June 2013 – Blissfield Advance

Bateson overall winner of Lenawee Hospice Run; Weeden top female runner

By Melissa Burnor

Nearly 200 runners of all ages took part in the 31st annual Lenawee Hospice Run in memory of Bruce Jones Sunday morning. The heat was seemed pretty bearable with the 8:30 a.m. start.

Blissfield’s Justin Bateson was the overall winner with a time of 16:58.98.

Josephine Weeden was the first-place winner for the women crossing the finish line in 20:06.62.

Men’s Results – Name, Age, Time Overall Winner – Justin Bateson, 21, 16:58.98 14 and under – John Fowler, 13, 22:23.74 15-19 – Isaac Westgate, 16, 19:39.89 20-24 – Justin Bateson 25-29 – Tyler Makula, 28, 45:34.80 30-34 – Chris Kircher, 30, 21:30.48 35-39 – David Caine, 39, 17:39.79 40-44 – Tom Romanowski, 43, 19:31.94 45-49 – Sam Valdez, 47, 19:33.29 50-54 – Michael Palmer, 50, 21:16.43 55-59 – Macron Cole, 55, 22:29.70 60-64 – Ron Carpenter, 63, 22:04.50 65-69 – David Koester, 66, 27:23.03 70-74 – Jerome Tomc, 70, 32:04.51 75-79 – Jack Streicher, 76, 42:37.88 80 and up – Everett Louma, 82, 36:29.42

Women’s Results Overall Winner – Josephine Weeden, 44, 20:06.62 14 and under – Emily Gebhardt, 14, 24:17.37 15-19 – Tea Romanowski, 15, 21:42.13 20-24 – Maria Kaisler, 23, 23:17.76 25-29 – Brooke Adams, 26, 20:44.35 30-34 – Christina Walter, 31, 22:38.75 35-39 – Trina Romanowski, 36, 22:03.99 40-44 – Kristy Gledhill, 44, 26:30.28 45-49 – Cathy Palmer, 49, 23:29.15 50-54 – Eileen Seegert, 50, 30:46.67 55-59 – Beverly Sauter, 55, 41:08.27 60-64 – Janet Pickel, 61, 36:49.71 65-69 – Mary Steinhauser, 68, 33:50.92 70-74 – Gretchen Warwick, 71, 38:35.23 Full results are on the Hospice of Lenawee website: www.hospiceoflenawee.org.

2013 Hospice run gets underway June 23. — 2013 Lenawee Hospice run gets underway June 23. Copyright 2013, River Raisin Publications, Inc./Melissa Burnor

Blissfield Manufacturing adds 73 jobs in Michigan

By Melissa Burnor

Blissfield Manufacturing will add 73 more jobs over the next three years at its primary facility in the village of Blissfield. The growth gives way to a possibility of adding $1.5 million in new equipment. To help with the expansion, the company qualified for state and local business incentives.

But company officials say the expansion is bitter-sweet. The additional jobs come as both part of planned growth and as a result of a company decision to close Jay Products in Portland, Ind. Production from that plant is currently being transferred to Blissfield.

“As a family-owned business, we sincerely regret having to close our facility in Portland, Ind. Decisions such as this are not made lightly; we value the people who have worked at Jay Products and have given so much,” Blissfield Manufacturing chief executive officer and president Pat Farver said.

Farver said changes in one of their major automotive customer products drove the decision. “Yet the redesign of GM’s power steering system resulting in the obsolescence of Blissfield’s power steering cooler made the decision to consolidate plants the best direction for the company’s future,” he said.

Fireworks displays abound in area

There are ample opportunities to celebrate the Fourth of July n the area. Below is a listing of fireworks and other activities in the area and nearby communities.

Friday, June 28

• Bedford Township Fireworks at dusk. Bedford Community Stadium 8285 Jackman Rd., Temperance.,

• Toledo Country Club Fireworks at dusk, 3949 River Rd., Toledo

Saturday, June 29 •

Swanton Independence Day Fireworks at dusk, Swanton High School football field, 601 N. Main St.

Wednesday, July 3

• New Life Church Freedom Fest 6023 Summerfield Road, Petersburg, at dusk,

• 9:45 p.m. Monroe County Independence Day Fireworks over Lake Erie at Sterling State Park, 2800 State Park Rd., Monroe.

• Sylvania Star-Spangled Celebration at Centennial Terrace at dusk, 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania,

• Perrysburg Star Spangled Banner Fireworks Fort Meigs State Memorial Park, 29100 West River Road, Perrysburg, 10 p.m.

