Good morning, Traverse City.

Venture North Funding and Development received a $50,000 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation yesterday to offer low-cost capital and no-cost business consultation.

The grant will help local entrepreneurs secure support for growing their ventures.

High school juniors can access free resources for ACT—SAT prep from college planner Vicki Beam at Michigan College Planning.

AP exams began on Monday and will run until May 16 with scores available by mid-July.

Voters across northern Michigan rejected several school bond proposals aimed at upgrading school safety and facilities.

In Osceola County, 70% opposed an $88 million plan for Reed City Public Schools, and 76% in Grand Traverse County voted no on a $39 million proposal for Kingsley Area Schools—with similar rejections in Roscommon and Presque Isle counties.

On Tuesday morning, Traverse Connect hosted the first regional demonstration of drone technology—used for search and rescue, water testing and underwater mapping—over West Grand Traverse Bay at Discovery Pier along M-22 in Greilickville, drawing more than 120 onlookers.

This event showed new ways to use drones for public safety and environmental monitoring.

The Michigan House approved a $100 million aid proposal on Wednesday to help Northern Michigan recover from the March ice storm by unlocking up to $300 million in federal matching funds— the bill now awaits Senate and governor approval.

Traverse City's Planning Commission (which met on May 7) recommended a rule to cap new short-term rentals in seven zones to boost long-term housing options.

The proposal will not affect existing licenses (current rentals stay unchanged) and now goes to the city commission for a vote.

Dozens of volunteers and representatives from Cherryland Humane Society met with the county commission in Traverse City to discuss changing animal control rules after a dog named Mighty Mac was put down due to neglect.

The commission moved to schedule a meeting with the Sheriff's Office, Prosecutor's Office & Health Department to better address animal cruelty cases.

City officials enforced a no camping ordinance at The Pines, a homeless encampment in Traverse City, as police, state troopers, and outreach teams cleared trash and needles—removing 10 dump trucks of debris—to make the area more sanitary.

Traverse City Commissioners also approved a special land use permit so Safe Harbor can operate a year-round emergency shelter to better assist residents.

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.

Cherry Capital Comic Con 2025

5 PM – 5 PM — Grand Traverse Resort and Spa — Ticket prices vary — Northern Michigan's premier comic book and pop culture festival featuring panels, artists, and collectible vendors.

Bayshore Marathon VIP Experience

5:30-8 a.m. — Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center & Library — Complimentary access — Upgrade your race day with exclusive amenities and snacks to fuel your run.

Music Mondays at Blush Rooftop Terrace

4-6 p.m. — Alexandra Inn — Free entry — Unwind with live acoustic performances and craft cocktails while enjoying stunning rooftop views in Traverse City.

Northwest Michigan Art and Culture Summit

12 PM – 9 PM — City Opera House — Cost info not provided — Explore the vibrant arts and cultural scene at this community-centric summit across multiple venues.

The Big Run Celebration

6-8 p.m. — Hull Park — Free entry — Celebrate Global Running Day with a fun 4-mile run followed by a community party with food and drinks.