Good morning, Marquette.

Marquette’s Drifa Brewing Company announced its mid-November closure after citing lease issues and challenges from the pandemic shutdown, road construction, and management changes (a tough winter hurdle).

The brewery will continue hosting events and serving customers until it closes.

Jon’s Auto owner Mike Guenette warns Marquette drivers that wildfire smoke clogs engine and cabin air filters and can reduce AC efficiency + he advises using the recirculate setting while driving to protect vehicle performance.

Marquette Maritime Museum will host the Lake Superior Day celebration on Sunday, July 19 at its lakeside parking lot from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Local groups will run 13 free booths for kids and families (including a sea lamprey display) to teach about our Great Lake.

The Hiawatha Music Festival will proceed at Tourist Park Campground despite air quality concerns from Canadian wildfires, with the first band set to perform at 7 p.m. today and organizers advising attendees to take precautions (mask recommended for those with respiratory risks).

NMU engineering students received hands-on training in Mitsubishi-donated heat pump technology at the Jacobetti Complex in the U.P.

The training, the first of its kind in the Midwest, helps students gain practical skills for future HVAC careers (opening doors in a growing trade).

Educators attended a hands-on workshop on Ojibwe culture and archaeology hosted by Project Archaeology in Marquette as part of efforts to enhance classroom discussions.

They learned through a speaker-led presentation and a mock archaeology site exercise — deepening their understanding of local heritage.

Local sponsors and community groups supported Bay College students at the annual Swing for Scholarships golf outing held Thursday at the Escanaba Country Club.

The event, now in its 35th year, has funded 460 scholarships to help students complete their education (said Foundation Executive Director Vicki DeGrand).

Heavy wildfire smoke forced Thursday's cancellation of Pictured Rocks cruises when officials described the air quality as the worst in years.

Many visitors continued to enjoy outdoor activities and await updated cruise schedules online.

Marquette law enforcement is watching for speeding, impaired, and reckless driving this week during Operation Safe Driver Week.

The effort, organized by AAA and running until July 18, aims to remind drivers that safe habits can prevent life-altering crashes — a message also featured on TV6 livestream.

UP Regional Blood Center in Marquette reports that all blood types are needed as summer donations drop due to vacations - collection sites are available in Marquette, Hancock and Escanaba and residents can book appointments by calling 906-449-1450.