City Hall to be open five days a week starting this month — PAGE 4 Morenci football and volleyball look forward to season — PAGES 10 & 11
MORENCI, MICHIGAN
Library a venue for worldwide film festival
MORENCI — Area residents are invited to join film lovers in over 500 venues across the globe gathering to see the 10 finalists in this year’s Manhattan Short, a short film festival that will screen films at locations across six continents between Sept. 25 and Oct. 5.
Stair District Library in Morenci is one of the participating venues.
The Morenci library has four showings scheduled during the festival:
n Thursday, Sept. 25, at 2 p.m.
n Saturday, Sept. 27, at 6 p.m.
n Monday, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m.
n Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 6 p.m.
Ballots are supplied upon entry and moviegoers can discover their inner film critic by casting their vote for Best Film and Best Actor in the 28th annual event. A wide variety of refreshments will be served at the library, representing all the countries of the finalists.
The finalists hail from Spain, Israel, United Kingdom, Norway, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Mexico, alongside three films from the United States. Past finalists have garnered Oscar nominations and short films continue to move into the Hollywood mainstream.
According to Nicholas Mason, founding director of Manhattan Short Film Festival, this year’s entertaining program might feature the best short films in the world today.
Information about all of the films can be found at manhattanshort.com.
Stair District Library is located at 228 W. Main St., Morenci.
Community input sought on city’s master plan
MORENCI — The city of Morenci is seeking community input as it moves forward with the update of its master plan.
A master plan is a communitydriven policy document that helps guide local decisions about land use,
housing, infrastructure, and economic development. State law requires Michigan communities to review their plans every five years to determine whether they reflect current priorities and conditions. Morenci’s existing plan,
adopted in 2016, is being updated to capture new opportunities, address evolving community needs, and guide the city’s long-term vision.
See MASTER PLAN, page 2
FALL FEST IS COMING
Vendors line Main Street in downtown Morenci at last year’s Fall Fest. The fourth annual Morenci Fall Fest will take place on Oct. 4. ERIK GABLE/MORENCI ADVOCATE
Free downtown festival is expanding this year
MORENCI — The Morenci Fall Fest, hosted by the Downtown Development Authority, is back for its fourth year.
This year’s event is larger than before, stretching across all of Main Street from Summit to Baker, and along North Street from Main to Locust.
The free autumn celebration takes place on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 4-11 p.m.
It will include live music, food, vendors, and activities for all ages.
From 4 to 7 p.m., Main Street will be filled with family-friendly fun, including a photo booth, face painting, a petting
farm, archery, a caricature artist, and a hayride — all free. Local merchants, businesses, and nonprofits will be set up with seasonal shopping and activities for kids.
See FALL FEST, page 4
Master plan
from page 1
To support the update, the city received a $50,000 Housing Readiness Incentive Grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and hired the planning firm Beckett & Raeder, Inc. The updated plan will be shaped by both community input and research, combining resident priorities with technical analysis to create a long-term framework for growth and development.
The community survey begins the community engagement process by asking residents to share their views on housing, economic development, facilities, infrastructure, and other local priorities.
City of Morenci master plan survey
To fill out the city’s master plan survey online, go to: www.surveymonkey.com/r/MorenciMasterPlan Paper copies are available at: Morenci City Hall, 118 Orchard St.
Responses will be accepted through Nov. 1.
The survey is available at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ MorenciMasterPlan and paper copies can be picked up at Morenci City Hall, 118 Orchard Street. Responses will be accepted through Nov. 1, 2025.
Questions about the process may be directed to Dana Gentry, project manager with Beckett & Raeder, at dgentry@bria2.com.
Work already underway for 2026 Town and Country Festival
By Erik Gable The Morenci Advocate
MORENCI — The 2025 Town and Country Festival at Wakefield Park may only be a few months in the past, but work is already underway for next year’s festival.
Acting on a recommendation from festival chair Sue Snyder, the Morenci City Council approved a contract with Native Engineering & Amusements to provide the rides at the 2026 event. The action was taken at the council’s Aug. 11 meeting.
Native Engineering & Amusements also provided the rides at this year’s festival.
The 2026 Town & Country Festival is scheduled for May 28-30.
A deposit of $5,000 for the rides will be due in January.
New speed signs approved for Main Street
MORENCI — The Morenci City Council has approved the purchase of two solar-powered speed monitoring signs to be placed on both ends of Main Street.
City clerk and superintendent Jeff Bell said that the city currently has two LED signs that display the speed of vehicles approaching them, and one of them needs a new battery.
“To replace the battery is more than the cost of a new sign,” he said.
The new signs will have solar panels, allowing them to be installed permanently, while the current signs need to be pulled out of service every few days to have their batteries charged.
“They have to be taken down, recharged and reinstalled,” Bell said. “They last about two days before they’re dead again.”
The signs will be purchased from Elancity, which also provides the LED signs that are used in Lyons, Ohio. Council member Kori Christle commented that the signs in Lyons are very effective.
Council member Dave Lonis agreed that the signs have a positive impact on speeding, and suggested that it might be a good idea to include a few more signs in next year’s budget.
A view of the 2025 Town and Country Festival. Planning is already underway for next year’s event. ERIK GABLE/MORENCI ADVOCATE
City Hall to be open five days a week
By Erik Gable
The Morenci Advocate
MORENCI — Changes to Morenci City Hall’s office hours were approved at the Aug. 11 city council meeting. Beginning Sept. 8, City Hall will keep its current hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, but will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
The new hours will be for a six-month trial period, and city staff will compile data for the council to review at the end of the six months.
Several council members said they had heard from residents who wanted City Hall to be open on Fridays. At their July meeting, council members discussed the idea of being open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. five days a week, but one objection to that idea was that some people’s work obligations might keep them from being able to make it to City Hall during those hours.
The vote to approve being open five days a week, with later hours on Monday, was 5-1. The dissenting vote came from council member Dave Lonis.
“What’s the reasoning for changing it?” Lonis asked. “No matter how you do it, people are going to complain about something.”
Council member Kandi Speiser, who chairs the finance and legal committee, said she’s heard a number of comments from people who would like City Hall to be open on Fridays, and noted that around holidays, the four-day schedule can result in going even longer without people being able to conduct business with the city.
Council member Diane Molitierno said the topic “has been in the back of our minds for a while.”
With the new schedule, she said, “we’re trying to accommodate having a late night and still being open five days a week.”
Fall Fest
from page 1
The evening’s entertainment kicks off at 4 p.m. with the unveiling of new art in the downtown parklet Alley 221.
At 4:30 p.m., DJ Van Damage will provide live entertainment on the Main Stage under the stoplight. At 6:30 p.m., the Rex Theater will host a hard rock concert featuring Deep Coiler with opening acts ($15 admission). Closing out the night on the Main Stage at 8 p.m. will be a free outdoor concert by Chase VanBrandt and the Dive Bar AllStars.
Hungry festival-goers can enjoy a variety of grab-and-go specials. North Street Pub will serve pulled pork and snacks; the Morenci Eagles will feature hot dogs, chili, and bean soup; and Pizza Box will offer pizza by the slice.
Data reviewed by the council shows that the late afternoon hours have the smallest number of transactions conducted at City Hall.
However, Speiser asked city clerk and superintendent Jeff Bell if city staff could track not just transactions, but also walkin traffic overall over the course of the
The Morenci Fire Department will host a BBQ chicken dinner, and visiting food trucks include El Poquito Chapulin with Mexican cuisine and Got Ears? offering sweet treats.
The Morenci Social District will be open until 11 p.m., with alcoholic beverages available in designated cups from North Street Pub and Morenci Eagles.
