city notes

Women voters group meets March 1

The League of Women Voters of Marquette County will hold its next membership meeting via Zoom at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1, with social time beginning at 6:30 p.m. Members will receive the Zoom link via email. Visitors are welcome and may get the link by emailing lwvmqtco@gmail.com in advance. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For details, email lwvmqtco@gmail. com or visit their Facebook page.

UPEC to host annual celebration March 10

The Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition’s annual celebration of what makes the U.P. a great place to be is based off a simple theme this year: smile. The event kicks off Friday, March 10 with virtual tours of the Partridge Creek Community Farm, the UPEC General Membership Meeting (for both, attendance on-site is via pre-registration only; public viewing/participation via livestream at the Ore Dock Brewing Company), comedy with Devon Grice and music with Ramble Tamble, (both at the Ore Dock). Cost is a $10 suggested donation for comedy/music. Visit upenvironment.org/2023-celebratethe-up or call 906-201-1949 for more information.

NCTA offers snowshoe hike

The North Country Trail Association is hosting a group snowshoe on March 5. Hikers will explore the area heading south of Mangum Road. The hike will likely require breaking trail, so plan for moderate terrain but a more difficult hike due to fresh snow. Due to uncertainty of the trail conditions, organizers plan to hike for two hours, rather than a proscribed number of miles, before heading back. Meet at 11:30 a.m. at the carpool lot in front of Lofaro’s Fresh Market in Harvey, where people can decide if they wish to carpool. Parking at the trailhead will be on Mangum Road. Participants should bring snowshoes, food, water and clothing layers. This event is limited to 20 participants. Advance registration is required by Friday, March 3 or until the hiker lim- it has been met. The hike leader will be Nancy Kreft; email rideonnancy@ gmail.com with any questions.

MRHC to premier new food documentary

The Marquette Regional History Center is celebrating Downtown Marquette’s Restaurant Week with the premier of Marquette resident Jim Koski’s documentary The Greasier the Spoon at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8. The Greasier the Spoon looks back on the history of Marquette’s coffee shops, grills, all night hangouts and fine dining establishments throughout the years, with stories told by the people who owned them, the people who worked in them and the people who enjoyed them. There is a $5 suggested donation.

New MRHC exhibit features commercial photography

Follow the development of commercial photography in Michigan’s central Upper Peninsula with the Marquette Regional History Center’s new exhibit, “Exposing Photography: Anything but a Small Business,” open from March 6 through January 13, 2024. Starting in the mid 1800s, artists set up photography studios around the U.P. See the work done by BR Childs Art Gallery in Ishpeming, Lemon Studio in Marquette, John M. Longyear and night time wildlife photographer George Shiras III, as well as photographers from the Huron Mountain Club: Harold DuCharme, Tappan Gregory and William Harris. The exhibit draws upon the collections of the MRHC and photographic historian Jack Deo of Superior View. Cameras from professional photographers and amateurs will also be on display. The exhibit opening reception is from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22. For details, visit marquettehistory.org or call (906) 226-3571.

Electric cars focus of upcoming Audubon meeting

The topic of the Laughing

Whitefish

Audubon Society’s next monthly meeting will be “What You Need to Know About Electric Cars,” presented by Steve Waller, naturalist and retired NMU teacher. The program will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8 at the Peter White Public Library, George Shiras Room. The program will compares 12 popular EVs to each other, to three popular gasoline vehicles and will compare life with EVs to the ICE age (age of internal combustion engines). Steve Waller will clarify the advantages, disadvantages, purchase prices, electricity (fuel) cost, range, charging, safety and practicality of owning an EV. Decide if an EV is the right vehicle for you. A Tesla model Y will be available on site to inspect after the program. Waller is a retired technical and environmental educator and writes for local publications. He has taught wind and solar energy classes at Northern Michigan University. Visit their website at laughingwhitefishaudubon.com for more details.

