The Morenci Advocate — April 2025

Live performance helps with revival of Morenci’s historic theater

MORENCI, MICHIGAN

ADVOCATE City prepares to begin work on long-term master plan REGIONAL CHAMPIONS

By Erik Gable

The Morenci Advocate

MORENCI — The city of Morenci will soon begin work on a new master plan to guide the next several years of the city’s development.

“A master plan is a long-term policy document that sets goals to guide the city of Morenci’s evolution and development over the next five to 10 years,” explained city administrator and clerk Jeff Bell. “It is used by local elected officials, city staff, city residents, and others to guide decision-making processes related to land use, development and redevelopment, fulfilling communityidentified goals, housing, economic development, natural and open space stewardship, and more.”

The previous master plan was adopted in 2016, Bell said. It guided a number of the city’s projects over the past several years.

For example, the 2016 master plan called for improvements in municipal parks, such as the Stephenson Park project that’s currently underway.

It also called for selling off vacant city land. Two examples of this, Bell said, are the sale of the old hospital property and the sale of city land on Mill Street to Consumers Energy for a new substation.

A master plan can also be flexible when new information comes to light. One example is that the 2016 plan called for rehabilitating the city’s Emergency Medical Services facility. Upon further study the city ended up deciding it would be better to demolish the existing facility and build a new one. This, too, has been completed.

The city is working with Ann Arborbased planning firm Beckett & Raeder Inc., and intends to engage residents in the process.

Park

Stephenson Park work should wrap up in May

By Erik Gable The Morenci Advocate

MORENCI — Improvements to Stephenson Park, a few blocks south of downtown Morenci, are on track to be completed sometime in May.

The changes include picnic pavilions, new playground equipment, a full-sized basketball court, a new pickleball court, and improved lighting throughout the park.

The lighting upgrades are complete, and the new lights are already on from dusk to dawn.

“If you drive or walk by after dark, you will notice a significant difference,” said Heather Sarnac, the city’s community and economic development director.

As of early April, the concrete pathways were nearly finished and concrete had been poured for the basketball court expansion and the new pickleball court, though workers were waiting on more

consistently warm temperatures before applying the final sports court surface.

The final steps include putting in the new playground equipment and installing the two pavilions and site furnishings such as picnic tables, benches, trash cans, and bike rack.

The parking lot will also be restriped, Sarnac said, and there will be two accessible parking spaces.

See STEPHENSON PARK, page A15

Members of the Morenci girls basketball team celebrate after winning the regional title in a 45-21 victory over Allen

Inter-City Baptist on March 12. A near-perfect regular-season record propelled the Morenci girls to their second straight district and regional championships. PHOTO BY HEATHER WALKER

SEE STORY ON PAGE B1

Introducing the Morenci Advocate ... your new community newspaper

There are some things that just tie a community together.

The public school district. The public library. Community gathering places like restaurants, bars and coffeeshops.

And the local newspaper.

About two years ago, a group of Lenawee County residents began meeting at the Adrian District Library to talk about what we saw as a dangerous lack of local news in our area. We saw the cuts that had been inflicted on our local daily by its corporate owners, and we saw the impact it was having on our community. Many ideas were discussed, but a few of us found ourselves drawn to the idea of starting a brand-new, locally owned print newspaper.

In November 2023, the first issue of the Lenawee Voice was published. In it, we laid out four core goals:

n Promoting civic engagement and volunteerism.

n Increasing citizen involvement in government.

n Strengthening local businesses and institutions.

n Helping people feel more connected to their community.

Our philosophy from the beginning has been that we would not try to be all things to all people, but that we would look for needs in our community and try to meet them. That’s why, after the Lenawee Voice marked its first full year of publication, we began to think about starting a new title in Morenci.

The Lenawee Voice tries to be a countywide newspaper, but our Lenawee County community is made up

FROM THE PUBLISHER

DEBORAH J. COMSTOCK

of many individual communities. Having grown up on my family’s farm in Palmyra Township, I have a deep appreciation for the fact that each of those communities has its own history, its own institutions, and its own unique character.

Morenci was the largest of those communities that did not currently have its own newspaper. We believe that a strong community needs a strong local newspaper, and so we saw both a need and an opportunity.

The result is what you are now holding — the first issue of the Morenci Advocate.

The Advocate will be published once a month, and filled with as much local news as we can manage. Like the Lenawee Voice, it will be free. It will be mailed automatically to every household and business in the 49256 zip code. (For those who live outside of the Morenci zip code, you can still get a copy for free by picking it up at distribution spots like the Stair District Library or Mike’s Pharmacy, or if you would like the convenience of having it mailed to you once a month, we will offer out-of-area mail delivery for $35 per year.)

We will not pretend that we can fill the shoes of the State Line Observer, which

for years had a well-deserved reputation as one of the best community weeklies in the state. But we believe we can make a difference.

We will be a source for reliable community information. We will be a booster for Morenci’s community institutions like the schools, the library, and local businesses.

How can you help? Well, first of all, you can send us your news. We are a pretty small operation — we don’t have an office, a physical newsroom, or even a single full-time employee. We are a grassroots group of citizens working on this project in our spare time. So if there is anything you want to make sure we don’t miss, please email Erik Gable, content director for both of our newspapers, at news@lenaweevoice.com.

If you are a business owner, we hope you will consider advertising with us. Our rates are reasonable, and with automatic distribution to every household in the Morenci zip code, we offer a great platform to reach an engaged audience of local consumers. To learn more about advertising, you can email me at publisher@lenaweevoice.com.

And finally, please support the advertisers who make this newspaper possible! There are 17 different businesses and organizations represented among the advertisers in this first edition. We hope you will do business with them ... and tell them that you saw their ad in the Morenci Advocate.

Thank you for reading!

LOCAL NEWS

An ambulance turns from Sims Highway onto West Coomer Street on March 10, heading toward the EMS facility on Coomer. This stretch of Sims and Coomer is scheduled to be resurfaced this summer, as is the driveway to the EMS garage.

Road work contract awarded to K&B Asphalt

Parts of Coomer, Page, Sims and Summit will be resurfaced this summer

By Erik Gable

The Morenci Advocate

MORENCI — At its March 10 meeting, the Morenci City Council awarded the contract for this summer’s road work projects to K&B Asphalt Sealcoating out of Adrian.

The project includes mill-andoverlay resurfacing on four streets, plus the driveway of the Emergency Medical Services facility on West Coomer Street.

The areas that will be resurfaced are:

n North Summit Street between Coomer and Greely streets.

n Page Street between Coomer and Locust streets.

n Sims Highway between Coomer and Main streets.

n The approximately 325 feet of West Coomer Street that runs from Sims Highway to the EMS facility on Coomer.

n The driveway to the EMS facility itself.

A mill-and-overlay resurfacing is less involved than a complete reconstruction of a road. In this project, a 2-inch layer will be removed from the surface of each street, and then new asphalt will be put down.

In addition, six crosswalks that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act will be installed — three on Page Street, two on Summit, and one on West Main.

K&B Asphalt was the lowest of six bidders for the project at $248,951.

Half of the cost will be paid through a Michigan Department of Transportation grant and the city will pay the other half, city administrator and clerk Jeff Bell said.

In his report to the city council, Bell noted that the project cost is less than originally anticipated. He said this is a good sign, as it means there will be more street funds to work with as the city begins planning projects for the next fiscal year.

The work is scheduled for July and August.

News tips and press releases can be emailed to news@lenaweevoice.com. To be considered for each month’s issue, submissions should be sent by the 15th of the month before.

Morenci schools seek bond issue to pay for facility improvements

Proposal is designed to not increase the district’s current tax rate

By Erik Gable The Morenci Advocate

MORENCI — The Morenci school district is asking voters to extend the district’s current bond levy out for a maximum of 30 years. The extension would raise $17.4 million to pay for upgrades at both the elementary and middle/high school buildings.

The bond proposal will go before voters on May 6. All district residents, regardless of whether they live in the city or a township, will vote at Morenci City Hall.

In 2024, the district levied 7.96 mills for bond repayment. Superintendent

Jennifer Ellis said the district’s most recent bond issue is on track to be repaid in 2028, so new bonds for the needed improvements can be rolled into the current millage without increasing residents’ tax bills.

To come up with a comprehensive facilities plan, the district enlisted the help of Kingscott, a Michigan-based architecture, engineering and design firm, and general contractor Clark Construction. They did a complete facilities assessment that identified about $38 million worth of projects.

Wanting to come up with a plan that would not require raising taxes, district staff then started to work on narrowing that list down.

“We held three different opportunities for the community to come in, look over the list of projects, and note the things

that they felt were a high priority,” Ellis said.

Ellis and the district’s facilities and communications directors also visited the senior center and a Kiwanis Club meeting to talk about the project and gather feedback about priorities.

Safety and security

One project involves secure entryways at both buildings. The middle/high school building has a secure entryway that isn’t laid out very efficiently, while the elementary building doesn’t have a secure entry lobby at all.

“Right now when you enter the building, you’re right into the building — you’re not in an office area or a vestibule,” Ellis said.

See BOND VOTE, page A15

Petitions for city elections must be turned in by April 22

MORENCI — The position of mayor and three city council seats will be on the ballot in November, and people interested in running for one of those city offices have until April 22 to file nominating petitions.

Mayor Tracy Schell told the Morenci Advocate that she plans to run for reelection.

The three council terms that expire this year are for the seats currently held by Kori Christle, David Lonis, and Kandice Speiser.

Christle and Speiser are running for re-election, and Lonis is not.

As of March 10, five people had taken out petitions for the three city council seats, and only one petition had been taken out for mayor.

In order to be eligible, candidates must have lived in the city for one full year as of the November election. Nominating petitions must have the signatures of at least 25 registered voters in the city. Petitions are available at city hall.

The city council typically meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of the month.

Morenci receives marijuana tax revenue from state

MORENCI — The Michigan Department of Treasury recently distributed funds from taxes on recreational marijuana.

A portion of the revenue from these taxes is distributed every year to counties and municipalities that have marijuana retailers. The city of Morenci received $291,143 from marijuana taxes collected during the state’s 2024 fiscal year. This money is incorporated into the city’s operating budget, where it helps to fund emergency services, roads, water and sewer projects, and other services.

Day.

All Hometown Heroes banner spots spoken for

MORENCI — Community and economic development director Heather Sarnac reported to the city council that all of the spots for the city’s Hometown Heroes banner program have been reserved.

The program gives residents a way to honor veterans and current servicemembers with 18-inch by 36inch banners that are displayed on light poles along Main, North, Orchard, and Baker streets downtown. The banners are expected to be installed the week before Memorial Day.

The program started in 2023. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Morenci American Legion.

New leader takes the reins of Morenci Town & Country Festival

By Gayle Hazelbaker The Morenci Advocate

MORENCI — Morenci’s Town & Country Festival has been around off and on for over 40 years. It began in 1980 with an amazing number of events all held in two days. In 1983, the festival moved to three days to better accommodate all the fun. The festival ceased after 1987 due to a lack of volunteers, but was resurrected after much planning and fundraising.

It takes a great deal of time and energy to plan and execute a fun, engaging festival for the entire community to enjoy. No one knows that better than this year’s chairperson, Sue Snyder.

Snyder has a long history of serving her community through hard work and volunteering. In addition to having been the chairperson for approximately seven years before Bill Foster took over, Snyder was very active in the elementary school PTO serving as president and vice president. She also served as an Odyssey of the Mind Coach and volunteered in the elementary school HOSTS mentoring program, as well as being involved in 4-H and Little League.

Originally from Adrian, Snyder has made her home in Morenci for more than 30 years. Her sons Jeffrey and

Michael were raised here and graduated from Morenci High School. While living and volunteering in the community, Snyder worked for the Department on Aging for 25 years. She left her position there in December 2021.

Snyder had not been involved in the festival for about 10 to 12 years after handing the reins to Bill Foster. “After his sudden passing, I decided ... I would like to take it over, if the city agreed,” Snyder said.

She continued, “I threw my hat in the ring, and they approved it. It meant a lot that they trusted me with such a big event. So, I am hoping I can make the city proud.”

The biggest challenge starting out this year, Snyder reports, is a lack of funds. They are holding several fundraisers to boost the coffers. All the events, like the fireworks and the carnival company require down payments. The city has provided the necessary funds to cover those, but the festival committee is required to reimburse them.

The committee recently held a popcorn sale fundraiser as well as a “sip and paint” class. Upcoming events include a Daddy/Daughter Dance on April 25. Anyone who would like to donate towards the cost of the festival without participating in a fundraiser is encouraged to drop off a check at

city hall and let them know it is for the festival. The folks in the city offices will be certain the donation makes it to the appropriate person.

Another challenge Snyder and her committee face is overcoming the disappointment of last year’s festival when the carnival company backed out at the last minute. Many of the festival goers were upset that the traditional fair rides were missing.

“We do have a carnival company this year and there will be rides,” Snyder said. Snyder feels positive the community will be pleased about this year’s festival.

“The city is updating the electricity at the park which will allow us to have a few more vendors and merchants,” she reported.

When asked about the future of the Town & Country Festival, Snyder replied, “I am hoping very much that the festival will grow over the years to come. I have an amazing committee and they all have some wonderful ideas ... I am hoping that we can make the festival a great place for the people of our city to gather and bring their kids to have a good time.”

The Morenci Town & Country Festival is scheduled for May 29-31. For more information and updates, follow the Morenci Town & Country Festival on Facebook.

Blissfield man arrested in Morenci after sting; officer commended for handling of situation

MORENCI — A Blissfield man was arrested on March 8 after allegedly trying to meet up with an underage girl in a sting operation set up by two citizen groups, Bikers Against Predators and Michigan Predator Exposure.

Jeremiah Richard Beagle, 47, faces two felony charges of soliciting a child for immoral purposes and using the internet to commit a crime. A pretrial hearing is set for April 23 in Lenawee County Circuit Court.

According to court documents, Beagle is accused of exchanging messages online with a decoy impersonating a 14-year-old girl and arranging to meet up with her in Morenci. When he arrived, he was met by a representative of Bikers Against Predators.

The organization streamed the meeting on Facebook Live.

MORENCI — The purchase of a new ambulance was approved at the March meeting of the Morenci City Council.