Vendor registration is open through Sept. 15. Fall Fest welcomes both community organizations hosting fallthemed games and merchants offering homemade, handmade, or homegrown goods. Booth space is free for non-profits and community organizations, and $25 for a 10- by 10-foot space for merchants. Forms are available at Morenci City Hall or online at www.cityofmorenci.org.
For more information, contact community and economic development director Heather Sarnac at 517-429-0100 or heather.sarnac@cityofmorenci.org.
By Erik Gable The Morenci Advocate
MORENCI — The city of Morenci plans to apply for a Community Development Block Grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to help low- to moderateincome residents with home repairs.
The application would be for $1.18 million, with $1 million going to repairs and $180,000 being used for program administration.
If the city’s grant application is approved, Mayor Tracy Schell noted at last month’s city council meeting, the funds would only be for owneroccupied, single-family homes,
next six months. She noted that people sometimes also go to City Hall to ask questions or pick up paperwork.
“Our numbers show financial transactions, but that might not catch all of the foot traffic that may or may not be coming in,” she said.
City Hall is at 118 Orchard St.
removing concerns that landlords might snap up all the money.
Schell said the grant would help homeowners who have trouble affording necessary repairs.
“This is to help out folks that want to get some stuff done, but they just don’t have it,” she said.
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” council member Kori Christle said.
“It’s only going to enhance our city; it’s only going to attract people to our community.”
A public hearing, which is a requirement of applying for the grant, is scheduled for the Sept. 8 city council meeting, which will take place at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 118 Orchard St.
By Erik Gable The Morenci Advocate
MORENCI — A fourth full-time position has been approved for the Morenci Police Department. At their Aug. 11 meeting, council members agreed to move one of the city’s parttime officers, Nathan Adams, to fulltime status.
Police Chief Michael Cresswell said the department has had trouble recruiting qualified part-time officers. Many of the applications the department receives are from officers who have previously been terminated or forced to resign from other departments due to performance or conduct issues, he said.
The difficulty of finding qualified applicants for part-time positions has made it harder for the police department to maintain consistent shift coverage, Cresswell said in a memo to the city council’s public safety committee.
In recommending Adams for a full-time position, Cresswell said that Adams has been a part-time Morenci police officer for about three years. He retired from the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office as a sergeant, and previously served for 10 years in the Ypsilanti Police Department as both a patrol officer and a detective. He currently works in the county court system but expressed an interest in returning to full-time policing, Cresswell said.
“He has built strong working relationships with fellow officers and is well-regarded by the citizens of Morenci,” Cresswell stated. “His professionalism and dedication have contributed positively to the department’s reputation.”
Cresswell said that moving Adams to full-time will get the department
significantly closer to its goal of maintaining 24/7 coverage.
The move brings the department to four full-time employees — Cresswell plus three officers — in addition to parttime officers.
Cresswell himself is planning to retire at the end of the year, although he has expressed a willingness to remain as parttime deputy chief to ensure a smooth transition. At the July 29 meeting of the city council’s public safety committee, Cresswell, city clerk and superintendent Jeff Bell, and the members of the committee agreed that the position should be posted internally to see if any current officers are interested in applying.
Isaac Heilner and Grayson Erskin pet a goat at the 2024 Fall Fest while Truett Erskin feeds another. PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATHER SARNAC, CITY OF MORENCI
The Morenci City Council on Aug. 11 approved moving Officer Nathan Adams to full-time status.
Hart descendants mark 50 years of annual reunions
By Erik Gable
The Morenci Advocate
MORENCI — Harold and Caroline Hart raised 11 children in their home at 220 W. Locust St. in Morenci. And it was just a few blocks away that their descendants gathered for the 50th anniversary of the annual Hart family reunion on Aug. 9.
The reunion was started in 1975 by Hazel Bear, their oldest daughter, and has been going ever since.
The couple were married in Detroit in 1915 and moved to Morenci in 1929.
They had 11 children: Hazel, Edwin, Russell, Harold Jr., David, Louise, Richard, Eleanor, Earl, Donelda, and Donald John, who died as an infant.
Dan Hart, the son of seventh son Richard, remembers their home as a redshingled three bedroom house. Harold, a World War I veteran, worked as a barber and converted one of the bedrooms into a barbershop after their children were grown.
“Grandpa had barbershop blue walls with chairs lined up against both walls and two stands full of comic books,” Hart said.
Hart can remember some of the things his grandfather was fond of saying to customers, like “See you in the funny papers,” “Don’t take no wooden nickels,” and “Golly gum drops!”
Hart, who still lives in Morenci, heads up the reunion, a job his father also did before him. His father used to have to get up at 5 a.m. to go down to the park and nail his homemade “Hart Reunion” sign to the pavilion to claim it; today the city has a reservation system.
Both Harold and Caroline Hart died in 1973, so they never attended one of the reunions. But their descendants believe they’d be happy to know the tradition is still going on.
“They’d be proud. They’d be smiling,” Dan Hart said.
“We always talk about how we’re making them proud by keeping it going. This family was their love.”
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Share the Warmth’s BBQ for a Cause!
Morenci Legion, 9010 Morenci Road, 1-5 p.m. Enjoy mouthwatering BBQ, music, silent auction items and great company — all in support of Share the Warmth of Lenawee’s mission to build housing stability and strengthen local partnerships. This fundraiser helps fuel Share the Warmth’s emergency shelter programs, housing navigation services, and continued outreach to people experiencing homelessness. Tickets $20. Call 517-759-3223 to purchase.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Great Outdoor Jamboree
Lake Hudson Recreation Area, 5505 Morey Hwy., Clayton, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visit the Stair District Library booth at the Great Outdoor Jamboree at Lake Hudson Recreation Area. There will be outdoor themed hands-on activities and many other fun activities such as archery, and BB gun ranges.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Baked Potato Bar Dinner
Morenci Legion, 9010 Morenci Road, 5-7 p.m. $10.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Building Club
Normal Memorial Library, 301 Eagle St., Fayette, 10:30 a.m. Fun building with Legos, Duplos, magna tiles, dominoes and more. More info: fayette-nml.org or 419-237-2115.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Steak Night
Morenci Eagles, 239 W. Main St., Morenci, 5-8 p.m.
A fun night of good food and good music. Steak, shrimp, baked potato, and salad for $20. Music with Marvin Reili starts at 6 p.m.
Route US 20 Band
Morenci Legion, 9010 Morenci Road, Morenci, 6-9 p.m. Live music by a local band from Fulton County, Ohio. 517-458-2377.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Ground Bologna or Egg Salad dinner
Morenci Legion, 5-7 p.m. Dinner is $8. More info: 517-458-2377.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Lyons Farmers Market
North Adrian Street, Lyons, Ohio, 4-8 p.m.
Morenci Town & Country Festival Golf Outing
Wolf Creek Golf Course, 6363 Burton Rd, Adrian, 8 a.m. Price includes 18 holes, cart, and hot dog and chips at the turn; lunch afterward. $325 per team. For more information, contact Sue Snyder at 517-403-9667.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Live on Zoom: King Tut’s Secrets
Stair District Library, 228 W. Main St., Morenci, 1 p.m. Part of the Road Scholar program. stairlib.org or 517-458-6510
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Glass Making Class
Morenci Legion, 9010 Morenci Road, Morenci Start times are 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. Estimated class time 2-3 hours. Register and pay at the Morenci Legion post. $50.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Morenci Car Cruise
Crosssroads lot (across from Wakefield Park), 5-7 p.m. Morenci’s monthly car show runs from May to September on the fourth Friday of each month.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Fayette Fall Festival
Fayette Opera House, 105 E. Main St., Fayette, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Craft vendors, chili cookoff, and more. For more info, contact Brittany Theis at 419-572-0768. Tunes & Touchdowns Fundraiser
Sullivan’s Restaurant, 141 N. Fulton St., Wauseon, 4-11 p.m.
