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Mary Jayne Hallifax

Our dear mother, mentor and friend, Mary Jayne Hallifax, age 96, moved on to her heavenly home to join family and friends on Jan. 4, 2025. Mary Jayne was born Jan. 3, 1929, in Marquette, Michigan, to Oliver and Margaret (Gaspar) Shampine. Mary Jayne spent her entire life in her hometown of Munising, attending Sacred Heart Grade School and graduating from William G. Mather High School in 1946 as valedictorian of her class, which she frequently reminded her children. Her membership on the committee for “The Torch,” the first yearbook published at Mather since the late 1920s, helped shape her history in becoming Alger County’s pictorial historian. When the yearbook staff was looking for someone to supply the candid photos, Lucille Buckley, the school secretary and avid photographer, sought out a student to help develop film and print pictures. This opportunity introduced Mom to the world of photography. From there, her family can hardly recall a day when Mom did not have a camera anchored around her neck.
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Bringing history to life

Munising author Chloe Platias has swiftly carved a niche for herself in the world of children’s and young adult literature with her creative approach to history. At just 23 years old, Platias is the author, illustrator and self-publisher of four children’s books and one young adult book, blending her passion for history with engaging storytelling.
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Rhonda Lassila: Trailblazer

When Munising’s trails call, Rhonda Lassila answers — not just with her footsteps, but with a wheels-on-the-ground purpose rooted in her love for this community. As president of the Munising Bay Trail Network, Lassila has been instrumental in transforming the area into a hub for outdoor recreation, a mission that blends her personal connection to Munising with a vision for its future.
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Seniors set a positive year: Painting a pleasant parking lot

Munising High School Seniors, the upcoming 2025 graduates, wanted to paint a whole new attitude to distinguish themselves from past groups of grads. Even well before school began, the group could be seen online promoting positive messages like looking forward to sunrises instead of sunsets. As part of their positivity, each senior was given the opportunity to paint a parking spot.
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Thank You: Ramsey Companies awarded Excellence in Hospitality Award at the annual Alger Chamber Celebration

Munising, MI - Bill Ramsey, the face behind Ramsey Companies, expressed his gratitude to the community in a heartfelt acceptance speech after receiving the prestigious Excellence in Hospitality Award at the annual Alger County Celebration. The event, held on Monday, May 13th, at East Channel Brewing’s The Connection, marked a joyous occasion where Chamber members and local businesses gathered to celebrate.
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