Good morning, Marquette.

The Lake Superior Community Partnership is hosting its fifth Breakfast and Business Series on Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Mather Inn in Ishpeming — a session where a Small Business Association of Michigan representative and panel members from local outdoor groups such as ORION Initiative, Love Bicycles, and the Ishpeming Ski Club will share insights on growing business opportunities.

On Tuesday, the Billerud leadership team from Sweden visited the Escanaba mill where a woodyard modernization project is nearly complete — the biggest update in 40 years.

The $125 million investment will boost efficiency, safety, and sustainability — positioning the company as a major packaging supplier in the American market.

Gwinn will host the U.P.'s first Bigfoot & Bluegrass Festival this weekend at Peter Nordeen Park—where visitors can practice fly-fishing, learn Leave No Trace principles, and listen to bluegrass music.

Organizers say a Bigfoot figure named Red Chad Plaid may appear as families enjoy free outdoor activities focused on conservation and fun.

Marquette Area Public Schools held a community session Tuesday evening to gather input on a master plan for building updates—Superintendent Zack Sedgwick said the district faces over $100M in needs and plans to propose a sinking fund for a May 2026 ballot.

Northern Michigan University held its first board meeting of the academic year and paused to remember students and a faculty member who passed while praising the Cold Case Program for solving a kidnapping and sexual assault case 39 years ago using genealogical databases—gaining statewide attention. The board approved a $6.6 million budget increase and named trustees to meet with the NMU Foundation Board to address ongoing concerns.

Michigan is offering more than 100 free and low-cost adult education programs at roughly 350 locations, including rural sites in the Upper Peninsula—aiming to boost adult literacy and family stability.

Krista Johnson from the Labor and Economic Opportunity office said improved literacy can raise earnings and help children succeed in school.

Marquette’s Chief Public Defender Patrick Crowley announced Tuesday he is running for the 96th District Court seat ahead of the 2026 election after 25 years as a lawyer — he said he will speed up trials since some cases currently take between six and eleven months.

On Sunday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 a.m., Don Ryan will host a roundtable edition of the Ryan Report to explain changes to Medicaid from the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Local health leaders including Melissa Holmquist will talk about how new rules could affect Medicaid care in Upper Michigan.

Negaunee’s City Manager Nate Heffron said the community was proud after winning the 2025 Community Excellence Award on September 23 for rebuilding downtown infrastructure—upgrading streets, sidewalks, and water mains.

He said the honor marks the city as the third Upper Peninsula community to earn this recognition.

Megan Mathieu, a physical therapist with Active in Ishpeming, discussed balance training for older adults on Mark — Walt in the Morning on September 23rd.

She explained that balance loss is a normal part of aging and that physical therapy can help improve steadiness.

Marquette resident Sandy Kivela shared her journey of healing since her husband died by suicide eight years ago — explaining how she honors his memory by working in addiction support and community advocacy.

She said that keeping his legacy alive helps her cope with loss and inspires others to seek help.

UP Football sees the Eskymos and Panthers hold the top spots as key games this week bring Calumet to Kingsford and Norway to Pickford—several teams remain unbeaten as the season continues.

HA-HA-Harvest Fest

8-10:30 p.m. — Ore Dock Brewing Co. — $20 — Enjoy a night of laughter with headliner Adam Burke and feature Sonal Aggarwal at this comedy fest.

Queen City Trailblazers

5:00-5:45 p.m. — Forestville Trailhead and Tourist Park Campground Trailhead — Cost varies — Kids K-5th can learn trail running basics in this fun and safe program led by experienced coaches.

2025 Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education Conference

7:30 a.m. — Northern Center — $135 Members, $185 Non-Members — Dive into a weekend of environmental education amidst the stunning fall colors of Marquette.

Yooper Game Con

12-8 p.m. — Westwood Mall — Cost information not provided — Celebrate gaming with fellow Yoopers through tournaments and cosplay.

Jordan DeMay 5k/10k Run/Walk

10 a.m. — The David & Thu Brulé YMCA of Marquette County — Registration fees apply — Lace up for a scenic run or walk on the bike path towards Presque Isle Park.

5th Annual BrewFeast

6-8 p.m. — Ore Dock Brewing Co. — Event benefits culinary students — Enjoy a six course beer dinner paired with local brews in Marquette.

Anderson Lake Backyard Ultra

8 AM - 8 AM — Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground — Registration required — Test your endurance in a unique ultrarunning challenge through scenic woods.

Fresh Coast Film Festival 2025

Thu, Oct 16, 9 PM – Sun, Oct 19, 8 PM — 112 S 3rd St, Marquette, MI — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the outdoor lifestyle through compelling documentaries in the beautiful Great Lakes region.

Lindsay Lou Live

7-9 p.m. — Ore Dock Brewing Co. — $25 — Experience the soulful sounds of Lindsay Lou and her Honey Moon Trio with harmonies that soothe the soul.