The Munising Beacon continues the tradition of recapping the major stories of the year for public review. Since this is our first year of operation, the stories only go back until May, but still provides the public with a selection of stories impacting the area.
Previous stories can be found in the last two editions on Dec. 30, 2022 and Jan. 6, 2023.
September 30 Stake the Lake draws largest participation to date Saturday, September 24, 2022 marked the 4th Annual Stake the Lake event hosted by The Eric R. Beverly Foundation. This year’s event had approximately 275 registrants and 175 participants, the largest turnout ever.
The concept for Stake the Lake is a community walk to celebrate and honor friends and loved ones who fought cancer, are fighting cancer, or passed due to cancer.
Though Beverly said this year was by far the most successful yet – even the weather participated kindly – it was also sobering.
“This year, we had more crosses than stakes, and that’s always hard, and it’s even harder when you have to switch somebody’s stake out to a cross, because they’re no longer with us,” she said.
Tracey’s team represents U.P. in Detroit culinary experience The culinary crew for one of the Central Upper Peninsula’s most recognizable restaurants is making waves downstate by being the first local group to guest chef in metro Detroit. Director of Food and Beverage Jason Biega will lead the team, which also consists of in Chef du Cuisine Ali Adamczyk, Sous Chef Brandon Olson and Service and Events manager Dustin Moote. The group will serve at Hazel Park’s Frame Restaurant this weekend.
“I think it showcases the hard work over all the years,” Biega said. “Going down there and showing what we do here will show others what we are capable of.”
No other U.P. restaurants have been featured like this at Frame or any other restaurants in the metro Detroit area. In addition to the talent from Tracey’s, 15 food producers from the Upper Peninsula will be integrated into the menu.
Alger vets take off on Honor Flight
Eight Alger County veterans took part of the twentieth trip of the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight. The flight left on Wednesday morning for Washington, D.C., taking many veterans to see memorials in the nation’s capital for the first time. This photo was taken at the Honor Flight Banquet on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. Front row: Tom Derwin, Air Force; Pepper VanLandschoot, Army; Gary Flynn, Army. Back row: Jack Hetherington, Army; Jack Tyner, Army; Duane Lincoln, Army; Tom Boyak, Marines; Ed Hines, Air Force.
Munising Marketplace approved
The city planning commission approved a site plan for the development of the Munising Marketplace project, a mixed-use downtown building that will feature business space on the ground floor, a daycare center and two floors of various apartments.
Project architect Barry Polzin of Marquette was present to answer questions, which mainly focused on parking. The building will have on site parking in a basement level that will provide over 70 parking spaces. Additional housing will be available on the top two floors, ranging from studio to multi-bedroom apartments. However, most of the residency spaces will be studio and one-bedroom apartments, which designers say matches the labor needs of the area’s workforce.
October 7 Bringing agriculture to our youth
The popular agricultural and scientific event Agropalooza returned to the Michigan State University South Farm in Chatham on Friday, September 30. Hosted by the Alger Conservation District and Marquette County Conservation District, the event welcomed students from nine schools and a homeschooling group across the two counties to see science in action.
“It took a lot of outreach both with the schools and the presenters to put this together,” Alger County Conservation Program Coordinator Christy Foye said. “We have great weather and it’s a fun time for the kids.”
Spreading across the lawn, in the barns and inside buildings, 27 presenters spoke on various subjects focused on agriculture, biology and conservation. Events were made to be fun, ranging from hayrides, plant identification and meeting animals to beekeeping, fly fishing and recycling. Numerous presenters used food in their presentations to keep kids interested. A game focused on trading Tootsie Rolls to learn about the colonial fur trade wars.
VanBruggen hired as new Baptist principal
The principal role at Munising Baptist School has been filled: Ethan Van Bruggen took the helm this Monday, October 3, 2022.
“I’d like to help teach young people and help them grow academically and spiritually,” he said.
