shock to find that most days consisted of going out on the lake, then heading to the bar for dinner, then doing the same thing the next day.

MANITOU BEACH —

Jose Malagon and Dave Gajda have been working to facilitate a series of tasting rooms for Michigan wineries inside existing Manitou Beach stores. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE “He grew up here on the water, loves the water,” Malagon said. “I’m a city boy from L.A.” When they started buying distressed properties to rehabilitate them, the project gave Malagon — who had worked in scenic and costume design for theaters — something to do as he worked to give each building its own unique character. But of course the main purpose was to help bring Manitou Beach back to being a vibrant community center.

Over the years, they’ve purchased and rehabilitated about 60 properties, sometimes renovating the buildings and sometimes tearing them down and building fresh. Their model has been to ask people what kind of businesses they want to see in the area, then find a tenant who’s interested in filling that need — and, hopefully, to sell the building to that tenant when the time is right.

See MANITOU BEACH, page C4

C2 | OUR TOWNS

Adrian police to host presentations on scam awareness ADRIAN — On Thursday, Sept. 3, the Adrian Police Department will be hosting two sessions of a one-hour presentation on scam prevention and awareness at the City Chambers Building, 159 E. Maumee St., Adrian The presentation will be offered at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Detective Sgt. Kevin Putnam will discuss why scams work, the most commonly seen scams, how to stay safe, and what to do if targeted. The presentation is open to the public and will be followed by a Q&A session.

‘Designer Barn’ unveiling on Sept. 19 PALMYRA — A local company, Good Fellas Roofing, is aiming to rethink agricultural infrastructure by treating barn roofs as a giant canvas— creating one-of-a-kind structural landmarks. They will host an unveiling party for their first “Designer Barn” project from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at 7707 Deerfield Highway, Palmyra. For more information, go to goodfellasroofingllc.com.

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

First United Methodist Church in Adrian has new pastor By Erik Gable

The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — A new pastor is in the pulpit at Adrian’s First United Methodist Church. Zack Dunlap was appointed to the church in July. Dunlap grew up in Canton, and said that “if you had asked me as a young high school student, I would have told you I wanted to be a history teacher when I grew up.” But during a church retreat, he felt a nudge — “that voice that comes from within without being your own” — pushing him toward ministry. He attended Eastern Michigan University and then earned his master’s degree in divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary. His first church was in Allen Park, and he has also served in Blissfield, Lambertville, and Fairview Heights, Illinois. Most recently he was in Berkley, where he was the pastor of a campus planted by Birmingham First United Methodist Church. He is currently finishing his doctorate at Duke Divinity School. Though he didn’t grow up in the United Methodist Church, Dunlap found the church’s theology appealing — an emphasis on grace and also on pragmatism, doing what will make a difference in people’s lives. He said he likes the United Methodist blend of evangelism and social justice, and on viewing the church not just as a “ticket to heaven” but as a chance to improve life on earth. He also appreciates the United Methodist Church’s inclusive philosophy, “continuing to pull up more chairs to God’s family table.”

The Rev. Zack Dunlap is the new pastor of First United Methodist Church in Adrian. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE Dunlap said Adrian First United Methodist Church is “a church certainly with tremendous history, but also with tremendous potential.” “We have really good children’s programming and are developing some excellent youth programming for this fall,” he said. “We also have an increasing number of college students from Adrian College who are involved here.” His wife, Rachael, is also a pastor, serving at Manchester United Methodist Church. Their four children, Sam, Sophia, John and Jed, attend Adrian Public Schools. First United Methodist Church is at 1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian.

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THE LENAWEE VOICE

OUR TOWNS | C3

SEPTEMBER 2026

Morenci Church of the Nazarene marks 100 years By Renee Lapham Collins The Lenawee Voice

MORENCI — Small but mighty. It’s an apt description of the congregation at Morenci’s Church of the Nazarene, where about 75 people gather for worship on an average Sunday and where members recently celebrated a century of faith, service and community. The church marked its 100th anniversary with a weekend celebration Aug. 15-16, beginning Saturday with food, children’s activities and displays highlighting a century of church history. Intermittent rain forced some of the celebration indoors, but did little to dampen the festivities. Children continued to move in and out of two bounce houses provided by James Scott of Hunter Moving and Storage, while tents and tables offered shelter for those willing to brave the wet weather. Inside, visitors browsed photographs and other displays tracing the history of the congregation. The congregation’s reach also extends beyond Morenci through its support of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, which works with local Nazarene churches around the world on community development, emergency relief and programs serving children and families. One of the displays Saturday reflected that spirit of service in a particularly tangible way. Church member Carol Eddings had crafted small prayer cloths from scraps of fabric, each with a tiny cross sewn inside, and filled a table with them for visitors alongside pamphlets describing the NCM program. Church member Angela Borton, one of the principal organizers of the celebration, said planning began in March. “We started out thinking of what we wanted to have,” Borton said.

MORENCI —

Morenci Church of the Nazarene members braved the rain for a block party on Aug. 15, part of a weekend of celebrating the church’s centennial. The church’s story began with a small group meeting in a home on Walnut Street. Organizers initially hoped to bring in food trucks but soon discovered they were already booked. “So we just decided to do the food ourselves,” she said. That resulted in a menu of walking tacos, hot dogs, sno-cones, chips and cookies, along with the bounce houses and other activities. Pastor Vince Flippo, who has served the Morenci congregation for four years, said the theme of the centennial celebration was to “honor the past and look toward the future.” That history began with a small group meeting in a home at 117 W. Walnut St. As the group grew, members purchased an old Free Methodist church building for $150, dismantled it and moved it to Morenci, where it became the congregation’s first church building. The present church complex also grew over time, with the sanctuary constructed

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in the early 1950s and additions made in later decades. Much of the work, Flippo said, was accomplished through volunteer labor by church members. “The congregation people get together and save money and build,” he said. It is a pattern that has extended beyond bricks and mortar. Church tradition traces the congregation’s beginnings in part to Moses Schoonover, a local man whose dramatic conversion became part of the church’s oral history. Flippo said Schoonover, once known for his heavy drinking, experienced what he believed was a divine encounter while praying in

his barn at a time when most of his 12 children were seriously ill. Schoonover and another local convert became part of the small group from which the Morenci congregation eventually developed. The Schoonover family remained important in the church for generations, along with other longtime families including the Penningtons. Today the congregation averages about 75 people on a typical Sunday, Flippo said, with attendance sometimes nearing 100.

See CHURCH, page C4

C4 | OUR TOWNS

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Cornish to retire as Clinton village manager Christmas Riverwalk trees go on sale Sept. 16 Local Buzz Radio

ADRIAN — Trees for the city of Adrian’s Comstock Christmas Riverwalk will go on sale at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, both in person at City Hall located at 135 E Maumee St. and online. The cost is $75 per tree. The link to purchase a tree online will be available by Sept. 7. About 330 will be for sale online and 200 in person. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, contact Kate Deneau at kdeneau@ adrianmi.gov or at 517-264-4802.

Rock the Block in Morenci MORENCI — Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County is seeking volunteers for its annual Rock the Block event, taking place Sept. 11–12 in Morenci. Projects have now been identified, and Habitat is preparing to bring volunteers together to complete a variety of exterior home improvement projects for local homeowners. Work may include painting, yard cleanup, minor repairs, landscaping, and other projects designed to improve safety, appearance, and quality of life for residents. Rock the Block is one of Habitat Lenawee’s largest volunteer-driven community events and brings together individuals, businesses, churches, service groups, and community organizations to make a visible impact in a concentrated neighborhood. “No construction experience is necessary,” said Justin Rincon, construction manager for Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County. “There are projects for a range of skill levels, and volunteers are supported by Habitat staff and project leaders throughout the day. What matters most is simply being willing to show up and help.” Volunteers are especially needed for Friday, Sept. 11, but there are opportunities available on Saturday, Sept. 12, as well. Volunteers can register online at bit.ly/HabitatRTB2026. For more information, call Habitat at 517-265-6157. HBA Builders Care Project coming to Morenci: The Home Builders Association of Jackson, Hillsdale & Lenawee will be holding a Builders Care project in Morenci on Sept. 11 and 12 alongside Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County’s Rock the Block. For this project, the HBA has adopted the home of Kathy Schiermyer, a 47-year resident of Morenci and retired Lenawee County teacher. The home was built around the 1860s. Builders Care brings together the skills, resources and generosity of HBA members to make a direct impact in the communities the Association serves. Builders, remodelers, contractors, skilled tradespeople, suppliers and other HBA members will work together during the two-day project to complete a variety of improvements to the home.

CLINTON — The village of Clinton is looking for a new village manager, after Kevin Cornish recently told the village council he will be retiring before the end of the year. Cornish has been Clinton’s village manager since 1990. While his last day on the job has not been determined, he was required by village policy to give at least 90 days

notice of his intent to step down, with some on the council saying it could easily take that long, if not longer, to find his successor. The job posting states that the village is seeking someone who is dynamic and visionary and who can drive initiatives that will enhance the vibrancy and sustainability of the village. Council members are hoping to begin narrowing down applicants by mid-September and offer the position

to someone in early October, followed by a transition period. Cornish told the council he realized finding his replacement may not be an easy process, and offered to help in any way he could along the way. He pointed to infrastructure updates, public safety improvements, community development investments, and financial stewardship as among the achievements of which he was most proud during his 36 years as village manager.

Kelly Stickel and Pam Rogers enjoy a glass of wine inside Ang & Co.

Craft hosts Cherry Creek Cellars, the Manitou Beach Boathouse Art Gallery hosts Amoritas Vineyards, Ang & Co. hosts Chateau Fontaine, and Devils Lake View Living hosts Brengman Family Wines. Each of the businesses manages its own relationship with the winery it has paired with, while Gajda and Malagon have been helping things happen behind the scenes and working to promote the venture. Cherry Creek Cellars is located near Brooklyn; the other three are from the Leelanau area. “We wanted to get a blend of local and northern wineries,” Gajda said. Angie Hanawalt is the owner of Ang & Co., a gift shop in Manitou Beach. She said she’s had people come to shop and stay for a glass of wine, and others come for the wine and stay to shop. “It’s worked both ways. One has fed off of the other,” she said. The plan is for the tasting rooms to remain open year round.

Manitou Beach from page C1 One of the businesses they recruited was a salon, because women in the area said they were tired of needing to go to Adrian for hair appointments. Another was a dog groomer. To serve visitors to the area, they created Devils Lake Inn I, a guest house with three themed suites — the Auto Suite, the Celebrity Suite, and the Pantry Suite, where the decorations revolve around Michigan-made food. That project was followed by Devils Lake Inn Too, where all the suites are waterthemed. Both of those businesses have now been sold. Of the roughly 60 properties they purchased and rehabilitated, they’ve now sold about half. The satellite tasting rooms represent another way to help bring new life to Manitou Beach. Faust House Scrap ’n’

Golden Griddle from page C1 “I’ve never had a wrap the way we make them,” George said. Items on the dinner menu come with three sides. The menu includes entrees such as grilled chicken teriyaki and four types of stirfry, as well as a New York strip steak. Also available are traditional favorites such as country-fried steak, fried chicken, and dinners such as roast beef, liver and onions, meatloaf, boneless pork chops, and breaded veal cutlets.

Also on the dinner menu are seafood items, such as fish and chips, fried perch, jumbo fried shrimp, fried scallops, baked tilapia and a seafood platter. Pasta items include ravioli, chicken and veal parmigiana, lasagna, and spaghetti. George said the brothers’ goal is to serve their town with the best food possible every day. “More than anything we’re going to try to give out the best all the time,” he said. The Golden Griddle is located at 126 N. Broad St. in Adrian. Online ordering and carryout is available. The menu,

including updated daily specials, can be found on their Facebook page. The restaurant can be reached by phone at 517-265-9277. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Golden Griddle 126 N. Broad St., Adrian Phone: 517-265-9277 Hours: Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Church from page C3 “We’re here,” he said simply. “Just people. Just people.” Flippo came to Morenci after serving 23 years as pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in Bedford Township. The Morenci ministry team also includes John Roney, outreach pastor and food pantry director; Keith Stowell, who is working toward ordination; newly arrived youth pastor Jacob McMunn; and worship leader Jacob Pennington. The centennial celebration continued Sunday with a special worship service that included participation by former pastors, some in person and others through recorded video greetings. The service carried through the weekend’s theme of honoring the past while looking toward the future. Music reflected the congregation’s history, moving from traditional hymns associated with earlier generations toward the contemporary praise music heard in the church today. The service also welcomed McMunn as the church’s new youth pastor — a fitting way to begin the congregation’s second century.

Pastor Vince Flippo, in the back, is pictured with Morenci Church of the Nazarene’s oldest and newest members. In the center are Megan and Isaiah Pruitt with their newborn, Maeve. On either side of them are Nancy Gandee, left, and Pat Schoonover. For a church that started with a handful of people meeting in a house, moved and rebuilt its first church building piece by piece and later expanded again through the labor of its

own members, the centennial offered a chance to remember not only what had been built, but the people who built it. And after 100 years, the work continues.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

OUR TOWNS | C5

SEPTEMBER 2026

NEWS FROM AROUND LENAWEE COUNTY COUNTY NEWS PETITION URGES GETTING RID OF FLOCK CAMERAS: Amid growing nationwide criticism of Flock license platereading cameras, a spokesman for a group called De-Flock Adrian last month urged Lenawee County commissioners to reconsider their use of the cameras. Ethan McClellan of Palmyra submitted nearly 200 signatures from community members opposed to the expansion of surveillance devices. He said the signers understand that law enforcement needs tools to keep people safe, but question where the line should be drawn and are concerned not just about what the cameras are capable of now, but what they will be able to do in the future. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO TECUMSEH PRODUCTS OFFER REJECTED: Lenawee County commissioners turned down a purchase offer for the former Tecumseh Products property, with commissioner Terry Collins saying the property appraisal was “much, much higher” than Larry Anderson’s $80,000 offer. Anderson had told commissioners he wanted to use the property for boat and RV storage while renovating the remaining building on the property over the course of five to 10 years. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO ADRIAN NESSEL TO HEADLINE NAACP DINNER: Michigan attorney general Dana Nessel will be the keynote speaker at the Lenawee NAACP’s annual Freedom Fund banquet, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, in the Tobias Room at Adrian College. — LENAWEE VOICE NEW DEAN OF STUDENTS AT ALEXANDER: Stacy Arnold has been named dean of students at Alexander Elementary School. During her time with the Adrian school district, she has served as an elementary classroom teacher, interventionist, and, most recently, District Instructional Coach. — LENAWEE VOICE

DDA DIRECTOR HIRING RECOMMENDED: The Adrian Downtown Development Authority board has voted to recommend that the city commission hire Christy MesarosWinckles as DDA director. “Christy brings significant experience in strategic communications, in marketing, in community engagement, along with longstanding involvement in downtown Adrian,” DDA chair Darcy Gifford said at the board’s August meeting, adding that MesarosWinckles has already completed training through the Michigan Main Street program on her own. — LENAWEE VOICE COMMUNITY COOKOFF: The East Adrian Community Coalition will host its sixth annual community cookoff on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 2-5 p.m. The friendly competition will take place in Parish Park, 721 Erie St. The public is invited to come out, enjoy the food, cheer for the cooks, and enjoy spending time with their neighbors. For details, email eastadriancc@gmail.com.. — LENAWEE VOICE LAWNMOWER DEBATE RESOLVED: A debate from earlier this summer over the purchase of a lawnmower for the parks and recreation department has been resolved. After a bidding process through the government procurement service Sourcewell resulted in a recommendation to purchase from an out-of-town dealer, commissioner Chip Moore went to a Toro dealer in the city and got a lower bid. At the Aug. 17 meeting, acting administrator Will Sadler told commissioners that the bid turned out to be for the wrong mower, and at that point, to preserve the integrity of the bidding process, city staff opted to put the purchase out for bids again. Although the local dealer, Gallant & Son, was not the lowest bidder in that process, their bid of $14,464 was only $465 more than the dealer from Dexter that submitted the lowest quote. The city has a local preference policy that allows the city to choose a local company that isn’t the lowest bidder, as long as their bid is reasonably close to the lowest one, based on a sliding scale. — LENAWEE VOICE

TAX ABATEMENT TO AID DOWNTOWN PROJECT: At its Aug. 17 meeting, the Adrian City Commission gave a boost to efforts to rehabilitate the building at 122 S. Main St. Commissioners unanimously approved an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Exemption certificate, which will exempt the owner from paying additional property taxes related to improvements on the site for the next eight years. Plans call for a ground-floor restaurant and four upper-story apartments. — LENAWEE VOICE AGREEMENT FOR INSPECTION SERVICES: The city commission approved an agreement with Madison Township under which township staff will provide support for building and construction code enforcement if needed, in response to the city currently being shortstaffed in that area. Acting city administrator Will Sadler said staff members have been doing a good job keeping up with the work despite vacancies in City Hall, but it will be helpful to be able to turn to Madison Township for support on “an interim, as-needed basis.” — LENAWEE VOICE BEHNKE TO MEET WITH CONSTITUENTS: Adrian city commissioner Bob Behnke will be available to talk with constituents on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 6-7 p.m. at the Adrian District Library. — LENAWEE VOICE LCS PARTNERS WITH ANCHOR BIBLE COLLEGE: Lenawee Christian School has entered into a partnership with Anchor Bible College to offer classes to both LCS students and the larger community. — LENAWEE VOICE MADISON TWP. GUILTY VERDICT IN MURDER TRIAL: A jury returned guilty verdicts on Aug. 27 in the trial of Stephen Maples, 76, who was charged with the February 2023 shooting death of his wife at their Madison Township home. He was ordered held without bond pending an Oct. 1 sentencing. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

Adrian Kiwanis plans annual Duck Race in Comstock Park By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — The third annual Kiwanis Club of Adrian Duck Race fundraiser will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Comstock Park in downtown Adrian. The Duck Race coincides with the Artalicious festival downtown. Tickets for the Duck Race are $20. First prize is $2,500, second is $1,000, and third is $500. Ticket holders need not be present to win. Each rubber duck is labeled with a unique number. On the day of the race, the ducks are put into a front-end loader at the beginning of the race lineup and dumped into the River Raisin off of the Church Street bridge, on the west side

SERVICE CLUB ROUNDUP

REUNIONS Adrian High School Class of 1959: The class of ’59 will have their annual gettogether on Friday, Oct. 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at ZZ’s Bar & Grill (Lenawee Recreation), 520 College Ave., Adrian. Adrian High School Class of 1976: The class of ’76 will have their 50th reunion on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Hills of Lenawee Country Club, 4110 Country Club Road, Adrian. More info: James Gilmartin, james.gilmartin@yahoo.com. Addresses sought: The Adrian High School class of 1976 reunion committee is also seeking addresses for classmates with whom they have lost contact. Addresses may be sent to Kevin Renee Carter Mosher (krenee57@comcast. net) or Rhonda Brunning Horick (Rhonda.horick@outlook.com). The group is seeking addresses for Albert Acevedo, Greg Albert, Gregory Albright,

of Comstock Park. A fence with a gate is placed downstream, and the first three ducks through the gate are the winners. Last year about $12,000 was raised. The funds go into the Kiwanis Club’s nonprofit minigrant program. Kiwanis Club member Cary Carrico said one goal of this year’s race is to increase turnout. “The hope is that we get the race out there so people know what Kiwanis does,” he said. “The great thing about [the Duck Race] is that it gives us an opportunity to talk about what we do in the community,” he continued. “A lot of people hear the name and they don’t really understand what we do.” Tickets for the Duck Race are available from any Kiwanis member or by messaging the Kiwanis Club of Adrian on Facebook.

Adrian Breakfast Lions Club: The members of the Adrian Breakfast Lions Club donated $500 to the Lenawee County chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which provides free beds and bedding to children in Lenawee County. Adrian Morning Rotary: The Adrian Morning Rotary recently received a hunger relief grant from the Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan Agent Charitable Fund. The check was presented by local agent Jeff Jackson. Aimrie Ream-Taylor was named Rotarian of the Year Award by the Adrian Morning Rotary. Adrian Noon Rotary: Rod Pender is the new president of Adrian Noon Rotary. He, along with Gerry Burg, received the Noon Club’s Rotarian of the Year Awards. Blissfield Rotary: The Blissfield Rotary Club recently awarded the

Starfish Award to club member Danielle Gross for exemplary service to the club. Morenci Kiwanis: The Kiwanis Club of Morenci will host the 32nd Annual Bridge Walk over Silver Creek at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 7. Onsted Kiwanis: The Kiwanis Club of Onsted will host the 10th Annual Eugene Deuel Fall Scholarship Dinner from 4:306:30 p.m. Sept. 25 in the Onsted High School auditorium. Tecumseh Service Club: The Tecumseh Service Club will soon be accepting application for their Christmas assistance program again this year. Details on the signup process will be sent to area schools, churches and daycare centers. The program provides assistance for families in Tecumseh, Tipton, Clinton and Britton. For more information, visit tecumsehserviceclub.com.