Join the Fulton County Health Center Foundation for a fall afternoon filled with live music, great food, and community fun at Sullivan’s Restaurant. Proceeds will benefit advanced heart care at Fulton County Health Center. More info: fchcfoundation.org or 419-337-7318.
To submit items for inclusion in this calendar, please email Linda Cline at lcline@lenaweevoice.com.
Descendants of Harold and Caroline Hart and their families gathered for the annual Hart family reunion on Aug. 9 in Wakefield Park. Standing, from left to right, are Alice Stiekes, Cody Hudgins, Megan Hudgins, Roy Henricks, Kathy Henricks, Ryan Henricks, Chris Cady, Dave Siegel, Linda Siegel, Mike Potts, Jackie Carpenter, Jerry Potts, Cheryl Godfrey, Esther Gilbert, Tom Gilbert, Mary Maxwell, Paul Maxwell, and Dan Hart. Seated: Kathy Godfrey, Donna Halleck, Tom Halleck, Allen Orner, Dale Seldal, Gayle Seldal, Tom Rowett, Carol Rowett, and Hope Potts. ERIK GABLE/MORENCI ADVOCATE
Harold and Caroline Hart are pictured at their West Locust Street home. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAN HART
SILVER CREEK BRIDGE WALK
Morenci’s 31st annual Silver Creek Bridge Walk took place on Labor Day at the Murray D. Van Wagoner Memorial Bridge on the south side of town, just before the Ohio border. Festivities included speeches, “The Star Spangled Banner” performed by fifth-grader Autumn Evans, a hot dog lunch, and a golf ball drop benefiting Kiwanis Club programs. ERIK GABLE/MORENCI ADVOCATE
4-H bidders and buyers from the Lenawee County Fair
ADRIAN — Following is the list of bidders and buyers from the 4-H auction at the Lenawee County Fair:
A&A Rebottaro, A&S Livestock and Handling, Abbey Carpet & Floor, ACP of Lenawee, Acuspray, Adjust to Health Chiropratic, Adrian Electric & Generator, Adrian Image Center, Adrian Precision Machining, Adrian Steel, Advantage Livestock Magnawave, Aggie Mechanical, Ag-Pro, Alexa & Jon Fischer, Alisha Hall, All Seasons Underground Construction, Allen Family Farms, Alro Steel Foundation, Amber Halmekangas, American 1 Towing, Amy Roome, Andersons Litchfield Farm Center, Anderzack Pitzen, Andrew & Nicole Kellenberger, Andrew Woelmer, ANG Water Technologies, Angela Wingerd Financial Services, Anjel Solis, Anonymous, Anthony Wilkins, Ashley Marr, Ashley Davis, Avery Oil.
Baa Mom, Back in Balance Massage, Bakerlads Farm, Bank Michigan, Beagle & Associates, Beagle Bros. Farms, Becks Hybrids (Bill Strouse Jr., and Evan Leach and Doug Wildt), Becks Hybrids Wildt Farms (Bill Strouse Jr.), Bell Chevrolet, Bellfy’s Plumbing, Ben Raglow, Bill Bierman, Bill Schwingel, Bits and Brews, Bleich Family Farms, Blissfield Financial Services, Blissfield State Bank, Blissfield Veterinary Service BOR Meats/ Feight Farms, Boullion Sales, Bowers DVM, Brad Frederick, Brad Neuhart Auctioneers, Bradley Williams, Brenner Oil, Brian Boring Racing Stables Brown & Nofzinger (Brian Nofzinger CPA), Brown Farms, Bulmon Farms, Burnips. C&J Pallets, C&S Farms, CR Timber, Caleb & Abbie Fox, Caleb Fox, Callie L., Cappelletty Electric, Carol McMillan, Carol Wallerstein, Carpenter Farms Greenhouse, Carpenter Farms Pumpkins, Carrie Ringkvist, Carter Lumber, Cassie Scramlin, Charlie Rebottaro (Bowman Chevrolet), Charlie Westcott, Charlie’s Repair, Chelsea Dermatology, Chelsea Ellis, Chelsea Lumber Co., Cheri Willis, Choates Belly Acres, Chuck Bierman, Chuck Griffith, Cindy Malaczewski, Clayton Montage, Clear Season General Contracting, Clift Buick GMC, Clinton Trail Animal Hospital, Cognitive Keys, Continental Service, Cordelio Power, Corrigan Oil, Country Market, Countryside Veterinary Services, County National Bank, Cravins, Creek Enterprise, Creekside Carpentry, Creque Farms, Crossroads Ranch (Cannon Family), Crystal EO Farms, Crystal Flash, Crystal Lagger, Cummins Farms, Curtis Bailey Exelby & Sposito, Cutting Edge Engraving, CWJ LLC.
See 4-H, page 8
Caleb Luck of the Medina Pioneers 4-H Club with his Grand Champion Market Steer, purchased by Hanks Plumbing Mechanical Contractors.
Joscelyn Layman of the State Line Hustlers 4-H Club with her Grand Champion Market Hog, purchased by Nutrien Ag Solutions, Layman Construction, and Lennard Farms Trucking.
4-H from page 7
D&B Terry Farms, D&C Wielfaert Family Greenhouse, D&C Farms, Dale McCray, Dan Maves, Dana Varney, Dawn & Jason Fisher, Dean & Julie Lakatos, Deb Elliott, Decker & Sons Insurance, DeJonghe’s Farm Drainage, Denise and Craig Owens, DH Custom Fabrication, Diamond E Farm, Diana Morse, Diane’s Cleaning Service, Dillon McCullough, Diuble Equipment, DJN Cattle Farm, DM Diesel Technology, DMC Seed Solutions, Doug & Julia Spiegel, Doug & Beverly Long, Downtown Dempsey’s, Dr. Nancy Kelly, Dwight Fisher Farms. See 4-H, page 9
4-H from page 8
Eagle One Firearms Training, Eagle Valley Ag Risk Advisors, Eddie & Renee Lewis, Eisenmanns Golden Acres (EGA Inc.), Elgin Service Center (Pioneer), End-A-Lane Corp., Engler, Garrow & Roth, Eric & Lisa Reichow, ESC Dry Ice, Extrunet America.
F&M Bank, Fall’s A-1 Auto Care, Family Farm & Home of Tecumseh, Family Farm and Home of Adrian #31, Farm Bureau Insurance (Chris Maye Agency), Fasco Employment Solutions, Ferris & Sons Milk Hauling, Ferris Farms, First Woods Farm, Chad Fisher, Fishers Ag Insurance Services, Franks American Concrete.
G Force Automotive, Gallery Of Shops, Garrison Farms, Garst LP Gas, Gaylord & Kay Kutzley, Gerald Grain Center, Gerardo Ramirez Jr., Gerig Realty, Gerken Materials, Gleaner Adrian Arbor, Gleaner Legacy Arbor, Golden Acre Farm, Gordon
4-H RESULTS
The following category was omitted from the listings in the August issue of The Morenci Advocate.
