Good morning, Traverse City.

Residents can cast votes today in a National Cherry Day poll about their favorite way to eat cherries, and a ceremony celebrated the addition of 8,850 acres to a local state forest (a community milestone).

Upgrades at Central Elementary and policy discussions in Garfield Township mark ongoing community improvements.

100+ Women Who Care Grand Traverse and Leelanau County awarded Writers Series of Traverse City $10,000 at the quarterly meeting at Traverse City Golf and Country Club to support youth creative writing classes, poetry workshops, and the Battle of the Books.

The donation boosts the Raising Writers program’s $100,000 budget.

Michigan State Police and M-DOT urged drivers to slow down in work zones after two construction worker fatalities, saying speeding, distracted and impaired driving can cause accidents, double tickets and even felony charges — a reminder to drive cautiously on Northern Michigan roads during construction season.

Stacey Feeley joined 20Fathoms as executive director on Wednesday, July 15, in Traverse City.

She brings over 20 years of experience to boost BlueTech and support local entrepreneurs & startups.

Northwestern Michigan College launched a six-week industrial sewing course developed with MichiganWorks! and local businesses like Tent Craft (offering certificate training and apprenticeship opportunities).

Enrollment is open.

Traverse City's oldest elementary school is getting modern updates with a new cafeteria, playground and HVAC upgrades — a project that will improve learning spaces for students.

The Michigan DNR approved a Line 5 permit on Tuesday, July 15 for Enbridge’s Great Lakes Tunnel Project in the Straits of Mackinac—setting strict conditions to protect threatened plants and bat habitats.

The project still awaits additional permits before construction can begin.

A ceremony marking the addition of 8,850 acres to the Big Wild will take place Friday, July 17 at 1 p.m. on the shores of Silver Lake.

The partnership involved federal & state grants plus private funding.

FEMA began recovery efforts after a recent flood affected residents, offering shelter and support (local officials note more assistance is coming) as cleanup continues.

A Munson Healthcare doctor warns that wildfire smoke from Canada could harm lungs and heart today.

He advises residents to limit outdoor time, keep windows closed, and wear a KN-95 mask (even if the air seems clear).

Munson Medical Center earned three national stroke care awards (Get With The Guidelines Target: Stroke Advanced Therapy Award, Rural Stroke Gold, and Stroke Gold Plus Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite) after treating 1,240 stroke patients in 2025.

The honors highlight the hospital’s commitment to fast and expert stroke care.

Tour de TART is a 16-mile cycling event starting Friday at 4 p.m. from Open Space Park in Traverse City and ending at Norh Park in Suttons Bay, offering food stops and a shuttle for riders who prefer a ride back.

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.