Kristina Aronsson, Patricia Bailey, Kathy Behrendt, Nancy Berridge, Pam Bishop, Denise Blaker, Martha Boozer, Bruce Bridges, Raymond Brown, Larry Burns, James Cameron, Sidney Campos, John Carre, Rex Chastain, Kevin Comar, Brenda Cooper, Mark Dart, Dale Davis, Margaret Denig, Terry Dorrisey, Joan Elliott, Sheena Emerson, Connie Farnsworth, Dan Fife, Robin Figueroa, Debra Filter, Andrew Fishman, Lance Foster, Billie Gentry, Robert Gifford, Shelly Glisson, John Guerra, Maria Guerra, Robie Hall, Diane Hargrave, Scott Harman, Kevin Hartung, William Harvey, Daniel Heikkinen, Richard Herman, John Hill, Mary Hinsdale, Gary Hoffman, Roberta Hooker, Maynard Howard, Charles Hudson, Joyce Hughes, Don Huhn, Jerry Huhn, Jesse Irish, Matt Johnson, John Jones, Steven Jones, Michael Kalan, Timothy Kelly, Gary King, David Knight, Mirko Knox, Donald Kuhl, G. Michael Lacy, Fay Loftin, Merie Logsdon, Leslie May, Margaret

McAuliffe, Patrick McCarthy, Lidia McGee, Julie McKinney, Shawn Metcalf, Debra Miller, Dennis Miller, Karen Moekel, Elizabeth “Lisa” Moran, Margaret Munro, Marie Munro, Greg Parrish, Patty Paulette, Glenda Pickering, Tim Prater, Beverly Prichard, Patti Rakes, Yvonne Reeser, Steven Rench, Daniel Rodgers, Mark Rutledge, Marilyn Sanchez, Bruce Schultz, Kathleen Sells, Tamara Seymore, Julie Shandley, Kerry Skinner, David Smith, Jerry Smith, Richard Taylor, Billie Jean Terry, Brian Timko, Kirk Tornow, Kurt Valentine, Alicia Villnueva, Joseph Wagner, Matt Williams, David Wilson, Roselene Young, and Kathy Zinn. Britton-Macon Alumni: An all-school reunion will take place on Friday, Oct. 9, at Britton Deerfield High School, 201 College Ave., Britton. Social hour at 5 p.m., dinner at 5:30 p.m. Honor classes this year are all classes before 1956 and the classes of 1956, 1966, 1976 and 1986. Prepaid reservations are required. For

information, call Charlene Dickerson at 517-215-9994. Madison High School Class of 1972: The reunion committee is looking for classmate addresses for their 55th class reunion scheduled in 2027. Addresses can be sent to Vickie Clymer Smolinski at vsmolinski54@gmail.com or Michele Hanson Perkins at mpgardengirl@gmail. com. Tecumseh High School Class of 2006: The class of ’06 will have its 20th reunion on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Tecumseh Legion, 101 W. Pottawatamie St., Tecumseh. More info: Jessica_MWilson@yahoo.com. Bixby Hospital Reunion: A reunion for all employees, volunteers, or physicians from Bixby Hospital will take place on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 1-4 p.m. at Hidden River North clubhouse, 975 W. Beecher St., Adrian. $5 for pizza and ice cream; please bring your own nonalcoholic beverage.

C6 | OUR TOWNS

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Raisin Township supervisor Deb Brousseau, trustees Kelly Williams, Shelley Hunt and Blaine McDonald, and clerk Susan Bunch are pictured with a plaque honoring the township’s bicentennial at a celebration on Aug. 9. PHOTO COURTESY OF DONNA ANDRE

Raisin Township marks bicentennial RAISIN TWP. — The 200th anniversary of the settlement of Raisin Township was marked by a bicentennial celebration on Aug. 9. According to historical information compiled by Kathryn Smith, the township — and the River Raisin, which bisects it — got their name from French explorers who noticed the many grape vines growing along the river banks. West of the river, Noah Norton arrived in 1826 to settle in “the valley,” establishing a farm where the Valley School, or Raisin Valley Seminary on Valley Road, would later stand. He was joined by Darius Comstock, a dedicated Quaker who eventually persuaded 30 other Quaker families to migrate here. By 1829, they built the Raisin Valley Friends Church, which still stands on the corner of Valley Road and M-52 and is the second oldest continuously used church building in Michigan. East of the river, the settlement grew just as rapidly. It was said that in the first years, the Quakers settled on the west side of the River Raisin and the Puritans settled on the east side of the river. In 1834, the first township election was held at the house of Amos Hoag. In 1835, the Holloway Log Schoolhouse opened its doors, with Mary Ann Simonds teaching the township’s children.

Heather Miller-Franco and Kathryn Smith, standing, join Donna Andre portraying Laura Haviland at the Raisin Township bicentennial celebration. Around 1870, it is recorded that Raisin Township led the nation in wheat production. And by the 1880s, along with Tecumseh, Raisin Township played a role in making this region the “Celery Capital of the World.” The bicentennial celebration also honored two women from Raisin Township who fought for human rights: Elizabeth Margaret Chandler and Laura Smith Haviland, who organized the Logan Female Anti-Slavery Society, the first anti-slavery organization in the Michigan territory.

GARDEN OF THE MONTH The bright flower-filled yard at 558 Dennis St., the home of Martin and Isabella Mandujano, was the Adrian Garden Club’s Garden of the Month for August. The largest bed is island-shaped, anchored by a huge yew in the center. This is accented by several large tree-shaped panicle hydrangeas. Surrounding these are an assortment of evergreen shrubs and several big-leafed hydrangeas. Hibiscus mingles with red and pink roses. Several varieties of impatiens and begonias bring color and contrast to the bed. To the left of the center bed is a smaller display area with mixed specimens. All the beds contain colorful mulch, wellplaced accent rocks, and yard art.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

C7

SEPTEMBER 2026

SPORTS A new year on the gridiron

The Tecumseh volleyball team traveled to Lake St. Helen for their annual team bonding weekend, which included a sixteam round robin at Kirtland Community College. TECUMSEH PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Tecumseh volleyball looks to defend their record Indians enter the season as a leader in Lenawee County

Adrian’s Javion Fire breaks away from Lansing Waverly defenders during an Aug. 21 scrimmage at Dexter. LAD STRAYER/LENAWEE VOICE

Hudson seeks another shot at Division 8 title; Adrian aims for another good year

By Jeffrey R. Plum

By Jeffrey R. Plum

The Lenawee Voice

The Lenawee Voice

TECUMSEH — Morgan Skelton is beginning her sixth season as coach of the Tecumseh volleyball program, and although Skelton returns key standouts from last season, the Indians must fight to avoid taking a step back. “I am hopeful that we will remain a threat in the county and also in the SEC White,” said Skelton, whose team reached the Division 2 quarterfinals last year. “It is a bit of a rebuilding year, but we do have a few returners that know the expectations well and have the ability to set the standard for the team. I am looking forward to developing the new players while also pushing them to be their most competitive self.” Sophomore outside hitter Riley Harrah earned all-state second-team honors in 2025 as a freshman. She also received first-team all-conference SEC White Division, all-county, and all-region honors. “Riley is a dominant outside hitter and defensive specialist,” Skelton said. “Her explosiveness sets her apart from other players, and she produces on the court and is an outstanding leader.” Senior middle blocker Addi Zajac, who earned first-team all-conference honors, recorded the highest hitting percentage on the team for 2025. Senior middle blocker Maddie McFarland was a dominant defender at the net and performed well offensively. “Addi brings a lot of experience when it comes to a winning program,” Skelton said. “Being a multi-sport athlete, she knows what it takes to be successful and puts in the work to get better every day. Maddie is the leader of the team. Her communication, effort, and ability to talk to her teammates and hold them to a high standard is essential for our success.”

HUDSON — Coach Dan Rogers begins his seventh season at the helm of the storied Hudson football program with one goal in sight: a shot at another state championship for the Tigers. “Our schedule is very challenging, and if we can stay healthy and compete, we should be prepared for the postseason,” said Rogers, whose team has won back-to-back Lenawee County Athletic Association championships, including an outright title in 2025. The Tigers reached their fourth state championship game in school history last November but dropped a 31-20 decision to undefeated Harbor Beach in the Division 8 title game, finishing 13-1. Junior Beckett Campbell had a career in one season as a sophomore running back, rushing for a team-best 2,453 yards and 36 touchdowns. “Pound-for-pound, our strongest athlete and has tremendous contact balance,” Rogers said of Campbell, who received Michigan High School Football Coaches Association all-state recognition and was named the Division 7-8 Player of the Year in 2025. Six-foot-seven, 295-pound senior tackle Koen Hinzman returns for his fourth season starting on the offensive and defensive lines. “Big, physical, and very athletic for his size,” Rogers said of Hinzman, who has committed to Iowa State. Junior linebacker Lucian Hepker recorded 88 tackles last season. Rogers said he’s “a fast and physical kid that loves playing the game of football.” The Tigers graduated a strong senior class, as only three starters return on offense. Senior tackle Mason Reuter, a 5-foot-10, 230-pound lineman, joins Hinzman and Campbell. Defensively, Rogers returns Hinzman, Hepker, and Campbell plus senior linebacker Owen Loop, senior defensive back Bradley Pickford, and senior defensive back Braden Jedele for Hudson, which allowed only 69 points in seven LCAA games last fall.

VOLLEYBALL —

See VOLLEYBALL, page C14

FOOTBALL —

Hudson junior Beckett Campbell, pictured during last year’s state semifinal against St. Frances Cabrini of Allen Park, will be a key player as the Tigers try for a state championship this year. RACHEL STIVERSON/HUDSON POST-GAZETTE As the Tigers get ready for another season, Rogers’ expectations for the season are simple: he wants his players “to show up, work hard, and be part of the community.”

Addison: Coach Casey Ruthenberg is beginning his first season at the helm of the Addison program, which went 1-8

See FOOTBALL, page C15

C8 | SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Adrian, Tecumseh boys tennis teams return to the court By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — The Adrian and Tecumseh boys tennis teams return to the courts this fall and prepare for the always tough Southeastern Conference White Division. Last season, Adrian sported a 12-win season for coach Todd Barrus, but eight players graduated or returned to their home countries after the school year. Now, Barrus is tasked with restoring the program in his fifth season at the helm. “It will be a season of development and growth,” said Barrus, who returns three players from last year’s team. Sophomore Caleb Pelham is holding the No. 1 singles spot. In contrast, junior Brodie Sellers currently holds a singles position but might be moved to doubles as the situation warrants, Barrus said. Junior Parker Welsh is also returning. “We have two seniors that are new, and currently, we have seven players on the team,” Barrus said. “There is a lot of building to do.” With the small numbers, Adrian faces an early 3-0 deficit before each match begins, but Barrus said his objective is to prepare his players for each match, not wins and losses. “I’m not as concerned about our overall team record, but with building each player,” Barrus said. “That will get us better team results as we go.” Tecumseh: Jen Morgan begins another season with the Tecumseh program, and she is eager for what lies ahead this season for the Indians. “I am very excited for this season,” said Morgan, whose team finished near the bottom of the SEC White Division last year. “We have a lot of returning players, but we also have several new players that look very promising, including sophomore Avery Kane.” Senior Kyle Barden, a four-year member of the team, spent the past two seasons as the Indians’ No. 1 singles player, but moved to No. 2 with the arrival of Lucas Rodriguez-Gomez, an exchange student from Spain. An injury in the first match for Rodriguez-Gomez has moved Barden back into the No. 1 spot. “Kyle is team captain and brings a special energy to practices and matches,” Morgan said of Barden. “He has been a valuable team member since day one. He encourages his teammates any chance he gets. He is a fierce competitor too. He has worked on his skills and has become a very good tennis player.” Senior Tyler Roan, another four-year player in the program, played in singles matches the past two seasons, but moved to No. 1 doubles this fall. He is playing with his friend Colton Nicolai, a senior in his third year with the program. “Tyler has also been extremely valuable to our team,” Morgan said. “They are just fun to watch. Colton is very competitive and will never give up on a ball.” Another returning standout is senior Archer McKibben, a co-captain and another four-year player on the program. Seniors Liam Tuckey and Sebastian Nieto are newcomers to the program and have spent time working on their games outside of practice, Morgan said. Morgan said the team is looking forward to Rodriguez-Gomez’s return from injury. Along with him, Morgan noted three freshmen, Liam Coe, Preston Harwood, and Reed Philip, who have all shown a lot of promise.

TENNIS —

Sand Creek riders strive for high marks By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

SAND CREEK — Coach Deena Covey has spent much of the past decade at the helm of the Sand Creek equestrian program, and during that time, the Aggies have performed better than most. “We have had strong, consistent teams over the past several years,” Covey said. Since 2022, Sand Creek has claimed four straight district championships. The program also earned regional championships in 2023 and 2025 along with two regional reserve championships. The Aggies also have three top-five finishes and a top-10 finish in 2025. “We have competed in A, B and C divisions over the past several years,” Covey said. “The division is based on how many riders are competing for your school. This year, we will compete as a C division team.” The Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association (MIHA) separates high school programs into either A, B, C, or D divisions, based on the number of riders per team. In some cases, an E division is utilized. A program is placed in a specific division based on the participants, rather than the size of the high school. For example, a Division A team is eight or more riders. Sand Creek is competing in Division C, featuring two to five riders. A varsity program competes in 17 events, including western, hunt seat, saddle seat, jumping, trail, showmanship, and timed speed. Junior high/middle school equestrian programs compete in 18 events.

Senior Peyton Luck is pictured competing in the trail event. Luck is a senior at Sand Creek this year. COURTESY OF DEENA COVEY Seniors Mady Kay and Peyton Luck are four-year varsity members and three-time state qualifiers for Sand Creek. Junior Jill Emery, a two-year state qualifier, and freshman Cooper Robinson round out the team, Covey said. “We have three strong rail/equitation riders in Luck, Kay, and Emery,” Covey said. “We will have one speed rider this year in Robinson.” Sand Creek competes in district competitions at the Lenawee County Fairgrounds on Aug. 30, Sept. 13, and Sept. 20. The regional meet is scheduled for Oct. 2-4 at the Ingham County Fairgrounds, while the state meet is slated for Oct. 14-18 at the Midland Fairgrounds.

Adrian: Coach John Birdwell begins his third season at Adrian and seventh overall. “This year, we have one rider who will be competing for us, so we expect this year to be a rebuilding year with a lot of improvement from the first meet to the last,” Birdwell said. Kylie Goodell, a freshman, will represent Adrian. The Maples placed second in districts in 2023, but returned the next season and won the district, regional, and Division 3 state championships in 2024 under Birdwell. Adrian did not field a team in 2025 because one student graduated and the other competed in national competitions that conflicted with the local schedule.

Clinton looks to continue dominance in soccer By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

CLINTON — Marla Erickson begins her 13th season in charge of the Clinton boys soccer program this fall, and Erickson and her Redwolves will look to continue their dominance of the Lenawee County Athletic Association and beyond. “We have an incredible group of returners this year,” said Erickson, whose team finished 192-1 and shared the LCAA title with Ida. Senior goalkeeper Aiden Blom, who received Division 4 all-district honors, returns for Erickson. Blom will have a strong contingent of defenders in front of him. Senior Cole Hillegonds, juniors Bryce Poley and Zeke Turner, and sophomore Matthew Coughlin return for the Redwolves. Senior midfielders Sam Quintana and Broden Manchester return for Clinton, and they join sophomore midfielders Conor Lobenherz and Trevor Aymen on the field. Senior Ronan Stelzer, junior Jax Speth, and sophomore Lukas Stornant return at the forward positions. Lobenherz received Division 4 all-district, all-region, and all-state honorable mention honors, while Hillegonds and Manchester received all-district and second-team all-league recognition. Poley, Quintana, and Stornant received all-district honors. Freshman Max Theisen is contributing to the team early and providing strong play as a first-year member of the program, Erickson said.

SOCCER —

“This season, I want to see our team continue to grow in our soccer abilities as a team,” said Erickson, whose team claimed the Division 4 district title over Lenawee Christian in 2025, but fell in the regional semifinals to Plymouth Christian Academy. “I want to see them apply what they learn from the coaching staff and to love the game of soccer even more.” Adrian: Coach Scott Leake starts his third season with the Adrian program as his squad looks to make a move in the Southeastern Conference White Division and district tournament. “We want to compete in the SEC White and advance in districts,” said Leake, whose team finished third in the White Division last fall. Senior goalkeeper Nolan Wood, senior defender/midfielder Silas Skeels, and senior defender Jackie Vetitoe return for Adrian. If the Maples are to make their move in conference and district play, Leake said they must do the little things to earn those goals. “I want the players to find success and happiness at school, in their personal life, and on the field,” said Leake, whose team opened the season at Lenawee Christian with two wins at the 2026 Cougar Cup Classic on Aug. 22. Blissfield: Coach Brandon Maybee begins his third season at the helm of the Blissfield program, and the Royals look to challenge for championships. “We have high expectations this season,” said Maybee, whose team finished fourth in the LCAA last fall. “We feel like we can build off of last season and the work these players have done in

the off-season. As our program grows, our expectations are to compete for LCAA and district championships.” Senior captain Caleb Vore led the team in assists last season, while junior Durant Smith is Blissfield’s top returning goal scorer. “Caleb means so much to our team because of the leadership he brings both on and off the field,” Maybee said. “Durant has the kind of attitude and mindset every coach would love. They both bring that mentality to our team every day.” Senior Brayden Cunningham, junior Noah Sills, and sophomore Myles Forche anchor midfield positions. “They are all poised for breakout seasons and will be key contributors for us this year,” Maybee said. Seniors AJ Cantu and Peyton Marks are stepping into bigger leadership roles this season, Maybee said. Senior twins Matt Seiser and Miles Seiser work hard and bring positive attitudes to the team. “We truly believe we have a team with great depth and several players capable of making a big impact,” Maybee said. The development of the program has led to the creation of a junior varsity team for Blissfield, which can only make them stronger in the long run. “I want to see growth,” Maybee said. “My hope is to see them grow as players, to grow as a team, and to grow as a program. The thing I really want to see from our athletes this season is growth as people. We want to compete hard on the field and take those lessons to help us be successful in life.”

See SOCCER, page C13

THE LENAWEE VOICE

SPORTS | C9

SEPTEMBER 2026

Maple runners start off on the right foot Adrian girls and boys dominate at countywide cross country preview meet By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

TECUMSEH — Blissfield junior Michael Weidmayer emerged from the top pack of boys to capture the opening race at the Lenawee County Cross Country Preview Meet at Tecumseh High School on Saturday, Aug. 22. Meanwhile, Ayda Skeels, a senior at Adrian, led from start to finish on her way to the girls’ individual title. Adrian captured the boys meet with 33 points, while Blissfield edged Tecumseh, 51-58, for second place. Clinton (127), Sand Creek (128), Hudson (143), Madison (200), Onsted (232), Lenawee Homeschool (271), and Addison (273) rounded out the 10-team field. In the girls’ meet, Adrian edged Blissfield, 36-40, and won the race. Tecumseh finished with 69 points. Clinton (117), Onsted (149), Sand Creek (181), Madison (181), Lenawee Homeschool (183), and Hudson (200) completed the nine-team field. Weidmayer battled Adrian sophomore Parker Smith, Tecumseh junior Eli Morris, Adrian senior Landin Fisher, and junior teammate Noah Sills throughout most of the race. But as Fisher and Sills fell back, the others moved further ahead, and it was not until the final stretch that Weidmayer gained control, edged his competition, and claimed the 3.1-mile race. “I was going for first,” Weidmayer said of his pre-race strategy. “I was pretty surprised when I got passed at a certain point. I didn’t realize I was going to still have that much competition. I knew there was going to be some people, but I didn’t realize there was going to be that many people close to me, right?” Weidmayer won the race in 16 minutes, 42.2 seconds, edging Smith, who finished second in 16:42.7, and Morris, who placed third in 16:49.0, for the individual championship. “Michael puts all the effort into his running,” Blissfield coach Ryan Bills said of Weidmayer. “He works really, really hard at what he does. He trained all summer, trained really hard, and is prepared for his races.”

CROSS COUNTRY —

Adrian cross country teams got off to a good start at the Lenawee County preview meet on Aug. 22, with both boys and girls finishing first overall and senior Ayda Skeels capturing first place in the girls’ race. PHOTOS BY ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Ayda Skeels comes around the bend partway through the course at the Lenawee County preview meet. Meanwhile, Skeels set her sights high and dominated the competition, taking an early lead from the start of the race and never relinquishing control. She crossed the finish line in 19:07.9, as her teammate junior Madison Petty placed second in 19:24.0. “Her goal is to run 17:45 this year, and she’s so goal-oriented that she’s probably going to make it,” Adrian coach Tom MacNaughton said of Skeels. “She’s had a very, very solid summer of training.”

Blissfield’s Michael Weidmayer leads Adrian’s Parker Smith at the end of a close race.

MacNaughton said Skeels had a strong spring as a member of the Maples’ track and field team, and her effort continued into her first cross country meet of the season. “We really wanted to bring home first place today, and that was our goal,” Skeels said of the group effort from her teammates. “I hope to drop my time into the seventeens. I think I’ve had a pretty good season of training, and the same with my teammates.”

After Smith, Fisher took fourth in 16:55.0, while junior Easton Coscarelli (sixth, 17:03.6), senior Carter Fenner (eighth, 17:28.5), and junior Lucas Zeckner (13th, 18:06.4) placed for Adrian. Behind Weidmayer, Sills placed fifth in 16:58.30, while junior Brady Bills (12th, 18:05.7), sophomore Bryson Pooley (16th, 18:13.1), and sophomore Cameron Jordan (17th, 18:44.4) finished for Blissfield.

