Good morning, Traverse City.

The restoration company will begin cleanup at South YMCA on Monday after recent flooding covered 70% of indoor pickleball courts and damaged wood floors in other courts.

The facility aims to reopen by mid-June for summer camp.

Traverse City Record-Eagle was named Newspaper of the Year by the state's press association, marking its third consecutive year of excellence in community journalism.

The award highlights the publication's commitment to public service and quality reporting.

Paradise Township firefighters delivered a baby girl at the station — parents headed to Munson Medical Center when the baby was born early.

The incident brought relief to the family and sparked local interest.

Traverse City's Freshwater Research and Innovation Center is expected to open next year, and project collaborators say the Blue Tech consortium is an investment in the area's future.

Crosshatch Center for Art and Ecology paired artists and elders to share rarely told stories of Michigan farmers at The Alluvion yesterday, featuring panel discussions + the unveiling of four works inspired by five elders.

Cherry Capital Airport broke ground on a $120M terminal expansion Friday in Traverse City—150 local and state officials attended the soggy ceremony to mark the start of a project expected to boost the regional economy.

Officials at Northwestern Michigan College are planning a $20M geothermal project on campus; the Board of Trustees will review agenda items at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Innovation Center.

Advocate Bob Stuber says Cheboygan Dam near-overtopping fits a pattern of aging hydro projects that fail to meet federal safety rules—raising concerns for both public safety and costly repairs.

He urges stronger financial assurances as state leaders debate dam safety legislation.

Traverse City Light and Power approved a 2026 to 2027 operating budget that will raise electric rates by 5% later this year — the plan totals more than $48.8 million and will start on July 1.

The Kalkaska Kings claimed their first regular season title (advancing after sweeping St. Ignace) and reached the MIHL finals in a best-of-five series.

The championship starts at Centre Ice Arena on May 1 at 6:30 p.m. and May 2 at 10:30 p.m. with a possible decider in Traverse City.

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.

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.

Spring Art Market

10 AM – 4 PM — Dennos Museum Center — Free entry — Engage with over 25 artists showcasing diverse media from painting to ceramics.

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.