Good morning, Traverse City.

Steven Gary Koon (63) was charged with the 1989 murder of Linda Meteer after investigators linked new evidence to the cold case on May 15; he is held in Grand Traverse County Jail and faces an open murder charge.

Northern Michigan farmers suffered heavy losses when an ice storm hit 12 counties from March 28th to 30th — farms lost crops, livestock, and structures with damage estimates reaching as high as $300 million.

Local groups including Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, Crosshatch Center for Art and Ecology, and the Local Food Alliance have launched the Ice Storm Farm Relief Fund to help farmers recover.

CTC digital media production teacher Rick Spicer received a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan from local real estate developer Rob Munger, who bought the van after noting his old car had over 200,000 miles and posed a safety risk—Spicer said the gift helps ease his daily commute.

The TCAPS Sustainability Committee is taking steps to protect pollinators by installing signs on the lawns of several Traverse City Area Public Schools to show their participation in Slow Mow May.

The signs mark an initiative—Slow Mow May—that aims to reduce mowing frequency and help pollinators thrive.

Traverse City Light and Power approved a $124,334 contract with Brio Consulting to conduct a first-of-its-kind gap assessment study of its customer service with 12,000+ customers.

The study follows a January request for proposals and will compare the utility’s service with that of other providers.

The pedestrian bridge arrived Thursday when crews used a crane to install it over West Civic Center Drive as part of the Civic Center Walking Track Improvements Project in Traverse City — the next steps include pouring a new concrete deck with work expected to finish by July 25.

The Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department has added a state-of-the-art drone—equipped with thermal imaging and a speaker—to improve emergency responses after receiving a $10,000 grant from the Cosgrove Foundation.

Captain Steve Meek said three FAA-certified pilots are being trained to use the drone for tasks like search-and-rescue and remote wildfire operations.

The Governmental Center shared by Traverse City and Grand Traverse County is showing aging signs as county officials note drilled holes near urinals in a second-floor men's room (John Chase spotted these details) and unchanged ashtray fixtures in third-floor bathrooms (County Administrator Nate Alger confirmed the issue).

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.

Romantic Dances with Four Hands

7-8:15 p.m. — Music House Museum — Ticket prices not listed — Experience an evening of enchanting romantic music performed by acclaimed pianists Hyemin Kim and Michael Coonrod.

Unlocking Creative Potential for Business Growth

11 AM – 1 PM — Traverse City Country Club — Tickets required — Discover how creativity can drive innovation and leadership in business.

Black Star Farms Paella Night

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Bistro Polaris at Black Star Farms — Check event page for pricing — Savor the delightful aromas of freshly prepared paella right on the patio.