Van Bruggen’s official title is Assistant Pastor of Christian Education, which will blend school and church responsibilities at a roughly 3-to-1 ratio. He will be responsible for multiple administrative aspects of the school as well as teaching history classes. This role typically includes athletic director responsibilities for the Bobcats, but Van Bruggen will transition later to those responsibilities after Pastor Jason LaFlamme finishes the fall sports season.
Munising’s Nolan, Brisson win SCC The Munising Mustangs girls cross country team won the SkylineCentral Conference team championship on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, bringing home their third consecutive conference title. Both the boys and girls individual titles were also won by Mustangs, with Monique Brisson taking the girls championship and Trevor Nolan winning on the boys side.
The Mustangs showed off their depth in claiming the conference championship over second place Superior Central. Both the Cougars and Munising put two runners in the top four spots with Brisson winning, followed by Kiera McDonnald and Maddie Begovac of Superior Central taking second and third before Munising’s Hattie Cota took fourth.
On the boys side, Munising’s quick duo of Nolan and Danny Goss took first and second place. Unfortunately for the Mustangs, Stephenson was able to place four of their five scoring runners in between Goss and third-fastest Munising runner Kane Nebel to lower their score. Stephenson edged out Munising 37-47 for the conference title.
October 14 Mather celebrates Fire Prevention Week
The Munising City Volunteer Fire Department and National Forest Service-Munising Office visited Mather Elementary as part of Fire Prevention Week education on Tuesday, October 11. Firefigher Dan Chartrand helped students from the Head Start class climb inside one of the firetrucks to see how it operates. Smokey the Bear also joined with firefighters from the National Forest Service.
Bandmates reunite at Gallery Coffee
Two members of the hit 90’s alternative rock band Gin Blossoms reunited at the Gallery Coffee Company on Saturday, October 8, 2022. Current member Jesse Valenzuela (right) headlined an acoustic set at the venue. Former member and local resident Scott Kusmerik joined Valenzuela for a couple songs in the second set.
October 21 County formally evicts animal shelter
The Alger County Commission formally sent the eviction letter to the Humane Society of Alger County after action taken on Monday, October 17. The non-profit operating the shelter must vacate the building and have a plan for all animals by the end of the year.
The requirement to have a plan for the animals is based on animal abandonment laws and not a direct aspect of the eviction. The county only owns the building and pays some of the utilities, so the shelter could operate at a different location, as long as all USDA requirements were met. The eviction also does not have any say in how the non-profit operates, meaning the non-profit entity will still exist regardless of the impact of the eviction.
Fundraiser highlights local determination
The Pete Heyrman Scholarship for high school seniors had its annual fish fry fundraiser on Oct. 15, 2022 at the American Legion. Each year, four scholarships are given out: two male and two female student-athletes.Throughout the year Heyrman fundraises and hosts an annual fish fry fundraiser with raffle prizes to raise funds for his scholarship.
“We had a great turnout. We sold 225 meals, used up 170 pounds of fish, 175 pounds of potatoes, 4 pork shoulders, 3 brisket and we cracked open the package of the final 70 pounds of fish,” said Heyrman.
October 28 Governor Whitmer visits Chatham
Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke at the Western Alger County Coalition (WACC) meeting on Saturday, October 22 at the Chatham Pub in Chatham. Roughly 75 people plus Whitmer’s staff and press crowded the back room of the restaurant to hear Michigan’s governor speak on issues in the rural Upper Peninsula.
The governor spoke for 20 minutes regarding local government issues like increased tourism after the Pure Michigan campaign, funding issues for emergency services and the mental health resource shortage in rural parts of the state.
“She came in unannounced and was greeted by a very enthusiastic crowd,” WACC member Cindy Kallio said. “It was exciting to have the governor come to the U.P., especially to our small town of Chatham.” Munising, SC finish 1-2 at CC champs
The farm once packed with the region’s best runners now echoed with chants of “Alger County” in an emotional and historic moment, as the Munising Mustangs girls cross country team won the MHSAA U.P. state championships while the Superior Central Cougars finished as runners up. It was the first time ever that a county with only two registered MHSAA high schools have finished first and second in a state championship race.
