Good morning, Traverse City.

A Traverse City organization, Commongrounds, was named a 2025 Childcare Champion for setting a high standard by creating a licensed Montessori program for local families and MI Tri-Share participants—state leaders honored nine champions to boost child care support amid rising costs.

Inside a shared space at Nocturnal Bloom Brewing and Seismoto Coffee Bar — the air smelled sweet from cooking wort indoors but was unpleasant outside.

Joanna Davis from Petoskey said she sat outdoors for remote work calls because the odor made staying inside difficult.

Brilliant Books — an independent bookstore operating since 2011 — said in a letter to patrons Friday that its downtown storefront at 118 E.

Front St. will close in the near future.

Traverse City’s Up North Pride Week will hold its annual festival Sept.

23-27 — featuring events such as Proud Crowd and Teen Zine — to offer locals community support and celebration after the busy tourist season, said Executive Director Adrienne Brown-Reasner.

Today in Traverse City, the 21st Annual Natural Resources Fair and Feast will feature traditional skills, games — and the release of a rehabilitated bald eagle.

The event highlights local natural resource traditions and promises interactive exhibits for community members.

The Job Winslow Chapter of the DAR will host Constitution Week by hanging banners showing the first six Articles of the U.S. Constitution in Frankfort until Sept.

23. The nonprofit group is dedicated to preserving history & promoting education.

Grand Traverse County commissioners elected canvassers Thomas Wertz and Cheryl Goss on Wednesday for board terms that will begin in November — County Clerk Bonnie Scheele tallied open ballot votes after candidates offered remarks during the meeting.

Grand Traverse County’s Board of Public Works will consider a 6.5% increase in disposal rates at the septage treatment plant next month.

The board will hold a public hearing on Oct. 9 at 9 a.m.—in Garfield Township Hall.

UpNorthLive is hosting a blood drive with Versiti on October 21 with hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at its studio on East Traverse Highway in Traverse City—donors are needed to help fill the blood supply before the busy holiday season.

A new surgery center is under construction in Cadillac by Munson Healthcare to offer outpatient procedures like orthopedic repairs and minor general surgeries that let patients return home the same day.

The center will open in January and is expected to create jobs for nurses, surgical techs, and support staff — improving local access to care.

The Red Wings began training camp in Traverse City today as they celebrate their 100th season and aim to return to the playoffs with players Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond sharing their excitement.

The team will remain locally for two more days — then head to Grand Rapids for a Red and White game and start their pre-season schedule on September 23rd.

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.

Upper-Midwest Log & Timber Home Design-Build Expo

1-7 p.m. — Grand Traverse Resort and Spa — Tickets available online or at the door — Discover expert advice and innovative products for your log and timber home project.

Apple Pressing Day

12-4 p.m. — Farm Club: Restaurant, Farm Market & Brewery — Cost varies — Celebrate the harvest with apple pressing, tastings of over 20 apple varieties, hot cider, and delicious treats.

NMC Concert Band Jazz Standards Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Milliken Auditorium — Adults: $15, Seniors/Students: $10 — Experience a delightful evening with the NMC Concert Band performing timeless Jazz standards.