Good morning, Marquette.

NMU hockey held the annual Teddy Bear Toss tonight during the game against St. Thomas, where fans tossed bears for charity.

Donations go to the Salvation Army & St. Vincent de Paul, and drop-offs are accepted at The Mining Journal office downtown.

The Mining Journal continues accepting donations for its annual Cheer Club to provide presents for local children and teens in need.

Donations can be dropped off at 249 W. Washington St. (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Last night, MediaBrew Communications hosted the December to Remember giveaway dinner at River Rock Lanes and Banquet Center — where attendees enjoyed a gourmet meal and prizes.

Sandra Pelkie from Ishpeming won the grand prize of 5-karat diamond earrings sponsored by Richardson Jewelers.

Members of Highland Clan Motorcycle Club held their 27th annual toy drive at Marquette Meijer today, donating over $6K in toys to support local children during the holiday season + raising around $10K each year for local initiatives.

Volunteers with the Salvation Army loaded a trailer of donated toys Friday for the Toys for Tots drive, a project supported by more than 100 local businesses since October.

Donation boxes remain open at Menards, Texas Roadhouse and Ace Hardware in Ishpeming until Dec. 20.

The Community Foundation is using money from the Zacchaeus Fund to expand Room at the Inn's hotel voucher program for unhoused individuals through December as cold weather approaches, since usual partner agencies remain closed until the Salvation Army opens space next year.

The Animal Medical Center hosted a festive pet photoshoot on Friday in downtown Marquette with staff in Santa and elf costumes celebrating the holiday season and connecting with local pet owners.

On Friday, Dec. 12, the second annual Thrift Hop boosted holiday cheer with special discounts and prize drawings at Pak Ratz Thrift, Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, Silver Creek Thrift and Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Marquette—customers discovered festive bargains across the shops.

Dennis Katajamaki’s Christmas display, built since the 1970s, brought magic & community to Palmer along County Road 565.

His handmade figures, lights & treats once drew visitors who celebrated a cherished holiday tradition.

Peter White Public Library now has a fresh collection of nonfiction books for cozy winter reading.

The library added titles on music, memoir, and sports that offer readers new insights and deep dives into timely topics.

Michigan lawmakers are debating new versions of an extension for the Commercial Rehabilitation Act, which helps local businesses in the U.P. and is set to expire in 2026.

Negaunee city leaders and business advocates say the tool supports entrepreneurs during early growth & is vital for community development.

Marquette County law enforcement and the Michigan DNR warn ice fishermen about dangerous cracks as sub-zero temperatures hit; they advise checking lake conditions, using safety gear (ice picks and Coast Guard-approved snowmobile jackets), and consulting locals for accurate reports before heading out.

UPPCO will lower water levels at Silver Lake and Hoist Dam this December, at Victoria Dam in January, and at Bond Falls, Lake Gogebic and Prickett Dam in February to manage snowmelt; officials warn that these changes may create unsafe ice conditions and expect levels to normalize by April.

St. Thomas beat NMU 2-0 Friday with Lucas Wahlin scoring two late goals — NMU will host St. Thomas again at 6:07 p.m. at the Berry Events Center.

Northern Michigan University men’s soccer players earned All-Midwest Region honors from United Soccer Coaches after a record season — with a conference title and first NCAA Division II tournament run.

Junior Luca Rosen earned First Team honors while Alessandro Sicalanga, Asaf Kristal and Ian Weimer made the Second Team.

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