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

IRON MOUNTAIN – Ford Airport’s federal entitlement funds may be in jeopardy if United Express fails to attract more passengers, but the introduction of larger planes could help solve the problem. At least 10,000 boardings are needed each year to enable the airport to qualify for the money, which totals up to $400,000 annually. Boardings at the county airport numbered 10,085 in 1992, rose to 11,724 in 1993, and declined to 10,562 in 1994, said William Marchetti, Dickinson County controller and airport manager. Based on the first three months, the 10,000 enplanement threshold might not be met in 1995, although there has been some improvement recently, Marchetti said. Without the entitlement funds, the county would be forced to compete for discretionary awards for runway work and other projects. It is hoped that the county’s continued participation in an Air Service Marketing Program, along with the introduction of larger aircraft by United Express this spring, will increase the number of boardings. By early May, United Express plans to use 30-passenger aircraft for all of its five weekday flights to Chicago, up from the one 30-passenger flight introduced this month.

NEGAUNEE – Joseph Torreano, member of the Negaunee fire department, suffered scalp wounds and a broken leg in fighting a fire which threatened to destroy homes in the Mary Charlotte location this afternoon. Efficient work by the Negaunee fire crew brought the blaze under control after more than three hours’ work. The roofs of two houses at the extreme north and south ends of the location were destroyed. Other homes between these two points were saved because they had composition roofs. The two roofs which ignited were covered with shingles. The fire broke out at 1:15 and was under control at about 4 o’clock. Sparks from a chimney or a steam-shovel being operated nearby are believed to have started the fire. One of the damaged homes was occupied by a family and the other was vacant. Torreano was on the roof of one of the burning buildings when the chimney caved in and fell on top of him. He was taken to the Ishpeming Hospital by Dr. W.A. Mudge, city health officer. His injuries are not serious, it was said after an X-ray had been taken of the broken leg.