NAMI “Family-to-Family” series begins

The National Alliance on Mental Illness Alger/Marquette local affiliate is hosting an eight-week series of classes entitled “Family to Family.” The series is free and confidential. Classes will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, March 8 through April 26 at the SAIL offices, located at 1200 Wright St. Suite A in Marquette. The series will cover a broad range of topics, including information about schizophrenia, mood disorders (bipolar disorder and major depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and PTSD. The course is designed specifically for parents, siblings, spouses, teenage and adult children, significant others and friends of people with a mental illness. Call to register for the classes by March 2 or sooner to confirm the start date. For further information or to register, call (906) 235-0231.

Smartzone to host Women in Entrepreneurship event

Innovate Marquette SmartZone’s annual Women in Entrepreneurship event will take place Wednesday, March 8 at the Northern Center on the campus of Northern Michigan University in Marquette. Women in Entrepreneurship is an annual event to inspire, empower and celebrate women in entrepreneurship and technology. The evening features a lineup of women entrepreneurs, tech experts and business professionals who will discuss the challenges they face by being a woman in entrepreneurship, ways they have overcome these challenges and how they have paved the way for other women in the community. The event will kick off at 5 p.m., providing an opportunity for attendees to network before the program begins at 6 p.m. This year’s event will feature a cash flow presentation and a panel discussion. Attendees will be invited to ask questions during a live Q&A. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required and space is limited. Visit innovatemarquette.org to register. Women in Entrepreneurship is sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the City of Marquette and Siren.

Growing From the Heart to host 2023 Spring meeting

Growing From the Heart’s annual spring planning meeting will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on March 18 at the Portage Lake District Library Community Room in Houghton. In the past, the organization has hosted events such as a foraging walk, a sauerkraut skill share and a spring seed starting party. The group is looking to add new events to its lineup this year, and invites the public to attend this free planning event to share ideas and to meet members of the group. Any questions or requests to be added to the mailing list can be sent to wupfoodsystems@gmail.com. Growing

From the Heart is a local grassroots mutual aid group that centers food sovereignty by sharing knowledge, seeds and plant starts, land for growing, redistributing excess food and hosting and sharing events that facilitate connections to supporting our local food systems from the ground up.

Ore Dock Brewing Company to host vinyl record show

Afour-day vinyl record show will be held from noon on Thursday, March 23 through 11 p.m. Sunday, March 26 on the second floor community room of Ore Dock Brewing Company, at 114 W. Spring Street in downtown Marquette. Thousands of new and used vinyl records, CDs, posters, cassettes, books, T-shirts, stickers and gift certificates will be available. Talk with Jon Teichman and Geoff Walker about trading old records and tapes for new favorites, or finding an unused media collection a new home. For details, call or text (906) 373-6183. Everyone is welcome at this free, all-ages event, presented by the NMU Vinyl Record Club.

Caregiver workshop slated for spring

Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a six-week online workshop designed for the non-professional, informal family caregiver, will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, March 22 through April 26, with an optional Zoom orientation at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15. Research studies find high rates of depression and anxiety among caregivers and increased vulnerability to health problems. Caregivers frequently cite restriction of personal activities and social life as problems. In addition, caregivers often feel a lack of control over events and a sense of powerlessness which can have a significant negative impact on their physical and emotional health. The Powerful Tools for Caregivers online program will provide caregivers tools to help reduce stress and increase relaxation, make tough decisions, reduce guilt, anger and depression, communicate effectively, set goals and problem solve and take better care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. The course is offered by Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress (UPCAP) in partnership with Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice. There is no charge for this online workshop, but registration is required. Participants must also have a computer, tablet or smartphone with internet, microphone, webcam and email address to participate. Class size is limited. Registration ends when the class is full or on March 12. To register, visit upcap.org (click on Events) or call 2-1-1 for assistance.

U.P. Home Health celebrates 50 years

U.P. Home Health, Hospice & Private Duty is celebrating serving Marquette County for 50 years in 2023. Throughout this year, U.P. Home Health, Hospice & Private Duty will host a number of anniversary celebrations, including a 50th birthday party for staff and golden anniversary parties with community organizations, dedicated philanthropy, snapshots of then and now and more.

