Good morning, Marquette.

Marquette locals joined the Cash Mob (13 years running) organized by Accelerate U.P. to support local businesses; the event began on Third Street when the first 10 shoppers received a 20 dollars cash match and more details will come on social media.

MTEC SmartZone in Houghton announced that Hannah Maat has joined as project manager.

She will help early-stage companies turn ideas into market-ready solutions and guide local entrepreneurs – powering local tech innovation.

The Barnes-Hecker Commemoration Committee received a $50K grant from the America250MI program to fund statues and plaques for a Barnes-Hecker Mine memorial park in Ely Township — replacing the old memorial — and to support the Beaumier Heritage Center’s fall exhibit.

NMU’s annual Jazz Festival began Thursday with high and middle school bands from seven Upper Peninsula schools and a guest set by Grammy-nominated The Westerlies.

Public concerts are set for Friday evening on the NMU campus.

Gwinn Area Community Schools will open today after nearly a week off due to heavy snow that made roads unsafe and kept over 40% of students away + Superintendent Dr. Sara Croney said safety is the top priority as the district requires at least 75% attendance.

Northern Michigan University held its third annual Day of Giving on Thursday as a 24-hour fundraiser for campus programs; 643 organizations raised funds for equipment and special event expenses, and the Music Department gathered over $70,000 in mid-afternoon support.

Donations were accepted until 3:00 a.m. Friday.

State data shows about 20% of Michigan students face food insecurity & rising living costs are straining budgets, with NMU food pantry visits up 20% last year.

Local colleges will expand support & offer competitive grant programs to ease need for student resources.

Spring begins today as the vernal equinox brings nearly 12 hours of daylight and local bird feeders attract goldfinches, doves, and cardinals despite strong winds, while migrating eagles and raptors add to the scene.

Snowy owls in Chippewa County are expected to head north soon (winter sightings peaked earlier).

The Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition is celebrating its 50th anniversary today at 5 p.m. at Kognisjon Bryggeri with music by Michael Waite and Groove Candy, and will host conservation panels at Peter White Public Library on Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Marquette Area Public Schools Bond Proposal will offer a $59.995 million plan for improving safety, infrastructure and ADA upgrades while allowing NMU students to vote on the changes; the proposal follows studies showing over $100 million in needed facility improvements.

Marquette Board of Light and Power now offers utility bill assistance through the Michigan Energy Assistance Program - customers no longer need to wait until April 1 to apply, and they are advised to submit complete documentation to avoid delays.

Marquette Mayor Paul Schloegel praised city and county crews for their quick response to the record-setting Saint Patrick’s blizzard during tonight’s commission meeting — thanking road crews, the DDA, and the Board of Light and Power while noting that all needed supplies were on hand for effective snow removal.

During a severe blizzard, staff at the D.J.

Jacobetti Home for Veterans stayed overnight in vacant rooms, hotels + coworkers' homes to care for about 100 residents while working double shifts to ensure no one was left without care.

Developers told the City Commission that environmental factors have forced them to scale back plans for the downtown hotel by canceling the indoor parking garage at the old Savings Bank Building.

Instead, they proposed a freestanding Hilton hotel with an 82-space outdoor parking lot along Lakeshore Boulevard.

The Pigs N’ Heat charity hockey game will take place today in Marquette with ceremonies at 6:30 p.m. and a puck drop at 7:00 p.m. at Lakeview Arena, featuring teams of law enforcement & firefighters to raise funds for the Fire Relief Fund; tickets are $1 at the door.

Young Artist Concerto Competition and Beethoven's 5th Symphony

7:30 p.m. — Louis G. Kaufman Auditorium — Experience the talents of our Youth Concerto Competition Winner and immerse yourself in Beethoven's iconic Symphony No. 5.

NMU Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble Concert

7:30 p.m. — NMU Reynolds Recital Hall — Cost information not provided — Experience an evening of exceptional musical performances from talented ensembles.

Mason Jennings Concert

7-11 p.m. — Ore Dock Brewing Co. — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of live music from Mason Jennings in a relaxed brewery setting.