Keep It In The UP!

League of Women Voters of Marquette County General Meeting
2025-02-05 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | MI
The League of Women Voters of Marquette County will hold its next general membership meeting on Wednesday, February 5th at 6:45 p.m. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in Studio 1 on the Lower Level of the Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St., Marquette.
Following a short business meeting, Caroline LaPorte, the department head of the Center for Native American Studies at NMU will present on missing and murdered indigenous women and relatives (MMIWR) in the United States.
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.

All community members are welcome to attend. For more information, send an email to lwvmqtco@gmail.com. If inclement weather, visit website lwvmqt.org to confirm if the meeting is “Live” or “Zoom”.

Pokémon Trading and Gaming
2025-02-06 16:30 - 17:30
Pokémon Trading and Gaming
Thursdays February 6 & 20, 2025. 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library Youth Services Makerspace. Youth of all ages who are interested in Pokémon card trading and gaming are invited to our new monthly Pokémon Trading & Gaming Sessions. Kids who attend will be able to trade & play the card game with other kids. Please note that staff do not know how to play the game, so it is not guaranteed that gaming will always happen. If your child has a friend they like to game with, come together! Kids will also be able to spend time with other Pokémon fans, chatting about Pokémon and looking through their cards. Important – Trading & gaming will be kid led. It is highly recommended that parents do not allow their children to bring cards that they do not want them to accidentally trade! See our events calendar for full event details regarding trading. Children under the age of 8 will need an adult to stay in the kids room during the event. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit www.pwpl.info.

"Alice in Wonderland"
2025-02-06 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-02-07 19:30 - 21:30
Northern Michigan University’s CO/LAB Dance Company will present Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience, described as a “mesmerizing whirlwind of color and movement that weaves through the audience like a living, breathing dreamscape.” The performance is unique in that it will take place in an intimate downtown Marquette space that allows the audience to be more actively engaged, interacting with the dancers and scenery elements.
“Immersive theater experiences are the next big thing,” said CO/LAB Artistic Director Karina Johnson. “They’re taking over New York City, L.A. and many other places across the country. I believe we might be one of the first universities to attempt it. It requires a lot of teamwork and planning to pull it off, and we have a very large team of students collaborating on all aspects of this show, which is really exciting. I think it’s something the community should not miss, because it’s on the forefront of where theatrical art is right now.”
The performance will be held at 145 W. Washington Street, on the second floor (the former Vera Bar). Showtimes are at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and Feb. 6-8, with Saturday matinees both weeks at 1 and 3 p.m.
The immersive Alice in Wonderland is distinct in plot and presentation from previous versions depicted in television and film. It features an original score by Dominic Mrakovcich, NMU Theatre and Dance sound and media supervisor/engineer, and contemporary ballet choreography by Johnson.
“Sometimes contemporary ballet is more versatile for telling a story, more relatable to an audience and a little easier to manipulate amongst an audience,” she added. “It seems every student in the department has their hands on this project in one way or another. Charlotte Somerville, our McNair Scholar, spent all summer researching how to properly light costumes worn by performers. That’s a new kind of technology that our students have never used before.”
A Wildcat Performing Arts Academy Pre-Performance Workshop for ages 12 and under will be held in advance of the sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, Feb. 1.
“I’m excited because the kids are going to be able to experiment with lighting and sound, and interact with the performers and production crew,” said Jalina McClain, stage management supervisor and Wildcat Performing Arts Academy managing director. “Charlotte will explain the process related to LEDs and costumes at a level appropriate for those ages. They’ll also be able to see the light and audio boards—how they’re used during the production and how pushing certain buttons creates different effects—and have an opportunity to dance in different lighting to view it from the performers’ perspective. It’s going to be a different kind of learning experience.
“A lot of young kids who aren’t exposed to theater as much don’t know all that goes into a show behind the scenes. This lets them know there are other options, outside of being a performer on stage. They can make costumes, light the dancers or create mushroom chairs for the set. Because this show is so tech-heavy, I think it’s a good opportunity to showcase those aspects.”
Tickets for the production are $25 for the general public; $22 for NMU employees, seniors and military; $15 for youth; and $5 for NMU students. They can be purchased at nmu.universitytickets.com.

