Hammond Road reopens in Grand Traverse County after construction delays

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- Hammond Road in Grand Traverse County is back open to traffic following months of construction and delays. The reopening comes after crews worked on road improvements near the Three Mile Road intersection in East Bay Township. The project faced several setbacks, including unexpected underground...

U.S. 31 in Interlochen reopens to two-way traffic as widening project continues

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- U.S. 31 Interlochen is officially open both ways to traffic. This is a part of a $32.5 million investment to rebuild and widen a section of U.S. 31 from Sullivan Road in Green Lake Township, to Reynolds Road in Inland Township. Some new improvements...

The Legend Behind Michigan's Most Haunted Bridge

There is something charming about covered bridges. Maybe it's the picturesque scenery that typically surrounds them or the slower pace of life that many seem to represent. The Fallasburg Covered Bridge in Lowell, Michigan, is one such destination that perfectly captures that charm. This 100-foot bridge takes you across the Flat River, is particularly beautiful […]

Second bat tests positive for rabies in Grand Traverse County

A second bat in Grand Traverse County has tested positive for rabies this year after being found inside a local residence, health officials confirmed Thursday.

Callie Barr defeats Jack Bergman in Grand Traverse County, comes up short in race

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. — Democrat Callie Barr defeated Republican incumbent Jack Bergman by more than 6,000 votes in Grand Traverse County on Tuesday, despite falling short in the race for Michigan’s 1st Congressional District. According to unofficial election results, Barr received 29,717 votes, or nearly 55%, compared...

Easement deal paves way for sewer pipe replacement under South Airport Road

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- The clock is ticking to address the pipes below South Airport Road that leaked sewage this fall. On Wednesday morning, Grand Traverse County Commissioners called a special meeting to discuss what seems to be a rapidly approaching deadline to make repairs. The underground pipe...

Federal, local dollars help fuel Cherry Capital Airport's new West Coast service

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- The biggest airport in northern Michigan is now getting even bigger after a federal grant and thousands of dollars from local partners are helping make it possible for the Cherry Capital Airport to offer nonstop service to two California cities. Cherry Capital Airport announced...

Traverse City authorizes emergency fix for 1931 river wall at flood sinkhole site

City Manager Benjamin Marentette approved $252,000 in short-term repairs to the downtown Boardman River wall, the first of three phases he estimates at $2.75 million as commissioners weigh a long-term plan that could cut riverfront parking

Traverse City voters reject TIF 97 extension as city weighs downtown funding future

DDA says work continues through 2027 while Mayor Amy Shamroe warns of long-term budget pressure

Zonta Club of Traverse City prepares to host annual Festival of Trees

TRAVERSE CITY - The Festival of Trees is returning to Northern Michigan at the Grand Traverse Mall. Sponsored by the Zonta Club, the event offers decorated trees, handmade holiday decor and seasonal family activities. Organized by the Zonta Club, a local women’s nonprofit organization, the event raises funds to support...

Wexford County commissioners approve conflict-of-interest waiver for solar project

WEXFORD COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- Wexford County Commissioners have approved a potential conflict-of-interest waiver related to the Shipyard solar project. The project falls under the jurisdiction of the Wexford Joint Planning Commission, not the county board. But county administrator Joe Porterfield said the county wants to be prepared in case it becomes involved in any legal matters related to the project.

‘A huge leap forward’: Trail leaders react to Grand Traverse County millage win

The six-year, 0.3-mill levy passed 58% to 42% and is expected to raise about $2.6 million a year, but the county still has to decide which trail projects get funded

DNR Gives OK to Run Sewer Main Under Medalie Park; South Airport & More Road Work Coming

A last-ditch effort to prevent a new $1.77 million sewer main from potentially having to be torn up in a few years has proven successful. At a special meeting Wednesday, Grand Traverse County commissioners approved allowing the new main – which is replacing undersized pipe below South Airport Road that cracked and leaked sewage this summer – to run under Medalie Park instead of the road right-of-way. That will ensure the main doesn’t have to be ripped out or redone when the South Airport crossing is eventually reconstructed.

A clerk tried to remove voters from the rolls. How her county, and the state of Michigan, stopped her

'It was a nasty race': 32nd District senator-elect talks to IPR

Rebecca Amidon will be the first woman to represent the 32nd District in the state Senate. She talked to a lot of voters — in part because opponents published her personal cell phone number. Also, we talk with John Sinkevics of the Local Spins website, and host of Local...

Split decisions for Benzie County voters on tax proposals

Benzie County voters approved two county millage proposals Tuesday but rejected a separate tax limitation measure and two funding requests from Benzie Central Schools.

Rebecca Amidon flips state Senate seat; 4 incumbents win

The midterm election brought one upset and four incumbent-won seats for the local district state Senate and House seats, according to unofficial results.

Manistee, Benzie counties top 60% voter turnout in election

More than 60% of voters cast ballots in Manistee and Benzie counties as local election results split from statewide outcomes.

5 Best Restaurants in Traverse City, Michigan You Need to Try Before Everyone Else Finds Them

Traverse City, Michigan — a city where the lake’s blue hush meets the laughter of cherry pickers and poets, where Victorian homes lean into the breeze and the air is sweet with the promise of summer. Here, the streets are stitched together by the stories of Ojibwe ancestors, farmers, artists, and dreamers who came for the water and stayed for the warmth of the community. It’s a place where the scent of woodsmoke mingles with roasting coffee, where every block hums with the rhythm of festivals, farmers’ markets, and the slow, golden drift of sunlight across Front Street.

Bat found in Grand Traverse County home tests positive for rabies

How many bats in Grand Traverse County have tested positive for rabies?. What steps does the health department recommend to prevent rabies exposure?. Why is rabies considered fatal once symptoms appear according to health officials?. GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- A second bat in Grand Traverse County has tested...