Beth Milligan
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Head writer for @traverseticker. Detroit sports fan, poker/pinball enthusiast, nature nut, trivia host, avid seeker & traveler. Producer, “Marqueetown.”
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Articles by Beth Milligan
Front Street Projects Called Off; More Retail, Restaurant News
Two prominent Front Street projects have been called off, with new live music venue The Red Piano no longer moving forward in the former Mackinaw Brewing Company space and developer Joel Peterson scrapping plans for a four-story mixed-used development at the former Mid-American Title site. The Ticker has the details on those and other retail and restaurant updates from across the region.
City Making Improvements to East Side Social District
The City of Traverse City is making improvements to the East Side Social District at Eighth Street and Garfield Avenue, "marking the first phase of enhancements designed to create a safer, more accessible, and more welcoming public gathering space," according to a release. The city was awarded a $100,000 placemaking grant in February from Project for Public Spaces to support district improvements.
Twilight in the Tunnels of the Grand Traverse Commons
This week’s Northern Express — sister publication of The Ticker — is all about Halloween. And while many consider the Village at Grand Traverse Commons haunted, local tour guides and employees think otherwise. The site's timeline starts in 1881, when the Michigan Legislature approved funding for the construction of the Northern Michigan Asylum for the Insane, the state’s third such institution.
This Emergency Physician Wants to Give Traverse City a Window into the Music Industry
Want to learn the ins and outs of the music industry from professionals who have played with the likes of Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, and Prince? Jacob Ramseyer, a local emergency medical physician with deep musical roots, is inviting the Traverse City community to do just that next month, with a free master class at the City Opera House. Growing up in Traverse City, Ramseyer thought he’d make a career out of music.
NMC Secures New Six-Figure Maritime Grant, Hires Osterlin Architect
A new lease on life for Northwestern Michigan College’s marine technology program: that’s the significance of a new six-figure grant the college received from the state earlier this week, according to Great Lakes Water Studies Institute Director John Lutchko.
Haunted Leelanau
Local historians lean into the spooky stories from the County By Beth Milligan | Oct. 24, 2026 Haunted lighthouses. Ghost towns. Strange phenomena. Leelanau County has more than its fair share of spooky lore and eerie legends. Is all the supernatural activity just rumors and conjecture, or is there any historical weight to the myths? We pulled up a (metaphorical) seat around the campfire with some local experts to find out.
Student Driver Charged in Fatal Old Mission Crash
Jackson Lakies, the 18-year-old driver in an October 3 car crash on Center Road that killed passenger Jason Soloman, has been charged with second-degree murder and operating while intoxicated causing death. According to a release from the Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Lakies was traveling approximately 129 miles per hour five seconds before the crash as he approached a sharp curve in the road on Center Road near McKinley Road that Saturday morning shortly before 8am.
TC Presbyterian Church & Feeding America to Offer Twice-Monthly Food Pantry
The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City has formed a new partnership with Feeding America to provide a bimonthly Mobile Food Pantry in the church parking lot every first and third Monday of the month from 4pm to 6pm starting November 2. Members of the church, located at 701 Westminster Road, have "have long wondered about ways to utilize their large lot for more than parking during worship and events," according to a release.
DDA to Host TIF Open House at Library Monday
The Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA) will host an open house Monday, October 26 on the proposed Infrastructure First TIF Plan that will appear on the November 3 ballot. The open house "will serve as an informational opportunity for community members to review details of the proposal, as well as learn how TIF works and how it has supported downtown infrastructure and services," according to a release.
Traverse Connect’s Annual Economic Summit Set for November 9
Traverse Connect will host its Annual Economic Summit on Monday, November 9 at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, with the event offering “a half-day of economic forecasting and business development uniquely tailored to businesses in northwest Michigan.” Registration is open until Monday, November 2.
