"THIS IS FREAKING democracy in action!" The words of a woman seated on the floor of the City Commission chambers last evening (Monday). She was surrounded by more than 100 other citizens packed in, elbow to elbow, standing, sitting, kneeling, many straining for a glimpse of speakers politely but fervently telling the ... Continue Reading
Customs House to Become Condos
MORE CONDOS FOR Marquette. That's the plan of Nicole Gregory, a Grand Rapids entrepreneur whose family owns the historic Customs House downtown just off the shore of Lake Superior. The stone structure, built in the 1860s, has been used primarily for storage over the last few decades, but Gregory plans to transform it ... Continue Reading
StraightTalk: Tom Dolaskie
Tom Dolaskie is a young man with a lot on his plate. He's an indispensable part of a company that operates all over the world, and yet, by choice, he lives in his hometown of Munising. And now, with various businesses established and more on the way, he's committed to pumping life back into his hometown. BC: ... Continue Reading
The Journey from Damascus to Marquette
YOU MIGHT HAVE seen Dr. Wael Khouli, his wife Michele, and their two young children taking leisurely strolls through downtown Marquette, along the lake front, or out at Presque Isle. They seem like an All American family living a carefree, idyllic life. Yes....and no. "I wish it was a bad dream," Dr. Khouli tells ... Continue Reading
StraightTalk: Joe Heck
Joe Heck is a split personality--split three ways. He's probably the Upper Peninsula's best known baker, Joe the Cake Guy; he's also Joey Black, the flamboyant drag queen, and then in his off-time, he's Joe Heck, a self-described boring homebody. He's managed to balance the three personalities while also overcoming the ... Continue Reading