DNR deer habitat program grants available

The application period for the Upper Peninsula’s Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative competitive grant program is now open. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources initiative is a cooperative grant program designed to enhance deer habitat on private lands in the U.P. Now in its 15th year, the initiative is supported by the state’s Deer Range Improvement Program, which is funded by a portion of deer hunting license revenue. More than 114 projects in nearly all U.P. counties have improved thousands of acres of deer habitat. This year the program will cross the million-dollar threshold in hunter license dollars invested on U.P. deer habitat enhancements. The DNR has announced a March 31 deadline to apply for a total of $100,000 in U.P. deer habitat improvement grant funding for 2023. The maximum amount of individual grants is $15,000 and the minimum is $2,000. Project applications must be received electronically or postmarked by Friday, March 31 and successful applicants will be notified by Friday, April 14. The complete grant application package is available on the DNR website at Michigan.gov/DNR-Grants. For more information or questions regarding eligibility, contact Bill Scullon at 906250-6781 or via email at ScullonH@ michigan.gov.

Application window open for West End grants

The West End Health Foundation (WEHF) is now accepting applications for its Spring Capital Grant cycle. Applications are due no later than April 1 and can be submitted using the submission portal, located on the WEHF’s website at westendhf.org/grants. The Capital Grant funding is awarded to select organizations working to advance the health and wellness of Marquette County’s West End Community. Grants can range from $1,000 to $10,000 with a total of $50,000 gifted, all dependent on available funds. Interested organizations with questions about eligibility can refer to the grant webpage of the WEHF’s website at westendhf.org/grants/. For application assistance or other questions, please contact manager@westendhf. org or 906-226-6591.

Centering Prayer offers new view on praying

An introduction to centering prayer will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 25 at the Messiah Lutheran church in Marquette. The workshop will introduce the four guidelines of Centering Prayer and will include two 20-minute silent Centering Prayer sessions. The teachings are based on Father Thomas Keating’s book, Open Mind, Open Heart. Follow Up materials and resources will be provided. A donation is suggested for the presenters traveling expenses. The co-presenters are the Reverends Jackie Falk and John Keller. For details and to RSVP, contact Laura Petrie at petriedish57@gmail.com.

Teal Lake Melt-Down tickets now available

TheTeal Lake Melt-Down is a fundraising contest hosted by the Negaunee Lion’s Club to select the exact day and time a replica mine shaft head-frame structure drops through the ice of Teal Lake in Negaunee. The closest entry to the exact day and time determines the winner. The winning entry is worth half of the contest net proceeds, or $500, whichever is greater. Last spring, the head-frame structure went through the ice at 6:19 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. The prize amount was $2,431, with a winning guess of 6:20 p.m., April 30, 2022. The winning entry must be purchased at least 48 hours prior to the structure falling through the ice. In the case of a tie, the winner will be determined by the earlier entry purchase date. In the event of an unforeseen occurrence (malicious act, tampering, acts of nature, equipment failure or other) all decisions of the Melt-Down Committee to award the winner are final. Cost per guess is $5 each. Tickers are available from Negaunee Lions Club members and at the GINCC office. Go to the gincc.org or negauneelions.com to purchase a ticket and enter a guess.

MRHC names 2022 award recipients

The Marquette Regional History Center announced the annual history award recipients for 2022. Northern Michigan University’s Central Upper Peninsula and NMU Archives will receive the Peter White Award, and John Parlin, MD will receive the Helen Longyear Paul Award. Marquette County has a rich history and cultural heritage that inspires many to interpret, preserve and share it. The Marquette Regional History Center began an awards program in 1984 to honor those people. The Helen Longyear Paul Award recognizes individuals, and the Peter White Award honors foundations, companies, organizations and institutions. Both recognize exceptional effort in the enhancement, restoration, conservation or interpretation of the history of the area. For details, visit marquettehistory.org or call 906-226-3571.

