PHIL NIEMISTO, WHO was once described as "the self-appointed maintenance man for downtown Marquette," died Sunday, February 25, peacefully at his home in Marquette. He was 88 years old. He leaves behind one surviving sister, Leona Sult of Marquette, and two nieces, Christine Sult of Marquette and Bonnie Sult of Ishpeming. Also surviving him are two great nephews, Rigel Pihlainen of Arizona and Robin Pihlainen of Marquette, along with more distant family members living in Alaska. Phil also leaves behind his longtime friend and companion, Leilani Johnson of Marquette. Now, about Phil. He was born in Ishpeming, October 19, 1929. That … [Read more...]
Changes Everywhere! Community Action, History Center, the Chamber, Travel Marquette….Plus Anderson Building Progress, TEDx Coming to Town, NMU Students Embracing the Real World, and Phil Niemisto Ailing but Surrounded by Friends
AS EXPECTED, A change at the top of Community Action Alger Marquette. Amy Lerlie has stepped down as executive director of the agency, following an investigation into charges by employees of harassment by Lerlie. No further details of the investigation have been released. Whether there is still legal action pending is uncertain. The interim executive director is Corey Holcomb. She's the early childcare education director at Community Action. The search for a new permanent executive director is starting. As for Lerlie, she's starting a new company involved in developing affordable housing in Michigan. She'll be based in Ishpeming … [Read more...]
Township Transforming, Range Bank Centralizing, KADU Opening, NMU Surprising, Partridge Creek Expanding, Phil’s Fund Growing, Tracey’s Impressing, and the Joyful Spectacle of Umbrellas
COME BACK TO Marquette Township along US 41 in a year or two, and you might not recognize the place. It's changing before our very eyes. A 6000 square foot Fraco showroom is being constructed just east of Gordon Food Service. It'll be open in early 2018. More land being leveled nearby, and Planning and Zoning Administrator Jason McCarthy says deals with other businesses are in the works. But nothing to announce just yet. Why locate there? Well, more than 30,000 cars pass by everyday--all potential customers. Go a little farther west to Brickyard Road, and a Meijer gas station is going up. And of course, behind Lowes, is where the … [Read more...]