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.

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.

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

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...

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.

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.

A New Chapter Begins for Lake Hardware

For Halloween, Lake Michigan pulls out all the stops. They close off the main street for a trunk or treat and the entire downtown turns out. What better time for Joe and Arika Reno to officially celebrate their grand opening of Lake Hardware. The food truck, Smokin' Pigs by Bigs was on hand to feed those attending the festivities.

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...

Midterm cycle comes to a close in Isabella County

Polls across Isabella County and the state of Michigan have officially closed in the final stretch of one of the most notable midterm elections in Michigan history. Mount Pleasant residents had the opportunity to elect new city commissioners and school board members. People across Isabella County were also asked to vote in support of education millages and energy easements.

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...

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.

$75,000 Grant Puts 15 New Habitat Homes on the Map in Grand Traverse County

You teach third grade, or you drive an ambulance, or you work the line at a restaurant in Traverse City. You earn a steady paycheck, and you still can’t find a home in the county where you work. For a lot of Northern Michigan families, that’s not a hypothetical. It’s the current housing market.

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.

Reed City schools face budget decisions after $10.78M bond fails

Failed bond leaves schools weighing cuts

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.

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...

Tom Kunse chosen to lead Michigan House Republican caucus

State Rep. Tom Kunse has been selected to lead the Michigan House Republican caucus for the 2027-2028 legislative session.