Morenci fifth-graders earn first place at Science Olympiad

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)
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.

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State grant will improve downtown’s landscape

A state grant will assist in the renovation of the former hardware store at 148 W. Main St. in downtown Morenci. (Photo by Erik Gable)
A state grant will assist in the renovation of the former hardware store at 148 W. Main St. in downtown Morenci. (Photo by Erik Gable)

MORENCI — A long-vacant building in downtown Morenci is about to get a new lease on life.

A grant from the state of Michigan’s Revitalization and Placemaking program has been awarded to help rehabilitate and renovate the former hardware store at 148 W. Main St.

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Generations of service

Pictured at Roth Fabricating Inc. are Joel Swett, Lauren Wilson, Jason Wilson, Jim Roth, Jeanie Sarnac, and Shane Sarnac. Roth is holding a photo of himself and his late wife Rita. (Photo by Arlene Bachanov)
Pictured at Roth Fabricating Inc. are Joel Swett, Lauren Wilson, Jason Wilson, Jim Roth, Jeanie Sarnac, and Shane Sarnac. Roth is holding a photo of himself and his late wife Rita. (Photo by Arlene Bachanov)

MORENCI — A humble blacksmith shop in the 1920s provided the roots for a family-run business that has been part of Morenci’s fabric for some 45 years now.

That blacksmith shop’s offshoot opened the door in the 1970s to WR Production Welding, which was owned by Wendell Glaser and operated by James Roth. When that company went bankrupt in 1979, some of its customers asked Roth and his late wife, Rita, if they would open their own related business.

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Past-due water bills on city’s list for 2026

MORENCI — Out of 916 total water accounts with the city of Morenci, 177 are at least six months past due and 56 are at least 12 months past due. Addressing that problem rose to the top of the city council’s priority list for 2026 during a planning session on Dec. 16.

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Cleghorn, Christle, Speiser win Morenci City Council election

MORENCI — Voters elected Gail Cleghorn to the Morenci City Council and returned incumbents Kori Christle and Kandi Speiser to their seats in the Nov. 4 election.

There were five candidates for three seats. The returns reported by the Lenawee County Clerk’s office were:

  • Gail Cleghorn — 242
  • Kori Christle — 164
  • Kandi Speiser — 162
  • Brad Lonis — 147
  • Gary Pfund — 142

Mayor Tracy Schell, was unopposed for re-election and received 283 votes, with eight write-ins.

With 329 ballots cast, turnout in the city of Morenci was just over 17%.

Vote totals are unofficial until reviewed by the Lenawee County Board of Canvassers.

Five candidates running for Morenci City Council

MORENCI — Municipal elections for the city of Morenci will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 4. 

Mayor Tracy Schell is unopposed for re-election. Two incumbents are seeking re-election to the city council, and three additional candidates are vying for a chance to serve. There are three seats up for election this year. 

The candidates are Kori Christle, Gail Cleghorn, Brad Lonis, Gary Pfund, and Kandice Speiser. Christle and Speiser are the incumbents.

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City Hall hours leading up to Election Day

MORENCI — Morenci City Hall will be open for voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4. Residents may register to vote at City Hall during regular office hours, including on Election Day. 

Additionally, City Hall will be open on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to noon for voter registration and absentee ballot submissions.

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Library now accepting donations for book sale

Stair District Library’s used book sale begins Oct. 29.

MORENCI — Stair District Library is now accepting donations during regular library hours for its upcoming used book sale. Donations will be accepted through the back door of the annex; notify library staff first.

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