with past-due water bills among city’s 2026 priorities — PAGE 2
A state grant will assist in the renovation of the former hardware store at 148 W. Main
State grant will improve downtown’s landscape
By Erik Gable
The Morenci Advocate
MORENCI — A long-vacant building in downtown Morenci is about to get a new lease on life.
A grant from the state of Michigan’s Revitalization and Placemaking program has been awarded to help rehabilitate and renovate the former hardware store at 148 W. Main St.
Local accountant Brent Shea, who recently merged Shea & Associates Advisory and Accounting with Ohiobased BHM CPA Group, plans to move his offices into the ground floor and put two apartments on the upper floor. The business is currently across the street at 133 W. Main St. Shea, who bought the practice from Phil Rubley, said the company has been in that location since it started nearly 50 years ago.
See GRANT, page 4
Rex Riley’s memory lives on with annual scholarship fundraiser
Generations of service
Family-owned Roth Fabricating is a mainstay of the community
By Arlene Bachanov
The Morenci Advocate
MORENCI — A humble blacksmith shop in the 1920s provided the roots for a family-run business that has been part of Morenci’s fabric for some 45 years now.
That blacksmith shop’s offshoot opened the door in the 1970s to WR Production Welding, which was owned by Wendell Glaser and operated by James Roth. When that company went bankrupt in 1979, some of its customers asked Roth and his late wife, Rita, if they would open their own related business.
The result was Roth Fabricating Inc., which has been serving customers in a wide variety of industries since 1980.
The company, located at 9600 Skyline Drive in Morenci, provides a full range
See ROTH FABRICATING, page 11
Andrew Peters, an employee of Roth Fabricating on Skyline Drive, welds a suspension part for an aftermarket 4WD kit. The company provides metal fabricating and assembly services including laser cutting, welding, CNC machining, and more.
Pictured at Roth Fabricating Inc. are Joel Swett, Lauren Wilson, Jason Wilson, Jim Roth, Jeanie Sarnac, and Shane Sarnac. Roth is holding a photo of himself and his late wife Rita. ARLENE BACHANOV/MORENCI ADVOCATE
St. in downtown Morenci. ERIK GABLE/MORENCI ADVOCATE
Past-due water bills on city’s list for 2026
By Erik Gable
The Morenci Advocate
MORENCI —
Out of 916 total water accounts with the city of Morenci, 177 are at least six months past due and 56 are at least 12 months past due. Addressing that problem rose to the top of the city council’s priority list for 2026 during a planning session on Dec. 16.
At the session, the council discussed one-year, three-year, and five-year goals.
Dealing with water bills is a one-year goal. City administrator and clerk Jeff Bell explained that once a water bill is 30 days past its due date, a 10% late fee is added. Then in subsequent months, if the bill remains unpaid, 10% continues to be added to any unpaid balance. The result is that once somebody gets behind on their payments, the fees start to pile up — “to the point where people find that the penalty and interest is more than the monthly water bill,” Bell said.
“We’ve heard from residents their concerns about not being able to get current on their bills,” he said.
A subcommittee led by council member Jerome Bussell is exploring options.
Bell noted that water shutoffs were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and never resumed. Bringing shutoffs back as a deterrent to people leaving bills unpaid is an option, but in addition to the fact that the city doesn’t actually want to shut people’s water off, there is a risk to city infrastructure. The water infrastructure is aging, and turning shutoff valves that haven’t been turned in many years carries a risk of breakage.
Cannabis ordinance: Another oneyear project is completing a review of the city’s cannabis ordinance. The ordinance states that it is to be reviewed every two years. This includes the number of licenses and how nuisance odors are to be dealt with. The ordinance currently allows five provisioning centers to be licensed, and all of those licenses are taken. Growing and processing licenses are unlimited. For adult recreational use, there are currently six grow licenses and two processor licenses, and for medical use there are currently two grow licenses and one processor license.
Council member Kori Christle is heading this subcommittee.
Vacant building ordinance: This is also a one-year project. The city doesn’t currently have anything on the books that allows the building inspector or code compliance officer to make sure vacant buildings are cared for, to protect both the public and any adjacent buildings. Christle is heading this group as well.
Sidewalk repair and replacement: A three-year goal is looking at the condition of the city’s sidewalks, recognizing that it is not always financially feasible for residents to repair their sidewalks properly. Christle is heading this effort.
Cemetery columbarium: Another three-year goal is to add a columbarium, which is an above-ground structure for the interment of cremated remains, at Oak Grove Cemetery. This subcommittee is being led by Diane Moliterno.
Walking path: The city’s one five-year project is investigating the feasibility of adding a walking path along the west side of Bean Creek, possibly connecting Wakefield Park to the Riverside Nature Park. Kandi Speiser is leading this group.
Soup and pie dinner honors memory of Rex Riley
Annual fundraiser for scholarships is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 11
By David Green
The Morenci Advocate
MORENCI — When Rex Riley retired from a term on the Morenci Area Schools Board of Education in 1979, he wrapped up 50 years of service to youngsters in the area.
The Onsted graduate began his teaching career in 1928 in a one-room school house northeast of Clayton. He later served as a teacher and principal at Weston High School before moving on to Morenci in 1939 for his final 40 years.
He became a beloved industrial arts teacher and later served 12 years as Morenci’s elementary school principal.
Rex Riley was praised as a teacher who cared about his students’ lives and strived to prepare them for life as adults.
As an administrator, he was known as a principal who supported teachers’ efforts to explore new ideas and techniques, helping them through their own personal growth.
