Part 3 The Munising Beacon continues the tradition of recapping the major stories of the year for public review. We are excited to be able to review our first full year! Look for the conclusion of the 2023 Year in Review in the next issues of The Munising Beacon.
July 7
Former educator honored by art show
Mary Biekkola Wright, a former teacher at the Trenary school, is the subject of a commemorative art show by Northern Michigan University’s Beaumier Center on Saturday, July 8 at 2 p.m. in Marquette. The L’Anse native played a key part in many public art projects across the Upper Peninsula and winner of the Governor’s Prize in 1999. Admission is free, but hats are welcomed in honor of Wright’s penchant for hats.
Ferris wins Inspector of the Year
Jim Ferris was honored as the Michigan Tree Farm Inspector of the Year. Ferris, currently associated with Caretaker Forestry in Marquette, has dedicated his career to the Upper Peninsula region since 1980. Throughout his professional journey, Ferris has played a vital role in various forestry initiatives, including timber management, state timber sale set-up work, regeneration surveys, and common silviculture exams. Alger Conservation Director Matt Watkeys lauds Ferris for his work in the Central Upper Peninsula and nominated him for the award.
July 14 Youth flying day brings large crowd
Local children were able to get a new perspective of their community and learn about aviation at the Young Eagles Free Flights day on Saturday, July 8 at Hanley Field. “This is a tremendous opportunity for a lot of these young kids,” Young Eagles Coordinator Bruce Finn said. Over 100 people, including parents and children from 8 to 17 years of age, were there to learn about the six planes that took the kids from Hanley Field and around the Lake Superior shoreline. For many, it was their first time in a plane of any kind. Jocelyn Mendoza, Joey Mendoza and Remle Wright were the first three children to go up in a plane. “It was scary at first, but it turned out to be fun,” Jocelyn said. Six pilots from around the upper Midwest joined in on the event, which was provided by the Experimental Aviation Association (EAA). The EAA has a local chapter based out KI Sawyer Airport in Marquette County. Young Eagles, a program designed to get youth involved in all aspects of aviation, are available at various airports in the Region.
July 21 Boy Scouts found through 911 texts
On Wednesday, July 19 at approximately 6:00 p.m., a call was received at the Alger County Sheriff’s Office reporting that three young male subjects were discovered missing from the Hiawatha Boy’s Scout camp on Doe Lake Road in Autrain Twp. The information received indicated that the missing subjects were on a hiking excursion when they became separated from the hiking group. Alger County Sheriff’s Deputies, Alger County K9 Unit, and the Alger County Rescue 21 team were dispatched for a search. The Boy Scout leaders assisted all responding units with the search. Upon arrival all units began their search efforts and ultimately located the missing subjects within approximately ½ hour. All subjects were located and in good health.
U.P. Sports Hall of Fame hosts golf outing
The Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame golf outing returned after a multi-year hiatus to the Pictured Rocks Golf Course on Saturday, July 15. The event hosted 21 teams of 84 total golfers in the fundraiser for the UPSHOF scholarship fund. Local referee and former Munising Athletic Director Dee Jay Paquette is the President of the UPSHOF and organized the event. “I was very pleased with how it turned out,” he said. “We did it in the past, but for one reason or the other it died out. I started it up against because our scholarship funds were getting low and wanted to revitalize it a bit.” The organization raised roughly $3,500 in the event, with teams coming from all over the U.P. to the centrally-located course in Alger County. Paquette said that there was a chance they may continue to hold the outing, but it depended on available Resources.
July 28
VSI opens new food truck
It’s a straightforward name bringing forward a straightforward product. The VanLandschoot & Sons, Inc. food truck has anchored at Hillside Party Store in western Munising. A bright green trailer offers fish, prepared with a little seasoning instead of full-bodied coatings. “Our blend is really simple with a dusting on the fish instead of heavy batters. We think the idea is to eat the fish and not the coating,” said VSI President Dennis VanLandschoot. The menu features whitefish, cod and walleye, usually served with fries and coleslaw. Wraps are added as a special from time to time, but the focus for the food truck is the fish. A variant of the farm-to-table dining movement, all the fish is caught by the company as VSI looks for ways to stay relevant and productive in the commercial fishing industry.
August 4 Advisor buys Munising Beacon
The Munising Beacon is under new ownership, bringing ownership of the publication back to the Upper Peninsula. The Munising Beacon has been acquired by the Munising Advisor, which is owned by Dustin and Jill Denkins. They completed the purchase agreement of the Beacon on Sunday, July 30 from CherryRoad Media, a New Jerseybased media company. Transition will continue through August. “We are very excited to bring ownership of the Munising Beacon back to the community! We have long admired the local reporting, news and sports available only in the Munising Beacon, and are so happy to ensure it stays here where it belongs,” said co-owner Jill Denkins.