Gallup, Damoose Face Off in 37th Senate Race
Two candidates with divergent views on campaign finance, health care expansion and state education funding are squaring off in the state Senate’s 37th District race ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Incumbent Republican Sen.
Commissioners Review Upcoming Projects, Press Treasurer
Efforts to address widespread erosion at the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve and repair the Oleson Bridge following damage from the April floods could cost north of $12 million. While Grand Traverse County is hopeful for FEMA assistance, the property is just one on a long list of sites needing capital improvements in the coming years. County commissioners discussed those projects Wednesday and continued to press County Treasurer Jamie Callahan on outstanding IRS issues.
Grand Traverse County Commissioner Arraigned on Drunk Driving Charge
Lauren Flynn, a member of the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners, was arraigned this week on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. Flynn pleaded not guilty to the charge, which arises from a July traffic stop. Legal proceedings are only now proceeding due to delays that stemmed from Flynn’s status as a Grand Traverse County official and resulting conflicts of interest for the county prosecutor's office.
City Commission Approves Prowling/Trespassing Laws, Attainable Housing District
Traverse City commissioners approved two hotly debated proposals Monday in a marathon four-and-a-half hour meeting, including new prowling/trespassing laws and an attainable housing district. Commissioners voted 4-3 to approve the prowling and trespassing ordinance changes, with Mayor Amy Shamroe and Commissioners Mitch Treadwell and Lance Boehmer opposed. Prowling is defined as “willfully lurking about, lying in wait, or moving stealthily about private property as if in search of prey or plunder.
Officials Work to Improve Boardman River Health – But Face Constraints
The Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and City of TC are working on multiple fronts to improve the Lower Boardman River – including habitat and shoreline improvements, repairs to a deteriorating retaining wall, and public placemaking projects. However, one of the main challenges to the urban river’s health – its proximity to so many hard surfaces and buildings – is further constraining efforts because of restrictions on affecting the floodplain.
City Eyes Major Boardman/Washington/Cass/State Project
The City of Traverse City is gearing up for a major construction project in 2028 and 2029 that will replace water and sewer mains under Boardman Avenue, Washington Street, Cass Street, and State Street – plus reconstruct the streets and add new cycling and pedestrian amenities. The city will hold a public open house today (Tuesday) from 4pm to 6pm at the Governmental Center to explain the estimated $5 million-plus project and gather feedback.
Annual TC Patriot Game Set for Friday at Thirlby Field
The annual TC Patriot Game between the Traverse City Central Trojans and Traverse City West Titans is scheduled for Friday, October 23 at Thirlby Field. The event honors veterans, first responders, active-duty military, and fallen area heroes. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., Patriot Game ceremonies begin at 6:35 p.m., and kickoff is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. This year, Student Senate members from both high schools selected Reining Liberty Ranch as the official beneficiary.
NMC Lands $630,000 Grant from the State
Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) will receive more than $630,000 in state funds in connection with the newly-completed Michigan Maritime Strategy, the office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Monday morning. NMC is one of five community colleges in the state receiving the grant dollars, which total more than $3 million in investment.
Prowling Ordinance, Attainable Housing District Headed to Commission Vote
Two proposals that have generated the most public comment at Traverse City commission meetings this year are headed to a vote tonight (Monday). Commissioners will consider approving new prowling and trespassing laws and establishing a new Attainable Housing District, a designated area where property owners can apply to receive a tax reduction in exchange for providing rental housing.
Local Clerks Debunk Voting Misinformation
This week’s Northern Express — sister publication of The Ticker — is the Election Issue. Local officials in charge of elections in the City of Traverse City and Grand Traverse County share their take on how elections are run and what voters can do if they have concerns. “Elections are infrequent enough that it’s tricky for the average person to commit to memory the rules and systems in place to ensure our elections are free and fair,” says City Clerk Sarah Lutz.