NMU Money Games
2025-02-07 18:00 - 20:00
Northern Michigan University students are invited to participate in the NMU Money Games from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7. in the McClintock Building room 106. This interactive team-based game puts students in control of a budget as they aim for the highest net worth, credit score and quality of life.
Students are encouraged to bring a team of two to four players but can also come solo and be matched with others to create a team. They will be able to enhance their budgeting skills, win prizes and dabble in some light-hearted competition. Each member of the top three teams will win a $25 gift card.
This event is hosted by NMU Career Services, which seeks to assist students and alumni with career exploration and job placement concerns. Career Services provides resources and services focused on career placement and career decision-making activities, linking NMU students and alumni with potential employers, teaching effective job search strategies, and providing supportive information and resources to faculty and staff to address students’ career-related concerns.

Repair Café
2025-02-08 11:00 - 13:00
Repair Café
Saturday, February 8, 2025. 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Toss it? No way! The Repair Café is back thanks to a partnership with the Marquette Sustainability Coalition. Bring in broken household goods such as appliances, clothing, or bikes and skilled fixers with assist you in repairing them. This is a great way to save money, learn valuable repair skills, and reduce your environmental impact. No admission charge. For further information, please contact mqtsustainability@gmail.com or call 906-226-4303.

Sister City Trip Informational Meeting
2025-02-08 12:00 - 14:00
Marquette Delegation to visit Higashiomi Japan in July/August 2025
Informational meeting will be held on Saturday February 8, 2025.
The Marquette Area Sister Cities Partnership in association with the City of
Marquette will be sending a delegation to Higashiomi, Japan from July 24, 2025, to August
4, 2025. An informational meeting will be held on Saturday February 8th, 2025, Saturday
12 p.m. in the Lion’s Room of the Peter White Public Library in Marquette. The Lion’s
Room is located on the lower level of the library.
While in Japan, delegates will live with a host family and visit sites of interest in
Higashiomi and the surrounding area. Additional information about the program and
application to join the delegation will be available at the informational meeting. The cost
of the trip including airfare, ground transportation and official delegation events is
approximately $2,800.00 and is the responsibility of each delegate.
The Sister City program with Higashiomi, formerly Yokaichi, started in 1979. The
program focuses on cultural understanding, international friendship, and sharing of ideas.
Additional information about the delegation can be obtained from Bill Brazier at (906)
869-4859, Collin Banger at (616) 368-2624, and Paulette Lindberg at (906) 869-4141.

Love & Unity: Skate Through History at NMU
2025-02-08 15:00 - 19:00
“Love & Unity: Skate Through History,” 3-7 p.m. in Innovation Hall in the Jacobetti Complex. This ‘80s-themed roller-skating event will celebrate the cultural impact of skating rinks in Black communities. It will feature classic ‘70s and ‘80s music, free popcorn, a photo booth and limited skates for rent. It pairs with the Condom Carnival, a fun and inclusive event that combines interactive games with comprehensive sex education. Each booth offers opportunities to learn about sexual health, consent, safe sex practices and more. Bus transportation will be available from The Woods loop every 30 minutes.

NMU Presents Immersive 'Alice in Wonderland'
2025-02-08 19:30 - 21:30

Valentine's Tea & Book Sale at Negaunee Public Library
2025-02-11 12:00 - 15:00
The Friends of the Negaunee Public Library will host their annual Valentine’s Tea and Book Sale, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the Negaunee Public Library. The public is invited to attend, learn more about the library and the Friends group, enjoy refreshments, and purchase books.
This event is free to attend. All book sales are by donation.

