CTE skills challenge coming up

MARQUETTE — Students from across the Upper Peninsula will gather at Northern Michigan University’s Jacobetti Complex on Friday when NMU hosts five student competitions in celebration of career and technical education during the Upper Peninsula CTE Skills Challenge.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jacobetti Complex.

This year the event will feature the first Culinary Skills Challenge that includes students preparing appetizers and a full entree. Each challenge will have an awards ceremony in the Jacobetti Commons area.

The public is invited.

Schools to offer biking class

NEGAUNEE — Ishpeming-Negaunee-NICE Community Schools will be offering an Introduction to Technical Mountain Biking class starting Monday from 3:30-5 p.m., for three weeks, starting at Jackson Park in Negaunee.

Students must be at least 12 years or older and able to ride a bike competently. Students will learn a variety of technical mountain biking skills as well as some basic racing skills, along with maintenance.

The fee is $30. Bring a water bottle and dress appropriately.

Call Community Schools at 906-475-4173 to register. Call by Friday as class size is limited.

NAMI to meet Monday

MARQUETTE — The National Alliance on Mental Illness-Alger/Marquette offers free, confidential peer support groups and educational meetings for individuals living with mental illness, and friends or families living with an individual with mental illness.

The Monday educational meeting will feature Kevin McDowell, Pain Psychologist at UP Health System-Marquette.

As a pain psychologist, Dr. McDowell focuses on the relationship between physical diseases and mental illness. For example, he might help someone with a back injury cope with pain and depression.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the Baraga Place Conference Room, 129 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette.

For more information call 906-360-7107, or visit www.namiam.org.