• Hillsdale All-American Celebration at dusk, Hillsdale County Fairgrounds

• Maumee Spectacular Fireworks 100 E. Wayne St., Maumee at dusk,

• Manchester fireworks display Carr Park, 600 W. Main St., Manchester, at dusk

Thursday, July 4

• Toledo Red White Kaboom Fireworks Promenade Park, Festival Park and International Park, Water St., Toledo at dusk

• Brooklyn Fourth of July Fireworks, Columbia Middle School football field, 321 School St., Brooklyn at dusk

Friday, July 5

• Devils and Round Lake fireworks display at dusk from the Sand Bar on Devils Lake. Located in Manitou Beach. Public access area available

• Somerset Township Independence Day Celebration- McCourtie Park, 12715 E. Chicago Blvd., Somerset Center

Saturday, July 6

• Luna Pier Annual Fireworks and Garage Sale – fireworks at dusk on Lakewood Ave. Oregon Boomfest Oakshade Gove, 3624 Seaman Road at dusk Lake Columbia Fireworks over the lake at dusk, Brooklyn

Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13

• Blissfield River Raisin Festival at dusk

Tanya MacBeth

DEERFIELD — Tanya Rene MacBeth, 46, of Deerfield, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, June 25, 2013.

Tanya was born on Sept. 10, 1966 in Adrian, the daughter of Jimmy and Sharon (Cilley) Hickman. She graduated from Madison High School in 1984, and was married on Nov. 8, 1986 to Danny MacBeth.

Tanya worked as the Human Resources and Safety Manager at Uckele Health and Nutrition of Blissfield. She was involved with 4-H for many years, and was involved with the forming of the New Beginnings 4-H Club. Tanya enjoyed spending time with children.

Surviving is her husband, Danny MacBeth of Deerfield, sons Tommy and Matthew MacBeth, daughter RaeLynne MacBeth, parents Jimmy Hickman of Tecumseh and Sharon Hickman of Adrian, brother Darren Hickman of Adrian, many nieces and nephews, and close friend Lisa Rivera of Millheim, PA. Tanya was preceded in death by her grandparents, James and Mary Hickman, and Everett and Annie Cilley.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday at 11:00 am at the Wagley Funeral Home Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield, with Rev. Pete Valdez officiating. Burial will follow at Riga Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Friday from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice of Lenawee, or to the Lenawee 4-H Council.

Long-time Blissfield coach, teacher Denny Thompson retires

By Chad Hutchinson

Simply the best. That’s the reoccurring response from coworkers, coaches and former students and players of recently retired Blissfield educator Denny Thompson.

“Denny is one heck of a coach and an even better person. He’s the best, that’s as simply as I can put it,” said former Blissfield head football coach Ron Estes.

Thompson’s career in the purple and gold has been a decorated one, from his years wearing the Royal uniform, to his years teaching and coaching those who carried on the Royal pride.

A 1969 graduate of Blissfield High School, Thompson was no stranger when it came to the football gridiron, the baseball diamond or the basketball hardwood. He garnered captain’s honors, all-state and all-league awards and the respect of his teammates and coaches. Thompson’s Royal career is such a decorated one, he has earned himself a place in the Blissfield Hall of Fame and will be inducted with the 2013 hall of fame class Sep. 14. Thompson continued his athletic success with a baseball career at Adrian College, where he also earned his teaching degree and majored in physical education with a minor in biology.

Having success in any sport that included his name on the roster, Thompson said he could never choose a true favorite. “What ever sports season it was, that’s what I liked,” he said.

Thompson himself would never acknowledge himself as anything special. He maintains a humble attitude and a simple philosophy. “What you are, is what you do, with what you’ve got.”

Denny Thompson, copyright 2013, River Raisin Publications, Inc.

School, village officials hash out issues on potential new facility

By Chad Hutchinson

Members of the Blissfield board of education and village council met for a special meeting June 11 to discuss the research on a new facility for Blissfield schools and the community. Both board members and council members focused on the staffing of the facility, hours it would feasibly be open to the community and how to approach the community regarding the funding for a potential new facility.

“Before we move forward with this we need to see how our taxpayers feel about an increase,” Blissfield superintendent Scott Moellenberndt said.

Village president Mike Gunter voiced his support for the facility, but also voiced concern over who would staff the building and how many hours it would be open to the community.

“I think this facility could be a great idea, but we need to do some more research and figure out how we are going to staff it. Is the village or school going to be responsible for the staffing? We also need to make sure the community has plenty of opportunities to use the facility and we need to garner more input from our community,” Gunter said.

Board members also said they want to wait and see the results of the requested increase in the sinking fund millage being brought to the voters in August. The two boards set a meeting date of Aug. 21–after the sinking fund vote–to discuss the next step in the process.

