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

30 years ago

MARQUETTE — If you’re a business owner and confused over the new federal minimum wage law, you’re not alone. Chances are your employee is confused too. “It’s unclear to most small businesses and employers what we are supposed to do,” said a local fast food manager who asked that his name not be used. “I guess Monday, everyone gets a raise.” For the first time in nearly a decade, the federal minimum wage rises today from $3.35 to $3.80 and jumps to $4.25 in 1991. The legislation also establishes a short-term training wage of $3.35. What’s creating confusion in Michigan is the Legislature’s failure to declare what the state’s minimum wage will be. “Michigan and federal laws differ and we have to comply with the strictest law,” said Willard Damberg, and employment counselor in the Michigan Employment Security Commission’s Marquette office. “I just don’t know what the rules are yet.”

60 years ago

IRON MOUNTAIN — The H&L Tooth Co. of Montebello, Calif., has named the Service and Supply Division of Lake Shore, Inc. its sales representative in the Upper Peninsula. The high alloy steel teeth have multiple applications in the mining and contracting industries. Various types are used on clam-shells, trenchers, rippers, shovel dippers, sacrifiers, hoe buckets, loaders, and draglines. The easily replaceable teeth are widely used throughout the entire United States. Sales and service men of SSD recently attended an intensive sales meeting at Iron Mountain under the direction of H&L officials. Addition of the H&L tooth line, says John Greenly, SSD manager, will enable Lake Shore to offer increased services and a highly useable product to the regions mining and contracting industries. Lake Shore also represents H&L in Northern Minnesota sales and service centers at Duluth, Hibbing and Buhl.