Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 23rd of May.
Good morning, Traverse City.
Central United Methodist Church started a $4.2M project to add a new entrance, chancel and bathrooms today.
Organ technician Stephen Warner prepared the organ console for a temporary move as contractors began replacing the chancel to create a safer, more accessible space.
Authors Isiah Smith, Jr. and Orice Jenkins held a podcast at the Alluvion this month to discuss Black history and the search for family connections—offering a deep look into identity and community heritage.
Today, the OTP is ending its 65th anniversary season with the final weekend performance of 'Four Old Broads,' a comedy about four assisted living friends planning an escape with a nod to Elvis—while in two weeks the Young Company will perform 'Once Upon a Mattress' before summer programming begins.
The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development added six invasive plant species to the state lists after a review and more than 2,000+ public comments; regulations will ban the sale and propagation of species like common buckthorn and water hyacinth, effective on June 19 and Jan. 1.
Crews fixed a water main failure and began paving Garfield Road (between Hammond and South Airport) after checking that the pipe held overnight Friday.
Officials said the roadway could reopen later Friday while a water boil order remains for Traditions and Birmley Estates.
Governor Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, from sunrise until noon at all state public buildings and grounds to honor fallen service members; flags will be returned to full staff at noon.
Traverse City experts report that tick encounters are rising with more pet visits and Lyme disease cases increasing (one to two cases weekly).
They advise using repellents and proper clothing and washing after outdoor activities to reduce the risk.
Shelters across northern Michigan feature pets for adoption every Friday through Adoption Options, sponsored by Pet Supplies Plus, with animals available from Manistee to Traverse City.
The Elk Country Animal Shelter holds a Memorial Day Weekend garage sale today and Sunday, May 24 & details are available by phone.
Delamar Residences will break ground in September for a collection of 14 luxury waterfront homes at 615 E.
Front St and will offer a full-service spa with a shared rooftop. Presales begin June 1 and completion is expected in fall.
The Bayshore Marathon takes place today as the sold-out marathon, half marathon, and 10k start from College Drive by Northwestern Michigan College at 7:15 and 7:30 a.m., while the kid's run with open spots begins at 1:30 p.m. on a course ending at Traverse City Central High School track.
Today, Traverse City hosts the Bayshore Marathon with 8,000 runners in a sold-out full marathon, half-marathon, and 10K.
The event donates its profits to local grants and scholarships, with parking and shuttle details available on the course map (streamed live online).
The Traverse City Pit Spitters held their first practice today at Turtle Creek Stadium with Todd Reid entering his second season as field manager.
The team will kick off with an away game in Kalamazoo on Memorial Day and host the Rockford Rivets on May 27 (their home opener).
Astrophysics with Radioactive Isotopes 2026
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Hagerty Center — Registration fees apply — Explore the role of radioactive nuclei in astrophysics at this comprehensive conference.
GTAGS Monthly Genealogy Program
1-3 p.m. — Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Room — Free entry — Explore your ancestry at this engaging genealogy program open to everyone.
Butterflies & Brews Fundraiser
3-7 p.m. — Right Brain Brewery — $40 ($20 for under 17) — Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon featuring a butterfly release, silent auction, and kids' crafts supporting butterfly conservation.
Interlochen Summer Job Fair
1-5 p.m. — Traverse Area District Library — Free entry — Explore summer job opportunities in a variety of camp roles at this local job fair.
Traverse City Spring Art & Craft Show
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Open Space Park — Free entry — Dive into the heart of summer with local and regional artists showcasing stunning works.
Traverse City Spring Art & Craft Show
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Open Space Park, Traverse City, MI — Free entry — Celebrate summer creativity with stunning local art and live entertainment at this vibrant outdoor show.
Grand Traverse AKC All-Breed Dog Show
June 12-14 — Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds — Entry fee varies — Experience a weekend of all-breed dog shows including Best Veteran and Best Puppy competitions.
Howie Mandel Live Performance
Time TBD — Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughter with the iconic comedian and television personality Howie Mandel.
Pegtown Group Meeting
8:00–9:00 p.m. — Pegtown Station — Free entry — Join an engaging support group for alcohol addiction recovery in a welcoming environment.
Paint Grand Traverse Festival
All day — Crooked Tree Arts Center — Free entry — Celebrate the beauty of Northern Michigan through a week-long plein air painting competition featuring national artists.
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