Good morning, Marquette.

Volunteers maintain local NTN Trails this summer to clear fallen trees and fight erosion while keeping paths safe for over 74,000 users — NTN Trails Executive Director Jeni Kilpela thanks the supporters and reminds everyone to bring sunscreen, water, and bug spray when working outdoors.

Several projects are expanding the Iron Ore Heritage Trail this summer in Chocolay Township.

The over four-mile extension will bring the trail to more than 50 miles and add improvements from Kawbawgam Road to Lakenenland Sculpture Park as well as new interpretive panels in Ishpeming and near the Barnes-Hecker Mine disaster site.

Local officials unveiled three new Liberty Trees in Stewart Park to honor local heritage + bolster community pride.

The installation marks a renewed effort to enhance public green spaces.

United Way of Marquette County is partnering with Bombas to deliver 10,000 pairs of socks to local agencies over the coming months — a project that assists homeless and at-risk residents.

Executive director Andrew Rickauer said the distribution builds on years of community work.

Marquette’s Women’s Federated Clubhouse at 104 W.

Ridge St. is celebrating 100 years in a weekend event - festivities begin Friday, July 31 at 7 p.m. with a silent film featuring Jack Deo and Bob Buchkoe and continue Saturday, Aug. 1 with history talks and a celebratory auction.

Preparations are underway for the 46th Annual Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival—set for Friday, July 17 through Sunday night at Marquette's Tourist Park—where attendees can enjoy live music, food, camping, and kid’s activities.

Full details on performers, tickets, and volunteer sign-ups are available on the Festival website.

Nine Upper Peninsula businesses are among 69 statewide receiving support through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Match on Main program (which funds small businesses in downtown areas).

Some awards provide up to $25,000 to help maintain local storefronts and stimulate growth.

Northern Michigan University secured $13 million in state funding to relocate its College of Business into the Hedgcock Building, consolidating classrooms, labs (and study areas) for business, cybersecurity, and emerging workforce programs.

The project comes as the college grew 41% over the past two years.

After one of the snowiest winters on record, DNR experts say heavy snow and limited food increased deer vulnerability and may lead to fewer deer in the northern U.P.

They are monitoring deer health + tracking wintering complexes for survival estimates.

United Way of Marquette County received $35,000 in state funding to expand its IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for seniors, veterans, and families in the area.

The funding will help more residents get free tax prep and boost local financial stability.

Negaunee has begun constructing new sidewalks to create safer routes for students walking to Lakeview Elementary, Negaunee Middle, and Negaunee High.

The $738,000 MDOT project will work on Division, E. Arch, W. Arch and other streets, running through the summer and finishing mid-October.

Marquette’s Upper Peninsula Regional Blood Center – the main supplier of local blood products – is urgently seeking donations for all blood types at collection sites in Marquette, Hancock and Escanaba.

A single donation can save up to three lives; call 906-449-1450 to schedule an appointment.