Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
Good morning, Traverse City.
💼 Business
Donna Probes, a retired Chamber volunteer and former small business owner, noted that more retirees in Traverse City are returning to work on their own terms.
She now volunteers with SCORE and performs professionally, showing how locals are embracing a second act in business.
Cherry Capital Airport officials unveiled a plan today for expansion, adding five gates, two new baggage screening machines, and an on-site hotel with 89 rooms + aimed at reducing wait times for rising passenger numbers + with completion set for Memorial Day 2028.
Boundless Futures Foundation, started by Soon and McKeel Hagerty, marked a milestone by awarding over $1 million in EmpowHer and Her Village grants to 46 female founders and six nonprofits since late 2023.
The awards support sustainable local business and community strength.
📰 Economy
Data released Wednesday shows Grand Traverse County recorded a 3.4% jobless rate in September, making it the second-lowest in Michigan after Mackinac County’s 3%+ Leelanau and Charlevoix Counties posted 3.7% and 3.9%, ranking fifth and tenth.
🏛️ Government
Traverse City commissioners reviewed a proposal on Monday night to partner with local developers on a mixed-use parking deck on Pine and State streets (presented by John Socks, CEO of C4C) during their public comment session before year-end.
Grand Traverse County commissioners approved $500,000 in grants from adult use marijuana sales to 13 local nonprofits, including a $50,000 award to the Women's Resource Center (WRC) to support emergency shelter and services for survivors.
The funding came after evaluating 81 applications and will help address unmet community needs.
A federal judge blocked Gov. Whitmer’s move to shut down Enbridge’s 72-year-old Line 5 that runs beneath the Straits of Mackinac (the ruling stated only the federal government can regulate interstate pipeline safety) on Wednesday.
The pipeline remains in operation as legal challenges continue.
📰 Real Estate
Regional home sales rose nearly 20% in November, with 226 properties sold across Grand Traverse, Antrim, Leelanau, Benzie and Kalkaska counties.
Year-to-date totals reached 2,502 homes, marking the best sales performance since 2021.
🎉 Traverse City Events
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Candlelight Concert: Christmas Carols on Strings
8:45 p.m. — Kirkbride Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Christmas carols performed by the Listeso String Quartet under candlelight.
Dominic Fortuna’s Holiday Spectacular
4:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Hotel Indigo Traverse City by IHG — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of festive entertainment, delicious holiday dining, and nostalgic music.
Traverse City Track Club Jingle Bell Run
5:30-11:30 p.m. — Park Place Hotel and Conference Center — Free entry — Enjoy a festive holiday run through beautifully decorated neighborhoods with cookies and hot cocoa afterwards.
Traverse City New Year's Eve CherryT Ball Drop
10:30 PM – 12:30 AM — Downtown Traverse City Real Estate — Ticket info available online — Celebrate the New Year with a giant cherry drop and fireworks in the heart of the Cherry Capital.
New Year, New Garden: Landscape Design Workshop
10 AM - 2 PM — The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park — Cost not specified — Enhance your gardening skills in this immersive two-day workshop led by expert Matthew Ross.
Frozen Foot Race
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Eastern Elementary School — Entry fee applicable — Kick off the 2026 race season with a chilly 5-mile run through Traverse City.
🏠 Traverse City Real Estate
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💼 Traverse City Job Board
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📣 Traverse City Announcements
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