See PREVIEW MEET, page C12

C10 | SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Boys cross country teams ready to hit the trail By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Tom MacNaughton begins his 11th season as coach and 14th overall with the Adrian boys crosscountry program, and the team’s goal is the same every year: reach the Division 2 state championship meet at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. “Our boys enter the season with a seven-year streak of qualifying for the state meet,” MacNaughton said as his team seeks its eighth consecutive trip in November. “Last year, the boys were 17th in the state.” Sophomore Parker Smith, senior Landin Fisher, junior Easton Coscerelli, senior Carter Fenner, and junior Lucas Zeckner lead the pack for the Maples. Smith battled Blissfield’s Michael Weidmayer until the end and finished second at the county meet at Tecumseh High School in 16:42.7. “We expect to have another strong season,” MacNaughton said. “Both teams have a very good chance to win regionals, and an even better chance of continuing the streaks of qualifying for the state meet.” Addison: Rick Gramm is stepping into unfamiliar territory as a first-year coach for the Addison program, but he is no stranger to the school’s student-athletes. “This will be my first season ever coaching cross country, and I’m late to the game, accepting the position about four days before the start of the season,” said Gramm, who has coached the varsity baseball team in Addison since 2017. “All of our athletes have responded well, and we have all agreed, we can’t go anywhere but up,” Gramm said of the team, which finished ninth in the Cascades Conference Championship meet last year. Addison graduates Caleb Gramm and Stephanie Hernandez, two former state qualifying cross country runners, will assist Gramm throughout the season. Junior Tony Gudakunst, who qualified as a sophomore and ran at the Division 4 state meet last fall, returns for the Panthers. Sophomores Connor Evans, Alex Snapp, Daniel Old, and Ruben Thomas, along with freshman Jonah Grabowski, round out the team. Blissfield: After back-to-back Lenawee County Athletic Association championships in the past two seasons, Blissfield has its sights set on greater things for coach Ryan Bills in 2026. “With many of our top runners returning and a great summer of conditioning, we have the ability to do some great things,” said Bills, whose team finished third in the Division 3 regional and 22nd at the state meet held at Michigan International Speedway last November. Juniors Michael Weidmayer, Noah Sills, Brady Bills, and Beckett Klump led the pack for the Royals last season and are returning. Weidmayer earned all-state honors along with first-team recognition in the region, county, and league. Sills garnered first-team region, county, and league honors, while Bills, who earned all-county marks, and Klump received second-team LCAA recognition. Senior Kaleb Stutzman returns, along with sophomores Cameron Jordan and Bryson Pooley. The Royals placed third and received all-state team academic honors last year. Besides competing hard on the trails, Bills expects the same from his studentathletes in the classroom. “As always, I want to see growth as a runner and as a person,” Bills said.

CROSS COUNTRY —

Tre Fluker from Sand Creek, Haven Kohlruss from Hudson, and John Verlinde from Madison come up on the finish line at the Lenawee County cross country preview meet. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Britton Deerfield: Haylie Shiels returns for her second season with Britton Deerfield, and the second-year coach wants her team to continue their growth from last season. “We did not have enough runners to field a scoring team, but our individual athletes competed throughout the season, gained valuable experience, and made significant improvements in their times,” Shiels said. Senior Andrew Calvert recorded a personal record of 19:58 last season, and Shiels said she expects his hard work will help him improve his times this fall. Junior Logan Hilyard, who had a PR of 23:34, and sophomore Donavan Calvert, who managed a PR of 20:22, continued to improve and develop their efforts. “I want to see our athletes work hard, support each other, and continue to grow throughout the season,” Shiels said. “Most importantly, I want them to compete with confidence, stay committed, and finish the season knowing they gave their all.” Clinton: Coach Kurt Hillegonds returns for his 17th season at Clinton with a group of runners poised for a strong season on the cross-country trails. Seniors Peter Baker, Lucas Goetting, and Austin Strand, along with sophomore Haiden Bennett, return for the Redwolves. Freshman Owen Claus is a newcomer that Hillegonds expects to step up and compete at the next level. “Bennett had a great freshman year and has been logging a lot of miles in the off-season and is poised to have a great season,” said Hillegonds, whose Redwolves finished fifth last fall in the LCAA. “Goetting has grown a lot after his first year of running, and we expect him to have a good year,” Hillegonds said. “Baker had a successful track and field season and is looking forward to setting more PRs this season. Strand has worked through some minor injuries and is looking to have his best season yet.” Hillegonds, who is joined on the courses by sixth-year assistant coach Rich Dewald, wants his student-athletes to work hard in the classroom as well as on the trails. “We expect to work consistently and to develop throughout the season,” Hillegonds said.

Hudson: Coach Matt Carpenter begins his 23rd season at the helm of the Hudson program. The squad has a strong mix of experience and youth with 17 runners, including seven freshmen. “This is one of the largest teams I have ever coached,” said Carpenter, whose team finished seventh in the LCAA last year. “And not only that, it has been years since I have seen a group of guys this dedicated to the sport. They have been putting in miles this summer, and they are excited about the season to come.” Spencer Anderson, the lone senior on the team, will provide leadership for his teammates, Carpenter said. Sophomore Blake Aube is the team’s top runner as a second-year varsity runner. He has a topfive time on the freshman board. Juniors Jerico Borck, Matthew Rowan, Sylas Williams, Ben Vanderlooven, and Isaac Wilson are a strong group of returning runners. At the same time, sophomores Haven Kohlruss, Elijah Worrell, and Xavier Clark are talented and improved runners, Carpenter said. The Tigers just missed qualifying for the Division 4 state finals with a fourthplace finish, and with a move back to Division 3, the goal remains the same. “We are a very young team, with seven freshmen, and we are moving back to Division 3, so the competition is much harder, but our goal is to qualify for the state meet with a top three finish at regionals,” said Carpenter. “We want to see a lot of growth, and see just what these young kids can do on the courses.” Lenawee Christian: Freshman Keighyn Taylor is competing for coach Sheldon Lange and Lenawee Christian. Taylor started the year at the Lenawee County preview meet, where he placed 68th in 22 minutes, 36.9 seconds. Lenawee Homeschool: After coaching stints at Hudson and Lenawee Christian, coach Ben Bloom went on to create Lenawee Homeschool in 2025, a program for homeschooled students. “Our season goals are to continue working hard and continue to grow our program,” said Bloom, whose teams are not eligible for Michigan High School Athletic Association-sanctioned regional and state meets. Senior Logan Boley (Adrian), sophomore Ben Havens (Adrian), and freshmen Evan Tedora (Onsted) and

Elijah Crater (Adrian) are joined by a trio of eighth-grade students: Josh Gulotta (Adrian), Landon Bloom (Adrian), and Jaden Ruse (Morenci). Madison: Madison looks to continue getting better in its bid to top the LCAA after a successful 2025 with coach Jim Sperling, who enters his 21st season with the Trojans. Junior John Verlinde is the top returning runner from last year, along with senior Alliance Rivera, junior Alize Ramirez, and sophomores Aiden Legg and Emerson Snyder. Madison finished fourth at the Division 3 regional meet. Onsted: Coach Kevin Hall begins his first season with the Onsted program, and he looks to continue the strong season the team had last year. “The boys finished in third place in the LCAA and sixth at regionals last season,” said Hall, who coached the Onsted middle school program from 2020 until taking the varsity position. Senior Nick Holmes, who earned all-league first-team honors last year, returns, as do senior Joel Sniegowski and sophomores Alex Hunt and John Pfeffer. “My expectations for this year are simple,” Hall said. “Find the confidence from training, trust the process, and believe in the ability to grow.” Sand Creek: Coach Mike Zyla and his Sand Creek program finished second in the Tri-County Conference and just missed qualifying for the state meet in 2025, and the veteran of the Aggies is looking for more this fall. “We have 12 runners on the team this year, and these young men have been working hard during the first two weeks of practice,” said Zyla, whose team took fifth in the Division 3 regional meet. “Our main goal this season is to qualify as a team for the state meet at MIS.” Seniors Silas Daniels and Tre Fluker return, along with sophomores Blake Root, Alec Parker, and Luke Meckley. “We have high expectations for this season, with four of our top five runners returning from last year,” Zyla said. Tecumseh: Coach Wes Harden watched his Tecumseh program grow during last season and establish a strong foundation for this year, setting the stage for greater things in the Southeastern Conference White Division and beyond. Junior Eli Morris emerged as one of the Indians’ top runners last season, running a season-best 16:38 and qualifying for the MHSAA Division 2 state finals. “He is a dedicated worker and provides strong leadership within the program,” Harden said. “We want our athletes to be committed to daily improvement, support one another, and embrace the challenges that come with distance workouts,” Harden said. “If we stay healthy, work hard, and continue to develop a strong team culture, the results will take care of themselves.” Junior Harrison Stamper ran a season-best 16:53 and continues to develop into one of the team’s top competitors, Harden said. Junior Dempsey Barrett clocked a 16:53 at the regional meet and qualified for the Division 2 state finals. “Barrett is one of the team’s most competitive runners and continues to improve,” Harden said. Sophomore Reid Stamper had a season-best 17:39 and provides additional depth for Tecumseh. “We have a strong returning core and are excited about the growth of our younger athletes,” said Harden, who is beginning his 10th season with the Indians.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

SPORTS | C11

SEPTEMBER 2026

Blissfield girls set their sights on repeating feats By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

BLISSFIELD — The Blissfield girls cross country program recorded a stellar 2025 season, including a fifth-place finish at the Division 3 state meet under coach Ryan Bills, and Bills expects the Royals to pick up where they left off. “We have a great group of girls, so whatever they put their minds to, they can achieve it,” said Bills, who begins his fifth season at the helm of the girls program. The Royals managed 12 first-place finishes throughout the fall, including a Lenawee County championship against other county teams. They also recorded back-to-back Lenawee County Athletic Association and Division 3 regional championships in 2025. Seniors Anna Hallett and Kaleea Braun return along with junior Revan Ricker and sophomore Mollie Yeager. Freshmen Ellie Sills and Rose Moreno are newcomers to the program. Hallett received Division 3 all-state honors along with first-team recognition in the region, county, and league. Braun earned first-team region, county, and league honors. Ricker gained secondteam county and league marks, while Yeager received first-team region and second-team county and league honors. “As always, I want to see growth as a runner and as a person,” said Bills, whose team took the top spot in Division 3 as the best academic team. Addison: Coach Rick Gramm begins his first season at the helm of the Addison program, a challenge for the first-time cross country coach, but he will not be alone on the courses. “I have two experienced assistant coaches for the men’s and women’s teams,” Gramm said of Caleb Gramm and Stephanie Hernandez, who each qualified for the state meet as runners while attending Addison. “They both have a vast amount of knowledge, and they’ll help our team tremendously.” Senior Delilah Belcher, junior Ellie Woodring, and freshman Grace Gillin are running for Addison. Woodring qualified for the state meet as a sophomore last fall. “We have two incoming freshmen this year that are showing a lot of promise; we just have to keep working hard together with such a small squad,” Gramm said. Adrian: The Adrian girls program has a streak similar to the boys team. The Maples would like to return to the Division 2 state meet for the fifth straight year, led by coach Tom MacNaughton. “The girls enter the season with a fouryear streak,” said MacNaughton, who begins his 11th season as coach and 14th overall. “Last year, the girls were 20th in the state.” Senior Ayda Skeels, junior Madison Petty, junior Karina Mihai-Grammes, freshman Alexis Richards, and junior Klair Baker lead the pack for Adrian. Skeels led the Lenawee County preview meet from start to finish on Aug. 22 at Tecumseh High School in 19:07.9, a dominating performance that led her teammates. “We expect to have another strong season,” MacNaughton said. “Both teams have a very good chance to win regionals, and an even better chance of continuing the streaks of qualifying for the state meet.” Britton Deerfield: The Britton Deerfield program did not field a team last season, but coach Haylie Shiels is eager to build a team from the ground up.

CROSS COUNTRY —

In the foreground, Sand Creek’s Haily Baker, Addison’s Grace Gillin, Sand Creek’s Madalynn Trame, and Adrian’s Madison Petty run in the Lenawee County cross country preview meet on Aug. 22. PHOTOS BY ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Blissfield’s Mollie Yeager and Clinton’s Ella Claus go downhill and round a corner midway through the course at the Lenawee County cross country preview meet hosted by Tecumseh. “I’m excited to work with the high school girls team this season and give these athletes the opportunity to grow and compete,” Shiels said. “My expectations are for the team to improve throughout the season, support each other, and establish a strong foundation for the program moving forward.” Freshmen Remi Maynard and Peyton Shiels are newcomers to the BD program. As eighth-graders, Maynard and Shiels showed potential in the 2-mile races. Shiels had a personal record of 13:20, while Maynard clocked a personal record of 13:49.

“Remi made a lot of solid progress last year and was consistent with her times, placing well in most of her meets,” the coach said. “I’m excited to see how she continues to improve this season. Peyton is a dedicated runner who consistently competed near the front last season. I’m looking forward to seeing how she handles the jump to high school competition and continues to grow this season.” Clinton: Kurt Hillegonds starts his 17th season with high expectations for the student-athletes in his charge. “Academically, I would like to see them put us in the position to earn

Onsted’s Mattie Hallenbeck and Izzy Raglow compete in the Lenawee County cross country preview meet on Aug. 22. academic all-state at the end of the season,” said Hillegonds, who is joined on the courses by assistant coach Rich Dewald, beginning his sixth season with the program. “Athletically, I want them to focus on their recovery: eat healthy, hydrate, sleep a lot so they can respond to training while staying healthy.” Juniors Ella Claus and Grace Farrell return for Clinton along with sophomore Josslyn Handy, and they will be joined by newcomers Katy Wellday and Henley Wright. “Claus is healthy after being injured last year during the cross-country season,” Hillegonds said. Claus excelled in the spring during track and field,

See GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY, page C12

C12 | SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Adrian and Tecumseh girls look ahead to swim and dive season By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — The Adrian and Tecumseh swimming and diving programs begin the 2026 season with high expectations and individual success in the Southeastern Conference and beyond. Robert Petkus starts his eighth season as Adrian’s coach, and his expectations are the same from fourth-year seniors to first-time swimmers: put forth a strong effort and good things will happen. “We have a great mix of young and old swimmers on this team,” said Petkus, whose team went 8-2 last season and finished third in the Southeastern Conference. “A lot of the older swimmers have embraced the process, and a lot of younger swimmers learn from the elders the process and expectations.”

SWIM & DIVE —

Girls cross country from page C11 breaking a couple of school records and winning the 400-meter dash at the Division 3 state meet. “Handy has been working through some minor injuries and has been training consistently in the off-season and is ready for the new season,” Hillegonds said. Handy was the squad’s most valuable athlete last fall. “Farrell had a great year last year and is looking to best her time from last year. Wellday and Wright are new freshmen, and we expect them to be competitive throughout the season.” Hudson: Coach Angela Czeiszperger begins her seventh season at Hudson, coming off a strong team effort in 2025 and returning a solid contingent of runners in 2026. Last season, Hudson placed fourth in the LCAA and fifth at the county meet, while they finished fourth at the Division 4 regional meet. They sent four runners to the Division 4 state meet, including Annabelle Czeiszperger, who took eighth at the regional meet in her senior year. She earned first-team all-LCAA, secondteam all-county, and all-state academic honors.

Preview meet from page C9 After Morris, junior Harrison Stamper finished ninth in 17:48.3, while junior Dempsey Barrett (10th, 17:50.1), junior Carson Scholz (11th, 17:51.1), and freshman Mason Kleinow (25th, 19:25.0) placed for Tecumseh. Sophomore Haiden Bennett placed seventh in 17:21.2, while freshman Owen Claus (20th, 19:04.1), senior Austin Strand (26th, 19:26.8), senior Lucas Goetting (29th, 19:46.2), and sophomore Dylan Gurica (50th, 21:32.6) finished for Clinton. Sophomore Blake Root placed 15th in 18:12.5, while senior Silas Daniels (18th, 18:48.0), senior Tre Fluker (22nd, 19:14.0), sophomore Alec Parker (31st, 19:57.7), and sophomore Luke Meckley (45th, 21:13.6) placed for Sand Creek. Sophomore Blake Aube placed 14th in 18:11.0, while sophomore Haven Kohlruss (23rd, 19:14.4), freshman Sawyer Franke (32nd, 20:33.1), sophomore Elijah Worrell (34th, 20:37.7), and junior Isaac Wilson (41st, 21:04.1) finished for Hudson. Junior John Verlinde placed 24th in 19:17.4, while junior Alize Ramirez (35th, 20:41.4), sophomore Aiden Legg (42nd,

The Maples had a good 2025, culminating in a strong performance at the Division 3 state swimming and diving finals at the Holland Aquatic Center, where the team scored 54 points and tied for 15th place among 36 teams. Senior Allison Marks and sophomores Michele Coy and Abby Meyers are all returning state qualifiers for Adrian. Adrian opened the season with wins over Milan (99-84) and Allen Park (11271) on Aug. 19, and the effort the Maples put forth pleased Petkus. “The season will be an overall success regardless of our win/loss record,” Petkus said. “Just two weeks into practice, we can tell we are working with a special group, getting ready to do big things.” Tecumseh begins its second season without a home pool under veteran coach Betsy Olberg, but it is not a deterrent to the Indians, who have stepped up and continued to achieve.

“I’m excited that I have eight returning swimmers this season and that they all stuck with it knowing that we have no pool and will be spending our season at whatever pool — or lake — we can find to swim in,” said Olberg, who is beginning her 10th season at Tecumseh. Despite the pool situation, Olberg said the goal is always helping her swimmers and divers achieve personal records and greater victories. “I’m more interested in athletes’ PRs and state qualifications than wins and losses,” Olberg said of her coaching philosophy. “Don’t get me wrong, I love to win; but in swimming and diving, sometimes winning depends solely on the number of athletes on the team, and the number of events you can fill.” Last season, Tecumseh sent several members of Olberg’s squad to the Division 3 state meet in Holland. Ciel Stolberg competed in the 50-yard

freestyle and 100 freestyle. Stolberg, Kellie Fahey, Madison Betz, and Aubree Barkway competed in the 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay, while Betz also competed in the diving finals. Stolberg and Fahey were seniors and graduated this past spring, but Olberg returns several strong competitors to battle in the pool for Tecumseh. Olberg said she is looking for Betz, a senior, to qualify again in these events and possibly the 100 backstroke. Barkway, a junior, is another swimmer who could qualify for individual and relay events. Olberg said to keep an eye on senior Maddy Proskie and sophomore Aubrey Russell, who should both contribute to a state relay and have some great swims this season. Maelle Francis, who received the SEC Sportsmanship Award as a junior, returns for her senior season. “We will be small but mighty this year,” Olberg said.

Senior Miley Rising, who placed 23rd at the regional meet last fall, returns for Hudson along with senior Nora Kleinhenz, juniors Grace Brockway and Veronica Tinkey, and sophomore Ryleigh Holt. Lenawee Homeschool: After coaching stints at Hudson and Lenawee Christian, coach Ben Bloom went on to create Lenawee Homeschool in 2025, a program for homeschooled students. “Our girls should be able to be competitive amongst the smaller schools in the area,” Bloom said of his program. He said the program has a strong pair of returning runners in Chloe Ruse, a junior from Morenci, and Sofia Shaw, a senior from Onsted. They will be joined by freshmen Ari Thurlow (Adrian), Evelyne Lane (Clinton), and Julia Shaw (Onsted). Juniors Bella McCune and Isabel Potter, both from Adrian, round out the team. Madison: As Madison struggled with numbers, the Trojans still managed strong efforts at invitationals throughout the fall for coach Jim Sperling, who enters his 21st season with the Trojans. Juniors Avery Stover and Anya McClure and sophomore Haleigh Summers will pace the Trojans throughout the fall. Seniors Alexis Velasquez and Amaris Benard, junior Meredith Miner, and freshman Tessa Trevino placed at the preview meet.

Onsted: Kevin Hall begins his first season as coach of the Onsted program and is excited to reunite with runners he coached in middle school. “The girls finished in second place in the LCAA and fifth place at the regionals last year,” said Hall, who had been coaching the middle school program since 2020 before taking the varsity position. Seniors Chloe Gemalsky, Jaelyn Gwinner, Mattie Hallenbeck, and Izzy Raglow return for Onsted, as Hallenbeck and Raglow each earned all-league second-team honors last season. “My expectations for this year are simple,” Hall said. “Find the confidence from training, trust the process, and believe in the ability to grow. Run with purpose, lifting each other up on hard days. Encouragement goes a long way, not just as an athlete or a student, but also as an adult later on in life.” Sand Creek: A second-place performance in the Tri-County Conference last year has veteran coach Mike Zyla and his Sand Creek program ready for more in 2026. “There are nine girls on this year’s team, and they have gotten off to a great start this season,” said Zyla, whose team finished 10th at the Division 3 regional meet last year.

Senior Julianna Tanner, along with juniors Madalynn Trame, Rylee Martis, and Makayla Six, and sophomore Raelynn Steinke, return. “The team returns three of our top five runners from last year, and with a couple of new additions, the girls have added depth and talent to the roster,” Zyla said. Tecumseh: Coach Andy Ewing begins his fourth season at Tecumseh, expecting good things from his returning runners and building momentum toward the end of the season. “This season is focused on setting a higher standard of daily commitment and team culture,” said Ewing, whose squad finished fourth in the SEC White Division and fifth at the Division 2 regional meet. “By staying disciplined and grinding through every mile, our primary goal is to put ourselves in position to earn a topthree finish at regionals.” Senior captains Maya Whelan and London Landini, an SEC all-conference performer, along with junior Virginia Barrett, another all-conference honoree, return. “Maya has an inspiring work ethic that she uses to be a leader on this team,” said Ewing. “London consistently sets the standard on the cross country team. Virginia’s hard work and grit on the course help drive the rest of the team at practice and in races.”