But don’t expect to see it on the streets anytime soon. The lengthy turnaround time for a new ambulance — about 18 months — means that the ambulance isn’t expected to be delivered until the second half of 2026.

The city council’s approval of the purchase follows a recommendation by

The representative provided a Morenci police officer with messages between Beagle and the decoy in which Beagle allegedly discussed her virginity and sexual experiences, talked about his desire to have sex with her, sent her a picture of his genitals, and expressed a desire to meet her and her 11-year-old sister.

According to the officer’s statement, Beagle admitted that he thought he was talking with an underage girl, and nodded when he was asked if he had sent her explicit photographs and discussed his sexual intentions toward her.

At the March 10 Morenci City Council meeting, council members commended Officer Logan Edmondson for his professional handling of the situation.

“I think he represented the Morenci Police Department very, very, very well,” council member Jerome Bussell said.

the EMS Advisory Board, which includes representatives from the city of Morenci, Medina and Seneca townships, and Chesterfield Township in Ohio.

The ambulance will have a Chevrolet K-3500 chassis with 6.6-liter V8 gas motor and a 4x4 drivetrain. The cost came in at $276,478, which is less than the originally budgeted amount of $300,000. It will be purchased from Medix Specialty Vehicles of Elkhart, Indiana.

Gorham-Fayette Fire Department seeking part-time paramedics

FAYETTE, Ohio — The GorhamFayette Fire Department is seeking qualified paramedics for part-time staffing of its Advanced Life Support ambulance service.

The department covers Gorham and Franklin townships and the village of Fayette.

Anyone interested in more information can call 419-237-2716.

A sting operation that led to a Blissfield man’s arrest was streamed on Facebook by the organization Bikers Against Predators.

Also at the March 10 meeting, on the recommendation of fire chief Brad Lonis, the city council approved hiring Tyler Sanders as a part-time firefighter.

An example of the Hometown Heroes banners that will be hung downtown just before Memorial

Lenawee County residents can sign up for property fraud alerts by going to propertyfraudalert.com/MILenawee or calling 800-728-3858.

Lenawee County residents can sign up for property fraud alerts

ADRIAN — Homeowners in Lenawee County can now sign up to receive free alerts if fraudulent deeds or mortgages are filed that affect their property.

The threat of mortgage fraud and identity theft crimes continue to rise, and in many cases, victims aren’t even aware that their homes or identities have been stolen.

One form of property fraud is when a criminal steals a person’s identity and then uses that information to transfer the victim’s real estate into their own name.

According to the FBI, deed fraud often involves identity theft where criminals will use personal information gleaned from the internet or elsewhere to assume a person’s identity or claim to represent them. They can then sell the property or take out a mortgage on it, and the victim can end up having to go to court to prove that they own their own home.

It’s a growing problem in Michigan and elsewhere. In Wayne County, for example, more than 2,300 property fraud cases have been opened since 2005. Last year, the Legislature passed and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bills that make filing fraudulent real estate documentation punishable by three to 10 years imprisonment and up to $5,000 in fines.

Locally, property fraud alerts are offered through the Lenawee County Register of Deeds. The service is available in both English and Spanish. To sign up, go to propertyfraudalert.com/MILenawee or call 800-728-3858.

Bellino bill aims to let local governments act faster on road projects

LANSING — State Sen. Joe Bellino (R-Monroe) has introduced a bill that he said would allow local governments to respond to minor road issues more quickly.

Currently, local governments must go through a competitive bidding process for any project exceeding $100,000. That amount was set in 1951. Bellino’s proposal, Senate Bill 150, would raise the threshold, meaning that local governments would not have to go through a competitive bid process for any project of $250,000 or less.

“The current threshold has not been increased to keep up with inflation and has greatly reduced the ability of local road agencies to respond with timely solutions to minor issues,” Bellino said. “The quicker these kinds of road problems can be addressed, the better it is for both drivers and taxpayers.”

Bellino’s district includes all of Lenawee County.

Sheriff’s department items get county commission approval

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — The Lenawee County Commission on March 27 approved the purchase and installation of a backup HVAC system for the county dispatch center, at an estimated cost of $37,425.

According to Sheriff Troy Bevier, the dispatch system in the sheriff’s office is inconsistent and unreliable.

In June 2024, Bevier stated in a report to the commission, a breakdown that took several days to repair resulted in temperatures inside the dispatch center being in the 80s for six days.

“When [the HVAC system] goes down, they have to run fans in there,” said commissioner David Aungst (R-Rollin Twp.). “It gets really hot., and of course fans bring noise. It’s very important that they have an HVAC system that is working properly. They’re in there 24/7.”

The commission also approved a fiveyear contract with Whelen Engineering for a cloud-based system that helps monitor patrol vehicles. The cost is $6,120 per year for 17 vehicles. For the past three years, Lenawee County has been a test site for Whelen’s platform, and Capt. Jake Pifer told commissioners the system has been working very well.

County commission to look at restarting its funding of Lenawee Now

By Erik Gable

The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Three years after Lenawee County pulled its financial support of the economic development organization Lenawee Now, the county commission has formed a committee to look into the possibility of resuming that funding.

The action was taken on March 27. Following a request from commission chair Jim Van Doren (R-Tipton), the board voted 6-3 in favor of creating the committee. The group will consist of commission vice chair Dustin Krasny (R-Onsted), ways and means committee chair Kevon Martis (R-Riga), and county administrator Kim Murphy.

“They’re the premier economic development organization in Lenawee County and they’re pretty well recognized throughout the state and nationally,” said Van Doren, who was Lenawee Now’s executive director before his election to the county commission in 2022.

Much of the debate revolved around the same question as when the county pulled its funding three years ago — whether the audited financial statements that Lenawee Now publishes are adequate for taxpayers to know their money is being spent well.

Commissioner David Stimpson (R-Tecumseh) said that without more details, “it’s a nonstarter for my district. They want to know where the money from the taxpayers is going.”

“Show where the money from the taxpayers is going, how it’s being spent, how it’s being cycled through, so they understand what they’re spending it on,” Stimpson said. “But if they don’t do that it just raises more questions for me, and it should for all of you.”

Martis spoke in support of Lenawee Now, saying that even though the county is no longer funding the organization, its staff has been helpful anytime he’s needed help with economic development work.

“They’re always there and they’re always available,” he said.

Martis said that if getting more financial details from Lenawee Now is a “bedrock principle,” it should have come up during the years that the county was funding the organization before 2022. He suggested that the decision to pull funding was retribution for Lenawee Now’s lack of support for Project Phoenix, which was a proposal to build a recreation complex on the site of the former Tecumseh Products factory.

“The audit was never an issue until there was a sudden vote out of the blue

to defund Lenawee Now, directly in response to them coming out having serious questions about the viability of Project Phoenix,” Martis said.

Commissioner Terry Collins (R-Adrian) disagreed with calling the 2022 decision “out of the blue,” and he said it sounds like the two commissioners being named to the committee have already decided to support funding for Lenawee Now.

“We’re hearing those people who are going to be on this committee sounding to me like they’re already committed,” he said. “They’ve already made their mind up what they’re going to do. Why the hell are we having this committee?”

Voting to establish the committee were Krasny, Martis, Van Doren, David Aungst (R-Rollin Twp.), Beth Blanco (R-Dover Twp.), and Jim Daly (D-Adrian).

Voting no were Collins, Stimpson, and Ralph Tillotson (R-Adrian Twp.).

In a statement provided to the Lenawee Voice after the vote, Lenawee Now executive director Pat Farver said that “we are happy to have discussions with the county on how we can help improve economic development in our county.” However, he also said that “for them to want to single us out to require more information than they require from any of the other entities they fund is not right.”

Evening meetings discussed

The county commission’s March 27 meeting took place in the evening, for the first time in about four years. The commission normally meets on Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m.

The evening time slot drew praise from some residents who spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting.

“I can’t tell you how nice it is to come to a commissioners’ meeting in the evening,” Tecumseh resident Sandie Brissette said. “Thank you. Thank you so much for listening to us. This gives the public a chance to see what it is that you do.”

The commission’s next three meetings will be on its usual schedule, the second Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. However, there will be an evening meeting on Thursday, June 26, at 6 p.m., Van Doren said.

The commission meets on the second floor of the old county courthouse, 301 N. Main St., Adrian. The meeting schedule, meeting agendas, and recordings of past meetings can be found by going to lenawee.mi.us and clicking on “Meeting materials.”

Joe Bellino

Members of the Lenawee County Commission are pictured during their March 27 meeting.

Pictured working on challenges during the TriCounty Science Olympiad on March 4 are, at left, fifth-grader Ava Scivoletto, and at right, thirdgraders Brayden Scivoletto and Bensyn Sanders.

Elementary school students take part in Science Olympiad

ADRIAN — The excitement of discovery and hands-on learning took center stage at the annual Tri-County Elementary Science Olympiad, where young minds competed in a series of engaging scientific challenges. The event, designed for students in third through fifth grades, featured 24 unique competitions that tested their problemsolving skills, creativity, and scientific knowledge. It took place on March 4 at Siena Heights University.

Each year the Tri-County Elementary Science Olympiad fosters a spirit of exploration and friendly competition while giving students the opportunity to showcase their skills in a supportive environment.

From testing hypotheses to working together as a team, participants gained valuable skills that will serve them well beyond the competition.

Overall team awards were given by grade level. The top three teams for third grade were: first place, Adrian Alexander; second place, Adrian Lincoln; and third place, Clinton. In the fourthgrade division, first place was awarded to Hillsdale, second place to Clinton, and third place to Tecumseh. Rounding out the team awards for fifth grade, first place went to Hillsdale, second place to Morenci, and third place to Clinton.

Morenci Elementary School’s fifth-grade team placed second in their division at the Tri-County Elementary Science Olympiad. In the top row from left to right are Logan Gierucki, Nash Ekins, Amelia Harsh, Liam Overmyer, and teacher Andi Rorick. In the second row are Luke Myers, Lynden Sarnac, Ava Scivoletto, and Nolan Craig. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE LISD

D.A.R. CHAPTER PRESENTS GOOD CITIZEN HONORS

Wyatt Berger, who represented Morenci at the State FFA Convention through his course at the LISD Tech Center, earned a Gold award in Environmental Services & Natural Resources. He also was awarded his State FFA Degree. The State FFA Degree is awarded by state associations and is open to members in 11th grade or higher who are involved in chapter leadership, statelevel activities and community service.

Kiwanis Club accepting new purchases for Flag Project

MORENCI — There’s still time to become part of the Morenci Kiwanis Club’s Flag Project for 2025.

For $35 per year, city residents can sign up to have an American flag set out in front of their homes on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Veterans Day. Labor Day flags will remain in place through 9/11.

The Morenci Kiwanis Club will place a PVC plastic sleeve in the ground near the front curb of any resident who signs up. Kiwanians will put a flag on a 10-foot pole into the sleeve for each of those holidays. People who live outside the city limits can purchase a spot along the edge of Wakefield Park for a flag to be displayed.

The Kiwanis Club clears all locations with the MISS DIG program to prevent any damage to underground utilities, and also will ensure that the plastic sleeve does not rise above the surface of the ground where it could become a hazard to lawn equipment.

Proceeds from the Flag Project will help fund Kiwanis Club programs that benefit young people in the community.

Anyone who would like to know more about the Kiwanis Club or the flag project can stop by the Village Inn any Wednesday at noon and ask any Kiwanian.

Payments for the flag project may be sent to: Morenci Kiwanis Club PO Box 84

Morenci, MI 49256

The Lucy Wolcott Barnum chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution honored eight high school seniors through its Good Citizen program on March 8. DAR created the Good Citizen program in 1934 to honor high school seniors who demonstrate the qualities of leadership, service, dependability, and patriotism. Recipients are chosen by their respective high schools. Pictured from left to right are Erika Rae Meckley (Sand Creek), Nevaeh Parish (Madison), Lillian Helinski (Onsted), Madeline Cole (Blissfield), Lila Brighton (Adrian), Makayla Neiman (Morenci), who was also the the Lucy Wolcott Barnum Chapter Scholarship Essay winner, and Olivia Speelman (Addison). Not available for the photo was Rita Marogi (Tecumseh). PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LUCY WOLCOTT BARNUM CHAPTER, DAR

A new dining spot in downtown Lyons

By Erik Gable The Morenci Advocate

LYONS, Ohio — When longtime restaurateur Faten Sweidan walked through the former K’s Fine Food and Drink last year, she was just looking to buy some equipment.

She ended up buying the restaurant. And now, downtown Lyons has a new option for anyone who’s looking for a good meal.

Sweidan’s new restaurant, Faten’s Lyons Den, opened in November at 117 N. Adrian St., right in the heart of downtown Lyons.

The restaurant is new to Lyons, but its owner is not new to the restaurant business.

“I’ve been in the restaurant business for 38 years,” said Sweidan, who also owns the U.S. 20 Diner, about two miles south of town.

However, fans of the U.S. 20 Diner will find that the new restaurant is worth a visit too — because while the commitment to good-quality, fresh-made food is the same, the menu is completely different.

Sweidan’s daughter, Rema Escobar, developed the menu and does most of the cooking. She said they kept many items that were popular with K’s Fine Food patrons, and added some new features too.

The sweet whitefish stayed on the menu, as did the prime rib — although Escobar developed her own au jus sauce to serve with it. Meanwhile, they started offering homemade mashed potatoes as a side, and added a smash burger and a lot of wraps.

Soups are also popular, and — like everything else — are made fresh. The varieties include potato, cheddar broccoli, creamy mushroom, and a lasagna soup that’s basically like lasagna in a bowl. The most popular soup on the menu is french onion.

“Almost every table on Friday night or Saturday night, at least one person gets it,” Sweidan said.

The restaurant started out with a limited menu when it opened and is transitioning to a full menu, adding things like a patty melt, pork loin dinner, a swiss mushroom bacon burger, a fish sandwich, and a variety of salads and wraps.

One favorite item is Rema’s Famous Chicken Bowl, which is fried chicken chunks, buttered corn, gravy, and cheese, all served on a bed of mashed potatoes.

They also have desserts, including cheesecake, carrot cake, peach cobbler. and a variety of homemade pies, including blueberry, cherry, coconut, banana, and peanut butter.

“I think the peanut butter is the favorite,” Escobar said.