Outside of school he was seen as a model citizen who forged a path for others to follow.
Morenci Kiwanis Club member Adam Johnson was one of those who followed. He quietly led an effort to establish a scholarship program honoring his fellow Kiwanian.
When Rex Riley was led into the school cafeteria one night in April 1983,
Rex Riley, who worked for Morenci Area Schools for 40 years, inspired the creation of a scholarship fund that has now awarded $225,550 in scholarships to nearly 200 Morenci graduates.
he was astounded to see a large “I Like Rex” poster on the wall behind the podium. Those in attendance stood to cheer “We Like Rex” as the guest was led to his seat at the head table.
Riley was lauded as a principal with principles, a shepherd to students and teachers, and a builder of men.
That night marked the beginning of the Rex Riley Kiwanis Scholarship Program.
The initial quest for donations brought in $4,000 and three $200 scholarships were awarded that year, to Janice Clelland, Nathan Elarton and Robert McVay.
Since that small start, scholarships worth $225,550 have been awarded to 197 Morenci graduates.
The main fund-raising event of the year — the one that brings a few hundred people together to support the effort — is the annual Soup & Pie Supper, with this year’s meal scheduled Feb. 11 at the Morenci Eagles, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Last year, Kiwanian Matt Garrow said, the combination of meal tickets sold, raffle tickets and advertising sold, donations and the sale of leftover food brought in nearly $8,000.
With income year after year — and through wise investing — the program now has a total of $414,824 saved.
“If we all get too old to slop soup, we can still give scholarships well into the future,” Garrow quipped.
From the start, the program has relied on some ingenuity to bring in cash. In its first year, members of the Morenci Sportsman’s Club scheduled a pig roast and donated the profits. For several years in the 1980s, Kiwanis sponsored a country and western music show to raise funds.
In 1988, a “Womanless Wedding” added to the fund, followed by a raffle for a lawn tractor. In 1991, a few Kiwanians began growing sweet corn on Roger Ries’s farm and sold it downtown.
Alta Woodby created a doll that was raffled off at the elementary school Fun Night in 1994.
From the start of the Soup and Pie Suppers, Rex Riley began crafting a piece of furniture for a raffle. Clyde Brasher later took over and then Dick Kelly. Others have joined in from time to time, such as Chris and Scott Merillat creating a corner cabinet in 2007, and Russ Tompkins in recent years.
The largest source of revenue now is an advertising booklet supported by local merchants, organizations and individuals.
A major change in the scholarship program was approved by board members in the previous year. The decision was made to consider graduates who planned to obtain a two-year degree in addition to those heading for a fouryear program.
“We felt those students were more likely to stay in the area,” Garrow said, “and we all know there is a shortage of skilled trade folks.”
The late Adam Johnson, who spearheaded the Rex Riley award program, now has a scholarship named after him. The Adam Johnson Community Service Scholarship Fund focuses on those students who, in addition to merit, are involved in community service. Kiwanians are in charge of operating the fund.
After this year’s Rex Riley Kiwanis Scholarship awards, more than 200 students will have received a boost in paying their college expenses.
That’s an effort that would make Rex Riley proud.
At a glance
DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Morenci Eagles, 239 W. Main St., Morenci TICKETS: $10 per person, includes all-you-can-eat soup (five soups available) and pie.
He had been looking for a new space, and the former hardware store offered a chance to both give the growing business more room and make a major improvement to downtown Morenci. He noted that because the L-shaped building has frontage on both Main Street and North Street, its condition affects the look of two streets instead of one.
Shea credited the state’s Revitalization and Placemaking program with making the project feasible by covering $464,100 of the roughly $1.3 million cost.
“The thing about old buildings is they cost more to fix than they’re worth when they’re done,” he said.
Without grant funding, he said, many old buildings in downtowns would just fall apart.
The project also promises to add two dwellings, helping to address the area’s housing shortage.
The second floor is currently split between one apartment that’s been vacant for several years and a space that previously held the hardware store’s paint shop, Shea said.
“They’re in rough shape right now,” he noted of those spaces.
After the renovations are complete, he said, there will be a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit with a study that covers about 1,000 square feet, and a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit with a study that has about 1,500 square feet.
City administrator Jeff Bell said the state “helped fill a critical financing gap, making this project possible.”
“This redevelopment supports the expansion of a long-standing Morenci business, helping retain and grow jobs while bringing new life to a prominent downtown building,” Bell said. “Transforming a long-vacant property at a key intersection strengthens our downtown core and shows how targeted state investment can make a meaningful difference in small, rural communities.” Grant from page 1
THE MORENCI ADVOCATE
A MONTHLY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
SERVING MORENCI, MICHIGAN morenciadvocate.com lenaweevoice.com
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DEBORAH J. COMSTOCK CONTENT DIRECTOR ERIK GABLE
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Valentine Tea:
Civil War Love Letters
History Manor, 229 Monroe St., Wauseon, Ohio; seatings at 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m.
The Museum of Fulton County and the Fulton County Visitors Bureau present a tea featuring treats and romantic stories from Civil War love letters. $25 (10% discount for museum members). Call 419-337-7922 or go to museumoffultoncounty.org/ upcoming-events.
Taco Night
Morenci Legion, 9010 Morenci Road, 5-7 p.m. $10. More info: 517-458-2377.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6
In Love Film Fridays: ‘The Lake House’
Normal Memorial Library, 301 N Eagle St, Fayette, Ohio, 1:30 p.m.
Relax at the library and enjoy a free movie screening every Friday in February. Info: fayette-nml.org.
