ESCANABA — Before we can move forward into 2025, we must reflect on two major losses recently in Delta County. On December 19th we lost Will Carne and on December 21st we lost the Stonehouse Restaurant to a fire. Will Carne was a role model of everything that is good about being a resident of Delta County. He had an Iconic family business that welcomed people to Escanaba starting in 1967. He not only was a business leader, but a selfless contributor to our community. Will spent a tremendous amount of time volunteering on many boards and organizations, always looking to make things better for the area and the people that lived here. I always had a smile on my face as I attended “Business after Hours” over the years and was greeted by Will selling 50/50 tickets. RIP Will Carne and thanks for your legacy of community service. Within the same week we lost a core business in the area to a fire, the Stonehouse Restaurant. The restaurant owned by the Romps family since 1982, was also located to welcome people to Escanaba. Many people could reflect on special occasions that were spent dining at the Stonehouse. The community is showing again its support for fellow residents, by assisting the 50 workers that over night were out of work. The fundraisers will help the group financially, but as important, let them know they are in our thoughts and prayers. I don’t know what are the plans for the business as we move into 2025, but hope it is able to rebuild and once again be that special place at the entrance to Ludington Street.

I feel Delta County should see a lot of progress in 2025. We have many meaningful projects that should start construction during the year. We will also see many infrastructure projects this year. While short-term they can be a challenge to get around our communities, the long-term benefits to our roads, water systems and street scape look of our area will be outstanding. As we look at the projects that will kickoff in 2025, we still have many opportunities for the future regarding housing, business expansion, population changes and talent attraction. How effective we are at making many of the opportunities happen will depending on our ability to work together. Seeking solutions and embracing changes that will be required as we prepare and compete for grants, business expansion, new citizens and tourists should be a high priority. Many times when there are delays in achieving a local vision of progress and it is self-inflicted. I feel we are in a very good place as far as collaboration within Delta County and the U.P. It will be interesting to see if we can come together on the political spectrum within state and national politics. Regardless of the outcomes I am confident we will see very positive outcomes on several fronts for our area.

‘As we passed the new year we will go through the annual process of accessing how we get better as individuals, with our health, personal interaction and community involvement. Personal choices we make can help things get better or hinder positive change.

If we want the area to be a better place for ourselves, businesses and visitors it will be based on our actions. If we use people like Will Carne as an example of how to deal with each other and give back to the community we will move the needle forward. Try to get involved in volunteer opportunities and community events when you can. I am sure you will get a personal benefit for your participation, as well as making the area better place!

Happy New Year to all of you.

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Ed Legault is executive director of the Delta County Economic Development Alliance