'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.

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.

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...

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

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...

Grand Traverse County trails millage passes

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — Voters have approved a new millage to fund trail development, maintenance and improvements throughout Grand Traverse County. The millage passed with 58% (29,485) of voters saying “Yes” and 42% (21,047) of voters saying “No”. The proposal authorizes a 0.3-mill levy for six years, from 2026 through 2031. If levied in full, the millage is expected to generate an estimated $2,635,012 in its first year. The owner of a property with a market value of $100,000 and a taxable value of $50,000 would pay approximately $15 per year. The funding can be used for trail construction, planning and engineering, maintenance, capital replacement, property and right-of-way acquisition, and program administration. Election results are unofficial until certified by election officials.

Voters reject Mesick Schools $7.1M elementary renovation bond proposal

WEXFORD COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- A slate of millage and bond proposals failed up and down the ballot Tuesday. Mesick Consolidated Schools voters rejected a proposed $7.1 million bond to renovate the district’s aging elementary school. District officials had reduced the bond from $9.3 million to $7.1 million and...

Things to do in Benzie, Manistee and Mason counties from Nov. 5-12

See what’s happening Nov. 5-12 in Benzie, Manistee and Mason counties, with local plays, community meals, classes and family events.

Voters reject Benzie Central school funding millages

"While the proposals were not approved, the needs they were intended to address remain important to the district."

Crystal Lake Township rejects Ironman road agreement; Frankfort explores alternate route

BENZIE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- Frankfort officials are exploring a new bike route for the Ironman Triathlon after Crystal Lake Township rejected a three-year road-use agreement in a 3-2 vote, drawing criticism from residents and leaving Gilmore Township as a potential alternative. Some in the community said the board members'...

Traverse City, Michigan, to Celebrate Beer Week

For any groups visiting northwest Michigan over the next couple weeks, we hope you’re thirsty. One of the country’s standout destinations for craft beer, Traverse City will be celebrating its annual Traverse City Beer Week Nov. 6-14. With more than 20 participating breweries and taprooms serving up a wide variety of suds, every member of your group is sure to find a pint (or several) to love.

Voters reject county millage; OK animal control and drug team funding

For the first time since it was enacted in 1982, Benzie County is without an operating millage.

Four Michigan Counties Now Have Deer Virus Cases

A potentially deadly virus has been found in Michigan deer. Here's what hunters need to know and the warning signs to watch for.

Northern Michigan clerks vouch for election security as early votes stack up

Grand Traverse and Leelanau county clerks detail ballot testing, public oversight and early turnout numbers ahead of Tuesday’s midterm election

Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging launches annual Baskets of Bounty campaign

The Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging has launched its annual Baskets of Bounty Campaign to assist senior citizens across Grand Traverse County during the holiday season.

11 Michigan Parks and Communities Where Black Bears Could Turn Up This Fall

Michigan’s black bears are busy preparing for winter, and their search for food can bring them surprisingly close to campgrounds, orchards, and residential neighborhoods. One western Michigan township even issued a bear alert on October 30, 2026. Michigan is home to thousands of black bears, with most living in...

Who will keep Leelanau working? Public forum explores housing, workers and future of our community

The League of Women Voters of Leelanau County invites the public to a public forum on Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 12-1 pm at the Leelanau County Government Center titled “Who Will Keep Leelanau Working? A Conversation About Housing, Workers and the Future of Our Community.” The forum the day after the midterm election will explore local housing challenges and innovative approaches to helping essential workers live closer to the communities they serve.

TC Eyes 2027 Planning Goals

Traverse City planning commissioners will review 2026 and start setting priorities for 2027 at their 6pm meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Governmental Center. One long-running goal – to create a riparian buffer ordinance – is ready to move forward, with city commissioners to review a draft in December. Other goals related to housing, zoning updates, development standards, and EV regulations will likely carry into next year.

Ironman 70.3 Michigan road-use agreement rejected by Crystal Lake Twp.

Board members side with residents they say have safety and quality of life concerns.