30 years ago

SAWYER AIR FORCE BASE — It’s likely to cost nearly $2 million to convince American Eagle Corp. to move its aircraft maintenance facility to the former Sawyer Air Force Base, a state official said. But the local negotiators bargaining with the Texas-based airline have little choice if they hope to save several hundred maintenance jobs, said James Storey, vice president of the Michigan Jobs Commission. The commission controls daily operations at Sawyer. American Eagle announced in May that it would discontinue flight operations at Marquette County Airport in Negaunee Township, effective Aug 1. More importantly, the airline said it wants to expand its aircraft maintenance operation, which currently employs about 180 workers, with as many as 75-100 employees. However, it needs more room than was easily or cheaply available at the county airport. Since that time local officials, led by Marquette County Interim Administrator Ronald Koshorek, have met with company representatives frequently to convince them to move to Sawyer.

90 years ago

ISHPEMING — Pajula & Maki, Inc., Ishpeming contractors and the Greater Ishpeming Chamber of Commerce today announced that the Ridge St. School Building, recently purchased by the firm, is being converted into a 14-unit apartment building. The vacated school obtained by P&M from the Ishpeming School District will be renovated at a cost of approximately $130,000. Raymond Pajula, partner in the contracting firm, revealed that some apartments would be completed by fall. Most will be two-bedroom units with livings rooms and kitchen areas. All kitchens will be fully equipped with new appliances.