Good morning, Traverse City.

Traverse City Area Public Schools approved over $42M in contracts for renovating Central Grade School last Monday+ the historic school will get 23 approved bids and renovations are set to start this summer after a community walk-through in May.

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) got a 2.5% per-pupil funding raise with money to hire a special education teacher after the state passed the school aid budget late on July 3.

The delay and a cut to the School Success Program have complicated hiring and bus planning for at-risk students.

Junior Achievement of Northern Michigan received grant funding from Cadillac Area Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committee and Missaukee Area Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committee to support classroom programs during the 2025-2026 school year.

The funds expanded local outreach by boosting teacher partnerships in Wexford (and) Missaukee.

Northwestern Michigan College will host a free Explore History Day on Saturday, July 25 at its Front Street Campus — celebrating 75 years.

Community members can enjoy a panel discussion, history walk, and concert with events starting at 10 a.m.

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians are beginning the final stage of their eagle rehab center, adding an aviary for non-releasable birds.

The final phase ($1 million) will care for up to 10 eagles that may serve as ambassador birds.

The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians finished its spring fish stocking by releasing over one million fish across the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan.

The Barbeau Hatchery has produced millions of fish since 1999 (a long-term effort to support healthy fisheries and cultural traditions).

After months of closure from heavy flooding in April, county officials say Beitner Bridge will reopen by Christmas to resume traffic safely.

Local updates will follow as the work plan nears completion.

Grand Traverse Metro Emergency Services Authority received new Holmatro extrication equipment thanks to a $39,572 grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

A grant celebration plus equipment demonstration is scheduled at 10 a.m. July 27 at the Firehouse Subs location at 3664 US 31 South.

Grand Traverse County voters may see a new .3 mill proposal on the November ballot after Julie Clark presents it at today’s board meeting.

The plan would bring more than $2.5 million a year to fund expansion and repairs of local TART Trails — a step toward reliable trail funding.

MSHDA hosted a listening session (Tuesday, June 14) to gather housing concerns from Northern Michigan residents.

Traverse City commissioner Jackie Anderson and local advocates highlighted issues with seasonal versus year-round homes and funding limits as the state shapes an actionable housing plan for the region.

Outdoor workers in northern Michigan face extreme heat today with temperatures in the 90s plus a heat index near triple digits.

Construction crews and food service staff adjust work hours and use hydration, scheduled breaks, and cooling measures to stay safe.

An Air Quality Alert is in effect today for northern Michigan as smoke from Canadian wildfires lowers air quality to unhealthy levels; local health officials advise residents with asthma+heart conditions to avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

A local cherry farmer launches a podcast and YouTube channel that combines business tips with humor about farm work.

The new platform aims to engage viewers and listeners with a fresh look at agriculture.

Red Drive Concert Series

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Left Foot Charley — Free entry — Enjoy a free community concert featuring Manitou Truckin' Co. with grilled cheese delights and local brews.

Simply Queen Tribute Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — City Opera House — Cost info not provided — Experience North America's most adored recreation of Queen with impeccable attention to detail and incredible performance energy.

Pickle Fest: The Sequel

July 24-25 — Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre — Entry fee applicable — A briny celebration featuring pickle-themed food, games, and movies under the stars.

Great Lakes 5K

8-8:30 a.m. — Eastern Elementary School — Entry fee varies — Participate in a 5K and kids fun run to support cancer awareness and essential screenings.

Kenosha Kingfish vs. Traverse City Pit Spitters

7:05-10 p.m. — Turtle Creek Stadium — Enjoy $2 hot dogs and $3 beers — Join the fun at a local baseball game with exciting food and drink specials.

Catie Newell Artist Talk

4:00 – 5:30 PM — The Dennos — Free entry — Explore light, perception, and the emotional resonance of objects with architect Catie Newell.

FEI North American Youth Championships

1 p.m. — Flintfields Horse Park — Ticket options vary — Witness top young equestrian athletes compete in an international championship event set in Traverse City.

Ikebana Pop-Up Exhibit

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. — The Dennos — Admission required — Explore unique floral arrangements in the sculpture court and galleries.

ABBA The Concert - ABBA Tribute

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Kresge Auditorium — Starting at $32 — Experience the electric performance of ABBA's greatest hits with joy and nostalgia.

Joe Bonamassa and Gov’t Mule Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Interlochen Center for the Arts — Sold Out — Experience an electrifying night of blues rock with two legendary acts taking the stage.