Today in history: The light has finally been installed at the intersection of M-115, 13th Street | Information

December 5, 1923

The Cadillac lumbermen have just completed the consolidation of their lumber interests in the Upper Peninsula, in connection with a large operation recently opened near the Soo, which is one of the most important connections in the industry in the Great Lakes area for some time. Cadillac-Soo Lumber Co. It has timber holdings in Chippewa and Mackinaw counties that make it the largest lumber business in the state, with the possible exception of the Ford operation. Enough lumber is managed to ensure operation for at least 40 years. The original Cadillac company had a large stock in the Soo district. The other two concerns had lots of lumber and 12 or 15 miles of railroad. A large refinery and chemical plant on the Soo is in progress. These, installed by the first Cadillac company, are model plants. The mill is the best that could be built, of steel and concrete construction and electrical equipment and operation. The mill started last August and the chemical plant is also working now. The original Cadillac concern also built a large logging road following.

December 5, 1973

It was not Mayor Raymond Wagner’s “night”. The two main issues facing the City Commission Monday night, at least the ones that took up most of the two-hour, 13-minute session, were Dial-A-Riade for Cadillac and rezoning on Burlingame Street. Mayor Wagner was on the losing end of both votes, one of which was taken informally after the public meeting was adjourned. By a vote of 2 yeas to 3 nays, Dial-A-Ride was rejected. This vote was taken after the regular meeting. Wagner and Larry Rogers voted yes but Walter Grubba, Robert Pranger and William Jannenga voted no. The rezoning of the east half of the block along Burlingame Street, between Ford and Wabber streets, was approved 4-1 with Wagner casting the lone dissenting vote. Dial-A-Ride was described to the Commission by Jerry Geile of the State of Michigan Department of Highways and Transportation. He said the government would fund the first year’s costs at 100% except for $1,000 in “good faith” or “goodwill” local funds. After the first year, the city will be responsible for funding the program but one-third of the support would be available through grants for which applications must be submitted. After an hour of public hearings, during which a lawyer for Don’s Auto Clinic presented the reasons for the company’s zoning request on Burlingame Street and residents voiced their objections, the Commission passed Ordinance 801 allowing the zoning change. All four who voted yes agreed that there is a natural growth trend and eventually the area will “go commercial.”

December 5, 1998

Cadillac City Council members will discuss and vote on two controversial proposals during their meeting Monday. Council will consider a proposal to continue the current plan to improve roadways and build highway aprons on a district-by-district schedule over the next several years. The first part of the city affected by the plan was on the south side of Lake Cadillac; The concrete work was completed this year.

The 1999 phase will be implemented in the part of the city north of Lake Cadillac, west of Lake Street, south of Wright Street and Seneca and Somo streets. The total cost of the sidewalk repair and apron construction will be $90,077, of which $84,982 will be paid through a 10-year special assessment imposed on affected property owners. The council will also hear a presentation to designate two permanent snowmobile trails in the city. The first is along Lansing Street, on the south side of Lake Cadillac. According to Allan Green, president of Cadillac Winter Promotions, a test session last year showed the potential of the route. The trail north to the lake, between Kenwood Park and Division Street, is used informally by many snowmobilers, Green said. He has asked the members of the council to make both ways to be leaders.