The new restaurant is very much a family operation. One of Escobar’s brothers, Kaise Sweidan, who owns Quality Masonry, did the new stonework on the bar. And her youngest brother, Hussam, works at the restaurant on weekends.

Since opening in mid-November, the response from the community has been excellent.

“Oh my goodness, we had a full house,” Escobar said, recalling their first day open.

“Everybody was happy to come in,” Sweidan added. “They couldn’t wait.”

Faten’s Lyons Den can seat approximately 100 people, about 40 of them in a separate dining room that is also available for private rentals.

For more information, call the restaurant at 419-923-0072 or search for Faten’s Lyons Den on Facebook.

New owner of North Street Pub settling into the community

By Erik Gable

Morenci Advocate

MORENCI — It wasn’t all that long ago that Tony Muzzi had never even heard of Morenci.

But now, he couldn’t be happier to be here.

Muzzi is the new owner of the former Flats Pub at 113 North St., newly renamed the North Street Pub after a community contest that ended just before Christmas. For the past 12 years he had worked at The Whitney, a fine dining establishment on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. He was general manager for the last eight of those years, and he recalls that he would do 30,000 steps in a three-piece suit on a Saturday night.

But that’s not what he really wanted in life.

“I always wanted to own a small-town, community-driven dive bar,” Muzzi said. “That’s been a goal of mine for 10 years.”

Being a dive bar, Muzzi said, is nothing to be ashamed of.

“When I say ‘dive bar,’ I mean a comeas-you-are, everybody’s welcome, no judgment, unpretentious watering hole,” he said.

The journey that led Muzzi to Morenci started with an internet search. He was looking for bars for sale in Michigan, and when the Pub came up, he discovered that it has everything he wanted. It was already established, with an existing clientele. It wasn’t too far from his family, especially his aunt’s house in Pinckney that is the nexus of many family gatherings. And it even had an apartment upstairs that he could live in. It just seemed perfect — and so did the town. After a few visits to Morenci, Muzzi said, he “just really fell in love with the place.”

So on Oct. 22 of last year, he signed on the dotted line and became the Pub’s new owner.

To get people involved in the future of the bar, he ran a contest to decide on its new name. Along with North Street Pub, the options were “The Pub,” “State Line Pub,” “The Bulldog Pub,” and “The

Low Places Pub.” Customers got one vote for every drink they bought, and by the time the contest ended a few days before Christmas, more than 3,000 votes had been cast.

Though the name is new, Muzzi notes that he really didn’t set out to change very much. He didn’t need to, because he came into an operation that was already popular and well-run, with a good staff in place.

The North Street Pub’s menu includes burgers, sandwiches, wings, salads, and appetizers. Two of the most popular items are “The Pub’s Famous Billy Bones” — fried breadsticks dusted with garlic salt and served with nacho cheese — and “Marsha’s Famous Gizzards.” Regular entertainment includes trivia, karaoke, and Name That Tune.

In the months since Muzzi moved to town, he’s been getting to know the community — and also getting involved. He recently joined the Downtown Development Authority board, and he has been hired to coach varsity and middle school cross country in the fall. He is also working on organizing a summer concert series outside the pub, with concerts on the second Friday of June, July and August.

The North Street Pub can be reached by phone at 517-458-6469, and updates are posted to its Facebook page, facebook. com/NorthStreetPubMorenci.

A version of this story previously appeared in the February 2025 issue of the Lenawee Voice.

Rema Escobar and Faten Sweidan operate Faten’s Lyons Den at 117 N. Adrian St. in Lyons, Ohio.

PHOTO BY ERIK GABLE

The

Tony Muzzi is the new owner of Morenci’s downtown pub, now called the North Street Pub. PHOTO BY ERIK GABLE

PUZZLE RACE

By David Green

The Morenci Advocate

There were seven teams of four people each, one team per table at Morenci’s Stair District Library Annex. Excitement was building as 11 o’clock neared.

Suddenly a man stood and began yelling a chant. If asked, he would say it was a ritual his team always performs before competition.

“We are Team Puzzled, hear us roar! (growling follows)

Yes, we are Team Puzzled and we number just four (counting one, two, three, four).

If we’re the winners, bow down to the floor!

And if we lose just show us to the door” (followed by a weaker growl).

I’m embarrassed to say that I was the man who stood and made a fool of himself, but my cheer delivered the perfect boost of energy to teammate Malaika. She was barely able to contain her enthusiasm at that point. The other teams? They were just left puzzled.

This was the library’s first-ever Puzzle Race. March 1, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prizes. Trophies. Food. Heartbreak.

“We always have a community puzzle going at the library that everyone is welcome to work on,” said Stair District Library director Colleen Leddy. “I heard about puzzle competitions at a library conference and thought it would be a fun community event.”

Each team had an identical 500-piece jigsaw puzzle to solve. The first team to finish received an enormous trophy—one of our daughters’ piano awards repurposed with Winnie the Pooh puzzle pieces hot-glued on to cover the original trophy. Second and third place received former track and Equations team trophies. These trophies are on loan and must be returned for next year’s competition.

The puzzle boxes were unopened and lay in the middle of each table inside a paper bag. Each team had a pair of scissors to help with opening the box. When the starting time finally arrived, the command was given to begin.

Some teams experienced difficulty right from the start. The paper bag opened easily, but the puzzle box

Hands up! When 1 p.m. arrived, contestants were

ended. Clockwise from the

was a little more challenging. Dexterity diminishes with age. The average age of my team was probably about 64. One team to the south must have been closer to 81.

DAVID GREEN

We finally had it opened and frantically began turning pieces right side up. We had been given paper plates for sorting and Malaika was going for the red pieces while Pat and Lynette followed suit with other colors.

At the same time we pulled out the straight-edge pieces to get the outer border going. I’m not a puzzler and it became obvious in the first few minutes that I was destined to become the least productive member of our team. Lynette insisted that she was that person, but that’s not correct.

This was not an easy puzzle. It’s a very attractive picture, but it certainly provided a challenge. The puzzle shows a lovely tree design in celebration of the city’s downtown tree planting grant and the associated library programs.

“I’m no puzzler so I chose the puzzle based on the tree of life design and the beautiful colors,” Leddy said. “I had no idea it would be so hard!”

It seemed to take us forever to get the border finished, but looking around the room I saw that other teams were in a similar position. Well, maybe not the Hollstein team to the north. Those cheaters had two team members in their 20s. And there was a team over to the northwest with a boy in ninth grade and his friend in eighth!

I wasn’t completely worthless. I contributed to completing the outer edge, but then I was stymied. At least 300 pieces out of 500 looked about the same. I tried to find some matches and every few minutes I succeeded. I felt as though I had done my job but it wasn’t even noon. I checked out the refreshments. Rejoining my team, I glanced at Team Hollstein and winced. I got back to work.

At 12:35 Team Hollstein announced completion. Finally it was time to count

What’s the secret for Team Hollstein? (Average age 38.75.)

“We started out by splitting up the puzzle into edge pieces and the inside pieces by color,” said Mary Margaret Gallup. Sure, but doesn’t everyone do that?

“And then we all started working on our own section or color,” she added.

“It’s not like we had a plan going in and we really didn’t talk about it when we were there. We kind of just did it automatically.”

So, they’re just naturals. They also discovered the large photo of the completed puzzle that was tucked inside each box. Team Puzzled never

the remaining pieces and see who takes second and third place. No? We have to continue working until 1 p.m.? This was torture. This was hard work.

At 1 p.m., no other team had completed the puzzle so leftover pieces were counted to determine second and third place. With the presentation of trophies underway and the posing for photos, the crowd had cleared out from the food area. Time for lunch. Ah yes, that’s why I signed up for puzzle day.

noticed that helpful aid until late in the process.

Team Hollstein had one other advantage: the kids’ mother insisted that no one was leaving the table until the puzzle was complete.

The Hollstein teammates were Mary Margaret’s brother Edward, sister Barbara and mother, Pam.

The second-place team — Kelley Burrow, Zac Burrow, Courtney Burrow and Michelle Johnson — averaged 47.5 years and the third-place squad — Jan Emmons, Melissa Christenson, Harrison Sarnac and Luke Meckley — came through as the youngest at 37.25 years.

ordered to get their hands off the table. The competition had

bottom left are Zac Burrow, Courtney Burrow, Kelley Burrow and Michelle Johnson. The team placed second. PHOTOS BY

Clockwise from the bottom left, Cecil Schoonover, Sybil Diccion, Lois Speed and Pat Schoonover look for matching pieces.

Mary Margaret Gallup, Pam Hollstein, Barbara Hollstein and Edward Hollstein with the completed puzzle.

High school students attend state leadership conference

MORENCI — Six Morenci High School students attended a state leadership conference put on by the Michigan Associations of Student Councils and Honor Societies (MASC/MAHS) from Feb. 22-24 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids.

The students who attended were Elise Christle, Rebecca Cox, Zoey Martinez, Makayla Nieman, Chelsea Pierce, and Emily Zuvers.

Middle school and high school principal Jonathan Miller said students applied to attend the conference and were chosen based on the quality of their applications and their leadership skills.

The three-day event included Student Showcase presentations, the Michigan Student Voice keynote presentation competition, speakers, student mixers, and awards presentations.

Author, letterpress artist to speak at Morenci library on May 6

By David Green

The Morenci Advocate

MORENCI — Learn about the power of the press when Michigan Notable Book author Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. visits Morenci’s Stair District Library.

Kennedy will speak at the library at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 6.

The Louisiana native is the author of the book “Citizen Printer,” which shows works from his Kennedy Prints poster shop in Detroit.

“I print posters for the masses,” Kennedy has said, noting that posters are an aggressive form of art that’s too loud to ignore.

Kennedy uses handset wooden and metal type (letterpress printing) to produce colorful posters that are often inspired by sayings, proverbs and quotes.

“I call for a better world through the power of the poster,” Kennedy says in his book. “I use printing to express Negro culture.”

Black printing started in the 1800s when pamphlets called for the end of enslavement. Later in the century the Black press exposed mob violence in the South.

In the 20th century, placards were printed to protest the discrimination of Jim Crow laws. In the 1960s, Black printing helped the civil rights movement flourish.

“I go back to that legacy,” Kennedy said. “I decided to devote my energies to reintroducing letterpress printing into Negro culture.”

The Library of Michigan’s annual Notable Books program honors up to 20 books published in the previous year that demonstrate the state’s cultural, historical and literary history.

This year’s selections range from fly fishing to the MC5 rock band, from Detroit autoworkers to the Detroit Lions. There are also several novels and a collection of northern Michigan recipes.

Kennedy is the 13th Notable Books author to visit Morenci. Past visitors were:

n Steve Amick, 2006, “The Lake, the River and the Other Lake.”

n Tyree Guyton, 2008, “Connecting the Dots: Tyree Guyton’s Heidleberg Project.”

n Michael Rosenberg, 2009, “War as They Knew It: Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler, and America in a Time of Unrest.”

n Steve Luxemburg, 2010, “Annie’s Ghosts.”

n Steve Lehto, 2011, “Chrysler’s Turbine Car: the rise and fall of Detroit’s coolest creation.”

n Anthony Youn, 2012, “In Stitches: a memoir.”

n Benjamin Busch, 2013, “Dust to Dust: A Memoir.”

n Josh Malerman, 2015, “Bird Box.”

n Alexander Weinstein, 2017, “Children of the New World.”

n Michael Gustafson and Oliver Uberti, 2019, “Notes from a Public Typewriter.”

n Dave McVeigh and Jim Bolone, 2022, “The Dock Porter.”

n Janie Paul, 2024, “Making Art in Prison: Survival and Resistance.”

Morenci High School students Rebecca Cox, Zoey Martinez, Emily Zuvers, Makayla Nieman, Elise Christle, and Chelsea Pierce represented Morenci at a state leadership conference in Grand Rapids in February.

Tales from a tree trimmer

By David Green The Morenci Advocate

MORENCI — Retired tree trimmer

Peter Fallot said he’s always enjoyed climbing trees, and he remembers falling out of one only once. But that was long before he started working in the tree care business.

Fallot spoke March 27 at Morenci’s Stair District Library as part of a continuing series of tree-related programs in 2025. The programming is a celebration of the city of Morenci winning a Michigan DNR grant for planting downtown trees and providing training for tree care.

Fallot figures he was about 10 years old when he fell.

“I was playing tag with a gang of guys in some sugar maples and you couldn’t touch the ground,” he recalled. “I was going backwards with someone on a limb to get away from this kid and it broke off. The back of the other kid’s head broke my nose.”

He took his love of trees with him when he moved to Seattle and started a 47-plus-year career in tree work. For 18 years he trimmed fruit trees in the Yakima valley, along with some logging and other work.

He learned to bring down large trees with a two-man saw and a partner on the other end.

“That’s the best way to learn,” he said. “It’s so much slower. You have that long bar and you can get things really accurate. You could talk to each other without the chainsaw noise. It was nice and quiet, along with the rhythm of axes. It was a good time.”

Fallen trees were often skidded out by horses.

Climbing with ropes was a whole new adventure. An audience member asked if he was frightened by it.

“Yeah, the first time. It was very memorable. I love heights. I’ve climbed all my life since I was a little guy. You learn to control your fear. This thing here,” he said — referring to speaking in front of an audience — “that’s scarier than climbing.”

“I learned to climb with a friend of mine in Seattle. We bought some crummy old climbing gear from Goodwill to start with.”

A climber leaves his equipment on the ground, rises into a tree using a body rope and then settles into a saddle to begin work. A helper on the ground attaches a saw to a rope that’s pulled up and the work begins.

Fallot was asked about the tallest tree that he’s brought down.

“Probably a series of four Douglas firs in a yard in Seattle that were 120 to 140 feet,” he said. “I had to start by cutting a ‘Christmas tree’ off the top and dropping it on what looked like a hanky down below on the dirt. Then repeat it on the next one.”

Most conifer trees produce a circle of branches every year — you can sometimes count their age that way — but the Douglas fir is different.

“Doug firs grow branches in a whirl that sort of produces a staircase,” he said. “I remember a tree that was the right age where I could walk all the way to the top of the tree.”

Were there ever any frightening situations?

