Good morning, Marquette.

Marquette County Habitat for Humanity held its annual Bingo for Homes fundraiser Wednesday night at Ore Dock Brewery, where participants paid admission for three bingo cards with chances to win prizes donated by local merchants while supporting efforts for home repairs, affordable housing and plans for seven new homes.

The 20th Rapid River Relic Riders event will occur Friday and Saturday in Delta County.

The ride starts Friday at noon ET from Rapid River to Gladstone Ski Hill for a bonfire at 4:30 p.m. Saturday features a show and swap at 9 a.m. (donations for food pantries are requested).

The Marquette District of St. Vincent de Paul has named Jody Mousseau as its new district manager for Marquette, Gwinn, Trenary and Munising.

She brings 20 years of management experience (including a strong retail background) to guide operations and strengthen community relations.

The Upper Peninsula Labor Management Council is hosting its spring conference on March 12 at The Island Resort and Casino in Escanaba, where speakers from the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Northern Michigan University & other groups will discuss employee mental health, wellness, and work-life balance.

ASNMU hosted a free ice skating event at Lakeview Arena on Saturday, Jan.

24, where students enjoyed skate rentals + treats like cookies, hot chocolate and cookie decorating. The event helped students reconnect after winter break and share time with friends.

Farmers are cautioned to protect UP animals from freezing by keeping them well fed and shielding them from harsh winds.

Paul Naasz from the MSU U.P. Research and Extension Center stresses warm bedding for small animals (while extra feeding helps larger ones retain heat) as extreme cold threatens their health.

New census data shows Michigan gained nearly 28,000 residents (a 0.3% increase) in 2025 and Marquette County is among a few Upper Peninsula areas that grew.

Invest CEO Marty Fittante said affordable housing and outdoor recreation efforts may attract more young residents soon.

The Michigan DNR has opened registration for its U.P.

Deer Habitat Improvement Grant Program, offering eligible landowners between $5,000 and $25,000 (from a $200,000 pool) to improve deer habitat on private lands; applications are due by March 6.

This Saturday, the Aspen Ridge campus in Ishpeming Township hosts the 'Beat the Winter Blues' event from 5 to 8 p.m., where 26 community health resources will be available along with homemade snacks + concessions for a $5 donation to ease winter challenges.

The Home Builders Association of the Upper Peninsula will hold the annual Builders Show at the Superior Dome on March 6 — 16 booths remain available and tickets cost $6 for adults and teens, $5 for seniors 65 and over and free for kids under 12.

Backcountry Village in Adams Township near South Range will host a free all-day freestyle snowmobile show and ride out Saturday starting at 4 p.m.—featuring X Games medalists and vendors offering free shock installs and tuning.

The event also marks the opening of a new 10-acre parking lot available for public use.

Next Stop Comedy Show

8-9:30 p.m. — Upper Peninsula Brewing Company — Starts at $27.86 — Enjoy a hilarious evening with a new line-up of comedians each month.