Candidates Square Off In 103rd State House Race
A two-term incumbent is being challenged by a first-time candidate for state office in the 103rd House of Representatives race. State Rep. Betsy Coffia of Traverse City is looking for a third consecutive win for the Democratic Party after she flipped the historically Republican seat four years ago. Republican challenger Edwin Dean of Northport looks to return the seat to the GOP and add to its thin majority in the state House. Both candidates were unopposed in the primary.
Traverse City Central's New 'Ride Lab' Uses Skateboards to Teach Physics, Business Skills
What if the most effective physics classroom isn’t a classroom at all, but a skate park? This fall, Traverse City Central High School is experimenting with that very question. Brett Derr is one the teachers behind the Ride Lab, a brand-new double-block course at Central that combines physics, business, marketing, and advertising. In the past, Derr has taught those subjects as separate classes.
Garfield Township Approves South Airport Sewer Work, Townline Rezoning, Trail Projects
Drivers experiencing backups on South Airport Road this week should brace for more work ahead this fall. Traffic has been snarled in the corridor this week due to an eastbound lane closure near Logan’s Landing, where the Grand Traverse County Road Commission is performing slope stabilization and culvert armoring work near the Boardman River. That work is expected to continue for another week. More work is on deck beyond that.
Rolling Farms Cafe Owner Indicted on Tax Fraud
Christopher Robin Roehler, the 65-year-old owner and manager of Rolling Farms Cafe in Traverse City, has been indicted by a grand jury for tax fraud, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan announced Thursday. According to a release, Roehler "was responsible for collecting, accounting for, and paying over to the Internal Revenue Service employment taxes.
Peninsula Trustees Address Center Road, Approve Fire Station Contract/Bayshore Event
In the wake of the second fatal crash on Center Road in three months, Peninsula Township trustees are working with local and state officials to address speeding and safety issues on Old Mission. Those could new rumble strips along the road shoulder and more law enforcement action, with Grand Traverse County Sheriff Mike Shea promising an “increased presence” in the township.
TC Man Faces Felony Charge for Threatening to Kill Prosecutor
A Traverse City man, 57-year-old Edward Manseau, is facing a felony charge for allegedly threatening to kill Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney Noelle Moeggenberg. Manseau was arraigned Friday in 86th District Court on one count of making a terroristic threat or false report of terrorism, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Wednesday. The charge is a 20-year felony.
TART Trail Along Parsons Road Could Reopen As Soon As Tomorrow
Closed all summer due to sewer construction work, the stretch of TART Trail that runs parallel to Parsons Road could reopen as soon as tomorrow, TART Director of Strategic Engagement Brian Beauchamp tells The Ticker. Beachamp says a project manager told TART this week that “if everything goes as planned, the trail along Parsons will be open to the public this Thursday,” October 15.
County to Consider North Sky Lease; Funding Allocations to Support County Services
In addition to an in-depth discussion on the 2027 budget, Grand Traverse County commissioners will review a proposed 50-year lease with North Sky Raptor Sanctuary at Camp Greilick at their 9am study session today (Wednesday). In other county news, two state funding allocations are giving a boost to local services – including response efforts at the site of a crashed F-16 near Grawn and $2.9 million to expand dental services for veterans and other underserved groups.
New Munson Medical Center Initiative Aims to Eliminate Emergency Room Wait Times
On the heels of another busy summer, the new president at Munson Medical Center (MMC) is convening a “rapid improvement team” to reimagine patient flow across the hospital. The long-term goal? “Zero wait” at the MMC emergency department (ED) “It was our busiest summer ever, again,” says Megan Brown, Munson’s chief marketing and communications officer.
NMC to Celebrate 45 Years of Rogers Observatory
Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is holding a public viewing event this coming weekend to celebrate the 45-year anniversary of its Rogers Observatory campus. The event will be held from 6-10pm on Saturday, October 17 and is part of the college’s broader 75th anniversary festivities. According to a press release, the observatory dome “will be open and telescopes available” during the event. Rogers Observatory is located at 1753 Birmley Road, near the Keystone Soccer Complex.
