Oscoda County voters reject millage renewal for local library

OSCODA COUNTY - Oscoda County voters have rejected a four-year millage renewal for the Oscoda County District Library. As a result of the defeat, the library will lose its dedicated millage revenue once the current tax expires. The ballot initiative failed by a margin of 214 votes. Final counts showed 2,175 residents voted against the measure, while 1,961 voted in favor. Had the initiative passed, it would have maintained the library’s current tax rate of 0.4883 mills until 2029. That funding was designated to support daily functions and overall library services.

Escape To A Charming Amish Town In Michigan That Serves Up Homemade Food On Every Corner

You didn’t know you needed Clare, Michigan in your life, but Clare, Michigan has been waiting patiently for you anyway. This small town sitting at the crossroads of US-10 and US-127 in the heart of the Lower Peninsula is the kind of place that makes you question every road trip decision you’ve ever made that didn’t include stopping here.

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

2026 Ogemaw Veteran of the Year

Editor’s Note: Stay connected with thousands of our Northeast Michigan neighbors through the Up North Voice Mail, delivered FREE every Thursday morning. Sign up today!. OGEMAW COUNTY- Earlier this year, the Ogemaw County Veterans Alliance named Mr. Donald B. Card the 2026 Ogemaw County Veteran of the Year. The Veterans Alliance, through its member organizations, represents all veterans in Ogemaw County. This award is the highest honor the Alliance can bestow upon a fellow veteran.

Otsego Memorial Hospital to host first annual baby expo

OTSEGO COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- Otsego Memorial Hospital is inviting the community to a special event designed to help parents and families prepare for the journey ahead. The hospital is hosting its first annual baby expo on Wednesday, Nov.11, featuring opportunities to meet healthcare professionals, explore the brand-new birthing center and learn about pregnancy, childbirth and newborn care.

SNAP Work Rules Snap Back for 8 Michigan Counties, Bay City

Federal work requirements for food assistance kicked back in this week for certain Michigan residents in eight counties and one city, meaning thousands of able-bodied adults now have to log work or training hours to keep receiving help buying groceries. The change took effect Nov. 1 in Alger, Arenac, Iosco, Iron, Luce, Montmorency, Oceana and Roscommon counties, plus Bay City.

Otsego County millages pass to fund libraries, parks, recycling

Otsego County voters approved three millage proposals on the ballot, securing funding for local community services.

Schuette wins reelection, shares goals for third term

Bill G. Schuette will serve a third term in the Michigan House of Representatives after defeating Democratic candidate AnnMarie Horseman with 63.8% of the vote.

Cadillac Voters Approve Millage to Support Fire Department

The 1.85-mill levy is expected to generate about $630,000 in its first year, helping the department address aging equipment, staffing needs and growing demands.

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.

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...

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...

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 […]

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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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