On April 4, 1891, the first issue of The Alger County Democrat (Vol. 1, No. 1) included a piece from the publishers under the heading “Salutatory.” This is the article in its entirety:
“In starting a paper it is customary to write a salutatory, prospectus or something of the sort. We have but a few words to say.
“The Democrat, as its name implies, will be a Democratic paper from the word go, and will always ‘Hew to the line; let the chips fall where they may.’
“This issue is not by any means our ideal of a newspaper. We intend that the Democrat shall rank among the best of country papers. We will improve it as we go along. But we will leave this matter for the public to judge.
“We have started a paper in Alger county because there is an opening for one. We do not expect to make a fortune, but we do expect to make some of the ‘long green.’ That’s what we’re here for. We are not experimenting. The paper is an assured success.
“We have put the subscription price within the reach of all — only $1.00 per year. Our agents in this county are: W. A. Cox, Munising; R. D. Deacon, Munising; E. M. Spencer, Au Train. Subscriptions and orders for job work may be handed to them, or may be sent by mail to us at Munising.
“Respectfully, Wright & Crowe.”
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Taking the reins of a newspaper in 2025 might seem like a bold move — but so was doing it in 1891. Back then, Wright and Crowe launched The Alger County Democrat with determination, vision and a healthy dose of honesty. While the name reflected the times, the spirit was local, independent and rooted in service — just like ours. I’m proud to carry on that tradition — not in partisanship, but in purpose.
This community shaped me. Munising and Alger County gave me grit, drive and the kind of perspective you only get growing up in a small town — where kids play until dark and know, just by the sound of the fire whistle, that it’s 9 p.m. As an adult, I’m proud of that whistle — and even prouder of the volunteer firefighters across Alger County who have answered its call. Many of them are people I grew up with, and they continue to show up day and night to keep us safe.
That legacy is thanks to the chiefs and crews of fire departments across Alger County, built on decades of leadership and service from departments in Au Train Township, Burt Township, the City of Munising, Mathias Township, Munising Township, Rock River Township and Tri-County. These departments don’t just fight fires — they shape people. Our great leaders of the past have molded the next generation of responders, and their example continues to guide those who serve each generation. They deserve our thanks, and they’ve certainly earned mine.
To all the fire departments in Alger County — I got you. If you’re hosting a fundraiser or need a fire whistle for your community, The Munising Beacon will proudly be there to support you. Even you, Red.
That’s right. We know the names. We know the people. We know their stories. That small but mighty woman with the camera? That was Mary Jayne Hallifax, our community’s historian for more than 80 years. The kind eyes behind the pharmacy counter? That’s Jeff — third-generation pharmacist who’s always ready to help. Claudia and the Carberry girls, always showing up to volunteer. It’s in the fabric of their DNA. Cori-Ann, whose heart of gold works overtime, just like her parents. And don’t get me started on Carmen and Pat, much like their mothers, who show up, bring the best cookies and support every single fundraiser and never miss a chance to support someone in need.
Let’s not forget the teachers and coaches who molded us. Mr. Landfair. Mr. Feldhusen — who supported my first newspaper, Eyes and Ears, when I was an eighth grader at William G. Mather Middle School. (Does anyone remember Gerhart Platt howling in the halls? I do and I wrote about it.) Mr. Dausey. Mr. Behning. Mr. Kinnunen. Mrs. Gordanier. Mrs. Allen. Our dear HP. And Mr. Paajanen, who recently called to tell me I was a very good writer. (He must’ve forgotten about our frog races in science class, Stub.)
And of course, the friends we’ve lost — but who are still with us, every day. For me, it’s Brandon Marra, Craig Fleck, Michael Anstett and Michael Kolbus.
These are just a few of the people woven into the fabric of my story — and probably yours, too. It’s the people around us who hold this community together. That matters. They make this place what it is, and their stories deserve to be told.
I wasn’t planning to write an introduction. I told my editors that just changing the masthead was enough. But when Munising School Public Library Director Lisa Cromell sent me Wright & Crowe’s original salutatory — and asked what the new Beacon owner might say in her first issue — it reminded me how important this work really is. What an honor and a privilege it is to tell your stories. And how lucky we are, especially when the world feels uncertain, to remember what Mr. Rogers’ mother told him: Look for the helpers. Alger County is full of them. That’s why Ana-Marija Dolaskie and I curated the Roam for Good Award — to recognize the people who show up, step up and make this place better, just by being who they are.
The team we’ve assembled for this next chapter of The Munising Beacon is here because they believe in this community — in what it is and in what it can become. My award-winning co-publisher, our powerhouse editing crew and our sharp, deeply committed writers are all in. And behind the scenes, one remarkable coordinator keeps everything running.
Please welcome them with open arms. Answer their calls when they ring you up for a story. I, for one, couldn’t be more proud to work alongside this collective — serving Alger County with clarity, curiosity and heart. Most importantly, we’re here to help carry forward the historical record of this beloved place for generations to come. To help give Alger County a voice on a national level is something I’m honored to be part of. Thank you for entrusting me with that responsibility — it’s an honor I carry with the deepest gratitude.
And one last thing — I may own the paper now, but if you think that means Steve Dausey returns my calls, think again. Good thing I know his mother.
With love and grit,
Jennifer Champagne
Proud Munising Mustang, Class of 1990
Owner and Co-publisher, The Munising Beacon