Good morning, Traverse City.

Northern Michigan veterans returned to Cherry Capital Airport after a two-day Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C.—where they visited memorials honoring service in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and recent Middle East conflicts—and were warmly welcomed upon arrival in Traverse City.

Grand Traverse County officials approved nearly $495,454 in brownfield reimbursement funds for the Blain’s Farm and Fleet store in Blair Township, covering development costs for a business that opened over six years ago—this agreement supports the site's brownfield redevelopment.

The J Hawkins Band performed at Kilkenny’s Irish Pub in late June where they played gritty northern Michigan heartland rock— the band will soon release a new album that blends Southern rock soul with country fire.

Traverse City Area Public Schools will observe National Safe Schools Week from Oct.20-24 as the community is urged to help keep students safe—by following bus stop alerts, securing firearms with free gun locks from the Administration Building, and promoting mental wellness.

The district also invites residents to use its 24/7 anonymous tip line to report safety concerns.

Kimberly Stevenson from Davis Aerospace Technical High School won the Michigan Lottery Excellence in Education Award and received a $2,000 check from Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli.

She led the STEM Eco Justice Club and Green Team to promote sustainability (using a lab method with pellets to clean oil) and continues to inspire innovation.

Northern Michigan bus drivers are clarifying the difference between hazard stops and red-light stops to address public confusion over bus stop rules, said transportation coordinator Connie Kenyon — noting that many calls come in every week from concerned locals.

Bus instructor Kelly Hale added that drivers use hazard stops on busy roads for safety while reserving red-light stops for areas with more room — and Michigan State Police reported a 6% rise in school bus crashes.

Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools will host its 43rd annual Gladhander fundraiser on Oct.

25 at St. Francis High School—featuring a 'Golden Ticket Gala' with dinner, auctions, games, and a raffle that offers a Jeep Gladiator, cash, or gold coins and bars to support teacher salaries and student scholarships. A free Preview Night will be held on Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. to showcase the event details.

Local gardeners in Traverse City are sharing advice to protect gardens during ongoing drought conditions.

Terry Bertrand from Barker Creek Nursery recommends deep watering for 45—50 minutes and careful transplanting in the fall to help plants survive until spring.

The county brownfield board approved a $250,000 grant on Thursday to demolish the contaminated Master Dry Cleaners building at 115 Pine Street—this decision paves the way for EGLE to remove hazardous materials and begin further cleanup work.

Michigan National Guard troops from Traverse City will join 120 soldiers leaving Kalamazoo to deploy at the Southern border for about one year.

Governor Whitmer directed the move and the group will work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection as it marks its sixth border mission since 2020.

Traverse Area District Library is now offering Stay Sharp Kits — themed sets containing games, puzzles, and interactive books to help people with memory loss and their caregivers.

Library cardholders can check out any of the ten kits for up to six weeks after Molina Healthcare awarded the grant.

Grand Traverse County approved a 240-unit apartment complex in East Bay Township during a Wednesday public hearing.

The $49-million affordable housing project will be built on a 20-acre parcel at Three Mile Road — a key site for brownfield redevelopment.

The Traverse City Figure Skating Club will host its 50th annual ice show—Around the World on Ice—at Centre Ice Arena on March 6 and 7, 2026, featuring performances inspired by popular films.

The event will be the club’s largest fundraiser and is expected to showcase skaters of all ages.

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.

Joe Hill: King Sorrow Book Talk

7-8:30 p.m. — City Opera House — Ticket with book purchase — Engage in a chilling conversation about Joe Hill's latest novel, King Sorrow, followed by a Q&A and signing.

Nathan Graham and Noah Guthrie Concert

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — City Opera House — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of soulful Americana music with two rising stars in the genre.