CITY OF MARQUETTE ART WEEK PLANNING MEETINGS
2025-02-11 14:00 - 19:00
The City of Marquette Office of Arts & Culture invites the community to participate in drop-in Art Week Brainstorming and Planning Meetings on Tuesday, February 11, from 2:00-4:00 P.M. and 5:00-6:45 P.M. at the Marquette Arts & Culture Center (lower level of Peter White Public Library).

These informal sessions provide a space to explore project ideas, find inspiration, and connect with others. Attendees are welcome to stay for any portion of the meeting-attendance is optional and not required to submit a project proposal. Sessions will focus on 2025 events, partnership opportunities, this year’s theme-STORIES, revisiting past Art Week projects, and exploring event venues.

Supported by the Michigan Arts & Culture Council, Art Week provides regrant funding of up to $400 for eligible projects that align with its mission of fostering collaboration, artist development, and audience engagement. Project proposals are due by Friday, March 7, 2025

Additional brainstorming sessions, including evening appointments, can be scheduled by contacting Tristan Luoma at (906) 225-8655 or tluoma@marquettemi.gov. More information about Art Week and project application can be found on www.mqtcompass.com/artweek

MARQUETTE CITY MANAGER COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS
2025-02-12 10:00 - 12:00
Marquette City Manager Karen Kovacs will hold her next community office hours on
Wednesday, February 12 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Shiras Room, on the top level of
Peter White Public Library (Front Street side). The meeting is intended to provide an
informal opportunity to discuss issues within the community, and to give citizens the
opportunity for direct dialogue with City staff about interests and concerns.

Noah Bauer Concert
2025-02-12 18:30 - 19:30
Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library Community Room. Teens, Family, Adults, Seniors. Join celebrated local singer/songwriter Noah Bauer for a concert featuring songs from his newly released album, Lunitidal Interval. An eclectic evening of music sure to satisfy everyone’s musical taste buds. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry
2025-02-13 10:00 - 23:30
Silver Creek Church and Silver Creek Thrift are partnering with Feeding America West Michigan to host the first Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry of 2025. Taking place on Thursday, February 13. Food distribution will begin at 10:00am and continue while supplies last or until 11:30am. Food will be available for approximately 550 families. Due to changes with Feeding America West Michigan, proxy pickup will be limited. This will be a drive-thru event with directions given by parking lot attendants. Guests are asked to remain in their cars and have adequate space prepared in their trunk or back seat in advance to allow the distribution team to place food boxes directly in the vehicle. Silver Creek Church and Silver Creek Thrift are located at 219 Silver Creek Road in Harvey. Businesses or organizations that are interested in supporting these monthly mobile food pantries are encouraged to call 906.249.1715 for more information.

UPCM Valentine's Eve Dance
2025-02-13 17:30 - 19:30
Join us for our Second Thursday Creativity Series at the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum:
“Valentine’s Eve Dance”
Thursday, February 13, 2025
5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Experience hands-on craft activities, and FREE Culver’s Frozen Custard. FREE to participate.

Artist Reception at Peter White Public Library
2025-02-13 18:00 - 20:00
Thursday, February 13, 2025. 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Huron Mountain Club Gallery and MACC Deo Gallery. Teens, Adults, Seniors. Join us for two artist receptions in one night! Speak with the artists about their work and exhibits on display.

PWPL Huron Mountain Club Gallery – Second Nature by Emily Weddle & Meredith Weddle D’Amore
MACC Deo Gallery – Knowing the Land by Todd Carter

School’s Out, Library’s In: Trolls
2025-02-14 12:00 - 17:00
School’s Out, Library’s In: Trolls
Friday February 14, 2025 12:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Youth Services. Youth of all ages, drop by the library for this special schools’ out day! Crafts and activities available for drop-in participation between 12pm-5pm. There will be Cloud Dough Sensory Play in the Great Room and Rainbow scratch art in the Makerspace. The film “Trolls: Band Together” will begin at 12:45pm in the Community Room – Kids are welcome to bring lunch or snacks for the movie. Kids under the age of 8 must have an adult present with them in the event. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit www.pwpl.info.

