Traverse City
GOVERNMENT
Catch a giant Smokey Bear hot air balloon in Michigan this week
A giant Smokey Bear hot air balloon will visit Michigan this week. The face of fire prevention will soar above the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. The balloon – a so-called “special shape” featuring Smokey’s face and signature ranger hat – will be inflated in the late afternoon each day at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
Traverse City approves new, scaled-back social district to boost neighborhood
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- An area where you can walk around and enjoy an alcoholic beverage in Traverse City was approved by the city commission Monday night. But it took a lot of reworking where the boundaries should be to get enough "yes" votes. The idea of having...
First Lady Biden to visit Middleville, Traverse City for community and political events
MIDDLEVILLE, Mich. — First Lady Jill Biden will be in Middleville Wednesday to highlight the U.S. Department of Agriculture's summer nutrition programs for area children during a 10:30 a.m. event, White House officials announced Tuesday. As part of her "Joining Forces" initiative, Dr. Biden will also visit Hidden Helpers...
$1M included in 2025 state budget for FishPass Project in Traverse City
(WPBN/WGTU) -- The Great Lakes Fishery Commission announced Tuesday that $1 million has been included in Michigan's 2025 state budget to support the construction of the FishPass Project in Traverse City. The project is part of a restoration project to replace the Union Street Dam with a new barrier that...
Commissioners Approve Traverse City's First Social District
Traverse City commissioners voted 6-1 Monday to approve the city's first social district near the Eighth Street and Garfield Avenue intersection, albeit with significantly reduced boundaries compared to the initial proposal. Commissioners approved establishing a social district - or an area where to-go alcoholic beverages can be sold and consumed...
Executive director selected for Traverse City Downtown Development Authority
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- After a selection process that took months, the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority has a new executive director. Harry Burkholder, a Traverse City native with over 15 years of public service experience, has been selected to be the DDA's executive director. Burkholder's appointment is contingent...
Grand Traverse Pavilions awarded for outstanding achievements in healthcare
A Northern Michigan nursing home was recognized for their outstanding service. The Governor’s Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievements in Healthcare was award to Grand Traverse Pavilions for improving the quality of healthcare in the region. Grand Traverse Pavilions offers independent assisted living, long-term care, rehabilitation and wellness programs. Their efforts to increase flu and COVID vaccination rates amongst residents at the facility far surpassed benchmarks, landing them a spot among the top 25 facilities in michigan. CEO Gerard Bodalski said the achievement wouldn’t be possible without a committed staff.
Solon Township Board Approves Park Lease Agreement With Cedar Polka Fest, Sans Controversial Fees
The Cedar Polka Fest will move forward as planned. At a special meeting held Friday evening, the Solon Township Board approved a lease agreement that will enable the Polka Fest Foundation to use Cedar Community Park for the popular festival in August. While the township had toyed with the idea of charging the Polka Fest Foundation new use fees to lease the park – potentially to the tune of thousands and thousands of dollars – the board ultimately opted not to change the precedent established with past Polka Fest events.
Organizers say Cedar Polka Fest to go ahead as planned
LEELANAU COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- An update to a story UpNorthLive News reported on last week. A Leelanau County festival was in jeopardy after the township debated charging new fees to use its facilities. Prior story: Future uncertain for Cedar's Polka Fest after change in township policy. The Cedar Polka...
Elk Rapids Updates: Rotary Park Construction, Library Campaign, HomeStretch Housing
Several significant projects are moving forward in Elk Rapids, with construction breaking ground this summer on the $1 million transformation of Rotary Park, a plan coming together for the new Elk Rapids District Library, and recent village approval of a new 24-unit affordable housing complex. Elk Rapids Rotary Park. Construction...
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