The championship was the third in a row for the Munising girls. Mustangs Monique Brisson, Hattie Cota and SC’s Kiera McDonnald finished third, fourth and fifth individually.
Munising shocks U.S. with TripAdvisor awards Two of the top 25 restaurants in the United States are located just 1.2 miles away from each other in Munising.
Muldoons Pasties was ranked eighth and Eh Burger was ranked 24th in Trip Advisor’s 2022 Best of the Best awards in the Quick Bites category. No other Michigan restaurant was listed in this category or the other five categories released so far in the Best of the Best awards. Combining the other Midwestern Great Lakes states of downstate Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota, Munising still has more 2022 Trip Advisor awards.
November 4 Sadowski murder trial begins The defense for Jason David Sadowski is now making its case to the jury as the defendant and his attorney Mark Dobias take their turn in the legal proceedings. After the prosecution rested their case on Wednesday, November 2, Dobias presented his opening statement to the jury, saying that Sadowski was acting in self-defense.
The Brownstone Inn changes hands
A popular restaurant in Au Train has new owners after more than three decades. Known for its eclectic atmosphere and a menu that features local ingredients, Deb Molitor and Jeff Van Bremen recently sold the Brownstone Inn to Tom and Ana Dolaskie of Munising. While there’ll be a few basic changes, customers can still expect great service.
Cougars perform at NMU Band Day
The Superior Central Marching Band joined 16 other schools from Michigan and Wisconsin at the Northern Michigan University Band Day on Saturday, Oct. 29. It was the third year in a row for the Cougars to perform in the mass band exhibition.
“It’s the only time is your life you will stand on the field with over 500 high school students from all over the U.P. and Wisconsin and play the same song,” SC Band Director Kristi Fredrick said. “It’s pretty incredible.”
The bands came from as far away as downstate Inland Lakes and Wisconsin’s Luna and Hurley school districts. But of the 17 total bands taking place, 12 were from the Upper Peninsula. Superior Central was included next to Newberry and downstate Kingsley in the mass band formation, while the “Pride of the North” NMU Marching Band took center stage in front of the home crowd.
November 11 Sadowski found guilty
After a three-year wait and an 11-day jury trial, Jason David Sadowski was found guilty of murder in the first degree on Monday, November 7. The victim was Timothy Mozader, Sadowski’s tenant and roommate. Mozader died on May 30, 2019.
“We are so grateful for the tireless work of the Alger County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, along with the Alger County Sheriff’s Department, the Michigan State Police and the Munising City Police. We also deeply appreciate the love, support and prayers of our wonderful community,” the Mozader family said in a released statement. “Justice has been served and we are hopeful that Tim will be the final victim of Jason Sadowski.” “Red Wave” hits Alger County Commission
Republicans swept the contested races for the Alger County Commission, with three challengers defeating long-serving incumbents and a fourth retaining his seat in a three-candidate race.
Rick Capogrossa, Dean Seaberg and Kelly Livermore all won as challengers, while the board’s previous lone Republican Mick Rondeau retained his seat. Alger County was one of five counties in the state to change from Democratic to Republican control on its county commission.
Nine firefighters recognized with life-saving award Nine members of the Munising City and Munising Township Fire Departments were recognized for their actions that saved one of their own.
The incident occurred at a structure fire on Olson Road on July 1, 2022. In the process of suppressing the fire, one of the firefighters was found unresponsive with a low pulse. Those on the scene administered the AED and continued CPR until an ambulance took the firefighter to UPHP-Marquette.
“If it had to happen, I’m glad it happened there with all of us around,” Munising City Fire Chief Ryan Anderson said. “It was the right spot at the right time.”
Life-saving awards are usually given after the person has made a complete recovery.
Alger County Veteran Services Director Becky Johns was named the 2022 Veteran Service Provider of the Year by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
Johns has worked with the Alger County Veterans Affairs office for three and a half years. During that time, available hours, services and help for local veterans have skyrocketed, requiring the role to be a full-time position.
