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K.I. SAWYER -- The K.I. Sawyer Heritage Air Museum was located at the W building, or West Branch Community Center, in K.I. Sawyer for four years but relocated after the building closed. 

Last year the museum moved into the former Naval Reserve Center at K.I. Sawyer, but they haven't yet opened their doors.  Why?  Because they don't have the funding to get their operation going.

"The big thing is the money,” said Museum President Bob Vick.  “And we're looking to see what the community is willing to do to keep us going and provide some history for this part of Marquette County and primarily K.I. Sawyer."

While at the W, rent was low, only $250 a month.  Memberships covered that cost.  But after the move, the museum is now facing operating costs around $20,000 a year.  Memberships would cover about $2,000 and the museum is looking for the rest from the U.P. community as well as Air Force and K.I. Sawyer alumni donations.

“One of the things that has really hurt us is that we will not own the facility,” said museum member Lani Duquette.  “Therefore, a lot of the grants cannot take place because we don't own the facility."

Leaders of the museum want to know now...does the community still want the museum in the area?

"The county's been supportive,” said Scott Erbisch, Marquette County Director of Operations.  “We've done what we can internally to help support them with resources that we have available from some staff efforts and things and would continue to provide those, if reasonable, for what they're trying to accomplish."

To voice your opinion about the museum, click here.

Without contributions, the K.I. Sawyer Heritage Air Museum could close as early as this year.