21:05.0), sophomore Emerson Snyder (57th, 21:52.0), and freshman Carson Schlieger (62nd, 22:08.3) placed for Madison. Senior Nick Holmes was 30th in 19:55.6, while sophomore Alex Hunt (38th, 20:55.6), sophomore John Pfeffer (60th, 22:03.2), senior Joel Sniegowski (71st, 22:43.8), and freshman Carter Holtzbauer (72nd, 22:47.9) finished for Onsted. Eighth-grader Joshua Gulotta took 37th in 20:48.0, while freshman Evan Tedora (59th, 22:00.9), eighth-grader Jaden Ruse (83rd, 23:46.6), sophomore Ben Havens (86th, 24:03.9), and eighthgrader Landon Bloom (92nd, 25:07.7) placed for Lenawee Homeschool. Junior Tony Gudakunst placed 40th in 21:02.8, while sophomore Connor Evans (64th, 22:15.4), sophomore Alex Snapp (78th, 23:21.2), sophomore Daniel Old (81st, 23:39.2), sophomore Ruben Thomas (99th, 28:05.9) finished for Addison. Lenawee Christian freshman Keighyn Taylor finished 68th in 22:36.9. Britton Deerfield freshman Clayton Roe was 94th in 25:33.0, while senior Andrew Calvert took 97th in 26.30.7 and junior Logan Hilyard was 104th in 34:01.0. Behind Skeels and Petty, junior Karina Mihai-Grammes (fifth, 21:45.8), freshman Alexis Richards (seventh,

22:03.2), and junior Klair Baker (21st, 23:46.7) scored for Adrian. Senior Anna Hallett took third in 20:57.7 for Blissfield, while freshman Ellie Sills finished fourth in 21:15.5. Senior Kaleea Braun (eighth, 22:05.6), sophomore Mollie Yeager (ninth, 22:08.4), and junior Revan Ricker (16th, 23:13.5) finished for Blissfield. Sophomore Opal English took 10th in 22:26.2, while junior Virginia Barrett (13th, 22:53.4), senior Maya Whelan (14th, 22:55.5), junior Morgan McMichael (15th, 22:58.7), and senior Camryn Nowak (17th, 23:18.1) placed for Tecumseh. Junior Ella Claus finished sixth in 22:00.2, while sophomore Josslyn Handy (11th, 22:39.5), freshman Katelynn Wellday (27th, 24:57.6), junior Grace Farrell (29th, 25:03.7), and freshman Henley Wright (50th, 27:02.8) finished for Clinton. Freshman Stylar Ross took 12th in 22:49.8, while senior Izabel Raglow (28th, 25:01.0), senior Jaelyn Gwinner (34th, 25:36.1), senior Mattie Hallenbeck (36th, 25:42.4), and senior Chloe Gemalsky (44th, 26:36.9) placed for Onsted. Junior Madalynn Trame was 20th in 23:31.8, while senior Julianna Tanner

(35th, 25:40.1), junior Makayla Six (38th, 26:11.1), junior Haily Baker (48th, 26:57.7), and sophomore Raelynn Steinke (52nd, 27:44.2) finished for Sand Creek. Senior Alexis Velasquez placed 25th in 24:42.2, while junior Avery Stover (31st, 25:13.0) freshman Tessa Trevino (43rd, 26:36.0), senior Amaris Benard (47th, 26:57.5), and sophomore Haleigh Summers (51st, 27:24.2) placed for Madison. Freshman Arianna Thurlow took 24th in 24:36.0, while junior Chloe Ruse (30th, 25:09.3), freshman Evelyne Lane (45th, 26:46.2), senior Sofia Shaw (46th, 26:53.4), and freshman Julia Shaw (54th, 30:09.1) finished for Lenawee Homeschool. Freshman Maisen Schaedler finished 19th in 23:31.2, while junior Grace Brockway (26th, 24:49.5), senior Miley Rising (53rd, 29:15.7), junior Veronica Tinkey (57th, 30:34.3), and senior Nora Kleinhenz (65th, 36:15.0) placed for Hudson. Britton Deerfield freshman Peyton Shiels took 37th in 25:54.1, while freshman teammate Remi Maynard was 49th in 26:58.9. Addison freshman Grace Gillin finished 42nd (26:32.6), while senior Delilah Belcher was 68th (44:18.5).

THE LENAWEE VOICE

SPORTS | C13

SEPTEMBER 2026

Tecumseh sets the pace for Lenawee County golf By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

TECUMSEH — Coach David Van Geison starts his fifth season at the helm of the Tecumseh girls golf team with high expectations and manageable goals for his golfers. It starts with three returning Southeastern Conference White Division all-conference golfers in senior Isabella Wanke along with juniors Olivia Schmidt and Sydney Walsh. Van Geison said the team should be much improved this season led by Wanke, fellow senior Alexa Jensen, and a strong group of juniors in Schmidt, Walsh, Aris Cadieux, Savannah Lacey, Layla Fisher and sophomore Rhys Dunham. Along the way last year, Tecumseh captured the Tecumseh Invitational and Onsted Invitational along with winning the Lenawee County championship. So far this season, Tecumseh has opened the new year with victories at the Tecumseh Invitational and Adrian Maple Invitational, Van Geison said. “We are looking for improvement as a team as a whole, with an emphasis on consistency from round to round,” said Van Geison, whose team finished in seventh place at the Division 3 regional meet last fall. Addison: Improvement is on the agenda for Addison and veteran coach Dick Bradstreet, who wants to see his Panthers improve on their fifth-place finish in the Cascades Conference. “We have three returners who all got a lot better last year and have been working hard,” Bradstreet said. “We have two freshmen and a new junior who are making rapid progress.” Junior Addison Harris, who is a threeyear member of the program, returns with second-year golfers, sophomores Caylee Campbell and Sierra Keller. Firstyear junior Lola Skeels joins incoming freshmen Giana Payano and Alyssa Pedersen. Adrian: Coach Greg Schoonover returns four starting golfers for Adrian, but depth is a concern as the sixth-year coach readies his team for the SEC White Division.

GOLF —

Soccer from page C8 Lenawee Christian: As a veteran coach in the soccer ranks, coach Nathan Sharpe begins his 12th season at the helm at Lenawee Christian — and 26th year overall — with uncertainty, but realizes his players have the potential for greater things in 2026. “We will take our share of lumps early, but I believe the ceiling is high for this team if we learn from early mistakes,” said Sharpe, whose team fell to Clinton in the Division 4 district final in 2025. “I believe we could challenge for the district title.” The graduation of the program’s top scorer Max Stamats and top goalkeeper Zyan Breznik may impact the team early in the season. Still, Sharpe said defender Carter Chadek and midfielder Brecken McCarty should help ease the transition for the Cougars. “Carter Chadek is the heart of the team,” Sharpe said. “He is passionate about the team excelling this season. Brecken McCarty has a calming effect on the team in his play and with his words. It’s great to have a leader with passion

“As most county teams, we need more players,” said Schoonover, whose team finished third in the White Division last fall. But Schoonover is fortunate to have seniors Goldie Snead, Cristy Cepida, and Nicole Rodocker returning for the Maples, as well as sophomore Laila Rising. Newcomers include senior Kavonna Galloway and sophomore Aubree Nieto, who could contend for starting spots in the lineup for the Maples. “We hope with some quick improvement to make a run at the White Division,” said Schoonover, whose team finished last year with a 3-3 mark in the division. Clinton: The graduation of seniors Kierra Fivenson and Brenna Broman — who went one-two in points earned in the Lenawee County Athletic Association and received all-league first-team honors — might hurt Clinton, but coach Jon Servoss sees potential leadership skills from returning junior Meghan Gilroy. “She’ll serve as the leader of our 2026 team and has put a lot of work into recovering from injury and fine-tuning her game for the upcoming season,” Servoss said of Gilroy, who began the 2025 season strong, but suffered a season-ending injury midway through the fall. Servoss said he wants his young team to “enjoy the season by getting to know one another as teammates and finding a passion for the game of golf.” The newcomers for the Redwolves include sophomore Ali O’Brien and freshmen Alivia Erickson, Rylee Walters, Nadia Albashir, and Olivia Grzebik. “We have several new studentathletes on the team this season,” said Servoss, who begins his second year with the program. “With a young and talented group, I’m looking forward to seeing them gain experience and grow throughout the season.” Hudson: Randy Borton begins his 18th season with the Hudson program, and the veteran coach returns an experienced team that is ready for the tough league battles. “I think this team can challenge for the top spot in the LCAA,” said Borton, whose team had several all-league performers on last year’s squad.

Seniors Cassidy Frantz and Karli Rodin earned all-league honors along with returning sophomores Eva Coleman and Emma Topps, who were honored in league play as well. Junior McKenna Mull also returns. Borton cited sophomore newcomers Clara Mansfield, who is also on the varsity volleyball team, and Macayle Grayer as golfers who could crack the starting lineup. Sophomore Jayden Burger and freshman Kaylee Patrick round out the team. “I would like to win the LCAA again,” said Borton, who looks at Madison and Ida, and possibly Clinton, as challengers along his team’s path to the championship. “Every score will count.” Lenawee Christian: Jonathon Parker returns three golfers to the LCS program, and his goal for the season is improvement on the courses. “We won’t be able to have a team score this season due to numbers,” Parker said. “We’re working on individual improvements as we are pretty inexperienced at this point, but showing great early-season progress.” Senior captain Emilia Parker, junior Kylie Brown, and freshman Abby Mason will all compete this year. Madison: Madison is making the jump from Division 4 to Division 3 in coach Dan Solis’ third season, and his team has the numbers and experience to make it a smooth transition. “I feel pretty good about the jump from D4 to D3 for regionals, especially based on the experience,” said Solis, whose team finished eighth at the Division 4 regional meet last year. “This season, so far, I have pushed them. They have already taken their lumps against D1-D3 schools. This was a challenge they accepted well.” Three seniors are returning in 2026. Captain Juliana Leonard, Karissa O’Neill, and Gisele Villalobos will be joined by juniors Anahi Baez, Olivia Garcia, Olivia Schmitz, Kendall Gilbertson, and Avelina Gauna. Sophomores Maycie Hulshof and Zarionna “ZZ” Mosher, along with freshman Becca Miller, round out the team. Onsted: Coach Jennifer Marlatt begins her ninth season with the Onsted

program, and she is excited about the season her Wildcats could have in the LCAA and beyond. “My expectations for the Onsted Wildcats are to finish our LCAA season in the top three and to qualify as a team or have individual golfers qualify for states,” said Marlatt, whose team finished in a tie for fourth in the league last season. Four golfers are returning: Seniors Ruby Helinski and Aubrie Schonfeld, junior Madalyn Kangas, and sophomore Charlotte Brosamer. “Ruby continually works on her game and strives to get to the state tournament,” Marlatt said of Helinski, who earned second-team all-league and was an LCAA Scholar recipient along with Schonfeld. “This is Aubrie’s second season, and already, I am excited to see what she is capable of doing.” Kangas, who is beginning her third season, shows improvement every year, while Brosamer has shown incredible potential, Marlatt said. Sophomores Lydia Sutherland and Madalyn Schultz are newcomers who have worked hard and will provide depth for Onsted. “From the first day of practice to the last day of the season, I want to see the same excitement and motivation,” Marlatt said. “I want them to better themselves, not just as athletes, but as students, community members, friends, sisters, and daughters.” Sand Creek: Fifth-year coach Jamie Driskill adds four new members to the Sand Creek program and prepares for a full team this fall. “We are excited about this season,” Driskill said. “We have enough to compete as a team. We return two golfers and have four new ones.” Senior Taylor McLaughlin, a Division 4 regional qualifier, and junior Dallas Pilarski return, as Driskill welcomes senior Raina Walters, sophomores Chloe Driskill and Delaney Eack, and freshman Maddie Plank to the program. “Our phrase in our golf program is, ‘Always in the fight,’ ” said Driskill, whose Aggies do not compete in a conference as the Tri-County Conference does not offer a girls golf division. “I want them to try and get better than they were yesterday and stay in it mentally and compete.”

and a leader with a calm and steady effect, too.” Besides Chadek and McCarty, defenders Micah Jameson and Zak Breznik and midfielder Sam Feick are also returning starters for LCS. Wyatt Herb, Wyatt McEldowney, Aiden McClellan, Daniel Knoll, and Garrett Ensign will contribute throughout the year. Nolan Robinson, Caleb Vandersteen, Levi Zimmerman, and Nevan Gilbert are newcomers to the Lenawee Christian varsity program. “They have welcomed in the new players with arms wide open,” Sharpe said of how the returning members of the team have accepted their new teammates. “They are hard workers, but also just great young men.” Onsted: Matthew Zellen begins his seventh season at Onsted, and the veteran coach hopes his Wildcats improve their standings in the Lenawee County Athletic Association. “We have a heavy schedule and a team full of potential stars,” said Zellen, whose team placed fifth in the LCAA last fall. “I have high hopes that we will challenge for the LCAA title and go deep into districts.”

The Wildcats collected only three wins last season, but Zellen said the upperclassmen are prepping their teammates for the upcoming schedule. Senior captains Brix Bumpus and Sawyer Murphy are returning for their final years on the field. “Both leaders are working hard to prepare their teammates for the coming campaign,” Zellen said. As the Wildcats get ready for their new season, Zellen wants his student-athletes to have “a winning attitude regardless of the outcomes.” Tecumseh: Tim Blevins begins his third season with the Tecumseh program, and the team’s goal is simple: go out there and compete and get the win in 2026. “We are returning a good core of mature players mixed with a promising sophomore class,” said Blevins, whose team tied Jackson for fifth in the SEC White Division last fall. “Expectations are to compete and win.” Thus far, Tecumseh is off to a 3-1 start for Blevins, and it is the returning players who have worked hard to start the season on a positive note. Senior goalkeeper Bradyn Williams, a three-year starter, earned first-team

all-conference SEC White honors. “He anchored the back line all season and was a key reason we stayed competitive in tight games,” Blevins said. Another pair of three-year starters return: senior defender Tyler Havelka, an all-conference honorable mention selection, and senior forward Jack Brueckner, who received Division 2 all-district honors and was the secondleading scorer last season. Senior midfielder Chase Batchelder, who earned all-district recognition, is a four-year varsity player and is starting his third season. Another pair of threeyear starters, senior defender William Cowen and junior midfielder Eli Morris, bring leadership and excitement to the game. The Indians have 17 games and a tournament before the Division 2 district tournament starts, and he said he wants his players to be in a position to handle the pressure. “It can be a long, grueling season,” Blevins said. “It is important for the players to keep the right mindset. … The main thing is to take each day and game as it comes and not overlook the task at hand. If we do that, we can have success.”

C14 | SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Volleyball

Madison: Coach Madison Coward and the Madison volleyball squad finished second in the LCAA behind Clinton, going 35-15-2 last year. The Trojans defeated Chelsea in the Division 2 district semifinals but fell to Tecumseh in the district final match. Morenci: Erin Ekins begins her second season as the Morenci volleyball coach and looks to build on the best team performance in more than a decade. “We had our best record in over 10 years last year, and we’d love to improve it in 2026,” said Ekins, whose team finished 13-15-1 and took fifth in the TriCounty Conference. Senior middle hitter Colbie Ekins is returning. As a junior, Ekins earned Division 4 all-region honors along with all-conference honors. Joining her on the court are outside hitter Emma Williams and right-side and middle hitter Tessa Zuvers, both seniors. A pair of backrow specialists, seniors Callie VanBrandt and Savanna Miles, return. Junior libero Tavin Kruse and sophomore Jordan Ekins will contribute, too. Onsted: A strong blend of veteran experience and talented underclassmen provides hope for Taylor Hutchinson as she starts her third season at Onsted. “My expectations for the 2026 season are high,” Hutchinson said. “We have a group with a good mix of returning varsity experience and younger athletes who are ready to step into larger roles.” Seniors outside/middle hitter Hadley Ross and setter Lauren Terakedis return for their third season on the Onsted varsity. Each provides strong leadership. “Our goal is to continue building a competitive program that plays with confidence, discipline and toughness,” Hutchinson said. Outside hitter Kayla Gerken and libero/back-row specialist Grace Teske, both juniors, also return. Hutchinson wants each to be known for their respective offensive and defensive skills. “I want to see our athletes continue to grow, not only as volleyball players, but also as teammates and young women,” she said. “I want them to be coachable, competitive, accountable, and willing to put the team before themselves.” Sand Creek: Coach Taylor Garcia begins her second season with Sand Creek, and with only a handful of wins last season, there is nowhere to go but up. “With eight seniors filling the majority of the team, I believe we have a really strong team ahead of us,” said Garcia, whose team finished fourth in the TCC. “I have had the privilege of coaching six of the eight seniors through all four years of high school. This group of athletes, including our newcomers, are all such well-rounded players with the drive and the desire to take Sand Creek to the top.” Last season, Onsted eliminated the Aggies in the Division 3 district tournament. Senior libero Jalyn Snyder, a four-year member of the Sand Creek program, returns for her final season. “She has really taken charge of the back row, making it her own,” Garcia said. “Jalyn’s determination, confidence, and drive make her unstoppable.” Senior Sydney Marks, a three-year member of the team, is a six-rotation player, showing her dominance in both the front and back rows. “Sydney’s positivity, encouragement, and focus make her a fantastic leader, both on and off the court,” Garcia said. Senior Elise Wilkinson returns for her second season as a powerhouse middle blocker. “I believe she will be a huge asset to us this season,” Garcia said. “Elise is driven, uplifting, and full of team spirit. I am looking forward to watching her dominate the front row this season.”

from page C7 Although the Indians might not duplicate last season’s success, a perfect 10-0 in the SEC and a 56-3 record, Skelton said she expects her players to produce on the court. “I hope to see consistency in every aspect,” Skelton said. “Whether that means how we are producing both offensively and defensively, our competitive edge, and our ability to regroup ourselves when things don’t go our way. I want my players to want to win all of the time and be willing to do whatever it takes for their team to be successful.” Addison: Coach Rayel Ferris and Addison finished with three Cascades Conference wins in 2025. The Panthers defeated Britton Deerfield in the opening round of the Division 4 district tournament but fell to Summerfield in the semifinals. Adrian: After two down seasons, coach Margaret Timmis begins her third season as Adrian looks to move up in the ranks and stake its claim on the court. “This season, I expect our team to do very well,” Timmis said. “We have been rebuilding for the last two seasons, and while there is still room to grow, we have an upperclassmen-led team this year, and the girls are ready to show everyone who they are.” Junior outside hitter Addyson Martolock and junior libero Edynn Eichorn are returning, and Timmis expects great things from them this fall. “Addyson is an all-around player on our team,” she said. “Incredibly strong, smart, and top-tier player. Edynn is a fearless leader who is disciplined, hardworking, and pushes her team to do better.” The Maples finished in the middle of the pack of the Southeastern Conference White Division, and Timmis wants her players to step up. “I want to see them take ownership of the team and really hold one another to a standard,” said Timmis, whose team earned a win over Columbia Central in the opening round of the Division 2 district tournament but fell to Tecumseh in a semifinal match. “We have been working diligently on working together and communicating, so to see these girls come together and look clean in their play and enjoy one another is a huge goal for all of us,” Timmis said. Blissfield: Coach Annica Miller enters her fifth season and eighth overall at Blissfield as her program looks to reinvent itself ahead of a youth movement. “We have a very young team this year, but we are using that to our advantage,” said Miller, whose team finished seventh in the LCAA last year. “Time is on our side, and we plan on taking advantage of that to build this team up over the next three years.” Setter Brooklyn Fetzer is the only returning senior for the Royals. “This will be her third year on varsity, and she is stepping up as a leader and captain this season,” Miller said. Junior libero Harper Collins, sophomore middle hitter Layla Gilbert, and sophomore outside hitter Grace Nieman will step into prominent roles. “This year, we are focusing all of our goals and development on building a strong foundation both with our skills and with our team culture,” Miller said. “I expect our team to compete with our league teams and the tournaments we are in this year.” Britton Deerfield: Coach Katelyn Becker and Britton Deerfield managed two wins last season. The Patriots fell to Addison in the opening round of the Division 4 district tournament.

Colbie Ekins, right, will be a leader for the Morenci volleyball team as she heads into her senior year. DAVID GREEN Clinton: An undefeated record in the Lenawee County Athletic Association, a Division 3 district final appearance, and a third-place finish in the countywide tournament in 2025 give coach Kia Rainey and her Clinton squad reason to beam in 2026. “I think that we have a good shot to continue to compete [at a high level] and to be at the top of the league,” said Rainey, whose team dominated the LCAA last fall. Middle hitter Bella Bannon, outside hitter Makenna Gore, defensive specialist/libero Calli Kruger, and setter Avery Loftis, all seniors, are joined by defensive specialist Lila Kennedy, outside hitter Rylee Pepper, and middle hitter Abby Sheneman, all juniors, and sophomore setter Addison Loftis as returning players for Clinton. Rainey said she wants her players to be able to execute the little pieces of the game each day in practices and games. If the Redwolves do that, Rainey feels her team will achieve their goals for the season and more as it goes on. Hudson: Coach Hunter Freitas starts his second season at the helm of the Hudson program, and hopes are high for improvement and a move in the alwayscompetitive LCAA. “The expectation is that in my second year, we strive for improvement,” said Freitas, whose team finished fifth in the league. “Last year, we had many games with low energy, which led to underperforming performances. Considering they went 3-33 the prior year, I think many of the older girls came into games against Clinton, Ida, and Dundee feeling like they were going to lose. Whereas we overperformed against out-of-league opponents.” Freitas said he would like to see that change, and if that is to happen, a trio of Tigers will lead the charge. Senior middle hitter/blocker Lena Leyva, junior libero Maci Godfrey, and sophomore outside hitter Clara Mansfield are returning. Godfrey recorded a team-best 258 digs and 23 aces, while Leyva had 168 kills, 37 blocks, and 32 aces. Mansfield chipped in 137 kills and 69 digs as a freshman last fall. “Maci feeds off of high competition; expectations are for her to be the best libero in the county,” Freitas said. “Lena is very reliable and involved; one of the

only upperclassmen hitters and having fun with the new offense with our freshman setter. Clara has developed a very heavy arm, a six-rotation outside who gets better every day.” Freshmen Jayce Beal, a 4-foot-10 setter, and right-side hitter/blocker Waverly Boggs, along with sophomore Brooklyn Isenhower, an outside hitter, are newcomers to the program with potential to contribute right away, Freitas said. “I want to see our offense start to become reliable and consistent,” said Freitas, whose squad finished 15-18-1 but reached the Division 3 district final last season. “When we are playing at our best, our offense can be deadly; however, it is currently very inconsistent. When we are at our worst, our serve-receive and defense are stellar. So, limiting unforced errors is going to be crucial.” Lenawee Christian: Last year, coach Tenille Marowelli and Lenawee Christian went 29-11-3 on their way to a shared Tri-County Conference championship and Division 4 district title win over Summerfield. Now, Marowelli returns a dominating veteran squad as the Cougars look for more in 2026. “It’s exciting to have nearly an entire team return two years in a row,” Marowelli said. “These girls are unified, determined, and committed to excellence. On and off the court, they continue to work to display servant leadership and a selfless mindset. ... These girls have worked incredibly hard over the last few years, and we are excited to see what new heights they can reach.” Seniors setter Brynn Davis, middle blocker Ava Feick, middle blocker Gigi Masters, right-side hitter Hannah Acuna Holloway, and defensive specialist Hannah Wynn return for their final campaign under Marowelli. Juniors libero Leah Sherman and outside hitter Zoe Cherfan, along with sophomore outside hitter Hattie Fansler, also return for LCS. “Our theme we chose for this season is ‘Unshaken,’ ” said Marowelli, whose team lost in the regional semifinals against Hillsdale Academy. “The idea is that no matter the circumstance, on and off the court, we will stand firm in our faith, continue to build trust in our teammates, display our dedication to excellence, and live ‘Unshaken’ under pressure.”

