Did you know? that Lawrence "Bud" Kapugia, current Superintendent of the Wakefield-Marenisco School District was the first manager of the Pat O'Donnell Civic Center. At the time of his hiring, in 1983 , the Ironwood native was just 34 wars old.

Kapugia is a graduate of Ironwood Catholic High School, and has an associate arts degree from Gogebic Community College. He has a masters degree in guidance and counseling and a bachelor of science degree in history and science from Northern Michigan University, Marquette. He did post graduate work in education and administration at NMU.

At the time of his hiring Kapugia's employment history included three years as hockey coach and social studies instructor at Tomahawk High School; guidance counselor, Rib Lake High School, Rib Lake, Wis.,. He had also been employed by Division, Owens-Illinois I Company, Tomahawk.

As the then new manager of the Civic Center Mr. Kapugia said that" he viewed his new position with excitement and anticipation." He also stated " I am happy to have an opportunity to be a part of the growth of the Civic Center. " He went on to say "I am happy to have the opportunity to be part of the growth of the community in which I was born and raised," He stated that he "expects the first few years to be demanding and challenging in developing a smooth running and ef­ficient operating program at the new civic center. " "With the ice arena as the main function of the multi-purpose civic center, we will try to schedule many other activities around it, including con­ventions, trade shows, banquets, weddings and arts and crafts shows," Kapugia stated. "We will welcome all activities that can utilize our facilities," he declared.

Today Jim Sain is the current manager of the Civic Center. He is also the head cook and bottle washer. Jim takes on a great many tasks at "The Pat"

In order to maximize revenues, the civic center currently has but one full time employee, Jim Sain. During the busiest part of the year, Jim is aided by 2 temporary part-time employees.

Jim has the same motivation and enthusiasm today that Larry Kapugia had for the center back in 1983.

The task of making the civic center a success in today's economy is challenging to say the least. But, the center is not only a place for kids to go and have a trouble free good time, it serves as a host to many other activities as well. Jim and the board are heading in the right direction to put the center on a sound financial footing. Most of all, they are also keeping the center a cornerstone of both Ironwood and Gogebic County.

The Patrick O'Donnell Civic center will be twenty-five years old in less than a week. One day prior to that milestone, the current tax millage for the center comes up for renewal. Residents and taxpayers recognize the vast importance of the center and hope to see the millage renewed.