The Morenci Advocate

Author Curtis Chin to speak at Morenci library

April 17, 2026 by David Green

Curtis Chin is the author of “Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant.” He will speak at Stair District Library at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18.

Curtis Chin was still a child when he learned something special about a Chinese restaurant: It’s a place to bring people together.

A rebuilding year for Morenci’s competitive cheer squad

April 4, 2026 by Ryan McDowell

The 2025-26 Morenci competitive cheer team: In the back row, Hannah Johnson, Jazmynn Stoddard, coach Robyn Taylor, and Sofia Jimenez; and in the front row, Abbagail Bauer, Harley Ohlinger, Julie Guillen, and Emma Overmyer.

MORENCI — The Morenci varsity competitive cheer team entered the season looking to raise the standard with a group of hardworking underclassmen and no real varsity cheer experience between them.

Morenci fifth-graders earn first place at Science Olympiad

April 4, 2026 by Advocate staff

Members of Morenci’s fifth-grade Science Olympiad team were recognized at the March 16 school board meeting. Standing are volunteer coach Rebecca Cox, Madelyn Timberman, Paisley McMunn, Owen Apger, Benjamin Schell, Jaxson Johnson, and coach Andi Rorick. In front are Honor Erskin, Audrey Klinger, and Jerome Bussell Jr. (Photo courtesy of Morenci Area Schools)

ADRIAN — Morenci Area Schools’ fifth-grade Science Olympiad team captured first place overall out of 12 schools at the Tri-County Science Olympiad on March 3, showcasing their knowledge, creativity, and engineering skills.

Talented softball team looks to overcome shortened practice time

April 4, 2026 by Ryan McDowell

Back row: Tessa Gilpin, Makinley Valentine, Baylie Miller, Evelyn Joughin, Rylee Frederick, Aly Curtis, Tavin Kruse, Addyson Valentine, Jaelyn Thompson, Gracie Snead, Chloe Elliott. Front row: Savanna Miles, Layla Myers, Kylee Grieder, Jaylee Ables, Callie VanBrandt. (Photo courtesy of Morenci Area Schools)

MORENCI — The Morenci varsity softball team will start the season behind the eight ball for a third straight year.

Baseball team enters season with new coach at the helm

April 4, 2026 by Ryan McDowell

Back row: Coach Anthony Pasley, Brenden Hudik, Jonas Castillo, Holden Hutchison, Alex Lauffer, Paul Bongiorno, Damen Casebere, Jayse Dunn, coach Joe Castillo. Front row: Colsen Waltzer, Evan Gould, Blake Moran, Talan Kruse, and manager Lynden Sarnac. (Photo courtesy of Morenci Area Schools)

MORENCI — The Morenci varsity baseball team will begin its season with a new leader at the helm. First year head coach Anthony Pasley inherits a squad that went 11-13 last year on the heels of a one-win season in 2024.

Girls track outlook blends experience and potential

April 4, 2026 by Ryan McDowell

Back row: Coach Jonathan Boesger, Aubrie Sandusky, Saule Amanova, Jordan Ekins, Tessa Zuvers, Brooklynn Slovacek, Emma Williams, Becca Cox, coach Ryan McDowell, coach Krista Stutzman. Front row: Avah Guhl, Jenna Lambes, Hailey Cleveland, Jillian Borton, Jayla McCowen, Lillian Harsh, Abbagail Bauer, Julie Guillen. (Photo courtesy of Morenci Area Schools)

MORENCI — The Morenci girls varsity track program will blend experienced talent with raw potential as head coach Jon Boesger tries to find the winning formula.

Boys track maintains numbers despite graduations

April 4, 2026 by Ryan McDowell

Back row: Coach Ryan McDowell, Noah Zuvers, Mohamed Adow, Brennen Harsh, Kylan Lester, Graysen Perez, coach Jonathan Boesger, coach Krista Stutzman. Front row: Emmanuel DePalma, Hudson Moore, Alex Ferris, Tameem Sarhan, Briar Price, Gabriel Pospisil. (Photo courtesy of Morenci Area Schools)

MORENCI — The Morenci boys track and field team will begin the year with similar numbers to last year but not nearly as much experience.

A four-year journey

March 30, 2026 by Ryan McDowell

Members of the Morenci girls basketball team celebrate with coach Ashley Joughin after securing their third straight regional title with a 44-26 win over Summerfield on March 11. (Photo by Mike Dickie)

EAST LANSING — When the Morenci girls basketball team arrived at the Breslin Center on March 19, it was the culmination of a four-year journey.

The Lady Bulldogs were set to face the Hematites of Ishpeming in a state semifinal game many viewed as a matchup of the two best remaining teams.

City invites public input on forestry plan

March 14, 2026 by Advocate staff

The city of Morenci is seeking public input on the process of developing a long-term forestry management plan. — The city of Morenci is seeking public input on the long-term management plan for trees on public land.

MORENCI — The city of Morenci has released the third draft of its Urban Forestry Management Plan and is inviting community members to review the document and share feedback before it is finalized.

Girls basketball heads into postseason

March 3, 2026 by Ryan McDowell

Evelyn Joughin greets her teammates as the Morenci girls basketball team celebrates Senior Night on Feb. 6. Joughin is one of a strong corps of seniors who helped propel Morenci to a postseason berth and a shot at the Division 4 state championship. (Photo by Heather Walker)

MORENCI — The Morenci girls varsity basketball team will enter 2026 postseason play as one of the top-ranked teams in Division 4 according to the Michigan Power Rating rankings that are used to seed District brackets.