Good morning, Traverse City.

Food Rescue Northwest Michigan in Traverse City has partnered with local farms to fight hunger through a Pound for Pound apple donation program — King Orchards offers 40 pounds of apples for a $10 donation while Wunsch Farms donates one pound for each purchased.

The program will run throughout the apple harvest season to help meet local food pantry needs.

Traverse City Area Public Schools announced that four Central High School students—Arthur Lijewski-Lee, Alex Potrafke, Lillian Shev and Helly Taylor—are among 16,000 National Merit semifinalists.

Lawmakers in Lansing introduced a bill that would let licensed counselors from other states treat patients in person and via telehealth to ease long wait times—Rep. Karl Bohnak supports the measure while mental health groups worry low Medicaid rates may drive local professionals away.

The state will boost the Elberta waterfront redevelopment with $1.75M from the 2026 budget — matched by private donations — to help cover planning and development costs.

GTRLC aims to transform the 35-acre site with lake frontage into a public park, nature sanctuary, trail and mixed-use area supported by strong community backing.

During October the Traverse City Fire Department is warning students in grades five through nine to use the proper charger for their rechargeable devices to prevent battery fires — misusing chargers can cause dangerous thermal runaway that makes devices catch fire.

Fire Inspector Jacob Steichen said using listed, compatible chargers and charging on a hard surface with enough clearance can help reduce the risk.

Grand Traverse County commissioners will meet Wednesday, October 15th to vote on a letter urging the DNR to replace the pedestrian skybridge over US-31 near Traverse City State Park—Commissioner Scott Sieffert wrote the letter to thank the DNR for plans to build an ADA compliant replacement and stress the need for safe access after the bridge's removal in September.

Northern Michigan hospitals said the new state budget maintained all Medicaid and rural healthcare funding—avoiding proposed cuts and preserving essential services.

The plan allocated $250 million for rural community support and provided $50 billion for rural hospital back-up over the next five years.

The Leland and Glen Lake boys soccer teams advanced in Monday's district semifinal and will play for the Division 4 district title on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Suttons Bay—both teams seek to secure the win.

Leland sophomore Sophia Grinage won the girls' race at the Hail Mary Invite at Veronica Valley Park in Lake Leelanau with a time of 19:23 — she is now a contender at the Division 4 level as she prepares for regionals.

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.

NMC's Chamber Singers & Grand Traverse Chorale Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Milliken Auditorium — $15 Adults, $10 Seniors/Students — Experience a captivating night of choral music featuring Randall Thompson's 'Frostiana' and empowering compositions.

Young Chefs Dinner

8:00-10:30 p.m. — The Cooks’ House — Ticketed event — Celebrate the culinary talents of young chefs from Traverse City with an evening of fine dining.

Toast The Season - Weekend 1

11 AM – 5 PM — Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail — $75/person — Celebrate the holiday season with curated wine pairing and festive gifts at Northern Michigan's beloved event.

Bell's Iceman Cometh Challenge

8:45 a.m. — Kalkaska Airport to Timber Ridge — Registration required — Conquer the rugged 30-mile race through the scenic landscapes of Michigan.