Morning Traverse City! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: GTAGS Genealogy Program and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you get when you cross an angry cow with an angry sheep? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. National Writers Series: Ann Patchett (interlochenpublicradio.org) — A recent National Writers Series event brought bestselling author Ann Patchett to the City Opera House in downtown Traverse City for a live conversation with local philanthropic leader Erin Anderson Whiting. The talk, recorded in June 2026, highlighted Patchett's acclaimed novels, her Nashville bookstore, and her newest book "Whistler," giving Traverse City readers a chance to revisit a major literary moment hosted in their own community.
2. Boo, Humbug: Traverse City Puts the Squeeze on Popular Halloween Attraction (michigannewssource.com) — Traverse City officials are enforcing a zoning-based "eight-car rule" on the free "Dead Ends on Spruce" Halloween display, raising questions about whether it's being treated as a home business. Homeowner Nate Taylor says he never charges admission and plans to open October 1 while working with the city, even as supporters push back on social media.
3. Downtown Halloween Walk Moving to Weekday (traverseticker.com) — Traverse City families can mark their calendars for the Downtown Halloween Walk, which shifts to a weekday this year on Thursday, October 29 from 4–5:30 p.m. The stroll-style trick-or-treat runs throughout downtown businesses, with suggested walking patterns on Front Street and parking available at meters, decks, and via BATA's free Bayline or the TART Trail.
4. Michigan to hold first PFAS Awareness Week with statewide events and webinars (annarbortimes.com) — Traverse City residents will have a chance to learn more about PFAS during Michigan's first PFAS Awareness Week, Sept. 21–25, which includes a community conversation at Northwest Michigan College's Scholars Hall. State agencies, nonprofits, and universities are hosting events statewide and online to explain health risks, safe drinking water practices, and fish consumption guidance, encouraging residents to reduce exposure and get involved locally.
5. ICYMI: Senator Peters Leads 10th and Fin... (senate.gov) — U.S. Sen. Gary Peters' final "Thank You, Michigan" motorcycle tour included a Traverse City stop to check on the FishPass project, which he helped fund with Great Lakes Restoration dollars. His statewide ride also highlighted PFAS cleanup, veteran housing, domestic violence pet support, workforce training, and major research investments, underscoring federal money flowing into Michigan communities, including critical river restoration work in Traverse City.
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Ok Traverse City! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: An animal that's in a baaaaad mooood! (Thank you Lisa A. for sending it in!)
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