Environmental club partners to plant trees

The Marquette Senior High School Environmental Club has partnered with Tree-Plenish to help make a more sustainable community. The club plans to plant 240 saplings on May 13 to offset its school’s energy consumption from the past academic year. Residents of the community are able to help support the event starting now. They can order a sapling to be planted in their yard or sign up to volunteer to plant saplings on the day of the event. Saplings are $5 and residents can choose between American Hornbeam, Red Maple and Sugar Maple saplings. The website, tailored to their event, for ordering the trees and helping to offset paper use at MSHS is tpevents.org/school/2211. The deadline for ordering trees is April 13. Questions can be sent to the Environ-

DiD You Know...

when air travel came to the UP?

Although airplanes had barnstormed the U.P. since the early years of the 20th century, not until the 1920s and 1930s did various communities develop airports. Escanaba opened its first airport - the first in the Upper Peninsula - in the fall of 1928. At the low point of the Great Depression, the Houghton-Keweenaw County Airport in Laurium was dedicated on September 2, 1933. The new airport was located on an old baseball field just outside the village and a mile from Calumet. Its construction provided jobs for unemployed laborers from the mines.

mental Club advisor via email at satwood@mapsnet.org.

Escanaba becomes new port for Lakes & Oceans vessel

American Queen Voyages, part of the Hornblower Group, recently announced a new port of call in Escanaba, marking the first time a Lakes & Oceans vessel has visited the Midwestern port. Beginning in May, American Queen Voyages will be the only cruise line to stop at the unique port. The cruise lines Lakes and Oceans vessels, Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager will visit this port on a selection of voyages around the Great Lakes. American Queen Voyages has partnered with the community’s members to offer shore excursions, including a hop-on hop-off tour with visits into the town’s shopping district and will also feature educational cultural sessions on Native American stories and values with Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company.

Farmers market applications now available

The application for the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market 2023 season is now available. All market participants are encouraged to apply, including farmers/growers, producers, artisans, musicians, Community Table applicants, market partners and food trucks or trailers. Vendors can take advantage of flexible commitment levels including full-time, part-time or drop-in options. Aside from market vendors, musicians and local groups and organizations are encouraged to apply. Musicians will be compensated for performances at the outdoor Saturday Morning and Wednesday Evening markets. Local groups, businesses and non-profits may apply to the Community Table. The new, free Community Table option is available at no-cost for applicant’s whose mission aligns with local food system values or art.

Additional terms and conditions apply. Full details including information about the Community Table, market dates, fees, new offerings for 2023 participants, and a link to the market application can be found online at mqtfarmersmarket.com. There is no deadline to apply; however, vendors interested in full-time or part-time outdoor Saturday Market booth space should apply by the first week of April.

Deteriorating ice may

Prompt Early Shanty Removal

Anglers taking advantage of winter ice fishing should keep a close watch on ice conditions, as unseasonable weather may prompt shanty removal prior to the seasonal dates required by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. People venturing onto ice should use extreme caution as temperatures begin to rise or fluctuate. The repeated thawing and refreezing of ice weakens its strength, decreasing its ability to support the additional weight of people, snowmobiles, ORVs and shanties. Deteriorating ice, water currents and high winds increase the probability of pressure cracks, which can leave anglers and others stranded on ice floes or at risk of falling through the ice. Shanty owners whose structures fall through the ice are subject to penalties of up to 30 days in jail, fines up to $500, or both. If a shanty is removed by a government agency, the court can require the owner to reimburse that agency for up to three times the cost of removal. Learn more at Michigan.gov/ IceSafety. Daily use of ice shanties is permitted anywhere in Michigan if ice conditions allow and if the shanties are removed from the ice at the end of each day. In the Upper Peninsula, on Michigan-Wisconsin boundary waters, ice shanties must be removed by midnight Wednesday, March 15. All other bodies of water in the Upper

Peninsula must have ice shanties removed by midnight Friday, March 31.