Miners Beach opens commercial use point
It was a proud moment for the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore leadership as a long-awaited project to help alleviate kayak traffic along Miners Beach is now open. “What I’m especially proud of is that this is a major project and all the work was done with our crew,” said PRNL Superintendent Dave Horne. “I couldn’t be more proud of our staff for all the work they’ve done on this. It’s really turned out great.” Horne spoke those words before a ribbon cutting at the parking lot entrance to Miners Beach on Thursday, August 3. Horne was joined by members of the community, media and PRNL staff in celebrating the project’s opening. The newest section at Miners Beach will be exclusively allocated for commercial purposes.
Volunteer firefighters compete in U.P. tournament The Munising City of Volunteer Fire Department competed in the Upper Michigan Volunteer Firefighters Tournament on July 28-30 in Negaunee. An annual tradition for Munising’s volunteer first responders, the MVFD represented the community with pride in various events and parades. The overall title was won by the Caspian-Gastra Volunteer Fire Department in Iron County.
August 11 RAF pledges $50,00 to Hanley Field
Efforts to bring Hanley Field up to federal regulations received a financial boost on Saturday, Aug. 5 after the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF), as the non-profit organization pledged $50,000 to the local airstrip. “It’s going to save the county some money,” said Hanley Field Manager Dick Bowerman. “This will help us move along and, possibly, have some money available to get some more maintenance equipment.”The money will be focused on updating the terminal to include a pilot’s lounge with sometimes helping with fliers that want to come in and camp and others that want to make the trip to Munising and the surrounding areas.
August 18
Provost named U.P. Veteran of the Year
Marquette resident and U.S. Marine Jim Provost was recognized as Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year at the U.P. State Fair earlier this week. Provost is a six-time medal awardee while serving in the Vietnam War.
Superior Central spikers look to make a run The Superior Central volleyball team looks to be one of the stronger small school volleyball teams in the central Upper Peninsula this year, with Head Coach Kris Bray already confident in the Cougars. “We’re very young but look to be pretty good. I’m excited for what I’ve seen so far,” Bray said. “We’ve got some strong hitters and everybody is skilled in their positions.”
Kiwanis held shower for Alger Baby Closet
The Kiwanis Club of Alger County held a baby shower to help restock the Alger Baby Closet on Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Munising Presbyterian Church Hall. The program through LMAS Health District is designed to provide items like diapers, play activities, clothing and other expensive items that can overwhelm families with new children. Donations also included a number of homemade items adding a personal touch for both donors and recipients. Those interested in using the Alger Baby Closet should contact the LMAS office in Wetmore.
Richard in, Trader out on Superior Central School Board The Superior Central School Board has appointed Sally Richard to serve a limited term after a vote on Monday, Aug. 21. The school board used a ranked choice voting between Richard and the other applicants, but four of the five board members in attendance ranked Richard as their first choice. Matt Rondeau selected Jeanne Verbrigghe with his first choice while Nicole Aho was not in attendance. Richard was previously appointed to the board after a prior resignation in 2020. She finished fifth in a loaded field in Viau wins Grand Champion honors at U.P. State Fair Ella Viau presents her lamb Rip while fellow 4-H member and friend Andrew Strohm holds her Grand Champion banner from the U.P. State Fair. Viau won the 13-14 age division for her lamb and finished third overall in that animal division. She was the only Alger County Grand Champion at the U.P. State Fair this season.
Lumberjack Festival brings people to Seney
It was a mix of history and fun at the Seney Lumberjack Festival, an annual celebration of the history and people of Seney. “We’re glad the people came out today. Something like this is very important for small townships like this,” Seney Township Supervisor Marc Schooley said. The annual event featuring parades, children events, music and more is one of the most organized events in Northern Schoolcraft County. According to organizer Andrew Kidd, 31 vendors, food trucks and exhibitors from all directions came to participate in the Festival.
The wait is over -Munising couple gets Packer season tickets after 44 years Wayne and Kay Dausey are bona fide Green Bay Packer fans. With plenty of green and yellow clothing and Packers memorabilia all over the house, there is no doubt about where the couple’s NFL loyalties lie. “Our whole married life has been one big football game,” Kay said smiling, while hugging her husband. But now, the pair have upgraded their fandom just a little more, by being named Green Bay Packers season ticket holders.
September 8
Mather Playground reopens
There were no speeches and no ribbon cutting on Monday, Sept. 4. It was just time to return to play at Mather Elementary. “With all the effort the community put in, you could tell the batteries were drained,” said WesLee Tweedale, Mather Elementary Principal. “But to see all the kids playing and having a good time, it was really great.” Over 100 children, parents and school officials celebrated the opening of the new playground, which included two separate playsets filled with ramps, slides and things to climb on. A halfbasketball court from Corey’s Courts, merry go rounds, teeter totters and more filled out the play Area.
Munising’s Cota leads Norse
Munising alumna Hattie Cota led the Bay College Norse at its first cross country event of the season at the St. Norbert College’s Tom Barry Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 2. Cota finished 96 of 130 runners, but was the first Norse across the line in the women’s race with a time of 23:51.54.
