Nate Heffron, city manager, city of Negaunee

Some of you may do a double take as you pass the historic 1906 Osterbotten Hall “Swede/Finn Hall” located on Teal Lake Avenue. The color changed and a little sprucing up was done, but is the business the same? It’s still a law practice. However, there is now a different lawyer in the building, Jonny Waara of Waara Law. The building was home to Houghton Law for years. Its former owners, Bruce and Kathy Houghton, who forged a tradition of community service in Negaunee themselves, recently sold the iconic Teal Lake Avenue building to Jonny and his wife Barbara. 

“Bruce and Kathy had great vision in restoring and saving the building, keeping a historic look both inside and out,” said new owner Jonny Waara. Many of you may already know Jonny, with his pleasant disposition and catch phrase, “Jonny from Negaunee,” owner of Waara Law. 

Jonny and his wife Barbara live in Iron River where he has practiced law since 1996 with Vincent and Nora Petrucelli at Petrucelli & Waara.  This year, Jonny decided to open his own practice in Negaunee. “My years with Vincent and Nora were wonderful, but I have always thought about venturing out on my own and forming my own practice. I looked at Marquette County thinking this was best place due to its centralized location in the UP,” Waara said. Currently Jonny offers civil litigation services as well as some criminal defense. 

When Jonny was looking towards Marquette County for relocation, he couldn’t think of a better place than Negaunee to set up shop. Being a graduate from Negaunee High School in 1989, Jonny had fond memories of his time as a Negaunee Miner. 

“I remember the community through the lens of my family and the people. My dad, grandfathers, and many of my family members were actual miners, both underground and open pit. I worked as a summer student in the mines as well,” Waara said. “I just remember the people as being hard-working, tough and honest. I try to bring those principles to my law practice every day.”

Jonny’s personal roots in Negaunee make him excited to rejoin the community in more ways than one.

 “I’m not just here to provide a service, but I also want to get involved in events like Pioneer Days, local sponsorship opportunities, and there are many great service clubs in Negaunee,” Waara said. “I love the direction Negaunee is taking to improve the community and especially areas like the downtown. The ample recreational opportunities like the bike and ski trails are also very appealing.”

Jonny is also excited to reconnect with old friends and family members in the Negaunee area. He spoke fondly of the time he has spent in downtown Negaunee. No doubt he will be making new friends while sharing a pizza or enjoying a cudighi at Tino’s. 

Besides Tino’s, Jonny enjoys playing the guitar and participating in open mic opportunities. He even performs once a month for seniors at the Iron County Medical Care Facility and plans to do the same in Negaunee.

We welcome Jonny and his team back to Negaunee, back to his roots. When talking with him, it was great to see his excitement. Not just for his business, but also for the nostalgia of being back in the place where it all started. He’s excited to be part of our community and we welcome him as he begins forging his adventure here.