BY NOW, WE'VE all read about the $145 million dollar check kiting scheme and the Ishpeming woman, Brooke Vernier (also known as Brooke Ferns), who's been charged with fraud in the case. That's $145 million, not thousand. That's a lot of money, especially here in the U.P. Well, time for some clarification here, and ... Continue Reading
Nordic Bay Property, Shiras Condos, Old Customs House, Orphanage Tours, Medical Center’s Future, State Police Demotion (of sorts), and a Celebrity Golf Challenge
THAT OLD NORDIC Bay Lodge site up on Shiras Hills? The one that was cleared last year? Still no plans for it. The property owner, Veridea Group, is waiting for a developer to come in with an idea and some cash, or Veridea, itself, may eventually develop it. When the market's right. The company, meantime, isn't ... Continue Reading
NeuroTrainer Founder Is Moving, Upfront Price Is Increasing, and Lakeside Neighborhood Is Improving
SMARTZONE PIONEER JEFF Nyquist, the founder of NeuroTrainer in downtown Marquette, is moving to San Francisco. It just makes sense for him, he says. Access to capital, strategic partners, and technical support is far greater on the West Coast than it is here in Marquette. He readily admits he and his wife have invested ... Continue Reading
Beacon House, Father Marquette Park, Architect Competition, Public Art, Dark Stores, Kivela’s Up and Down Year, and Sam Ali
LOOKS LIKE THE Beacon House will soon have a new home. The UP Celebrity Golf Classic gets underway today (Wednesday), and Beacon House CEO Mary Tavernini promises a "special announcement" at tonight's dinner. She won't disclose anything more than that. However, it's been well documented that the Beacon House, over the ... Continue Reading
StraightTalk with Kirsten Gustafson
She's a UP gal who's cut an album for Atlantic records, sung at the Montreux Jazz Festival and once toured with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. She's now returned to the UP where she still performs with a style all her own. Brian Cabell sat down with this independent-minded jazz singer. BC: You were raised in ... Continue Reading