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.

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.

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...

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

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...

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...

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.

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

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.

Emmet County approves millage renewal for North Central Michigan College

EMMET COUNTY - Emmet County voters yesterday approved an operating millage renewal for North Central Michigan College, securing local tax support for the institution through 2036. Official election results show the 0.9946-mill rate passed with 60.6% of voters in favor and 39.4% opposed. The millage supplies approximately 20% of the college’s annual operating budget and is expected to generate about $4.66 million in its first year in 2027. Approval of the millage restores a portion of tax authority previously reduced under Michigan’s Headlee Amendment. Revenue will fund academic programs, workforce training, student services, community education and partnerships with area employers. Official results released by the Emmet County Clerk’s Office confirmed the passage of the measure. North Central Michigan College President David Roland Finley thanked residents for approving the proposal and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to fiscal management. “We are grateful to the residents of Emmet County for their continued trust and support,” Finley said. “North Central Michigan College has served this region for more than 65 years by providing exceptional, accessible, relevant educational opportunities that prepare students for successful careers and strengthen our communities and we strive to keep this education affordable. We recognize the responsibility that comes with this

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...

‘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

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.

'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...

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...

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...

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

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.

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.