SEPTEMBER 2026

SPORTS | C15

last season, including 1-6 in the Cascades Conference West Division. Adrian: Coach Joel Przygodski’s Maples finished second in the Southeastern Conference White Division last year. They opened the Division 3 district tournament with a win over Ypsilanti Lincoln but fell to Fenton in the district final. But the Maples are ready for a new season, and the fifth-year coach has his program fired up for a new season on the gridiron. “We bring back a lot of players with meaningful snaps from last season,” Przygodski said. “Our returning starters on the offensive line will all be three-year starters for us, and we return the bulk of our offensive production from last season.” Junior running back Luke Bruggeman, who rushed for more than 1,700 yards and earned all-state honors last season, returns, along with three-year starter and senior defensive back Cooper Howard. Junior running back/tight end/defensive end Landunn Branch contributes wherever Przygodski puts him on the field. Offensive lineman Brycen Pifer, Kasey Eichorn, and Jaymon Wilson and wide receiver Wyatt Snyder, all seniors, are returning, as are a number of juniors including quarterback Jaxon Dowling, Bruggeman, Branch, and wide receiver Ryder Borton on offense. Defensively, senior lineman Dominic Bryan and junior lineman Liam Martinez return, and they are joined by junior linebacker Cassion DuBose. Branch is joined by defensive back Cooper Howard and Noah Yatzek, both seniors, and Max Heldt, a junior. Blissfield: Coach Ryan Love and Blissfield look to improve on their lone win in 2025, a dominating victory over Hillsdale, as the Royals finished seventh in the LCAA. Britton Deerfield: After back-to-back Southern Central Athletic Association White Division eight-man football championships, Britton Deerfield returns a talented group of seniors. But there are some early-season concerns for coach Erik Johnson. “The 2026 team will have entirely new starting offensive and defensive lines,” said Johnson, who is beginning his ninth season at BD. “We will still have an experienced senior group and will rely on our overall team speed for advantages.” Senior Tyler Karpinski returns to one of the running back positions, Johnson said. As a junior last season, Karpinski scored 114 points and rushed for a teamhigh 1,268 yards and 17 touchdowns. He earned MHSFCA all-state honors. Meanwhile, several seniors return to lead the defense. Karpinski joins Cayden Allshouse at the cornerback positions. John Johnson, who plays a hybrid linebacker-defensive back position, returns at the Eagle spot for BD. Nick Bagby at linebacker and Kaiden Lidster at defensive end join Johnson defensively. “We will rely on this senior group to bring along a small junior class — four players — and a talented and deep sophomore class to help fill important roles,” Johnson said.

Sophomore running back/defensive back Mason Cleveland rushed for 283 yards and averaged 4.6 yards per carry last year. “The expectation is that we will compete and show some toughness,” said McDowell, whose team competes in the eight-man division. “Football is a physical game, and the kids need to embrace that aspect of the sport. “More wins would be nice,” he added, “but ultimately the goal is to learn how to work hard when you don’t feel like it or when you aren’t winning at the clip you want to.” Onsted: Coach Joe Gillies begins his first season with Onsted, looking to improve on its fifth-place finish in the LCAA. Gillies takes over the Onsted program with one goal in mind: be competitive each time out on the field. “With a new coaching system in our first year, we are really striving to be competitive in every game we play,” Gillies said of the Wildcats, who return four starters on offense and on defense. Running back Connor Kish, tight end Colton Chamberlain, wide receiver Carter Gillian, and tackle Carson Garrison, all seniors, plus junior tackle Trent Leyland and defensive back Jacob Ohlman, are returning. Sand Creek: It is a new season for second-year coach Derek Hewitt and Sand Creek, which this year is joining the Great Lakes Conference, a new footballonly conference made up of eight schools in Michigan and Ohio. “We are looking to build on last year’s late victory and carry it into this season,” said Hewitt. A victory over Comstock at the end of the season allowed the Aggies to end last year on a positive note. The Aggies return eight players on offense and eight on defense, Hewitt said. Sophomore running back AJ Murdico, the leading rusher last season, joins senior fullback/linebacker Grady Thompson, junior quarterback Jackson Sutherland, and sophomore fullback/ linebacker Noah Walters in the backfield. Junior offensive tackle/defensive end Caden Glinski and offensive guard/ linebacker Juanie Ortega provide toughness for the Aggies. They are joined by senior linemen Chase Voorhees and Tucker Hulett, providing strength and experience in the trenches. Tecumseh: Coach Greg Dolson and Tecumseh placed fourth in the SEC White Division and finished the regular season with a 6-3 record last season, but Dolson expects better things in 2026. “We have young men who are eager to compete and earn their opportunity, and I expect several of them to surprise people,” said Dolson, who begins his 12th season at the helm of the program. “Our focus throughout the offseason has been on preparing everyone to contribute when their number is called.” Senior tight end Brayden Baur returns on offense, along with junior quarterback Chane Gormley, junior wide receiver Gabe Abbott, and senior wide receiver Sam Abbott. A trio of linemen also return — Junior Jake Dolson, senior Jack Ferguson, and senior Mason DeCormier. Baur returns on defense at defensive end, along with junior defensive back Cameron Loudermilk, senior linebacker Kyle Cooke, senior defensive back Ben Andrews and senior linebacker Cruz Torres.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

Football from page C7

Adrian’s Jordan Griffin catches a pass during a preseason scrimmage against Lansing Waverly on Aug. 21. LAD STRAYER/LENAWEE VOICE Allshouse steps into the quarterback role. He rushed 86 times for 876 yards and 10 touchdowns last year. He also threw for 121 yards and a touchdown. Johnson said he looks for junior Keeghan Taylor, a 6-foot-1, 260-pound center, to solidify the position, while Bagby and senior Zach Gonzalez get their opportunity to anchor the guard spots and keep the ground game moving. “This senior group is ready to prove themselves and to leave their own mark on the BD football program,” Johnson said. Clinton: Several key position players return for Clinton and coach Casey Randolph, but the reality is the Redwolves might struggle to find their way early in the season. “We are going to be young and inexperienced at the varsity level, but we bring back several skill positions with experience,” Randolph said. The team reached the Division 7 semifinals and fell to Schoolcraft last year. Five offensive starters are returning, including junior quarterback Gradyn Whelan. He’ll be joined in the backfield by junior running back Braxton Randolph and senior Dacari Garrison, a running back/wide receiver. Guard Owen Wright and tackle Jonah Hahn, both seniors, anchor the offensive line. “We are excited about the potential of this team and the ability that we have,” Randolph said. Lenawee Christian: Coach Jake Baker is taking over at LCS, which finished second last year in the Southern Central Athletic Association White Division. Last year, the Cougars just missed making the Division 2 eight-man football playoffs. “Our team goals are to win our conference and make the playoffs,” said Baker, who had been the team’s defensive coordinator the past three seasons. Senior quarterback JT Reatherford, a three-year starter for LCS, returns along with senior receiver/defensive back Drew Kirkendall. Junior lineman/linebacker Wesley Fansler, who led the team in tackles, was all-division at lineman. Senior running back Judah Penney and sophomore receiver/defensive back Josiah Atkinson also return. “We are returning an experienced group at the skilled positions,” Baker said.

“We have a senior class that is athletic and experienced. We will need to develop offensive and defensive linemen to win the big games as we will be undersized. Our speed and skill on offense should allow us to throw the ball successfully as we have in the past.” Madison: After a successful run at Lenawee Christian, coach Bill Wilharms returns to Madison and begins his second stint with the Trojans with specific goals in mind. “Be competitive in every game and have a blast,” said Wilharms, who has coached Madison for 18 years, including six as its head coach. Linebacker/running back Krys Ramirez and wide receiver/linebacker Caidan Randall bring toughness and leadership to the program, Wilharms said. Linebacker/tight end Elliot Beagle, wide receiver/defensive back Derrel Tillman, offensive/defensive lineman Nathan Payne, and offensive/defensive lineman Aiden Traxler provide athleticism. Kicker/punter Nathan Mullins is a talented special teams performer, Wilharms said. Wide receiver/defensive back Delante Garrison, running back/ linebacker Gio Briggs, wide receiver/ linebacker Isaiah Tiede, and wide receiver/defensive back Destyn Garcia bring experience and strong defensive play to the field. Morenci: A late-season win in October of last year might serve as the motivation that Morenci needs as the Bulldogs enter 2026 under second-year coach Ryan McDowell. “We finished at 3-6, obviously did not make the playoffs, but were able to go out on a high note with a home victory over Litchfield in our last game of the season,” McDowell said. Senior running back/linebacker Skyler Trent was injured in the first quarter of the first game last year and missed half of the season. Even though he missed time, Trent averaged 6.5 yards per carry and rushed for 478 yards, the secondleading rusher on the team. “We will look for him to be our playmaker on offense,” McDowell said. Junior quarterback/linebacker Drew Joughin also missed half of the season last year with injury, but has improved his strength and agility in the offseason.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Music and art academy opens in Clinton » PAGE D3

Downtown Adrian’s Artalicious festival is Sept. 19-20 » PAGE D6

ARTS & LIVING

Lenawee Pride festival continues to grow » PAGE D7

THE LENAWEE VOICE FOURTH SECTION SEPTEMBER 2026

A theatrical homecoming

Music director Bruce Anthony Kiesling is pictured at one of the Adrian Symphony Orchestra’s 2025 concerts.

‘I know that tune!’ Familiar melodies anchor symphony’s upcoming season By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Whether it’s in a TV show or commercial, the music playing at the grocery store, or in a Bugs Bunny cartoon, there are all kinds of places where you might hear a snippet of classical music and think, “I know that tune!” The Adrian Symphony Orchestra has built its entire 2026-27 season around the idea that plenty of classical pieces are things people know even if they don’t think they do, from the familiar four notes that begin Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony to the way the “William Tell” Overture is probably better known as the “Lone Ranger” theme. “The whole season is kind of embracing pieces that are in the popular culture,” ASO music director Bruce Anthony Kiesling said. “Every concert is going to have music in it that people are going to hear and say, ‘Oh, I know that!’ ”

See SYMPHONY, page D14

Jan and Tom Sura, their friend Trudy McSorley, and son Matt Sura pose for a photo during a reunion at the Croswell Opera House. The reunion was attended by Croswell artists, volunteers and patrons from the 1960s to present. PHOTO BY ASHLEE SAYLES

Croswell Opera House reunion draws past and present performers from all over the country By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — There are family reunions, and then there are family reunions. Hundreds of the Croswell Opera House’s past and present performers, crew, volunteers, supporters, staff, and audience members converged on the historic theater on the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 7, for the Croswell’s Family Reunion. The reunion, held as part of the Downtown Adrian First Fridays series, was the latest in a series of events this year marking the Croswell’s 160th birthday, dating from when what was originally called the Adrian Union Hall first opened its doors on March 19, 1866. The Croswell hosted community productions of all sorts, lectures, and

Nathan Smith, Alyce Mott, Kathryn Smith and Ken Hamlin look at a photo during the Croswell Family Reunion on Aug. 7. PHOTO BY ASHLEE SAYLES many other events until the 1920s when it became a movie theater. It closed its doors in 1967 and was on the verge of being torn down until a group of

community-minded citizens stepped in to save the building and make it a home

See REUNION, page D15

D2 | ARTS & LIVING

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

‘Honolulu Blues’ author to speak at Adrian library Detroit-raised comedian Joel Walkowski tells a story of struggle and redemption ADRIAN — The Adrian District Library will host author Joel Walkowski for a presentation on his book “Honolulu Blues” from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26. The event will be held in the Community Room of the library, located at 143 E. Maumee St. in downtown Adrian. Walkowski’s journey is one of resilience and transformation. Born an economically disadvantaged child in Michigan, he overcame significant personal challenges that included getting hooked on Adderall as a child — setting him up for a long struggle with addiction before he committed himself to sobriety. His story also mixes in his love of the Detroit Lions, stemming from growing up in Detroit. He refers to himself and the Lions as “two losers” — and, indeed, the subtitle of his book is “How Loving a Losing Football Team Created a Winning Man.” In the book, Walkowski describes how he learned from the Lions some of the lessons his father could not teach him.

BOOKS —

In his talk, Walkowski will discuss his life, his writing process, and the lessons he learned along the way. There’s no cost to attend, and registration is not required. The library is partnering with Tropetastic Books & Gifts, which will be selling Walkowski’s book at the event. Tropetastic is at 112 W. Maumee St. in downtown Adrian. For more information about library programs, go to adrian.lib.mi.us or call 517-265-2265.

BOOK NOTES The stories behind Michigan’s favorite food brands ADRIAN — Did you know the Ritz Cracker was invented in Jackson, Michigan? This is just one of the Michigan food facts covered by Jon Milan and Gail Offen in their book “Classic Michigan Food and Drink: The Stories Behind the Brands.” Milan and Offen will speak at the Adrian District Library from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22. Plenty of people know that Michigan invented ready-to-eat cereal (Kellogg’s) and baby food (Gerber) — but this book also covers lesser-known topics, such as the story of Better Made potato chips and how Michigan is the pickle-growing capital of the United States. Fans of Sanders, Faygo, Vernors, Guernsey and Jiffy — or those who have fond memories of brands like Awrey’s and Twin Pines — will find plenty to enjoy in this talk. Books will be available for purchase for $20. The library is at 143 E. Maumee St. in downtown Adrian.

County library hosts presentation on Orphan Train movement ADRIAN — Author Sherry A. Burton will be at the main branch of the Lenawee District Library at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, to talk about the history of the Orphan Train movement of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Orphan Train movement was a program that transported children from crowded eastern cities of the United States to foster homes located in rural areas in the east, the Midwest and west that were short on farming labor. While leaders of the movement claimed the children transported this way were orphaned or abandoned, this wasn’t always true. Through storytelling, photos and more, Burton will share some real accounts of children who rode the trains, bringing to life one of America’s most fascinating — and often forgotten — chapters of history. Burton is the author of a series of historical Sherry A. Burton will speak at the main fiction novels based on the stories of children branch of the Lenawee District Library who rode the Orphan Trains. Copies of her on Monday, Sept. 28. books will be available at the talk. The main branch of the Lenawee District Library is at 4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian. For more information, call 517-263-1011 or go to lenawee.lib.mi.us.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

ARTS & LIVING | D3

SEPTEMBER 2026

Mother and son launch school for music and arts in downtown Clinton By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

CLINTON — Children and adults alike will have a new place to explore their creative sides beginning this month when the Mustard Seed Music and Arts Academy opens in Clinton. The academy, located at 101 E. Michigan Ave. in the heart of the village’s downtown, starts its fall semester Sept. 8. Classes run for 10-13 weeks, while workshops might be one day or a few days. Mustard Seed is the brainchild of Jennifer Carson, a local children’s book author who serves as the artistic director. Back in 2025, she was looking for a music program for her granddaughter, who was eight months old at the time, and discovered that the closest location for what she wanted was in Ann Arbor. The program for children and their caregivers, called Music Together, “was fun, and I started talking to the teacher about it,” she said. And it wasn’t long before she decided she wanted to create a place in the community for not only music classes, but much more. She sent a survey out via several local Facebook groups to judge the interest in such an endeavor, and the response convinced her she had a good idea in the works. Coincidentally, the survey even netted them their building. As her dream started to take shape, her son Aaron became part of it. Aaron grew up immersed in the arts, playing instruments and performing onstage from a very young age. When he left a corporate IT job in Iowa and moved back home earlier this year, Jennifer talked with him about what she envisioned for the community. Aaron knew right away he wanted to be part of it and now serves as the academy’s director of music and performing arts. Why the name “Mustard Seed”? It comes from the Gospel story of the mustard seed, which is one of the smallest of seeds but grows into one of the largest plants in the garden. To Jennifer, it’s about both starting out this new venture with “faith as small as a mustard seed,” and about “planting

Aaron Carson and his mother, Jennifer Carson, have launched the Mustard Seed Music and Arts Academy in downtown Clinton. Aaron is the academy’s director of music and performing arts and Jennifer is the artistic director. ARLENE BACHANOV/LENAWEE VOICE seeds in the kids — artistic seeds,” she said. In addition to Music Together, the academy offers a range of other music classes for both groups and individuals, and programs in visual arts, creative writing, dance, acting and musical theater. Some classes will be held during the day to accommodate homeschooled students. Generally, classes are once a week, but the musical theater class will take place twice a week. A few courses like Music Together have two options a week and students can come to either or both. While Jennifer and Aaron certainly want Mustard Seed to be a place where students can tap into their creative sides outside of a school setting, there will be options for adults as well, including classes in watercolors, book illustration, music, and writing.

Upcoming workshops will teach everything from scrap quilting, needle felting, and how to make a stuffed creation, to how to use the artificial intelligence tool Claude to create games, websites, and art. Classes will be taught by Jennifer, Aaron, and other instructors who are experts in their various fields. Several instructors are already on board, but the academy is looking for more. The academy has partnered with Macon Creek, the former Boysville campus on Clinton-Macon Road that’s now home to an artistic community, and will hold a gallery show and recital there in December. Also in the works is a musical theater camp planned for summer 2027. More information, including classes and how to register, can be found at mustardseedmusicandartsacademy.com.

Lifelong Learning now taking registrations for fall ADRIAN — Lenawee Lifelong Learning, which offers classes on a variety of topics to adults in the community, is now accepting registrations for its fall session, which will take place in October. Most classes take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Weber Retreat and Conference Center on the Adrian Dominican Sisters campus, 1257 E. Siena Heights Drive. However, one of the classes also includes a visit to the Detroit Institute of Arts. For a flat registration fee of $35, students can take as many classes as they like. The topics for this fall are: n Chinese Poetry, taught by Michael McGrath. This class will cover poetry from four periods of Chinese history, beginning in 1000 B.C. and going up to the beginning of the 20th century. n Alzheimer’s: A Disease that Touches Everyone, taught by presenters from the Michigan chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. This class will cover healthy habits, warning signs of Alzheimer’s, being a care partner for somebody with

Alzheimer’s, updates on new research, and information about sources of help. n Science and Discovery, taught by Mark Schersten. What is the scientific method, and is it the best guide to obtaining new knowledge about the natural world? This class will attempt to answer both parts of that question, using historical examples of discoveries made through science to illustrate various aspects of the scientific method. n Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo and the Detroit Industry Murals, taught by Bob Behnke. Discover the extraordinary stories behind two of the 20th century’s most influential artists. n Supreme Court Decisions, taught by Bob Gordon. This course will place recent decisions in their historical context. n Poetry, taught by Charmaine Stangl. No writing experience is necessary to take part in this class. n Detroit Institute of Arts tour, led by Bob Behnke. (Participation in the class on Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo is not required in order to join in the DIA trip. Museum admission cost applies.)

For more information, go to lenaweelifelonglearning.wordpress.com or call Don Taylor at 517-403-4469.

D4 | ARTS & LIVING

VALERIE HERR THE LOCAL DISH

Spreading Rumors Introducing the Lenawee Voice’s new restaurant column If the heart of the home is the kitchen, then the heart of a community just might be its local restaurants. In this monthly article, my family and I will travel throughout our communities, trying locally owned restaurants and hopefully encouraging you to visit a place you’ve never tried — or rediscover one you haven’t visited in a while. Food is at the center of so many of life’s moments. We celebrate birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, friendships and milestones around a table. Local restaurants give us a place to do that while supporting the people and businesses that make our communities unique. For my first article, we’re talking about Rumors. Not the kind you spread in middle school, but Rumors Restaurant in Hudson. Located at 212 W. Main St., Rumors offers a casual, relaxed atmosphere where you immediately feel welcome. You’ll find friendly waitstaff, classic American cuisine, creative specials and generous food at a fair price. My family of six recently visited for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. With six people at the table, we had the perfect opportunity to order a variety of dishes and do some sharing. The specials of the day included deep-fried avocado tacos and shrimp with street corn risotto. Naturally, we had to try both. We also ordered a Vampire Burger, featuring plenty of garlic, along with fish and chips. The food did not disappoint. And, as the person who ordered the Vampire Burger, I can confidently report that I remained completely safe from vampires for the rest of the day. Beyond its regular menu and specials, Rumors offers a few experiences that make it worth another visit. The restaurant features fresh oysters monthly as well as live music. For those looking for something a little different, Rumors also offers a Whiskey Club. For $100 a year, members are invited to quarterly whiskey tastings paired with delicious food — an experience that could make for a fun night out and a great gift for the whiskey enthusiast in your life. Rumors is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Most importantly, Rumors is the kind of locally owned restaurant this column is all about: good food, welcoming people and another reason to spend a little time in one of our local communities. So the next time someone asks, “Have you heard the rumor?” You can tell them you have — and it’s delicious. Valerie Herr is a local nonprofit executive who serves as executive director of the Adrian Center for the Arts. She’s also a fan of the local restaurants that help shape our communities. She and her husband, Matt, live in Brooklyn.

