The Morenci Advocate

Morenci hosts regional softball tourney, falls to Manchester to wrap up season

July 20, 2025July 2, 2025 by Ryan McDowell

MORENCI — The Morenci Bulldogs’ season came to an end in the Division 4 regional semifinals with a 6-0 defeat at the hands of a tough Manchester squad.

Middle school athletes represent Morenci at MEGASTAR meet

July 20, 2025July 1, 2025 by Ryan McDowell

Aubrie Sandusky and Jordan Ekins represented Morenci at the 2025 Mid Michigan MEGASTAR meet on June 5 in Shepherd. (Morenci Area Schools)

SHEPHERD — The Morenci Middle School Track and Field team sent two athletes to the Mid Michigan MEGASTAR Meet on June 5 in Shepherd.

Eighth graders Aubrie Sandusky and Jordan Ekins competed in the 800m run and shot put respectively. And both girls saved their best for last.

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.