Archive - Jul 7, 2010

By DEB WUETHRICH

With the temperatures hovering in the 90s the past few days, muggy, uncomfortable conditions can bring not only discomfort but danger to some individuals. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, from 1979-2003, excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States. Those at greatest risk to heat-related illness are the elderly, the very young and people with mental illness and chronic diseases, notes the CDC.

Among the most common suggestions, the CDC recommends drinking plenty of fluids, preferably water, but not liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar which actually may cause a loss of more body fluid. Another suggestion recommended by the CDC and others is to remain indoors in an air-conditioned home, if possible; if not, it might be a good time to take in a movie in an air-conditioned theater, shop at an air-conditioned store, or visit the air-conditioned public library, activities that will provide a break from the heat.

Those who must be outdoors should pace themselves, being sure to get into a cool area as often as possible and staying hydrated. It is also helpful to keep a jug of cool water handy, wear sunscreen, and have access to a damp rag for sponging to cool the skin.

Precautions by the CDC include never leaving children or pets in a parked car, even with the windows cracked, because the heat can rise dramatically within a few minutes. Other common sense tips to keep cool include: avoid hot foods and heavy meals which add heat to the body; dress in loose clothing and shade children’s heads and faces with hats or an umbrella; limit sun exposure during mid-day hours and in places of potential severe exposure such as beaches.

By DEB WUETHRICH

“In the final analysis, it’s all about jobs. We have to have a community that job creators will want to come to.” These were the words of Dave Maxwell, who made a presentation to Tecumseh City Council members on Tuesday night, outlining the group, “One Lenawee” and its goals and objectives.

“We’re pretty much made up of private citizens who do this because we want to live in a prosperous community, this being Lenawee County, despite all the woes happening in our state,” Maxwell said.

One Lenawee promotes community collaboration and action toward leveraging strengths and potential opportunities to enhance the future and to achieve sustainable economic growth, and Maxwell’s presentation focused on the governmental collaborative group. One Lenawee partners with Citizens Research Council of Michigan and the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. U-M Master of Public Policy students will be conducting surveys in the area this fall.

“We and Lenawee Economic Development are all about jobs and everything I read says that people come to a place for jobs,” said Maxwell. “With everyone getting cutbacks in funding, we’re going to continue to be challenged to maintain adequate support and to maintain our quality of life, but our goal is to make Lenawee County an attractive place.” He said one of the ways to do this might be to spearhead a proactive, data-driven process to streamline and modernize local government services and look for inefficiencies and ways resources might be better shared and utilized.

The City of Tecumseh hosted a jazz concert and fundraiser on June 25, featuring saxophonist Tim Ries and other musicians, to benefit the Dundee Village and Township residents who incurred property damage from the June 6 tornado.

The city raised $7,000, all of which has been donated to assist residents with paying for their home and auto insurance deductibles for damage claims. Dick Johnson, Tecumseh City councilman and owner of Evans Street Station, indicated that he and some others wanted to do what they could to help the residents of the affected neighboring community in a time of crisis. With the current state of the economy, coming up with even a few hundred extra bucks a month can be devastating for a family who is living paycheck to paycheck.

With the assistance of Dundee insurance agent, Lisa Wain, State Farm Insurance also provided an additional grant for this fund in the amount of $3,500 making the total available to assist residents $10,500.

The United Way of Monroe County and the American Red Cross are assisting with distribution of these funds to residents. Beginning on July 19, residents of Dundee Village or Township who incurred tornado damage and have filed home or auto insurance claims may apply for reimbursement for 50 percent of their deductible, up to $250 per household. This assistance will be made available on a first come, first serve basis until Sept. 30, or until funds have been depleted.

To apply for assistance, those affected should contact the American Red Cross Disaster Services at 1645 N. Dixie Hwy., Monroe, or 734.289.1481. Applications will also be accepted weekly on Tuesdays from 3-5 p.m. at the Dundee Village Hall. Applicants will need to provide personal identification, proof of residency, and proof of insurance claim and/or deductible payment.

