Good morning, Marquette.

United Way of Marquette County has named campaign co-chairs Rebecca Bartelme of My UP Mornings and Paige DuBois of Queen City Running Company to lead its annual campaign set to begin with Steins for Good at Ore Dock Brewing on Sept.

27. (Tickets will be on sale soon.)

After a Silver Alert was issued on July 16 for 74-year-old Gary Eicher, Chocolay Township Police helped a stranded motorist in Calumet just after 8:30 p.m. and transported him to UPHS for care + Goodwins Towing and local EMS assisted as Wisconsin authorities were contacted for his family reunification.

The 46th annual Hiawatha Music Festival kicked off today in Marquette from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering live music, food trucks, and family fun, while organizers prepare for Sunday events if weather holds (volunteers and board members remain active).

Marquette hosts two art fairs on July 25-26: the 66th Annual Art on the Rocks Fine Art Show at Mattson Lower Harbor Park and the OutBack Art Fair along the bike path at Picnic Rocks.

The events offer booths, food trucks + interactive art activities.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis held its mid-year webinar on Friday, sharing that business costs in its region have mostly stayed level over the past six months.

Director Joe Mahon noted mixed expectations amid global changes + steady local spending.

Scouts from across the Midwest gathered at Camp Hiawatha in the U.P. this week and spent seven days and six nights learning outdoor skills such as hiking, swimming, and crafts (even with recent wildfire smoke prompting precautions).

Rains mixed with wildfire smoke are now affecting Upper Peninsula farms and forests — altering the taste and growth of fruits, vegetables, and herbs — as MSU expert James DeDecker explained that ash may balance acidic soil while also blocking sunlight.

Wildfires do not greatly affect wildlife as animals can leave affected areas or seek shade.

DNR official Bill Scullon said animals that appear disoriented should prompt residents to contact the department.

Poor, smoky air quality at Isle Royale National Park has led visitors to seek rides off the island from U.P.

Adventure Company, but park officials ordered the captain to turn back on a second trip. The park now offers two round trips with Ranger III, with one departing at 8:00 a.m. today.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires still affects the U.P., leaving air quality hazardous and putting children at risk.

Pediatrician Sarah Dennison of Aspirus Health advises that kids showing symptoms should go indoors — and if they do not feel better, seek care.