DIFFICULT TIMES FOR restaurants and hotels this summer. Not so, apparently, for Uncle Ducky's burgeoning empire in Alger County. "No question, we had the best summer we've ever had," owner Bill Duckwall tells us. And how can that be? "People wanted to be outdoors this summer, they wanted space, they wanted fresh air. ... Continue Reading
The Continuing Arby’s Mystery, the Bright, New Future for Construction Workers, NMU’s Appeal Levels Off, and the Battle Against Graffiti
STILL A MYSTERY. It's been one of the most frequently asked questions we've heard over the last several months: What's going in at the old Arby's site near WJMN's studio just off the highway? Veridea, the owner of the property, isn't saying. The contractor working on the project isn't saying. The township's not ... Continue Reading
Marquette’s Building Boom: Continuing or Ending?
IS THE BUILDING boom in Marquette just about over? At first glance, it might appear to be. Consider: 1) The $300 million hospital project is gearing down and is scheduled to open this spring 2) The Woods, NMU's huge residential addition, is complete 3) Same goes for the Energy Center 4) And for Harbor Vista, the ... Continue Reading
Snyder Protest, Empire Mine Prospects, Carpenters and Millwrights Expansion, New Meteorologist, Cruise Ship Visit, and a February Run in the Sun
IT'LL BE INTERESTING to see whether the planned protest against Governor Snyder's speech at NMU's May commencement gains traction. A lot of talk on campus this week after it was announced that he would be the speaker, and a Facebook page was set up specifically to organize the anti-Snyder campaign. A last check at the ... Continue Reading
Iron Bay Prepares to Open, So Does Mystery Business, Short Term Rental Ordinance Poised for Passage, Sawyer Airport Prospects Brighten, CR 595 Is Hopeful, and NMU Professor Is “On Call” for More Protests
FIRST THE RECOVERY Room, then the Delft, then Digs, and now the Iron Bay Restaurant and Drinkery (formerly L'Attitude). New and re-fashioned restaurants and bars are popping up downtown seemingly every month. The latest on the Iron Bay: They'll be taking applications for employees within a couple of weeks. They hope ... Continue Reading