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Robert Allan Bancroft, age 69 of Onsted, died Friday, July 13, 2012. He married Patricia Kelley in Ann Arbor on August 12, 1967. A full obituary may be viewed and condolences may be offered to the family at www.handlerfuneralhomes.com.

James Merrill age 79, of Clinton, died unexpectedly Monday June 16, 2012. He was born May 10, 1933 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Gerald and Arlee (Wise) Merrill. In July 1966 he married Julia Wagner in Mt. Clemens and she preceded him in death on December 17, 1989.James loved collecting things, he was an avid collector of guns, knives, and cars; in his younger days he enjoyed built dragsters.

Looking out from his second floor window into his neighbor’s yard, Tecumseh Township resident Tom Hodgman is able to count approximately 50 large marijuana plants growing openly outside, as a German Shepherd guard dog patrols the grounds.Hodgman’s neighbor’s property is surrounded by a wooden fence, approximately six foot tall, that conceals the large growing operation but Hodgman said he is still concerned for his family’s safety.

A newly formed group now known as the Tecumseh Coalition for Youth (TCY) held its second meeting on Friday, July 13, at Evans Street Station. A cross-section of the community is represented at the coalition, including city and school officials, law enforcement, youths and other segments.Mayor Richard Johnson chaired this month’s meeting, and April Demers, Coalition Development Coordinator for substance abuse prevention, has been facilitating the meetings.

To the Editor, Lenawee County residents and others,Thank you to those who came to enjoy Saturday’s “Trains Trucks and More!” event at Southern Michigan Railroad Society’s train yard in Tecumseh. The smiles on the faces of everyone from babies to seniors were evidence of the success of this public event showcasing the railroad, the history of our railroad communities, and the transportation industry.

John Westcott Underwood, age 81, of Tecumseh, died Saturday, July 7, 2012, at his home, under the care of Hospice of Lenawee. He was born December 20, 1930, in Tecumseh to George V. and Helen M. (Westcott) Underwood Sr. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955. He was married to Gloria J. Noe, and she survives. John was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. He was the owner-president of Underwood Chevrolet-Buick in Clinton. In 2007, he was proudly honored to be recognized and given an award by the General Motors Corporation for 50 years as a Chevrolet dealer, 1957-2007.

Daniel E. Broughton, age 27, of Tecumseh, formerly of Ypsilanti, passed away suddenly July 8, 2012 of unknown causes. He was born August 30, 1984 in Ann Arbor, Mich., the son of Larry Broughton of Wixom, and Dorothy (Vasher) Broughton of Tecumseh.Daniel attended Willow Run Schools in Ypsilanti, where he earned his G.E.D.He competed in Mr. Michigan All Natural Bodybuilding Contest, placing 2nd in the under-18 age group.Daniel had a passion for auto mechanics and was a certified brake specialist. He loved to ride motorcycles, play guitar, and sing.

Supt. Mike McAran reported to the Tecumseh School Board on negotiations for mineral rights under Sutton Elementary School on Monday, July 9. Two companies are now vying for options on the 10-acre property. Several weeks ago, McAran was contacted by Savoy Energy of Traverse City about leasing the property at a tentative figure of $250 per acre per year and 1/8 of the profit from each unit of energy tapped (barrels of oil or cubic feet of natural gas).

The Tecumseh Planning Commission voted unanimously on Tuesday, July 10, to recommend that Tecumseh City Council members review a Prohibited Use Ordinance in the city.The action, which took place following a public hearing, involves a proposed amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance that would address prohibited uses of land in the community, addressing any land use that is in violation with local, state or federal law. Discussion included the ordinance’s potential impact on growing and dispensing medical marijuana.