Chippewa County voters approve four millage proposals for public services

Chippewa County voters approved four millage proposals on the ballot, with each measure securing majority support

Sault Tribe Health Center welcomes Dr. Thilak Chander and names new medical director

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (WBUP/WJMN) — The Sault Tribe Health Division has added Dr. Thilak Chander, MD, to its medical team at the Sault Tribe Health Center in Sault Ste. Marie. Chander will begin offering primary care services at the location in the near future. Chander was previously an internist affiliated with MyMichigan Medical Center in Sault Ste. Marie. He received his medical education from Madras Medical College and the University of Illinois and has practiced for more than 20 years. Patients highly recommend him, and "we are lucky to have him," said Joel Lumsden, acting CEO of the Sault Tribe Health Division. Patients who wish to continue care with Chander may be eligible to do so at the Sault Tribe Health Center. Eligibility extends to tribal members and their spouses, as well as health center employees, their spouses and dependents. "Providing quality, accessible health care for our tribal citizens remains one of the Tribe's highest priorities," said Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes. "Dr. Chander has been a trusted physician in our community for decades, and we're thrilled to welcome him to the Sault Tribe Health Center. His addition helps ensure his experience and commitment to patient care remain right

Cheboygan superintendent on paid leave following OWI charge; interim named

CHEBOYGAN COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- Cheboygan Area Schools Superintendent Spencer Byrd has been placed on non-disciplinary paid administrative leave following an OWI charge in Mackinac County, with the school board appointing Jessica Yearling as interim superintendent Monday night. According to Mackinac County's 92nd District Court, Byrd was charged with operating...

Coffia reelected, Damoose distances himself

Kate Gallup had support from her own county Tuesday (Leelanau), but it wasn’t enough to get her past her incumbent opponent. Republican John Damoose of Harbor Springs won the Michigan 37th Senate seat topping Gallup with 54-46% of the votes cast. “First I want to thank my opponent, Kate...

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...

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

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

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...

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...

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.

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.