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

30 years ago

BARAGA — Negotiations are underway over who should pay state sales tax, if anyone, on goods purchased on the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Reservation. As a sovereign unit of government, KBIC is exempt from paying state and federal taxes. This causes some complications when non-tribal members purchase goods–from cigarettes to furniture to fireworks–from tribal businesses on the reservation. Apparently, the Michigan Department of Treasury would like KBIC to pick up the state sales tax on purchases made by non-tribal customers. Treasury Department officials recently met with KBIC Chairman Fred Dakota. Some groundwork was laid, but no decisions were reached, Dakota said. Dakota said KBIC’s standpoint is that if the Department of Treasury wants the tribe to pick up the taxes, it should give KBIC something in return. Officials at the Treasury Department could not be reached for comment.

60 years ago

MARQUETTE – There’s increasing evidence the tourist attraction being developed as a scenic all-steam railroad, Marquette to Big Bay, is gaining wider attention and interest. Ken and Sheila Seitz, who asked to handle the promotional work “for such an exciting project,” will be here. They have contacted metropolitan television stations and have gained approval of films for TV showing throughout the Midwest. The Booth newspaper chain of Michigan, which publishes newspapers in Ann Arbor, Muskegon, Jackson, Bay City, Battle Creek, Saginaw, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, will have a reporter here for the occasion. There are three offices for reservations for the preview ride on Sunday. The Sunday preview, arranged for citizens of this area a week in advance of the public opening, is scheduled to start at 2:30 Sunday afternoon, and includes entertainment and dining in the Thunder Bay Inn.