Choral society offers spring concert

The Marquette Choral Society presents its Spring 2023 concert at Kaufman Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. April 29 and 3 p.m. April 30. The first half of the program will feature four short works by John Rutter, Frank Ticheli, David C. Dickau and J. David Moore, followed by the presentation of this year’s U.P. Choral Leadership Award. The award is presented annually to a group or individual in the Upper Peninsula who has supported or encouraged choral music in their community. After a brief intermission, the Choral Society will perform Paul Winter’s “Missa Gaia/Earth Mass,” written in 1981. The piece celebrates the beauty of the planet through the human voice, along with recordings of wolf calls and whale songs enhanced by a video presentation. Joining the Choral Society will be a children’s choir from Ishpeming Public Schools, as well as an instrumental ensemble including keyboard, percussion, strings and woodwinds. The Marquette Choral Society receives support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. Admission is $15 for adults, and $5 for children under 10.

Tickets will be available through the Northern Michigan University Ticket Service: tickets.nmu.edu.

Food summit set for March 27

The 2023 U.P. Food Summit will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 27 at the Northern Center on the campus of Northern Michigan University. This event celebrates local food, highlights projects from around the Upper Peninsula, and provides networking opportunities. Keynote speakers are Roger LaBine, water resource technician for the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and Kathleen Smith, Manoomin Ganawandang or “She who takes care of the wild rice,” for the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission. Both speakers will present findings on the impact of climate change on wild rice in the Great Lakes area. Visit the U.P. Food Exchange website, upfoodexchange.com for updates on the event.

Myconaut fundraising to expand research

Myconaut, a cutting-edge myco-tech start-up in Marquette, announced the launch of a crowd-sourcing fundraiser aimed at pre-selling its range of innovative

Bradford Veley is a freelance cartoonist, illustrator and farmer in the U.P. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and at www.bradveley.com mushroom products with the hopes to reach $30,000 by May 7. Myconaut’s mission is to harness the power of mycology, or the study of fungi, to solve some of the world’s most pressing ecological problems. One of the company’s key areas of focus is the remediation of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of harmful chemicals that have contaminated groundwater, soil and drinking water around the world and pose a serious threat to human health. The funds raised will be used to expand the company’s research labs’ capabilities, with a focus on developing and implementing myco-remediation kits for large- and small-scale applications. Myconaut is looking to launch pilot projects this summer in partnership with NMU & the US Forest Service. The team at Myconaut recently hosted the US Forest Service, Trimedia, Sand County Engineering, The Remediators, Superior Watershed Partnership, NMU, University of Missouri and a Netherlands-based fungi lab at the Innovate Marquette Smartzone on January 31 to address PFAS remediation solutions. Myconaut’s myco-remediation kits are based on the latest research into the use of fungi and plants to remediate contaminated soil and water. The kits will be easy to use and highly effective, making them more cost-effective and a regenerative solution for individuals, communities and businesses looking to address PFAS contamination. Visit fundable. com/myconaut for more information on Myconaut and its crowd sourcing campaign.

UPHCS awarded new grant

Upper Peninsula Health Care Solutions and the Region 1 Perinatal Collaborative have been awarded $50,000 in grant funding for the Upper Peninsula Maternal Opioid Misuse Model program through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation. The UP MOM Model program will work with the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department to utilize a community health worker in its organization to implement the program’s strategy in Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties. The UP MOM model program uses best practices to support pregnant and postpartum mothers impacted by opioid misuse in the Upper Peninsula. The funding provided by the BCBSM grant will support sustainable initiatives that will advance health equity and reduce the risk of maternal mortality due to substance use and opioid use disorders while assisting in the navigation of complex systems to receive care. UPHCS and the Region 1 Perinatal Collaborative are excited to partner with the WUPHD to implement this integrated care model and work on initiating a systemic response to improving health equity in the region’s pregnant and postpartum mothers impacted by opioid use disorders.

MooseWood announces photography contest

The MooseWood Nature Center has announced the 2023 amateur “Get Out and Explore!” Nature Photography Contest. The competition aims to promote getting outdoors and exploring Michigan’s natural places. Cash prizes and swag will be awarded. The photo contest is free to enter and all submissions will be online only. The competition, in its second year, offers a total of $850 in prize money, divided between best of show, and first and second place in multiple categories. In addition to monetary prizes, participants have the opportunity to win complimentary MooseWood Nature Center memberships, and one-of-akind MooseWood ceramic mugs. All entries to the “Get Out and Explore!” Nature Photography Contest must be submitted by December 20, 2023. A panel of judges will review the entries and select the winners. The decisions of the judges are final. Winners will be announced in January 2024. Winning photographs will be displayed on the website. Visit moosewood.org for a full list of contest rules and submission details.