Putvin wins Veteran of the Year
Long time volunteer and member of the Munising community Sonny Putvin was selected as the first annual Alger County Veteran of the Year on Friday, November 11.
“I didn’t do this for an award. I did this for the community,” Putvin said. “I don’t feel deserving of it, but it is very humbling.” Putvin was overcome with emotion on receiving the award, trying to show his appreciation to over 300 people giving him a standing ovation.
Local Boy Scout organizes veterans memorial project Local veterans and citizens were able to see the American flag fly high over a section of Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising, thanks to a new flagpole. The project was organized by local 17-year-old Frank Carlson. “It was special. A lot of people were there, more than what I was expecting,” Carlson said. Despite his age, Carlson has strong veteran ties. Like most Alger County families, numerous members of his family have served in the armed forces. Finding a way to recognize the local veteran community was important for the high school senior, especially for those in their final resting place. “With no flagpole there, it was almost disrespectful to the veteran community,” Carlson said. Carlson organized the project as part of a necessary step of becoming an Eagle Scout. He raised over $4,000 for the project, which only cost approximately $3,500. The extra money will be used for maintenance of the pole. He also has to do relevant paperwork and present the project to other Boy Scout organizers for final review.
Magical season ends at Mustang Stadium
A special season came to an end on Saturday, as the visiting Merrill Vandals upset the Munising Mustangs 22-20 in Mustang Stadium. The visiting vandals scored in the final two minutes and picked off a pass to seal the semifinal victory.
Munising ended the season with an 11-1 record with numerous accomplishments and accolades. The Mustangs outscored their opponents 580-105 with five shutouts. They set a school record for most points scored in a game with 92 against Brimley. Josiah Peramaki set a state record for rushing attempts in a game against Newberry in the playoffs. They received their highest rankings by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association (1) and the Upper Peninsula Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association (2) since moving to eight-man football.
November 25 MPS asks City for easement Munising Public Schools is closer to selling a piece of lakeshore property, if they want to sell it.
At the Munising City Commission meeting on Monday, November 21, the city commission voted in favor of allowing the city manager and attorney to get an estimate for an easement into a parcel near Munising Middle/ High School. The parcel is currently used as a practice field for the football team and during the summer for youth soccer.
However, the Munising Public Schools Board of Education has recently gotten the land appraised in case it wants to sell in the future.
Mustangs named U.P. Team of the Year
The Upper Peninsula Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association released its 2022 U.P. Dream Team on Tuesday, Nov. 22 for the eight-man divisions. This combines both Division 1 and Division 2 for acknowledgement. This is another record for the Munising program with an all-time high of six Dream Team members. The Mustangs also won team of the year and Munising Head Coach Matt Mattson took second in coach of the year voting.
December 2 Grand Marais kicks off holidays
Grand Marais was full of holiday cheer over the weekend with the first Christmas Parade and tree lighting ceremony on Friday, November 25. Roughly 250 people attended the parade, caroling and shopping event.
For years, Grand Marais hosted Starry, Starry Night, which was an opportunity for businesses to stay open late on Black Friday for shopping and enjoy the community. It worked for those travelling back after Thanksgiving or a chance to enjoy going out for those staying in town for the weekend. But like many local events, the pandemic took a toll on the event. Now the event has been updated in the hopes of more enjoyment from the community.
New owners take on The Pub
The Pub in Chatham is under new ownership, as a pair of young entrepreneurs take a chance on the local eatery. DaNiel Tebear and Zachary Hoel, both 26, are now in charge of the restaurant, which is the only full-service bar and restaurant in Chatham. The previous ownership had reopened the Pub after it had been closed for a couple of years, but sold it to enter into retirement.
There are no major changes expected to the business immediately, but the new ownership has been paying attention to requests from the regulars about what should stay or go.
December 9 ACRC will run trial before adopting Eben Ice Caves road The Alger County Road Commission (ACRC) board voted to not immediately turn a new paved and private road in Rock River Township into a county road, but will facilitate plowing for the winter in the latest action of a controversial development near the Eben Ice Caves.
