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

30 years ago

April 28, 1993 – GRATIOT LAKE – A Keweenaw County copper mine is well on its way to starting operations, but opponents remain hopeful they can halt the project. The proposed chalcocite copper mine near Gratiot Lake and the former Calumet Air Force station received its water discharge permit last week. The state Water Resources Commission voted 6-to-1 to approve the permit after listening to three hours of testimony for and against the mine. One of those speaking against the project was Gratiot Lake resident Janet Avery. Avery said she and other mine opponents who went to Lansing last week weren’t surprised by the commission’s decision expected the commission to side with business, namely Great Lakes Minerals and its CEO, John McBride. “We do disagree with Mr. McBride saying the decision was based on science,” Avery said. “It was based on business. Our testimony we gave, I believe, was very scientific.” One of the arguments she has against the mine is that the water discharge permit is less restrictive than a previous permit. Opponents also have reservations about a study conducted to test the toxicity of the mine water, which only go to 300 feet although the mine will go as deep as 600 feet. Avery said people should look at loss of income in the long run, not just making quick money in the short run. She said she would welcome another business that could come in and supply jobs for everyone without harming the environment.

60 years ago

April 28, 1963 – MARQUETTE – Marquette County’s relief costs declined last month for the first time in a long period, James B. Scanlon, Negaunee, director of the social welfare department, reports. Relief costs last month totaled $66,716.83, for a drop of $291.22, or a fraction of a percent, from the corresponding total of a year ago. However, direct relief costs went down to $19,983.11 last month, a drop of $577.88, and social welfare commitments amounted to $46,733.77 in March, or $5,017.82 under the February figure. But the county must pay for all of the costs of administering the social welfare program, including hospitalization, which is the largest single item in relief costs for the county. The cities’ per capita costs were $1.48, Ishpeming; $1.16, Negaunee; and 91 cents, Marquette. The case load last month numbered 349, which was the exact average for the year and 17 more than the monthly average in the first quarter of last year.