Marquette Community Foundation grants available

TheCommunity Foundation of Marquette County invites local non-profit organizations to apply for competitive grant funding beginning March 3 and closing April 7 at noon. Registered 501(c)(3) organizations may apply for project funding that enriches the lives of people in Marquette County, with the goal of supporting creative approaches that will have the greatest impact. In 2022, the foundation awarded $85,000 in grants to 51 organizations across the county through its competitive grant cycle and a total of $12.8 million in grants benefiting the wider community since it was founded in 1988. For complete grant guidelines and to apply, visit cfofmc.org. The foundation has a video tutorial on its website grants page: 2023 Grants Cycle Step-by-Step. Organizations may contact the foun- dation at (906) 226-7666 or info@ cfofmc.org with any questions.

UPEC seeking volunteers

UPEC is seeking members and friends to help at the upcoming Celebrate the UP! event in Ishpeming and Marquette Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11. People are needed to serve as informal UPEC welcome hosts at various CUP events such as livestream watch parties, a comedy/ music show on Friday night, breakout sessions on Saturday and more. Volunteers will welcome and help direct people at venues. UPEC needs people from 4 to 10 p.m. on March 10 at the Ore Dock Brewing Company in Marquette, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 11 at Peter White Public Library, Landmark Inn in Marquette and the Women’s Federated Clubhouse in Marquette. A minimum commitment of one hour is requested; free food is provided. Visit upenvironment.org/2023-celebratethe-up for details.

Partridge Creek Farm offers beekeeping apprenticeship

Partridge Creek Farm, with support from the Superior Beekeeping Club, is offering a new program in an effort to steward new beekeepers on the west end of Marquette County. The PCF Beekeeping Apprenticeship will provide hands-on educational learning for eight participants at a low cost. Two additional scholarships are available. Superior Beekeeping Club also supports beekeepers region wide. Visit superiorbeekeepingclub.weebly. com/events.html for more info on the organization. Bees pollinate one third of all the food humans grow. Honey bees not only provide a sweet treat, but they sustain our lives. Partridge Creek Farm currently has four hives located in its downtown gardens that were donated by the Superior Beekeeping Club. The club has also supported educational youth programming over the past two years.

Marquette Arts and Culture Center seeking new artwork

Local community members of all ages are invited to submit a readyto-hang 2D art piece inspired by the subtle signs of spring in the U.P. and the beauty that comes with the changing of seasons. Artwork will be accepted until Friday, March 17. Please drop off submissions at the Marquette Arts and Culture Center, located in the lower level of the Peter White Public Library, during office hours (Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The artwork will be on display from March 22 through May 30.

PWPL calls for exhibit proposals

The Public Gallery Program is a partnership between the City of Marquette Office of Arts and Culture and the Peter White Public Library that provides inclusive and accessible exhibit space for artists and audiences. Two gallery spaces, the Deo Gallery and the Huron Mountain Club Gallery, host rotating exhibits bimonthly, featuring professional and community art of all mediums. Exhibit proposals for 2024 are now being accepted. There is no fee to apply. Proposals will be juried, and applicants notified by early May. For more information, call the City of Marquette Office of Arts and Culture at (906) 225-0472.

Friends of PWPL to host spring used book sale

Friends of Peter White Public Library (PWPL) will hold a Spring Used Book Sale March 16 to 18 in the Community Room on the lower level of the library at 217 N. Front Street in Marquette. Thousands of clean used books will be available for purchase at bargain prices. Proceeds from the sale will support PWPL’s programs, materials and equipment.

CCCAC announces spring class lineup

Spring 2023 Art Classes Registration is now open for spring art classes at the Copper Country Community Arts Center. Classes are being offered in watercolor painting, sketching, letterpress printing, beading, writing and clay. Class space is limited and the deadline to register is one week before the start date of each class. Visit coppercountryarts.com to view the full Spring 2023 class schedule. The Copper Country Community Arts Center is a non-profit arts organization located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock. Email ccarts@coppercountryarts.com or call (906) 482-2333 for more information.