UP 200 Race Kickoff
2025-02-14 18:00 - 21:00
Downtown Marquette welcomes everyone for the start of the annual sled dog race, which runs down Washington Street before heading out to Alger County.

NMU Hosts UP200 Hospitality Tent, Warm-Up Party
2025-02-14 18:30 - 20:00
Northern Michigan University will host a heated hospitality tent for the general public near the starting gate of the UP 200 Powered by NMU sled dog race on Friday, Feb. 14. NMU will also host a warm-up party at the Trenary Toast Café.
The tent will be open from 6-8:30 p.m. next to the old City Hall on Washington Street. Admission is free. This family-friendly event will include hot chocolate and cookies. The warm-up party from 6:30-8 p.m. will feature complimentary coffee or hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls. The Trenary Toast Café is located at the corner of Third and Washington Streets.
The UP200 sled dog race, established in 1990, is powered by Northern Michigan University, both in terms of its Gold Sled sponsorship and volunteer support. Hundreds of students will volunteer for the UP200, Jack Pine 30 and the Midnight Run. They help with everything from selling merchandise to vet checks for the dogs and crowd control, with several student organizations involved in the process.

Honey Bear Classic Snowshoe Race
2025-02-15 12:00 - 15:00
The 36th Honey Bear Classic invites you to celebrate the unique beauty of the Big Bay Pathway with a fundraising event for all ages and interests. Participants can
choose to ski or snowshoe the entire “Honey Bear” loop or other trail options.
Register online or in person at the Thunder Bay Inn. The Pathway Trailhead and parking lot is located on Deutsch Ave just two blocks from the Thunder Bay Inn, event headquarters.

All proceeds help to support the grooming and maintenance of the Big Bay Pathway which is part of the Noquemanon Trail Network.

Sled Hockey Event at NMU
2025-02-16 15:00 - 17:00
Northern Michigan University’s Berry Events Center will host an opportunity for members of the campus and Marquette-area communities to try out sled hockey, a sport adapted for athletes with physical disabilities. This free event begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16; no registration is required. Protective equipment such as helmets, elbow pads and hockey gloves will be loaned to attendees who participate.
Sled hockey follows most of the typical ice hockey rules, with the exception of some of the equipment. Players sit in specially designed sleds that sit atop two hockey skate blades. They use two sticks instead of one, and the sticks have metal picks on the ends to help players propel themselves across the ice.
“Our goal is to spread awareness for the sport in the community, especially among the campus’ disabled community, and hopefully recruit some new players,” said Mitchell Grahek, the NMU student organizing the event. “Everyone is invited to take part in the event, regardless of body ability, to try out the sport and see what it is all about.”
Grahek said he wanted to take the lead on putting the event together, in part because he volunteers and coaches with the Marquette Sled Cats and noticed there were no students on the team.
“This seemed odd to me for a school and a community where hockey is such a big part of the culture,” he added. “I have also noticed, as a student of NMU, that there seemed to be a lack of events hosted with the disabled community in mind. I thought this would be a perfect way to bring the two together, and I will say that I am encouraged by the support and enthusiasm I have received from everyone involved.”

Cyber Clinic: Seniors
2025-02-17 18:00 - 19:00
Cyber Clinic: Seniors
Monday February 17, 2025. 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Shiras Room. In partnership with the Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute. Staying safe online and recognizing scams in today’s ever changing cyber world is difficult. Peter White Public Library is working in partnership with the UPCI to bring the Marquette community authoritative and up-to-date information about computer and internet safety in our new program series “Cyber Clinic”. Cyber Clinic: Seniors will have tips and tricks to help protect against online security threats and scams that are particularly directed towards seniors. Questions may be submitted ahead of time by emailing upcyber@nmu.edu. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4319 or visit www.pwpl.info.

