The Morenci Advocate

Summer Saturdays series off to a good start

June 10, 2025 by Katherine Simpkins

Callie Gautz and her children pick out their decorations at the hat-making station at "Horsin' Around," the first event in downtown Morenci's Summer Saturdays series. — Callie Gautz and her children pick out their decorations at the hat-making station at “Horsin’ Around,” the first event in downtown Morenci’s Summer Saturdays series. (Photos by Katherine Simpkins)

MORENCI — The Morenci Downtown Development Authority launched its new Summer Saturdays series on June 7. The theme for the first event was “Horsin’ Around.”

Boys track and field team finishes season strong

June 6, 2025 by Ryan McDowell

Wyatt Berger, left, takes the baton from Kevin Kaufman in the 4x1 relay during the April 29 home meet against Whiteford. (Photo by Lilly Roger, Morenci yearbook staff) — Wyatt Berger, left, takes the baton from Kevin Kaufman in the 4×1 relay during the April 29 home meet against Whiteford. (Photo by Lilly Roger, Morenci yearbook staff)

MORENCI — The Morenci varsity boys track and field team crowned four regional champs, sent six athletes to the MHSAA State Finals meet, and broke a school record this year.

Strong performances highlight girls track and field season

June 6, 2025 by Ryan McDowell

Emma Williams, who went on to qualify for state, runs in the 400m dash in an April 29 meet against Whiteford. (Photo by Lilly Roger, Morenci yearbook staff)

MORENCI — The Morenci varsity girls track and field team had two athletes compete in MHSAA State Finals meet and crowned a regional champion this year.

Good teamwork leads to improved season for Bulldog baseball

June 6, 2025 by Ryan McDowell

Drew Joughin goes up to bat during the April 11 home game against Fayette. (Photo by Jayla McCowan, Morenci yearbook staff)

MORENCI — The Morenci varsity baseball team entered the 2025 season with excitement and high expectations after a one-win season just a year ago.

A printer’s life

June 4, 2025 by David Green

Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr., talks at Morenci’s Stair District Library about one of his favorite posters with a quote from the late Alabama architect Sam “Sambo” Mockbee. (Photo by David Green)

Sometimes a person’s life takes an unforeseen turn and ends up entirely different than expected.

That’s certainly the case for letterpress printer Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. The mathematics major was living in Chicago and working in a corporate office of AT&T when he got blindsided by his calling in life.

Kennedy spoke May 6 to a crowd at Stair District Library as part of the 2025 Michigan Notable Books program. The book “Citizen Printer” is about his work.

Morenci softball team wins district title

June 2, 2025 by Ryan McDowell

Morenci softball players celebrate after defeating Waldron 10-1 to win the district title on May 30. — Morenci softball players celebrate after defeating Waldron 10-0 to win the district title on May 30. (Photo by Ashley Joughin)

MORENCI — It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. The Morenci varsity softball team understood that from the jump and overcame a slow start to the season en route to a district championship.

A new chapter for the Class of ’25

June 2, 2025 by Katherine Simpkins

Morenci High School’s Class of 2025 graduates throw their caps in the air after moving their tassels from the right to the left at the close of commencement exercises on May 18. (Photos by Katherine Simpkins)

MORENCI — Under sunny skies on May 18, the Morenci High School class of 2025 celebrated their graduation at Henry Geisler Field, marking the 189th commencement in the school’s history. The event was filled with reflections, gratitude, and a touch of humor as 44 graduates bid farewell to their high school years.

Find local produce and much more at Old Orchard Point

May 19, 2025 by Julie C. Clemes

Matt and Hollie Hillard are pictured in front of Old Orchard Point, a family-owned store that sells produce from area farms and a variety of other local products, as well as offering workshops and classes. (Photo by Julie C. Clemes)

FAIRFIELD TWP. — Old Orchard Point, a family-owned and community-oriented farming and retail market enterprise, is beginning its second season in business at 7062 S. Adrian Highway.

Bernath brothers honored for dedication to Morenci athletics

May 15, 2025 by Advocate staff

From left to right: School board members Art Erbskorn, Rebecca Berger, and Brandon Stover; Kenneth and Ronald Bernath; and school board members Perry Cox, Heather Sarnac, and Jodi Kruse. (Photo courtesy of Morenci Area Schools)

At the April 28 meeting of the Morenci Area Schools Board of Education, Ronald and Kenneth Bernath were formally recognized for their dedication to the district’s athletic programs.

Working the land, protecting the water

May 15, 2025 by Sophie Bird Murphy

Patrick Madden, who farms 100 acres near Clayton, is one of a growing number of local food growers who are taking steps to ensure the health of the region’s waterways.

CLAYTON — Local farmer Patrick Madden is part of a growing number of farmers who are not only providing food for the country but also taking steps to ensure that local waters are kept clean and safe.

At Madden’s 100-acre farm, that takes many forms. Named Mastodon Farm for the mastodon bones Madden’s grandfather uncovered while digging a pond on the property nearly 30 years ago, Mastodon Farm is now home to cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, honeybees, fruit and maple trees, and chemical-free produce like squashes, tomatoes, mushrooms, and berries.