Steak night
Morenci Eagles, 239 W. Main St., Morenci, 6-8 p.m. $19. More info: 517-458-6511.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Plant Bingo
Morenci Legion, 9010 Morenci Road, 4 p.m. Tickets available at eventbrite.com. $25.
Beatbox Jake Birthday Showcase
The Rex Theater, 235 W. Main St., Morenci, 7-11:55 p.m.
Bands: Shattered Dreams, Chameleon, Pixelty, FasterTaxi and more. $15.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9
Heart Matters Program
Fulton County Health Center, 725 S. Shoop Ave., Wauseon, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy a complimentary meal at Fulton County Health Center (Beck Meeting Room) while hearing insights from interventional cardiologist Dr. Charles Gbur. Seats are limited. RSVP at 419-330-2724. Free. More info: fultoncountyhealthcenter.org.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Soup & Pie Fundraiser
Morenci Eagles, 239 W. Main St., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The 44th Annual Soup & Pie Fundraiser supporting the Rex Riley Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door on the day of the dinner.
Silver Senior Paint & Puppy Love Event
Normal Memorial Library, 301 N. Eagle St., Fayette, Ohio, 10:15 a.m. Seniors are welcome to join in a morning of painting fun, along with showing the movie “The Lady and the Tramp.” Info: fayette-nml.org.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Coffee House
Fayette Opera House, 105 E. Main St., Fayette, 7-9 p.m.
An evening of local talent. Free. More info: operahouse-fayette.org or 419-237-3111.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
In Love Film Fridays: ‘Just Like Heaven’
Normal Memorial Library, 301 N. Eagle St., Fayette, Ohio, 1:30 p.m.
Relax at the library and enjoy a free movie screening every Friday in February. Info: fayette-nml.org.
Fish and Chicken Fry Morenci Legion, 9010 Morenci Road, 5-7 p.m. $15.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Valentine’s Day at the Library
Stair District Library, 228 W. Main St., Morenci, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dip a variety of food items in melted chocolate and make delectable treats. Make Valentine’s Day cards, jewelry, buttons, magnets, and more. Check out a Blind Date with a Book, color bookmarks, and play with the materials on the Art Cart. Info: 517-458-6510 or stairlib.org.
Music by Exostra, Cave Dweller, and Ignominious
The Rex Theater, 235 W. Main St., Morenci, 7-11 p.m.
Exostra at 7 p.m., Cave Dweller at 8:10 p.m., Ignominious at 10:15 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. All ages welcome. $17.85.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Road Scholar program: ‘Forging a Friendship — Jefferson and Madison’s Northern Journey’ Stair District Library, 228 W. Main St., Morenci, 1 p.m.
A one-hour virtual lecture. More info: 517-458-6510 or stairlib.org.
Burger & Fries Dinner
Morenci Legion, 9010 Morenci Road, 5-7 p.m. $10.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Senior Discovery Days: Behind the Scenes Tour at the Museum Museum of Fulton County, 8848 State Route 108, Wauseon, Ohio, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Registration required. Call 419337-7922, stop by the museum, or make reservations at the Fulton County Senior Center, 695 S. Shoop Ave., Wauseon. $5. More info: museumoffultoncounty.org or 419-337-7922.
Band Boosters Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
Morenci Middle/High School Cafeteria, 788 Coomer St., 5 p.m.
The Morenci Band Boosters will host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Morenci Middle/ High School cafeteria. The public is invited to attend. Adults $7, children $5, desserts by donation.
Grades 6-8 Band and Symphonic Band Concert
Morenci Middle/High School Cafeteria, 788 Coomer St., 5 p.m.
The concert will follow the Band Boosters dinner.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
In Love Film Fridays: ‘Penelope’ Normal Memorial Library, 301 N. Eagle St., Fayette, Ohio, 1:30 p.m. Relax at the library and enjoy a free movie screening every Friday in February. Info: fayette-nml.org.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Tech Day
Normal Memorial Library, 301 N. Eagle St., Fayette, Ohio, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Have questions about your phone, laptop, tablet, or email? Stop by to get assistance. Info: fayette-nml.org
Athletic Boosters Cash Bash Morenci Eagles, 5 p.m. This benefit for Morenci athletic programs includes dinner and cash prizes. $75 for two people.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Book Discussion: ‘The Fellowship of Puzzle Makers’ Stair District Library, 228 W. Main St., Morenci, 7 p.m.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Honor Society Blood Drive
Morenci High School gym, 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Lasagna Dinner
Morenci Legion, 9010 Morenci Road, 5-7 p.m. $10.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27
In Love Film Fridays: ‘Kate & Leopold’
Normal Memorial Library, 301 N. Eagle St., Fayette, Ohio, 1:30 p.m. Fish & Chicken Fry
Morenci Legion, 9010 Morenci Road, 5-7 p.m. $15.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28
’80s and ’90s night with DJ John Hess
Morenci Eagles, 239 W. Main St., Morenci, 8 p.m. Info: 517-458-6511
23rd Annual Cash-A-Fair Lenawee County Fair & Event Grounds, 602 N. Dean St., Adrian, 5:30 p.m. The 23rd Annual CashA-Fair will raise money to support the Lenawee County Fair. $100 per ticket admits two. Info: lenfair.com or 517-263-3007.
Music by Josh & Jenn
Fayette Opera House, 105 E. Main St., Fayette, 7 p.m. $15; ($12 for seniors, $10 for students). Info: operahouse-fayette.org or 419-237-3111.
