The Morenci Advocate - Local news for Morenci, Michigan

Morenci won’t increase number of marijuana retail licenses

July 20, 2026 by Erik Gable

Members of the Morenci City Council are pictured during their July 13 meeting.

MORENCI — The Morenci City Council decided unanimously not to change the number of marijuana retail licenses available in the city.

“I personally have not spoken to anybody who’s in favor of adding another license,” said councilor Tess Stiver. She said that’s been the case regardless of where people stand on marijuana use.

At the same time, a proposal to add new types of licensing in the city — specifically, designated consumption establishment licenses and temporary marijuana event licenses — failed to advance.

Teen killed in Medina Township crash

July 4, 2026 by Advocate staff

MEDINA TWP. — Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded on the morning of July 4 to a crash at the intersection of Morey Hwy (M-156) and Medina Road in Medina Township.

Summer Block Party series continues with ’80s night

July 2, 2026 by Advocate staff

The band 56DAZE is the featured entertainment for the July 10 Summer Block Party concert in downtown Morenci.

MORENCI — The Morenci Downtown Development Authority invites the community to break out the neon, tease up their hair, and head downtown for the next Summer Block Party Concert on Friday, July 10, from 6 to 11 p.m.

This month’s theme is ’80s Night, featuring live music, food, costume contests, beer tents, and a fun summer evening in downtown Morenci.

New veterans’ monument to be dedicated July 4

July 2, 2026 by The Morenci Advocate

Pictured with the new monument at Morenci’s Oak Grove Cemetery are Kent Deatrick, Paul Roerig of Fackler Monument, Adam Vereecke, and cemetery sexton Eric Emmons.

MORENCI — More than 80 years ago, Staff Sgt. Robert Deatrick was fighting in the Battle of the Bulge during the final months of World War II.

Soon, his name will be the first to be inscribed on a new veterans’ monument at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Morenci High School celebrates its 190th graduating class

July 2, 2026June 1, 2026 by Erik Gable

Members of the Morenci High School class of 2026 line up to greet their teachers following graduation on May 17 at Henry Geisler Field. (Photos by Erik Gable)

MORENCI — On a breezy spring day at Henry Geisler Field, Morenci’s 190th graduating class said farewell to their high school years and embarked on the next chapter of their lives.

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.