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Taste of Lenawee offers a chance to sample local restaurants and caterers Annual event is a fundraiser for programs at the Adrian Armory. ADRIAN — A wealth of local food and drink will be on the table when the Adrian Armory hosts its annual Taste of Lenawee fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 18, from 6-9 p.m. The armory is at 230 W. Maumee St. Taste of Lenawee will bring together restaurants, caterers, and culinary creatives for an evening of good food, live entertainment, and meaningful connections. Many of the businesses participating in Taste of Lenawee are graduates of the Launch Lenawee program, a small

The perfect breakfast “What’s for breakfast today?” I say to myself as I feed my coffee pot. “Same as always,” I reply, pulling a bowl, a spoon, a coffee cup and a juice glass out of the cabinets. My beloved wife Marsha has not yet emerged from the bedroom. Breakfast is the one meal we seldom eat together. It will take me a few minutes of preparation before I sit down on a stool at our counter and dig into a bowl of cereal with blueberries and milk, a halfglass of orange juice and a full cup of coffee. I’m getting bored with it but I’m too lazy to change it. On the rare occasions we eat breakfast in a restaurant while traveling, I often order Eggs Benedict. Every restaurant seems to have its own definition of Eggs Benedict, and many of them leave me disappointed. Cheap English muffins. Lousy Hollandaise sauce. Ham instead of Canadian bacon. Overcooked poached eggs. There are just so many things that can go wrong. But now and then, a restaurant gets it just right. There is one place nearby that comes close to perfection—its only fault is using ham instead of Canadian bacon, but the ham is very, very good ham so I forgive.

business incubator that is hosted at the Armory. Those businesses are: n Kim’s Konfections. n Epicake Delights. n BOR Meats. n Old Dog Sauce and Spice. n Just’in Time Catering Services. n Ad Astra Soda. n Night Sky Popcorn. n Ms. Tula Soul Food. n Stone’s Catering and Salad Dressing. Guests will also be able to sample food from: n The Hills Fork Oar Pour. n Skytech Sports Bar. n Mr. Moo’s Ice Cream & More. n Mandy Makes N’ Bakes.

JIM WHITEHOUSE LOOKING OUT “Why don’t you just make your own Eggs Benedict at home?” you say in a whiny voice. “What? Are you nuts?” I reply. “Do you know how much work that is, how hard it is to get perfect ingredients? How tricky it is to add just the right amount of lemon juice and cayenne pepper to the Hollandaise?” “Then quit complaining and keep eating cold cereal with blueberries,” you say. “I’ll have a pancake,” I reply, digging out my late mother’s recipe. “Pancakes?” says Marsha, finally making her kitchen appearance and seeing the recipe on the counter. “Yes. Want one?” “No thanks. Not enough protein, fiber or fresh fruit,” she says. “I’ll have my usual smoothie.” She starts pulling out yogurt, berries, a big jug of protein powder and who knows what else. Her little blender stands ready. Why didn’t I think to make a smoothie? Do I even like drinking a milk shake for breakfast? Alas. Why not cook myself an omelet? Or fry up some bacon and eggs, make some

Three Dudes & Dinner. Rosie’s Tecumseh Cafe. n Dreams Made Reality. n Lana’s Kitchen. Bartending service will be provided by MC Bartending. Entertainment will be provided by Linnie & Moochie, a duo performing pop hits of the ’60s and ’70s. Taste of Lenawee benefits the Adrian Armory Community Center, the Launch Lenawee Business Bootcamp, and the Makerspace Community Kitchen, all located in the historic Armory building. Tickets are $75 for one or $125 for two. For more information or to order tickets, go to adrianarmory.com/ taste-of-lenawee. n n

toast and coffee? What about potatoes. Hash browns or home fried? Another of my restaurant favorites is chipped beef on toast. And please, don’t tell me that tired-out-old Army name for the dish — it stopped being funny in 1945. Is a meal of chipped beef on toast a healthy choice? Not so much, but I love it. It is what Marsha makes for me for dinner on my birthday. Actually, I sometimes make it for dinner myself when it isn’t my birthday. Balancing healthy food choices and ravenous gluttonous artery-clogging high blood pressure diabetes promoting food choices for the first meal of the day is challenging. There’s a truck stop nearby that offers full breakfasts consisting of potatoes piled atop toast, smothered in sausage gravy with an egg on top and a pancake on the side. People actually order that and eat the whole plateful. Some of them are a lot thinner than I am. Those people should be jailed for eating like that and not getting fat. I stop thinking about that and give up. I fix my bowl of high-fiber wholegrain cereal with blueberries and milk, my half-glass of OJ, and my cup of coffee. “Don’t you get bored with the same breakfast every day?” asks Marsha, who is sipping her smoothie just like she did yesterday. Jim Whitehouse grew up in Morenci, practiced law in Hudson, and now lives in Albion.

Alisa Clark exhibit at the Adrian Center for the Arts gallery ADRIAN — A solo exhibition by painter Alisa Clark will be on display from Sept. 8 through Oct. 4 at the Adrian Center for the Arts gallery, 1375 N. Main St., Adrian. Clark was the winner of the ACA’s “Misinformation” exhibit in 2025. An educator in addition to an artist, she believes that creative expression has power — power to help us find hope as we wait in life’s most challenging places and spaces. She believes artistic expression can give us encouragement no matter how hard our present place in time and space may seem. Clark’s artwork has been exhibited in national, regional, and international juried exhibitions, including shows at the Detroit Institute of Arts, Trinity Cathedral in Sacramento, the Muskegon Museum of Art, the Interchurch Center in New York City, and galleries affiliated with the International

Society of Experimental Artists. Her work has been featured in numerous exhibitions focused on contemporary, sacred, experimental, and narrative art practices. In addition to her studio practice, she is the author and illustrator of multiple books on art, spirituality, and creative process. Her publications include “The Liminal Print” (2026), “Shrines, Altars, and Spiritual Things” (2025), “Painting Memories” (2022), “Art and Liminal Space” (2020), “Mindfulness Paintings” (2019), and “Dancing in the Doghouse” (2009). Clark will offer a one-day workshop titled “The Way of Intuitive Art: Finding Meaning Through Making” on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 1-4 p.m. The ACA gallery is open from 1-4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. For more information, call 517-759-3005 or go to adriancenterforthearts.org.

The work of Alisa Clark will be on display through Oct. 4 at the Adrian Center for the Arts gallery, 1375 N. Main St., Building 46.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

ARTS & LIVING | D5

SEPTEMBER 2026

Weber Center announces Lunch & Learn topics for fall ADRIAN — Weber Retreat and Conference Center will offer a variety of topics during the fall season of Lunch and Learn. The sessions are planned for Wednesdays from 12:15 to 1 p.m. The dates and topics of this season’s Lunch and Learn are as follows: Sept. 9 — Sister Miriam Michael Stimson: The Soul of DNA. Dr. Jun Tsuji, author of “The Soul of DNA,” speaks about Sister Miriam Michael’s groundbreaking discoveries that led to important medical treatments. Oct. 14 — Hidden Haven Adrian. The owner of the Hidden Haven Adrian Outdoor Adventure Park shares what’s available for families and for teambuilding at its 12-acre countryside retreat. Nov. 11 — Weber Center Shop Christmas Open House Preview. Katherine Dusseau, manager, shares what the Weber Center Shop offers for the Christmas season, from Christmas cards and nativity sets to ornaments and other treasures. Come enjoy special raffles, discounts, and giveaways. The Christmas Open House is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, Nov. 11-14. Dec. 9 — Self-Care for the Holidays. Elizabeth Davis, professor of social work, shares tips on handling the stress that often comes with the holidays. The Weber Center is at 1257 E. Siena Heights Drive. For more information, visit webercenter.org.

New clubs forming at Adrian District Library ADRIAN — The Adrian District Library is launching three new clubs that will meet at the library. Book Dragons Jr. — This is a reading club for kids ages 5–12. The program has two parts. Kids can turn in reading logs anytime in the youth services department to earn dragon-themed trading cards, and club members can also gather at a monthly meeting held the first Thursday of each month, beginning Sept. 3, from 5–6 p.m. The more kids read, the bigger their dragon card collection will grow, and a new set of dragon families will be introduced each month, so there’s always something new to collect. At the monthly meetings, club members can participate in different fun activities. Pokémon Club — A monthly Pokémon Club for kids will meet on the third Thursday of each month, beginning on Sept. 17, from 5-6 p.m. This club is for kids ages 5-12 and each meeting will have games, activities and the opportunity to trade and play the Pokémon trading card game. All Ability Story & Activity Club — This club will launch on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and then will meet on the second Tuesday of each month beginning in October. It will include stories, movement and an activity or craft. Activities are designed for adults and teens ages 15 and older, with all abilities in mind. All the clubs are free. The library is located at 143 E. Maumee St. in downtown Adrian. For more information, call 517-265-2265.

‘Come From Away’ at the Croswell to mark 25th anniversary of 9/11 ADRIAN — On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, when the news broke of the terrorist attacks targeting the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, 38 airplanes carrying about 7,000 passengers and crew had to be diverted to the nearest landing spot: an airport in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland. The story of those 38 airplanes, their passengers, and the people of Gander who rallied to support the stranded travelers was turned into a musical by husband-and-wife writing duo Irene Sankoff and David Hein. “Come From Away” opened on Broadway in 2017 and was nominated for multiple Tony Awards. As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 nears, the Croswell Opera House is preparing a production of that musical, with

performances running from Sept. 11-13 and Sept. 17-20. The show is directed by Kirsten Hinshaw, who previously led the Croswell’s 2025 production of “Annie.” The live orchestra will be under the direction of Dave Rains, and the choreographer is Jessica Briggs. The 12 actors in the show all play a variety of roles, including Gander residents, stranded passengers, and the pilot of one of the 38 airplanes. Those actors are Maya Gangadharan of Adrian; Lane Hakel of Hudson; Sarah Burrell of Manchester; Eryn Gerweck and Steven Kiss of Temperance; Elizabeth Mitchell of Van Buren Township; Brian Jones of Maumee, Ohio; Chad Michael of Monclova, Ohio; Tanner Strock of Rossford, Ohio; Sophia Walcher of

Sylvania; and Chris Stack and Grace Wipfli of Toledo. Tickets range from $26 to $46 for adults and $16 to $26 for students, and may be ordered by calling 517-264-7469 or going to croswell.org. The Croswell never sells tickets for more than the listed price, and any website listing tickets for a higher price is a scam.

Show dates and times: Friday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. n Sunday, Sept. 13 at 2:30 p.m. n Thursday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. n Friday, Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. n Saturday, Sept. 19 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. n Sunday, Sept. 20 at 2:30 p.m. n n

Morenci Kiwanis planning Yuletide Lights display MORENCI — The Kiwanis Club of Morenci is bringing its Yuletide Lights and Legacy Lane tree display back to Wakefield Park for a second year and is inviting families, businesses, organizations, and community members to be part of the tradition. The display debuted last year with more than 90 decorated trees lining the drive through the park, creating a beautiful holiday experience for residents and visitors to enjoy

throughout the Christmas season. This year, participants can once again reserve a live tree and decorate it in memory or honor of a loved one, to represent a business or organization, or simply to help spread holiday cheer throughout the community. Trees are $100 each, which includes the tree, signage, and access to power. Participants provide their own LED lights and decorations and may decorate their trees between Nov. 15 and Dec. 4.

The completed display will once again transform Wakefield Park into a festive holiday destination, with decorated trees lighting the drive through the park throughout the season. Space is limited, and reservations are due by Oct. 1 or until all available trees have been reserved. For registration information or questions about the project, contact Kori Christle at 517-401-0346 or Brad Frederick at 517-605-1020.

Moving your donor-advised fund to your local foundation At the Lenawee Community Foundation, we work with individuals and families who want to support the causes they care about most. Sometimes we meet with donors who have already begun their charitable giving journey by establishing a donor-advised fund at a national charitable sponsor or commercial provider. Over time, many donors discover that they want something more. They want to learn about local needs, connect with nonprofits making a difference right here in Lenawee County, involve family members in giving decisions, and work with a trusted local partner who understands the place they call home. For these donors, transferring a donor-advised fund to the Lenawee Community Foundation can be a natural next step. The good news is that moving a donor-advised fund is often easier than people expect. Here’s a simple look at how the process works. Step 1: Start a conversation. The first step is simply to reach out. Our team will take time to learn about your charitable goals, answer your questions, and explore how a donor-advised fund at the Lenawee Community Foundation can help you create the impact you envision. Many donors are surprised to learn that they don’t have to choose between convenience and local expertise. In addition to the flexibility of a donoradvised fund, you’ll gain personalized guidance, deep community knowledge, and a long-term partner committed to strengthening Lenawee County. Step 2: Create a fund that reflects your values. One of the most enjoyable parts of the process is designing

PAULA TRENTMAN a fund that reflects your family’s charitable vision. You can choose a fund name, such as the Smith Family Fund, designate fund advisors, and discuss how future generations might become involved. Many donors use this opportunity to create a structure that encourages family conversations about generosity and community impact, while benefiting from the Foundation’s experience and philanthropic expertise. Step 3: Establish your new donor-advised fund. We’ll provide a simple fund agreement outlining how your fund will operate and who may recommend grants to nonprofit organizations. The process is straightforward, and our team will guide you every step of the way. Step 4: Recommend a grant to transfer your fund. Once your new fund is established, you can contact your current donor-advised fund provider and recommend a grant to the Lenawee Community Foundation for the benefit of your newly created fund. In many cases, this can be completed online in just a few minutes. Step 5: Confirm the details. To help ensure a smooth transfer, be sure to use the exact name of your new fund and any instructions provided by the Foundation. We’ll gladly coordinate the details with you and answer questions throughout the process.

Step 6: Decide how much to transfer. Some donors transfer the entire balance of an existing donoradvised fund at once. Others prefer to transfer a portion first and move additional assets later. There is no onesize-fits-all approach. Some donors transfer the entire balance of an existing donor-advised fund at once. Others prefer to transfer a portion first and move additional assets over time. Some donors even choose to maintain their existing donor-advised fund while also establishing a locally focused donoradvised fund or another charitable fund at the Lenawee Community Foundation. Step 7: Put your philanthropy to work right here in Lenawee. After the transfer is complete, you can begin recommending grants from your donor-advised fund. Whether you’re supporting longtime favorite organizations or discovering new opportunities to make a difference, our team is here as a trusted resource. Many donors find that this deeper connection to the community—and the opportunity to give with local insight—becomes one of the most rewarding aspects of their philanthropy. A donor-advised fund is a simple, flexible way to organize your charitable giving. By bringing your fund to the Lenawee Community Foundation, you’ll also gain a local philanthropic partner dedicated to helping you make a lasting difference, now and for future generations. Paula Trentman is executive vice president of the Lenawee Community Foundation. For information, call 517-263-4696, email forlenawee@lenaweecf.com, or visit lenaweecf.com.

D6 | ARTS & LIVING

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Over 60 artists participating in 2026 Artalicious fine arts festival

Pat and Sue McGrath were the winners of the Most Patriotic Tractor contest at the Farmers Antique Tractor & Engine Association spring show this year. The fall show will take place from Friday through Sunday, Sept. 18-20. PHOTO COURTESY OF MELINDA STUBLI

Antique tractor show offers a look into region’s farm history ROME TWP. — The Farmers Antique Tractor & Engine Association’s fall show, scheduled for Sept. 18-20, is more than just a tractor show. It’s also a chance for visitors to learn about Lenawee County’s agricultural heritage and learn about what farm life was like a century ago or more. The show will be at the intersection of Forrister Road and U.S. 223. Hours are Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This twice-a-year antique tractor show features family fun, kids’ games, a petting zoo, tractor and engine demonstrations, a working saw mill, historical barns, lost arts, parades, and more. This fall’s theme is “oddballs and orphans,” featuring a variety of rare and unusual farm implements. Visitors will be able to learn about the tractors, take part in old-time crafts, and more. Food is available, and the event will be held rain or shine. Admission is $5 (free for kids 12 and under). The farmers Antique Tractor & Enginer Association grounds are at 7600 Forrister Road, Adrian. For more information, call 517-260-3707.

ADRIAN — Artalicious, downtown Adrian’s annual fine arts festival, will take place on: n Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. n Sunday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Festival chair Valerie Herr said a record number of artists applied to be part of the art fair this year, and more than 60 individual artists will be selling their work in media that include painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, fiber arts, and more. In addition to selling original work, many artists will give live demonstrations during the event. Expanding on the art experience, a number of local nonprofit organizations will take part in the festival, with each organization offering some type of art activity for young people and their families. On Saturday only, after completing 10 art activities, youth can take their creations to the “Louvre Junior” booth operated by the Adrian Center for the Arts, where they will learn a little about the world-famous Louvre Museum and then experience the excitement of becoming an art collector themselves. Each participating young person will have the opportunity to select a piece of

Ashley Bayko demonstrates how to throw pottery on a wheel at last year’s Artalicious fine arts fair in downtown Adrian. This year’s Artalicious festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20. PHOTO BY LAD STRAYER original artwork to take home, donated by Adrian Center for the Arts members and local artists. Another feature of the event will be the Previously Loved booth, also organized by the Adrian Center for the Arts. At this booth, people will be able to buy donated pieces of original art at a discounted price.

There will also be live music throughout the event, including performances by Adrian Public Schools students at 10 a.m. Saturday and the Adrian City Band at 3 p.m. Sunday. Artalicious takes place along Maumee and Main streets in downtown Adrian.

Clinton Fall Festival is Sept. 25-27 CLINTON — The Clinton Fall Festival, a favorite destination in southeast Michigan for more than 50 years, returns to downtown Clinton from Friday, Sept. 25, to Sunday, Sept. 27. Festival hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The annual festival features more than 200 arts and crafts booths, merchants, lost arts displays, live music, and more. To extend the fun beyond the vendor hours, the Clinton Fall Festival committee is also presenting Festival After Dark, featuring live entertainment by the Jim Dandy Band from 7-9 p.m. Saturday on the main festival stage at the corner of Tecumseh Road and Franklin Street. For more details, call 517-456-7396 or email clintonfallfestival@yahoo.com.

Visitors browse the arts and crafts displays at last year’s Clinton Fall Festival in downtown Clinton. PHOTO BY ERIK GABLE

THE LENAWEE VOICE

ARTS & LIVING | D7

SEPTEMBER 2026

LET OUR 50 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORK FOR YOU! CHARLES J. NOE 517-263-4062

Lenawee Pride board members Kristina Henning (chair), Hayden McGowan (secretary), and Dayne Bohn (treasurer) are pictured at a recent Adrian First Fridays event, where they were publicizing this year’s festival. PHOTO COURTESY OF LENAWEE PRIDE

Lenawee Pride festival returns to downtown Adrian By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Aiming to create an atmosphere of inclusiveness and belonging, the annual Lenawee Pride festival will return to downtown Adrian this month. The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 3-8 p.m. in the City Market Pavilion, 115 Toledo St. Lenawee Pride began as a community picnic in Burr Ponds Park in 2019, and has been growing ever since. It was originally organized by a local group called the M Society, but spun off into an independent nonprofit organization this year. “We’re building on a really good foundation that the M Society passed on to us,” said Kristina Henning, who is the chair of the new organization. Since forming its new organization, Lenawee Pride has been holding monthly events at businesses around Lenawee County that are part social opportunities and part planning meetings. These have been part of an effort to encourage community involvement in planning the festival. “This event is very much shaped by not just the board but the community at large,” Henning said. Attendees will notice that Lenawee Pride features a lot more live entertainment than last year. Henning said that was one of the biggest requests people had after last year’s Lenawee Pride. She also noted that the committee has made a priority of all the performing artists being paid. “We really wanted to make sure we’re supporting queer art,” she said. Live music will be provided by Baddie Brooks and Hornet’s Daughter, both of whom have been featured at past Lenawee Pride events. In addition, the

Erica Murray, Kylie McElrath, Sherry Stone, and Dom Glover staff the Croswell Opera House’s booth at last year’s Lenawee Pride in downtown Adrian. PHOTO BY ERIK GABLE committee has lined up drag performers Virgil Ciel, Nika Fierce, Solo Jackson, Cherri the Khimera, Fanasthma, and Gizelle DeVaux. In between live performers, W4 Entertainment will be providing DJ service. Activities include free facepainting by Colorful Events and line dancing by Cypressene Fitness. Two food trucks will be on site — Bussin’ Bowls and Rock Yo Taco — and some downtown restaurants are also part of the Shop & Strut experience that will run simultaneously with the festival. Maps of participating businesses will be available to encourage Pride guests to visit and support downtown businesses that support the LGBTQIA+ community. Shop & Strut will include a passport that people can get stamped at participating businesses and enter into a drawing to win various prizes. This year’s title sponsor is the movie “Maxxie LaWow,” an animated film by Lenawee County native Anthony Hand.

See PRIDE, page D10

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

ADVICE MATTERS.

MARGARET M.S. NOE 517-263-8200

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

NOE LAW OFFICE

147 NORTH MAIN STREET, ADRIAN noelawoffice.com

D8 | ARTS & LIVING

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Morenci’s Fall Fest is now in its fifth year

People fill Main Street as they browse the vendor booths at Morenci’s fourth annual Fall Fest in 2025. This year’s Fall Fest is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3. MORENCI — The Morenci Fall Fest, hosted by the Downtown Development Authority, is back for its fifth year on Saturday, Oct. 3. The annual event offers an afternoon and evening of music, food, shopping, activities, and fall fun in downtown Morenci. Admission is free. The event has grown significantly since its first year, and now Fall Fest stretches across Main Street from Summit to Baker and along North Street from Main to West Locust. From 4-7 p.m., the downtown area will be filled with family-friendly activities, local vendors, community organizations, festive food options, and seasonal shopping. Planned activities include hayrides, face painting, archery, a caricature artist, and a photo booth. Music will also be part of the afternoon festivities, with DJ Van Damage entertaining the crowd from 4-7 p.m. Although the vendors and many activities wrap up at 7 p.m., the festival will continue into the evening with a free

Kristy Betz of Morenci helps her niece, Wilamina Rosebrook, with a craft project sponsored by Stair District Library at last year’s Fall Fest. PHOTOS BY ERIK GABLE concert under the stoplight by Chase VanBrandt and the Dive Bar All-Stars, who will play from 8-11 p.m., bringing a high-energy mix of country and rock favorites to close out the night.

