Good morning, Marquette.

The annual mediaBrew Communications ‘Christmas is for Veterans’ gift drive is nearing its end to collect gifts for veterans at Michigan Veteran Homes D.J.

Jacobetti. Items are accepted until Wednesday, Dec. 17 (at Super One Foods, Park Chiropractic, or the mediaBrew offices at 3060 US 41 West).

The Mining Journal is still accepting donations for its annual Cheer Club to help provide a record number of presents for children and teens in need.

Donations are accepted at 249 W. Washington St. — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Superior Lanes in Marquette Township hosts Recovery Connections through Bowling this Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., offering a substance free event with bowling + arcade games and hot food to help those on the road to recovery connect with others.

The Kiwanis Club of Marquette will host its free Community Christmas Eve Dinner on Dec.

24 at the Salvation Army at 1009 Baraga Avenue, offering meal delivery from 11:00 a.m. to noon and pickup until 2:00 p.m. (Call 1-855-500-0919 to reserve meals or volunteer.)

Project Keep Kids Warm distributed winter gear to over 400 kids in Marquette County this winter.

Volunteers from Wesley United Methodist Church worked with schools to identify needs, and the program is partnering with Texas Roadhouse Sunday for a dine-and-donate fundraiser from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Bates Bikes will open a new skate shop in Ishpeming this weekend selling skateboards, scooters and BMX bikes — offering safety lessons not available at its Marquette store.

The shop will have winter hours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a grand opening in spring.

UP artists will showcase their art at Zero Degrees Art Gallery Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Marquette — more than 40 local artists, including guest lead Marc Himes, will display their work and share their creative process with the community.

Northern Michigan University unveiled five tribal nation flags inside the Superior Dome yesterday, representing the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Sault Ste.

Marie Tribe, Bay Mills, Hannahville and Lac Vieux Desert bands. Teal Lake Singers led the ceremony, which honors indigenous lands for community visitors.

On Dec. 10, Interim President Gavin Leach joined Mark & Walt in the Morning to review the fall semester, share campus facility updates, and announce that Midyear Commencement will take place this weekend while Dr. Chris Olsen prepares to take over as president.

We the People Action Fund organizer Ruby Miller said many residents struggle to get bus passes and urged the MarqTran board to boost rider input and advocate for more state funding while the board works on a digital pass app (improving mobility access).

State officials announced a $920M federal grant to boost high-speed internet in rural Michigan, aiming to provide broadband to an extra 200,000 homes and businesses over four years.

The plan includes 31,000 miles of new fiber-optic lines and a state program that will connect 50,000 households by 2026.

The Negaunee City Council approved a bond proposal — estimated at nearly $1.1 million — to fund repairs and improvements for the aging ice arena systems and parking lot.

Council officials will finalize the ballot language at a meeting in January.

Local high school girls basketball opened the season as Negaunee defeated Marquette 44-26 at Barb Crill Gymnasium on Tuesday while Gwinn beat Houghton 38-32 in Houghton and Ishpeming topped Westwood 59-42 on Monday — coaches praised teamwork and noted improvements for upcoming games.

Marquette Symphony Orchestra - Sounds of the Holidays

7:30 PM — Louis G. Kaufman Auditorium — Ticket information not specified — Experience the magical sounds of the holidays with orchestral favorites from The Nutcracker and more.

Winter Solstice Celebration with The Make-Believe Spurs

4-10 p.m. — Ore Dock Brewing Co. — Free admission — Celebrate the winter solstice with enchanting performances by The Make-Believe Spurs.

A Classical Christmas with Darrius Morton

An evening of classical Christmas carols sung by tenor Darrius Morton at St Paul’s Episcopal Church. 7:00 pm