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

30 years ago

HOUGHTON — Researchers at Michigan Tech University are investigating whether organisms found in the sediments of the Great Lakes can decompose contaminants, and if not, what is stopping them. “Contamination of the Great Lakes by organic pollutants is of great concern,” said Prof. James Mihelcic of the civil and environmental engineering department at MTU. “Some of these contaminants biologically degrade while others do not, and we aren’t really sure why.” The contaminants being studied are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. PAH’s come from the burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil, and natural burnings like forest fires and volcanic eruptions. The study of PAH’s began this fall and will continue for about a year. “Hopefully, the answers we find will aid regulators in setting pollution levels for the Great Lakes,” said Mihelcic. “There is also the possibility that we can evaluate whether biologically engineered cleanup is feasible.”

60 years ago

NEGAUNEE — By a vote of 57 to 3, members of the Negaunee Rod and Gun Club at the December meeting went on record in opposition to the “any deer” season under consideration by the State Conservation Department. Two representatives of the department attended the session and answered questions from sportsmen pertaining to the issue. A poll is being conducted in this district to determine the success of the 1961 deer season. It is expected results will be available for consideration at the January meeting of the club. The first in a series of several winter skeet shoots will be held Sunday afternoon, Dec. 10. Sportsmen in the area, including personnel at K.I Sawyer Air Force Base, are invited to participate.