BEEF
Grand Champion Market Animal
Caleb Luck, Medina Pioneers
Reserve Grand Champion Market Animal
Andi Dillon, Quaker Willing Workers
Grand Champion Feeder Calf
Mollee Wahl, Palmyra Future Leaders
Reserve Grand Champion Feeder Calf
Abigail Willett, Lenawee Shooting Stars
Grand Champion Holstein Beef
Renee Hosler, Rome Blue Ribbons
Reserve Grand Champion Holstein Beef
Ashton Platt, Tipton Jets
Junior Feeder Calf Showman
Mollee Wahl, Palmyra Future Leaders
Intermediate Feeder Calf Showman Jayden Flores, South Riga Go-Getters
Senior Feeder Calf Showman
Abigail Willett, Lenawee Shooting Stars
Junior Beef Showman
Dodge Root, Medina Pioneers
Intermediate Beef Showman
Andi Dillon, Quaker Willing Workers
Senior Beef Showman
Ryan Good, Britton-Macon
Overall Champion Beef Showman
Ryan Good, Britton-Macon
Overall Reserve Champion Beef Showman
Andi Dillon, Quaker Willing Workers
& Sons Water Well Drilling, Gould Farms, Grandma Sarah and Papa John, Great Lakes Truck and Transport, Green Hills Farm, Greenjak, Greenstone Farm Credit Services, Greg Crosley, Gust Brothers Pumpkin Farm, Gust Flower and Produce Farm.
Halliwill Farms, Hanks Plumbing Mechanical Contractors, Hart Brothers, Hartland Farms, Haulin Auss, Heart Song Homestead, Heidi Spence, Hinesly Orthodontics, Hoddinott Acres, Hoffland Dairy, Howells Mechanical Service, Hubbard Auto Center, Hughes Seed Solutions, In Memory of Isiah Stephens, Ingstead Farms, Integrity Communicators, Invenergy, Iott Insurance Agency, Iott Ranch & Orchard, Irish Hills Acupuncture & Wellness, Isaac Brugger and Family, J&W Warner Farms, Jacob’s Supply, Jan & Brian Ford, Jane Berry, Janette, Jason & Kara Bleecker & Girls, Jason Plum, Jasper Feed & More, Jeff & Deb Matteucci, Jeff & Dawn Benz, Jeff Jackson Farm Bureau Insurance, Jeffery Schmidt Roofing, Jim & Diane Seegert, Jim Goetz Farms, Joe Gust Farm, Joe Salenbien Farm, John Marion Inc., John Wielfaert, Julie Helinski, Justice for Dee.
See 4-H, page 12
Paisley McMunn of the Medina Pioneers 4-H Club with her Grand Champion Roaster Rabbit, purchased by Carpenter Farms Greenhouse.
Football team looks forward to new season
By Jeffrey R. Plum
The Morenci Advocate
MORENCI — Ryan McDowell steps into the role of Top Dog for the Morenci Bulldogs and their 8-man football program this 2025 season.
A 2003 graduate of Morenci, McDowell takes on the head spot once held by Mike McDowell. “My dad coached and taught here for over 30 years,” McDowell said of Mike McDowell, who coached two stints for the Bulldogs during the late 1990s and early 2010s.
But he is not daunted in taking over a role his dad once held. The first-year coach is relying on the help of others as he takes over a Morenci squad that went 4-5 and 0-3 in the Southern Central Athletic Association White Division in 2024.
The first task involved recruiting his brother Brett McDowell, who also served on their dad’s staff, back to the sidelines after a brief hiatus.
“He’s really a cerebral guy,” said McDowell of his brother Brett, who serves
as his offensive coordinator. “He sees the game well. He’s able to look at the film and see things that sometimes I can’t see.”
Besides his on-staff brother Brett and Travis Kruse, another assistant coach on this year’s staff, McDowell is fortunate to rely on former Morenci coach Dan Hoffman — his coach during his senior campaign in 2002 — as well as his dad and his other brother Travis, who coached at Goodrich High School near Flint.
“I just feel I have a lot of people I can ask for help and get help from,” McDowell said of the branches on his Morenci coaching tree.
Last season, departures throughout the regular season derailed the 2024 team. McDowell and his staff worked to create an environment during two-a-day practices that forged toughness and a willingness to outwork their opponents.
“We’re light in numbers,” McDowell said, noting that four student-athletes represent each class. “But the 16 we have are working their butts off. We have a really solid core of players moving forward.”
Senior Talan Kruse returns for Morenci. Kruse, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound quarterback, spearheads a team that will rely on its running game throughout the season. Junior Skyler Trent, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound running back, joins Kruse in the backfield and will attract the attention of opposing defenders.
“We want to run the ball more than we pass it, but at the same time, some of that will be dictated by who we’re going against,” McDowell said.
Sophomore Drew Joughin, a 5-foot8, 185-pound quarterback, throws an accurate football, according to McDowell, and will step into the role if the Bulldogs need a change of pace in the offensive backfield.
Senior offensive and defensive linemen Emmanuel “Manny” DePalma (5-foot-11, 215 pounds) and Evan Gould (5-foot-9, 190 pounds) return for McDowell and will anchor the offensive and defensive lines for Morenci. DePalma and Gould have put in the work in the gym for the Bulldogs during the offseason
in preparation for this season, McDowell said.
Sophomore Brennen Harsh, a 6-foot2, 225-pound tight end and defensive lineman, and Joughin, who will also play linebacker, have impressed throughout preseason camp.
Harsh is a big, strong kid who has really been putting in the work, while Joughin has shone at linebacker, seeing the defense and making sure his teammates line up in their proper spots, McDowell said.
Britton Deerfield is the top program in the SCAA White Division, McDowell said. Concord and Lenawee Christian round out the 4-team division. The Bulldogs had close games with them last fall, but fell just short against the Yellowjackets and Cougars.
“We think we can be competitive,” said McDowell, who added his team must avoid injuries to be successful in 2025. “We look at all of them as pretty tough games.” Morenci opened the season on Thursday, Aug. 28, at Marcellus.
Back row: Head coach Ryan McDowell, Brenden Hudik, assistant coach Brett McDowell, Collin Blaker, Jack Riley, Colsen Waltzer, Brennen Harsh, Grayson Perez, Alex Lauffer, Noah Zuvers, Talan Kruse, Mason Cleveland, and assistant coach Travis Kruse. Front row: Drew Joughin, Evan Gould, Harrison Sarnac, Skyler Trent, and Micah Peters. GESKUS PHOTOGRAPHY FOR MORENCI AREA SCHOOLS
‘They naturally push themselves hard’
Back row: Coach Erin Ekins, Emersyn Bachelder, Tessa Zuvers, Colbie Ekins, Lauryn Dominique, Addyson Valentine, and coach Sarah Wilkins.
Front row: Jayla McCowan, Savanna Miles, Emma Williams, Jillian Borton, Hailey Cleveland, and Callie VanBrandt.
New coach sees lots of potential in this year’s varsity volleyball team
By Ryan McDowell
The Morenci Advocate
MORENCI — The Morenci varsity volleyball team is looking to change the trajectory and culture of the program during the 2025 season.
First-year head coach Erin Ekins aims to bring stability and passion to the student athletes.
“I am their third coach in three years,” Ekins said.
“We’ve lost a few girls due to the uncertainty of the program. We needed buy-in and hard work and after a few days I could see it take off in both levels of the program.”
While it’s her first year as the head coach, Ekins is a familiar face to athletes in the program.
“I have daughters on the JV level and the varsity level,” Ekins explained.
“I have coached them and their friends throughout their youth.”
“I have coached at the middle school level and also led our Junior Dawgs program for a few years when my girls were younger,” she said. “I also directed the Lenawee County Youth All-Star League for three years.”
