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

30 years ago

DEERTON — Students and staff in the AuTrain-Onota school hoisted a banner proclaiming they’re “Proud to be tobacco free” today in anticipation of becoming the first such school district in Alger and Marquette counties. The Deerton school board’s ban on all tobacco products goes into effect July 1, when it will become reality for the three staff members who smoke, as well as those around them. “This is a positive step which will reinforce and support the strong non-tobacco use messages students learn in the classroom,” Principal Barbara Hase said. “The school’s 65 students also threw their support behind the rule. “I think it’s a good idea to be tobacco free because the passive smoke affects the students’ health too,” said sixth-grader Rebecca McCollum. Sixth-grader Nathan Lindquist said, “Students will respect teachers more for not smoking.” Although the issue has been studied in the Marquette school district, Superintendent Tom Gill said the school board hasn’t adopted a similar policy yet.

90 years ago

NEGAUNEE –John Toms, newly appointed chief of Negaunee police, rapidly is winning his spurs as a police officer faster than he thought when he took the oath of office two weeks ago. He was making his rounds yesterday morning to advise aldermen of a special meeting of the city fathers. Out in the east environs of the city he observed a man walking into town. The man’s face was strangely familiar. Toms recognized him as Emil Lind, recently sent to the county jail from justice court here on a charge of being drunk. Recognition was mutual and the man turned and fled into the woods. The chief gave chase and overtook him. Lind told Toms that he grew tired of the monotony of serving a jail sentence and decided, while no one was looking, to seek the open road back to Negaunee. Lind will be taken bck to jail to serve the remainder of his sentence.