A SURVEY OF businesses just conducted by Marquette's Downtown Development Authority presents some concerning statistics. No, you could call them alarming. Question: If the COVID-19 business disruption continues, how long would it be before you're in danger of closing permanently? Answer: 27% say 1-2 ... Continue Reading
Cautious Hope for the Roam Inn and Uncle Ducky’s, Busy Times for Bankers, and How Safe is Marquette?
Munising is being squeezed by the pandemic "I'M TRYING TO stay optimistic but it's getting harder every day." The words of Tom Dolaskie, the co-owner of the Roam Inn, Tracey's, Eh Burger, and a few other businesses in Munising. He and his partner have spent a lot of money, time and energy helping to build up the ... Continue Reading
The New Normal at the YMCA
NO DECISION YET on when the YMCA will be able to reopen its facilities in Marquette County. "Whenever the Governor says we can open, we'll open," says YMCA CEO Jenna Zdunek. "We'll be ready." The earliest possibility seems to be mid-May, if Governor Whitmer gives her okay. If that happens, the Y facilities would ... Continue Reading
Norlite Perseveres, Frontline Workers and Restaurants Get Some Help, and Sawyer Makes Plans for Improvements
Transparency, not hiding, at Norlite YOU'VE GOT TO admire Wayne Johnson, the administrator of Norlite Nursing Center, which unfortunately is a hot spot for COVID-19. Five deaths of residents so far, eighteen others testing positive for it, with several staff members testing positive, as well. Some executives in such a ... Continue Reading
A Gift for Us
TEN MINUTES OF almost indescribable beauty and poignancy. That's what UP filmmaker and photographer Aaron Peterson has given us this week as we marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Peterson has put together and posted a film intriguingly entitled "24 Leeches." It's the story of a family camping trip in the Slate ... Continue Reading