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

30 years ago

IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County’s fishing ban at Fumee Lake is being challenged by the state. The Michigan Natural Resources Commission voted unanimously Thursday to approve a catch-and-release fishing season at the county-owned lake beginning in July 1994. “Any move now is really going to be up to the county,” said NRC Commissioner Jerry Bartnik, who offered the motion for the fishing rules. The state-approved season will run from July 1 to Sept. 30 in both 1994 and 1995, with artificial bait and barbless hooks only allowed. It remains to be seen whether the county will contest the special season, which was proposed earlier this year by Michigan Department of Natural Resources staff but rejected by the Fumee Lake Commission. Fumee commissioners voted 4-3 in June to withdraw their support for the catch-and-release season, and then adopted rules to prohibit hunting, fishing and trapping within the entire Fumee Lake Natural Area.

Jay Finch, the county’s prosecuting attorney, offered a written opinion stating that the county has the authority to enact such a ban. The county board, in a 4-1 vote on July 13, accepted the Fumee Commission’s recommendations. Fumee Lake, which has never been open to fishing, is home to many big smallmouth bass.

60 years ago

NEGAUNEE — One of the most successful swimming programs in several years ended during the past week when swimming and non-swimming groups each spent complete days at Van Riper State Park. More than 300 children registered for the summer program, and with ideal weather prevailing for most of the eight-week period, which got under way in June, attendance averaged two busloads of non-swimmers and one of swimmers each Tuesday and Thursday, according to Director Marshall Phillips. Cooperation and conduct of the youngsters both on the buses and while at Champion Beach was excellent, the director reported.

The program was sponsored jointly by the City of Negaunee and Negaunee School District, with the municipality providing supervision and the schools bus transportation to and from the park. Miss Judy Korpinen served as swimming instructor.