Petoskey News Scanner

04/06/2026

Big news for home internet in the city limits. Fiber will be available for the first time.

Surf Internet is bringing high-speed, fiber-optic internet to Petoskey. Construction has begun in Serving Area 09 (SA09). Serving areas will be built and completed in the following order: SA09, SA08, SA04, SA01, SA02, SA03, SA05, SA06, and SA07.

Construction for serving areas 01, 02, 04, 08, and 09 is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Construction will break at the end of 2026 and will resume with SA03 starting in April 2027.

Service will become available in each serving area as it is completed. Estimated time frames for the completion of each serving area are as follows (Note: serving areas are listed in order of completion, not numerically):

🔹 SA09: Late August to Early September 2026
🔹 SA08: Mid-September 2026
🔹 SA04: Mid-to-Late October 2026
🔹 SA01: Mid-November 2026
🔹 SA02: Early December 2026
🔹 SA03: Mid-to-Late June 2027
🔹 SA05: Mid-July 2027
🔹 SA06: Mid-August 2027
🔹 SA07: Late August to Early September 2027

NOTE: Any time frames provided are estimates and are subject to change.

To learn more about Surf’s construction process or to sign up for notifications, visit SurfInternet.com/construction.

If you have questions, concerns, or issues regarding construction or yard restoration, please call their construction team directly at 1-844-445-7873. You can also ask questions by sending Surf Internet a direct message through their page.

To learn more about Surf Internet, visit SurfInternet.com. And, to find plans and pricing, click on Check Availability.

01/06/2026

- Charlevoix Ave Crash 5/31/26 -

EMS took a 19-year-old female to the hospital, who has since been released. The reason for the long road closure was fuel spill + investigation for the OVI charges.

28/05/2026

4pm 5/28/26-- EMS took two people to the hospital after a 3-vehicle crash in Bay View Thursday afternoon.

It happened around 3:30pm at the intersection of US 31 and Lakeview Ave, near the tennis courts.

An EMS report indicated this was a t-bone crash at 25-35mph.

Crews took a man, 76, and a woman, 88, to McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in separate ambulances.

The highway was closed and a detour established while workers investigated and cleaned up the crash.

Traffic remains restricted as of 4pm, with US 31 backups reported from downtown Petoskey all the way north to 119 in both directions.

22/05/2026

May 22, 2026 Construction Update - Howard & East Mitchell Street Reconstruction
- Underground utility work complete
- Concrete curb and gutter work complete
- Concrete sidewalk in process
- Mitchell and Howard Street intersection sidewalks completed
- Sidewalk decorative brick work in process
- Irrigation, tree planting and restoration work started
- Anticipating completion mid- June

Thank you for your understanding and patience throughout the construction process. If you have any questions or would like additional information regarding this project, please contact the Construction Engineer, Matt Miller or Director of Public Works, Jason Fate at 231-347-2500. Click here to review street detour map.

07/05/2026

5:29pm 5/7/26 - Another crash at 131 and Lears Rd

01/05/2026

Petoskey Breakwall on a cloudy and chilly May 1, 2026

27/04/2026

4/27 - A look at the utility work downtown at Mitchell and Howard. Expected completion is mid-June. From the city:

"For reference, the Howard Street reconstruct from Michigan Street to East Mitchell Street includes water main, storm sewer and sanitary sewer replacement; new pavement and subgrades; new curb and gutter and new sidewalk; landscaping and restorations. The East Mitchell Street reconstruct includes removal and replacement of the deteriorating intersection pavement along with sidewalk improvements."

23/04/2026

The long-vacant building at Emmet and Michigan is finally back in use, and now leasing.

Once a hospital, later a hotel, and for years a stalled property, it’s been redeveloped into apartments renting for roughly $1,500+ a month.

The project was backed in part by state funding aimed at turning vacant buildings into housing.

22/04/2026

April 22, still plenty of ice floating on the bay.

21/04/2026

- Petoskey City Council Moves to Preserve Wheelway Easements in April 20 Decision -

PETOSKEY - The Petoskey City Council says it intends to preserve public trail easements along the Little Traverse Wheelway following a closed session at the start of Monday night’s meeting on April 20.

After retreating into closed session, council returned and announced it has directed the city attorney to continue negotiations with property owners Gustav and Courtney Lo, with the goal of maintaining existing easements while addressing the landowners’ concerns about trail conditions and maintenance.

During public comment, multiple residents urged council not to agree to any terms that could result in the permanent loss of access.

“I urge you not to agree to any terms that risk the permanent loss of trail easements or future public access,” said Maggie. “This is not just about a one-year funding window. It is about whether we preserve or surrender a long-term community asset.”

Speakers emphasized that once easements are lost, future options, such as repair, rerouting, or long-term investment, could disappear.

“The Wheelway is more than a path,” Maggie added. “It connects communities, supports local businesses, and offers safe, accessible recreation for residents and visitors alike.”

The decision comes as the city faces a potential settlement tied to a damaged section known as the "Miracle Mile" between Petoskey and Bay Harbor.

Under a reported framework, the city could have a limited window to secure funding and approvals for a long-term solution. If those conditions are not met, easements allowing public access could be relinquished.

Others voiced appreciation for the council’s stated position.

“I cannot tell you how grateful I am,” said John during remote comment. “For you to save that speaks so much to the people of this community.”

“I just want to thank you for listening to the public,” said Emily of Petoskey.

City officials have not finalized an agreement, but Monday’s action signals council is not prepared to give up the easements as negotiations continue.