“Sure, but as the years go by you learn the one important thing is to never lie to yourself,” he said. “You’ve got something difficult and you’re 60 feet up and you have to make the top of the tree do what you want it to do, and

maybe it’s standing too straight without any lean to it.

“If you say, ‘Well, I think it will go right,’ that’s the wrong thing to say because you’re tied in and you can’t run away. You have to take what comes.”

Fallot was asked if he was good at geometry with the angles needed to consider.

“A lot of that comes with experience, but yeah, I love geometry. I love trigonometry. We’re math people because of that lady there,” he said, pointing to his sister Lana Taylor, a retired mathematics professor.

Eventually Fallot moved back to the Midwest and started his own tree service. He was always insured — and urged audience members to hire an insured trimmer — but he didn’t file many claims.

“I broke two windows and a limb took a bad bounce and knocked someone’s air conditioner off the house. I was very fortunate.”

He had some injuries over the years, including one significant incident in 1993.

“I passed a rope through my wrist and drove everything that belonged in the wrist into a tree,” he said to the audience’s discomfort. “My hand flopped back on my arm and I was stuck 60 feet in the air on New Year’s Day. But I had a good man on the other end of that rope [Kyle Schaffner].”

Fallot asked for some slack to relieve the pressure. He slapped his hand against his chest and didn’t look at it again. He lowered himself to the ground and lay there in the snow.

The accident led to a significant change in his trimming operation. When he was finally ready to return to work, he was rising in a bucket truck instead of via ropes.

He still did some rope climbing after that, but the bulk of his work was in a bucket. Rope climbing is such a satisfying experience, but a bucket truck makes life a lot easier, he said.

Fallot was asked about encountering animals up in a tree. He said that he once got up to the top of a tree that had broken off.

“I stuck my head over the top and there was a momma coon and all these baby coons.”

They both surprised each other.

“She left her children and skittered off,” he said. “The only animal that yelled back at me was down in Toledo when I was about to bring down a big oak tree and a squirrel jumped out of a hollow at the top. I kept cutting the trunk and the squirrel kept yelling at me. I didn’t know it was a flying

squirrel. I pushed it off and it took off gliding over to the next tree.

“I moved a lot of birds, especially orioles. I’d take their little sock nest and gently move it over to a place on another tree.”

Audience member Evans Bentley said that he had the privilege of accompanying Fallot on a few jobs.

“I appreciated the artistry, knowledge and skill needed to do that kind of work,” he said. “It’s always such a joy to see somebody with such artistry and skill.”

Fallot clearly recalls the day he decided to retire. He started driving to the next tree in an alfalfa field at a slow crawl in his 1969 bucket truck. He was thinking about calling it quits.

“I was 70 years old —”

“Seventy-two,” came the correction from his wife in the audience —

“— and I asked God for a sign ... I just wasn’t feeling it anymore and I didn’t need to keep making money.

“All of a sudden there was a bang! A spring shackle in the back went and the truck was just rocking and rocking.”

That was a good enough sign, he thought. The whole back end had rusted off. There hadn’t been much holding it together at that point.

Fallot always remembered the business advice offered by a contractor on Orcas Island in the Puget Sound: Listen to your client, spend as much time as they want with you. Make eye contact and have the customer be specific about what they want done.

It’s the satisfied customers that made the business addicting, he said.

“It’s about going back to see the folks you worked for before. They always called you and they didn’t call anyone else.”

Did he ever feel badly about cutting a nice tree?

Fallot remembers conflicted feelings while felling virgin timber in the Northwest.

“People need lumber,” he said, “but the audacity of cutting down a 7-foot diameter Doug fir that’s been standing there so long ...”

He’s felt some frustration when a customer wanted a perfectly good tree removed instead of some needed pruning, but it’s often justified because of a building project or because of the nature of the species.

What about stump removal?

“I’m old enough to remember blowing up stumps with dynamite with my dad,” Fallot said. “You could pick it up at the hardware store. You can’t have more fun than that.”

At least not for a 10-year-old kid.

Down Home at the Opera House

FAYETTE, Ohio — A fundraiser for the Fayette Opera House, Down Home at the Opera House and You’re Full of Baloney, will take place on Saturday, April 26. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. with dinner. Opera house board member Ken Thatcher is making his famous homemade bologna, and a meal of fried bologna sandwiches, chips, drinks and pie will be served for a freewill donation. At 7 p.m., the evening’s entertainment will begin, in the form of a country, gospel and bluegrass show by Mike McRobbie and Kirk Beck of Archbold, both frequent performers at the opera house’s Bean Creek Coffee House series. The special guest performer will be Steve Snider, board member for the Fayette Community Fine Arts Council and emcee for Fayette Opera House events.

Tickets to the show are $15, with discounted rates of $12 for seniors (ages 60 and up) and $10 for students.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or by calling 419-237-3111.

The historic Fayette Opera House was built in 1889. After falling into disuse in the mid-20th century, a restoration effort led by the Fayette Community Fine Arts Council resulted in it once again becoming a home for live entertainment. More information is available online at operahouse-fayette.org.

Guest preacher for Palm Sunday

MORENCI — The Rev. William Van Valkenburg will serve as the guest preacher for the Palm Sunday morning worship service at First Congregational Church in Morenci on Sunday, April 13. Van Valkenburg, a Morenci High School graduate, was the pastor of Seneca Community Church for almost 30 years. In 2002, he was instrumental in organizing the Morenci Education Foundation and until recently served as an assistant at the Eagle-Marry and Anderson-Marry funeral homes. He will be preaching on the theme “Everybody Loves A Parade.”

The First Congregational Church is at 104 W. Locust St., Morenci. The service begins at 10:30 a.m., and the public is welcome.

Dispose safely of old medications

MORENCI — Getting rid of unused, unneeded, or expired medications is an important part of keeping your family and community safe from threats such as accidental poisonings — but they need to be disposed of properly in order to protect the environment as well.

The Morenci Police Department offers a year-round drop box for unwanted, unused, or expired medications. This service is available during normal business hours for pillform medications only.

Sharps, medical equipment, and liquids are not accepted. For those types of disposals, residents are encouraged to participate in the countywide Drug Take-Back Day, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital, 5640 N. Adrian Highway, Adrian. Please leave medications in their original containers, but remove or black out any personal information on the label.

Retired tree trimmer Peter Fallot, with some of the tools of the trade behind him, speaks on March 27 at the Stair District Library.

PHOTO BY DAVID GREEN

Rallying around the Rex

Live performance makes a comeback at downtown Morenci’s historic theater

By Arlene Bachanov

The Lenawee Voice

MORENCI — He’s not exactly sure what the title of the movie was that was showing — although he can describe the basics of the plot to this day — but Tim Newsom, owner of Morenci’s Rex Theatre, can point out the very spot in the building where he sat while on his first date.

“I was in eighth grade,” he said.

Newsom, a native of Jackson whose family moved to Morenci when he was 10 years old, saw plenty of films at the Rex in his younger years and always had a fondness for the building.

Located at 235 W. Main St., the Rex was a downtown Morenci icon for almost a century. It opened in 1916 as the Gem and was a vaudeville house and then a movie theater.

But about 15 years ago, movies began the switch from 35 mm film to digital, and many smaller theaters found that the new equipment required to show first-run movies in that format was far too expensive. As time went on, the Rex and many others shut their doors.

And so, back in 2020 after the building had been vacant for more than a decade, Newsom decided to take the plunge and buy it, intending to restore it as a movie theater. He wouldn’t be able to show firstrun films, but he wanted to give people a chance to see some of their older favorites on a big screen again.

Why, besides fond memories of trips to the Rex as a youngster, did Newsom want to go into the theater business — something he knew nothing about?

“Because I’m a damn fool,” he said.

But he had some spare time, had always wanted to run a business, “and I like fixing stuff.”

That latter fact was a good thing, because the building needed extensive repair and renovation, including putting in a new roof and ceiling, replacing many of the seats and the stage area, installing chandeliers and wall sconces repurposed from other venues, refurbishing the screen, and more.

As it turned out, however, Newsom’s original plan to make the Rex a movie house again didn’t work out.

The theater reopened in December 2021, showing movies and soon thereafter branching out into hosting regular comedy nights.

But it didn’t attract enough customers for Newsom to be able to make a go of it, so he started considering what to do next with the building.

That’s where Alicks Wargood comes into the story.

Wargood, a Morenci native with his own fond memories of the Rex as a movie theater, is a professional musician who returned to the city off and on over the years before finally moving back for good.

He’s played in various bands almost all his life, starting with the time at age 14 he sneaked off with a group that was performing at Harpo’s in Detroit. Currently, he plays with the bands O Odious Ones and Agatha Haag.

“I found out that someone had bought the Rex and was interested in putting live music into it,” he said. And one day, he and Newsom had a conversation.

Wargood had been bringing musicians to town to play in what was literally a garage — much to the neighbors’

chagrin, he admits — and he saw a great opportunity with the Rex.

“Tim bought the Rex and gave me a better place to play than a garage,” he said, laughing.

With his deep connections to the music community, he became the Rex’s

booking agent a few months ago and in that role sparked a true rebirth for the historic building.

Since late last year, the venue hasalready hosted about 100 bands, and groups — who come from all over the region and even further away — are presently booked every weekend at least, well into July.

“In the past four months, this place has turned around,” Newsom said.

With just over 160 seats, the performance space is long and narrow, measuring 20 feet wide by 160 feet long. While that might seem like unusual dimensions for a concert hall, music “sounds amazing” in it, Wargood said.

With the help of sound techs Matt Wilson and Coty Kasch, “you can hear everything and everything is distinct. Nothing overpowers anything.”

The Rex is committed to hosting bands that play original music, as opposed to cover bands, and “there aren’t a lot of venues nearby” with that focus, Wargood said.

And in the short time since the theater took on its new role as a home for groups like that, “we’ve had a couple of mildly famous bands,” Wargood added.

Among the better-known groups who have performed there so far are Green Jellÿ, Sabertooth Gary, The Rock and Roll Bad Guys, and Snakehandler Church.

April bands include Wexford (April 11), As the Sky Went Black (April 12), The Five ‘n’ Dime Poets (April 18), Cherry Drop (April 19), and Black Moon Cult (April 26).

Comedy is still in the mix, too. In mid-March, for example, the Rex played host to Jacob Barr and Johnny Mocny, and another comedy night is coming up April 25. The occasional movie is still on the program as well, including a recent independent film festival.

Newsom is very happy to be giving audience members a wide variety of entertainment by bands like the ones Wargood has been booking.

“We can hear [music on] the radio all day long,” he said. “These guys aren’t making music to get on the radio. They’re making music from their soul.”

And Wargood, for his part, enjoys the role he’s helping play in encouraging younger musicians to follow their dreams.

“If a band starts from some kids around here, then my job is done correctly,” he said.

In fact, he added, that’s already happened — “and that made me giddy, to inspire the next generation, because someone did that for me.”

Tim Newsom, owner of the Rex Theatre in Morenci, and Alicks Wargood, who books bands for the venue, are pictured inside the historic 1916 theater.

PHOTO BY ARLENE BACHANOV

Clayton Amos and Haley Daniels are pictured staffing the concession stand at the Rex. PHOTO BY ARLENE BACHANOV

The Rex Theatre in downtown Morenci, seen on March 30. PHOTO BY ERIK GABLE

High school band members compete in MSBOA festival

CHELSEA — Three members of the Morenci High School band traveled to Chelsea to compete in the 2025 Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA)’s High School State Solo and Ensemble Festival on March 15.

Each student showcased their musical skills before a judge and received ratings based on their performance, with scores ranging from Division One (the highest) to Division Five.

Freshman Sean Sawyer performed a tenor saxophone solo, earning a Division Two rating and a red medal. Freshman Harrison Sarnac performed a French horn solo and achieved a Division One rating and a blue medal.

Junior Katelyn Ruse, representing Morenci in the Proficiency I category, performed a French horn solo and was required to demonstrate five scales from a set list of nine and complete a sightreading challenge in which she had only 60 seconds to study and perform a brand-new piece of music. She scored 82 out of a possible 100 points, earning a Division Two rating and a red medal.

EDUCATORS

RISING COMPETITION

Morenci High School students Rebecca Cox and Makayla Nieman competed in the Children’s Literature K-3 category of the Educators Rising competition at Wayne State University on March 12, where they wrote and read aloud an original children’s story. Their work earned them first place in the state and they will now head to the national competition in Orlando, Florida. The Educators Rising conference is for middle and high school students interested in pursuing careers in education. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MORENCI AREA SCHOOLS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

SATURDAY, APRIL 12

Reception for Community Art Exhibit: A Celebration of Trees

Stair District Library, 228 W. Main St., 11:30 a.m.

A reception to celebrate the artists who contributed works to the library’s community art show. There will be a tree art project for attendees to create. Refreshments will be served. More info: stairlib.org or 517-458-6510.

SUNDAY, APRIL 13

Easter Bunny Visit and Egg Hunt

Morenci American Legion, 9010 Morenci Road, 1-3 p.m.

Take pictures with the Easter bunny and enjoy an Easter egg hunt at 2 p.m. for age groups 1-5 and 6-10. Cookies and other treats offered. More info: 517-458-2377.

MONDAY, APRIL 14

Silver Screen: “I Love Lucy”

Normal Memorial Library, 301 N. Eagle St., Fayette, 10:15 a.m.

Senior citizens are invited to a showing of the classic “I Love Lucy” episode “In Palm Springs,” plus Easter bingo, sweet treats, coffee, tea, and mug decorating. More info: fayette-nml.org or 419-237-2115.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16

Wednesday Dinner

Morenci American Legion, 9010 Morenci Road

Dine-in and carryout available; public welcome. $10. 517-458-2377.

FRIDAY, APRIL 18

Easter Pop-Up Shop and Easter Bunny Photos

Morenci Event Center, 139 W. Main St., 4-7 p.m.

Easter craft vendors will be on site and kids can take photos with the Easter Bunny. Cost is $10 and includes a 4x6 print. Continues Saturday.

Fish Fry Friday

Morenci American Legion, 9010 Morenci Road, 5-7 p.m.

Dinner includes fried fish, french fries, coleslaw and dinner roll, $13 per plate.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

Easter Pop-Up Shop and Easter Bunny Photos

Morenci Event Center, 139 W. Main St., noon to 4 p.m.