The Eagle Machining plant is now closed, costing about 250 people their jobs. ERIK GABLE/MORENCI ADVOCATE
Eagle Machining shuts down; executives face fraud charges
FAYETTE, Ohio — A few days after the Eagle Machining plant in Fayette shut down, laying off about 250 people, two top executives were arrested on federal fraud charges.
First Brands Group, the parent company of Eagle Machining, filed a notice of impending layoffs at the end of December as required by the federal WARN Act. The initial notice said the shutdown would happen at the end of February; the WARN Act requires companies to give notice of mass layoffs 60 days in advance. However, the factory actually closed at the end of January.
A letter from the company blamed “significant unforeseeable business circumstances” for the shutdown.
Founder and CEO Patrick James and former senior executive Edward James are facing numerous fraud charges in federal court.
Prosecutors revealed that another former executive, Peter Andrew Brumbergs, has already pleaded guilty and has been cooperating with authorities.
“As alleged in the indictment, Patrick James, together with his brother, Edward James, perpetrated a staggering fraud at First Brands Group,” U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in a statement announcing the indictment. “The James brothers obtained billions for First Brands — and millions for themselves — by presenting their lenders with the impression of a successful, growing international business. The indictment and the guilty plea unsealed today describe a very different reality: a business run through fraud, fake documents, and false financials. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue working tirelessly to uncover every aspect of this fraud and vindicate the rights of every victim.”
The complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York alleges that First Brands “faked and falsely inflated invoices for accounts receivable and payable; double- and triple-pledged loan collateral; falsified corporate financial statements; and concealed substantial liabilities from lenders.”
The complaint further states that “the defendants’ schemes coincided with, and initially may have contributed to, the growth of First Brands, but those schemes also sowed the seeds of First Brands’ demise.”
ABOVE: Lauryn Dominique and Tucker Betz, center, were crowned Winter Homecoming Queen and King on Jan. 10 by last year’s queen and king, Zoey and Zach Martinez. The other members of the Homecoming Court were Cassadie Sharp and Chandler Williams, Alissa Sallows and Finn Molitierno, and Katelyn Ruse and Isaac Miller. The junior class representatives were Rylee Frederick and Jonas Castillo; the sophomore representatives were Baylie Miller and Brennen Harsh; and the freshman representatives were Makinley Valentine and Brenden Hudik.
LEFT: Talan Kruse goes up to score during the fourth quarter of the Jan. 10 Winter Homecoming game against Fayette.
ERIK GABLE/MORENCI ADVOCATE
Athletic Boosters plan annual Cash Bash fundraiser
MORENCI — The Morenci Athletic Boosters will host their ninth annual Cash Bash on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Morenci Eagles Aerie 1297, located at 239 W. Main St., Morenci.
This community event serves as one of the organization’s largest fundraisers, with all proceeds supporting Morenci student-athletes and athletic programs.
Doors will open at 5 p.m., with dinner served upon arrival. The raffle will begin at 6 p.m., featuring more than $2,500 in total cash prizes. The top prize is $2,000, with $500 awarded to the second-place winner. Additional raffles will be held throughout the evening, and winners do not need to be present to win.
Tickets are $75 per couple, which includes dinner and one entry into the main raffle drawing. A cash bar will also be available.
Tickets may be purchased at all JV/ Varsity home basketball games or by contacting a member of the boosters.
The Morenci Athletic Boosters encourage residents, alumni, and supporters near and far to join them for an evening of fun, prizes, and community spirit while also investing in the future of Bulldog athletics.
Band Boosters to host spaghetti dinner fundraiser
MORENCI — The Morenci Band Boosters will host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Morenci Middle/High School cafeteria.
The public is invited to attend. Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children. Desserts will be available by donation. Proceeds will benefit the Morenci band program.
A 6–8 Band Concert and Symphonic Band Concert will follow at 7 p.m. in the Morenci High School gymnasium.
Council to review plan for city’s trees
MORENCI — The Morenci City Council will review a 20-year plan for the management of trees on public land during its February meeting.
The meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9, at Morenci City Hall, 118 Orchard St.
City administrator Jeff Bell said the council will hear a presentation by Steve Lane, the arborist who worked with the city to develop the plan. It has been reviewed by Travis Kruse, Christa Davis and Matt Szymanski from the Department of Public Works.
STUDENT ART SPOTLIGHT
Women of Space study on Mae Jemison (first African-American astronaut), Katherine Johnson (mathematician who saved Apollo 13), and Eleanor Foraker (seamstress who designed the first spacesuit), by Bailey Silcox, fifth grade.
Aurora Borealis study and symmetry study by Brayden Scivoletto, fourth grade.
Bridge: I don’t get it
One of my relatives loves to play bridge. I don’t want to tell you who it is because I’m sensitive that way. I do not want to embarrass him. Imagine, sitting for hours and hours at a table playing cards instead of dancing, knitting, or taking accordion lessons. It makes no sense.
This particular relative, with whom I was forced to share a bedroom as a kid, seems to have unlimited stamina for playing the game of bridge. I don’t get it and neither does our sister Susie. Bridge is a brain game. It is really five different games wrapped up in one piece of butcher’s paper, tied with a string.
First is the Game of Remembering a Lot of Rules.
Second is the Game of Learning a Bunch of Funny Words and Phrases.
“You cut our leg off.” “I have honors.” “My finesse failed.” “I’m the dummy.” “You have a square hand.” The list goes on.
Third is the Game of Entering into a Contract with the other three players at the table, one of whom is your partner and the other two who are dirty rotten thieving opponents striving to crush you.
