Good morning, Traverse City.

Consumers Energy plans to sell its 13 hydroelectric dams (including the Hodenpyl Dam near Mesick) to a Maryland-based operator (which will upgrade the dams and keep them running) and will add a 30-year power purchase agreement with renewable energy credits.

Traverse City Area Public Schools set goals in its next strategic plan to serve economically disadvantaged students and approved a $1.5M upgrade to the Sabin building for administrative offices.

The board said the spending is part of a $55M redesign that will begin in the 2026-27 school year and last three years—also ratifying seven staff contract extensions.

Joe Santangelo offered parents three essential tips to complete a healthy back-to-school checklist—helping families adjust after school started over a week ago.

He said that these steps will support a smooth transition for students and make the new routine easier.

Northwestern Michigan College officials and community leaders will cut the ribbon next week for the expanded airplane hangar along Aero Park Drive that will boost the Aviation Division’s ability to train more local pilots, mechanics, and instructors — a move that will help meet the growing needs of the airline industry. The new facility will significantly expand the college’s capacity to develop skilled flight specialists.

School buses are back on the roads and now have upgrades like six cameras and LED lights to make travel safer—drivers stay alert while students are picked up on a steady schedule.

The new safety features help all students, including those with disabilities, and show how important bus drivers are in starting and ending each school day.

On Monday night, Traverse City commissioners held a study session to improve housing by hearing from experts such as the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan — Planning Director Shawn Winter said the meeting examined zoning changes, tax abatements, and the Attainable Housing Facilities Act to boost affordable and available housing, and officials will review these ideas in upcoming meetings.

New Horizons Clubhouse will host a fundraiser this Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 7164 Rapid City Rd.—the community event will offer a spaghetti dinner and silent auction to support mental health services and help individuals gain employment skills.

A resident has asked the condo board for approval to keep backyard chickens while another resident set up beehives behind her garage—board members will review Michigan guidelines and community rules before making a decision.

Women in Tech Meetup

5-7 p.m. — Earthen Ales — Free entry — Connect with fellow women in tech for community support and light snacks.

Detroit Red Wings Training Camp

8-9:30 a.m. — Centre Ice Arena — Free entry — Witness the Red Wings gear up for the season at their first Training Camp session.

Northern Lights 5K Fun Run

8-10:30 p.m. — Munson Medical Center — Registration fees apply — Celebrate community wellness with a glowing 5K run for a great cause.

Live Music by Jakob Abraham

Live Music by Jakob Abraham — Evening — Leelanau Wine Cellars Tasting Room — No cover charge — Savor your favorite wine while enjoying the sounds of live music by Jakob on the bay.

YMCA Classics Under the Lights

6-9 p.m. — Turtle Creek Stadium — Free entry — Enjoy classic cars under the lights with live music and a chance to win in raffles.

TCLEG Fall Family Fest

4:30-6:30 p.m. — Mt. Holiday — Free entry — Enjoy family-friendly activities and support a local clinic in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Live Music Sundays at Suttons Bay Ciders

5:30-8 p.m. — Suttons Bay Ciders — Enjoy local talent — Relax with cider while listening to the melodic sounds of Chris Smith.

Uncork Up North

6-10 p.m. — Hagerty Insurance Agency — Enjoy sampling wines and exquisite local flavors in a chic atmosphere.

October Outdoor Craft and Vendor Show

10 AM – 3 PM — The Village at Grand Traverse Commons — Free entry — Enjoy a day of shopping on the historic front lawn with local vendors.

Currents of Thought: Ice, Water, and Interdisciplinary Insight

5-6 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Limited to 55 attendees — Explore the intersection of art and science in understanding changing water landscapes.