Easter craft vendors will be on site and kids can take photos with the Easter Bunny. Cost is $10 and includes a 4x6 print.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23

BLT sandwich and potato salad dinner

Morenci American Legion, 9010 Morenci Road, 5-7 p.m.

Dine-in and carryout available; public welcome. $8. Info: 517-458-2377.

FRIDAY, APRIL 25

Daddy-Daughter Dance: A Night at the Sock Hop

Morenci Event Center, 139 W. Main St., 6-8 p.m.

A fundraiser for the Town & Country Festival. Cost is $25 for two; $5 for each additional child. Info: 419-280-4786.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26

Down Home at the Opera House

Fayette Opera House, 105 E. Main St., Fayette, 7 p.m.

A fundraiser for the Fayette Opera House featuring country, gospel and bluegrass with Mike McRobbie and Kirk Beck, plus special guest Steve Snider. Come early to enjoy a dinner of Ken Thatcher’s famous homemade bologna, chips, drinks and pie starting at 5 p.m. Tickets for the show are $15 (discounted rates of $12 for seniors and $10 for students). Dinner is by freewill donation. Info: 419-237-3111.

Jillian Borton placed in the top 10 in the state competing in the Elementary Bulletin Board category at the Educators Rising conference.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30

Smoke Fried Bologna & Beans Dinner

Morenci American Legion, 9010 Morenci Road, 5-7 p.m.

Dine-in and carryout available; public welcome. $10. Info: 517-458-2377.

FRIDAY, MAY 2

PTO Fun Night

Morenci Elementary School, 517 E. Locust St., 6-8 p.m.

The annual Morenci Elementary School PTO Fun Night includes carnival games, bounce houses, photo booth, face painting, prizes, food and more. Game tickets are 20 for $5 if purchased at the event, or 25 for $5 if purchased at the school from April 28 to May 1. More info: 517-458-7504.

SATURDAY, MAY 3

Cinco de Mayo Craft Show

Morenci Event Center, 139 W. Main St., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Free to attend; $20 for vendors. Vendor reservation form available at facebook.com/morencieventcenterofficial. More info: 419-280-4786.

SUNDAY, MAY 4

Spring Craft Show & Bake Sale

Morenci American Legion, 9010 Morenci Road, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More info: Sue Snyder, 517-403-9667.

Katelyn Ruse Harrison Sarnac Sean Sawyer

One hundred years ago, Morenci High School was graced with a brand-new school orchestra through the efforts of Mrs. Fannie Nelson. The 1925 yearbook stated that “under her direction the organization was soon engaged in harmonious enterprise and the work of producing pleasing sounds met with much success.” The yearbook did not identify the players in this photo in order, but it did record that in addition to Nelson, the members of the orchestra were Alline Scott (piano), Clark Smith (violin), Lynn Fauver (saxophone), Wayne Russell (cornet), Isabel Capp (violin), Carlton Ashby (saxophone), Jack Bishop (banjo), Edwin Starr (violin), and Harrison Strang (violin). — YEARBOOK ARCHIVES AT STAIRLIBRARY.ADVANTAGE-PRESERVATION.COM

25 YEARS AGO

The word “interim” was removed from Kyle Griffith’s title when the school board voted to make him principal of Morenci High School.

The city council OK’d building a BMX racing track at Wakefield Park.

50 YEARS AGO

Eugene A. Kooi was named pastor of Canandaigua Community Church. Firefighters Jack Ferry, John Evers, Jim Topps, Jim Johnston and Gale Brink successfully completed a state course.

75 YEARS AGO

Heavy rains in late April caused Bean Creek and Silver Creek to overflow their banks, flooding the Porter Lumber Company.

Morenci native E.D. Stair, former publisher of the Detroit Free Press, celebrated his 91st birthday.

100 YEARS AGO

The state approved a new Toledo-to-Jackson bus line running through Morenci.

A fire broke out in the Rupp Hatchery east of town. There were no chicks in the house at the time of the fire.

— from the Observer archives

Hunters Helping Lenawee has record-breaking year

Hunters Helping Lenawee, a program of the Lenawee Community Foundation that aims to reduce hunger by connecting deer hunters to local food pantries and community meal programs, hit a milestone this year with more than 5,000 pounds of venison donated. The program was founded in 2010. Hunters who would like to donate deer can contact the Lenawee Community Foundation, which arranges to have the meat processed for distribution to a number of community partners. This year, the food pantry at Morenci Church of the Nazarene was among the programs that helped distribute the donated meat to people in need. For more information, go to lenaweecommunityfoundation.com or call 517-263-4696.

Cause of downtown Adrian fire still unknown: According to Adrian fire chief Aric Massingill, investigators have still not determined what caused the fire that heavily damaged several downtown Adrian buildings on March 15. Four businesses and seven residents were displaced by the blaze, which was the worst the city has seen in many years. A total of 15 fire departments were involved in the response: the city of Adrian, Addison, Adrian Township, Blissfield Township, Deerfield Township, Madison Township, Morenci, Palmyra

LENAWEE COUNTY NEWS ROUNDUP

Township, Raisin Township, Ridgeway Township, Sand Lake, Tecumseh, Bedford, Manchester, and Lyons, Ohio.

Part of Adrian Mall ordered to be torn down: The New York-based investment group that owns the Adrian Mall has been ordered to demolish the portion of the mall that is in the worst shape. The city has given the owners until June to demolish the vacant middle section of the mall building, which includes the former main entrance.

Senior Resource Fair: The Lenawee Department on Aging is hosting a Senior Resource Fair on Thursday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Adrian Senior Center, 327 Erie St., Adrian. More than 30 local agencies will be on hand to offer information about housing, in-home care, financial and legal resources, and recreation. The event is free, and box lunches will be provided. For more information, call 517-264-5280.

Alternative to Faster Horses: After organizers of the Faster Horses country music festival announced they were canceling the event this year, a nearby

Michelle Rohr of Morenci , Sarah Feeney of Adrian, and Gail Sayler of Adrian are pictured in the HOPE Community Center’s sunflower garden. The HOPE Center is raising money to buy a van that would make it possible to take more offsite trips.

HOPE Center raising funds to buy a van

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — With the help of a generous challenge grant from an anonymous donor, the HOPE Community Center in Adrian is getting closer to a longtime dream.

“HOPE has long dreamed of having our own transportation,” said Mary Martin, interim executive director of the community center for adults with developmental disabilities. “We really would like a 15-passenger van.”

The HOPE Center offers approximately 1,200 programs per year to its roughly 100 members, but most of those programs have to take place at the center’s facility on Baker Street, Martin said. Taking trips offsite requires the use of private vehicles or public transportation.

“Because of that, we’re very limited and we can only do things kind of near us in the community,” Martin said.

campground decided to host an event of its own. The Country Roads Music Festival, which aims to showcase upand-coming regional country music talent, is planned for July 18-20 at the Groves of Michigan campground, 13500 U.S. 12, Brooklyn. More information is available at thegrovesofmichigan.com.

NAACP hosts Fair Housing Expo: The Lenawee County branch of the NAACP will host a Fair Housing Expo on Wednesday, April 30, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Adrian Armory, 230 W. Maumee St. Representatives of the Fair Housing Center of Southeast and Mid-Michigan will speak, and several local organizations will be on hand with housing information. For more information and to register for breakfast, email lenaweenaacp@comcast.net.

Siena Heights announces campus expansion: Siena Heights University recently announced plans to expand its Adrian campus with the addition of the new Margaret and Doyle Hartman Center for Health and Wellness, located in the former Merillat headquarters off of U.S 223. The purpose of the new center is to give the university space to expand its health care curriculum in an effort to meet the growing need for health care professionals in Michigan.

Having a van would enable the HOPE Center to take more frequent trips — giving members more chances to enjoy things like bowling, movies, sports games, and museums. It would also bring destinations like Toledo’s Imagination Station within reach, further enriching members’ lives.

“We like to be able to take people out and kind of expand their world,” Martin said.

Many HOPE Center members also love volunteering, she added, and the van would make it easier to take them to volunteer sites in the community.

The HOPE Center’s dream got a lot closer recently when an anonymous donor promised a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $25,000, of all donations toward the van campaign.

Martin added that although the van will not have a wheelchair lift, the HOPE Center will continue working with Lenawee Transportation to ensure that members who use wheelchairs are able to participate in trips.

The center is hoping to wrap up fundraising by May 1. Donations toward the van campaign can be made online at hopecenteradrian.org. Donations can also be mailed to the HOPE Community Center, 431 Baker St., Adrian, MI 49221.

Established in 1976, the HOPE Center’s mission is to support Lenawee County adults with developmental disabilities in pursuing an empowered, healthy, and community-enriched life.

For more information about the HOPE Center, call 517-265-2410.

OBITUARIES

Dolores M. Schaffner

Dolores M. Schaffner, 96, of Fayette died on March 5.

She was born in Fayette on Aug. 5, 1928, to the late Lowell T. and Lelia A. (Smith) Beaverson. She graduated from Fayette High School. She married Herbert N. Schaffner on Feb. 14, 1949, and he preceded her in death on Dec. 21, 2022. She was a member of Fayette Methodist Church.

Survivors include her children, Leslie (Laura) Schaffner, Rose Ann (Larry) Habrun, Kim Schaffner, and Robin (David) Brinegar; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Lowell V. Beaverson. Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Gayle Schaffner, and a sister, Juanita Brehm.

— andersonfuneralservices.com

John Edward Garrow

John Edward Garrow, 86, of Fayette died on March 9. Born and raised in rural Fayette, he was the son of John Jay and Catherine (Keefer) Garrow. He graduated from Chesterfield High School in 1956. He married Wilma Jappsen on Feb. 16, 1958, and she survives.

A lifelong farmer who loved working the land, he was honored in 2000 as an outstanding volunteer for the Fulton County Fair and inducted into the Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2015. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Morenci, where he served on the church council.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Mark Garrow, Matt (Jane) Garrow, Mitch (Julie) Garrow, and Myra (Mark) Wolfrum; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his sister, Carolyn (Terry) Waltz. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Art and Audrey Garrow, and brother-in-law William Jappsen.

— andersonfuneralservices.com

Gary Jackson

Gary W. Jackson, 77, of Morenci died on March 8. He was born on April 24, 1948, to Gerald C. and Phyliss (June) Jackson. He and his wife, Joyce, were married on June 1, 1990, she survives.

He was a Marine Corps veteran and worked at Hardwoods of Michigan as an electrician.

In addition to his wife, survivors include three children, Gary (Tracy) Jackson of Jackson, Gail (Rod) Woodard of Hudson, and Gerald (Molly) Jackson of Blissfield; two stepchildren; Tracy (Michele) Kast of Evansville, Indiana, and Pat (Alyssa) Kast of Hudson; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, John (Rosalee) Jackson of Medina and Allen (Janet) Warren of Mareitta, Georgia; and one sister, Patty Gibson of Flowery Branch, Georgia.

He was proceeded in death by two brothers, Mike Fox and Jerry Fox; a sister, Rose Rhoades; one stepson, Ryan Kast; and one grandson. Following his wishes, services are not being held.

— pursefuneralhome.com

Lowell Vernell Beaverson

Lowell Vernell Beaverson, 91, of Fayette died on March 8. He was born on Nov. 22, 1933, in Fayette, the son of Lowell T. and Lelia (Smith) Beaverson.

He attended GorhamFayette High School, where he was active in FFA and 4-H and graduated in 1951. He then served in the Air Force, and after returning to civilian life he earned a degree in soil conservation and biological sciences from Ohio University in Athens.

He married Ann Cox of Lyons and they moved to Paw Paw before returning to Fayette in 1964. He purchased the former Pearl Weller Insurance Agency in downtown Fayette, operating it for nearly 50 years until his retirement. His service to the community included time spent as a member of the Gorham-Fayette School Board, the Fulton County Board of Education, and the Four County Joint Vocational District Board of Education. He was active with the Fayette Area Chamber of Commerce and the Fayette Lions Club. He was a member of Fayette Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where he served as a Deacon and Elder. He is survived by four daughters, Lisa Beaverson, Karen (Marty) Claussen, Ellen Beaverson (Dennis Keefer), and Susan Beaverson (Ron Hottmann Jr.); seven grandchildren; and three greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jana Sue Beaverson; two sisters, Juanita Brehm and Dolores Schaffner; one granddaughter; and his companion of many years, Arlene Wilson.

— andersonfuneralservices.com

Clair Franklin Friedhoff

Clair Franklin Friedhoff, 86, formerly of Fayette, died on March 21 at his daughter’s home in Bryan, Ohio.

He was born in Holgate, Ohio, the son of the late George and Florence (Punches) Friedhoff. Following the sudden death of his father when he was a toddler, he was raised with the help of his stepfather, Elvin Moore. He married Marylene D. Osenbaugh on June 3, 1961, and she preceded him in death.

He started his career processing eggs with IMCO in Deshler before being transferred to manage their plant in Waldron in the early 1970s, prompting his family’s move to Fayette. Upon its closing, he transferred to A&A Poultry in West Unity. He finished his working career as a shop foreman with Lingvai Excavating in Bryan.

Survivors include three daughters, Daun (Sean) Pettit of Bryan, Lisa (Miguel) Rodriguez of Fayette, and Kelly (Robert) Snyder of Bryan; a brother, Dennis Moore of Hamler, Ohio, sisters, Leona Hattery of Ottawa, Ohio, and Myra (Glen) Spangler of Hamler; sister-in-law, Shirley (Donald) Schortgen of Saddlebrook, Missouri; six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and his special caregiver who provided him comfort in his final year, Leah Bussing-Smith.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in his death by a sister, Georgia Jones, and brother, Junior Moore. — andersonfuneralservices.com

William Robert Hunter Jr.

William Robert Hunter Jr., 81, of Morenci died on March 19. He was born on May 25, 1943, in Highland Park, the son of Marie E. (Wells) and William Robert Hunter Sr. He married Pauline Cecile Breault on May 25, 1968, in Coventry, Rhode Island.

He served in the U.S. Army from 19621965, and lived in Westland before moving to Morenci in 1994. He worked at General Motors for 31 years, retiring in 1999.

He was a member of Morenci Bible Fellowship. He mowed the baseball fields for Morenci Little League for many years.