Cover art sought for Art Week booklet cover

The City of Marquette Office of

Arts and Culture announced a public contest for cover art for the City of Marquette Art Week 2023 Booklet. Submitted designs must be relevant to and inspired by the Art Week 2023 theme of “Home.” All submissions must be received by April 13. The winner will receive $100 compensation and their work will be featured on the cover of the Art Week 2023 printed booklet. The winner will be chosen by popular choice, with artwork made available for voting online at mqtcompass.com from April 17 to 21. The winner will be notified by April 24.

Gov. Whitmer makes appointments to boards and commissions

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the following appointments to state boards and commissions:

• Matthew J. Wiese, of Marquette, is the Marquette County Chief Prosecuting Attorney to the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board. He also serves as a Peer Review Consultant for the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. Wiese has a Bachelor of Science from Northern Michigan University and a Juris Doctorate from Vermont Law School. Wiese is reappointed for a term commencing Jan. 26, and expiring Dec. 4, 2025.

• Brigitte LaPointe-Dunham, of Baraga, CEO for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community was appointed to the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees. She has experience working in the health insurance industry and tribal government. LaPointe-Dunham earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Sciences from Northern Michigan University and a master’s degree in Management, Strategy and Leadership from Michigan State University. LaPointe-Dunham is appointed for a term commencing Feb. 3, and expiring Dec. 31, 2030. She succeeds Tami Seavoy, whose term has expired.

• Steven Lindberg of Marquette, State Representative for the 109th district from 2007-2012 and former educator and small business owner, was appointed to the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Guidance Counseling from Northern Michigan University. Lindberg is appointed for a term commencing Feb. 3, and expiring Dec. 31, 2028. He succeeds Jason Morgan who has resigned.

• Greg M. Toutant of Negaunee, CEO of Great Lakes Recovery Center, was appointed to the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees. Toutant earned his Bachelor of Science from Northern Michigan University and master’s degree in Education Counseling from the University of Wisconsin at River Falls. He is appointed for a term commencing February 3, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2030. He succeeds Robert Mahaney, whose term has expired.

• The Veridea Group recently honored Great Lakes Recovery Centers as a recipient of its 2022 Christmas Fundraiser for Community Good; Veridea’s annual Christmas Party and Raffle, in which it matches raffle contributions dollar for dollar, raised $10,000 for GLRC.

• The Community Foundation of Marquette County recently received re-accreditation with the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, which establishes effective legal, ethical and administrative practices for community foundations. National Standards represents the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence.

• After months of negotiation and collaboration with state and local stakeholders and policymakers, InvestUP, its partners and the region as a whole are celebrating global supplier Billerud’s unprecedented investment of more than one billion dollars in a Delta County paper mill that will serve as the cornerstone of the company’s expansion into North America.

• Bruce Pesola, a life-long Marquette resident whose career has included developer, entrepreneur and hotel owner, recently gifted St. Vincent de Paul with a parcel of land that is contiguous to the St. Vincent de Paul property at 2119 Presque Isle Avenue.

• The Fire Station Cannabis Co. was named the fifth Best Cannabis Company to Work For (dispensary) in the nation by the Best Companies Group in partnership with the Cannabis Business Times; the Fire Station was the only Michigan dispensary listed among the eight 2023 winners.

• The Community Foundation of Marquette County, on behalf of the Huron Mountain Club Fund, announced the distribution of $63,454 in grants and awards to nonprofits in Marquette County and surrounding areas, including Bay Cliff Health Camp, Powell Township Elementary School, Powell Township EMT, Powell Township Fire Department, Peter White Public Library (PWPL), Trillium House, Yellow Dog Watershed, Special Olympics (Area 36) and Kids Cove Playground (Playground for All) for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

• Travel Marquette is proud to announce that CEO Susan Estler has been named Vice President of the Michigan Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus for 2023. This represents her third year serving as a board member for the organization and first as Vice President.