Traverse City Ticker

12/26/2025

UPDATE: The Zilwaukee Bridge has reopened.

ALERT: Locations ranging from Mt. Holiday to the Elks Lodge have closed in Traverse City today due to icing. Check ahead if you’re headed somewhere and take precautions on the roads. Travelers, be aware that other parts of the state are also experiencing significant impacts, include the closure of the Zilwaukee Bridge and I-75 around it and reduced speeds on the Mackinac Bridge. Stay safe out there!

12/26/2025

The New Year is nearly here, and with it, major milestones for many of northern Michigan’s most iconic businesses and organizations. Here’s a look at who’s ushering in 2026 eyeing an anniversary, what it took to get them here, and how they plan to celebrate.

The New Year is nearly here, and with it, major milestones for many of northern Michigan’s most iconic businesses and organizations. Here’s a look at who’s ushering in 2026 eyeing an anniversary, what it took to get them here, and how they plan to celebrate. North American Vasa – 50th Annive...

12/26/2025

FYI

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Ga***rd MI
156 PM EST Thu Dec 25 2025

MIZ020-025-026-031>034-041-042-260700-
/O.CON.KAPX.WW.Y.0049.251226T1000Z-251226T2100Z/
Leelanau-Benzie-Grand Traverse-Manistee-Wexford-Missaukee-Roscommon-Gladwin-Arenac-
156 PM EST Thu Dec 25 2025
..WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 4 PM EST
FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Freezing rain and light mixed precipitation expected. Ice accumulations up to one tenth of an inch, with snow and sleet accumulations likely remaining under an inch.

* WHERE...A portion of Northern Lower Michigan.

* WHEN...From 5 AM to 4 PM EST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use
caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first
few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These
surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall
and injury.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

12/25/2025

The universe has a strange way of delivering new pieces to Paul and Jenny Sparks’ growing collection of holiday decorations. Sometimes, admirers of their ambitious display just off Four Mile Road near U.S. 31 make a donation to the cause. The Sparks work nights and rarely get to meet these strangers, but they’ve provided a large chunk of their hundreds of pieces over the years.

The universe has a strange way of delivering new pieces to Paul and Jenny Sparks’ growing collection of holiday decorations. Sometimes, admirers of their ambitious display just off Four Mile Road near U.S. 31 make a donation to the cause. The Sparks work nights and rarely get to meet these strange...

12/24/2025

FYI

12/24/2025

We’ve started pouring concrete along the north shore of the Boardman/Ottaway River. It is the beginning of the fish-sorting channels - where innovative research on selective fish passage will occur starting in 2027. Lots to look forward to in 2026. Happy Holidays from FishPass!

If you want to watch the fish sorting channel work advance - remember to check out our live we**am: https://share.earthcam.net/tJ90CoLmq7TzrY396Yd88BSzcKzggGqkO7kWwm9XNnQ!.tJ90CoLmq7TzrY396Yd88OtB8AoOfkbb5fZi_Ofcz8o!/union_street_dam_fishpass/camera/home

12/24/2025

While warmer temperatures will likely make for a semi-green Christmas, snow is still front of mind for everyone from ski resort operators to local plow drivers. The Ticker has your guide to hitting the slopes over winter break, plus updates on plowing routes, shoveling rules, and more.

While warmer temperatures will likely make for a semi-green Christmas, snow is still front of mind for everyone from ski resort operators to local plow drivers. The Ticker has your guide to hitting the slopes over winter break, plus updates on plowing routes, shoveling rules, and more. Ski ResortsWh...

12/23/2025

A third individual has been charged after an investigation into a fatal shooting at the Larry C. Hardy parking deck. Austin C. Bucco, 20, was recently arraigned in 86th District Court on charges of lying to a peace officer in a violent crime investigation, possession of a firearm by a felon, and felony fi****ms.

A third individual was charged after an investigation into a fatal shooting at the Larry C. Hardy parking deck. Austin C. Bucco, 20, was recently arraigned in 86th District Court on charges of lying to a peace officer in a violent crime investigation, possession of a firearm by a felon and felony fi...

12/23/2025

Following several bumpy years that included the turnover of multiple leaders, financial struggles, a lawsuit with PACE North, and staffing challenges, the Grand Traverse Pavilions is under new leadership and working to chart a new course for the future. Pavilions representatives appeared before county commissioners Wednesday to give an update on the facility, including work to improve inspection ratings, attract more residents, and become more efficient operationally.

Following several bumpy years that included the turnover of multiple leaders, financial struggles, a lawsuit with PACE North, and staffing challenges, the Grand Traverse Pavilions is under new leadership and working to chart a new course for the future. Pavilions representatives appeared before coun...

12/22/2025

FYI

We're excited to be open for this week! Come by and pick up some last minute gifts: we have t-shirts, mugs, glasses, and gift cards.
And grab a sweet treat from our full menu.

12/22/2025

In addition to a closed-door session to discuss the results of a recent audit, Traverse City Downtown Development Authority board members Friday agreed to pursue putting a new tax increment finance plan on the ballot in 2026. The board also heard updates on several downtown events.

In addition to a closed-door session to discuss the results of a recent audit, Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA) board members Friday agreed to pursue putting a new tax increment finance (TIF) plan on the ballot in 2026. The board also heard updates on several downtown events. Movin...

12/21/2025

Did you know there used to be a hospital on the hill behind Tom’s West Bay? Or that there was hysteria surrounding a supposed sea serpent spotted on several occasions near the beach at Slabtown in 1907? These are just a few of the hundreds of fascinating tales, anecdotes, and historical nuggets – most supported by pictures – gathered by Marty MacLeod for "Slabtown: Traverse City’s Premier Neighborhood." It’s MacLeod’s third in an ongoing series of books about Traverse City’s neighborhoods.

Did you know there used to be a hospital on the hill behind Tom’s West Bay? Did you further know that this hospital proudly boasted of its Bunsen burner-powered “human bake oven,” which according to advertisements at the time was the perfect way to cure rheumatism, gout, arthritis, ulcers and ...