George E. Downard, 81, of Tecumseh, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 30, 2010, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Ann Arbor with his family at his side. He was born on Dec. 30, 1928, in Onsted, Mich., the son of Cecil K. and Nora (Withrow) Downard. He married Betty M. Handy, his bride of 55 years, on Aug. 12, 1950, until she preceded him in death on Nov.1, 2005.

George was a Tecumseh resident since 1950 after moving here from Tipton. He worked for the Tecumseh Products Company for 38 years until he retired in 1984. He also, along with his wife Betty and their family, catered for many festivities and weddings for over 25 years in the Lenawee, Monroe, Hillsdale, Jackson, and Washtenaw county areas. He was an Army Veteran of WWII and was a proud member of the American Legion Post #34 and VFW Post #4187, both in Tecumseh, was a volunteer for the American Red Cross Blood Drives and truly enjoyed the outdoors, especially the times he spent hunting and camping. In recent years, when he wasn't at the former Boomers Burgers or Big Boy, you could find him tinkering on “who knows what” and crafting at home. He fondly spoke of the times he spent with his family camping, playing cards, and time spent up north. He will be missed by his family and all those who knew and loved him over the years.

He is survived by his three sons, Douglas (Debra), Gregory (Tanya) and Christopher (Darlene) all of Tecumseh; his daughter, Laura S. Downard of Lawrenceburg, Tenn.; one brother, William “Leroy” (Judy) of Gwinn, Mich.; one sister, Juanita Cutchall of Frederic, Mich.; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by three brothers, Cecil K. Donald D. and Alvin.

Larry J. Nelson, 55, of Tecumseh, passed away unexpectedly July 3, 2010.   Larry was born Dec. 25, 1954, in Detroit, Mich., the son of John and Marlene (Schrack) Nelson.  On July 1, 1977, he married Birute Theresa Zubrickas in Livonia, Mich.  

He was a graduate of Stevenson High School and Schoolcraft College.    He had a passion for buying and selling antiques, and loved the thrill of the hunt.  He was involved in the family business for most of his life,  most recently The Hitching Post in Tecumseh.   He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and son.   His generous heart knew no boundaries and will be sorely missed by his family, friends and the antique community.  
Larry is survived by his wife, Theresa; children, Christopher, Julia  and Andrew; granddaughter, Olivia; parents, John and Marlene; brothers, Eric and Ken; sister, Lori; and numerous relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, July 8, 2010, at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home,  Adrian with the Rev. Fr. Daniel Wheeler officiating.  Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery, Tecumseh.  

Condolences to the family may be made online at www.pursefuneralhome.com.

Douglas Warner Osworth I, 74, of Tecumseh, went home to the Lord on Sunday, July 4, 2010, at St. Joseph Mercy Medical Center in Ann Arbor.

He was born Jan. 25, 1936, in Fairfield, Mich. to Opal (Metz) and Harold O’Haver. He was later adopted by Kenneth Osworth, and was raised by his grandparents, Raymond and Bertha Metz.

He graduated from Adrian High School in 1955 and enlisted in the United States Navy with the Navy Mobile Construction Battalion I Sea Bees from 1955 to 1959. He was a Machine Repairman and later became a Drill Instructor. He married his high school sweetheart, Janet K. Woerner on Oct. 14, 1956. They had the blessing of enjoying many years together, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 14, 2006.

In his earlier years, Doug was a member of the Adrian Moose Lodge #1034, a long standing member of the First Presbyterian Church in Tecumseh, a member of the Tecumseh Jaycees, and a Charter member of the Tecumseh Lions Club. He also belonged to the Tecumseh Masonic Lodge #69. He was also on the Raisin Twp. Board of Appeals for many years. Doug worked for Barnes Group Corp. in Saline, Mich. He retired in 1996, but continued as a part time Engineering Consultant for several years. He loved hunting, golfing, John Deere Tractors and classic cars, spending time with his sons and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet of 53 years; three sons, Douglas II (Lisa), Jeffrey (Denice) and Kevin (Jennifer) Osworth. He was the loving grandfather of Kayla, Steven, Cameron, Livia, and Maris Osworth. He is also survived by a half-sister, Constance Osworth; cousins, Lowell (Kathy) Metz, and Randy Metz. He was preceded in death by his parents.