NMU Sustainability Summit
2025-02-18 10:00 - 16:00
Northern Michigan University will host a campus Sustainability Summit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18. The event will kick off in Forest Roberts Theatre with keynote speakers Chef Bryan Flower and Courtney Gallaher from Northern Illinois University discussing their Edible Campus. Other activities are scheduled throughout the day in Jamrich Hall and the Hedgcock Atrium.
Despite the abundance of farms in Illinois, most of the food consumed in the state is not locally produced. NIU seeks to address this disconnect by transforming parts of campus into an edible landscape. Flower and Gallaher will discuss this ambitious partnership among NIU units and outside partners, which includes student and community volunteer events and activities, and showcases local businesses.
Poster presentations will be on display in the Jamrich Hall lobby throughout the day. A panel discussion on student-led sustainability efforts is scheduled for 11 a.m. in the Hedgcock Atrium, followed by a free networking lunch with various conversation topics at the tables.
Climate change Jeopardy hosted by Steve Waller will be offered at 1 p.m. in Jamrich 1318. Virginie Noireaux, a visiting scholar from the University of Clermont Auvergne in France, will give a presentation titled “Sustainable Food Service in Schools” at 2 p.m., also in Jamrich 1318. The day will end with an opportunity to mingle with poster presenters over popcorn and refreshments from 3-4 p.m. in the lobby.
Individuals can tackle real-world sustainability challenges and get prizes, pizza and credentials at an Adobe Design Jam on Wednesday, Feb. 19, in the Northern Center Ballroom IV. Registration starts at 3 p.m. and the jam begins at 4.
The Sustainability Summit is hosted by the NMU Sustainability Advisory Council. It is part of Peak25, a conference elevating breakthroughs in research, entrepreneurship and collaboration. Peak25 is free and open to the public, and will take place Feb. 20-21 at NMU. Innovate Marquette’s SmartZone and SISU: The Innovation Institute at NMU are co-hosting. Learn more about the conference keynote speakers and programming here.

'Northern Now' Focuses on 125th Anniversary
2025-02-18 19:00 - 20:00
Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations invites alumni and friends to virtually join President Brock Tessman for a special 125th-anniversary edition of the Northern Now digital event series. He will explore NMU’s rich history alongside esteemed guests with deep ties to the university at 7 p.m. EST Tuesday, Feb. 18. It will be an opportunity for alumni to reflect on their time at NMU, reconnect with fellow Wildcats, and celebrate the legacy of their alma mater.
Panelists include:

Dave Bonsall ‘74 BS, retired from NMU after working for 38 years in Housing & Residence Life and the Center for Student Enrichment
Carol Johnson ’81 BS, ’89 MBA, Dean of the NMU College of Business
Joe Lubig ’91 BS, ’00 MAE, Associate Dean of the School of Education, Leadership & Public Service at NMU
Jes Thompson ’01 BS, Assistant Vice President for Sustainability at NMU
Dana Hinckley, current education student and ASNMU President

Questions will be taken live during the event via the Q&A function on Zoom, and alumni can submit questions ahead of time during registration. Alumni and friends can register here to obtain the link to the live stream. Learn more at nmu.edu/alumni. NMU Alumni Relations can be contacted at alumni@nmu.edu.

MSU Extension - Smart Gardening with Vegetables 101 Registration
2025-02-19 00:00 - 2025-03-10 23:59
Smart Gardening with Vegetables 101 – Registration is Open
We are pleased to announce that registration for MSU Extension Smart Vegetable Gardening 101 is now open. This course is online and self-paced. Individual
registration is $40.00. We also offer a group rate of $125.00. Group leaders must email Liz Slajus, slajusel@msu.edu with a list of names and email addresses for all group members.
Register at https://bit.ly/SGVEG101
Course Overview
This course covers gardening from start to finish: what you need to get started, types of gardening, planning and preparation, soil preparation, plants to select, starting and maintaining healthy plants, garden maintenance, harvest and storage, pollinators and various gardening activities.
Please email Liz Slajus, slajusel@msu.edu with any questions or concerns.

