Good morning, Traverse City.

The Traverse City Fire Department put out a quarter-acre tent fire at The Pines on Monday, April 14 as crews arrived around 10 a.m.—with city workers using an extinguisher before firefighters took 15 minutes to complete the effort—and 11th Street reopened with no injuries.

The Michigan State Police said the mysterious deaths of a man and a woman in February were caused by accidental drug overdoses — the update shows no foul play was involved.

The 99th National Cherry Festival in Traverse City will feature legendary rock bands Grand Funk Railroad and 38 Special performing on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage on Saturday, July 5.

Tickets will go on sale at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 17—festival organizers are also offering a new all-inclusive ticket option with choices for reserved seating, general admission and VIP Deck access.

On April 14th, the Kiwanis Club of Traverse City named Eli Biggar from TC St. Francis High School as Student of the Month—recognizing his strong academic record and leadership in varsity sports.

He maintains a 4.24 weighted GPA and plans to study business at Michigan State University.

Farms in Northern Michigan are beginning to prepare for the growing season as spring temperatures rise and the snow melts, with workers replanting crops, measuring soil nutrients, and pruning vines plus keeping an eye on weather changes and wildlife challenges.

Grand Traverse County firefighters said conditions have favored wildfires since Friday with dry ground and high winds, leading to more 911 calls.

Blair Township Fire Chief Bill Parker explained wind gusts of up to 40 mph helped small fires spread fast — he urged residents to evacuate dangerous areas and call 911 if they see a fire out of control.

Contractors began road work on the US-31 detour route in Benzie and Grand Traverse counties Monday by putting up temporary signals and closing lanes to keep traffic safe.

The Michigan Department of Transportation will rebuild nearly 8 miles of road and add a roundabout at South Long Lake Road and J. Maddy Parkway— the full project will officially start after Labor Day.

Michigan made its first EMAC request to bring Indiana debris removal teams for storm recovery after an ice storm devastated northern Michigan last month; the four teams (each with nine people) arrived Saturday, April 12 and will clear debris from critical roads across 12 counties for seven days.

On April 14, the St. Francis baseball team improved its record to 7-1—sweeping Cadillac in a doubleheader.

The Porch - AA Meeting

6-7 PM — 1010 S Garfield Ave — Free entry — Discover support for alcohol addiction and connect with others on the recovery journey.

Good Friday Fish & Seafood Dinner

6-8 p.m. — Bistro Polaris at Black Star Farms — Check website for cost — Meet Chef John Korycki as he presents a delightful seafood dinner with a touch of Italian flair.

The Tweed Tones Live Performance

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Cellar 152 — Free entry — Enjoy the soulful sounds of a two-piece band blending Chicago blues and early jazz.

Easter Brunch at Black Star Farms

9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Inn at Black Star Farms — Check website for details — Indulge in a delightful Easter brunch with delicious offerings and included drinks.

A Water Trail Documentary Screening

7-9 p.m. — The Alluvion — Ticketed event — Celebrate Earth Day with a documentary screening & powerful performance about water conservation.

Christian McBride Live in Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Alluvion — Ticket information not provided — Experience the dynamic sounds of eight-time GRAMMY-winning bassist Christian McBride and his new project, Ursa Major.

Trivia Night

Evening — Shady Lane Cellars — Cost varies — Engage in friendly competition with trivia while savoring great wine and charcuterie.

Black Star Farms Swedish Dinner

6-8 PM — Bistro Polaris at Black Star Farms — Inquire for pricing — Savor traditional Swedish dishes and embark on a culinary journey through Sweden's unique flavors.

Bubble Glazing & Wine Workshop at Black Star Farms

12-1 p.m. — Black Star Farms Old Mission — Workshop fee applies — Explore your creativity by learning a unique bubble glaze technique while making pottery wine stoppers.

NMC Children's Choirs Spring Concert

3-5 p.m. — Lars Hockstad Auditorium — Adults: $15, Seniors/Students: $10 — Experience an afternoon of delightful choral performances from talented young singers.