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.

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.

Mesick Consolidated Schools face ongoing facility crises after bond defeat

Voters rejected a $17.1 million bond proposal for Mesick Consolidated Schools on Tuesday, leaving district officials to manage critical facility issues like roof leaks and a lack of hot water without new tax revenue. Superintendent Jack Ledford attributed the defeat to economic pressures such as high inflation and fuel costs.

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

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...

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...

'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.