Her familiarity with both the sport and the athletes she will be coaching has already paid dividends in terms of participation.
“Our player numbers are too good,” Ekins said. “We have 23 players out and since you only play six at a time, they are all fighting for their spots and time on the court.”
See VOLLEYBALL, page 12
GESKUS PHOTOGRAPHY FOR MORENCI AREA SCHOOLS
MORENCI FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE
VARSITY FOOTBALL
Aug. 22: Scrimmage at Pittsford, 6 p.m.
Aug. 29: Away game at Marcellus, 7 p.m.
Sept. 6: At home vs. Colon, 1 p.m.
Sept. 12: Away game at Athens, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19: Away game at Camden-Frontier, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26: Away game at Concord, 7 p.m.
Oct. 3: At home vs. Lenawee Christian, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10: At home vs. Britton Deerfield, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17: Away at Sandusky Central Catholic, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25: At home vs. Litchfield, 1 p.m. (Homecoming)
MIDDLE SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Sept. 3: Scrimmage at Pittsford
Sept. 10: Away game at Britton Deerfield, 5 p.m.
Sept. 17: At home vs. Camden-Frontier, 5 p.m.
Sept. 24: At home vs. Concord, 5 p.m.
Oct. 1: Away game vs. Lenawee Christian, 5 p.m.
Oct. 8: At home vs. Britton Deerfield, 5 p.m.
Oct. 15: Open (TBA)
JV & VARSITY VOLLEYBALL
Aug. 22: JV tournament at Adrian
Aug. 23: Varsity tournament at Addison
Sept. 2: Away game at Britton Deerfield, 5 p.m.
Sept. 4: At home vs. Whiteford, 5 p.m.
Sept. 6: JV Quad at Addison, 8 a.m.
Sept. 9: At home vs. Sand Creek, 5 p.m.
Sept. 11: Away game at Summerfield, 5 p.m.
Sept. 16: At home vs. Erie Mason, 5 p.m.
Sept 18: Away game vs. Lenawee Christian, 5 p.m.
Sept. 20: Varsity Tournament at Onsted, TBA
Sept. 25: Varsity Tri at Madison, TBA
Sept. 30: At home vs. Britton Deerfield, 5 p.m.
Oct. 2: Away game at Whiteford, 5 p.m
Oct. 4: Varsity tournament at home, 8:30 a.m.
Oct. 9: Away game vs. Sand Creek, 5 p.m.
Oct. 11: JV county tournament at Tecumseh, TBA
Oct. 14: At home vs. Summerfield, 5 p.m.
Oct. 16: Away game at Erie Mason, 5 p.m.
Oct. 18: Varsity county tournament at Adrian, TBA
Oct. 21: At home vs. Lenawee Christian, 6 p.m.
Oct. 23: Away game at Emmanuel Christian, 5 p.m.
Nov. 3: MHSAA Districts
4-H
from page 9
K&W Ag, Kaeb Sales, Kastel & Sons Ranch, Katherine Whelan Farm Bureau Agency, Kathryn Smoke, Kathy Billings CPA, Katie Clark, Kay Rutledge, Keller Insurance, Kelly Veterinary Clinic, Ken Bollinger, County Commissioner Kevon Martis, Key Bank, Kim Welke/Camp Sequoia, Kleinow Farms, Klump Farms, Knapp Motors, Kory L. Alcock Farms, Kreeger & Associates, Krieghoff-Lenawee Co., Krisann Sharp, Kristian Muir, Kristina Inclan, Kupa Bros. Farms, Kurt Peebles. Lakatos Family Farms, Larry Smith, Laura Fisher, Laura Powelke, Layman Construction, Lee & Donna Andre, Lenawee County Fair Board, Lenawee County Farm Bureau Young Farmers, Lenawee Dairymans Association, Lenawee Fuels & Jerry’s Market, Lenawee Shooting Stars 4-H Club, Lenco Credit Union, Lenco Painting, Lennard Farms Trucking, Leo Thomas, Leo’s Metal & Wood Pallets, Level One, Lindsay Husband, Lisa Sayler, Living in Lenawee Realty, Lizz’s Place Childcare, Long-schot, Love Family Dental, Luckey Farmers Inc., Lucky Acres Farm. MAC Inc. Blissfield/Jasper, Machined Solutions, Madison Arbor of Gleaner Life, Madison Garden Center & Flower Shop, Mapstone Farms, Marks Farms, Marlynn Alston, Marry Funeral Home, Marry Monuments, Martin, Marvin Farms, Mary, Mason Farms, Matt & Hollie Hillard Farms, Mattek Farms, McAuliffe’s Meats, McKenna Maxson, McKown Farms, McMunn Brothers & McMunn Transport, Mechanical Extremes Heating & Cooling, Megan Gust (Pioneer Seeds), MI Homegrown Athletics, Michigan Living Real Estate, Midwest Energy and Communications, Mike & Karen Ely,
MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
Sept. 15: At home vs. Whiteford, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 17: Away game at Britton Deerfield, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 22: At home vs. Summerfield, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 24: Away game at Britton Deerfield, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 29: At home vs. Lenawee Christian, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 1: At home vs. Erie Mason, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 6: Away game vs. Sand Creek, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 13: At home vs. Sand Creek, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 15: Away game at Summerfield, 5 p.m.
Oct. 20: Away game at Lenawee Christian, 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 25: Sand Creek Invite (7th Grade), 8 a.m. Sand Creek Invite (8th Grade), 1 p.m.
VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY
Aug. 23: Tecumseh County Preview, 8:30 a.m.
Aug. 26: Nick Haynes Invite at Whiteford, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 2: Away meet at Addison, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 6: Away meet at Sand Creek, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 9: Away meet at Sand Creek (TCC), 5 p.m.
Sept. 12: MSU Spartan Invite, TBA
Sept. 20: Pittsford Invite, 10 a.m.
Sept. 23: Away meet at Erie Mason (TCC), 5 p.m.
Sept. 27: Stockbridge Invite, TBA
Oct. 4: Away meet at Hudson, 10 a.m.
Oct. 11: County Championships at Gerber Hill Park, TBA
Oct. 14: TCC Championships at Hudson, 4 p.m.
Oct. 19: Class D Championships at Shepherd, TBA
Oct. 24: MHSAA Regionals at Napoleon, TBA
Nov. 1: MHSAA Finals at Michigan International Speedway, TBA
MIDDLE SCHOOL CROSS
COUNTRY
Sept. 2: Away meet at Addison, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 9: Away meet at Sand Creek (TCC), 5 p.m.
Sept. 20: Pittsford Invite, 10 a.m.
Sept. 23: Away meet at Erie Mason (TCC), 5 p.m.
Oct. 4: Away meet at Hudson, 10 a.m.
Oct. 7: Madison Invite, 5 p.m.
Oct. 11: County Championships at Gerber Hill Park, TBA
Napoleon Feed Mill, Napoleon Livestock, Neumann Family, Next Generation Automotive, NFD, Nick Vanover, Norm Emmons, North Creek Stables, North Shore Pontoon Center, Not So Boring Farm, Nutrien Ag Solutions (Reading), Nutrien Ag Solutions (Blissfield & Morenci), Nutrien of Saline.
Old Orchard Point LLC, Orsted, Ottawa Lake Co-op.
Papa Jeff Wolcott, Papenhagen Construction, Paragon Farms, Partridge Farms, Pat Snyr, Penn Acres Grain, Phenicie Enterprises Concrete Flatwork & Excavating, Pittsford Feed Mill, Play & Stay Pet Resort, Poling Dairy Farm, Posey Creek Farms, Previch Durocs, Prime Acres Hay & Straw, Primetime Chiropratic, Professional Towing & Recovery.
