Good morning, Marquette.

Hall Farms Sunflower Field in Rock is open with 10 acres of blooming flowers where families can stroll, snap photos, and pick a sunflower for one dollar each as co-owner Teressa Hall said.

The field welcomed visitors on Tuesday and will remain accessible until the sunflowers droop + local traditions grow.

Police, EMS and firefighters from Marquette agencies held a Battle of the Badges race and donated over 1,200 pounds of food and more than $1,100 to the Salvation Army on Tuesday morning—helping the pantry cope with rising costs and increased client demand.

Last Wednesday, Tyler Fraley won a jackpot of over $240K—he split the prize equally with the American Legion at Post 349 in Little Lake.

The funds will pay for needed renovations including a new boiler and scrolling sign.

Lucas Johnson, a 43-year-old from Ironwood, was found guilty on four felony drug charges including conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine and delivery of methamphetamine last week in Gogebic County, and Judge Michael Pope revoked his bond so he remains in jail pending sentencing on Sept. 25—he has three previous felony convictions that may raise his sentence to life in prison.

Bay College prepared for the fall semester as President Dr. Nerita Hughes detailed plans to address challenges in student recruitment and retention while forming new partnerships with local high schools and four-year universities — an effort to boost career-focused programs and student success.

On Tuesday the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy hosted a webinar in Marquette where Adam Arend discussed the Michigan Coastal Management Program’s Pathway to Resilience—highlighting key areas like Community Development, Coastal Hazards, Coastal Habitat, Coastal Waters, and Public Access—and stressed the need for technical support in local master plans.

Marquette State Fish Hatchery supplied about 368,000 brook trout, lake trout and splake to 94 sites across Michigan this year—boosting wild populations and creating fisheries where fish do not naturally reproduce.

The facility is currently closed for a construction project and will reopen to the public in October.

The Marquette Downtown Development Authority is working with Corbin Design to create Wayfinding signs that show where local businesses are and how long it takes to walk between them.

Installation of the signs is planned for next year and the project is funded in the agency's 2025 and 2026 budgets—aiming to guide visitors around downtown.

Michigan’s Healthy Kids Dental Program has helped low income families access dental care for children, and since the 2024 school year, first year students must receive a dental screening before enrollment—over 3500 dentists participate in the program.

The initiative works to reduce cavities that can lead to further health and school issues.

On August 12, 2025, Brooke Chapman from Active Physical Therapy in Marquette shared key tips to improve a physical therapy program by planning a daily routine that includes good sleep, reducing stress, and healthy eating to support recovery after surgery or injury.

HarborFest

All day — Ellwood A Mattson Lower Harbor Park — Free admission — Celebrate the end of summer with family fun, tasty food, and live music while supporting local charities.

Wildcat Gold Release & NMU Alumni Happy Hour

8:30-10:30 p.m. — Blackrocks Brewery — Cost information not provided — Celebrate the yearly release of a collaborative lager while supporting NMU students' outdoor recreation access.

Sip & Stretch Yoga

10-11 a.m. — Ore Dock Brewing Co. — $15 includes first beverage — Unwind with refreshing yoga and a brew in a vibrant setting.

Adrian and Meredith Live Performance

8 PM — Ore Dock Brewing Co. — $10 — Experience gritty vocals and fiery fiddling in a night of eclectic music.

Pigeon Hill Tap Night

6-9 p.m. — Stucko's Pub & Grill — Cost unknown — Celebrate great beer from Pigeon Hill Brewing while enjoying good company.

Live Music Night with Babe Report, 44Acres, and Bimbo

8-11 p.m. — Ore Dock Brewing Co. — $5 Cover — Experience a vibrant music night featuring local bands in a beloved brewery setting.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

3-7 p.m. — Marquette County Solid Waste Management Authority — Free drop-off — Safely dispose of hazardous waste and contribute to environmental protection efforts.