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

30 years

BIG BAY — Over 100 drag racers from all over the Upper Peninsula competed in eight classes during the inaugural mud drag event at the Big Bay Valley Mud Drag course Saturday. “It’s just a hobby for most of the people here,” Marquette racer Mark Schumacher said. “You see some of the trucks have names on them like Addicted To Mud and In Love With Mud. Once you race, that’s what happens…you just get into it.” Most people get into this hobby with nothing more than an old truck and some spare time on their hands. “I used to see racers come in and out of my shop all the time and eventually I just decided that I wanted to give it a try,” Dan Wertanen of Negaunee said. “All you really need is a truck and maybe a set of tires and you are ready to go. You aren’t going to make a living doing this, but it’s a great hobby.” So how do these guys keep their trucks headed in the right direction when they are getting crazy? Surprisingly, it is really pretty simple. “About the only thing you can do is try and get a good jump at the light,” Horrocks said. “After that, it’s all pretty much horsepower and how the truck is set up that determines who wins.” The fans enjoyed the racing atmosphere as much as the participants themselves.

60 years

IRON MOUNTAIN — A 25-day Peninsula-wide strike ended yesterday afternoon when representatives of Upper Peninsula contractors and the plumbing and fitting union settled a wage dispute. At a mediation meeting yesterday in Iron Mountain, an agreement for a package increase in plumbers’ wages was reached. Industrial plumbers in the U.P. had been on strike since June 1, when contracts expired. Their union had previously informed the U.P. Mechanical and Electrical Contractors’ Association that there would be no work without a contract. A package increase in wages of 65 cents per hour over a three-year period was agreed upon yesterday. Industrial plumbers’ wages in most of the U.P. were $3.95 per hour before the increase was approved yesterday. Some industrial plumbers began working at U.P. construction sites today. After an organization period, full plumbing crews will be called back to work on construction projects.