QuakerMaid VooDoo, R&A Thompson Farm, Rapid Machine, Reau & Associates, Rebottaro Family, Redline Equipment, Reliable Remodeling, Rerun Acres, Richard Reitz, Ricketts Ricketts & Assoc., Ries Family Farms, Rising Excavating, Rob Blatchford, Robin Ginter, Robinson Post Frame Construction, Robison Curphey & O’Connell, Rosemary Dickerson, Rural Roots, Russ & Donna Averill, Russ Mitchell, Rustic Lane Farm, RW Oates Farm, RWE, Ryan’s Complete Construction.
S&S Parts, Sally Berry, Sally Jo Freese, Sam & Dawn Everly, Sand Creek Telephone Company, Sandra Porter, Sanford Family Farm, Schaible Farm/ Golden Harvest Seeds, Schmidt Mobile Wash, Schudel Farm & Drainage, Scott & Jen Long, Scott & Natalie Thompson, Scott and Janah Wahl, Shane & Jennifer Morse, Shaws Clothing, Shepherd Hill Farms, Sherri Wielfaert, Short Construction, Sieler Construction, Sieler family, Sieler’s Landscape & Design, Sieler’s Water
Volleyball
from page 11
The old adage of “iron sharpening iron” comes to mind and Ekins was quick to praise the girls’ willingness to work and try new drills no matter how much they may doubt why they’re running that drill.
“They naturally push themselves hard and have very high expectations,” she said. “My assistant coach Sarah Wilkins and I see the buy-in happening already.”
The Bulldogs return multiple varsity players this year including three senior leaders in Addyson Valentine (Middle/Outside), Emersyn Bachelder (Middle/Outside) and Lauryn Dominique (Setter/ Right side).
Juniors Colbie Ekins (Middle, Outside), Emma Williams (Outside) and Callie VanBrandt (Setter, Right Back) are all returning varsity players as well.
Newcomer Tessa Zuvers, junior, looks to make an immediate impact in the front row while juniors Hailey Cleveland and Savanna Miles will play back row. Juniors Jillian Borton, Jayla McCowen and Callie Vanbrandt will also be in the mix.
Morenci finished with a 5-24-3 record in 2024 and coach Ekins sees an opportunity for improvement.
“With only 5 wins there is a lot of room for growth,” she said.
Ekins described her teams as athletic and versatile at both the Varsity and JV levels.
“Several girls will be playing multiple positions. They are a very athletic group who love volleyball, and we need to focus their athleticism and passion on every point, every set,” she explained.
Ultimately, wins and losses are not the end all be all for a program trying to rebuild itself.
“We hope to change the culture of Morenci volleyball by challenging and pushing each other,” she said. “Volleyball is a fun sport and I want to bring that passion back to our teams. I want them and their teammates to love volleyball and have fun while balancing the discipline that this sport requires.”
Systems, Six Family Farm, South Riga GoGetters, Southern Michigan Bank & Trust, Spartan Crop Insurance (Gerrit deGlee), Squires Farm, Stacy Jenkins, Stan Wilson, Stanger Seed Solutions, State Line Farms, State Rep. Nancy Jenkins-Arno, Steven Rennhack, Stevenson Water Hauling, SunRyz Dairy, Sweet Izzy, Sweet Reserves, Swinderman Family, Sydney Deters. Tecumseh Family Dental Care, Teepee Town Storage, Terrehaven Farms, Terry Insurance Farm Bureau, the Adams Family, the Brooks Family, The Rising Project, The Spotted Cow, The Springs, The Stepp Team of Foundation Realty, The Taylor Agency, The Veterinary Standard, The Wagley Group, The Wilbur Ellis Co., Thee Old Mill, Thee Old Mill Equipment Rentals, Thompson Recycle Co., Tilton & Sons Shoes, Tim & Michelle Bovee, Tim Mitchell, Tim Spence, TLC Community Credit Union, Toby’s Instrument Shop, Todd Monroe, Toledo Pipe Transport, Top Tier Enterprise (Jared Halliwill), Top-oHill Farm, Towler Family Dentistry, Travis & Sarah Taylor, Travis, Emma & Claire Alexander, Trick Cut Metal Works, TriCounty Feeds and Rob-See-Co, Trident Contractors, Trimark Construction, Triple C Ranch, Troy Brown Family Farms, Truland Equipment, Twin Pines Eatery, Ty & Jamie Hill, Tyler Ford.
Underwood Orr Post 34, Van Ekins, VanBrunt Transport, Vernae & George Hillard, Vet Standard, Voll Farrier Service, Waldron Grain, Wallace Auto, Walmart, Waltz Carpentry, Wauseon Eye Care, Weatherwax Farms, Dr. Josephine Weeden DDS, WesBanco Bank, WG Dairy Supply, Whitcher Plumbing, Willett Farms, Willow Pediatric Dentistry of Tecumseh, Wolf it Down BBQ, Worthington Steel, Wright Plumbing & Sewer Service, Xsell Realty, Yvonne McNicol CPA, Zac Malewitz, Z’s Odd Jobs Guy.
IN BRIEF
Part-time firefighter hired
MORENCI — The Morenci City Council voted on Aug. 11 to approve the hiring of John Arquette as a parttime firefighter. Arquette’s hiring was recommended by fire chief Brad Lonis.
Education foundation plans annual benefit dinner
MORENCI — The Morenci Education Foundation will host its 21st Annual Dinner and Auction to support scholarships for Morenci students on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 6 p.m.
This year’s theme, “Helping to make a difference for generations to come,” is dedicated to Ted and Ivy Hutchinson. Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented to John Craig ’88 and Kay Dickerson-Holubik ’02.
The evening begins with a buffet by Wolf It Down BBQ followed by an auction.
Over the past 21 years, the foundation has awarded more than $175,000 in scholarships to Morenci graduates. Tickets are $30 and are available at www.morencieducationfoundation. org or by mail (P.O. Box 38, Morenci, MI 49256). Registration closes Oct. 4.
Breast cancer support group
HUDSON — The Greater Hudson Area Breast Cancer Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. at Main Street Perk, 211 Main St., Hudson. For more information, contact Carolyn Booker at 517-812-8855.
In the 1964-65 school year, the members of the Morenci High School chapter of Future Teachers of America were: Standing, Karen Burgess, Susan Abel, Vickie Farquhar, Bonnie Rice, Sherry Teeter, Pam Ackland, Patricia Britsch, Penny Schoonover, Judy Vance, Nancy Blaker, and Mary Brazee; and seated, Mr. Neal Brinneman, Kay Spooner, Charlotte Munsell, Patricia Shoemaker, Glenda Lipp, Barbara Arno, Debra Johnson, Pam Schultz, and Michelle Kohn. —
25 YEARS AGO
Cement was being poured for footers at the site of the future MIG Plastics factory in Morenci’s new industrial park.
Jack Baird was hired as the city of Morenci’s new zoning administrator.
“Scary Movie” with Anna Farris was playing at the Rex Theater.
50 YEARS AGO
Morenci Rubber Products expanded by purchasing part of Seneca Enterprises’ operations. Police were searching for three men driving a pickup with Ohio plates who bilked a resident out of $100 for a shoddy driveway paving job.
The Morenci City Council voted to abolish the position of constable, stating that it was made unnecessary by the establishment of a police department several decades earlier.
CLASS OF 1965
75 YEARS AGO
Krieghoff-Lenawee Co. started work on the new elementary school building.