The Fall 2026 NoMi Restaurant Guide
In this week’s Northern Express — sister publication of The Ticker — readers will find the annual Fall Restaurant Guide, with 10 eateries to try around northern Michigan. Explore options for sushi, shawarma, sandwiches, steaks, and Southern comfort food at food trucks, fine dining establishments, and cozy hole-in-the-wall spots that locals know and love.
City Works on Fund Balance, Zoning Approvals, Fall Maintenance
Traverse City commissioners are working to update the city’s fund balance policy, which will outline how excess funds can best be used. In other city news, city commissioners relaxed zoning rules to make it easier for child care centers to operate, planning commissioners supported plans for a new Nicolet National Bank on Front Street, and staff are gearing up for annual fall leaf and tree maintenance.
Northern Michigan's Short-Term Rentals Are Tracking Toward Their Busiest Autumn Season Ever
Think Traverse City seems busier this weekend than is typical for mid-October? You’re not wrong. Fall color tourism is booming nationwide, and northern Michigan is seeing more seasonal visitors as a result.
SALO Strong: Inside Central High School's Student Athlete Leadership Organization
Every year, Justin Thorington puts out the call. Thorington, Traverse City Central’s athletic director, tells each of his 26 varsity coaches that he’s accepting nominations for the Student Athlete Leadership Organization (SALO). He’s looking for those kids who have a knack for guiding their peers. “That doesn’t mean I want the most talented players, or even your team captains, because sometimes that’s a little bit of a popularity contest,” Thorington tells The Ticker.
Teen Angel Kettle Kickoff Fundraiser To Be Held During Michigan-MSU Game
The Salvation Army Traverse City Corps in partnership with Rock 105 & 95.5 The Real Rock Station/Bear 98.1-95.3-95.1 The Classic Rock Station will host a Teen Angel Kettle Kickoff "FUNdraiser" on Saturday, November 7 outside The Pub in downtown Traverse City. Time is TBD (it will be held during the Michigan/MSU game, the time of which hasn't been announced yet).
TC Man Arrested After Threatening Relatives with Firearm
A 27-year-old Traverse City man was arrested Friday after threatening relatives with a firearm and shooting the weapon inside their shared home. The Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office and Michigan State Police responded to a Long Lake Township residence at 10:20am in response to a reported threat. The suspect, who lives at the residence, got into an argument with a 71-year-old woman and 69-year-old man who also live with him.
Construction Underway on Interlochen Trail
Construction is underway on the first portions of the Interlochen Community Art Trail, a new 3.5-mile non-motorized trail connecting parks, schools, campgrounds, neighborhoods, businesses, and destinations throughout Interlochen. Phase 1 and a portion of Phase 2 of the trail project are now under contract. Construction and paving of Phase 1 were completed in late September, with work on a portion of Phase 2 expected to be completed by November 15.
County Commissioners Talk Camp Greilick Oil Agreement, Budget, Flock/Law Enforcement
On top of a tense session with County Treasurer Jamie Callahan Wednesday, Grand Traverse County commissioners tackled a busy agenda that included an agreement to protect Camp Greilick from disturbances from oil recovery work in the area, discussion on the 2027 budget, and law enforcement topics including Flock cameras and Governmental Center security.
Pressure Mounts on County Treasurer as Commissioners Consider Options for Removal
Pressure continues to mount on Grand Traverse County Treasurer Jamie Callahan, who gave yet another required report under oath Wednesday – with commissioners of both parties expressing frustration with his performance. Commissioners went into closed session to discuss a performance bond that could protect the county from liability related to the treasurer’s office and have asked their attorney to provide a framework for removing an elected official from office.
TCAPS Sees Notable Enrollment Increase on Count Day
For the second year in a row, Traverse City Area Public Schools has experienced enrollment growth after a previous lengthy stretch of declines. Preliminary numbers on Count Day Wednesday showed an increase of 75-100 students across all grades, according to Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner. Exact numbers are still being finalized because virtual students are counted on a four-week window and not just one day.
