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

30 YEARS:

MARQUETTE – Fire protection agreements for two adjacent townships have been approved by the Marquette City Commission and are awaiting ratification by the townships’ boards. City Manager Thomas R. McNabb observed that at a city commission meeting held Sept. 10, 1962, the commission took action authorizing the city attorney to draw up fire protection agreements for the townships served by the Marquette Fire Department. A basic retainer rate of $100 per month was approved, along with an hourly rate of $100 per hour, when the City of Marquette’s fire equipment was called to respond to a fire in the townships. Under terms of the agreements, the city will furnish the townships fire department service protection of buildings within that township. Furnishing of such service will be wholly within the discretion of the Marquette fire chief as to the amount and capacity of the firefighting equipment and personnel that he may deem necessary and advisable to “reasonably provide such service and within the means of the city fire department.” It is pointed out that the city has priority over the township in the use of the city’s firefighting equipment and personnel and that the firefighting equipment and personnel which may be actually engaged within the township may be recalled to the city if needed in an emergency.

60 YEARS:

IRON MOUNTAIN – Owners of businesses selling alcohol in Dickinson County are angry at the way police handled a sting operation last week to test which taverns, grocery stores and restaurants were furnishing alcohol to minors. “I’m irritated at how the plan was set up,” said Don Newcomb, co-owner of the Northwoods Bar in Norway. Police used decoys under the age of 21 who met strict criteria. Newcomb said he was working the night of April 21 when the 12-hour operation took place. “Two younger kids came into the bar wanting to purchase beer. I carded them as I normally do when I see someone that young. They left without any trouble,” he said. “About an hour later, a different one came in wanting to purchase beer also,” Newcomb said. “I guess I was not paying much attention to him and sold him the beer. It seems to me the operators were going to keep up until someone was able to buy from us.” Alan Monette, owner of Monette’s IGA in Kingsford, said he was sorry it happened, whether he was “set up” or not. “I’m very upset that law agencies or school officials in this county did not come to all business owners and say, ‘Hey, we have a problem with underage drinking. Help us out.'” Kingsford Public Safety Director Dennis Charette said no establishment was “set up” or singled out. He said. “We have checked with Jay Finch, Dickinson County prosecutor, and no entrapment was involved.” Thirty-two out of 42 businesses sold alcohol to minors. Law agencies involved include Iron Mountain-Kingsford, Norway, Michigan State Police and the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department, along with the state Liquor Control Commission. Both Monette and Newcomb said they are first-time offenders for this violation and will pay the fine rather than fight.