The Interstate Commerce Commission gave the Ohio and Morenci Railroad permission to abandon its rail line. The principal users of the line were Morenci Rubber Products, Porter Lumber Company, and the Morenci Coal Company.
100 YEARS AGO
The Morenci Boy Scouts hosted the Hudson troop for a seven-inning baseball game.
Wauseon won the State Line Baseball Championship.
The Mutual Oil Co. installed five boulevard lights around their station at the corner of Main and Summit streets.
— from the Observer archives
Fall antique tractor show is a living history lesson
ROME TWP. — Want to learn what life was like on a Lenawee County farm a century ago — or more?
The Farmers Antique Tractor and Engine Association is holding its annual fall show from Sept. 19-21.
And while there will be tractors — lots and lots of tractors — the show is about more than that.
“It is a living history lesson about what it was like to live on a farm 100 or 150 or 200 years ago,” said Melinda Stubli, a member of the group.
“Our goal is to maintain our farming heritage and teach others about it,” she added.
In addition to the tractor and engine displays, which will be brought to the FATEA grounds by collectors from all over the area, a variety of activities for kids are planned. Admission to the show is $5, but it’s free for kids under age 12 — and all of the kids’ activities are free as well.
Those activities include a Kids’ Fortune Hunt at noon on both Saturday and Sunday. When the engines blow their whistles, kids will dig for coins in a large box filled with sawdust.
Kids can also enjoy old-fashioned crafts like tin punching and take a ride in a tractor-drawn train that was donated to the association several years ago by the Bierman family. A variety of games and competitions are scheduled throughout the weekend.
Show hours are:
n Friday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
n Saturday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
n Sunday, Sept. 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Farmers Antique Tractor and Engine Association is at 7600 Forrister Road, Adrian.
The Morenci High School class of 1965 held their 60th reunion at Wakefield Park on Aug. 9. Twenty-two classmates attended, along with spouses, traveling from California, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan. John Dillion attended via Facetime, while vacationing in upper Michigan, as he has never missed a reunion. Back row: Weldon Keller, David Shaffer, Jim Whitehouse and John Bancroft. Second row: Ted Christenson, Nancy Gould Munk, Judy Case Ebersole, LeeAnn Oxinger Place, Mary Cox Gilson, Darolee Edmonson Riegsecker, Jerry Jones, and Shirley Solomonson Hyland. Front row: Garry Jones, Nancy Blaker Sullivan, Norma Glaser Shoemaker, Cathy Hensen Sallows, Judy Lichtenwald Rettel, Marcia Dominique Grieder, Sally Zook Snyder, Sharon Slagel Cottrell, and Mary Ford Boyer. PHOTO COURTESY OF SHIRLEY HYLAND
Roger K. Emmons
MORENCI — Roger K. Emmons, 86, of Morenci died on Aug. 25.
He was born on Oct. 12, 1938, in Chesterfield Township, Ohio, to the late Kenneth W. and Leah M. (Sell) Emmons. He married Patricia Mary Ann Beach in 1958, and she preceded him in death.
Roger K. Emmons
He graduated from Morenci High School in 1956, and in November of the same year, entered the Army National Guard. In 1961, he was called to active duty. He then returned to the National Guard, being honorably discharged in 1962.
He was an active farmer his entire life. He also worked at Morenci Rubber until their closing, then worked at Bohn Aluminum until his retirement in 2010. He was a member of the Adrian American Legion Post 275, the Morenci Sportsman Club, and Jasper Bible Church.
He is survived by his children, Tammie Reasoner, Terrie Whitehead, Robyn (Michael) Taylor, and Bill (Karla) Emmons; 20 grandchildren; 34 greatgrandchildren; and sisters, Rosemary Chisholm and Joyce Garwood. Along with his wife, he was preceded in death by two granddaughters; one greatgrandson; brothers, Bruce and Leland Emmons; and sisters, Bertha Emmons and Marjorie Kintner.
— marryfh.com
George Kuykendall
MORENCI — George Roberson Kuykendall, 95, formerly of Morenci, died on Aug. 23 at Drews Place at Village Green in Hillsdale.
He was born July 12, 1930, in Brooksville, Florida, to the James and Lena (Leggett) Kuykendall. His wife, Joan (Burns) Kuykendall, preceded him in death.
George Kuykendall
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He enlisted in 1947 and moved up in rank to master sergeant. He was awarded a Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars before his honorable discharge in 1954. After retirement from the Morenci Super Valu, he and Joan spent winters in Florida and summers at Green Valley Campground in Morenci.
He is survived by his daughters, Donna (Tom) Hecht, Kathy Blonde, and Evelyn (Richard) Barve; sons, Randy (Sue) Clement and Mark (Marty) Clement; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in his death by his daughter, Shirley Zieler, and siblings, Marie Marek, Gladys Bowles, Billy Kuykendall, Wilma Parker and Leon Kuykendall. — marryfh.com
Max Walter Grieder
HILLSDALE — Max Walter Grieder, 78, of Hillsdale, formerly of Morenci, died on Aug. 9.
He was born in Morenci on Jan. 28, 1947, to Walter and Ilah Grieder. He and his wife, Marcia, were married on Sept. 4, 1965.
He was a 1965 graduate of Morenci High School. After high school, he started at Parker Chemical, where he worked as a lab tech for 25 years until it closed. He finished his career at ACT in Hillsdale. His favorite place to be was on a Harley Davidson or his swing at the lake.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by children Michelle (Tim) Bovee and Matt Grieder; six grandchildren; seven greatgrandchildren; and brother, Richard (Dianne) Grieder.
— marryfh.com
Edward Lewis Smith
HUDSON — Edward Lewis Smith, 85, of Hudson died on July 30.
He was born in Jackson on July 19, 1940, the son of Coradon Harley and Martha Lavond (Lewis) Smith. He married Thelma Jean Prosser in 1960, and she survives.
Edward Lewis Smith
He retired from M&S Manufacturing after several years as a machinist. He and his family farmed over 500 acres of crops. He and his wife owned and operated Smitty’s Sports Center in Hudson. He taught hunter safety courses and was a member of the Morenci Sportsman Club. In addition to his wife, he is survived by children, Bonnie Newton, Lisa (Destry) Dunlap, Tonie (Christopher) Luma, and Scott (Abbie) Smith; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Patricia (Edward) Sanders, Nancy Quibble, and Sherry (John) Clark; and a brother, Randy (Nancy) Smith.
— brownvanhemert.com
Gary Brink
WAUSEON — Gary L. Brink, 79, of Wauseon died on Aug. 13.
He was born on June 17, 1946, in Morenci, the son of Jack and Ola (Belknap) Brink. He married Carol Spengler in 1967, and she survives.
He was raised in Fulton County, Ohio, and graduated from Chesterfield High School in 1964. He played basketball and baseball and was involved in the high school choir. He earned degrees from Adrian College and Eastern Michigan University, and was employed for 40 years as a teacher and coach at Blissfield Community Schools. He was a deacon at Blissfield Baptist Church, where he also oversaw the music program. In 2020, he and his wife moved back to Wauseon where they served at Haven Heights Baptist Church. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Lori (Kurt) Sahloff of Ottawa, Ohio, Debra (Scott) Stoddard of Jackson, and Heather Brink of Largo, Florida; four grandchildren; brothers, Richard (Kay) Brink and Steve (Julie) Brink; and sisters, Betty (Bob) Bieber and Denise (Rick) Kamcza.
— marryfh.com
Scott Phillip Bachman
MORENCI — Scott Phillip Bachman, 43, of Morenci died on Aug. 25.
