Local innovation hub 20 Fathoms and economic development nonprofit Venture North have awarded $72,000 to 16 small businesses in Northern Michigan to help them expand and contribute to economic growth in the region.

Highlights including the Patriot Game

The Traverse City Commission has approved a new ethics ordinance to strengthen transparency and accountability in local government, applying to both city staff and elected officials.

The 14th annual Patriot Game between Traverse City Central and Traverse City West will take place on Friday night, with proceeds going to the Honor Flight Network, a national nonprofit organization that flies veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials built to commemorate their service. Students from both schools are selling commemorative Patriot Game T-shirts and sweatshirts to support the cause, with sales taking place throughout the week at both high schools. Game tickets can be purchased online or at the gate on game day.

Sports Overtime Week 8

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) has implemented a new attendance policy that treats both excused and unexcused absences equally to improve student success and reduce chronic absenteeism. Under the updated policy, parents will receive a notification letter after their child has accumulated 10 absences, regardless of whether they are excused or unexcused. Additionally, if a student accumulates 20 absences within a single semester, an attendance officer will be assigned to investigate the situation and determine if it qualifies as truancy under state law. TCAPS currently ranks in the 90th percentile for attendance across district schools, and the updated policies aim to further improve those numbers.

Registration is now open for Traverse Connect's annual Economic Summit, taking place on November 3rd at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. The event will focus on growing and scaling diverse businesses across Northern Michigan, and will feature a networking session, business showcase, luncheon, and panel discussion. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and engage in discussions about the economic climate in the region. Reserved tables of eight can be purchased for $550, individual tickets for $65 for members and $85 for non-members. Ticket sales close on October 21st and October 28th respectively.

Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is approaching the end of its NMC Next strategic plan, which has resulted in seven consecutive semesters of enrollment growth. The college is now seeking community feedback to help shape its new strategic plan, which will begin in 2026. A public input session will be held on October 15th, and an online public forum will be open until October 29. Additionally, the NMC board of trustee members are evaluating how to best utilize the Boardman Lake Campus while maintaining its lease agreement with Greenspire High School.

The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC) has received $1.75 million in state funding to support the redevelopment of the Elberta waterfront. The funds will be matched by private donations raised by GTRLC. The project aims to transform the 35-acre property into a nature sanctuary, public park, beach-to-beach trail, and mixed-use development. The project has received strong community support and is expected to stimulate local economic growth. The goal is to raise $27.5 million to fully fund the project.

Northern Michigan High School Football Highlights

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA West campus in Traverse City has received approval for a $12.5 million expansion, which aims to increase overall capacity and offer a wider variety of facilities to better meet the needs of the community. The renovations will include a new gymnasium with two wood-floor basketball courts and a walking track, as well as increased space for the Mary Free Bed physical therapy facility and the YMCA's childcare center. The expansion is expected to increase capacity from 16,000 members to 30,000, and a phase two featuring a state-of-the-art fieldhouse will follow if fundraising stays on track.

Grand Traverse County leaders in Michigan have issued a request for proposal for the development of a new Justice Center to replace the aging and outdated infrastructure of the existing jail.

Northwestern Michigan College’s Transfer Week runs October 2–8, helping students explore four-year degree options with events, advising, and a Transfer Fair on October 8. Representatives from 40 Midwest colleges will be on-site to guide students through transfer opportunities beyond their associate’s degree.

Northwestern Michigan College’s dual enrollment program sees significant growth, offering over 500 high school students' free access to college courses. A supportive tuition policy and expanded academic opportunities are helping students earn college credit while still in high school.

The Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners has approved sweeping technology upgrades, including a new partnership with Tyler Technologies and a $297,000 renewal of Microsoft 365 for over 550 employees. With a focus on cloud migration, cybersecurity, and modernized communication tools like Microsoft Copilot, the county aims to enhance internal operations and protect sensitive data following past security breaches.