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

30 years ago

MARQUETTE — For the first time, Marquette teachers and the district’s school board have settled a labor contract before summer vacation. The Marquette Area Education Association and the board reached tentative agreement Thursday. Details aren’t being released until both sides ratify the contract. Last year, teachers struck for 11 school days before settling. The difference this year was a clearer financial forecast and improved union-administration relations, said Stuart Skauge, MAEA president. Last year, the state aid bill was not passed until a week before school started, which dragged out negotiations, he said. “It’s one of those situations like last year–both parties are satisfied that we did the best we could do under the circumstances,” said Skauge. “They might not be proposing something we like, but we understand their financial situation.” Negotiations began in March and were smoother because of increased trust, he said. The district has about 260 teachers. The MAEA was to meet at 3 p.m. today, even though its bylaws say it must wait a week before approving a contract, Skauge said. The school board was to meet at 5 p.m. to vote on ratification. The MAEA is the last of the district’s four unions to settle. The district’s current contracts expire June 30.

60 years ago

MARQUETTE — Work will start immediately on the construction of curbing and gutter on the approaches to the Altamont St. overpass over the U.S. 41 bypass, it was reported today. Mayor Joseph Fine and City Clerk Everett H. Kent have been authorized to execute a contract with the Michigan Highway Department for the work, at a cost of $1,920 to the city. City Engineer M.J. (Mickey) Keranen said that the curb and gutter installation on the Altamont St. overpass approaches will be done by Bacco Construction Co., Iron Mountain, general contractor for the bypass. Curb and gutter has already been installed this summer by Bacco Construction Co. crews on the approaches to the Champion St. overpass over the bypass. Keranen said that curb and gutter installation is even more important on the Altamont St. approaches, because runoff conditions are worse on that street than on the Champion Street overpass.