Fourth is the Game of Playing the Contract, which if winning is important means you’d better have a very good memory, a logical mindset and ruthlessness.
Fifth is the Game of Scoring which is even harder than scoring bowling and one-fourth as difficult as scoring a game of cricket.
This paints a grim picture of the game that my mystery relative — let’s just call him Bill to make it easier — seems to love so much.
As I write this, I’m starting to feel guilty about making a terrific game sound impossible. Why guilty? Because I love to play the game too.
When I wrote in the second paragraph that “I don’t get it and neither does our sister” I was telling a half-truth. I totally get it. Sister Susie, not so much. She’d rather go kayaking or sit and write jokes for late-night comedians than play bridge.
WEDDING OF Q AND U
LOOKING OUT
JIM WHITEHOUSE
Truth be told, one can learn to play the game of bridge in an hour. It’s just a card game.
My siblings and I grew up racing sailboats. I’ve taught a few people how to sail and I can honestly say that one can learn in an hour or so how to sail a boat around a lake, but to become a good sailor or to become a proficient sailboat racer, takes a long time.
It is the same with bridge.
While both my brother Bill (Oops,I wasn’t going to tell you who I am writing about) and I love the game, he takes it far more seriously than I. He actually plays in tournaments! He travels to a city far, far away and spends two days in a huge room full of card tables with hundreds of other bridge players while I am eating, sleeping, walking in the woods, riding my bicycle and spending 2½ hours playing bridge in a Mexican restaurant with a few good friends.
If you ever have the misfortune to be with Bill and me while we are discussing bridge…
“Susie! Susie! Wake up! You’re going to want to hear about how the Blackwood Convention works.”
My beloved wife Marsha B. Whitehouse and I both love the game while Brother Bill’s wife, Marsha A. Whitehouse, prefers line dancing, leaving him no one with whom to discuss the intricacies of bridge.
I’ll leave you with one question: What is more confusing? Bridge, or having two Marsha Whitehouses in one family? Answer: Cricket.
Jim Whitehouse grew up in Morenci, practiced law for 20 years in Hudson, and now lives in Albion.
Amber Kreischer’s kindergarten students learned about how the letter Q is almost always followed by U by holding a “Q & U Wedding.” Students dressed up, took part in a mock ceremony, and celebrated with cake. Charlee Rowe played Q and Elijah Whitely played
Morenci student earns CNA credentials
MORENCI — On Jan. 7, Morenci High School senior Addyson Valentine participated in a Certified Nursing Assistant pinning ceremony through the Lenawee Intermediate School District Tech Center’s Nursing Preparation program.
Valentine was one of 27 students in the county who earned their Certified Nursing Assistant credentials, marking a milestone as they begin careers in health care. The ceremony recognized students’ dedication, perseverance, and commitment to providing compassionate, skilled care to others.
“The Nursing Prep program has been an amazing opportunity for me,” Valentine said. “It has given me handson experience and knowledge that I will use throughout my nursing career. This class has given me a solid foundation that I am eager to continue pursuing.”
The LISD Tech Center’s Nursing Preparation Program equips high school students with hands-on training, real-world experience, and industry-recognized credentials while still in high school.
“Addyson is a positive role model for students at Morenci,” said Jonathan Miller, middle and high school principal. “Her success in the nursing program comes as no surprise as she consistently demonstrates dedication, responsibility, and leadership.”
25 YEARS AGO
The Morenci City Council authorized city clerk and administrator Rene Schroeder to proceed with hiring John Miller to create a city website.
The city was considering a proposal to establish a Downtown Development Authority.
50 YEARS AGO
The intricately made collages of Ruby White of Medina Township were proving to be popular at the Stair Public Library.
75 YEARS AGO
Subzero weather caused two fires — one when an overheated furnace exploded at Galen Evers’ Oak Street home, and one when sparks from the chimney started a roof fire at the home of Joe Ehlinger.
100
YEARS AGO
A four-cylinder Buick belonging to Earl Hedge of Hudson was stolen while he was attending a dance in Morenci.
— from the Observer archives
Morenci Middle School and High School band students participated in a Band Lock-In on Jan. 10, designed to jumpstart preparation for upcoming festival performances. Students participated in full-band rehearsals and small sectional sessions. The event also featured instructors from multiple high schools and colleges throughout Michigan, giving students the opportunity to learn from a variety of experienced musicians. Pictured here are student Kaden Lee and Karen Bunch, retired from the Tecumseh Center for the Arts. MORENCI AREA
Addyson Valentine
The junior class won the traditional tug-of-war game during Morenci’s Winter Homecoming in 2012. Pictured here are Matt Andrews, Jordan Moses, Taylor Baugh, Katie Cox and Matt Heinze.
DAVID GREEN, STATE LINE OBSERVER ARCHIVES
Barbara Beaverson
FAYETTE, Ohio — Barbara J. Beaverson, 81, of Fayette died on Jan. 1.
She was born in Wauseon on May 10, 1944, to Clair and Betty (Ellis) Smith. She married Gene W. Beaverson in 1975, and he preceded her in death.
She grew up in West Unity and was a member of the Hilltop High School class of 1962. She worked as a nail technician and owned a salon in Fayette for several years. She was a longtime member of the Morenci Eagles, and she and her husband were once crowned queen and king of the Fayette Royal Bullthistle Festival.
