High-speed Internet Now Offered at Curtis Library
By Paul Gingras

High-speed, wireless Internet service is now available at Curtis Library, reported librarian Linda Blanchard at a meeting of the Portage Township Board of Trustees Tuesday, June 12. Patrons with lap-top computers can connect inside and outside of the building. The library has been providing coffee to create a bookstore like atmosphere, she added.

In related news, three illustrators from Sleeping Bear Press, a Michigan company that produces children's books, will offer drawing classes for children and adults Thursday, July 12, at the library. There will be two classes; one for children at 11 a.m., and one for adults at 12 noon.

The illustrators will teach students how to draw pictures of the Mackinac Bridge, in anticipation of the 50th anniversary celebration of the bridge's construction.

The celebration will be in St. Ignace Friday, July 27, and Saturday, July 28.

The board approved a fireworks permit request by the Curtis-based Three Lakes Fireworks Council for the annual Independence Day celebration Sunday, July 1. It will be the 33rd year of the event, billed as "The Biggest Little Town Parade in Michigan."

On behalf of the parks committee, Treasurer Nancy Kister requested a number of improvements at township parks to spruce up Curtis for a new race. Entitled the Tri-Lakes Triathlon, it will be the "triple crown of the U.P.," Mrs. Kister said, noting that other triathlons in the region have "quite a following."

The triathlon is expected to draw 30 participants Saturday, August 11. A similar event in Grand Marais draws about 100 participants each year, she added. The race includes a one-quarter mile swim, a 15-mile bicycle race, and a five-mile run. It will begin near Watts Stamper Park.

"They will have an opportunity to see quite a bit of our community," and the board should try to ensure that Curtis is as appealing as possible, Mrs. Kister said.

Registration for the race will be at Curtis Park August 11, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The cost is $30 until Saturday, July 28. After that, the cost will be $37, said Heather Goldthorpe of the Curtis Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about the race, call the Chamber at (906) 586-3700.