Commissioners Signal Support for Prowling Ordinance; Enactment Vote Scheduled for October 19
Traverse City commissioners took the next step toward creating new prowling and trespassing laws in the city Monday at a contentious meeting that drew extensive public comment. Commissioners will vote to actually enact the new ordinances at their October 19 meeting. The ordinances are intended to “assist in dispersing gatherings that become concerning and reduce unwanted activity,” according to Police Chief Matt Richmond.
Meet This Fall's Seven TCAPS Board Candidates
Depending on how local residents vote this November, Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) could soon have a majority of fresh faces on its board. Four seats on the seven-person body are up for grabs, and a fifth recently changed hands following the resignation of former board president Scott Newman-Bale. Additionally, the board’s current president and longest-serving member – Erica Moon Mohr, who won her first term in November 2018 – is not seeking re-election.
TVC Zoning Ordinance Hearing Set For Oct. 19
Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) officials are inching closer to a new local zoning ordinance that will impact land uses within a 10-mile radius of the airport. The airport’s Joint Zoning Board will host a public hearing on the proposed ordinance on Oct. 19 starting at 6 p.m. in the second-floor conference room at the airport.
Community Foundation Awards Over $300,000 to 21 Organizations
Oct. 6, 2026 The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation awarded $334,090 in grants to 21 organizations across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.
Munson Healthcare, Traverse Connect Kick Off Second Phase of Drone Delivery Project
An initiative launched last year to test the feasibility of drone deliveries between Munson Healthcare facilities will officially kick off its second phase on Tuesday, Munson and Traverse Connect announced Monday in a joint press release. The project is a partnership between those two organizations, as well as Central Michigan University’s Rural Health Excellence Institute and blueflite, a Michigan-based drone manufacturer.
City Pivots After Hickory Hills Operator Drops Out
Plans to hire an outside operator to run Hickory Hills Ski Area this winter have hit a major bump. The City of Traverse City was unable to reach terms with North Country Alpine Services (NCAS) because of insurance and liability issues. With the operator dropping out, the city is taking back over and ramping up seasonal hiring with the goal of still opening before Christmas. City commissioners in July approved a staff proposal to hire NCAS for one season as a trial run.
TC Central Students Identified in Peninsula Township Crash
A passenger who was killed in a single-vehicle Peninsula Township crash on Center Road Saturday morning has been identified as Traverse City Central High School senior Jason Soloman (pictured). The driver of the vehicle is also a TC Central student, 18-year-old Jackson Lakies.
The 2026 Apple Report
This week’s Northern Express — sister publication of The Ticker — is all about fall: fall color, fall harvest, and fall adventures. And the hallmark of the season is the apple, a crop that is quickly becoming a more reliable product for local farmers. "I think growing apples is more profitable in the end, at least for us. It seems a little more hopeful or encouraging," says Kristie Altonen, owner of Altonen Orchards, a multi-generational farm based in Williamsburg and Townline Ciderworks.
Commissioners to Consider Prowling, Trespassing Ordinances
In the wake of several altercations at Hull Park and an effort by the City of Traverse City to ramp up public safety, city commissioners will consider a proposal to create new prowling and trespassing ordinances tonight (Monday) – one of several items on the commission’s 7pm agenda.
Traverse City’s 7Over70 Are Not Slowing Down
Is 70 the new 50? Our latest 7Over70 class makes a case. From farmers to philanthropists to entrepreneurs, these seven locals are shaping the region’s economy and community. Meet TCBN’s first 7Over70 class since 2019. Jim Bardenhagen How It All Began: Bardenhagen grew up on his family’s centennial farm in Suttons Bay, graduated from Leland Public School in 1962 and earned a degree in marketing and transportation at Michigan State University.
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