Good morning, Traverse City.

The Leelanau Conservancy is working to restore the long-dormant Sugar Loaf property by raising $8 million to fund projects and secure a 285-acre donation—over $6.7 million has been raised so far.

Community members recently met at Glen Arbor Township Hall to share ideas like adding a meditation area and disc golf course, with plans to reopen the site in 2026.

All 11 victims of the Traverse City Walmart stabbing have been released from Munson Medical Center—nine were discharged and two were transferred—after receiving emergency treatment.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services activated the Crime Victim Compensation program to offer financial support for counseling, medical expenses, and lost earnings for those affected by the July 26 Walmart mass stabbing in Garfield Township—eligibility extends to the 11 victims and to witnesses present during the incident.

Interlochen Public Radio faces a $300K gap from federal funding cuts and will hold urgent on-air fund drives to help keep its news and music programs on air—staff are also cutting conference travel and marketing to avoid job losses while relying on strong community support.

National Writers Series is hosting a busy month of events in Traverse City, beginning with a Saturday discussion by author Robin Wall Kimmerer at the City Opera House where virtual tickets are available after in-person sales sold out.

Upcoming events include an evening with Antoni Porowski on August 22 and a panel of chefs from top cooking competitions on August 23—both events will be held for local and virtual audiences.

More than 200 students across Northern Michigan will receive scholarships totaling over $500k after the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation awarded 277 scholarships to 223 high school seniors, college students and trade school students.

The foundation allocated nearly $215k to 139 students in Grand Traverse County — $173k to 38 in Benzie, $77k to 24 in Antrim, $17k to 6 in Kalkaska and over $13k each to 8 students from Leelanau and outside the region.

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has temporarily closed its public facilities after tribal leaders reported an imminent threat to staff members—essential services like the clinic, police and emergency medical services remain open while other services are staffed remotely. Tribal officials are actively assessing the situation and will provide more updates soon.

Airport directors in northern Michigan warned that proposed $300 million cuts to the Essential Air Service program could cause small airports in Pellston, Alpena, Manistee, and Sault Ste.

Marie to lose key flight links to Chicago and Detroit. A bipartisan bill to protect the program is advancing in the Senate (if passed will move to the House and need the President's signature) to safeguard local air service.

All Call Music Festival 2025

4-10 p.m. — The Little Fleet — Free entry — A vibrant day filled with music featuring diverse artists from across the region.

Luke Woltanski Live Performance

5:30-11:30 p.m. — Broomstack Kitchen and Taphouse — Free entry — Enjoy a night of original songs and stories inspired by Northern Michigan life.

Red Drive Concert Series - TC Knuckleheads

10 PM - 12 AM — The Village at Grand Traverse Commons — Grab food and drinks — Experience high-energy live music from talented local musicians.

Brit Floyd - Pink Floyd Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Kresge Auditorium — Tickets Starting At $38 — Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s album with a spectacular tribute show featuring iconic songs and a stunning production.

Drop-In and Draw Session

4-6 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Admission fee required — Explore your creativity with Plein Air Painters and engage with art in a communal setting.

An Evening with Antoni Porowski

7-8 p.m. — City Opera House — Tickets available — Join Antoni Porowski for a delightful evening exploring the joys of cooking and culinary creativity.

Parkinson Hero Walk

9-10 a.m. — Grand Traverse County Civic Center — Free entry — A heartwarming pledge walk to support heroes living with Parkinson’s disease.

Cedar Polka Fest Cornhole Tournament

1-4 p.m. — 3200 Sullivan St, Cedar, MI — Cash prizes for top teams — Compete in a fun and community-focused cornhole tournament.

Tall Ship Manitou: Evening Sail Adventure

2 hours — Grand Traverse Bay — From $73 — Experience hands-on sailing and stunning views on a majestic tall ship.

140th Anniversary Celebration — Beth Shalom

5:30-9 p.m. — Hagerty Center At Northwestern Michigan College — Ticket purchase required — Celebrate community with art exhibits, dinner, and socializing.