IF YOU WATCH them strolling across the snowy NMU campus, you see a pretty 20 year old brunette with long hair, and a boyish looking 19-year-old wearing a ball cap and a hoodie. If you talk to them, you'll discover that they're smart, thoughtful, and gregarious. Regular college kids, eager to talk and ready with their ... Continue Reading
The Luckiest Unlucky Girl in the World
THIRTY-FOUR YEAR old Anna Dravland woke up feeling ill on Thursday, November 16th. A headache and neck pain hadn't subsided for the last week. But calling in sick was out of the question. It was to be a big day for Travel Marquette, where she worked. Ladies Night--the shopping extravaganza--was that evening, and Travel ... Continue Reading
Old Enemies, New Friends
71 YEAR OLD Vic Romback offers no regrets, no apologies. He was an airman doing his duty for his country back in 1967-68 when he served 18 months in Vietnam. "We were told the reason we were at war was because the Cold War was getting hotter," he says. "And we had to go to Vietnam to beat down communism. I did my ... Continue Reading
Thomas and Michael: The Story of a Special Relationship
TALK ABOUT AN unlikely pair. Tom Baldini, the elder statesman, the reserved gentleman, the non-athlete. And Mike Koskiniemi, the muscular, hyper-energetic younger guy who runs Motions, the fitness gym in north Marquette. Baldini was 33 years older than Koskeniemi, and yet, remarkably, they were best of friends for the ... Continue Reading
The Triumph, Tragedy, and Tribulations of Jeff Olson
THIS IS THE time of year when we're accustomed to hearing about the Ishpeming High School Hematite football team and their head coach Jeff Olson. They're usually downstate at Ford Field playing for the state championship in Division 7 or Division 8. Well, not this year. Not even close. But more about that ... Continue Reading