Traverse City News Roundup: Road Upgrades, Tigers Home Opener, and Maple Syrup Season

Good morning, this is your Traverse City Local Frequency for March 20, 2025. Spring is in the air, and there's plenty happening around town today. Let's dive into the local news and events. First up, a major construction project is set to begin tomorrow. The Michigan Department of Transportation will start rebuilding 2.2 miles of M-72 and M-22 in Traverse City and Elmwood Township. The $25.8 million project includes road improvements, drainage upgrades, and the construction of a new roundabout at the M-72/M-22 intersection. Expect some traffic restrictions, but one lane will remain open in each direction for most of the project. In sports news, baseball fans are eagerly anticipating the Detroit Tigers' upcoming season. The team's home opener at Comerica Park is just around the corner on April 4th against the Chicago White Sox. Excitingly, Comerica Park now features new premium seating with heating and cooling technology developed right here in Traverse City by local company Promethient. For those looking for something to do this evening, the Traverse City International Affairs Forum is hosting a discussion on "The Blue Economy: Michigan's Global Role" at the Dennos Museum Center. The event starts at 6:30 PM and features speakers John C. Austin, Frank Ettawageshik, and John Lutchko. Art enthusiasts should check out the 2025 Youth Art Exhibit, which runs until April 5th. This showcase celebrates the work of K-12 art students and educators from throughout the Grand Traverse region. Looking ahead to the weekend, there's a variety of events to enjoy. The Downtown Traverse City Association has several upcoming attractions, including Restaurant Week starting on Sunday and running through March 1st. In local government news, Grand Traverse County recently approved a $14.4 million tax break for a housing project in Acme Township, aimed at addressing the area's housing needs. For those interested in outdoor activities, remember that spring is maple syrup season in Michigan. Consider participating in the upcoming Michigan Maple Syrup Weekend to learn more about this sweet local tradition. Lastly, a reminder that the TART trail on the west side of M-72/M-22 will be closed for construction starting next week, so plan your routes accordingly. This has been Traverse City Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.