Good morning, Traverse City.

A new pocket park opened today on E.

Front Street offering views of the Boardman-Ottaway River and Grand Traverse Bay. The public-private project by J-Peterson Home and the city features native landscaping, a brick-paver terrace, benches and tables.

Northern Michigan veterans completed a Mid-Michigan Honor Flight to Washington D.C. where they visited military museums and memorials.

They left Tuesday from Cherry Capital Airport, toured the Air and Space Museum + Arlington Cemetery and the National Mall, and attended a welcome home ceremony Wednesday.

Patriot Farms opened to the public this month—bringing pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides and a petting zoo for family fun.

Owner Matthew Wheeler said he plans to add winter events like an ice-skating trail and a Christmas light walk soon.

A Traverse City company, CENSYS Technologies, is set to use $170K in state funds to test drone technology for power line inspections under Michigan's Advanced Air Mobility Initiative, announced by Gov. Whitmer today.

The pilot project will improve utility monitoring and explore new tech applications (with potential statewide benefits).

Kingsley High School NJROTC held its third annual pinning ceremony (honoring mentorship and leadership) where veterans, first responders, and active-duty military pinned cadets to mark their progress.

The event recognized top program achievements and named Cadet Commander Addison Unterbrink as VFW Cadet of the Year.

The Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office held a drone demonstration Tuesday in Long Lake Township to show how its 10-year program aids search and rescue, suspect tracking and reporting back to command posts—highlighting its key role in public safety.

The event demonstrated the benefits of using technology for timely responses.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Crystal Lee (from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan) offered self-care tips for survivors, noting that the American Cancer Society projects over 5 million survivors nationwide by 2035.

North Flight Aero Med joined a new statewide program that launched Oct.

21 to air transport critically ill canine officers to specialized care at MSU Veterinary Medical Center. The initiative, developed by Corewell Health and Munson Healthcare (which set transport protocols), will serve public safety agencies across Michigan.

Health Alliance Plan by Henry Ford has partnered with M1 Insurance to help residents review Medicare options before open enrollment ends Dec.

7. The partners discussed the details on Good Day Northern Michigan and invite residents to call (833) 975-1564 for more information.

Defending state champion Leland advanced to the district final after beating the Glen Lake Lakers 4-1 in Traverse City.

The team will face the winner of Harbor Springs — Charlevoix on Oct. 27.