Good morning, Marquette.

Room at the Inn founder Helen McCormick turned 90 in April and her staff will surprise her next week with a huge birthday card where each donor’s contribution appears in a larger size—staff ask people to sign by May 12 to help celebrate her legacy.

RATI, started in 2007, now offers 24/7 shelter and outreach services for families facing homelessness.

Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport announced Tuesday that American Airlines will add a second daily flight leaving at 4:30 p.m. to Chicago via O’Hare—enhancing travel options for business and leisure passengers.

The Marquette Regional History Center will host its 20th Cemetery Walk in Park Cemetery tomorrow at 1 p.m., covering a one-mile route that honors the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

Self-guided tours run until 3 p.m. while a guided seated tour starts at 6 p.m. at the cemetery’s front—visitors should bring their own chair.

In 2023, visitors spent $1.6 billion in the U.P. on lodging, dining and other activities—Mackinac, Marquette and Chippewa counties saw nearly $754 million in spending that boosted the local economy after the pandemic.

UP Travel and Recreation Association noted that the growth trend continued and a report for 2024 will be released soon.

Marquette County Board terminated contracts with Telkite and the Michigan Institute of Science and Forensic Medicine during Tuesday night’s meeting after a legal review found multiple contract breaches and a lack of transparency—officials said further legal action may follow.

LSCP CEO Christopher Germain said on May 6 that the group lobbied lawmakers in Lansing to keep economic development programs running in Marquette County — the talks addressed requests for more Rural Readiness and Rural Development Grant funds, the renewal of the Revitalization and Placemaking program, increased air service at Sawyer Regional Airport, and clarified energy rules for power generators through 2049.

Wakefield Township and Rep. Greg Markkanen have asked for a $50 million state grant to improve roads, energy and broadband for the Copperwood Mine Project.

Township Supervisor Mandy Lake said the funding would change a 13-mile road into an all-season route — a plan meant to support local jobs and tourism — while some residents worry the upgrades may benefit the mine more than the community and House approval is still pending in Lansing.

Registration is open for the 47th annual Big Bay Relay, which will run on Saturday, May 17th from 8:00 a.m. to about 1:00 p.m. as teams of five with youth teams allowed seven cover 26 miles from the Kaufman Sports Complex in Marquette to Perkins Park in Big Bay along County Road 550 + relay co-chair Heidi Shatz confirmed the finish has been moved to Perkins Park+.

Gwinn Modeltown Market Season Kick Off with The Make Believe Spurs

4-8 p.m. — Gwinn Inn — Free entry — Enjoy live music from The Make Believe Spurs who blend intimate harmonies with electric performances inspired by iconic artists.

Dead Carp 20K Run and 5K Run/Walk

6:00 PM – 12:30 PM — Drífa Brewing Company — Check event site for entry fees — Test your endurance on a scenic springtime course with a community vibe.

UP Pro Wrestling: Marquette Mania 3

7 p.m. — Marquette Lakeview Arena — Tickets available — Experience thrilling matches with stars like Parker Boudeaux and Sinn Bodhi for a great cause.

Sip & Stretch Yoga

7-9 PM — Ore Dock Brewing Co. — $15 includes first beverage — Unwind with a refreshing yoga session while enjoying your favorite brew in a community-driven atmosphere.

Lasers on the Ore Dock

7-9 p.m. — Ellwood A Mattson Lower Harbor Park — Free entry — Experience a mesmerizing laser display illuminating the Ore Dock after sunset.

Marbin Live Performance

8 PM – 2 AM — Ore Dock Brewing Co. — Ticket info not provided — Immerse yourself in the dynamic jazz-rock sounds of Marbin, a Chicago-based band with a captivating story.

Petunia Pandemonium

7-10 a.m. — Gerber Collision & Glass — Free entry — Celebrate community beautification with floral fun and restoration efforts for Marquette.