Ralph Staup

Staup, Ralph William Jr. (Mike), age 68 of Knoxville, TN, formerly of Blissfield, MI passed away Friday morning, June 7, 2013. Mike was a graduate of Michigan State University but became an avid Vol fan. He was the founder and owner of Direct Mail Services in Knoxville. Mike is survived by his wife of 32 years, Ann Staup; daughters, Angela Seward of Manassas, VA, Lisa Groves of Ft Wayne, IN and Jill Keiffer of Carmel, IN; three terrific sons-in-law; seven wonderful grandchildren; brother, Todd; sisters, Judy and Becky; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at the Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel. Family and friends will gather at 2 p.m. on Monday at Resthaven Cemetery in Dandridge for graveside services with Brother Mike Hensley officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley, 6717 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel, 11915 Kingston Pike is serving the Staup family. www.clickfh.com

Richard Kastel

ADRIAN – Richard Glen Kastel, 84, of Riga, passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at Lenawee Medical Care Facility.

He was born June 28, 1928, in Riga, Michigan the son of Frank and Alta (Walters) Kastel. During the Korean Conflict he served in the Army.

Richard owned and operated Kastel Slaughter House in Riga, a family business he took over from his father and expanded. Richard loved his work and considered his customers his family. He frequently donated services to 4-H and the Tecumseh American Legion. Richard enjoyed gardening and raising cattle and chickens. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Riga.

Joshua (Michelle) Kastel of Hudson and David (Heidi) Jordan of Blissfield were “his boys” who not only worked with him, but looked after him as well, and they survive. Also surviving Richard are many nieces and nephews including Steven (Bobbie) Kastel of Jasper.

Funeral services were held Sunday, June 9, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield.

Contributions in memory of Richard may be made to the Riga Fire Department or Trinity Lutheran Church. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Margaret Ida Koppelman

Margaret Ida (Bischoff) Koppelman age 98, died peacefully, Friday, May 30, 2013, at Kingston Memory Care of Sylvania, Ohio.

She was born in Whiteford Township, Riga, Michigan, to Ida (Pollex) and George F. Bischoff on July 13, 1914. Margaret married Erwin Koppelman June 15, 1940, and celebrated 46 anniversaries before his death in 1986. She is survived by her four talented sons: Duane (Susan) Koppelman, of Tecumseh, Ronald (Cheryl) Koppelman, of Fort Recovery, Ohio, Richard Koppelman (Sue Sandlin), Toledo, Ohio, Gary (Beverly) Koppelman, of Blissfield; 14 beautiful grandchildren; 11 wonderful great-grandchildren; 3 step grandchildren; and 8 step-great-grandchildren; sister Yvonne McDole; sister-in-law Pat Bischoff; and many special nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband; brothers, Loren and Lavern Bischoff; sisters, Emma Uloth, infant Blanche Bischoff and Gertrude McKimmey; and grandson, Joseph Koppelman.

After graduating from Blissfield High School in 1932, she attended Lenawee County Normal School and received a teaching certificate. Her first job was teaching grades 1-8 for 10 years at Columbia School, Ottawa Lake. Once her sons started school, Mrs. Koppelman returned to teaching elementary education at Whiteford Agricultural Schools, Ottawa Lake, retiring in 1978, having taught a total of 32 years. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in 1964 in elementary education from Adrian College, Adrian. Upon retirement, Margaret volunteered in the Whiteford community for many years working on the Bicentennial Whiteford Township History Book, assembling the Whiteford School monthly newsletters, participating at the Bedford Senior Center, and enjoying judging crafts at the Monroe County Fair. She also received the Pearl Clover award for 15 years as a 4-H leader in Monroe County. Margaret was an active member for many years at St. Michael Lutheran Church and the Sara Ruth women’s circle. She was a member of the Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, receiving a 25-year service award for retired schoolteachers and a member of the Toledo Area Weaver’s Guild, 1985-1986. At home, Margaret enjoyed weaving rag rugs on her floor loom; scrapbooking and baking cookies for her grandchildren.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to all the caregivers who helped Margaret while she lived both in her home and at Kingston Memory Care, Sylvania, Ohio. Also thanks to Senior Independence Hospice of Toledo, Ohio, for their care, comfort, and support. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 8, at St. Michael Lutheran Church, Ottawa Lake, with Pastor Mark Gibbs, officiating. Family and friends may call at the Reeb Funeral Home, Sylvania, Ohio, Friday, June 7 from 4-9 p.m. and noon-1 p.m. at the church before the service. Interment will be at Whiteford Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Michael Lutheran Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.reebfuneralhome. com

BD athletes fare well at state meet

The Britton Deerfield men’s 1600-meter relay team broke a school record and placed fourth in the event Saturday, June 1, at the state track meet. Members were Jordan Osbun, Dylan Cannon, Leighton Merritt and Lucas Forche

BD Patriot Lucas Forche also medaled at the state track meet in the discus event, placing seventh with a throw of 130 feet 6 inches.

For the complete story, please see The Advance’s June 5, 2013, edition.