Good morning, Traverse City.

Cherry Capital Airport said it will add over 350 parking spaces with a new Economy Lot that uses an automated credit card system and a shuttle service—construction is expected to be done by Thanksgiving.

Four Central High School students have been named semifinalists in the 71st National Merit Scholarship Program+ they are among 16,000 nationwide selected to compete for 6,930 scholarships.

Little Traverse Conservancy has launched the Sowing the Seeds Education Endowment to fund free outdoor learning programs for students and teachers across Northern Michigan.

The $5 million fund—seeded by a $1 million donation from Woody Gardner and other contributions—will support environmental education with full-time Director Dylan Klinesteker leading new programs.

Northwestern Michigan College University Partners celebrated their relocation to the James Beckett Building on Front Street Campus during an open house Tuesday—coinciding with the start of the fall semester—to improve student services and foster closer collaboration.

Representatives from Central Michigan University, Davenport University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University and Michigan State’s Institute of Agricultural Technology spoke to highlight new, integrated degree pathways for area students.

Northern Michigan's forests turn bright red, orange and gold each week as autumn unfolds — weekly updates point out the best scenic drives and trails for enjoying peak fall color.

Locals can use this report to plan drives, hikes and photo stops along hardwood canopies and lakeshore paths.

On Sept 22, the National Weather Service Gaylord confirmed three tornadoes in northern Michigan—an EF-0 waterspout in Torch Lake with minor tree damage, an EF-1 tornado in Bellaire, and a brief EF-U tornado in Grand Traverse County with no damage reported.

On Sept. 22, Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital received a $109,000 grant from the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation’s Anchor and Heart Endowment to fund updates including a modernized long-term care room, upgraded Pyxis software, added advanced BiPAP solutions, a lobby renovation — and new emergency department furniture to improve patient care and comfort.

The Grand Traverse Pavilion reopened its Aspen Wing today after five years of closure caused by staffing shortages and Covid challenges—renovations included new paint and floors and now offer a few private rooms while additional rooms and hires are planned for the future.

Greenrock Farm returned to growing hot peppers this season to test a favorite crop and avoid scaring customers who might think their sweet peppers are hot.

A painful mishap with cayenne juice taught the farmers to always pick peppers with rubber gloves— a lesson learned from careful handling.

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.

Mitch Albom Book Signing and Discussion

7 p.m. — City Opera House — Ticket includes a copy of Twice — Engage with Mitch Albom as he explores love and second chances in his latest novel.