In a 2-1 vote, the ACRC reached a compromise of providing plowing services for both a 0.3-mile stretch of an improved seasonal road and a 0.2-mile stretch of private road. The road goes to a parking lot that is on private property and significantly shortens the hike to the ice caves. The development of the road and parking lot sparked divide in Rock River Township over local governance, county resources and personal property rights near the natural tourist attraction.
Numerous holiday events held in Alger County
A host of holiday events hit Alger County last weekend, ranging from parades, charitable efforts, “shop local” programs and numerous opportunities to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. Most of the events happened at the same time on Saturday, Dec. 3, but shared an abundance of holiday cheer.
Rekindle the Spirit, Fill the Fire Truck, the Chatham Small-Town Christmas and Christmas at the Legion were all held in-person for the first time ever, given the introduction of new events and cancelations due to the pandemic.
Memorial toy drive celebrates Wilson
The Neo John Paul Wilson Toys for Tots drive brought in enough toys to fill the Superior Central High School office on Wednesday, Dec. 7. The drive, held during the Munising at Superior Central girls basketball games, was in honor of Wilson who passed away this summer. The students who organized the drive presented a plaque to Wilson’s parents Gina and Paul in remembrance of him. The drive collected thousands of dollars of toys to help Alger County residents.
December 16 Ruling negates Sadowski’s first-degree conviction Jason David Sadowski is now charged and convicted of murder in the second degree after 11th Circuit Court Judge Brian Rahilly ruled on a motion more than a month after the trial ended. In a six-page opinion, Rahilly said the prosecution did not do enough to establish premeditation as a requirement for a first-degree murder charge.
“The Court understands that premeditation can be developed in a matter of seconds. But there must be some proof that the defendant had an opportunity to take a second look. There is nothing based on the limited record to conclude that,” Rahilly wrote in his opinion.
In his opinion, Rahilly used the 1992 People v Schollaert precedent to establish a four-pronged test for premeditation: the parties’ prior relationship, the defendant’s actions before the killing, the circumstances surrounding the killing itself and the defendant’s conduct after the killing. Rahilly actively writes that prosecution failed to prove the second and third prong while stating there were no clear attempts to leave the area or hide the body regarding the fourth prong.
Lowes elected Sault Tribe chairman
Members of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa have elected Unit 1 Director and Vice Chairman Austin Lowes as tribal chair. With an unofficial vote count in the Special Advisory Election of 6,539 votes recorded, Lowes was the projected winner out of three eligible candidates, having received 56 percent of the vote. Lowes will serve a roughly a one-and-a-half year term that ends June 27, 2024.
Bowerman recognized as U.P. champ
History celebrated history on Monday, Dec. 12, as Munising wrestler Reagan Bowerman received his U.P. State Champion plaque at the boys varsity basketball game against Engadine. He was joined by 11 other past Mustang champions, invited by Munising Head Coach Joe Dolaskie for the ceremony.
Bowerman won the U.P. title last year in the 140-pound weight class, receiving the designation of his name, year and class notated on a plaque that hangs in the Munising Middle/ High School gymnasium. The plaques attach to each other like a ladder, celebrating each of the 29 U.P. championships won by 23 individual wrestlers.
December 23
Life in prison
Jason David Sadowski was sentenced to life in prison for murdering his roommate and landlord Timothy Mozader on Dec. 21. He must serve 50 years of the sentence, meaning Sadowski would be 100 years old before he could apply for parole.
While the jury had found Sadowski guilty of murder in the first degree, it was reduced to second degree due to a motion ruling. However, according to Rahilly, scoring takes on the totality of the case, meaning the length of the sentence could include first degree murder protocols.
Illnesses shut down Munising, SC
Both Munising Public Schools and Superior Central Schools headed to their holiday breaks a little early this year. The schools decided to adjourn early due to illness amongst staff and students. Both districts will lose just two days of education.
