EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference desk staff at Peter White Public Library.

30 years ago

HOUGHTON — At times when many think only of self-preservation, Ann Gasperich’s job is to work on “public preservation.” Professional emergency manager for Houghton County, Gasperich’s handling of widespread problems caused by a record cold snap early this year has drawn praise from local officials and a nomination for a state award. In recognition of her work last winter, Gasperich is the only person from the 15 Upper Peninsula counties to be nominated for the Professional Emergency Manager of the Year Award. The winner will be selected in April 1995. A long stretch of bitter cold that gripped the area throughout January caused serious problems with basic services usually taken for granted. Frost plunging deep into the ground caused water and sewer lines to freeze, knocking out service to scores of homes and businesses. Reacting to the freeze, Gasperich coordinated efforts to help restore water to the affected homes. She led the effort to secure disaster relief funding for local municipalities. The result was that municipalities received the financial helping hand they needed when Houghton County was among the group of northern Michigan counties declared a federal disaster area.

60 years ago

SAULT STE. MARIE — “Operation 4 Progress,” a Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce project to raise funds for a women’s residence hall on the Sault Campus of Michigan Technological University, was officially launched at a meeting of campaign officials and area civic leaders. Dr. Kenneth Shouldice, administrator of War Memorial Hospital, is general chairman of the campaign. He outlined plans to raise a minimum of $200,000 during the eight-week drive. The Sault branch currently offers only two-year programs. In 1965-66, a third year will be added in three fields — business administration, medical technology and biological sciences — and the following year the fourth year of these programs will be offered. The Sault Chamber of Commerce undertook “Operation 4 Progress” because no housing facilities for women students currently exist on the Sault campus. Not only will the campaign finance the actual construction of the residence hall, but profits realized from the subsequent operation of the facility.