Community Corner
🌱 How a $40M TCLP move could reshape west-side power and land
Coming up on the Traverse City Patch calendar: The Bergamot - A South Shore Christmas
Hello again Traverse City! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How a $40M TCLP move could reshape west-side power and land
- How does BATA decide between Bayline frequency and rural coverage routes?
- Meet the Traverse City news anchor shaping classrooms and cat rescues
Also on today's calendar: Wreath Making Workshop and 5 more events.
Find out what's happening in Traverse Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Traverse Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Chilly with 1-3" of snow, with a high of 29 and low of 24 degrees.
- Friday: A little snow in the p.m., temps: high: 33, low: 18. ⛄️ Brr!
- Saturday: Frigid with a little snow, with a high of 19 and low of 16 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. TC Light & Power Eyes New Campus on Cedar Run Road (traverseticker.com) — Traverse City Light & Power is exploring a nearly $40 million move from its cramped Hastings Street headquarters to a new, renewable-energy-focused campus on Cedar Run Road, potentially freeing the current site for taxable redevelopment. An ad hoc committee will refine financing, zoning, and environmental plans by March, with a possible 2027–2029 construction timeline and options for solar, wind, and public natural areas. 
2. It's a Bus! It's a Van! It's… Microtransit? (planetizen.com) — Traverse City’s own Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) is highlighted as a real-world example of how to balance high-ridership routes like the Bayline with lower-ridership coverage services in surrounding rural areas. The piece explains when on-demand “microtransit” makes sense, its higher costs per rider, and why agencies must be honest about tradeoffs when shifting resources away from frequent fixed routes.
3. Melissa Smith (upnorthlive.com) — Longtime Traverse City resident and TV journalist Melissa Smith is back anchoring evening news while staying deeply involved in local education and animal rescue. She’s taught at Traverse City West Middle School, mentors students through a Traverse City learning lab, and serves on the board of TC Paw Cat Rescue, all while championing compassionate, vegan living.
4. Excellence in Education: Courtade Elementary's Liz Lautner (9and10news.com) — A Courtade Elementary first-grade teacher in Traverse City Area Public Schools has been honored with the Michigan Lottery’s Excellence in Education award, including a $2,000 prize and TV feature. Liz Lautner was nominated by a student’s family for her dedication to students’ academic, social, and emotional growth, and now competes for a $10,000 Educator of the Year award.
5. Slaying the Beast: Local attorney has national reputation in campus sexual assault, hazing cases (tcbusinessnews.com) — A Traverse City-based law firm led by attorney Doug Fierberg has built a national reputation handling campus sexual assault, hazing, and mass shooting cases, securing hundreds of millions in settlements. After relocating from Washington, D.C., Fierberg now runs his high-profile practice from northern Michigan, hiring local attorneys and sharing prevention advice with community groups while serving traumatized families across the country.
📸 Around Traverse City
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Traverse City
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- The Bergamot - A South Shore Christmas
City Opera House, 106 E Front St, Traverse City
7:30 pm
Friday December 12
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Storytime w/ Miss Amanda
Traverse Area District Library , 610 Woodmere Ave. , Traverse City
10:00 am - Tai Chi with Josh at East Bay
Traverse Area District Library , 1989 Three Mile Rd. , Traverse City
12:00 pm - Candy Houses (tickets required)
Traverse Area District Library , 610 Woodmere Ave. , Traverse City
10:00 am - Wreath Making Workshop
Grand Traverse Conservation District , 1450 Cass Rd , Traverse City
10:00 am - TTRPG @ TADL
Traverse Area District Library , 610 Woodmere Av. , Traverse City
11:00 am - Cardio Drumming at East Bay I
Traverse Area District Library , 1989 Three Mile Rd. , Traverse City
11:00 am - Teen Chess Club
Traverse Area District Library , 610 Woodmere Ave. , Traverse City
11:00 am
Friday December 12
Saturday December 13
📣 Traverse City Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Men’s Night
Downtown Traverse City Association , 303 E State St , Traverse City
11:00 am - Rhett & John
Artisan Restaurant Traverse City , 615 E Front St , Traverse City
6:00 pm - Sweet Exchange — The Little Fleet
The Little Fleet , 448 E Front St , Traverse City
12:00 pm - Ranch Rudolf’s Santa and Sleigh Bells 2025
Ranch Rudolf Inc , 6841 Brown Bridge Rd , Traverse City
12:00 pm
Thursday December 11
Saturday December 13
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Does anyone know whose little kitty this is?
Super sweet cat, maybe even aggressively so(in a good way), has been trying to get into my house all night. Seems very hungry, licked an entire can… (Nextdoor Old Mission) - Hot cider!
Holiday Sing-Along! New friends! All are welcome. (Nextdoor Cherry Bend)
- Procaccianti Companies posted a job opening for Cherry Tree Inn & Suites HOUSEPERSON in Traverse City. Apply here.
- Traverse City Area Public Schools posted a job opening for CHS: Custodian, 2nd shift, 40 hours/week, M-F 3:00pm-11:30pm, Sign-On Bonus, Employee Referral Bonus in Traverse City. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Traverse City here.
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: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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