He was preceded in death by a son, Stephen Rodney Hunter; two brothers, Gary and Brian Hunter; and five sisters, Sharon Hunter, Judith Hunter, Linda Hawkes, Sharon Hawkes and Beatrice Hawkes.

— andersonfuneralservices.com

Deborah

Lawson

Richard G. Fredrick

Richard G. Fredrick, 84, of Fayette died on March 17.

He was born on April 3, 1940, in Wauseon, the son of DeWayne and Virginia (Dorsey) Fredrick.

He graduated from Gorham Fayette High School in 1958, then served in the U.S. Army. He married Nedra F. Kauffman on Nov. 30, 1963, and she preceded him in death.

He worked at Parker Corp. in Morenci for over 30 years. He also raised hogs and farmed for many years, eventually owning 220 acres. He often worked alongside his wife in her business, Country Class Catering. They co-owned R&H Restaurant for many years.

Deborah Kay Lawson, 73, of rural West Unity/Fayette, died on March 16. She was born in Toledo on Jan. 23, 1952, the daughter of Walter Jewell and Evelyn (Ruihley) Newcomb. She attended GorhamFayette School. She married Rodger Lawson on Dec. 19, 1975, and he survives.

She was a bartender throughout her life, working for local bars, the VFW, and the American Legion.

In addition to her husband, survivors include her daughter, Ginny (Daniel) Bleikamp; four grandchildren; four greatgrandchildren; brother, brother, Hillis J. (Helen) Shadel; and sister, Lynette S. (Dennis) Daglow.

She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Paul M. Roth, and brother, Duane C. Shadel.

— andersonfuneralservices.com

Griff Lewis Griffiths

Griff Lewis Griffiths, 85, of Fayette died on March 18. He was born on March 6, 1940, in Fulton County, Ohio, to Homer and Claretta (Walters) Griffiths. He married his wife, Linda, on Aug. 26, 1961, and she survives.

He worked for 40 years at La Choy, where he retired as a maintenance supervisor, and later worked as a project manager at SSOE in Toledo. He enjoyed golfing and was a familiar face at Fayette sporting events.

He is survived by his sons, Mark (Kris) Griffiths of Columbus, John (Krys) Griffiths of Fayette, and Griff D. (Elania) Griffiths of Loxahatchee, Florida; six grandchildren; and seven greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by a stepbrother, Gayle Griffiths.

— andersonfuneralservices.com

He was a member of Fayette Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Morenci American Legion, Fulton County Farm Bureau, and the Pork Producers. He and his wife enjoyed traveling, including trips with their friends in the Stateline Camping Club.

He is survived by his daughter, Kristie (Kip) Humbert; son, Jon (D.J.) Fredrick; five grandchildren; seven greatgrandchildren; brothers-in-law, Larry (Sally) and Lynn (Maggie) Nofziger; and sisters-in-law, Elaine Schnitkey and Helen Leu.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Terry A. (Rhonda) Fredrick, and brothers-in-law, Lonnie Nofziger, David Schnitkey, and Ron Leu.

— andersonfuneralservices.com

Larry Floyd Mocherman

Larry Floyd Mocherman, 84, of Morenci died on March 27.

He was born on May 20, 1940, in Montpelier, Ohio, to Floyd H. and Elsie (Dally) Mocherman. He married Louise Mansfield on Oct. 14, 1961, and she survives.

He attended Montpelier High School. He was a machine operator at Morenci Rubber Products for many years and retired from Demlow Products in 2007.

He was an avid card player. He also enjoyed attending auctions and garage sales, and was a collector of antiques.

In addition to his wife, survivors include his children, Brent (Donna) Mocherman, Kim (Dave) Stiverson, and Ronda May; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and his twin brother, Jerry (Nancy) Mocherman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd H. and Elsie (Dally) Mocherman, and a sister, Pat VanAuken.

— andersonfuneralservices.com

OBITUARIES IN THE MORENCI ADVOCATE

Lenawee Independent Media considers obituaries to be part of our local news coverage. Because of this, there is no charge to publish an obituary in the Morenci Advocate, but obituaries will be edited for length and style. We generally prioritize details that will help readers determine if they knew the deceased. Whenever possible, we will provide a link to a funeral home’s website where more information may be available.

Priority will be given to current and former residents of the Morenci, Fayette and Lyons areas. We make every effort to locate obituaries on our own, but if you would like to submit an obituary that you think we might miss, please email news@lenaweevoice.com

Dolores M. Schaffner

John Garrow

Gary Jackson

Lowell Beaverson

Clair Friedhoff

Deborah Lawson

Griff Griffiths

Richard Fredrick Larry Mocherman

Patricia Sims

Sharon Kay Fruchey

Mary E. ‘Molly’ LeFaive

John Micheal Knicley

Patricia Sue Sims, 72, of rural Albion, formerly of Morenci, died on March 12. She was born on Sept. 13, 1952, in Hudson, the daughter of the late William G. and Hazel L. (Biddix) VanValkenburg. She married Thomas R. Sims on Feb. 2, 1974, and he preceded her in death.

She graduated from Morenci High School and earned a nursing degree from Kellogg Community College. She was was a longtime member of Rice Creek Community Church in Marshall. She is survived by her children, Melissa Sims and Matthew (Nicki) Sims; two grandchildren; a sister, Linda Dudonis; a brother, William VanValkenburg; several nieces and nephews; and several greatnieces and nephews.

— kempffuneralhome.com

Stephenson Park

from page A1

The project was undertaken after community surveys showed that while 82 percent of residents were satisfied with the facilities at the much larger Wakefield Park, only 20 percent said the same about Stephenson Park.

Bond vote

from page A3

Another big improvement would be parking lot lighting. There is currently very little parking lot lighting, which Ellis noted is a particular problem during the winter months.

Other changes would involve updating security cameras and adding some new ones; replacing the district’s key card system; upgrading the aging fire alarm system; and adding new fire protection measures.

Outside of the buildings, more safety enhancements would come from repairing and replacing sidewalks and pavement.

The bond issue would also allow the district to purchase two new buses. “It’s just time to add those to keep the fleet in good working order,” Ellis said.

The district currently has five buses that run every day, plus a few that are used as backups and for things like field trips and athletic events. The oldest bus is from 2005, and there are two 2010 buses.

Also falling under the heading of safety is bringing all restrooms up to date with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

Caring for the buildings

Other proposed bond projects simply involve keeping Morenci’s school buildings warm and dry.

At the elementary school, this includes replacing the boiler and updating heaters in classrooms. At the middle/high school, it includes replacing the chiller and the rooftop heating and cooling units, and also replacing exterior windows.

“Some of our exterior windows in the high school are the original windows, so they’ve definitely exceeded their original life and are pretty drafty,” Ellis said.

And then there are the roofs, which need to be replaced on both buildings.

Sharon Kay Fruchey, 80, of West Unity died on March 30.

She was born in Morenci on Jan. 7, 1945, to the late Valde and Gladys (Merillat) Randall.

After her graduation from Gorham-Fayette High School, she married Lyle Fruchey, and he preceded her in death.

Sharon

Fruchey

She worked for many years at Fayette Tubular and retired from Archbold Industries.

Survivors include her children, Richard (Carrie), Scott (Becky), and Becky (Bill) Fruchey; nine grandchildren; three greatgrandchildren; and sisters, Nancy Wilcox and Linda Lukey. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Larry Randall. — andersonfuneralservices.com

The city worked with landscape architect Lisa DuRussel on the design, and also consulted with the organization disAbility Connections to maximize inclusivity. The general contractor for the project is Midwest Contracting Inc. from Holland, Ohio.

The work is being funded by an $863,500 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

“We pretty much are at a point where all of our roofs need complete replacement,” Ellis said.

Improved learning environments

Other projects involve improving the learning environment for Morenci students.

The elementary building has a variety of needs, including classroom furniture and technology.

“We are at a point where our last major furniture purchase is reaching the end of its useful life,” Ellis said.

In addition, she said, as schools emphasize more collaboration in learning, the furniture should reflect that.

At the middle/high school building, there’s also a need for new furniture and technology. That building still has some classrooms with chalkboards instead of whiteboards. And lot of the flooring needs to be replaced as well.

Rounding out the list are a variety of other projects like electrical work and other behind-the-scenes building infrastructure, refinishing the high school gym floor, and updating the weight room.

Ellis noted that some alternate sources of funding, such as grants for school safety and water systems that the district was recently awarded, have allowed some projects to be taken off of the bond list.

Project timetable

Although some projects — like installing security cameras and updating card readers — could be done pretty quickly, the bulk of the work will have to be done when school is not in session. Because of that, the target date for most of the work is summer 2026.

Voting information

In-person voting will be at Morenci City Hall, 118 Orchard St. Polls will be open on Tuesday, May 6, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone who wants to cast an absentee ballot should contact their local clerk’s office.

Mary E. “Molly” LeFaive, 82, of Ocean Pines, Delaware, formerly of Morenci, died on March 9.

She was born in Detroit, the daughter of Robert Harris and Mary (McElroy) Harris. She married Richard LeFaive in 1964, and he preceded her in death.

She was a 1960 graduate of Morenci High School, where she was student council president and yearbook editor.

She taught high school and middle school English and speech for nearly 30 years, with students in Ohio, Michigan and Maryland. She then turned to a career in social work. She was active in her church, volunteered for Hospice, and was a member of the Democratic Women’s Club of Worcester County. — bishophastingsfh.com

John Micheal Knicley, 75, of Morenci died on March 20.

He was born on May 3, 1949, in Parsons, West Virginia, to Charlie W. and Goldie M. (Long) Knicley. In 1969, he married Madonna “Donna” Sejpner, and she survives.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed at Parris Island.

In addition to his wife, survivors include three children, Mike, Frank, and Bonnie Knicley; a brother, Bill Knicley; eight grandchildren; and six greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one brother and three sisters.

— andersonfuneralservices.com

Patricia Sims

Morenci’s Gracie Snead picks up state and national powerlifting titles

Regional champions ... again!

Girls basketball team follows a near-perfect season with second consecutive regional title

By Erik Gable

MORENCI — A near-perfect regular season led to the second regional championship in a row for the Morenci girls basketball team.

The Bulldogs made it all the way to the Elite Eight before falling to Genesee Christian in the state quarterfinal. As impressive as that was, head coach Ashley Joughin said the expectation the players set for themselves was even higher.

“It’s a great accomplishment for the girls, but in some ways, we wanted more and were hoping for that,” she said.

And with only one graduating senior on the team, plus three skilled sophomores slated to come up from JV in their junior year, the prospects look good for next season.

Leading the Bulldogs in scoring this year was junior Emersyn Bachelder, who averaged 15 points per game and also led the team in steals with 3.6 per game. She was named a first-team Associated Press Division 4 all-state player this year, as well as a first-team all-league player.

“She’s a dynamic scorer and can score from the inside out,” Joughin said. “She’s great off the dribble and has a knack for getting herself to the rim.”

Junior Evelyn Joughin was also a firstteam all league player, leading both her team and the league in assists at 6.2 per game, as well as racking up 3.2 steals per game.

Senior Alyssa Gibbs was a secondteam all league player and has been a member of the all-league team all four years of her high school career. She scored 9.3 points per game and led the team in rebounding with 6.9 points per game.

Joining the starting lineup this year was sophomore Colbie Ekins. A second-team all-league player, Ekins scored 10 points per game and averaged 6.4 rebounds per game. And a top-notch defense was provided by junior Addyson Valentine, a second-team all-league player who consistently guarded some of the opposing teams’ best players throughout the season as well as averaging 5.1 rebounds and two assists per game.

The Bulldogs came roaring out of the gate on Dec. 3 when they racked up a 6726 win against Adrian. Nearly a third of Morenci’s total came from Gibbs, who led the team in scoring in the first game of her senior year with 22 points.

They followed up that win with an equally lopsided victory against Onsted on Dec. 5, defeating the Wildcats 40-15.

The Concord Yellowjackets posed a tougher challenge in an away game on Dec. 9, when the Morenci girls had to fight their way back from a double-digit deficit to eke out a 43-41 win.

Morenci handed Reading a 62-46 defeat on Dec. 11. They followed this up with a 33-16 win against Lenawee Christian on Dec. 17 in their fourth road game in a row.

Back on their home court on Dec. 19, the Bulldogs rolled to a big win against Sand Creek, beating the Aggies 52-6. Two

days later, they headed into Christmas break undefeated by topping GorhamFayette 52-57.

The winning streak continued in the new year with a pair of road wins — 5823 against Hudson on Jan. 7 and 5940 against Summerfield on Jan. 9. The following week brought another pair of victories: a huge 54-11 margin against Britton Deerfield in a Jan. 14 home game, followed by a 49-21 victory at Erie Mason on Jan. 16.

A second matchup against Lenawee Christian on Jan. 23 was much closer than

the first. In a rare occurrence, Morenci trailed for the first three quarters before rallying at the end to post a 40-38 win.

The wins just kept on coming, with victories of 50-40 victory over Whiteford on Jan. 28, 32-29 over Columbia Central on Feb. 3, 58-21 over Sand Creek on Feb. 7, 49-28 over Hanover-Horton on Feb. 10, 50-25 over Summerfield on Feb. 14, and 54-9 over Britton Deerfield on Feb. 18. That game not only brought their record to 18-0, it also resulted in the team clinching the Tri-County Conference title outright, their third TCC title in a row.

It wasn’t until the next game, on Feb. 21, that the Bulldogs took their first loss of the season. Even that game was closely fought — Whiteford’s narrow 36-35 win came in overtime.

“They did a nice job of slowing us down and kind of taking us out of our rhythm,” Joughin said of the Bulldogs’ one regular-season defeat. “I was proud of how the girls responded to that loss and came out and beat a few tough teams at the end of the season.”

See GIRLS BASKETBALL, page B7

Pictured after the Morenci girls basketball team’s victory at Regionals are, in the back row, coach Ashley Joughin, Tessa Zuvers, Aly Curtis, Colbie Ekins, Alyssa Gibbs, Addyson Valentine, Evelyn Joughin, Lauryn Dominique, and Emersyn Bachelder, and in the front row, Katelyn Ruse and Hailey Cleveland. PHOTO BY HEATHER WALKER

Emersyn Bachelder (33), pictured going up for a shot during the Feb. 7 game against Sand Creek, was Morenci’s top scorer this year. PHOTOS BY JUSTIN JOUGHIN

Evelyn Joughin, pictured during the Feb. 14 game against Summerfield where Morenci clinched the league title, led both her team and the league in assists.

