Good morning, Marquette.

Celebrate Trails Day — a national event hosted by Rails to Trails Conservancy — takes place this Saturday on a designated section of the Iron Ore Heritage Trail in Marquette County.

Trail Administrator Bob Hendrickson advises riders to stick to paved trails until unpaved sections dry.

MTEC SmartZone in Houghton announced the 2026 AMMP Accelerator cohort featuring six companies that are tackling manufacturing challenges from plastics recycling to smart construction gear (including the first hard hat designed for women).

Their innovations aim to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability in industry.

Connors Sports in Amasa has expanded contracts with WNBA teams—L.A.

Sparks, Chicago Sky and Portland Fire—and will supply courts for the NCAA Final Four with partner Robbins Flooring in Ishpeming. This expansion is set to boost the UP’s reputation as a leading sports court producer.

NMU Theatre & Dance will host its second annual Senior Showcase featuring graduating students performing group numbers, solo songs, monologues, scenes and stage combat.

The event is set for Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Forest Roberts Theatre in Marquette and tickets range from $5 for NMU students to $25 for the general public.

Local bookstores will celebrate National Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday, Apr.

25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. by hosting themed parties, deals + giveaways at Snowbound Books, Bromley’s Books, Read My Lips and Bats Amore.

United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program returned more than $400k during tax season, helping 250 Marquette County residents as updated records sped up the process.

906 Adventure Team offers outdoor programs to teach kids aged 9-17 skills in hiking, biking, leadership, and community building; over 30 spots remain in Marquette County (a former participant now becomes a coach).

The Marquette Food Co-op Board is hosting an Earth Day clean-up on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the co-op’s basement classroom, where volunteers will pick up winter trash, receive gear and snacks, and connect with local groups (Partridge Creek Compost and Recycle 906) promoting community care.

Marquette County declared a state of emergency Friday as melting snow caused flooding that damaged roads and bridges; Gov. Whitmer approved the declaration Monday, making state resources available.

Drivers are urged to avoid floodwaters+unsafe road conditions, while homeowners with wells+basement flooding should seek evaluation.

Marquette Sawyer Regional, unlike most U.P. airports in the Essential Air Service program, has not received federal subsidies since 1986 and now plans to add three daily United round-trip flights to Chicago this summer + that may spur competition and lower fares.

NMU announced its 2025-26 sports awards today, highlighting football standout Noah Dobert (who broke rushing records) and graduate Dylan Kuehl for leading the men’s basketball team to 28 wins while honoring other athletes for resilience.

Michigan Tech has named Eric Gruber as its new women's basketball head coach as announced Monday.

He comes from SIUE—where he served as an assistant for three seasons—and plans to build on the team’s winning tradition.

Golfers in Norway enjoyed the grand opening Tuesday as Oak Crest Golf Course welcomed visitors with 60°F spring weather—ending weeks of ground crew and staff preparation.

The course operates daily from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., closing at 8 p.m. on Mondays.

Null Pneuma EP Release Show

8:30-11:30 p.m. — Ore Dock Brewing Co. — $10 entry — Celebrate the debut EP of Marquette's own Null Pneuma with an electrifying night of live music featuring Bimbo and The God Eaters.

Mother's Day Craft Show

5 PM – 4 PM — Superior Dome — Free entry — Celebrate Mother's Day with unique handmade crafts from talented local artisans.