Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 28th of April.
Good morning, Traverse City.
🏘️ Community
On Arbor Day, students from Greenspire High School planted a serviceberry tree at the Grand Traverse Area Children's Garden as part of an edible landscape project, using a tree donated by the Friendly Garden Club—this keystone plant will grow to provide food for birds and wildlife while teaching care for our earth.
💼 Business
At a breakfast with Governor Whitmer and lawmakers, Christophe Lavigne, president of Highfield Boats USA, said high tariffs forced his company to raise prices and pause plans to create over 100 jobs—making it hard to complete American-made boats because key parts must be imported.
🎓 Education
Northwestern Michigan College’s Native American Student Organization hosted a pow wow on Saturday that honored 20 to 25 graduates with Native American dancing & storytelling.
Attendees enjoyed drumming and food vendors as the event celebrated the rich cultural traditions of Northern Michigan tribes.
Students at West Senior High School’s Women’s History Club studied overlooked women in history including Viking Shield Maidens and Byzantine Empress Theodora— a project that brings focus to untold contributions— to add new perspectives to what is known about the past.
The Traverse City Area Public School district began design work on a $55-million renovation of Central Grade School to gather community feedback and school board input on preserving the historic building—partial demolition may still occur.
The design phase will shape the school's future.
🌲 Environment
Shady Lane Cellars tested soft pesticides on plots between 2 and 3 acres during the 2024 growing season — the experiment, funded by an $11,000 grant from the Farmer Rancher Grant Program, aimed to compare newer fungicides and insecticides for sustainable grape growing.
Vineyard manager Andrew Fles said the program will help his vineyard and other local growers address pest challenges in Michigan’s climate.
The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay hosted a cleanup event at West End Beach last week as part of the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup initiative, where local volunteers picked up plastic waste from the sand and water.
More cleanup events are planned this summer—highlighting the ongoing effort to fight plastic pollution.
🏛️ Government
Today, Traverse City commissioners will review improvement ideas from business owners for the East Side social district after two months of trial yielded little data—city planner Shawn Winter noted that long lead times meant new city orders arrived only just before Labor Day.
Federal spending cuts left the county parks short-handed when AmeriCorps was set to send 12 volunteers for 2,800 hours of work to ready Camp Greilick—plans that are now in doubt.
John Chase said other local AmeriCorps funding recipients are waiting for updates on their future support.
Governor Whitmer returned to Northern Michigan to speak at the 47th Annual Governor’s Breakfast at the Wexford County Civic Center, where she discussed the state budget, free community college tuition, and the need for new road repairs.
She later took part in a groundbreaking for Cadillac Lofts phase two, which will add 50 middle-income apartments—expected to be finished by 2026.
🎉 Traverse City Events
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Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer's
4-6 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Free entry — An intimate film screening exploring the challenges of Alzheimer's through the lens of family experiences.
Wine With a Twist
12 PM – 5 PM — Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail — Ticket prices and cork cash vary — Experience craft cocktails with a wine twist across participating wineries.
Guided Wildflower Hike
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Sleeping Bear Tour Co. — Cost not specified — Explore diverse wildflower habitats and learn identification tips with a guide.
Sunday Brunch on the Farm
12-1 p.m. — Bistro Polaris at Black Star Farms — Inclusive price with beverages — Customize your brunch with a starter, entrée, and dessert while enjoying scenic farm views.
Group Practice Boss Conference 2025
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Traverse City, MI — $399 — Elevate your practice with expert insights and networking opportunities at this two-day conference.
Spring Art Market
10 AM - 4 PM — Dennos Museum Center — Free entry — Explore unique works by Michigan artists while enjoying springtime festivities and refreshments.
An Evening with Taro Yamasaki
5-8 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Free entry — Explore powerful stories through the lens of Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Taro Yamasaki.
AI in the Prehistoric Great Lakes
7-9 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Free entry — Explore ancient Great Lakes hunting sites and meet the scientists using AI to bring the past to life.
Recycle-A-Bicycle Bike Swap
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Old Town Parking Structure — Free entry — Discover a variety of used bikes and support local families in need through the Recycle-a-Bicycle program.
Traverse City Counter Day
11 a.m. — Young Supply Company — Free cheesesteak lunch — Enjoy mouth-watering cheesesteaks during this local community event.
🏠 Traverse City Real Estate
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💼 Traverse City Job Board
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📣 Traverse City Announcements
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