IRON RIVER, WI - Thursday, June 19, 2008 - Uncle Bob's Bowling Center, the former Iron River Lanes, on US-2 in Iron River, Wisconsin went from been an eyesore to becoming a beautiful tourist attraction.

The same muralists that painted so many of Ashland's murals created the mural panels that now adorn the center's northern facade. The scene is a piece of Iron River history. It shows the old city as it once appeared back in its heyday. Combined with attractive landscaping, the new facade gives Iron River a whole new look.

Back in September of last year, the Ashland muralists addressed the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority (DIDA) to see if the City of Ironwood had any interest in creating murals for downtown Ironwood. The Authority supported the idea, but fell short of actually committing funds or effort to make it happen. At the last DIDA meeting, Community Development Director Dan Petersen told the Authority that the muralists wanted to again address the board to see about beginning a mural program for the City. It appears that the current owner of the former City News Stand building wants to have a mural painted on that building.

The DIDA decided to postpone any meeting with the muralists until after they receive word on the BluePrints Program application they have submitted to MSHDA.

Jim Albert