Good morning, Marquette.

Over 50 non-profit organizations gathered at Connect Marquette’s 20th annual Connect and Grow Conference on Thursday morning, where keynote speaker Derek Deprey led sessions and breakout discussions.

Professional Development Day sessions will continue today—helping local groups strengthen their partnerships and expand their impact.

The Negaunee Elks Lodge #1116 cleaned 3 miles of M-35 in Marquette County as part of Michigan's twice yearly Adopt-A-Highway program + community volunteers joined the effort.

The self-guided Marquette Art Tour will take place tomorrow from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and features work by over 150 local and regional artists at galleries and studios throughout the city—printed guides are available at the Travel Marquette office, Peter White Public Library, and local galleries.

The Fresh Coast Film Festival has opened downtown after nine years of showing top documentary films and hosting filmmaker panels and guided outdoor activities in Marquette.

Record ticket sales and over 80 films mark the event — a local celebration of our outdoor lifestyle and cultural stories.

Marquette Senior High School students learned real-world budgeting at a seven-hour Financial Reality Fair held on Thursday by the Michigan Credit Union Foundation.

Over 350 students used an app to choose occupations and manage spending—many ended up going bankrupt in the simulation.

NICE Community Schools confirmed that students still receive free meals after a delay in passing the state budget, serving about 800 lunches and 500 breakfasts daily—Superintendent Bryan DeAugustine said the program will run through the school year so parents need not worry about meals.

On Oct. 14, NMU’s Academic Senate met at the Northern Center to introduce the new Fellowship and Scholarship Committee led by Enrico Sassi & Ryan Bond, which aims to boost outreach, facilitate programs like the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, and help students with applications.

Faculty were urged to refer promising students while the senate approved course changes and discussed upcoming NMU events.

Dr. Chris Olsen has been named the new president of NMU and will start his role on January 1 — he follows Brock Tessman, who left in July, and earned unanimous approval while Gavin Leach continues as interim president.

Dawn Florio from Marquette was named U.P.

Realtor of the Year by the Upper Peninsula Association of Realtors today—she was honored for her leadership, innovative use of virtual tours, and commitment to her clients.

Fans gathered at Fox Marquette Subaru on Thursday night to meet competitors, sponsors and vendors before the Lake Superior Performance Rally, which runs today and Saturday.

The event marked a schedule change from previous years—Thursday night replaced the usual Friday morning slot and a second Parc Expose will be held at Ishpeming Armory from 9-10 a.m.

Northern Michigan University men's hockey Wildcats will begin their home series this weekend at Berry Events Center facing Colorado College (game one starts at 7:07 p.m. tonight) and (game two is set for Saturday at 6:07 p.m.) with tickets available at all NMU outlets.

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.

Queen City Trick or Trot 10K/5K and Kids Monster Mile

3-5 p.m. — Queen City Running Co. — Registration Fees Apply — Celebrate Halloween spirit with a festive race for all ages featuring a spooktacular kids mile.

Downtown Marquette Indoor Farmers Market

8 a.m. — Marquette Commons — Free entry — Explore local produce and artisanal goods in a cozy indoor setting.

Next Stop Comedy Show

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Upper Peninsula Brewing Company — Starts at $27.86 — Enjoy a night of laughter with a new line-up of comedians each month.

Marquette Holistic Health Fair

10 AM – 4 PM — Northern Center — Free entry — Discover wellness topics, shop with unique vendors, and engage with like-minded individuals.

Sip & Stretch Yoga Event

10-11 a.m. — Ore Dock Brewing Co. — Cost includes your first beverage! — A revitalizing yoga session paired with craft beer for a community wellness experience.