Good morning, Marquette.

Strega Nonna Restaurant in Negaunee will host two benefit events for Trillium House, with the Dale Watson Pre-Party on June 19th featuring a Texas Two-Step class, contests and the Flat Broke Blues Band—followed by a one-night-only show with Texas Troubador Dale Watson on July 13th.

Marquette County Childcare Coalition announced Wednesday that Childcare SPARK is accepting applications from locals who want to open a home-based childcare business.

The program offers step-by-step licensing support and expert business guidance—helping residents boost income and expand quality childcare options in the region—while addressing local needs.

Marquette Mountain is upgrading its snowmaking infrastructure this summer to let five runs—Nastar, Snowfield, Chute, Shaker and Contour—open earlier this winter with better snow quality.

The project, costing over $1.5 million and adding more than 8,000 feet of pipe and cables along with 25 hydrants, eight snowmaking guns and three new fan guns, will require closing the lower Superior Switchback bike trail.

The Michigan Army National Guard's 107th Engineer Battalion worked with the DNR on renovation projects at state parks and campgrounds in the western Upper Peninsula.

Crews repaired roads and cabins at Craig Lake State Park, built an accessible playground at McLain State Park, and upgraded facilities at Van Riper State Park with most improvements completed by June 13.

State Rep Karl Bohnak announced his plan to send $465,900 in state funds to help repair damage after flooding hurt L’Anse and Baraga last month—he said the funds come from money set aside after a similar flooding in 2018 for rebuilding critical infrastructure.

Soldiers from the Michigan Army National Guard and DNR celebrated their five-year partnership on Friday in Champion where they worked with state park officials at Van Riper State Park to improve roads, parking lots, and playgrounds.

The project gave guard members local building experience — an effort that benefits state parks throughout Upper Michigan.

Today, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced $3.8 million in Waterways Grant Program funding to boost boating improvements in 12 communities including three in the Upper Peninsula — the projects include marina renovations, dock replacements, seawall upgrades, fuel tank replacements and engineering studies.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy announced awards on Thursday to six communities for renewable energy projects with Sands Township being the only Upper Peninsula recipient; it received $748,500 for the Superior Solar Project, with half of the funds to be disbursed when construction starts and the rest when the project becomes operational in 2026. The township will use the money for upgrades at Strawberry Lake Park, a nature trail at Sands Township Park and renovations on its office complex—Township Supervisor Darlene Walch said the award will boost local improvements.

The Bergonzi Trio

The Bergonzi Trio plays at Reynolds Recital Hall at 7:30 pm. Beautiful chamber music recital featuring Haydn, Tchaikovsky, and contemporary composer Jennifer Higdon.

Brookridge Heights Car Show

1-3 p.m. — Brookridge Heights — Free food and beverages — Enjoy an afternoon filled with antique and classic cars alongside live entertainment.

Marquette County Community Resource Fair

2-5 p.m. — Marquette Lakeview Arena — Free entry — Connect with local resources and services to support your everyday life.

Family Health & Resource Fair

1-5 p.m. — Upper Great Lakes Sawyer Family Health Center — Free entry — Explore health activities, community resources, and enjoy a health & wellness garden grand opening.

Marquette Fireworks Show

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Ellwood A Mattson Lower Harbor Park — Free entry — Experience a spectacular fireworks display while enjoying the Marquette County Exchange Club's Food Fest.

Charlie Millard Album Launch Party

8:30-11:30 p.m. — Ore Dock Brewing Co. — $10 — Celebrate the release of Charlie Millard's new album with a night of music and fun.