Good morning, Traverse City.

Fire crews fought a fire at Leelanau Fruit near Suttons Bay on Saturday—five fire departments and a HazMat crew were on scene from just before 2 p.m. until at least 5:15 p.m., with officials saying no one was inside and urging people to avoid the area.

Northwestern Michigan College faces a rising problem with ghost applicants—fraudulent student applications used by fraudsters to access federal aid—and it has formed an investigative team to strengthen its safeguards.

The new measures aim to protect the school from further fraudulent access to financial aid.

Northwestern Michigan College’s Blue Tech Challenge has narrowed its field to three finalist teams—each working on innovative ways to protect Great Lakes water quality.

The contest invites fresh ideas that may soon shape how we care for our water.

An international organic farming program began at Rolling View Farm & Reforest in Leelanau County in June—this 132-year-old farm saw homesteader Annie Kiessel and her visiting farmhand Andrew start new organic practices.

The project has introduced global methods to improve sustainable agriculture on the historic farm.

A weather alert warned that dense fog reduced visibility to one-quarter mile in parts of eastern upper and northern lower Michigan yesterday morning, including along Interstate 75 and HWY 131, and motorists in Traverse City were urged to slow down and leave extra space between vehicles+

Local government officials are looking into using generative artificial intelligence to update services and streamline daily tasks.

Officials from the National Association of Counties warned that change is coming fast — they said the genie is out of the bottle.

In Benzie and Grand Traverse counties, child care providers can apply for a $400,000 grant to expand services and start new centers.

Consultant Maryanne Bain said the program—aimed at easing long waitlists and supporting families—will bring new openings within the year.

Oakley is a certified therapy golden doodle working at Mental Wellness Counseling—he has trained with staff since he was 9 weeks old to support mental wellness.

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.

Traverse City Zombie Run

9 AM – 12 PM — Right Brain Brewery — $30 Adults, $25 Students — A spooky 5K run/walk filled with zombies and fun festivities awaits.