Traverse City Ticker

07/26/2026

Two newcomers to state office races will face off in the 37th state Senate District Democratic primary race on Aug. 4, with the winner facing Republican incumbent John Damoose in November. The Ticker caught up with both candidates - Kate Gallup and Mitchell Treadwell - to hear more.

Two newcomers to state office races will face off in the 37th state Senate District Democratic primary race on Aug. 4, with the winner facing the Republican incumbent in November. The Ticker caught up with both candidates to hear more. Kate Gallup of Cedar and Mitchell Treadwell of Traverse City are...

07/25/2026

The Flapjack & Flannel Festival - held for eight consecutive years at Timber Ridge Resort - will not take place in 2026 due to "scheduling conflicts among key collaborators involved in producing the festival and an intentional reset to bring the event back in a stronger form," according to organizer Craft Beverage Artisans. The event is planned to return in October 2027.

The Flapjack & Flannel Festival - held for eight consecutive years at Timber Ridge Resort - will not take place in 2026 due to

07/25/2026

A community group has $100,000 in pledges and hopes to land at least $100,000 more over the next few weeks to secure the installation of energy efficient HVAC equipment at Central Grade School.

A community group has $100,000 in pledges and hopes to land at least $100,000 more over the next few weeks to secure the installation of energy efficient HVAC equipment at Central Grade School. Traverse City Area Public Schools recently kicked off a three-year, $51 million comprehensive upgrade of C...

07/24/2026

Garfield Township is teeing up a potential moratorium on data centers that would allow officials to spend up to 18 months updating the township zoning ordinance to better address such projects. In the meantime, an application has been submitted for a small-scale data center on 3.45 acres on Sybrandt Road near the Sara Lee plant. However, Township Planning Director John Sych says the site plan is incomplete and cannot be considered for approval until updated by developers.

Garfield Township is teeing up a potential moratorium on data centers that would allow officials to spend up to 18 months updating the township zoning ordinance to better address such projects. In the meantime, an application has been submitted for a small-scale data center on 3.45 acres on Sybrandt...

07/23/2026

FYI

07/23/2026

A request-for-proposals to redevelop six city-owned parcels on State and Pine streets on the west side of downtown has garnered two major development offers. Traverse City commissioners will discuss the bids at their August 10 study session, with both proposals addressing desired components like public parking, rental housing, public restrooms, and a TC Police Department substation.

A request-for-proposals (RFP) to redevelop six city-owned parcels on State and Pine streets on the west side of downtown has garnered two major development offers. Traverse City commissioners will discuss the bids at their August 10 study session, with both proposals addressing desired components li...

07/22/2026

A years-long dispute between Consumers Energy and a group of local homeowners is escalating. The Michigan Public Services Commission has granted a formal public hearing to a cadre of neighbors who reside at the base of Old Mission Peninsula. That group filed a complaint against Consumers earlier this summer, raising concerns about easements which give the utility broad latitude to cut down trees and restrict property rights. Consumers argues the easements are crucial for maintaining reliable power service to customers on Old Mission. Homeowners feel the utility has overreached and isn’t being transparent about future plans.

A years-long dispute between Consumers Energy and a group of local homeowners is escalating. The Michigan Public Services Commission (MPSC) has granted a formal public hearing to a cadre of neighbors who reside at the base of Old Mission Peninsula. That group filed a complaint against Consumers earl...

07/22/2026

Traverse City commissioners voted 4-3 Monday to make the two-way traffic pattern on State Street, Pine Street, and Boardman Avenue permanent. Commissioners also unanimously voted to approve the ballot language for a TIF plan that will head to voters this fall.

Traverse City commissioners voted 4-3 Monday to make the two-way traffic pattern on State Street, Pine Street, and Boardman Avenue permanent. Commissioners also unanimously voted to approve the ballot language for a TIF plan that will head to voters this fall. Mayor Amy Shamroe and Commissioners He...

07/21/2026

After more than three decades in Catholic education, including 27 years at Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools (GTACS), Superintendent Michael Buell has retired. As part of the leadership transition, GTACS will adopt the title of "president" for its chief executive role, "aligning with common practice in Catholic school systems nationwide," according to a GTACS release. Rachael Milliman, previously managing director of finance and operations, has been appointed as the new president. The selection was endorsed by Bishop Jeffrey Walsh and the pastors of the school’s five patron parishes.

After more than three decades in Catholic education, including 27 years at Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools (GTACS), Superintendent Michael Buell has retired. Buell's decision arose

07/21/2026

With increasing challenges at the city-owned Hickory Hills Recreation Area – including “operational costs, infrastructure needs, staffing challenges, and uncertainty with weather-dependent operations,” according to Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Hunt – the city is looking to get creative for the future. Commissioners Monday unanimously approved hiring Traverse City-based North Country Alpine Services to operate the park for one year on the city’s behalf, with the goal of increasing programming and revenues and reevaluating the partnership in 2027.

With increasing challenges at the city-owned Hickory Hills Recreation Area – including “operational costs, infrastructure needs, staffing challenges, and uncertainty with weather-dependent operations,” according to Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Hunt – the city is looking to get crea...