EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.

30 years ago

MARQUETTE — Residents in the vicinity of a proposed housing development in Marquette Township will have the opportunity to sound off about the plan tonight. A public hearing on the controversial 120-unit project off Grove Street is scheduled during the regular meeting of the township board at 7 in the township offices on Brookton Road. Many residents have expressed opposition to the proposal and say the development could lead to property devaluation, traffic congestion and overpopulation. “Every potential new building, no matter where it is built, will have a group of detractors, but we are elected to look at the long-term good of the entire township.” said Supervisor Pat Mayer. Business Manager Kevin Hamann agreed that the project is needed in the township. A study done by the Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development regional commission states that the township lacks residential rental units. Developers Cal Karr and Steve Pelto also have said that targeted renters, 40 to 70-year-old business people and recent retirees, will not be problems in the area. The CUPPAD report stated that the $3 million cost of the project will generate $78,000 in taxes annually, including nearly $10,000 for township coffers.

60 years ago

MARQUETTE — Firemen extinguished a roof ventilator fire at Cliffs Dow Chemical Co., Saturday, but reported only minor damage from the blaze. The fire was reported at 9:25 a.m., after sparks from a gas vent ignited charcoal dust on the Cliff-Char building. Firemen used a one and one-half inch line and the booster off the service truck to put out the flames. In another call yesterday, firemen were called to standby at the Fred J. Peterson residence on Cedar Street, when a hot water heater overheated. Firemen said there was no blaze and no damage, but they stood by until the heater had cooled.