Upper Peninsula History Book Club
2025-02-19 18:30 - 20:00
Upper Peninsula History Book Club
Bi-monthly beginning Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 6:30 pm
J.M. Longyear Research Library, Marquette Regional History Center
Join the librarians from the J.M. Longyear Research Library for an evening of learning during the inaugural meeting of the Upper Peninsula History Book Club. Club members will have a chance to discuss the meeting’s pre-selected book and view related photographs, maps, and other treasures from the Marquette Regional History Center’s archival collections.
The club’s first meeting will focus on Michigan women in the U.S. Lighthouse Service with Patricia Majher’s Ladies of the Lights. On April 16, readers will learn about Marquette’s famous Ojibwe leader with Kawbawgam: The Chief, The Legend, The Man by Tyler R. Tichelaar.. On June 25, we’ll explore the lives of Ishpeming and Gwinn’s Gossard Girls through Phyllis Wong’s We Kept Our Towns Going.
Meetings are free and will be held upstairs at the Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. Marquette, MI. Readers near or far may also join by Zoom from our website, www.marquettehistory.org/UPHBC. For more info call 906.226.3571.

Northwords and Music: Crossroads Show
2025-02-19 18:30 - 20:00
Northwords and Music: Crossroads Show
Wednesday, February 19, 2025. 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Community Room. Adults, Seniors, Family. Join 2022 Marquette Writer of the Year B. G. Bradley and his friends for an evening of music, stories, poetry, and skits sure to make you laugh, cry, clap, and sing for those crossroads in our lives. The show features two-time U. P. Poet Laureate Marty Achatz; celebrated musicians Linda Smith and Seamus Collins (Big Lake Acoustic), and actress Jacque Love. This event will also be livestreamed. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

"Much Ado About Nothing" at NMU
2025-02-20 19:30 - 21:30
A Shakespeare play presented with the second week of deer camp in the Upper Peninsula as its backdrop might seem a strange combination or stretch, but Jimmy Ludwig, director of this month’s Northern Michigan University production of Much Ado About Nothing, said his adaptation is designed to make the show more relatable to local audiences.
“Shakespeare isn’t really worth doing if the audience doesn’t see themselves in it; otherwise, it’s museum theater, which is a lovely production that sort of mimics how it was done back in the day,” said Ludwig, who grew up hunting near Iron River. “It may be interesting and cool, but why do we care? The first act of the play is basically a party, which is similar to the second week of deer camp. Whether you got your buck or not, all you want to do is drink beer, play cards and just hang out.
“Also, one of the recurring themes in the play is the idea of the haves and the have-nots intermingling and often clashing with each other. We have that here to a degree with some locals’ opinions about big-money folks who buy up properties and only live here part-time, or those who fly in on private planes to stay at their private club off [highway] 550. If you can relate to the play, then the language of Shakespeare suddenly isn’t a big deal.”
The primary plot of Much Ado about Nothing centers on the courtship and scandal involving young Hero and her suitor, Claudio, but the witty banter between Claudio’s friend Benedick and Hero’s cousin Beatrice often takes center stage. Add the slapstick of Dogberry and his absurd “forest cops” and the result is arguably Shakespeare’s funniest play, which flips from rollicking comedy to searing tragedy and back again. NMU’s production will run Feb. 20-22, 27-28 and March 1 in the Panowski Black Box Theatre.
“At one end of the stage will be a deer camp that looks like somebody’s grandpa built it,” Ludwig said. “You know the kind: no right angles, nothing matches, nothing’s level, and it’s been added onto multiple times. It’s the kind of place you can party like crazy and you don’t care, because you can be rough on it, and it will remain standing, right? And on the other end of the is a ‘cottage’ like those you might see along Lake Superior.”
Ludwig’s “dream cast” includes Maya Moreau as Beatrice. She advanced to the nationals of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival last year and earned the Classical Acting Award at this year’s regional festival. Others in leading roles are: Samuel McKnight, Benedick; Sophia Zavala, Hero; and Phillip Smith, Claudio.
“I want people to look at our characters in the play and say, ‘I know someone like that,’” Ludwig added. “He’s the bartender at Third Base, or he runs a startup and only visits Marquette for a couple months each year. There’s also a series of comedic scenes featuring a group of bumbling DNR officers. One of them speaks only Finnish. Sometimes there’s someone translating what he says; other times people just kind of pretend they know what he’s saying.”
Shakespeare plays are often perceived as elitist entertainment, but he wrote for the masses, who comprised the bulk of his audiences, Ludwig said. Nearly all of them were illiterate, so he was writing for them to hear his work performed, not to read it.
“He was really just a businessman trying to get people in his theater so he could sell tickets and make a living. He had to have widespread commercial appeal to pull that off. The reason some have difficulty with his material now is that he wrote in a particular way that was very popular 450 years ago. We want to challenge our audience, but we also don’t want to alienate anybody. The themes of his works continue to have relevance today, and we’re making it even more relevant to the community through this regional adaptation of one of his classics.”
Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m., with additional 1 p.m. Saturday matinees on Feb. 22 (a “pay as you may” Theatre for All sensory-friendly performance) and March 1. Tickets are $25 for the general public; $22 for NMU employees, seniors and military; $15 for youth; and $5 for NMU students. They can be purchased at nmu.universitytickets.com.

