Daily
Traverse City
Friday, October 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Traverse City. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of October.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Watco took full control of the Great Lakes Central Railroad, a 400-mile line that serves 25 customers across 15 counties and reaches areas like Traverse City and Petoskey + The company, an investor since 2013, said it will invest in new infrastructure and strengthen ties with local businesses. UpNorthLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ More than 400 students from eight schools gather at Northwestern Michigan College’s Building Tomorrow event in Traverse City to learn about trades with hands-on projects—showing them various future career paths—designed to spark interest in new fields. Traverse City Record-Eagle
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hickory Forest in Grand Traverse County will let deer hunters use the area during bow season to cut deer numbers plus walking trails will stay open with a 50 foot buffer for safety; only two permits per week will be given on a first come basis. UpNorthLive
- ➤ Aurora chasers reported that bright northern lights lit Michigan skies with purple and green hues over the past few days as solar activity sent bursts of particles toward us. Experts advise viewers to look north from clear, dark areas like McGulpin Point Lighthouse—an ideal spot for catching future displays. UpNorthLive
- ➤ Holman Orchards on M-37 north of Traverse City had a good pumpkin harvest this year because timely rains reduced the need for extra irrigation during a dry spell—harvesting ended on the second to last weekend in September and visitors from across the region enjoyed the season. UpNorthLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Federal shutdown rules have paused visitor services at Sleeping Bear Dunes—only a few key workers remain on duty to keep the park secure. Retired park worker Tom Ulrich said most staff are furloughed and important repairs may be delayed until the shutdown ends. UpNorthLive
- ➤ Grand Traverse County employees will have a chance to test artificial intelligence as county leaders consider a policy for its use; commissioners voted 6-0 on Wednesday to renew Microsoft 365 for $398,083.80 + left out an extra $36,000 requested for 100 Microsoft Copilot licenses. Traverse City Record-Eagle
- ➤ Four newly-hired police officers were introduced at Cherry Capital Airport as hiring for an in-house police department nears completion — Chief Joe FitzGerald said the move meets TSA regulations for facilities exceeding 350,000 passengers for three consecutive years. Traverse City Record-Eagle
- ➤ The north driveway/exit at the Governmental Center—located at 400 Boardman Ave.—is closed for asphalt repairs; mailbox and drop boxes remain accessible by foot and repairs will finish today. Traverse City Record-Eagle
- ➤ Cherry Capital Airport is building a new 350-space parking area to ease overflow from busy travel. The Northwest Regional Airport Authority approved add-on orders worth over $110,000 and signed a $2,626,525 contract with Team Elmer’s in August — a move to boost capacity for future arrivals. Traverse City Record-Eagle
- ➤ Michigan Gov. Whitmer cast doubt on a 2028 presidential bid during a speech in Toronto on October 2nd—she said she was focused on governing Michigan amid challenges such as tariffs and political violence. She added that her role gives her a strong vantage point to shape policy for the state's future. UpNorthLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Munson Healthcare will build a neonatal intensive care unit with 24 beds as part of a $40 million project at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. The new unit will start construction in spring 2026 and take 18 months to complete while the hospital renovates its maternity and pediatric units. UpNorthLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Cyclists from across the country will join the Iceman Cometh Challenge this November in Traverse City, where riders and locals celebrate a long tradition of mountain biking. Festival Foundation CEO Kat Paye runs the event—many riders see it as a test of grit and a chance to join a close community. Traverse City Record-Eagle
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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.
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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.
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.
~ James Clear
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