Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Traverse City. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Cherry Capital Airport offers a new Economy Lot at $11 per day — including a continuously operating free shuttle and 369 additional spaces — with pre-pay and an attendant available from 4:00 a.m. to the last departure each day. UpNorthLive
- ➤ Elk Rapids Marina partnered with Taiga Motors to demonstrate the Nomad, a fully electric snowmobile, at Mt. Holiday on Wednesday. The vehicle offers a 62-mile range + rising energy density and targets ski areas with plans for market expansion. UpNorthLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Northwestern Michigan College officials in Traverse City brace for stagnant funding after Gov. Whitmer’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 maintains current operational support for community colleges statewide. The proposal allocates $525.4 million in total, including $476.1 million in ongoing funding and $49.2 million in one-time funds. Traverse City Record-Eagle
- ➤ The Infant & Toddler Child Care Start-Up program is expanding care options in Grand Traverse and Benzie counties with a ($400,000) grant from the Leelanau Early Childhood Development Commission. Director Mary Ann Behm said more applicants are welcome. Traverse City Record-Eagle
- ➤ The Northwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees approved $7 million from the anticipated sale of its Boardman Lake Campus on Monday to fund a geothermal project with $5 million allocated for energy improvements and $2 million for a regional research center — the college is finalizing the sale with the Grand Traverse Band this spring. 9&10 News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Nearly one year after the March 2025 ice storm, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is clearing damaged roads and forests in northern Michigan and prepping for wildfire season by adding firefighter support plus replanting trees to restore park amenities. UpNorthLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Gustavo Lo at Cosmetic Skin + Laser Center and RegenCen said the FDA’s removal of black box warnings on estrogen in Nov. 2025 has encouraged a return to hormone therapy that may lower risks of heart attack, stroke and Alzheimer’s, improving care for local patients. 9&10 News
- ➤ Munson Healthcare Foundations announced a $1 million gift from Traverse City residents Richard and Deborah Pascoe to boost cardiac care in recognition of American Heart Month (a significant local contribution). Traverse City Record-Eagle
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ The Burrow celebrates its fifth Traverse City Restaurant Week by offering a three-course menu along with its regular offerings at an open kitchen featuring coastal American cuisine; reservations are encouraged and bar seating is available on a first-come basis. UpNorthLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Traverse City Central won their 10th straight game with an overtime victory against Alpena and will face Midland Dow at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow to secure a regional title — inspired by Michigan’s Olympic hockey successes. 9&10 News
- ➤ The Glen Lake Lakers won a district semifinal game against St. Francis 63-39 in Elk Rapids on Wednesday — they will face Elk Rapids for a district championship on Friday. 9&10 News
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Light the Darkness: A Midwinter Festival of Art
5-7 p.m. — City Opera House — Free entry — Experience a vibrant marketplace of creativity with juried artistry and live performances.
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Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Kirkbride Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical evening of music by Coldplay and Imagine Dragons performed by a talented string quartet under candlelight.
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5th Grade HB Elite Boys Tryout
5:00 – 6:15 p.m. — Rajkovich Physical Education Center — $20 — Showcase your skills at the first unified youth basketball development program in Northern Michigan.
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An Evening with Anna Quindlen featuring 'More Than Enough'
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Traverse City Central High School — Cost information not provided — Explore themes of love, hope, and friendship in Anna Quindlen's latest novel during this engaging event.
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Fifth Third Bank Leapin' Leprechaun 5k
1-2 p.m. — Lake Ave, Traverse City, MI — Registration fee — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a festive 5k race benefiting the NICU at Munson Medical Center.
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Shakespeare Festival at the Village
1-5 p.m. — The Village at Grand Traverse Commons — Free entry — Experience bite-sized Shakespeare performances interspersed with local food and drink in a historic setting.
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Aerie x Folgarelli's Taste of South Africa
Four-course wine dinner — Evening — Grand Traverse Resort and Spa — Ticketed event — Celebrate the bold flavors and heritage of South African cuisine paired with Babylonstoren wines.
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The Lords of 52nd Street Live Performance
8-9 p.m. — Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge — Ticket prices vary — Experience the original band behind Billy Joel’s biggest hits in a high-energy live concert.
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Spring Break at the Museum
11 AM – 4 PM — Dennos Museum Center — Kids are free with adults — Enjoy a Spring Break adventure with a family scavenger hunt and prizes.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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