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

30 years ago

MARQUETTE — Ten county commissioners sat elbow to elbow Tuesday around desks that previously held five, and began to plot changes made possible by their greater number. More attendance at committee meetings and more involvement with constituents are likely as the board seeks to justify its larger size — and budget. According to Chairman Gerald Corkin of Negaunee, the board’s top priority in 1993 is teamwork. But the size of the board itself continues to be a point of contention. “The county was running very well with five, and we were well represented,” said Commissioner Paul Arsenault of Ishpeming Township who was elected vice chairman Tuesday. “I fought this right from the beginning. The reason is the cost. With the budget constraints we have, I don’t think the country residents should have to incur the extra costs involved in having a 10-person board.” The decision to expand the board was made in a 3-2 vote by the county’s appointment committee in September 1991. Newcomer Charles Bergdahl of Skandia said taxpayers will get their money’s worth. “The five commissioners did a great job in the past, but they were spread pretty thin,” Bergdahl said. “I think for the additional dollars it will cost the county, people will get their money’s worth. I’ll be attending township meetings and I’ll see what the areas need. It’s my job to help them out.” Corkin, beginning his eighth year on the board, was elected to a fifth year as chairman Tuesday. He said the addition of five commissioners will let the board work more closely with county-appointed boards and commissions.

60 years ago

MARQUETTE — Marquette area residents were reminded by postmaster John S. Courtney this morning that the new postage rates go into effect today. “Be sure to place the correct amount of postage on letters mailed from today on,” he said. Postage rates for first-class letters has been increased to five cents, from four cents an ounce, with air mail letters costing eight cents an ounce, instead of seven cents. First class post cards will cost four cents, instead of three cents, with air mail cards going to six cents, from five cents. The extra charge of one cent for stamp booklets containing the five-cent and 8-cent denominations has been dropped. The booklets will be sold at face value, Courtney said. In addition, Postmaster Courtney continued, the booklets will contain a handy postage chart inside every cover. Postmaster Courtney warned residents that insufficient postage will be collected from the addressee or the letter returned to sender.