Good morning, Marquette.

Volunteers will help with crosswalks during the 5th annual Shamrock Sprint on Thursday, Mar.

12 at 6 p.m. at 230 E. Ridge St + earn a free drink at Blackrocks Brewery after the race.

A new monthly family drop-in event starts Wednesday from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Peter White Public Library Youth Services Room, offering building and towers activities for kids; families with children under 8 must attend with an adult (no admission fee).

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center will host the first America 250 event at Lydia M.

Olson Library in Harden Hall on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The event will feature readings of Phillis Wheatley’s poetry to honor her role as the first African American published poet.

Operation Action U.P. honored four local businesses with the 2025 Award of Excellence at the Northern Center Ballroom at Northern Michigan University in Marquette last Thursday; leaders discussed regional progress and economic plans to strengthen the Upper Peninsula.

NMU will host its first Winter Research Day on Thursday, Feb.

19 on campus, where students and staff will showcase research through poster presentations, buzz sessions, and thesis displays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, and visitors can vote for their favorite work to win cash prizes.

Gov. Whitmer signed bipartisan bills today that require schools to ban cell phones in classrooms (with exceptions for academic or emergency use) to boost focus and performance; local districts like Gwinn Area and Marquette Area Public Schools already support the change.

Residents in Norway Township voiced concern over a rezoning plan that would let a gravel pit expand into a 14-acre site near homes.

The township board and planning committee will meet on March 2 at 5:30 p.m. to review the proposal — addressing worries about health and safety.

The Marquette County Land Bank Authority works to transform vacant properties into affordable housing and community spaces for middle-income residents.

It partners with local governments and developers to clear titles and renovate homes — a plan to stabilize communities and protect property values.

Seventeen mushers raced from Marquette and reached the Grand Marais checkpoint on Saturday at noon after running 114.9 miles.

They paused for six hours for rest and vet checks before continuing the race.

Shamrock Sprint 1 Mile Race

10-11 PM — 1110 Champion St, Marquette, MI — Registration fee applies — Participate in the 4th annual 1 mile race in a festive St. Patrick's Day spirit.