He was born in Adrian on April 20, 1982, to James P. and Peggy S. (Scott) Bachman. He married Susan M. Gingerich in 2005, and she survives.
He was a 2000 graduate of Morenci High School and earned an associates degree in business from Jackson Community College.
Scott Bachman
He was the owner of Bachman Kennels, breeding nationally recognized dogs, such as basset hounds and beagles. He was a member of the American Kennel Club, the National Kennel Club, and the United Kennel Club, winning numerous awards and ribbons.
In addition to his wife and parents, survivors include his sons, Thomas, Cameron, Noah, and Kolt; brother, Clayton (Joanna) Bachman; grandmother, Carol Bachman; father-in-law, Melvin (Belinda) Gingerich; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Tammy (Tim) Van Haitsma, Don (Renee) Brunette, Kim (Todd) Barnette, Scott (Kathy) Gingerich, Danny (Kimberly) Brunette, Chip (Merissa) Gingerich, Todd (Sarah) Gingerich, and Kirk (Leslie) Gingerich.
— marryfh.com
Jack Eugene Merillat
HUDSON — Jack Eugene Merillat, 77, of Hudson died on Aug. 3.
He was born in Hudson on July 21, 1948, to Donald Sr. and Emma (Warren) Merillat. He married Rosetta “Rosie” Perez on Dec. 22, 1967, and she survives.
He was a 1966 graduate of Morenci High School.
In addition to farming with his father, he worked at Martin Marietta, later Harvey Aluminum, and Merillat Cabinetry, before beginning what would be a 26-year career as a laborer with Krieghoff Lenawee.
He was a member of the Fayette Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where he served as a deacon.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Renae (Mitch) Schaffner of Fayette; brother, Ronald (Susan) Merillat of Hudson; sister, Mary (Dennis) Austin of Clayton; a brother-in-law, Eli Pina of Lima, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Carol Merillat of Morenci, Irene Perez of Paulding, Ohio, and Lucy Perez of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Agedita Trejo of Austin, Texas.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Merillat, Jr; seven brothers-in-law; and five sisters-in-law.
— marryfh.com
Janet P. Shadbolt
Calvin J. Rice
FAYETTE — Calvin J. “Boomer” Rice, age 84, of Fayette, died at his home on Aug. 24
He was born in Wauseon on July 3, 1941, the son of Emerson and Mary (Martin) Rice. He married Joan Marie Lumbrezer on Dec. 18, 1966, and she survives. He was a 1960 graduate of GorhamFayette High School. Starting out, he worked for his father’s local business, Emerson Rice Movers. In addition to farming, he worked for Freddy Armstrong, Fayette Grain & Feed, and Fayette Tubular Products. He finished his working career employed in maintenance with Gorham Township, retiring in 2012. He was a 57-year member of the Fayette Fire Department.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Ron (Karen) Rice of Archbold; daughter, Robin (Adam) Richardson of Morenci; sister, Carolyn (Weldon) Joughin of Adrian; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and siblings-inlaw, Donna Rice, Ruth Mika, Bill and Judi Lumbrezer, and Ginger Lumbrezer.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles “Bill” Rice; brothersin-law, William “Bill” McGhee, Charlie Mika, and Richard “Chick” Lumbrezer; and a nephew, Darrel Joughin. — marryfh.com
Jimmie A. Crowell
MEDINA TWP. — Jimmie Allen Crowell, 60, of Munson died on Aug. 7.
He was born in Morenci on Nov. 25, 1964, to Jimmie and Margaret (Pigott) Crowell. He married Katherine Kreighbaum on July 20, 2023, and she survives. He attended and graduated from Gorham-Fayette High School. A devoted family man, he would help anyone at any time of the day or night. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and spending time with his dogs and horses.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his mother, Marge; sons, Christopher (Erin) Crowell, Cory (Carmen) Crowell, Dikota Kreighbaum, and Randell (Jessica) Boltz; daughters, Brandie Crowell, Megan Crowell, and Rebeka (Justin) Double; grandchildren, six grandchildren; a brother, Tracie (Trisha) Crowell; and sister, Jodie Moran. He was preceded in death by his father and a brother-in-law, Rodney Moran. — marryfh.com
BRYAN — Janet P. “Jan” Shadbolt, 76, of Bryan, Ohio, died on Aug. 14. She was born on Aug. 26, 1948, in Hudson, the daughter of Vernon and Donna (Stump) Brown. She married Harold D. “Pete” Shadbolt in 1964, and he survives.
She worked at Fayette Tubular for over 26 years, retiring in 2000. She attended the Church of the Nazarene in Wauseon, Ohio.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by one daughter, Kim (Bill) Gett of Lucernemines, Pennsylvania; five grandchildren, Amber (Tim) Vincent of Wauseon, Brandi (Jason) Sharrock of Morenci, Jacob Snyder of Morenci, Dugan Shadbolt of Georgia, and Peyten (Sydney) Shadbolt of Wooster, Ohio; nine great-grandchildren; one daughter-in-law, Christy Shadbolt of Wauseon; one son-in-law, Michael Snyder of Morenci; and two siblings, Glenn (Karen) Brown of Harrison, Michigan, and Edna (Tom) Mahan of Dubuque, Iowa. She was preceded in death by one son, Mark Shadbolt; one daughter, Cherie Snyder; and three siblings.
Janet P. Shadbolt
Jimmie Crowell
Max Grieder
Jack Merillat
Gary Brink
Calvin J. Rice
OBITUARIES
Cynthia Merillat
FAYETTE — Cynthia Sue Merillat, 69, of Fayette, Ohio, died on Aug. 15.
She was born in Montpelier on Oct. 11, 1955, to Fred and Betty (Smith) Nowak.
She married Albert (Buddy) Merillat III in 1976, and he preceded her in death. She married John A. Merillat in 1985, and he survives.
She graduated from Hilltop High School in West Unity in 1974. She worked for the Archbold Post Office as a clerk, retiring after 32 years of service. She loved being outside, especially when she could be tending to her flower gardens.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sons, Scott (Kristine), Jeremy (Anne) and Nick (Lisa Kamppinen) Merillat; daughter, Melissa (Luke) Kessler; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; her brother, Chad (Denise) Nowak; stepfather-in-law, Joe McKinney; sisters, Cheri Beagle, Sheila (Galen) Siegel, Teresa (Ken) Watson, Angela (Mick) McGuire, and Laura (Greg) Fleming; brother-in-law, Butch Opdycke; and best friend since kindergarten, Teresa Rettig. She was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Opdycke, and brotherin-law, Bill Beagle.
marryfh.com
Kenneth Graf
BLISSFIELD — Kenneth “Ken” Graf, 71, died on Aug. 8 at Lenawee Medical Care Facility following a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
He was born Feb. 1, 1954, in Wauseon, Ohio, the son of Willard and Doris (Lowery) Graf. He and his wife, Connie, were married for 46 years, and she survives.
After earning his degree from Grand Valley State College, he became an educator in Morenci, Clinton, Hudson, Tecumseh and Bedford. He coached numerous teams from Little League through high school level. He dedicated many years of his life to the Blissfield Area little League, and he was the voice of Blissfield Football for many years.
He was an ordained elder and active member of the Blissfield First Presbyterian Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Casey (Matt) Spears and Jake (Kayla) Graf; two grandchildren; siblings, Tom (Sally) Graf, Kristin (Phil) Vershum, and Barbara (Jack) Blaker; and sisters-in-law
Carolyn Graf, Linda Labert, Patti (Mark) Jacobs, and Mary (the late Ted) Case. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Graf, and brother-in-law, Dick Labert.
