30 years ago

ISHPEMING — The NICE school district will be voting to approve a $9.8 million building millage budget this fall for a new K-8 school that will replace all existing buildings safe for Westwood High School. The new building plan was developed by a 31-member citizen committee that studied the districts long term building needs. If approved, voters will be paying off the millage for the next seven years, and experts see the new school offering more development plans for the city. Over 60 schools in the state will be seeking state money for new buildings, and some worry that NICE will be going above their needs. Parents of the closing Champion school are looking to develop a charter school so their children will not be bogged down by bus rides. Because of this development, Superintendent Ron Kulie worries about losing children to a private school.

90 years ago

ISHPEMING — Joseph Zopetti of North Lake, who could be seen carrying a 190-pound half barrel of beer on his back for three and a half miles, is known throughout North Lake district for many such feats of strength. Powered by wagers and bets from his friends, Zopetti finished his walk in one hour and 44 minutes, an astounding hour and 16 minutes less than his expected time. Stopping below the first of two hills on his journey, Zopetti used one of his six rests ranging from two to three minutes and took reluctant sips of water offered by the crowd of onlookers. After the trek, dropping the barrel of beer on his doorstep, Zopetti said he wanted “a big cup of coffee” and rest so he could be ready for his job in the North Lake mine in the evening. Zopetti claimed that the walk was easy, and that in Europe men carried much heavier loads when there were no wheel barrows or wagons. In the end, Zopetti collected the bets of beer, money, and other prizes claiming he will surely make the trip again if there is sufficient compensation.