She is survived by five daughters, Barbara (Kent) Lester of Fayette, Fawn Schaffner of Fayette, Cindy (Tracy) Mitchell of Pickerington, Ohio, Chris Pennington of Fayette, and Danni (Brian) Keefer of Fayette; her sister, Wilda “Shorty” (Denny) Steele of McCormick, S.C; 16 grandchildren; 31 greatgrandchildren with one on the way; and one great-great granddaughter.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Mike Beaverson; sons-in-law, Keith Grant and Tim Pennington; nephew, Matt Steele; and great-grandson, Reese Hylander. — marryfh.com
Keith Brandeberry
HILLSDALE — Keith Brandeberry, 96, of Hillsdale, formerly of Wauseon and Morenci, died on Jan. 13.
He was born on Sept. 17, 1929, in Wright Township, Michigan, the son of Lynn and Marie (Snider) Brandeberry. He married Virginia Mae Bradley in 1949, and she preceded him in death.
He worked for Morenci Rubber for 12 years and Alltel Corp. in Morenci for 15 years. He retired in 1989.
He is survived by four sons, Gary (Mary), David (Evelyn), Randy (Constance), and Rick (Jill) Brandeberry; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three greatgreat grandchildren; four sisters, Lois Cogswell, Barbara Burton, Shirley Mercer and Janet Calvin; and two brothers, Doyle Brandeberry and Norman (Pat) Brandeberry.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Eric Brandeberry; sister, Phyllis Cogswell; and daughters-in-law, Paula Brandeberry and Ann Brandeberry. — marryfh.com
WAUSAU, Wisconsin — Barbara Keller, 83, died on Dec. 16 in Wisconsin. She was born in Morenci to Rex Tuttle and Esther Tuttle. She married Phillip Keller in 1967, and he preceded her in death. She is survived by her children, Mark and Michelle Keller. — helke.com
Donald Lucas
FAYETTE, Ohio — Donald E. Lucas, 85, of Fayette died on Jan. 1.
He was born in Fayette on March 7, 1940, the son of the late Leonard and Audrey Lucas. He married Linda Easley in 1985, and she survives.
He grew up on a dairy farm just north of Fayette and was a 1958 graduate of Gorham-Fayette High School, where his love of basketball began. Following high school, he served in the U.S. Army. He worked for Porter Lumber Company in Fayette before apprenticing in residential construction under Curtis Keefer. He worked as a self-employed builder and remodeler. He also earned an associates degree in business administration from Northwest State Community College. Following a back injury, he worked for several years at the former Andersons store in Sylvania prior to his retirement in 2015.
He was a member of Fayette Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Jerry Lucas of Angola, Indiana, Eric Lucas (Beth Stevens) of Alaska, and Matthew (Shawn) Bowers of West Unity; the partner to his late son Tim, Jessica Foster of Ypsilanti; a sister, Eloise Wyse of Archbold; six grandchildren; four greatgrandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son, Timothy Bowers, and siblings, Lois Hill, Robert Lucas, Vera Hopkins, Martha Cochran, and James Lucas. — marryfh.com
Deana Lynn VanArsdalen
FAYETTE, Ohio — Deana Lynn VanArsdalen, 64, of rural Fayette, died on Jan. 19.
She was the daughter of DeWayne and Myrtle (Pinette) VanArsdalen. She grew up in West Unity and graduated from Hilltop High School in 1979. After high school, she worked for several years at the former Peter Stamping in Fayette before starting a family, and later provided daycare out of her home while she raised her daughters. Later she worked as a waitress for the Village Kitchen in West Unity, where she eventually was promoted to manager and bookkeeper. She was a member of the Alvordton United Brethren Church.
In addition to her husband, Tony Hand, she is survived by her mother, Myrtle VanArsdalen of West Unity; daughters, Danyel VanArsdalen of Toledo, Chelsee Hand of West Unity, and Toni (Danny) Smith of Wauseon; sisters, Debbie (Mike) Hand and Robyn Henry both of West Unity; brother, Bruce (Rhonda) VanArsdalen of West Unity; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in her death by her father, Dewey VanArsdalen; brother, David VanArsdalen; nephews, Dewey and Jeremy Hand; and brother-in-law, Tom Henry.
— marryfh.com
Allan B. Crawford
WAUSEON, Ohio — Allan B. Crawford, 84, of Wauseon died on January 2.
He was born in Fayette on April 14, 1941, to the late Cleophus D. and Connie M. Crawford.
Jeannette Kope
MONTPELIER, Ohio — Jeannette M. Kope, 76, of Montpelier died on Jan. 15 in Angola, Indiana, following a battle with cancer.
He graduated from Gorham-Fayette High School and then attended Adrian College and finished his bachelor’s degree at the University of Alaska. In 1966, he moved to Alaska and worked for the U.S. Postal Service. While living in Alaska, he purchased land and built his own cabin, and was a recorder for the National Weather Service for over 30 years.
He moved back to northwest Ohio in 2024.
He is survived by his nephews, James “Sonny” (Amy), John (Shou Ping), Larry, and Charles (Cecelia) Crawford. He was preceded in death by a brother, James.
— marryfh.com
Barbara Jane Baker
LYONS, Ohio — Barbara J. Baker, 92, of Lyons died on Jan. 17.
She was born in Ogden Center on Nov. 7, 1933, to Earl and Dora (Schafer) Simpkins. She married Russell E. Baker in 1950, and he preceded her in death.
She held some waitressing jobs during her lifetime, but her main focus was being a housewife and mother. She enjoyed sewing and baking. In her free time, she enjoyed garage sales and the occasional casino trip. She was a member of East Chesterfield Church. She is survived by her children, Rick (Linda) Baker, and Randy (Kelli) Baker, and Rebecca Donaldson; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and sisters, Sharon Schmidt, Betty Hall, and Beverly Cowell. Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by sisters, Wanda and Shirley; brothers, Maurice, Lanny, Arnold, and Ronald; and a son-inlaw, James Donaldson.
