January 2013 – Blissfield Advance

Women’s varsity basketball: Jan. 14-19

The Blissfield women’s varsity basketball squad finally met a foe that burst their perfect-season bubble after the Lady Royals completed a nail-biting fourth quarter comeback against the Britton Deerfield Patriots Tuesday, Jan. 15 to seal the 44-42 victory, their excitement was short-lived, as the Royals suffered their first loss of the season to the LCAA rival Onsted Wildcats Friday 49-36.

The Britton Deerfield women’s basketball team got back into the win column Friday evening with an easy victory over Morenci 39-9.

The Whiteford women’s basketball team went 1-1 last week, trampling Erie-Mason 51-28 Tuesday, Jan. 15, before going on the road and coming up short of a fourth-quarter comeback against Sand Creek 59-50 Friday. The split on the week brings the Lady Bobcats’ record to 7-5 on the season and 4-4 in the TCC.

Sara Goetz drives down the court as Janessa Handy defends — Sara Goetz drives down the court for Blissfield as Janessa Handy defends for Britton Deerfield. Photo by Chad Hutchinson/Copyright 2013, River Raisin Publications, Inc.

Harlan Behm

RIGA — Harlan H. “Sonny” Behm, 93, of Riga, passed away Saturday, January 19, 2013, at the Hospice of Lenawee Residence, Adrian. He was born June 19, 1919, in Deerfield, the son of Robert and Lydia (Jasmund) Behm. Sonny was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Riga. He was a farmer who loved to attend auctions and go antiquing. He enjoyed collecting and working on cars and refinishing furniture. He is survived by a sister, Margaret Russell of Riga; nephews and nieces, Paul Russell of Blissfield; Gary Behm of Adrian; Shayna Behm and Shelly Behm; and his dear friend, Bonnie Armbruster of Saline. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Nelson and Willard Behm. Visitation was from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2013, at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield, with a memorial service beginning at 5 p.m. Contributions in memory of Sonny may be made to Hospice of Lenawee. Online condolences are welcome at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Christine James

ST. LOUIS, Mich. — Christine James, 98, formerly of Blissfield passed away Friday, January, 18, 2013, at Pine River Health Care Center. Born July 15, 1914, in Poland she is the daughter of John and Anna Pypiak. On June 15, 1938, she married Price Glenn James, who preceded her in death on June, 2, 1960. Christine worked for Blissfield Schools as a Janitor where she retired from in 1976. Christine is survived by her two sons James (Norma) of Mt. Morris, and David (Susan) of Spartanburg, SC. In addition to her husband and parents she is preceded in death by a grandson Jeff, and a granddaughter Barbara Sue. The funeral service for Christine is Thursday, January 24, 2013, beginning at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel United Methodist in Blissfield. Christine’s family will receive friends prior to the service from 9-11 a.m. at the church, with burial to follow at Pleasant View Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Christine can be made to Emmanuel United Methodist. Online condolences or messages to the family can be made at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com

Blissfield varsity bowling, Jan. 14-19

The Blissfield women’s varsity bowling team split its schedule last week, defeating Pittsford on Tuesday followed by a loss to the Madison Lady Trojans by just five pins. The Lady Royals split their baker games with Pittsford before posting scores of 697 and 645 in match play to clinch the victory. Against the Trojans, Blissfield once again split their baker games before losing in total pins 1364-1359.

Nathan Underhill winds up to send one down the lane for Blissfield. Copyright 2013, River Raisin Publications, Inc. Photo by Chad Hutchinson.

Blissfield wrestling Jan. 14-19

The Blissfield varsity wrestling squad, finished behind Ida 63-12 and Hudson 69-6 at home Wednesday, Jan. 16. The Royals then took to the road for the Bronson Tournament on Saturday, where they defeated Gull Lake 48-30 before coming up short against South Haven 42-33 and the host Bronson squad 65-12.

For the complete story on these events, please see the Jan. 23, 2013, story by Chad Hutchinson.

Men’s area varsity basketball: Jan. 14-19

A three-point shot at the buzzer by senior Cody Wulf gave the Blissfield Royals a victory over the Britton Deerfield Patriots 49-47. The Patriots let a 10-point lead with less than two and a half minutes left in the contest deteriorate, giving the Royals the opportunity for the comeback victory Jan. 15.

The Royal celebration was cut short, with Blissfield suffering its first loss of the season, 49-36 at Onsted Friday, Jan. 18. The Wildcats’ record now stands at 9-2 and 7-0 in the LCAA.

The Whiteford varsity men’s basketball squad divide a pair of games last week. The Bobcats were defeated by Erie Mason 69-59 Tuesday, Jan. 15, but rebounded to defeat TCC counterpart Sand Creek 64-39 Friday, Jan. 18.

The Britton Deerfield Patriots hung on to pick up their second Tri-County Conference win of the season 41-34 Jan. 18. The Patriots struggled against a Morenci team that has yet to win any TCC games this season.

Blissfield Board of Education to attend council meeting

Members of the Blissfield Board of Education will attending the Monday, Jan.28, regular meeting of the Blissfield Village Council at 7 p.m.. Members of the board of education are attending the meeting regardin g discussions involving the possible construction of an addition to the school facilities that would also be made available for community use.

This meeting is a continuation of discussions that began when Blissfield Community Schools invited several community groups to the high school last fall for an informative meeting on the topic.

Skating rink open; Family Skate Saturday

The dip in temperature means the ice in the Rotary Ice Rink at Ellis Park is ready for skating. The rink officially opened Tuesday for winter fun.

This Saturday the Blissfield parks and Recreation Department presents Family Skate Night from 6-8 p.m.

There will be fire barrels, hot chocolate and music for skating at this family event which is is weather permitting.

Normal hours for the skate rink will be 6 a.m.-11:30 p.m. daily. Open skate hours are from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. No hockey equipment will be allowed during this time.

For details, contact Blissfield Parks and Recreation director Eric May at 403-0845.

Blissfield open for business

By Melissa Burnor
Could you “picture your business here?” or possibly in another location in the village of Blissfield. Local leaders are working to promote the growth of business within the community.

The word is out, “Blissfield is open for business,” Blissfield Main Street manager Patricia Rayl said.

With an apparent turn in the economy, possible credit opening and varied opportunities, community leaders are hoping that new and expanding businesses look at the Blissfield area to develop.

After a busy holiday season exposed the new Main Street manager to the expectations and types of events the village churns out, she is now putting on another hat. She is concentrating now on the role of business developer.

Copyright 2013, River Raisin Publications, Inc. For the complete story, please see the Jan. 23, 2013, edition of The Advance. Also in this week’s Advance are photos from the Nite at the Races event, a story on the local flu season, results from the Blissfield Village Council meeting as well as Riga Township, and lots more. Please call 517-486-2400 for weekly delivery of this hyper-local newspaper.

Rabies, dog license clinic Saturday

Blissfield Township along with Blissfield Veterinary will conduct a rabies and dog license clinic from 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Blissfield Township Office, 120 S. Lane Street.

The Clinic is open to all Lenawee County residents’ dogs.

Call 486-2626 with any questions, according to Nancy Cranor, township clerk.