i havent read ahead yet in this thread to see if anyone posted a map yet, but will try to do so if no one has yet. But as a local, i can attest to how much water is in this area- all the Great Lakes, but also tons of smaller ponds/marshes/creeks/river etc.
I used to know this area pretty well. I can help with the questions about towns and distances. I have not been back in that area for about 7 years but I doubt it has changed much. I also found comments on lenconnect.com the local paper from Adrian I have not seen mentioned http://www.lenconnect.com/topstories/x812950079/Morenci-police-search-for-three-brothers
I doubt they would be looking at a any of the Great Lakes because they would be to far away. Morenci is in Lenawee county MI as is Adrian, just south would be Fulton County OH and to the east is Lucas County OH (Toledo). Hillsdale is in Hillsdale County MI west of Lenawee Co MI. Jackson MI is in Jackson Co MI. I'd guess 45 miles north west of Morenci MI. The area around Morenci is all woods, farms country roads etc. The toll road I80/90 goes east and west and HWY 20 runs parallel. Truckers use both roads. I hope that helps answer some questions about the area and feel free to ask me and I'll help the best I can.