Daily
Traverse City
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, Traverse City. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Boardman River flooded the South YMCA and nearby pickleball courts in Garfield Township, leading to closures along South Airport Road; staff said they are monitoring conditions & will update reopening plans soon. UpNorthLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theater will open early this summer season with new movies, themes and events. Local residents can expect fresh entertainment options at the drive-in. 9&10 News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Heavy rain and snowmelt have caused flooding downtown, turning a FishPass work site into a cleanup and a parking deck into a pond today. Local officials advise caution on roads as river banks remain unstable until flood waters recede. Traverse City Record-Eagle
- ➤ Flooding from heavy rain and snowmelt has forced the closure of six roads in Grand Traverse County. Officials advise drivers to use alternate routes & remain cautious as flood warnings continue until Sunday. Traverse City Record-Eagle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City Manager Benjamin Marentette appointed Aaron Bunyea as Traverse City's new fire chief to succeed retiring Jim Tuller, with Bunyea set to begin on May 13. The community is invited to an open house at Fire Station 1, 500 W. Front Street on May 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. 9&10 News
- ➤ County administrators met Apr. 15 to plan flood damage mitigation at a county office meeting. They outlined steps to reduce risk and protect local infrastructure from future flooding. 9&10 News
- ➤ Attorney General Dana Nessel warned Michigan residents to watch for post-storm scams and rising flooding as cleanup continues after severe storms swept across Northern Michigan this week. State agencies launched the new MIREADY website (featuring updates on dam and flood situations) to help residents stay safe. 9&10 News
- ➤ Antrim County announced plans to open evacuation centers if rising water levels trigger safety protocols at Bellaire Dam. The county will monitor water levels closely + issue orders when needed. UpNorthLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ District Health Department #10 officials warn residents in northern Michigan that flooding may damage septic systems and contaminate wells (homeowners should store bottled water and cover well caps) and advise waiting for test confirmation before using water. 9&10 News
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NMC Jazz Bands & High School All-Star Big Band Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Milliken Auditorium — $10-$20 — Experience an evening of vibrant jazz performances featuring local high school talent and special guest Robbie M Smith.
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Earth Day Clothing Swap
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Free entry — Refresh your wardrobe sustainably while enjoying a community clothing and gear swap this Earth Day.
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NMC Concert Band Spring Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Milliken Auditorium — $10-$20 — Experience a night filled with vibrant music from talented musicians showcasing their versatility.
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The Golden Age of Broadway Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Milliken Auditorium — $10-$20 — Experience a musical journey through the beloved songs of Broadway's Golden Age with the NMC Grand Traverse Chorale.
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5th Annual Asian American Pacific Islander Celebration
5-8 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Free event — Celebrate culture and community with food, film, and poetry featuring local talents and diverse culinary offerings.
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Great Lakes Child Safety Conference
The inaugural Great Lakes Child Safety Conference will take place on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Traverse City Central High School, beginning at 4:00 p.m. The free conference is presented in collaboration with Northwestern Michigan College (NMC), Northwest Education Services, Rotary, and Traverse City Area Public Schools.
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Spring Art Market
10 AM – 4 PM — Dennos Museum Center — Free entry — Engage with over 25 artists showcasing diverse media from painting to ceramics.
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Traverse City Repair Cafe
10 AM – 2 PM — Traverse Area District Library — Donation-based — Bring your household items to be repaired by skilled volunteers and help reduce waste.
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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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Traverse City
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