The Morenci Advocate

Morenci sophomore Gracie Snead makes a name for herself in powerlifting

By Ryan McDowell

The Morenci Advocate

MORENCI — Morenci sophomore powerlifter Gracie Snead is stacking more than just weight plates, she’s stacking championships.

Most recently she achieved the title of JV National Champion, a feat that, until recently, she didn’t know was a possibility.

“I didn’t even know I could qualify for it,” she said. “I thought I had to get a membership for the other federation and compete at one of their meets.”

A couple of weeks after the state meet, Levi Hoffman, a former Morenci powerlifter now with Defiance College, had seen Snead’s performance and called her mom to give them the good news. A new rule put in place this year allowed competitors to qualify for nationals at the MHSPLA as long as they hit the total weight standard, which Snead did.

The late notice left only 10 days for Snead to join as a member of that federation, pay the late registration and get all the proper equipment shipped to her in order to compete at nationals in Appleton, Wisconsin. None of these distractions fazed Snead as she went on to win the title and improve upon her state meet total from a few weeks earlier.

Prior to the national meet, Snead won the Michigan High School Powerlifting Association’s JV state meet.

She broke the state record in her weight class for squat (310 lbs.), deadlift (380 lbs.) and total weight of 830 lbs. Not bad considering just three years earlier she was a member of the seventh-grade girls basketball team and hadn’t considered powerlifting for her sport.

But during that basketball season powerlifting started to pique her

interest. She saw some of her friends and classmates competing and doing well. And by the time the eighth-grade basketball season rolled around, she was ready to make a change.

“I wasn’t really feeling basketball anymore,” she said. “I knew it wasn’t really for me.” The rest, as they say, is history.

“At my first eighth-grade meet I got second place and I got to go to state from that,” Snead recalled of her first powerlifting competition.

Competitors must complete at least one legal lift for each of the three events (bench press, squat and deadlift) or else they are disqualified. Their individual lifts are then added together for a total weight that determines their place.

Powerlifting has different weight classes for competitors, and distinctions like JV or varsity being based on age as opposed to talent. As you move up into more serious competitions there are also different federations and associations,

each with their own regulations and guidelines.

And while winning championships and setting records are incredible achievements, the overall atmosphere and powerlifting community seem to hold a special place in Snead’s heart.

“It’s just really nice — it’s a nice environment,” she said. “It seems less competitive against each other, it’s more like you make friendships there and you try to lift each other up.”

Boys basketball team looks to build in coming year

By Erik Gable

Morenci Advocate

MORENCI — This season might not have been everything they hoped for, but the Morenci boys basketball team grew together as a unit and took some big steps forward over the course of Garrett Benjamin’s second season as head coach.

“I think we took a step in the right direction as far as growing together as a young corps,” Benjamin said.

The season started off on a strong note — a 37-33 road victory against Reading just before Thanksgiving.

“We actually started out 3-and-2,” Benjamin said, with losses to Blissfield and Napoleon but wins over Camden-Frontier and Sand Creek. But when league play started, “we kind of went through the wringer.”

“There’s some tough teams in our league this year compared to where we were at,” he said.

Their 3-and-19 total wasn’t where the team wanted to end up, but Benjamin said the boys are “looking to make big leaps and bounds in terms of the winning column next season.”

One player to watch next year is Talan Kruse, who led the team in both scoring and rebounds this year. He will be a senior.

“I’m looking for him to be one of the top players in the league in terms of offensive power. He does a lot of good things,” Benjamin said.

Two more of this year’s juniors, Finn Molitierno and Blake Moran, will be coming back with some solid leadership experience. And two of this year’s sophomores, Landon Wilkins and Jonas Castillo, have shown a real knack for scoring that their coach believes they can build on.

“Landon is a great shooter,” Benjamin said. “Jonas can go inside and out and kind of score the ball in a lot of different ways.”

Kylan Lester and Skyler Trent will be coming up from junior varsity. “They are pretty impressive in terms of speed and strength,” Benjamin said. “They took a lot of steps in the right direction so I think they’ll be impact players for me next year.”

Another key player for the Bulldogs will be Drew Joughin, who will be a sophomore next year. “In terms of basketball IQ, he’s right there with anyone,” Benjamin

said. “I can plug and play him on the floor and know and trust that he’s going to be in the right spot doing the right thing.” Benjamin said he feels good about the team culture and the strides the boys have made this year.

“The camaraderie that we’ve built and the culture that we’ve taken steps to creating has been a huge, huge positive,” he said.

Morenci High School sophomore Gracie Snead, pictured in the high school weight room, recently won the Michigan High School Powerlifting Association’s JV state meet, followed by a national title. PHOTO BY RYAN MCDOWELL

The

Back row: Coach Garrett Benjamin, Talan Kruse, Jonas Castillo, Van Ekins, Zach Stevens, and assistant coaches Garrett Schermerhorn and Jonathan Boesger. Front row: Landon Wilkins, Blake Moran, Finn Molitierno, Ishmam Choudhury, Wyatt Stevens, and Drew Joughin. MORENCI AREA SCHOOLS

Morenci’s competitive cheer team shows steady improvement over rebuilding season

By Erik Gable The Morenci Advocate

MORENCI — It was a rebuilding season for Morenci’s varsity competitive cheer team, but it was also a season of steady improvement for the eight-girl squad.

“Each time we competed, our scores went up,” said coach Robyn Taylor.

With freshman Harley Ohlinger sidelined by a torn ACL, the total number of varsity competitors for the year was eight.

The graduating seniors are Elise Christle, Paige Cousino and Zoey Martinez. Taylor noted that this was the group that had their middle school years disrupted by COVID-19.

“Kudos to them for never giving up through all of that,” she said.

With no juniors on the team, they were joined by sophomores Ariana Bongiorno, Lillie Ford, Gabriella Rosales and Cassidy Stuck, and freshman Alivia Scivoletto.

After a late start — the Bulldogs skipped a planned meet at Onsted in order to have more time to integrate a few new signups into the team — they began their season with the new year, competing in a Jan. 4 meet at Madison, where they scored 495.62.

The Madison meet was followed by a competition on Jan. 11 at Addison, and then by the Hustle at the Hive, an annual invitational at Hillsdale, which took place on Feb. 1. After that, Morenci hosted Whiteford on Feb. 5 for the only home event of the season.

The season was capped off by the Tri-County Invitational at Hudson on Feb. 8, at which Martinez won honorable mention all-county.

to an injury.

“We improved almost 80 points over the course of the season,” Taylor said. At the high school level, each competitive cheer meet consists of three rounds. In the first round, the team must demonstrate a certain number of motions and jumps. In addition to the technique, difficulty, togetherness and ease of their jumps, they are scored on their vocals, floor mobility, team coordination, the execution of all their moves, the general impression they convey, and the difficulty and variety of the routine. In the second round, called the compulsory round, the team must demonstrate one skill from each of three categories — flexibility,

Bowling team’s two seniors wrap up high school careers

By Erik Gable

The Morenci Advocate

MORENCI — The Morenci bowling team is in an unusual position this year — that of having the entire team graduate at once.

Seniors Connor Johns and Jonathan Minturn were the only Bulldog bowlers this season, in the third year since bowling was added back to Morenci’s sports program.

Following six regular-season matches — two each against Britton Deerfield, Summerfield, and Sand Creek — the boys competed in a single scratch tournament in Blissfield on Feb. 9. This was followed by the Tri-County Conference Tournament

on Feb. 21, then by MHSAA Regionals at Jax 60 in Jackson, where both Johns and Minturn placed in the top 50.

Minturn had a high game of 222 this year, the highest from a Morenci high school bowler since the sport was brought back in the 2022-23 school year.

The team’s numbers have gone up and down, with four bowlers the first year and seven the second, before this year’s twoman team. It was Minturn’s third year on the team and Johns’ second.

“Even with just the two boys, they were never discouraged,” said Dayli Lemmon, who has coached the team all three years.

“They went in and bowled their best every time, and I couldn’t have been happier.”

jumping, and tumbling — plus two more of their choice. The final round, called the open round, is where many of the athletes’ stunt skills come into play.

In general, the judges aren’t just looking at the execution of the moves, they’re also listening to the vocals — evaluating whether the competitors sound like a single, cohesive whole — and watching how smoothly the team works together.

The team is set to grow in size next year, with seven eighth-graders moving up to the high school level. Taylor, who

also coaches the middle school team, said next year’s rising freshmen are a talented group.

“I’m super excited about next year,” she said. “The girls that are returning on the varsity are excited to have them as well.”

Varsity bowling coach Dayli Lemmon with seniors Connor Johns and Jonathan Minturn.

From left to right are Cassidy Stuck, Paige Cousino, Zoey Martinez, coach Robyn Taylor, Elise Christle, Alivia Scivoletto, and Lillie Ford. Ariana Bongiorno and Gabriella Rosales joined the team after the team photo was taken, and Harley Ohlinger had to sit out the season due

Members of Morenci’s varsity competitive cheer team perform a routine during their home meet on Feb. 5. PHOTO BY KORI CHRISTLE

A season of change

A new head coach and a larger roster shake up the picture for Morenci’s baseball

By Ryan McDowell

The Morenci Advocate

MORENCI — Spring has sprung and Morenci’s varsity baseball team is rife with anticipation for the season that lies ahead. The Bulldogs welcome a new head coach, a larger roster and 12 additional games from just a year ago.

“Expectations are high this season, and the energy around the team is fantastic,” head coach Matt Enders said. “The guys are eager to get started and there’s a real excitement in the air.”

Enders served as an assistant coach last season and his familiarity with the program made it a smooth transition as the team looks to improve upon last year’s record.

The Bulldogs have seen their player numbers increase from just 11 last year to 18 this year.

Sophomore Jonas Castillo will be one of Morenci’s impact performers this season.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him on the mound,” Enders said. “He’s been throwing well since early February and looks ready to take a big step forward.”

Junior Blake Moran and senior Wyatt Stevens will also serve as primary pitchers for the Bulldogs. The first-year head coach

pointed out that Stevens missing last season has brought him back even more motivated and ready to make an impact.

“He’s been itching to get back on the field, and I expect him to contribute in a big way at the plate, defensively, and on the mound,” Enders said.

Freshman Drew Joughin, sophomore Skylar Trent, juniors Avery Kaiser, Evan Gould, Talan Kruse, Finn Molitierno, and Colin Blaker, and seniors Aiden Williams and Zachary Stevens could all serve as relief pitchers in some capacity.

The influx of players has also led to versatility on defense with many players being able to field multiple positions.

Fourtheen different players could see time in the outfield, including freshmen Harrison Sarnac, Alex Lauffer and Paul Bongiorno. Sophomore Gabriel Pospisil, junior Marcus Golban and senior Christopher Hoffman also have outfield experience.

Castillo, Gould, Lauffer and both Stevens brothers will trade off at first base depending on who is on the mound.

Kaiser, Joughin and Sarnac will round out the depth chart at second base while Moran and Kruse will handle shortstop responsibilities. Hoffman, Molitierno, Blaker, Castillo and Moran could all see action at the hot corner.

The added arms in the bullpen along with the position availability of so many players makes a 33-game schedule much less daunting and provides more opportunities for the players and coaches alike.

“There are a lot of matchups to be excited about, but the two that stand out the most are our games against Sand Creek and LCS,” Enders said. “Those are definitely ones we’ve got circled.”

Sand Creek is always a circle game

BASEBALL SCHEDULE

team

on Morenci’s schedule in any sport, but Enders is a Sand Creek graduate and understands the added motivation for this one. Lenawee Christian ended Morenci’s season last year and the Bulldogs have not forgotten.

Two tournaments are slated within the season. On April 19, the Addison Red Bat tournament will begin at 10 a.m. in Addison. And the Bulldogs will compete in the Wood Bat Classic at Adrian College on May 10.

Monday, March 31: Doubleheader at Stryker, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 9: Doubleheader at Erie Mason, 4 p.m.

Friday, April 11: At home vs. Fayette, 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 12: Doubleheader at home vs. Whitmore Lake, 10 a.m.

Wednesday, April 16: Doubleheader at Sand Creek, 4 p.m.

Saturday, April 19: Addison Red Bat, from 10 a.m.

Monday, April 21: Doubleheader at home vs. Vandercook Lake. 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 23: Doubleheader at home vs. Whiteford, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 30: Doubleheader at home vs. Lenawee Christian, 4 p.m.

Monday, May 5: Doubleheader at Waldron, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 7: Doubleheader at Britton Deerfield, 4 p.m.

Saturday, May 10: Wood Bat Classic at Adrian College, from 9 a.m.

Monday, May 12: Doubleheader at Litchfield, 4 p.m.

Monday, May 19: Doubleheader at Camden-Frontier, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 21: Doubleheader at home vs. Summerfield, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, May 27: Doubleheader at Athens, 4:30 p.m.

Schedules are subject to change.

Back row: Assistant coach Brad Moran, Drew Joughin, Jonas Castillo, Paul Bongiorno, Aiden Williams, Marcus Golban, Alex Lauffer, Chris Hoffman, Avery Kaiser, Gabe Pospisil, Zach Stevens, Harrison Sarnac,

coach Matt Enders, and manager Lynden Sarnac. Front row: Blake Moran, Talan Kruse, Skyler Trent, Evan Gould, Finn Molitierno, Collin Blaker, and Wyatt Stevens. MORENCI AREA SCHOOLS

Overcoming obstacles

Success in other sports shortens softball practice time, but team hopes to finish strong

By Ryan McDowell

The Morenci Advocate

MORENCI — Sometimes success creates more challenges. The 2025 Morenci varsity softball team will face those challenges head on.

The ascension of the girls varsity basketball team to state competitors resulted in missed practice time for multisport student athletes.

State champion Gracie Snead has had to split time between her national powerlifting preparation and softball.

Zoey Martinez was an All-State designated hitter last year, but splits time as a dual sport athlete as she looks to qualify for the state meet in track and field in both the discus and shot put.

Under those circumstances head coach Kay Johnson knows it won’t be all about how the Bulldogs begin the season, but rather how they end it.

