STRANGE HAPPENINGS IN Ishpeming.
A tractor pushes a wall of snow in front of Cognition, Ishpeming’s popular microbrewery, blocking the doorway. It closes down, and management announces via FaAcebook that it will remain closed for the time being even though it wants to serve its customers.
Well, now.
No answers as to who did it or why they did it all day Thursday. No one’s talking, although TV6 reports that the owners of the Mather Inn, which owns the Cognition building, “says they’re not involved.”
So the Mather Inn didn’t closed them down apparently, and Cognition certainly didn’t shut down of its own accord. So, who’s behind it?
Maybe a problem with the lender? Or the state? Liquor Control?
Nope, nope and nope, according to someone who knows.
According to reports, the tractor that plowed the snow in front of Cognition was most recently seen parked right in front of the Mather Inn. So, put two and two together, and you get the sense that maybe the dispute does somehow involve the Mather Inn, after all.
Cognition owner Jay Clancey won’t directly point at finger at the Mather Inn–he suggests we talk directly to them–but he’s consulting with his attorney this morning. Clancey doesn’t expect the dispute to be resolved in the next day or two.
A shame, because both Cognition, which opened two years ago, and the Mather Inn, which just recently reopened, have done a remarkable job in helping to revive downtown Ishpeming.
Our call to the Mather Inn has not been answered yet this morning. We’re also trying to contact city manager Mark Slown.
The unfortunate bottom line: no brews tonight at the Cognition.
Update: City manager Slown confirms the city is not involved in the dispute. It is strictly between two private parties–the Mather Inn and Cognition.
Further update: Multiple sources indicate the dispute resulted from work done at the Mather Inn by Clancey Electric, and payment that may or may not have been made. Jay Clancey owns both Clancey Electric and Cognition. Neither side confirms this is the cause of the dispute.
You got news? Email me at briancabell@gmail.com.