Good morning, Marquette.

UP communities continue to recover after a December blizzard left nearly 5,000 outages and property damage.

Line workers restored power in many areas and homeowner Shawna Kerekes narrowly escaped danger (50 extra workers arrived Wednesday), reducing outages to 364.

Marquette’s U.P. Children’s Museum held its 26th ball drop at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night, where youth enjoyed singing, dancing, punch+cookies.

The museum is planning new exhibits in 2026 including a maker’s space, sensory area, animal hospital, and a new snake exhibit.

Several school districts in the Marquette-Alger RESA area have declined state funding after a review of new Section 31aa requirements that could require waivers of legal privileges and reduce local control.

Officials say local funding will continue to support student safety and mental health.

State Rep. Parker Fairbairn applauded a House vote to remove gray wolves from Endangered Species Act protection, arguing the change would let the state manage an estimated 780 wolves and protect pets and farm animals (the measure now moves to the Senate).

Dr. Roach explained that being healthy means having overall well-being (with the ability to perform daily activities) and that taking medications does not mean a person is unhealthy; he advised that those with heart risks should stop shoveling snow at the first sign of discomfort.