See FALL FEST, page D10

Adults and kids can get creative at the Lenawee District Library A number of arts and crafts events — some for kids, some for adults, and some for all ages — are coming up at the various branches of the Lenawee District Library. Tissue Paper Flowers: Kids of all ages can drop by the Clayton Branch Library on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 3-5 p.m. to make a colorful flower out of tissue paper. No registration required. The library is located at 3457 State St. in Clayton. Pencil Pouch Decorating: Kids of all ages can decorate a pencil pouch at all branches of the Lenawee District Library throughout the month of September. Visit the library calendar at lenawee.lib.mi.us/calendar for dates, times, and locations. Leaf Sun Catchers: Kids of all ages can drop by the Clayton Branch Library on Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 3-5 p.m. to make a leaf-shaped sun catcher using tissue paper and other materials. No registration required. The library is located at 3457 State St. in Clayton. Wood Slice Pumpkins: Adults ages 18 and up can make festive fall pumpkins from wood slices at all branches of the Lenawee District Library throughout the month of September. Visit the library calendar at lenawee.lib.mi.us/calendar for dates, times, and locations. Registration is required so make sure to call your local branch to sign up. Pencil Pouch Decorating: Kids of all ages can drop by the main branch on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. to decorate a pencil pouch using a variety of materials. Registration is not required. The library is at 4459 West U.S. 223 in Adrian. DIY Paper Squishies: The Deerfield Branch Library will have a fun, unique craft for kids on Friday, Sept. 18 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. where they will design their own squishy friend using paper, tape, and pillow filling. There is no registration required. The library is located at 170 Raisin St. Mixed Media Fall Painting: Drop by the Addison Branch Library on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. to make a mixed media painting using a variety of provided supplies. This craft is for all ages and there is no registration required. The library is at 103 S Talbot St. Button Turtles: Kids of all ages can drop by the Clayton Branch Library on Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 3–5 p.m. to make paper turtles, using buttons to add a bit of uniqueness to each one. All materials will be provided. No registration required. The library is located at 3457 State St. For more information about Lenawee District Library activities, call 517-263-1011 or go to lenawee.lib.mi.us.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

ARTS & LIVING | D9

SEPTEMBER 2026

Blissfield Model Railroad Club resumes monthly open houses BLISSFIELD — The Blissfield Model Railroad Club will hold the first open house of its 28th season on Sept. 19 and 20. The hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. The Blissfield Model Railroad Club has a 30-foot by 80-foot HO-scale model railroad that models the Chesapeake and Ohio and Clinchfield Railroads in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee in the 1955-65 era. The scenery represents the Ohio Valley and Appalachian Mountains. The layout has over 3,300 feet of main line and an equal length of siding and yard track. The club’s open houses are a chance to watch as club members

operate their favorite railroad freight and passenger trains of years past or, in some cases, trains that closely resemble trains that can be seen on full scale railroads today. During the Christmas holidays, a special Canadian Pacific Holiday Train with operating holiday lights is added to the operating fleet. The club’s open houses are a chance to both see the model railroad in operation and learn about the history of railroads in the United States. The Blissfield Model Railroad Club is located at 109 E. Adrian St. (U.S. 223) in Blissfield. Parking is available both in front of and behind the building. The entire installation is on the ground floor and the building is handicap-accessible.

The Blissfield Model Railroad Club has more than 3,300 feet of main line track in its railroad setup. The public is invited to the club’s first open house of the season, on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

D10 | ARTS & LIVING

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Morenci Fall Fest from page D8 There will be plenty to eat throughout the event, with a variety of food trucks, local favorites, and a BBQ chicken dinner at the Morenci Fire Department. The Morenci Social District will also be open during Fall Fest, with Morenci Eagles and North Street Pub operating beer tents. Guests 21 and older may purchase alcoholic beverages in approved Social District cups and enjoy them within the designated district. Vendor registration is open through Sept. 11. Booth space is free for community organizations and $30 for merchants offering homemade, handmade, or homegrown goods. Fall Fest is one of a number of events that the Downtown Development Authority has been organizing over the past few years to create a more vibrant downtown. Other initiatives include the recently concluded Summer Block Party series and a community courtyard with outdoor games located on North Street next to the former State Line Observer office. With free activities, live music, food, shopping, and plenty to enjoy throughout downtown, Fall Fest offers something for all ages. For more information about Fall Fest or other downtown Morenci events, contact Heather Sarnac at 517-429-0100 or heather.sarnac@cityofmorenci.org.

Lenawee Pride from page D7 The movie, a campy animated musical, is about a shy barista who finds a magical wig that turns her into a drag superhero who must battle the ambitious drag villain Dyna Bolical. Henning said that Hand, who is now living in California, wanted to sponsor the festival to support his hometown community. The Lenawee Pride organization will host a free screening of “Maxxie LaWow” at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, in the Adrian High School Performing Arts Center. Another related event that weekend will be a drag cabaret featuring Miss Minnie Bouvèé on Friday, Sept. 25, at Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St. That performance is a ticketed event presented by the Croswell. “We’re excited that it’s not just a oneday thing,” Henning said of activities spilling into the rest of the weekend. A total of 45 vendors will be part of the festival, which Henning said is an increase from about 30 last year. As the festival has grown, vendor interest has also grown to the point where there’s now a waiting list. “We had so many this year, we’re having to turn people away,” she said. Henning said Lenawee Pride aims to promote inclusivity and a sense of community and belonging. “We want the queer community in Lenawee County to know there’s a place for them here, and we appreciate knowing that there are many allies in our community,” she said. A corps of about two dozen volunteers will staff the festival, and there are about 30 sponsors. In addition to “Maxxie LaWow,” lead sponsors include Tropetastic Books & Gifts, Adrian Mini Storage, the M Society, and the Croswell. More information is available at campsite.bio/lenaweepride.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

ARTS & LIVING | D11

SEPTEMBER 2026

SEPTEMBER 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.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 Revolutionary War research talk with David VanHoof Sand Creek Community Church, 6 p.m. The Lenawee County Family Researchers’ regular meeting will also feature author and Revolutionary War researcher David VanHoof, who was also involved in the making of the movie “Frontier to Freedom” that was released this summer. For more information, contact Judy Sheldon at judesheldon@yahoo.com. 6190 East St., Sand Creek

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Brooklyn Big Boy Car Show Night Brooklyn Big Boy, 5-8 p.m. Every Wednesday through September (weather permitting), featuring food, a DJ, 50/50, and driver prizes. 329 S. Main St., Brooklyn

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Scam Prevention and Awareness City Chambers Building, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Adrian Police Department will host two sessions of this one-hour presentation on avoiding scams. Detective Sgt. Kevin Putnam will discuss why scams work, the most commonly seen scams, how to stay safe, and what to do if targeted. This presentation is open to the public and will be followed by a Q&A session. 159 E. Maumee St., Adrian

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Adrian First Fridays: Main Street Mayhem Downtown Adrian, 5-8 p.m. Downtown Adrian’s monthly First Friday event offers activities for all ages.

First Fridays Car Show Lenawee County Fairgrounds, 5-8 p.m. Monthly car show at the Lenawee County Fair & Event Grounds. 602 N. Dean St., Adrian

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Family Researchers at the Old Stone School Wooden Old Stone School, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Lenawee County Family Researchers will be at the open house of the Wooden Old Stone School from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., giving two 20-minute informative sessions. For information, contact Judy Sheldon at judesheldon@yahoo.com. 11990 Stephenson Road, Onsted

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 32nd annual Silver Creek Bridge Walk Corner of M-156 and Skyline Industrial Drive, 11 a.m. You don’t have to drive four hours north to walk across a five-mile bridge this Labor Day. Instead, join the Kiwanis Club of Morenci for a 25-second stroll across the southernmost bridge in Michigan. The 32nd annual Silver Creek Bridge Walk will take place at 11 a.m. on the historic truss bridge at the MichiganOhio border. This fun, tongue-in-cheek tradition offers a lighthearted alternative to the Mackinac Bridge Walk, bringing neighbors and visitors together to celebrate community. This year, Kiwanis is partnering with Morenci American Legion Post 368 to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States. The event will include public speakers, patriotic trivia and prizes, the traditional short walk across the 81-foot pedestrian bridge, and a free hot dog lunch provided by the Kiwanis Club. The Kiwanis Club will hold its Golf Ball Drop Fundraiser Raffle after the walk.

Chicken Dinner Fundraiser Rich Lanes Bowling, 1 p.m. A fundraiser for the Palmyra Masons, featuring a half chicken, slaw, and choice of mac and cheese or baked beans for $15. Cornhole tournament $20 per person, with registration starting at noon. 622 W. Adrian St., Blissfield

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Free family movie: ‘Little Giants’ Lenawee District Library, 5:30 p.m. The main branch of the Lenawee District Library will show “Little Giants,” the 1994 sports comedy film about two brothers living in an Ohio town who coach rival peewee football teams. 4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Lunch & Learn: Sister Miriam Michael Stimson — The Soul of DNA Weber Center, 12:15-1 p.m. Dr. Jun Tsuji, author of “The Soul of DNA,” speaks about Sister Miriam Michael’s groundbreaking discoveries that led to important medical treatments. Bring your lunch (drinks and dessert provided) or purchase lunch for $8 by registering at least two days in advance of the event. $8. 1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian webercenter.org

Brooklyn Big Boy Car Show Night Brooklyn Big Boy, 5-8 p.m. Every Wednesday through September (weather permitting), featuring food, a DJ, 50/50, and driver prizes. 329 S. Main St., Brooklyn

The Ongoing Cost of War Clayton Village Park, 6-9 p.m. The organization VALOR (Veterans and Loved Ones Resources) invites the community to the Clayton Village Park every Wednesday in September at a display of flags calling attention to the number of veterans who die from suicide every day in the United States. The Wednesday night gatherings are meant to provide a place for community and for veterans to find resources they may need. State Street, Clayton

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Blue Jean Ball 2026: 25 Years of Opening Doors to Great Futures Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee, 5:30 p.m. A fundraiser marking the 25th anniversary of the Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee. $100 per person. 340 E. Church St., Adrian bgclenawee.org

Blissfield Car Show Springbrook Commons, 5-8 p.m. The grand finale of Blissfield’s summer car and bike show series. 628 W. Adrian St., Blissfield

Lenawee FOP Bobby Williams Lodge #117 presents Baillie & the Boys Dawson Auditorium, 7-8:45 p.m. Nashville Recording Stars Baillie & the Boys are coming to Adrian College for the Lenawee Fraternal Order of Police’s annual country music show. $25 for one person; $40 for a pair; $50 for a family ticket (up to eight people). 229 S. Charles St., Adrian 800-544-2993 or fop117.publicsafety123.com

Join Lenawee Lifelong Learning for our October classes, designed for interested adults on a variety of topics. Knowledgeable instructors donate their time and expertise. There are NO tests, NO papers and NO grades – only fun and learning! Pay a flat fee of $35 per semester and take as many classes as you’d like! Fall semester classes and tour include the following: Chinese Poetry with Dr. Michael McGrath Alzheimer’s: A Disease That Touches Everyone – Presented by Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association Science and Discovery with Dr. Mark Schersten Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo and the Detroit Industry Murals with Bob Behnke Supreme Court Decisions with Dr. Bob Gordon Poetry with Charmaine Stangl Tour: The Detroit Institute of Arts Transportation provided

FALL CLASSES WILL MEET ON FOUR TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS IN OCTOBER AT THE WEBER CENTER.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

LENAWEELIFELONGLEARNING.ORG

D12 | ARTS & LIVING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 ‘Come From Away’ Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m. Based on the remarkable true story of 7,000 airplane passengers who were stranded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland on Sept. 11, 2001. Through culture clashes and language barriers, wariness turned into trust, music went through the night, and enduring friendships were made, showing that we are all part of one global community. Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Shop & Stroll: Harvest Hoedown Downtown Adrian, all day A monthly shopping promotion, taking place all day at participating businesses in downtown Adrian.

Run for the Hills 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk Hidden Lake Gardens, 8 a.m. The most scenic and hilliest course in southeast Michigan. Enjoy a beautiful fall morning at Hidden Lake Gardens for the 16th Annual Run for the Hills. Proceeds from the race will benefit Hidden Lake Gardens and the Oh These Irish Hills organization. 6214 Monroe Road, Tipton hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu/runforthehills

Days of Mindfulness: The Wandering Mind Weber Center, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Our task is to notice how easily the mind takes us for a ride into the past or the future, with its memories, judgments, emotions, and desires. The mindfulness sessions are facilitated by Sister Esther Kennedy, OP, a Dominican Sister of Adrian, retreat leader, and spiritual director. The cost of $35 per session includes lunch. Each session is limited to 30 participants. Registration is required. Visit www.webercenter.org and click on “programs,” call 517-266-4000, or email webercenter@ adriandominicans.org. Limited scholarships are available. $35 (includes lunch). 1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian 517-266-4000 or webercenter.org

Fall Garden Fundamentals Workshop: Harvest, Preservation & Winter Readiness Madison Garden Center & Flower Shop, 10 a.m. A free educational workshop designed to help you make the most of your garden as the growing season comes to a close. Led by permaculturist Graham Towerton, this class will cover the essential skills for transitioning your garden into fall and winter. Topics include harvesting at peak quality, preserving harvest, proper food storage, selecting crops to grow and overwinter, saving seeds for future seasons, and preparing your garden beds for winter to ensure a healthy, productive start next spring. Pre-registration appreciated, but not required. Free. 1033 W. Beecher St., Adrian 517-263-2660 or mgcadrian.com

Irish Hills Music Festival Onsted American Legion, noon to midnight A charity event to support the Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation and the Irish Hills Area Hospices. The Irish Hills Music Festival is a free live music concert with some of the Irish Hills’ favorite bands, performing on two stages for a continuous day of great music. Food trucks will be on hand. Free, but donations are welcome. 333 Connor St., Onsted 517-438-1579 or irishhillsmusicfestival.com

Adult Craft: Light Up Your Creativity! ¡Enciende tu creatividad! Adrian District Library, 1-2:30 p.m. Join us for a fun and relaxing Light Wall Plate Painting session. We will provide the plates, paints, and brushes — you bring your imagination. Refreshments provided. Acompañanos para una divertida y relajante sesión pintando una placa de pared para interruptor de luz. Nosotros proveeremos las placas, pintura y cepillos. Solo usa tú imaginación. Se proveerán botanas. 143 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-265-2265 or adrian.lib.mi.us

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE ‘Come From Away’

‘Come From Away’

Croswell Opera House, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Based on the remarkable true story of 7,000 airplane passengers who were stranded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland on Sept. 11, 2001. Through culture clashes and language barriers, wariness turned into trust, music went through the night, and enduring friendships were made, showing that we are all part of one global community. Continues Sunday and next weekend. Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m. A musical based on the remarkable true story of 7,000 passengers stranded in a small town in Newfoundland after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Great Outdoors Jamboree Lake Hudson Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Presented by Pheasants Forever in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, this event features free fun for the whole family, including archery, BB gun shooting, crafts, kayaking, food trucks, and more. All ages are welcome, and all equipment will be provided. A State of Michigan Recreation Passport, which can be purchased at the gate, is required for Lake Hudson Recreation Area entry. 5505 Morey Highway, Clayton mlefler@pheasantsforever.org

‘Come From Away’ Croswell Opera House, 2:30 p.m. Continues next weekend. Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Lenawee Mobile Market Two locations and times Sponsored by City of Refuge Ministries International. Recurring the second Monday of each month from April to October (upcoming dates are Sept. 14 and Oct. 12). Meal kits, dairy, and fresh produce will be available to take home. No ID is required for pickup. Pickup locations: n Riverview Terrace, 400 College Ave., Adrian, 9-10:30 a.m. n Jasper Bible Church, 8230 S. Adrian Hwy., Jasper, noon to 1 p.m. cityofrefugeministriesintl.com

Free family movie: ‘Paw Patrol’ Britton Branch Library, 3:30 p.m. The Britton Branch Library will be showing the 2021 film “Paw Patrol.” Snacks will be provided and all ages are welcome to attend. 120 College Ave., Britton lenawee.lib.mi.us

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Third Thursday Live Music Downtown Adrian, 5-8 p.m. Come downtown and enjoy live music at your favorite downtown spots.

Music in the Park: The TCA Big Band & VocalAires Adams Park, 6-8 p.m. Tecumseh comes alive the third Thursday of the month from June through September with a free concert series. Free. 309 E. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh 517-423-5602 or downtowntecumseh.com

Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup Hidden Lake Gardens, 6-8 p.m. Join the Friends of Hidden Lake Gardens in helping to keep our community clean and beautiful. Volunteers are needed to assist with picking up litter along the M-50 corridor that fronts Hidden Lake Gardens. Anyone 12 years of age or older is welcome to participate; Children 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult. No experience necessary; all supplies are provided. Please wear closed-toe shoes or boots and bring work gloves. Pants and long sleeves are highly recommended for protection. For past participants, note the change to the start time. Meet at the main entrance and park as directed. 6214 Monroe Road, Tipton hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Pirate Takeover Adrian District Library, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Kids can stop by the Youth Services Department for fun pirate-themed activities and crafts. Continues Saturday and Sunday during Artalicious. Ages 5-12. 143 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-265-2265 or adrian.lib.mi.us

Friends of the Adrian District Library Book Sale Adrian District Library, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 143 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-265-2265 or adrian.lib.mi.us

Farmers Antique Tractor & Engine Association Fall Show Forrister Road and U.S. 223, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This twice-a-year antique tractor show features family fun, kids’ games, a petting zoo, tractor and engine demonstrations, a working saw mill, historical barns, lost arts, parades, and more. Food is available. Rain or shine. $5 (free for kids 12 and under). Continues Saturday and Sunday. 7600 Forrister Road, Adrian 517-260-3707

Taste of Lenawee Adrian Armory, 6-9 p.m. Experience the taste of local restaurants and caterers at this fundraiser for three community programs: the Adrian Armory, the Launch Lenawee Business Bootcamp, and the Makerspace Community Kitchen. Tickets are $75 for one, $125 for two. 230 W. Maumee St., Adrian adrianarmory.com/taste-of-lenawee/

Blissfield Model Railroad Club Open House Blissfield Model Railroad Club, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. See the Model Railroad Club facility in action and watch members operating their favorite railroad freight and passenger trains. Free (donations appreciated). Continues Sunday. 109 E. Adrian St., Blissfield 517-486-0404 or bmrr.org

Friends of the Adrian District Library Book Sale Adrian District Library, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 143 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-265-2265 or adrian.lib.mi.us

‘Come From Away’ Croswell Opera House, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. A musical based on the remarkable true story of 7,000 passengers stranded in a small town in Newfoundland after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Concludes Sunday. Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Farmers Antique Tractor & Engine Association Fall Show Forrister Road and U.S. 223, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Final day. Rain or shine. $5 (free for kids 12 and under). 7600 Forrister Road, Adrian 517-260-3707

Blissfield Model Railroad Club Open House Blissfield Model Railroad Club, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 109 E. Adrian St., Blissfield 517-486-0404 or bmrr.org

Artalicious Downtown Adrian, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Main and Maumee streets, Adrian artalicious.org

‘Come From Away’

Friends of the Adrian District Library Book Sale

Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m. Continues Saturday and Sunday. Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

A Ruck to Remember

The Magic of Motown Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m. This critically acclaimed production has wowed audiences across the country, earning its reputation as the #1 Motown show in the nation. From the first note to the final encore, you’ll be swept into more than two hours of pure Detroit magic. Sing along to the timeless sounds of The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and more. Tickets $41 to $81. 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh thetca.org or 517-423-6617

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Farmers Antique Tractor & Engine Association Fall Show Forrister Road and U.S. 223, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This twice-a-year antique tractor show features family fun, kids’ games, a petting zoo, tractor and engine demonstrations, a working saw mill, historical barns, lost arts, parades, and more. Food is available. Rain or shine. $5 (free for kids 12 and under). Continues Sunday. 7600 Forrister Road, Adrian 517-260-3707

Artalicious Downtown Adrian, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adrian’s annual fine arts fair features more than 60 artists selling original work in media such as painting, photography, sculpture ceramics, fiber arts, and more. Saturday only: Kids who take part in 10 arts activities at participating nonprofit tents can visit “Louvre Junior” to pick out their own piece of original art to take home. Festival continues Sunday. Main and Maumee streets, Adrian artalicious.org

Adrian District Library, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 143 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-265-2265 or adrian.lib.mi.us

726 N. Main St., 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and this event shines a light on the fact that approximately 22 veterans die by suicide each day. The 2.2-mile ruck/walk is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, especially among veterans. It begins at 10:30 a.m. at the American Legion helicopter, 726 N. Main St. Attendees will hear two moving testimonials before setting out on the ruck/walk route, which travels through downtown Adrian to Comstock Park and then returns to the starting point. The day will conclude with a banner signing ceremony to honor and remember those lost. Free. 726 N. Main St., Adrian lenawee.mi.us/m/NewsFlash/home/detail/2950

Come From Away Croswell Opera House, 2:30 p.m. Final performance. Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 Cake Decorating with Emmy’s Kitchen Tecumseh District Library, 6 p.m. Unleash your inner baker with a fun, handson cake decorating class by Emmy’s Kitchen. Adults only. Register online or call the library. 215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh tecumsehlibrary.org or 517-423-2238

