Good morning, Marquette.

NTN named Jeni Kilpela its new executive director yesterday after serving several months as interim leader.

She strengthened local partnerships & supported community trails as the board prepares for a new chapter.

Operation Winter Wear will provide free new and like-new coats to local families in need at Silver Creek Church in Harvey — appointments will be available on Oct.

14 and 15 starting at noon while walk-ins are welcome on Oct. 16, and donation scheduling opens Sept. 28 until Oct. 12.

Wildcat Weekend at NMU is set for Friday, Oct.

9 and Saturday, Oct. 10, giving prospective students a chance to tour campus and see residence hall life — registration is required.

Dr. Jill Leonard of NMU will give a free public lecture on the blue spotted salamander at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept.

29, at the Peter White Public Library Community Room + the program will also review MooseWood Nature Center’s board, volunteer roles, and planned improvements.

Gwinn Area Community Schools has reduced its bond request to a 1.89-mill proposal that will generate nearly $25 million for building upgrades if approved on the Nov.

3 ballot. The district has hosted community meetings to explain the plan's focus on renovating aging facilities.

Michigan agriculture officials announced on Monday a $1.9 million research grant program on PFAS chemicals in farming systems during PFAS Awareness Week from Sept.

21-25 in Marquette. Five projects led by local universities will study chemical movement in soil, water, and crops to reduce health risks.

Marquette’s North Country Trail will showcase peak fall colors later in October as dry summer conditions lead to muted hues.

The Marquette Area Chapter recommends local hikes like Craig Lake State Park + Echo Lake for a scenic experience.

The Michigan Department of Transportation joins the Federal Highway Administration this week to recognize National Roundabouts Week from Sept.

21-26 & show how roundabouts can lower crash points and boost safety. More roundabouts are planned for Marquette and nearby areas, MDOT said.

Health foundations and 14 organizations met yesterday in Marquette to share updates on a caregiver program funded with $632,590 in new grants.

Program officers stressed the need for creative solutions to support aging adults in the spread-out U.P. (local experts emphasized staying close to community resources).

Copper Shores Community Health Foundation will soon deliver 20 AEDs to 10 local organizations in Copper Country to support emergency care needs.

Ten extra units remain available for eligible nonprofits & municipalities to help overcome cost barriers that have limited access to these lifesaving devices.

A double cancer awareness fundraiser will be held Sunday at Up North Lodge in Gwinn, featuring free skin checks from Forefront Dermatology from 11 to 1 and a bike walk run; live music by Tom Edberg’s Sundown (local band) will follow at around 4 p.m.

A developer planning a $5 million investment at Westwood Mall (excluding Dunham’s Sports, Kohl’s and the North Iron Church) will submit a site plan in early October to detail layout, access, and design; the township planning commission will review the proposal on Wed, Oct.

28 at Town Hall (6 p.m.).

Westwood won the Mid-Pen Conference Girls' Tennis Meet and Marquette captured the Great Northern Conference Girls' Tennis Meet, as reported by WZMQ on Sept.

23 — both teams showed strong performances on the court.