“Early on we’ll juggle the lineup and see who fits where,” Johnson said. “We’ll see how quick we can come around. Hopefully we can hit the ball and create some offense.”

They will look to their seniors for continued production including sisters Abby and Chelsea Pierce, along with the aforementioned Martinez and her bat.

“She only recorded one strikeout last year, which is pretty incredible,” Johnson said of her All-State DH.

“We’ll be looking to win the last game of the season, not necessarily the first.”

— Kay Johnson

Alyssa Gibbs is the other senior and was a member of the regional champion basketball team. She was sidelined last season after just six games when she took an opposing pitcher’s fastball off the hand.

This year she starts the season with a shoulder injury sustained in the quarterfinal basketball game.

“If she can’t go at catcher, she will try first base,” Johnson stated.

Fellow hardwood teammates Addyson Valentine and Evelyn Joughin are the only juniors. Valentine will look to provide stability as the starting pitcher while Joughin will anchor the infield at shortstop.

Six sophomores will help round out the lineup. Snead has a strong arm and will play third base. Rilee Frederick will stay at second base with Savanna

Miles, Callie Vanbrandt and Aly Curtis all potentially filling in at first base and outfield positions.

Jaelyn Thompson has shown continued improvement and will handle some pitching duties throughout the year.

Bailey Miller and Tavin Kruse are the only freshmen on the team. Johnson was quick to mention Kruse’s natural athleticism and speed and was interested to see what type of impact she could have.

Johnson looks for Whiteford to remain the class of the league as they welcome a freshman pitcher who throws upwards of 60 mph to go along with an already talented roster. She also sees Summerfield competing for a top spot as they return two starting pitchers from a successful campaign last year.

Erie Mason, Sand Creek, Britton Deerfield and Morenci will all compete to dethrone the reigning champs.

An in season tournament in East Jackson on May 3 will provide an opportunity for the Bulldogs to see where they stand at the midway point.

As with every year “the schedule brings some wins, and also some losses,” Johnson stated, reflecting on the

upcoming gauntlet of opponents. And with the early adversities they’ve already faced, playing catch up won’t be easy but it will be necessary.

SOFTBALL SCHEDULE

“In some ways it’s back to basics,” she said. “We’ll be looking to win the last game of the season, not necessarily the first.”

Wednesday, April 9: Doubleheader at Erie Mason, 4 p.m.

Thursday, April 10: Doubleheader at home vs. Reading, 4 p.m.

Saturday, April 12: Doubleheader at home vs. Whitmore Lake, 10 a.m.

Wednesday, April 16: Doubleheader at Sand Creek, 4 p.m.

Thursday, April 17: Doubleheader at home vs. Adrian, 4 p.m.

Monday, April 21: Doubleheader at Vandercook Lake, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 23: At home vs. Whiteford, 4 p.m.

Thursday, April 24: At home vs. Hillsdale, 4 p.m.

Monday, April 28: Doubleheader at home vs. Onsted, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 30: Doubleheader at home vs. Lenawee Christian, 4 p.m.

Friday, May 2: Doubleheader at home vs. Concord, 4 p.m.

Saturday, May 3: East Jackson Tournament

Monday, May 5: Doubleheader at Waldron, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 7: Doubleheader at Britton Deerfield, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, May 16: Doubleheader at Madison, 4 p.m.

Monday, May 19: Doubleheader at Camden-Frontier, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 21: At home vs. Summerfield, 4 p.m.

Thursday, May 22: Doubleheader at Hudson, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, May 27: Doubleheader at Athens, 4 p.m.

Schedules are subject to change.

Back row: Coach Kay Johnson, Aly Curtis, Evelyn Joughin, Alyssa Gibbs, Addyson Valentine, Callie VanBrandt, and Chelsea Pierce. Front Row: Abby Pierce, Savanna Miles, Jaelyn Thompson, Tavin Kruse, Baylie Miller, and Rylee Frederick. MORENCI AREA SCHOOLS

Small numbers, big talent

State-qualifying relay teams return; individual events also show promise for boys track and field

By Ryan McDowell

The Morenci Advocate

MORENCI — The 2025 varsity boys track and field team will once again battle low numbers this spring, but still has enough potential to shine.

Head coach Jonathan Boesger will actually enjoy a slight increase in numbers as his team grew from 16 student athletes to 17, and among them are many key

contributors from last year’s team.

“We went to state in the 4x800m and 4x100m last year and both of those teams are still intact,” Boesger said of his state qualifying relay teams from 2024. He also sees an opportunity for some athletes to make big strides in their individual events.

Beau Shaffer, a senior, was a member of the 4x800m relay last season, and will look to add a state qualifying bid

in either the mile or two mile this year. Sophomore Kylan Lester is close to qualifying time for both the 100m and 200m as well as the anchor for the 4x100m relay team.

Senior Wyatt Berger continues to improve his discus performance and a state qualifying toss is within his reach.

Boesger also sees another group of competitors as potential bright spots for this year’s squad. “We have a ton

Depleted, not defeated

of potential in our boys’ pole vaulting and our hurdlers,” he said. “I feel fairly confident they will be a bigger part of the team this year.”

Seniors Zach Martinez and Kevin Kaufman take on the pole vaulting duties in conjunction with hurdling. Classmate Van Ekins is close to a state qualifying time in the high hurdles.

With many from last year’s relay teams not returning, girls track and field looks to solo performances

By Ryan McDowell

MORENCI — The 2025 varsity girls track and field team will rely heavily on individual performances this year changing pace from the relay strength of its 2024 version.

They sent three relay teams (4x100m, 4x200m and 4x400m) to the state meet last

year, however four of the five members of those teams will not be available this year.

That type of production is not easily replaced. “You’re telling me,” coach Jonathon Boesger opined as he looked over last year’s results. “I don’t see us being able to fill out a meet throughout the entire year,” Boesger said of the shorthanded squad.

The Bulldogs will start the season with

just 14 student athletes and look to fill in the gaps where they can.

“We graduated two of our top point earners from last year in Kiana Castillo and Leah Rorick,” Boesger said.

Despite the lost production from last year, there is still potential to qualify for the state meet in even more events this year.

Sophomore Emma Williams is the lone returning member of the state qualifying

sprint relay teams from 2024, and has her sights on the individual 100m, 200m and 400m sprints in 2025. She qualified in the 100m last year and ran a qualifying time in 200m in a post regional meet. Boesger thinks sophomore transfer student Hailey Cleveland will have the biggest impact on the team.

The Morenci Advocate

Back row: Assistant coach Brodie Pike, Kylan Lester, Anil Guler, Wyatt Berger, Beau Shaffer, Danilo Goranovic, Brennen Harsh, Van Ekins, and coach Jonathan Boesger. Front row: Jaloladdin Rahimov, Ishmam Choudhury, Briar Price, David Bauer, Kevin Kauffman, Zach Martinez, and Michael Rising.

Back row: Coach Andi Rorick, Becca Cox, Emma Williams, Paige Cousino, Tessa Zuvers, Emily Zuvers, Ava Alcock, coach Jonathan Boesger. Front row: Rachel Meadows, Zoey Martinez, Lilian Harsh, Makayla Nieman, Jayla McCowen, Shiana Johns. MORENCI AREA SCHOOLS

Aly Curtis, and Tessa Zuvers also got some varsity time this year.

Girls basketball from page B1

The loss “made them play with a little more fire,” Joughin added. And, indeed, wins of 65-30 against Erie Mason and 4431 against Blissfield closed out the regular season on Feb. 25 and Feb. 27.

Then it was on to the playoffs — and the quest for a spot in the state finals at the Breslin Center.

The first round of districts resulted in a 56-15 win against Waldron. The district final was a little harder, as the girls faced Summerfield for the third time this season.

“They changed up what they did the first two times,” Joughin said, “and we struggled to get going and really didn’t

Boys track & field

from page B6

Michael Rising, a senior sprinter will run the 400m and fill in for sprint relays. Four senior foreign exchange students Ishman Nafis Choudhury, Danilo Goranovic, Anil Guler and Jaloladdin Rahimov will all compete across sprints and distance events with Rahimov potentially competing in long jump or discus.

Junior Emmanuel DePalma will

Girls track & field

from page B6

“I think she’s athletic enough to try whatever she wants to try, and get good at it,” Boesger said of Cleveland. “The plan is to try her in sprints and potential pole vault and see where it goes from there.”

Boesger noted that sophomore Tessa Zuvers has shown improvements in terms of athleticism and aggressiveness and expects her to have strong showing in long jump this year.

Ava Alcock, a junior, vaulted 7’ last year and will go for the 8’ state qualifying standard throughout the season.

Junior Rachel Meadows and senior Emily Zuvers will showcase their versatility and compete in sprints and throws throughout the season.

Two throwers are eyeing state qualifying tosses as they enter the season.

Senior Zoey Martinez is close to qualifying standard in both shot put and discus, while classmate Makayla Nieman looks to make her mark in the discus.

MORENCI AREA SCHOOLS

pull away much the entire game.”

Nonetheless, the Bulldogs managed a 50-46 win, grabbing the district title again.

The first round of regionals was against Whitmore Lake. The Trojans “did a great job of slowing us down and kind of throwing us out of rhythm,” Joughin said, “and we were only up 10-8 at halftime before we were able to get things going.”

The final score of that game was 38-19.

In the regional final, Morenci faced the same opponent as last year’s regional final — Allen Park Inter-City Baptist. Their coach said the Bulldogs were expecting Inter-City Baptist to bring a strong and physical game.

“I thought the girls did a great job of making them struggle to get their offense going and holding them from

compete in both shot put and discus and will be joined by sophomore Briar Price and freshmen Brennan Harsh and Drew Joughin.

Unfortunately the low numbers make filling out a meet and competing at a team level very difficult.

Fortunately there are multiple invitationals that offer a unique format with events that differ from traditional meets.

Clinton will host a “Thrower’s Only” meet on April 17th where the Bulldogs took second place last year and look to compete for the top spot this year.

Six of the 14 athletes primarily compete in the throwing events and are very much looking forward to defending their 2024

Clinton “Thrower’s Only” championship on April 17th.

Senior Paige Cousino, junior Rebecca Cox, sophomore Jayla McCowan and freshmen Lillian Harsh and Shaina Johns will also compete in the throwing events.

“We are returning everybody that was an integral part of winning that meet, so I think the girls have a very good chance

scoring in transition,” she said.

Morenci’s 45-21 win earned the girls their second regional title in a row.

A 33-21 loss to Genesee Christian stopped Morenci from advancing toward a state title, and Joughin said that was disappointing for the team.

But there’s always next year.

The team will lose Alyssa Gibbs to graduation, but will return four starters next season. Three of them — Emersyn Bachelder, Evelyn Joughin, and Addyson Valentine — will be in their fourth year as varsity starters, and Colbie Ekins, heading into her junior year, will be a second-year varsity starter. Lauryn Dominique and Katelyn Ruse will be returning for their second year on varsity and looking to play bigger roles as seniors. And three of this

The “Bobcat Legacy Relays” in Whiteford and the “Royals Invitational” in Blissfield will be on back to back Saturdays (April 12 and 19) and will feature co-ed mixed relays, freshman/ sophomore relays as well as sprint and distance medleys. The shake up in format provides an intriguing twist for coaches, athletes and fans alike.

Another twist this year is the opportunity for athletes to qualify for the state meet earlier than at the regional meet.

“It has to be at a certified meet, you have to have over six competitors, has to

of winning that one,” Boesger said. “We have some pretty athletic girls that can move around the track.”

There will be two other unique meets (“Bobcat Legacy Relays” in Whiteford and the “Royals Invitational” in Blissfield) held on back to back Saturdays on April 12th and 19th. These invitationals will provide co-ed relays, underclassmen only relays as well as sprint and distance medleys.

The Royals Invitational will be the best opportunity for Morenci to place high as a

TRACK AND FIELD SCHEDULE

Saturday, April 5: Clinton Invitational at Clinton.

Tuesday, April 8: Home meet vs. Waldron.

Saturday, April 12: Bobcat Legacy Relays at Whiteford.

Tuesday, April 15: Meet at Sand Creek vs. Summerfield and Sand Creek.

Thursday, April 17: Throwers Only Meet at Clinton.

Saturday, April 19: Royals Invitational at Blissfield.

Tuesday, April 22: Away meet at Erie Mason.

Friday, April 25: Hinsdale Invitation at Sand Creek.

Tuesday, April 29: Home meet vs. Whiteford,

Friday, May 2: Away meet at East Jackson.

Tuesday, May 6: Away meet at Lenawee Christian vs. Britton Deerfield and LCS.

Friday, May 9: Tri-County Conference League Meet at Sand Creek.

Friday, May 16: MHSAA Regionals at Hillsdale College.

Thursday, May 22: Jim Beck Freshmen Only Meet at Dundee.

year’s JV sophomores — Tessa Zuvers, Aly Curtis, and Hailey Cleveland — got some varsity playing time this season and will become full-fledged members of the varsity team next year.

“We will work hard in the off-season on a few skills we’d like to improve on and also get some fluidity with adding a few girls to the roster,” Coach Joughin said, “and hopefully when the season rolls around, we can take off from where we left off.”

The coach said that her players are “pretty business-like.”

“They don’t get overly excited and emotional,” she said. “They know what they’re trying to do and go out and do it day in and day out. They know what it takes to win and try to set the tone and work together every night to get it done.”

be FAT timed, has to have two MHSAA officials there,” Boesger said of the new standards in place this year. “It has to run the exact order of events set forth by the MHSAA, and cannot have any additional races or events.”

Not every invitational will meet these standards, but no matter where they compete, Boesger is optimistic about the season.

“They’re going to shine in their events no matter what invitational or meet we’re at, because they are good at what they do,” he said.

team. “That meet is specifically designed for small teams that can’t necessarily fill out entire full relays and other events,” Boesger said.

Back row: Coach Ashley Joughin, Alyssa Gibbs, Colbie Ekins, and Lauryn Dominique. Front row: Evelyn Joughin, Emersyn Bachelder, Addyson Valentine, and Katelyn Ruse. JV sophomores Hailey Cleveland,

Senior Alyssa Gibbs takes a shot during Morenci’s Feb. 14 home game against Summerfield.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN JOUGHIN