— marryfh.com
Neil A. Magbanua
DUMONT, N.J. — Neil A. Magbanua, 56, of Dumont, N.J., formerly of Morenci, died on Jan. 2.
He was born in Bacolod City, Philippines, the son of Imelda and the late Herminio Magbanua. He graduated from Morenci Area High School and served as a chef at the River Vale Country Club, River Vale, N.J.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by siblings Lida Buenaventura and Eufemia Penaflor, and extended family members.
— frechmcknight.com
She was born in Hudson on Oct. 29, 1949, to Clifford and Carolyn (Peltier) Goodlock.
She married Ray Douglas Kope in 1968 in Hudson, and while their marriage ended, they remained friends.
She graduated from Pittsford schools.
She worked at TRW in Fayette as a machine operator for 37 years and was a member of the United Auto Workers.
She loved being outside, whether tending to her yard and garden or watching birds. She loved animals of all kinds but was particularly fond of her cats.
She is survived by her children, Ray D. Kope Jr., Russell C. (Jennifer) Kope, Rhonda (Carl) Cook, and Cindy L. Davis; 10 grandchildren, 10 greatgrandchildren; brothers, Clifford (Patty) and Richard Goodlock; and sisters, Sandy Taylor and Sharon (Dennis) Dilyard. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Dana M. Kope; grandchildren, Adren and Aubrea Coressel, Bobby Ray Kope, and Jaden Cook; and a sister, Susan Peltier.
— marryfh.com
Barbara Beaverson
Keith Brandeberry
Deana VanArsdalen
Donald Lucas
Allan B. Crawford
Barbara Baker
Jeannette Kope
Barbara Keller
OBITUARIES
Karen Sue Schwab
MORENCI — Karen Sue (Burrow) Schwab, 74, of Morenci died on Dec. 18.
She was born in Adrian on April 7, 1951, to George and Lurlene Burrow.
She traveled extensively during her life and enjoyed visiting new places. She loved spending time playing games with her family, fishing, and doing puzzles. She loved animals, especially dogs, and enjoyed road trips with her partner, Becky.
She is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Jason Howley) Smith; one grandson, Christopher Foreman; siblings, Randy (Kelley) Burrow, Charles (Bea) Burrow, and Charlene Liechty; numerous nieces and nephews; and her loving partner, Becky Powell, who cared for her in her final days. She was preceded in death by two nephews.
— marryfh.com
Christopher Peebles
FAYETTE, Ohio — Christoper Peebles, 67, died on Dec. 21.
He was born in Hudson on Dec. 2, 1958, to Al and Nancy (Camp) Peebles. He married Angie Miller in 2017, and she survives. He was a graduate of Evergreen High School. He worked at Sauder Woodworking in Archbold, Ohio, and took pride in officiating high school football, basketball and softball teams.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Mitchell and Clayton; daughter, Robin (Wayne) Knapp; stepson, Gary (Mikayla) Marshall; stepdaughter, Penny (Jason) Mendoza; two grandchildren; 12 step-grandchildren, one step-great grandchild; brothers, Brad (Nancy) Peebles, Kurt (Michelle) Peebles, and Troy Peebles; and sisters, Mary Jo Vagen, Alecia (Tom) Miller, Peggy Howard, and Jana (Matt) Smithmyer.
He was preceded in death by a sisterin-law, Connie Peebles, and brother in-law, Tim Howard.
— marryfh.com
Lavada Wright
HUDSON — Lavada Sue Wright, 42, of Hudson died on Dec. 25.
She was born in Adrian on April 8, 1983, to Dennis and Shirley (Amos) Williams. She was a 2002 graduate of Morenci High School.
Lavada is survived by her children, Ella and Remington Bennefield of Hudson; her loving partner and the father of her children, Thomas Bennefield of Hudson; her siblings, Travis (Mindy) Williams of Hudson, Troy (Angie) Williams of North Adams, and Trent (Courtney) Williams of Morenci; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister-in-law, Vicki Williams.
— pursefuneralhome.com
Dean Lee Myers
FAYETTE, Ohio — Dean L. Myers, 79, of Fayette died on Dec. 24.
He was born in Morenci on Sept. 20, 1946, to Jesse W. and Laona K. “Onie” (Weber) Myers. He and his wife, Shelley, were married in 1979, and she survives.
He graduated from Gorham-Fayette Schools and served four years in the U.S. Navy. He worked for 13 years at DaytonWalther, where he was a supervisor. He loved farming and working part time for the village of Fayette. He served for 11 years with the GorhamFayette Fire Department, rising to the rank of captain and assistant chief. He was a member of Fayette American Legion Post 143.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Brian (Jolene) Myers, Shane (Mia) Myers, Rebecca (Mike) Beals and Mandy (Mark) Avery; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Dusty Timberman.
— marryfh.com
Lawrence Towers
FAYETTE, Ohio — Lawrence A. Towers, 89, of rural Fayette died on Jan. 1.
He was born on Dec. 27, 1936, to Jesse A. and Audrah I. (Root) Towers. He married Glenda Beaverson in 1956, and she survives. He was a tool and die maker at Dana Corp. until his retirement.
