102.3 & 103.3 FM, 1270 AM Triple Talk WMKT

10/16/2026

A rate hike for Consumers Energy gas customers goes into effect next month. Traverse City's proposed prowling ordinance is facing opposition from the ACLU. Cleanup is complete at the site of the F-16 crash in Grand Traverse County.

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10/16/2026

MICHIGAN- Consumers Energy customers will pay about four dollars more per month for natural gas starting November first. The Michigan Public Service Commission approved a 4.3% rate increase for typical residential customers, bringing the utility’s approved increase to about $139 million, down from the $240 million requested. The commission also approved funding for gas main replacements and leak detection, while rejecting millions in costs it found insufficiently justified. Attorney General Dana Nessel criticized the increase, arguing utility rate hikes continue to drive up household bills.

10/16/2026

Cadillac-
High school students in the Wexford-Missaukee ISD Career Technical Center’s construction program are developing a new 24-home subdivision on 32 acres off Crosby Road in Cadillac. The homes are expected to sell for between $400,000 and $500,000, helping address the area’s housing shortage while giving students hands-on experience in construction trades. About 60 juniors and seniors are participating in the program, learning key skills ranging from framing and excavation to plumbing and electrical work. Students also had a hand in designing the homes, and the program plans to complete 1 house every 2 years.

10/15/2026

The Jordan Valley EMS Authority Director has been fired following accusations of financial misconduct. A former Traverse City café owner faces 10 federal charges for allegedly failing to pay taxes. MDOT will conduct soil testing along M-119 in Emmet County to help fix recurring flooding.

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10/15/2026

The Boyne City to Charlevoix Trail project has received a $30,000 matching grant pledge from Petoskey residents John and Diane Harris. The Top of Michigan Trails Council and Charlevoix County Trail Team are now working to raise an additional $30,000 to unlock the match and help fund engineering and surveying for the final six miles of trail between Charlevoix and Horton Bay. The project has a total fundraising goal of $290,000, with organizers reporting they have already raised $100,000 over the past year. Donations made to the project will count toward the matching campaign. More information is available at trailscouncil.org.

10/15/2026

The Michigan Department of Transportation will conduct soil testing next week along M-119 in Emmet County to investigate ongoing flooding near Beach Road. Heavy rain has caused water to overflow the Little Traverse Wheelway and spill onto the highway, disrupting traffic. MDOT has installed a drainage pipe but is exploring a more permanent solution. The soil tests will help determine whether the ground is stable enough for construction or needs to be removed and replaced.

10/15/2026

10/15/2026

Charlevoix-
Charlevoix County Sheriff Chuck Vondra could become the county’s next administrator. Commissioners voted on Wednesday to extend a conditional job offer to Vondra, who has been serving as interim administrator since July, following Kevin Shepard’s resignation. The Commissioner vote was unanimous. If Vondra accepts and finalizes a contract, he’ll have to resign as sheriff. Contract negotiations would then begin with assistance from the county’s civil counsel.

10/15/2026

Leelanau County-
Leelanau County has hired former Mason County administrator Fabian Knizacky as the interim finance director after Rio Risbridger resigned earlier this month. Knizacky spent about 31 years leading Mason County government and is expected to serve through mid-January. Risbridger’s departure follows controversy over allegations involving the proposed hiring of her husband, which county officials have denied. She was the county’s third finance director to leave since 2023. The county plans to hire a permanent replacement by January, and officials say the November budget approval process remains on schedule.

10/15/2026

East Bay Township-
Grand Traverse County Commissioners are reviewing a proposed 50-year lease that would allow North Sky Raptor Sanctuary to build a wildlife hospital and education center at Camp Greilick in East Bay Township. The Interlochen-based nonprofit estimates construction will cost $4.2 million and hopes to open in summer 2029, serving about 10,000 visitors annually. Commissioners raised concerns about the lease’s length, restrictions on public access, and the lack of a competitive bidding process. They will revise the proposal based on their feedback and bring it back to the board for further consideration.