Traverse Talks-A Podcast

Listen to the compensation details

The details on the bond request by the NRAA (Northwest Regional Airport Authority)

In this episode, we discuss the proposal to amend the healthcare provider contract for 24/7 nursing coverage at the jail. Learn about the anticipated benefits, cost impact, and the necessity of this change to ensure timely medical care and reduce off-site transports.

In this episode, Traverse Talks interviews Bruce Moore, a passionate community advocate, about the ongoing transparency issues surrounding their local airport board. Bruce shares his challenges with retrieving meeting packets and financial details through FOIA requests, highlighting potential concerns about a proposed $60-million-dollar expansion. They discuss inconsistent posting of meeting agend...

In this Grand Traverse County Board study session , commissioners debate the creation of an ethics committee to oversee complaints against county officials, employees, and board appointees. The discussion covers investigation procedures, enforcement challenges, and whether to establish a standing ethics panel or an ad hoc committee . Key concerns include due process, transparency, and ensuring acc...

This is what's left to get the ordinance completed by January 1 2026.

Smart 911 explained.

Join Jim Horn in this episode of Traverse Talks as he discusses the proposed septic tank regulations in Grand Traverse County. Learn about the exceptions, the importance of inspections for property transfers, and how this impacts local homeowners. Don't miss the chance to voice your opinion at the upcoming County Commissioners meeting on February 19th. Under the direction of the Grand Traverse Cou...

What's going on here? BOC vote 7 yes 1 no (Nelson)

Homelessness in Grand Traverse County leaves **80 to 100 people sleeping outside** when Safe Harbor is closed. **Ashley Halladay-Schmandt **, Director of the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness, shares how **year-round shelter expansion** and a **regional task force** can create lasting solutions. Learn how **policy changes, funding, and community action** can help end homelessness in...

In this episode of Traverse Talks, host Jim Horn interviews Liz Kirkwood, Executive Director of For Love of Water (FLOW). They discuss critical issues affecting the Great Lakes, including the fight against the Line 5 pipeline, legal protections for water resources, and how individuals can get involved in safeguarding this vital ecosystem.

Join us in an enlightening conversation with Megan Wick from Moms Demand Action, discussing gun violence prevention, the organization's mission, and new legislative measures in Michigan. Megan shares her personal journey into activism, the impact of local and national efforts, and how the community can get involved to promote secure gun storage and advocate for sensible gun laws.

The podcast outlines discussions (Study Session BOC Meeting 1-22-25) regarding ethics policy updates, focusing on investigative procedures for ethics violations. Two proposed alternatives include using corporate counsel or establishing an ethics panel to investigate and address allegations, with examples from other communities. The board expressed interest in further review and deliberation, from...

In this episode of Traverse Talks, Jim Horn reviews the January 15th County Board of Commissioners meeting, highlighting public comments from Bruce Moore about the $60 million airport expansion. Discussions focus on the potential financial risks and the need for transparency before proceeding with the bond issues, alongside thoughts on funding sources and public referendum considerations.

Board meeting January 8, 2025

Commissioners debate the 2025 budget for Camp Greilich, discussing proposed funding for a new restroom building and a kayak rental kiosk. Issues include funding sources, project priorities, and community feedback.

The commissioners discuss the possibility of forming an ethics committee to address issues within Grand Traverse County. They debate assigning the task to administration or legal counsel and ultimately decide on legal counsel to bring options by January. The motion passes after ensuring the process remains unbiased and effective.

In this episode, we dive into the recent calls for Commissioner Hentschel's resignation due to sexual assault allegations. Hear voices from the protest and public comments at the County Board meeting, as the bipartisan group Traverse Indivisible demands accountability. Tune in for the latest updates and form your own conclusions.

Welcome to Traverse Talks, where we dig deep into the stories that shape our world. Today, we're exploring the intersections of family legacy, environmental activism, and the complexities of memory through the lens of Merry Bell Clark's captivating memoir. In Dandelion Roots Run Deep. Clark takes us on a multi-generational journey of organic farming in the Midwest, blending her own reflections wit...

What happens when a community's leaders face serious allegations? In this episode, we dive into the ethical dilemmas surrounding the Grand Traverse County Commissioner scandal and what it means for public trust. Should local officials act swiftly to maintain accountability, or wait for due process to unfold? We explore the tough decisions leaders must make and the impact on the community's faith i...

Commissioners debate the necessity of a closed session to discuss the legal and financial implications of airport bonding. Tensions rise as they address public transparency and the potential impacts on the county's bond rating.

In this episode of  Traverse Talks , we delve into the serious allegations against Grand Traverse County Commissioner Rob Hentschel, who is under investigation for criminal sexual conduct in the first degree. We unpack the timeline of events, including the allegations detailed in the incident report, the investigative process, and Hentschel's public denial of the accusations. Our discussion explor...

In this episode, the Grand Traverse County commissioners discuss the challenges and perceived unfairness of the current per diem system for compensating commissioners. They debate and propose changes to the salary structure to better reflect the responsibilities and work performed by commissioners. Although they struggled to convene earlier in the year, the ad hoc committee's recommendations and v...

Deputy Health Officer Mike Leahy discusses the ongoing development of a local ordinance requiring inspections of onsite wastewater systems during property transfers. The ad hoc committee has refined the language to focus on properties within 500 feet of surface waters and is preparing for further legal and community feedback. The approach aims to gradually build inspection capacity without disrupt...