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Canning 101 with Chef Keegan Tecumseh District Library, 6-8 p.m. Learn the art of food preservation in this hands-on workshop presented by Lakehouse Bakery. Free (registration required). 215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh 517-423-2238 or tecumsehlibrary.org

THE LENAWEE VOICE

ARTS & LIVING | D13

SEPTEMBER 2026

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

Art in the Park

Clinton Fall Festival

Downtown Brooklyn, 5-9 p.m. On the fourth Thursday of every month from May to September, the village of Brooklyn offers live music, food trucks, art and market vendors, farmers market, and more. Contact fellow@villageofbrooklyn.com for vendor participation information. 115 Water St., Brooklyn

Downtown Clinton, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This annual festival features more than 200 arts and crafts booths, merchants, lost arts displays, live music, and more. 517-456-7396 or clintonfallfestival@yahoo.com

Manhattan Short Film Festival 2026 (Blissfield) Schultz-Holmes District Library, 6 p.m. Head to the Blissfield library on Sept. 24, 25, and 26 for the 2026 iteration of the Manhattan Short Film Festival. This is a short film festival that highlights up-and-coming directors from all over the globe, and you get to vote for the winners. All three nights include the same short films each night. These films are unrated and may not be suitable for younger viewers. 407 S. Lane St., Blissfield 517-486-2858 or theblissfieldlibrary.org

Manhattan Short Film Festival 2026 (Morenci) Stair District Library, 2 p.m. Discover your inner film critic by casting your vote for Best Film and Best Actor in the 29th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival screening at Stair District Library from Sept. 24-26. You’ll join film lovers simultaneously in over 500 venues across the globe gathering to see the 10 finalists from 10 countries in this year’s event. This program features the best short films in the world today. Ballots will be supplied upon entry and a wide variety of refreshments will be served. 228 W. Main St., Morenci 517-458-6510 or stairlib.org

Paint & Pour with Katherine Downie Farver’s at the Croswell, 6:30 p.m. Grab some pals and come to Farver’s in downtown Adrian for an evening of painting and pouring. Local artist and teacher Katherine Downie will lead you through creating your own masterpiece. $20 (includes all supplies). Register at farvers-at-the-croswell.square.site. 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian croswell.org/farvers or 517-264-7469

Lenawee District Library Book Sale Lenawee District Library main branch, noon to 5:30 p.m. Browse through gently used books, movies, puzzles, magazines and more. 4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian lenawee.lib.mi.us

Manhattan Short Film Festival 2026 (Blissfield) Schultz-Holmes District Library, 6 p.m. 407 S. Lane St., Blissfield 517-486-2858 or theblissfieldlibrary.org

Manhattan Short Film Festival 2026 (Morenci) Stair District Library, 6 p.m. 228 W. Main St., Morenci 517-458-6510 or stairlib.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Lenawee District Library Book Sale Lenawee District Library main branch, 9:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m. 4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian lenawee.lib.mi.us

Clinton Fall Festival Downtown Clinton, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More than 200 arts and crafts booths, merchants, lost arts displays, live music, and more. Concludes Sunday. 517-456-7396 or clintonfallfestival@yahoo.com

Fall Wreath Workshop Madison Garden Center, 11 a.m. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create your own one-of-a-kind design using a natural grapevine wreath and a beautiful selection of faux and dried florals, foliage, and seasonal accents. Materials provided. $55. 1033 W. Beecher St., Adrian 517-263-2660 or mgcadrian.com

LIVE MUSIC AT BARS AND NIGHT SPOTS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Marcus & Tiffany, 6 p.m., Gauchi Golf Resort, 8431 Sports Park Drive, Onsted. Mike Finch, 6-9 p.m., The Hills Fork Oar Pour, 6400 Michigan Ave., Tipton. Mojo & the Outlaws, 7 p.m., Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Highway, Brooklyn. $5 cover. All ages welcome, and those 17 and under are free. Lawn chairs welcome. Joey D & The Small Band Superstars, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Devil’s Lake Bar & Grill, 6365 U.S. 223, Addison. John & Connor, 8-11 p.m., Two Lakes Tavern, 110 Walnut St., Manitou Beach.

AHS Performing Arts Center, 1 p.m. Hosted by the Lenawee Pride committee, this is a free screening of an animated film by Lenawee County native Anthony Hand. “Maxxie LaWow” is an award-winning, bright, campy animated musical. Playful and upbeat, it blends drag culture, superheroes, and music into a feel-good viewing experience. 785 Riverside Ave., Adrian

Mum Decorating Workshop Madison Garden Center, 1 p.m. Create a beautiful fall mum to brighten your porch. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll decorate a vibrant mum with a festive scarecrow, a handcrafted bow, seasonal fall picks, and other charming accents. All supplies are included. $40. 1033 W. Beecher St., Adrian 517-263-2660 or mgcadrian.com

Lenawee Pride City Market Pavilion, 3-8 p.m. Lenawee Pride is back for its seventh year in Lenawee County, featuring live music, drag performers, food trucks, vendors, nonprofit organizations, and more. 115 Toledo St., Adrian campsite.bio/lenaweepride

Manhattan Short Film Festival 2026 (Blissfield) Schultz-Holmes District Library, 6 p.m. 407 S. Lane St., Blissfield 517-486-2858 or theblissfieldlibrary.org

Manhattan Short Film Festival 2026 (Morenci) Stair District Library, 6 p.m. 228 W. Main St., Morenci 517-458-6510 or stairlib.org

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Clinton Fall Festival Downtown Clinton, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This annual festival features more than 200 arts and crafts booths, merchants, lost arts displays, live music, and more. 517-456-7396 or clintonfallfestival@yahoo.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Act III, 6-9 p.m., Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Highway, Brooklyn. $5 cover. All ages welcome, and those 17 and under are free. Lawn chairs welcome. Bret Maynard, 8-11 p.m., Two Lakes Tavern, 110 Walnut St., Manitou Beach.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Luke Woltanski, 6 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Piano Bar with Grant Reiff, 6-9 p.m., Shady’s Tap Room, 110 N. Main St., Brooklyn.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Chase VanBrandt & The Dive Bar AllStars, 6-9:30 p.m., Beach Bar, 3505 Ocean Beach Road, Clarklake. $5 cover.

Film showing: ‘Maxxie LaWow’

Adrian District Library, noon to 1:30 p.m. Author Joel Walkowski’s memoir “Honolulu Blues” uses his lifelong relationship with the Detroit Lions as a backdrop for his experiences with addiction, homelessness, family trauma and his eventual path to sobriety. Walkowski will discuss his life, writing process and lessons from those experiences. Free. 143 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-265-2265 or adrian.lib.mi.us

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Alexandria N Transit, 6-10 p.m., Artesian Wells Tavern, 18711 U.S. 12, Cement City. Goddess by Request: Natasha Ricketts, 7:30 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. $35. Marcus & Tiffany, 9-10 p.m., Chaloner’s Cigar House, 108 W. Maumee St., Adrian.

Information in this listing is taken from a mixture of submissions and information published by the venues. We recommend verifying information before making plans. To submit listings, email lcline@ lenaweevoice.com before the 15th of the preceding month.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Noah Martis, 6 p.m., Four Keys Brewing/ Starling Lounge, 133 S. Lane St., Blissfield. Dave Siedel, 6-9 p.m., The Hills Fork Oar Pour, 6400 Michigan Ave., Tipton. The Metros, 6-10 p.m., Artesian Wells Tavern, 18711 U.S. 12, Cement City.

Author talk: Joel Walkowski

Natasha Ricketts returns to her hometown theater with a one-night-only engagement at Farver’s at the Croswell on Thursday, Sept. 10. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Breakdown, 2-6 p.m., Artesian Wells Tavern, 18711 U.S. 12, Cement City. Power Play Detroit, 5:30-9:30 p.m., Beach Bar, 3505 Ocean Beach Road, Clarklake. $5 cover. Phoenix Theory, 6-9 p.m., Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Highway, Brooklyn. $5 cover. All ages welcome, and those 17 and under are free. Lawn chairs welcome. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Linnie & Moochie, 6-9 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 W. Michigan Ave., Tipton.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Mike Lee, 2-5 p.m., Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Highway, Brooklyn. All ages welcome, and those 17 and under are free. Lawn chairs welcome. Tad & the Fat Katz, 2-6 p.m., Artesian Wells Tavern, 18711 U.S. 12, Cement City. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Jon Torrence, 6 p.m., Atlas Restaurant, 123 N. Main St., Brooklyn. Piano Bar with Grant Reiff, 6-9 p.m., Shady’s Tap Room, 110 N. Main St., Brooklyn. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Jack Rivers, 6-9 p.m., The Hills Fork Oar Pour, 6400 Michigan Ave., Tipton. Flyte, 6-10 p.m., Artesian Wells Tavern, 18711 U.S. 12, Cement City. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Big Foot Bob & the Toetappers, 6-9 p.m., Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Highway, Brooklyn. $5 cover. All ages welcome, and those 17 and under are free. Lawn chairs welcome. Nasty Nation, 8 p.m. to midnight, doors open at 7, Adrian Eagles, 2570 W. Beecher St., Adrian. $5 cover for non-members.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 The History of Orphan Trains Lenawee District Library, 6 p.m. Join award-winning author Sherry A. Burton at the Lenawee District Library for a compelling presentation that brings to life one of America’s most fascinatingand often forgotten-chapters of history. Through heartfelt storytelling, photos, and more, Sherry shares some real accounts of children who rode the trains. These stories of resilience and hope will stay with you long after the presentation ends. Discover why thousands of children were living on the streets, how the Orphan Train movement began, and the powerful role of organizations like the Children’s Aid Society and New York Foundling Hospital. This program is for ages 18 and up. A book signing will follow the presentation. 4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian lenawee.lib.mi.us

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 Morenci Fall Fest Downtown Morenci, 4-7 p.m. Hosted by the Morenci Downtown Development Authority, Fall Fest is Morenci’s largest downtown event of the year, drawing crowds from across the area for a fun-filled afternoon of entertainment, shopping, good food, and free family activities. From 4-7 p.m., Main Street will be lined with local makers, bakers, farmers, businesses, and organizations showcasing their goods and services. (Vendor applications are due by Friday, Sept. 11. For more information, contact DDA Director Heather Sarnac at 517-429-0100 or heather. sarnac@cityofmorenci.org.)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Root Station, 2-6 p.m., Artesian Wells Tavern, 18711 U.S. 12, Cement City. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Jon Torrence, 6 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Universe, 6-10 p.m., Artesian Wells Tavern, 18711 U.S. 12, Cement City. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Miss Bouvèé, a drag cabaret celebrating Lenawee Pride, 7 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. $50. Bret Maynard, 8-11 p.m., Two Lakes Tavern, 110 Walnut St., Manitou Beach. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Cat Canyon, 2-5 p.m., Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Highway, Brooklyn. $5 cover. All ages welcome, and those 17 and under are free. Lawn chairs welcome. Greg Riordan, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Devil’s Lake Bar & Grill, 6365 U.S. 223, Addison. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Bret Maynard, 2-5 p.m., Cherry Creek Cellars, 11500 Silver Lake Highway, Brooklyn. $5 cover. All ages welcome, and those 17 and under are free. Lawn chairs welcome. Jimmy Clay Band, 2-6 p.m., Artesian Wells Tavern, 18711 U.S. 12, Cement City. Greg Riordan, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Devil’s Lake Bar & Grill, 6365 U.S. 223, Addison. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Riverjack Ramblers, 6 p.m., Atlas Restaurant, 123 N. Main St., Brooklyn. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 Lee Warren, 8-11 p.m., Two Lakes Tavern, 110 Walnut St., Manitou Beach. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 Universe, 8-11 p.m., Two Lakes Tavern, 110 Walnut St., Manitou Beach.

D14 | ARTS & LIVING

SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

Symphony from page D1

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All concerts are at Dawson Auditorium on the Adrian College campus. As was the case last season, the ASO begins this season with a film-music pops concert: “Oscar Winners: Songs and Scores,” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. Whereas in previous years that particular concert came in February, in 2025 the orchestra decided to make it the year’s first concert “to give us a boost on the season,” Kiesling said. Because the movie-music concert always draws a big crowd, he added, it gives the ASO a great entry point to the rest of the season. As the title implies, the program features Academy Award-winning film scores and vocal music, from movies including “Lawrence of Arabia,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Schindler’s List,” “Up,” “La La Land,” “Chariots of Fire,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Pinocchio,” and more. The orchestra will be joined, as will also be the case later in the season, by vocalists from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance. “We’ve developed a relationship with the faculty at the university,” Kiesling said, “and that relationship is really beginning to pay off.” The season’s second concert, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, is titled “B There or B Square.” It features Berlioz’s “Roman Carnival” Overture and two Beethoven works, his Piano Concerto No. 1 and his Fifth Symphony. “Roman Carnival” was chosen to kick off the season’s classical music offerings because of its orchestral fireworks. “Our first classical piece each year is traditionally a gangbuster piece,” Kiesling said. “This overture has remarkable energy and excitement.” The Beethoven concerto will be performed by guest artist Daniela Liebman, who returns to Adrian after previously playing the Mendelssohn G minor piano concerto with the ASO in November 2021. As with many of the ASO’s recent guest soloists, Liebman first came to Kiesling’s attention thanks to pianist Dominic Cheli, who’s performed in Adrian multiple times and is an audience favorite. “He knows the orchestra and he knows the community,” Kiesling said, “and so, he says, ‘you know who’d be great here …’” As for the concert’s final work, the ASO hasn’t played a Beethoven symphony in many years “and we knew we might as well start with this one,” Kiesling said. And while it has perhaps one of the most famous introductory passages in all of classical music, “the whole thing is such an experience. After that very familiar first four notes it just keeps going and going.” Next up in the season is the traditional holiday pops concert, titled “Yuletide Harmonies,” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. This concert will be conducted by Steven Jarvi, music director of the Dearborn Symphony and principal pops conductor for the Toledo Symphony. He previously conducted the ASO’s holiday pops concert back in 2023. “He’s a wonderful musician in any genre, and a charming host,” Kiesling said. The concert features not only the orchestra, but guest choirs and vocal soloists as well. Although the musical details are still being worked out, “we’re excited about the program, for sure,” Kiesling said. February’s pops-concert slot this season is “Broadway’s Leading Ladies,” with the orchestra and more University

of Michigan student vocalists performing tunes from such musical-theater classics as “Wicked,” “Les Miserables,” “Gypsy.” and many more. Much of the music will be familiar, but some of it might be new to people. When it comes to Broadway and the concert’s theme, “there’s so much to explore,” Kiesling said. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, 2027. The March concert’s “I know that one!” piece is Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World,” with its very familiar English horn solo that became known as “Goin’ Home.” “We did that symphony my second concert here, and not since,” Kiesling said. “I’m really excited to come back to it.” Also on the program, which is titled “The New World, To and From,” are selections from American composer William Grant Still’s “Wood Notes” and Korngold’s Violin Concerto, performed by guest artist William Hagen. Still’s work “is a beautiful, beautiful piece,” Kiesling said, “and distinctly American.” As far as the concerto goes, Korngold was not only a classical composer, but a writer of film scores as well, and his violin concerto contains some excerpts of those scores “so it will sound familiar to many people,” Kiesling said. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2027. The season’s classical concerts wrap up with a performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 30, 2027. In keeping with the entire season’s theme, the program is titled “Oh! I Know That One!” It features a huge list of music that will be very familiar to listeners, even if they don’t know the actual titles of the works. Rossini’s “William Tell” and “The Barber of Seville” overtures, Grieg’s “Peer Gynt” and “Hall of the Mountain King,” Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” Bizet’s “Carmen Fantasy,” Massenet’s Meditation from “Thais,” and Britten’s “Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra” are all represented. Kiesling said he got the idea for such a program because the ASO’s April 2026 concert of American music “was such a hodgepodge of everything” and got such a positive audience reaction. “It seemed to really resonate with people, and so I thought we’d do something similar.” Finally, as has been ASO tradition for many years, the season wraps up with a concert not by the orchestra and not in the classical realm. This year’s edition, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 4, features the Beatles tribute band “American English.” The ASO’s music director said he thinks the orchestra’s 2026-27 season “has the chance to connect with a broad range of people,” including audience members who are new to the orchestra. “We’re really leaning into music that’s in the popular consciousness,” he said. “You’ll say, ‘I know that one!’ many times.”

The ASO season at a glance Sunday, Oct. 11 at 3 p.m.: “Oscar Winners: Songs and Scores” Sunday, Nov. 15 at 3 p.m.: “B There or B Square” Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.: “Yuletide Harmonies” Friday, Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m.: “Broadway’s Leading Ladies” Friday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m.: “The New World, To and From” Friday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m.: “Oh! I Know That One!” Friday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m.: Beatles tribute band “American English” For more information or to order tickets, go to adriansymphony.org or call 517-264-3121.

THE LENAWEE VOICE

ARTS & LIVING | D15

SEPTEMBER 2026

Reunion from page D1 for live theater again. Its first summer season in its new capacity was in 1968. About 400 people registered for the reunion, with many more stopping in over the course of the afternoon and evening. Registrants came not only from the greater Lenawee County area but from literally across the country as well, arriving from states including New York, Florida, Colorado, and California. In between singalongs, a photo inside the theater, and tours of the building, castmates from long-ago shows greeted each other and reminisced about everything from fellow cast members to forgetting one’s lines to onstage costume mishaps. “Do you remember …?” was a common starting point for countless trips down Memory Lane. Stephen Kiersey, whose history with the Croswell dates back to 1969 when he played in the pit orchestra for “Gypsy” and has continued through perhaps 75 shows all the way to the present time as an actor, director, and musician, reflected on two men who were pivotal to what the Croswell became. One was Glenn Crane, the Croswell’s artistic director for several early seasons after the building returned to being a home for live theater in 1968. The other was the legendary Robert Soller, who led the Croswell for many years. “At an event like this, I’m reminded of Glenn Crane and Bob Soller,” Kiersey said. “I’m grateful to them for their expertise and for mentoring me.” As he spoke, he was joined by a castmate from those early years, Betsy Graham Marsh, whose first role at the Croswell was alongside Kiersey in “Little Mary Sunshine.” “I always loved theater,” she said. “I did it in college. And I saw there were auditions for “Little Mary Sunshine” and that was it. I caught the bug.” She would go on to act in some 15 or 20 Croswell shows and do the musical direction for some others before leaving for the Detroit area in 1987 and working there as a teacher and choral conductor. What did the Croswell do for her? “I definitely grew as an actress,” she said. “It was such a nurturing environment.” Another performer whose long history with the Croswell dates back to that era, Betsy Lackey, counts 1968’s “West Side Story” — an Adrian High School production done on the Croswell stage — as her first show at the theater. Lackey and her husband, Michael, went on to be among the Croswell’s most iconic performers, as well as staunch supporters of the theater’s place in the local community.

Among the activities at the Croswell’s reunion on Aug. 7 were a pair of Broadway singalongs led by Todd Schreiber. Pictured here, in the foreground, are Jay Hillard, Johanna Hanley, and Steve Hillard. PHOTO BY LAD STRAYER

Michael Lackey, Nolan Hines, Betsy Lackey, Rudy Gauna and Alaina Kuehn share a laugh at the Croswell reunion on Aug. 7. PHOTO BY ASHLEE SAYLES

“It’s very unique and very special,” she said. “Multiple generations have been involved here, and it’s also been a gateway for so many people going on to professional theater,” including Michael himself. “And all of it was made possible for them because” — she gestured toward the building — “we have this.” Nearby, under a large white tent pitched in the middle of Maumee Street for the occasion, sat Jay Hillard, who made a name for herself at the Croswell through her multiple portrayals of Peter Pan over the years. “To me, it’s life-changing, it’s lifeenhancing” to have been part of the Croswell’s story. “And sometimes, it’s life itself.” As Hillard spoke, she was joined at the table by Mary Scott, a veteran of many performances as an actor, costumer, and director who also served for a time as the Croswell’s artistic director. Scott now

lives in Colorado. “I was here for 37 years total, 31 of those with Bob,” she said, referring to Soller, her predecessor as artistic director. “The Croswell gave me a job and it was my whole life.” Yet another longtime acting and directing veteran, Julianne Dolan, first stepped onto the Croswell stage in “Carousel” in 1973 and went on to do some 100 shows, either onstage or as a director. “I saw my dream come true,” she said, explaining that when she graduated from Siena Heights College, later University, she wanted to fulfill her mission of planting artistic seeds in others and seeing them grow. And at the Croswell, “I had this platform. I had this space.” Jo Cooley, who came to the reunion from Mackinaw City, choreographed many of the Croswell’s productions and was a cast member in others. Although her background was in dance, musical theater was a new experience for her

when Soller tapped her to choreograph “Babes in Toyland,” her first show. “Personally, I was affected by how professional everything was and that they wanted me to be a part of it,” she said. She went on to choreograph and perform in many shows, including that ultimate dance homage “A Chorus Line” where she got to play the assistant choreographer. “It’s written for a man named Larry. They made me Lauren,” she said, laughing. To Terry Hissong, who started out in the late 1970s with “The Man Who Came to Dinner” and went on to act in, direct, or design some 70 shows — and see two shows he wrote produced at the Croswell — the Croswell is part and parcel of the local community. “I can’t think of another institution more at the heart of Adrian and Lenawee County, and that’s saying a lot,” he said. Croswell artistic director Jere Righter, who almost literally grew up on the Croswell stage under Bob Soller’s mentorship, beginning with the show “I Remember Mama” and continuing through many more productions, echoed Hissong’s words. “The fact the Croswell has existed in this community is worth celebrating,” she said. “It’s 160 years of the community caring about a place that might have been turned into a parking lot” when the building shut down as a movie theater. “Over the almost 60 years since 1968, it’s been making magic happen. Sixty years of community-building, community-creating, community caring.”

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SEPTEMBER 2026 THE LENAWEE VOICE

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