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

30 years ago

MARQUETTE — The county intends to move into its new $5.5 million medical care facility west of Ishpeming in October or November, according to Ronald Keefe, chairman of the Marquette County Board of Social Services. Keefe said fears that patients may not be able to move from the aging 98-bed Acocks facility into the new 120-bed structure until spring aren’t justified. The move had been scheduled to begin in August, then was delayed until early September. Some critical pieces of food service equipment haven’t yet arrived, delaying the completion of the new facility’s kitchen and pushing back the move even further. In mid-August, the architect identified 17 certifications and approvals that would be required before patients can move in. Inspections by the state fire marshal, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Labor and other regulating bodies have been completed or are scheduled during the next few weeks. Though some young people are patients at the Acocks facility, the average age of residents there is 85.

60 years ago

MARQUETTE — An area-wide hunt was continued today for John D. Cairns, 27, Marquette State Prison trusty who fled the Honor Camp in Chocolay Township early last night. Cairns, serving a three to 15-year term for breaking and entering in the night time, was last seen at 8 last night and was detected missing at the 9 o’clock count at the camp. State police immediately placed into effect their road blockade and all law enforcement agencies in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin were notified of his escape. Two other trusties, James Oberlin, 30, and Merle Bowen, 42, who left the conservations-correction camp in Camp Baraga Aug. 24 also are still at large. Cairns is the 14th trusty to leave an honor post in the Upper Peninsula this year and the fifth since Aug. 24. All except for Cairns, Bowen, and Oberlin have been apprehended. Last year 11 prisoners (including one held behind the walls) fled, but all were recaptured.