Mustangs strong against Engadine
The Munising Mustangs volleyball team defeated the Engadine Eagles 3-1 on Thursday, Aug. 30 in the Munising Middle/High School gymnasium. “I’m super proud of the girls,” said Munising Head Coach Josh Cole. “How well they’re playing this early in the season, I’m just happy with their hustle, their scramble and how coachable they’ve been this season.”
September 15
Mustang statue dedicated
Munising Public Schools celebrated local artist Frank Castiglione with a dedication to his Mustang sculpture located in front of the Middle/High School on Sat., Sept. 9. Roughly 40 people came out to share stories of the artist, who was described as creative, courageous and supportive. “To prepare today, we talked to many local artists, friends and family, and all of them had so many wonderful things to say,” Munising Middle/High School Principal Nicole Lasak said to start the ceremony. “He was friendly to everyone and cared deeply for the Community.”
Northwoods Outpost opens in AuTrain
Jake and Erin Miller are the new owners of what they hope to be the local pizza stop that meant so much to the Au Train area. “Growing up we would get pizza and pasties, we even rented movies from there,” Erin said. “(The businesses) before were staples of our community.” The building itself has had many names as owners operated the business and later retired. For the Millers, their newest business operation is called Northwood Outpost. The location will focus on pizza, pasties and ice cream for both locals and tourists alike.
Alger County’s first disc golf tournament held in Grand Marais It was all about the approach for Curtis Pepin. Crediting his “upshots” — the disc golf term for the second shot off the tee that will set up a putt — Pepin threw for a three-under 55 to win the inaugural Superior Pines Disc Golf Tournament in Grand Marais on Saturday, Sept. 9. “My putts were kind of off, but the upgame shots were on,” he said. “It was a good day for disc golf.” After bogeying the first hole, Pepin stabilized and threw four birdies and 14 pars the rest of the round. He played in the same group with Ishpeming’s David Bonetti and Houghton’s Cameron Cischke, who tied for second with a one-under 57. The trio were the only players to break par in the event, which looped through a wooded course with lots of ferns and blueberry bushes just off the trail-based fairways. Superior Pines is located in the 1,300-acre Burt Township School Forest just east of town.
September 22
Alger veterans participate with Honor Flight
The U.P. Honor Flight Mission XXII flew to Washington, DC on Wednesday, Sept. 13. Six Alger County veterans were able to make the trip, including Don Mickleson (Navy), Larry Radloff (Army), Bill Henninger (Marines), Leif Benson (Navy), Jim Bosley (Navy) and Tom Bailey (Marines).
Paul wins Heinonen Memorial archery shoot
It was a beautiful day for the eighth annual Dylan Heinonen Memorial Bow Shoot on Saturday, Sept. 16 in Trenary. The event also saw one of its highest scores ever, as Cole Paul shot a 311 of a possible 360 points to take the title. “It was probably one of the best courses we’ve had yet,” Paul said, taking home his first win in six total appearances in the competition. “It looked easy walking up to it, but it was hard in the end.” The bow shoot takes archers through the winding woods of the Cady Family Farm, as competitors will shoot at life-size animal targets. Traditional 12-point scoring systems is used among the 30 targets of bucks, turkeys and the famous carp on shot 30.
Mustangs earn first win against Rockets
The Munising Mustang football team got its first win of the season with an impressive 56-11 victory over the Rapid River Rockets. “We’ve had a little rough stretch to start off with. Offensively we didn’t score a lot in the first three weeks, but we finally put some points on the board,” Munising Head Coach Matt Mattson said.
September 29 Carlson recognized as Eagle Scout
On Sunday, September 24, 2023 at the Munising Township Hall in Wetmore, Frank Carlson achieved his goal of Eagle Scout. Frank was with his fellow scouts from the Bay Lakes Council, Troop 332.
Cleaning the city marina
Dumpsters of trash removed in the marina’s first lakebed cleaning in over a decade For the first time in roughly a decade, the lakebed under the Munising City Marina has been cleaned of any garbage. The project comes from a collaboration spearheaded by the Alger Conservation District and Superior Watershed Partnership. “The cleanup went very well,” ACD Director Matt Watkeys said. “We brought up at least 50 tires alone. It was definitely a job well done.” To remove all of the debris, diver Tyler Penrod of Superior Watershed Partnership swam around the marina floor and attached debris to a winch on the side of the Alger County Sheriff’s Office boat. Watkeys and Deputy Eric Brock hauled the trash up and transported the debris back to the lakeshore. Cleaners were able to fill up a roll away dumpster with just the various sizes of tires pulled up from the lakebed with another half dumpster filled with random trash. According to ACD staff, the oddest thing found was a 20-inch piece of angled steel and multiple ladders that had fallen overboard from the various boats mooring in the marina.
