30 years ago

MARQUETTE – Although common in urban areas, a “cops on bikes” squad didn’t take to the streets in Marquette until this year. With a $1,000 grant from the Kaufman Foundation, the police department bought a pair of Trek bikes from the Sports Rack, which donated additional police equipment the bike officers need. “Cops on bikes certainly isn’t a new idea,” said Marquette Police Chief Sal Sarvello, “but we noticed a need for this type of policing in the area.” An officer on a bike has more flexibility than in a car. One area where bike patrols have become common is the Third Street village business district, where large numbers of young people loiter or cruise in their cars. Local police officer Chris Croley enjoys the bike patrol because he’s able to interact closely with local residents. Patrolman Gordie Warchock says he does more than police work on his bike. “I can answer questions about the city and be a liaison between the police department and the community,” he said. “The bike patrol is an extension of our community police philosophy,” Sarvello said. “We are trying to initiate more contact with the community.”

90 years ago

NEGAUNEE — Work of conditioning the new Marquette county airport has been completed and the field is regarded as one of the best examples of airport engineering in the upper peninsula. The field contains 270 acres and has been fenced in. Markers have been placed along the trunk lines showing the way to the field. It contains a parking area about 500 feet from the highway with room for 2,000 automobiles. The new airport has two runways a half mile long and 500 feet wide. A wind beacon and center circle were installed and it is planned to put in boundary markers and construct a hangar later. The work has been done by the Marquette county road commission in cooperation with the ERA. Electric cables have been placed under the field for a lighting system. Fuel for airplanes is available at the Otis Rule service station on U.S.-41 at the entrance to the field. The new airport is located seven miles west of Marquette and about a mile north of the old landing field at Eagle Mills, which is no longer used.