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

30 years ago

NEGAUNEE — Some area districts have stopped serving apples for lunch while others are contemplating the same measure out of concern for possible dangers of a chemical used on the fruit. Fears about eating apples and other apple products have heightened since a “60 Minutes” telecast by CBS News reported that Alar, a chemical used to promote firmness and prevent spoilage, could cause cancer risks, especially for children. After hearing about the alleged dangers, the Negaunee school district stopped serving apple products about a week ago, said Gloria Saari, director of food services. She added that she became aware of the chemical issue through the news media. Although the district hasn’t received any official warnings from the government–which provides the district with apple products–no apples, apple juice, or apple sauce will be served until “we hear something from the government,” Saari said. “When you’re feeding bout 900 kids, you’re responsible for them. I feel when you’re working with students, it’s better to be on the safe side … I just wish government agencies would be more responsible with these things.” The Marquette school district also intends to stop serving apples and apple sauce, said director of the district’s auxiliary services Jim Golden. The items are scheduled for Friday’s and Monday’s menus but will then be removed.

90 years ago

MARQUETTE–The Northern State Teachers college debating teams won two victories last night, defeating the Michigan Tech and Central State Teachers college squads in Houghton and Mt. Pleasant, respectively, and losing in the home clash with Michigan Tech. The question argued at Mt. Pleasant was, “Resolved, Trial by Jury Should be abolished.” The team which took victory from Central is composed of Miss Dorthea Johnston, of Gladstone; Miss Meryle Cardew, of Ishpeming; Miss Lillian Griffis, of Sault Ste. Marie, and Miss Jean Anderson, of Marquette. The subject of the dual debate in Houghton was: “Resolved, that the Public Should Retain Ownership and Develop Sources of Hydro-Electric Power in the United States.” The winning team at Houghton is composed of Waino Nelmark, of Ironwood; Carl Oberg and Howard Billings, of Marquette. The team which lost at the N. S. T. C. auditorium is composed of Martin Ruona, of Ishpeming, and Bert Henne and Robert Bishop, of Marquette.