NMU Hosts Women in Construction Event
2025-02-21 09:00 - 14:00
Northern Michigan University’s construction management program is hosting a Women in Construction Career Exploration Event from 8:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the Jacobetti Complex. More than 100 regional middle school students in grades 6-8 have registered to participate in this free event, which offers students a unique opportunity to discover and experience options that are traditionally viewed as male-oriented.
Students will complete hands-on projects in a safe and well-supervised environment. They will explore areas such as welding, graphic technology, woodworking, trade opportunities, leadership, and construction management. Throughout the day, they will learn from, and interact with, dynamic women working in these areas who are volunteering their time.
The more visual hands-on activity sessions for media to obtain video/photographs will take place from 9:45-10:30, 10:35-11:20, 12:05-12:50 and 12:55-1:40. The onsite NMU contact for the event is Heidi Blanck.

Beaumier Exhibit on U.P. Politicians Opens
2025-02-21 17:00 - 19:00
The lives and work of the Upper Peninsula’s greatest politicians will be on display beginning Friday, Feb. 21, in the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center’s new exhibition, “The Political Life.” An opening reception will be held from 5–7 p.m. in the center’s Gries Hall gallery at Northern Michigan University. Admission to the reception and exhibition is free.
Ever since the Upper Peninsula became part of the State of Michigan in 1836, its history has been full of fascinating, powerful and controversial figures in state, national and international politics. These included politicians such as Chase Osborn of Sault Ste. Marie, the only Michigan governor from the U.P.; State Rep. Dominic Jacobetti from Negaunee, who dominated Lansing for several decades; Connie Binsfeld of Munising, who became Michigan’s first female lieutenant governor; the colorful and controversial Joe Mack, state senator from Ironwood; and Cora Reynolds Anderson, the first woman and Native American to be elected a state representative in Lansing.
There will also be a section dedicated to the various presidents of the United States who traveled to visit the Upper Peninsula before, during and after their terms in office. Theodore Roosevelt visited the Upper Peninsula twice within one year, first to campaign for his presidential run in 1912 and then again several months later to testify in his libel suit against the Ishpeming Iron Ore editor, George Newett. Four presidents have visited the U.P. during their terms in office; William Henry Taft in 1911, George H. Bush in 1992, George W. Bush in 2004, and Barack Obama in 2011.
The exhibition will be on display through June 28. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon-4 p.m. Saturday.
The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center is used as both a historical museum and educational facility. Its mission is to promote and preserve the history and culture of the Upper Peninsula through a variety of exhibitions and public programs for the whole region to observe. The center also collects and preserves artifacts related to the history of NMU, while presenting a gallery in Gries Hall and several other displays throughout campus.
