30 years ago

MARQUETTE – The group of lawyers and associates raising funds for a $2,500 painting of retired Marquette County Circuit Judge Raymond Jason has reached its goal. Attorney Mark Stevens of Marquette said the money for the oil-on-canvas portrait was raised in little more than a week with the help of a $500 donation from Marquette County Courthouse employees. The portrait will be painted by Marquette artist Paul grant. It will hang in the county circuit courtroom with portraits of 10 other former Circuit judges. Stevens praised attorney Harley Andrews and county probation and parole department case worker James Cihak as being instrumental in the fundraising effort. Besides the courthouse employee’s $500 donation, other donations ranged from $10 to several hundred dollars. Contributors were from the general public as well as the legal community, Stevens said. The Marquette County Board voted in February not to fund the portrait, citing financial problems. The action broke a 130-year tradition. Commissioner Karlyn Rapport was the only commissioner who supported funding the venture. She was happy to hear Jason’s painting will be done. “I’m delighted,” she said. “I’m just quite pleased and I think it will do the judge honor and the county.” Jason retired Jan. 1 for health reasons. Stevens said the portrait will be presented at Jason’s retirement banquet planned for next month.

60 years ago

NEGAUNEE – Three Negaunee teams and one from Marquette advanced in Class C-B action last night in the Negaunee independent basketball tournament being conducted in Memorial gym. Four more games are on tap tonight. Marquette Pharmacy will meet Negaunee Ernie’s Mets at 6 in a Class C opener, to be followed by Class B games between Negaunee Russo Brothers and Trenary Weber’s Bar at 7:15. Gwinn Jack’s Hideaway and Crystal Falls McNeil Oilers at 8:30 and M-28 All Stars and Champion All-Stars at 9. With Neil Sullivan netting 24 points, Negaunee Tino’s Bar defeated Negaunee Adult Recreation, 61-35, then Negaunee OK Autos downed Twin City Cronics, 55-46, in Class C action. Negaunee Terry’s Mobil blasted Ishpeming Roosevelt Bar, 74-45, with Pail Jandron and Les Melka lacing 39 points for the winners. Marquette Chalet, with Bob Blair scoring 23 points, tipped Baraga Midway Hotel Bar, 78-67.