Good morning, Traverse City.

On January 6, the Grand Traverse–Leelanau–Antrim Bar Association donated $3,500 through its endowment to the Free Legal Aid Clinic operated by Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan, supporting free legal advice for children and families through volunteer attorneys.

Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville marked its 10-year anniversary on Jan.

7 when co-founders David Wallace and Heidi Bolger became sole owners after Richard and Sarah Anderson sold their interest on Dec. 31. The distillery on a 120-acre farm will continue operating without interruption.

Vicki L. Beam, a college planner at Michigan College Planning in Traverse City, explains that the posted college cost is not fixed and scholarships, grants, and other aid can lower the final price.

She invites local families to ask questions about planning for college expenses.

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on Feb.

24 to decide if state or federal courts will rule on Enbridge Energy’s plan to keep Line 5 running through the Straits of Mackinac (a key waterway), a decision that could impact the pipeline’s future.

The Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office dive team conducted ice rescue training Wednesday at Boardman Lake as part of their monthly exercise - officials say the drill is meant to prepare the team for real emergencies near local waters.

New Year, New Garden: Landscape Design Workshop

10 AM - 2 PM — The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park — Cost not specified — Enhance your gardening skills in this immersive two-day workshop led by expert Matthew Ross.

Frozen Foot Race

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Eastern Elementary School — Entry fee applicable — Kick off the 2026 race season with a chilly 5-mile run through Traverse City.

Kevin Rhodes Plays it Forward

7-8:30 p.m. — Traverse City Philharmonic — $100 per ticket — Enjoy a benefit concert featuring Maestro Rhodes while supporting the TC Phil and community programs.

Ice Wine Festival

11 a.m.-5 p.m. — Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn — Free entry — Enjoy wine tastings, an ice sculpture luge, and outdoor activities like snowshoeing and S’mores.

Left Foot Charley Wine Dinner

6-11:59 p.m. — Modern Bird — Check website for pricing — Indulge in a five-course meal featuring exquisite wines from Left Foot Charley with winemaker Bryan Ulbrich.

An Evening with T.J. Klune

7-8:30 p.m. — City Opera House — Tickets from $21 — Celebrate captivating storytelling with bestselling author T.J. Klune, known for his rich fictional worlds.

Singer Songwriters Showcase

7-9 p.m. — City Opera House — $25, $20, Students $10 — Experience original songs from talented singer-songwriter students and the Popular Music Ensemble.