IT STARTED AS just a crazy idea tossed about by cofounders Aaron Peterson, Bugsy Sailor and Bill Thompson about five years ago. Now it's a full scale four day event that's putting Marquette on the map. We're talking about the fourth annual Fresh Coast Film Festival, of course. It opens Thursday at the Marquette Commons ... Continue Reading
The Smokehouse Fires Up, Barrel and Beam Boosts its Brewing
A NEW ENTRY on the culinary scene. The much anticipated Lake Superior Smokehouse Brewpub (in the former Bayou space) opens to the public next Tuesday in Harvey. It'll be a very soft launch, says owner Scott Arbour. Meantime, family and friends are dining there this week. Arbour who, with his crew, has been working ... Continue Reading
YMCA’s Astonishing Comeback, Barrel and Beam’s Opening, Meijer’s Outreach, Ampersand’s Plans, Heidi Johnson’s Dismay, Temple Beth Sholom’s New Day, and the Bible of Bike Tests
PHOENIX RISING. The mythical bird re-arising from its own ashes is an appropriate metaphor for the Marquette County YMCA. A year ago, it was more than $7 million in debt, its very future, with 5000 members, was in doubt. It sold off some assets but it was still $5.5 million in the red. A staggering sum for a small ... Continue Reading
Barrel and Beam Prepares to Brew, Parking Meters Bring in Cash, Mine Closure Not So Bad, Entrepreneurship Up, One Woman Bakery Is Busy, Change at WJMN, Snow Guns Ready at the Mountain, and a Free Meal Downtown
BARREL AND BEAM will be brewing up its first batch of beer next week. No, you won't be able to drink it yet. Nick VanCourt and Marina Dupler, the husband and wife team who own Barrel and Beam, plan to open the niche brewery the week between Christmas and New Years. Note the word "plan." Unexpected delays can ... Continue Reading
Northwoods to Become Brewery
SO YOU'VE BEEN wondering when someone was finally going to do something with the old, closed-down but charming Northwoods Supper Club in Marquette Township? Well, now we know. It'll become the Barrel and Beam Brewery next summer. Yep, a craft brewery with a focus on farmhouse and barrel-aged style beers. The brews ... Continue Reading