November 2012 – Blissfield Advance

Estes steps down as Blissfield head football coach

By Chad Hutchinson

After 11 seasons and eight playoff appearances, Blissfield head varsity football coach Ron Estes has decided to step away from the game.

Estes is leaving behind a decorated legacy at Blissfield, that includes a pair of league championships, a district and regional championship, and a state runner up finish in 2007 at Ford Field.

“I needed to step away for a little bit, and felt like the timing was right,” Estes said.

The veteran coach said he has no immediate coaching plans in his future, but added his career as a coach is far from over.

“I’m not done coaching, this is just a temporary thing. But I have absolutely nothing brewing,” he said.

With a 76-40 career record at Blissfield and a 66 percent winning percentage, Estes should have little trouble finding a position when he decides to return.

In a career filled with accomplishments, winning seasons and post season success, Estes said it was the Blissfield community and the kids he coached that were the greatest point of pride in his career.

“Blissfield is a great community, and that was reflected in the young men I coached. Not every team was a championship level team, but every team had great qualities and great character, and it was a privilege to coach them.”

Helicopter transport required at Carroll Road accident

By Melissa Burnor

A Deerfield Township man was airlifted with critical injuries from the scene of a two-vehicle crash in Blissfield Township Friday afternoon.

According to Michigan State Police Trooper Bill Strouse, Jr., Timothy Van Camp, 20, was northbound on Lipp Highway when he allegedly did not stop for a stop sign and went through the intersection. His small blue pickup was struck by a full-size Chevrolet pickup driven westbound on Carroll Road by Terry Iott, 45, Petersburg.

Both vehicles came to rest in a farm field on the northwest corner of the intersection. Van Camp’s vehicle was pushed nearly 40 yards into the field. Debris from both vehicles was scattered throughout the field.

Van Camp was transported by LifeFlight to a Toledo area hospital with critical injuries.

Both the Blissfield Township and Riga Township fire dDepartments as well as the Advanced Life Support unit from Madison Township were at the scene.

The accident remains under investigation by the Michigan State Police.

Richard Lee Baker

Richard Lee Baker, age 94, of Howard City , passed away November 11, 2012, at Fountain View Retirement Village in Grant.

He was born in Clayton, the son of A. Samuel and Nina ( Donaldson) Baker. Lee was a WW II naval veteran. He graduated from Blissfield High School in 1937.

He enjoyed family time, traveling and old cars.

He was preceded in death by his wife Hazel ( Powell ). They had been married for 67 years.

Surviving are one son Ron ( Jackie ) Baker of Howard City; one daughter Jennifer ( Paul ) Kroncke of Coral Springs , Fla., six grandchildren Dawn, Brian, Nicole, Cheryl, Teresa and Brittany; eight great grandchildren Brandon, Jack, Josh, Ben, Adam, Ally, Parker and Lillian; one brother William Baker and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, four sisters , Martha Jayne, Betty, June McKown and Irene Carr.

Funeral services were Nov. 15 at The Heckman Funeral Home with Pastor Brad Brillhart officiating and burial in the Reynolds Cemetery. Friends greeted the family Nov. 14 and prior to services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Tri County Athletics may be left at the funeral home.

Lady Royals top Lady Bobcats in basketball opener

By Chad Hutchinson

In a great defensive performance, the Lady Royals basketball team of Blissfield High School put one in the W column in their first official game of the season, overcoming the Whiteford Lady Bobcats 41-21.

Copyright 2012, River Raisin Publications, Inc. For Chad’s complete coverage of this game and more, please see the Dec. 5, 2012, edition of The Advance. For home delivery, please call 517-486-2400.

Lady Patriots defeat Lenawee Christian

By Melissa Burnor

The women of Britton Deerfield sailed past the Lenawee Christian 60-13 in their opening basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 27. Cambria Handy scored 19 points for the BD Patriots and Morgan Tanis added 12. BD controlled the boards and the ball all evening.

Michigan Extreme Outdoors offers kayaks, movies, more

By Chad Hutchinson

Whether one is interested in kayaking or renting a movie on a chilly Friday night, one of Blissfield’s newest businesses, Michigan Extreme Outdoor, can help.

Michigan Extreme Outdoor offers a variety of items, including kayaking gear and equipment, skateboarding equipment and apparel, shoes, clothing and sunglasses, bike equipment and gear, as well as DVD and Blu-Ray rentals, and even carries a selection of candles from Swan Creek Candles.

The store is owned by Matt Slusher and April Leffew, and managed by Tasha Stearns. It is located on Lane Street in Blissfield’s downtown.

Copyright 2012, River Raisin Publications, Inc. For the complete story on this new Blissfield downtown business, please see the Nov. 28, 2012, edition of The Advance. Please call 517-486-2400 to subscribe.

Blissfield Outdoor Power offers repair services

By Chad Hutchinson

Blissfield Outdoor Power has opened its doors to Blissfield residents and the surrounding area, offering lawn and garden repair services. Blissfield Outdoor Power is located in the former Lippens cleaners building on South Lane Street in Blissfield.

Owner Thomas Roberts says he is able to service any small engine, two- and four-cycle, as well as repair and perform warranty work on all Ridgid and Ryobi power tools.

Copyright 2012, River Raisin Publications, Inc. For Chad Hutchinson’s complete story on this new Blissfield enterprise, please see the Nov. 28, 2012, edition of The Advance. Call 517-486-2400 to subscribe for weekly delivery.

Sauerkraut & sausage to be served

Light of Christ Parish will host a sauerkraut-and-sausage dinner from 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Blissfield campus on South Lane Street. Dinner is $7 for adults, $5 for youth. Carry-out available. Funds go to the parish’s feeding programs.

Hams, turkeys, cash just a spin away at Riga Feather Party

RIGA — The Riga Township Firefighters Association will present their annual Feather Party and Raffle Saturday night at the Riga Township Municipal Building. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the first spin takes place at 7 p.m. Organizers are giving away $2,885 in cash prizes, 100 oven-ready turkeys and 20 hams plus lots of door prizes and more. The popular candy wheel will be part of the fun. All proceeds go to the Riga Firefighters Association Fund. For more information, please call 605-8254. Admission is free, but tickets are sold for various games.

Madrigal Dinner Saturday at Blissfield Schools

The Blissfield Community Schools Department of Fine Arts presents a Madrigal Dinner: The Jester Fest on Saturday, Dec. 1, in the BHS cafetorium. There will be a 3 p.m. concert with high tea, and the cost is $5 per person. This includes the performance and a buffet of cakes and pastries served with tea, coffee and wassail punch. There will be a concert with a full dinner at 7 p.m. The cost is $16 per person and $8 for children 10 and under. This includes the performance with a full dinner buffet of roasted pork loin, fried chicken, vegetarian alfredo pasta, potatoes au gratin, green beans, tossed salad, rolls, and choices of vanilla cake with raspberry filling and chocolate cake with fudge filling for dessert. Advance reservations are required, and can be made by calling Jolene Witt at 517-486-4420 ext. 218.