After retirement, he began woodworking, making hardwood furniture and crafts alongside his wife. They traveled all over, selling his furniture at various craft shows. Farming was also in his heart, and his family had a hard time getting him off a tractor or his four-wheeler. He enjoyed any chance to be outdoors, whether he was cutting wood, hunting, or fishing, and he also enjoyed making homemade maple syrup.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Mark (Kathy), David (Angel), and Brian (Deb) Towers; daughters, Connie (Jeff) Winzeler, Marcia (Tom) Franks, and Diane (Dean) Reinking; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and six step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Ernest and Donald Towers; and sisters, Leona Marie Warren and Louise Towers.
— marryfh.com
Candace Dilyard
ADRIAN — Candace “Candy” Dilyard, 59, of Adrian died on Jan. 3.
She was born in Morenci on May 6, 1966, the daughter of Richard Dilyard and Linda Bates.
She had two children, Christina and Linda Dilyard, with her partner of 31 years, Mike Clark. She was also a grandmother.
— pursefuneralhome.com
Christopher Peebles
Dean Lee Myers
Lawrence Towers
Karen Sue Schwab
Lavada Wright
of start-to-finish metal fabricating and assembly services including laser cutting, welding, CNC machining, and more.
Roth Fabricating is now in its third generation of family ownership. After Jim and Rita retired in 2000, they sold the business to two of Rita’s children, Shane Sarnac and Simone Haas.
Sarnac’s grandfather worked for that long-ago blacksmith and took over when the blacksmith died, transforming the business into a place that did welding and frame repair and fixed farm implements. Glaser was Sarnac’s uncle.
By 2004, Roth Fabricating had outgrown its home at that time, a converted laundromat in uptown Morenci, and had moved into a new building, since greatly expanded, at its current location.
Sarnac later bought Haas out and two other family members came on board as partners: Jim and Rita’s grandson Jason Wilson and Joel Swett, nephew of Sarnac’s wife, Jeanie. Jeanie also worked for the company for many years before retiring.
Many other family members have been part of the company over the years as well. One of those is Lauren Wilson, Jason’s daughter-in-law, who works for the business now and expects to take the reins in due time as the fourth generation to run Roth Fabricating.
“I’ve been talking to Jason about it for years,” Lauren said. To her, it’s all about “carrying on the family legacy and the culture of it.”
Swett said he’s excited to see the family’s younger members, like Lauren, become part of the business. “I hope they make a career out of it,” he said.
Not surprisingly in a family-run business, all of the kids did their part as they grew up, doing anything from cleaning to bending tubes to sitting at the family’s kitchen table putting together windshield wiper lines.
Of course, when you run your own company, trade-offs sometimes have to be made where the business’s needs come first. “Once, Rita wanted some carpeting and Jim wanted a forklift,” said Barb Roth, whom Jim married after Rita’s passing. “What do you think they got?”
“We never lived extravagantly, and we never took a lot of money out of [the business],” Sarnac said. “We always wanted to invest it in the company.”
Roth Fabricating has served a diverse array of customers over the years, doing “anything we could make money at,” Jim said.
“Jim is the kind of guy that could make anything work,” Sarnac said, and he and other family members began ticking off a list of some of those things: designing machines, repairing cars, even raising horses. “He’s just one of those guys who could figure out a way.”
And even at his age — 83 — “he’s like an Energizer Bunny,” Barb said. “He just never stops.”
Sarnac said that over the years, the company has worked with just about every factory within 50 miles of here. At one time, Jim handled a lot of work for the automotive industry, with one of their major customers being automotive supplier Fayette Tubular in nearby Fayette, Ohio. That company’s closure is what caused Roth’s business to pivot into doing metal fabricating because it was something the other companies couldn’t do for themselves.
The company bought its first laser for cutting parts, a used model, sometime after 2004, and then in 2008 bought its first new laser and some automation capabilities.
“And that’s when things really started to go,” Sarnac said. It proved to be an excellent investment, because the automation allows the laser to cut the
needed patterns out of metal sheets all night long by reloading itself.
Today, Roth Fabricating creates everything from steel drains, to the superstructure needed to mount tow motors on the back of a Lowe’s or Home Depot truck, to pickup truck lift kits and other aftermarket parts, and more.
The demand for data centers and the need for metal to build them also means a lot of new work is available, and because U.S. tariffs are leading to shifts in where manufacturing is done, “we’ve seen a lot of positive stuff come from it,” Swett said.
Sarnac and the rest of the family are very intentional about making Roth Fabricating a place where their employees matter. “We all work here, and we’ve never considered that these people work for us,” he said.
“I don’t even like the term ‘boss,’ ” Swett added. “We’re all co-workers. We’re all trying to do the same job here. None of us is more important than the other.”
Symbolizing the family’s outlook on life and business, there’s a plaque hanging by the front office that reads “God Shop.”
“This business was given to us by the good Lord and we have to take advantage of that opportunity and treat people right,” Sarnac said. “Our employees have never been just a number to us.”
From where Jim first started out in business — “in a small horse barn with no employees,” he said — the company he and Rita founded almost five decades ago currently employs more than 40 people. Sarnac said that makes it one of the largest employers in Morenci, if not the largest other than the school system.
Besides what it does for the local employment picture, Roth Fabricating does a lot to be a good community partner, whether that’s being active with Little League, building a scoreboard and benches for the school district, doing welding work for the city, or donating money to local causes.
“Because the Lord has blessed us, we’re able to give back to the community,” Sarnac said. “And the city has been really good to us, too.”
Joel Swett sets up the laser to cut patterns out of metal at Roth Fabricating in Morenci. ARLENE BACHANOV/MORENCI ADVOCATE
