Lake Ann
GOVERNMENT
Sculptures Removed From Boardman Trail After More Damage; Witnesses Share Account of Seeing First Accidentally Destroyed
After a third sculpture was badly damaged along the Boardman Lake Loop Trail and the fourth and final sculpture showed signs of minor vandalism, the Traverse City Arts Commission removed the Spirit of the Forest installation from the trail near Oryana this week. The last remaining sculpture in good condition will potentially be moved to another location for display, while a different art installation will be explored for the trail system in the future. Meanwhile, two witnesses have shared their account with The Ticker - and the Traverse City Police Department - of seeing the first sculpture accidentally destroyed by individuals trying to take a photo with the artwork.
With nominee ruled ineligible, GOP must pick new register of deeds candidate in Grand Traverse Co.
TRAVERSE CITY — Barb Lund became the Republican nominee for Grand Traverse County register of deeds after the August primary election, but she was found ineligible because she registered with an address that was not her primary residence. Michigan state law dictates that an executive committee should now fill the vacant nominee position. “We have the official notification from the county clerk’s office letting us know that Barb Lund was ineligible,” said Katie Kniss, chair of the Grand Traverse County GOP. “That process was sent back to the Grand Traverse County Republican Party to choose the nominee.” The party is legally able to choose anyone in the county but have decided to stick with the three other candidates who ran in the primary.
'It gives everybody hope': Traverse City event inspires efforts to combat addiction
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- August is Overdose Awareness Month. Every year, northern Michigan mothers who have lost love ones to addiction have organized an event to help others not go through the pain and loss that they have. This August is no exception. An event is planned that...
High Pointe Golf Club and the future of the Grand Traverse County road that intersects it
Between Acme and Williamsburg, near the VASA trail system, there’s a large swath of state forest land. People use a county right of way, called Arnold Road, to access that land for hiking and horseback riding. But Arnold Road cuts right through a golf course, and new owners petitioned...
Storied Two Hearted River gets 21st century update in new book
For Traverse City’s Bob Otwell, part of Michigan’s allure is its abundance of special places, and primary among them is the Upper Peninsula’s “wild and isolated” Two Hearted River watershed. That’s where Otwell and family have had a cabin called “Boggy’s Camp” for over 30...
GT County Takes Next Step Toward LaFranier Campus Expansion
Grand Traverse County commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to hire Cunningham-Limp to serve as project manager overseeing the design and construction of the county’s LaFranier Road campus expansion – an estimated $11-$16 million project that will create a new combined emergency operations and 911/Central Dispatch center and centralized county storage facility.
Traverse City hospitality workers urge lawmakers to amend upcoming minimum wage law
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- Servers and bartenders in Traverse City attended a media roundtable to ask lawmakers to save their tips. The Buffalo Wild Wings in Traverse City hosted a roundtable for local hospitality workers and legislators. A recent Michigan Supreme Court ruling eliminated the tip credit program,...
County Commissioners Approve Pine Rest Funding, Opioid Next Steps, Munson Bonds
Grand Traverse County commissioners approved several health-related proposals Wednesday, including allocating $150,000 to Pine Rest to support community child psychiatry services, dissolving the opioid task force and extending a consultant contract so commissioners can begin the next steps of disbursing funds, and receiving notice of plans to refinance $52.5 million in Munson bonds. Commissioners Wednesday also voted to transfer management of Duck Lake lake levels to Green Lake Township and authorized County Administrator Nate Alger to sign closing documents for Camp Greilick, with the county set to complete the park purchase next week.
Suttons Bay Marina to enhance facilities with state-funded waterways grants
LEELANAU COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- Changes are coming to Leelanau County to help people enjoy the great outdoors. It's thanks to a waterways grant from the Michigan DNR. Every year the DNR awards dozens of grants to help local communities in need. This waterways grant is targeted at addressing expanding the harbor system along the Great Lakes and boating access sites throughout the state.
New Program in Suttons Bay to Help Teens Quit Vaping
Leelanau Investing For Teens (LIFT) has launched a new initiative to help local teens and young adults quit vaping. The Suttons Bay-based organization has partnered with Truth Initiative to offer “This Is Quitting,” a free program that uses a text message platform with support, advice, and quitting strategies to help young people stop using e-cigarettes. Per a press release from LIFT, the nationwide program has enrolled over 750,000 users and “had nearly 40% higher odds of quitting compared to a control group” in a JAMA Internal Medicine clinical trial. LIFT Founder and Executive Director Rebekah TenBrink calls the program “an invaluable resource for Leelanau County teens” and “potentially life-saving.” To sign up, text SACREDBREATH to 88709. For more information about the program or to request materials, contact LIFT at (231) 313-5803 or liftyouthsb.com.
Vacation! Northern Michigan - The Front Porch
Since 1977, The Front Porch has been bringing Northern Michigan the best houseware items, kitchen utensils, souvenirs, and unique charming finds. Located right downtown darling Suttons Bay, you’re sure to find something you can’t live without after walking through The Front Porch. They pride themselves in selling the...
Glen Arbor Arts Center features Allie on front porch
Traverse City singer-songwriter Allie Kessel performs on the Glen Arbor Arts Center front porch on Friday, Aug. 23, from 5-7 pm. This Manitou Music concert is free, and open air. Concertgoers should bring a chair, and refreshments. Kessell possesses a unique musical style that blends folk and soul influences. With...
The State of Foster Care Up North: "We Just Don't Have Enough Homes"
Foster care organizations advocate for better mental health care and more foster parents. It's no secret that the U.S. needs more foster parents. The Michigan foster care network alone comprises about 10,000 children. Though the state has made some recent strides—1,600 children were adopted in 2021, and as of late...
Election integrity defender groups head to Northern Michigan for citizen education tour
Two groups dedicated to upholding the integrity of U.S. electoral system are heading to Northern Michigan for a citizens’ educational tour. The groups have already held events in cities in lower Michigan. Ari Mittleman is with one of the groups, called Keep Our Republic. "There’s a lot of misinformation...
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