Rail Study, Climbing Facility, And More Ticker Updates

By Ross Boissoneau | Dec. 18, 2017

You read lots of news here (first) throughout 2017, but much has developed since we first reported some stories. So today and tomorrow (Dec. 18 and 19), we revisit Ticker stories to update them with what’s new.

Rail study to announce results next year
In February we reported on an upcoming passenger rail study that would evaluate the feasibility of running regular train service between Traverse City and Ann Arbor. We’ve now learned that results from that study will be announced by June, according to James Bruckbauer of the Groundwork Center. “The number one (query) from the public was connecting to Traverse City” from the south, says Bruckbauer.

Bruckbauer says the fact the railroads still own the tracks makes it much more possible. “The consultants will help us determine the next steps,” he says, including whether the operating entity should be a for-profit or non-profit and where the train should stop. The tracks go as far north as Petoskey, and go through Kingsley, Cadillac, Clare, Mt. Pleasant, Alma, and Ann Arbor, where they connect with other lines to East Lansing, Port Huron, Detroit and Chicago.

Chorus shows off in Vegas
For the Grand Traverse Show Chorus, the opportunity to perform in Las Vegas was a reward for finishing first in the regionals, which we noted in our October story. “We definitely came home on a high from our experience on the international stage,” says Jill Watson, the group’s director. Though the group achieved the highest regional score among the five finalists, it placed fourth in the finals. The winning group hails from Sweden, according to longtime member Marsha Minervini. She also noted that the competition came just a week after the mass shooting, and the group was among those that sang at various Vegas locales to first responders and others. “We sang in three different places. There were lots of tears and lots of hugs,” she says.

Climbing enthusiasts ready crowdfunding for new facility
Our October story on the purchase of 2.9 acres on M-72 west of Traverse City by Nancy and Larry Bordine earmarked for a climbing facility precipitated great interest among the climbing community. “We have been getting lots of excellent contacts as we travel down this road,” says Nancy Bordine. The group has settled on a slogan, incorporating the newly chosen name for the facility: Myself, My Challenge, MI Summit. The next step, says Bordine, is raising funds and greater awareness of the group’s plans. “We’re collecting information and will soon establish a landing page for crowdfunding,” she says. They will try to raise $250,000 for the building and equipment. Currently there is a 13-member steering committee, which will determine how to move forward and who will be on the board. “The center will be run by the board, which will set its operating procedures.”

Seniors coasting for free on BATA
Kelly Dunham, executive director of BATA, is pleased with the response to its free ride program for seniors. The Ticker reported on the COAST (Commission on Aging Senior Transit) pilot program between BATA and the Commission on Aging last month. The program was unanimously approved for funding by county commissioners, and in the first two weeks provided over 50 rides. “It runs twice a week, and in four days we had a total of 54 rides with 20 unduplicated riders,” says Dunham.

She says the response is in line with what was expected, and she is hopeful the program will continue to see growth. “The first two weeks are a small snapshot,” she says. The program will be reviewed after 30 days by the COA and BATA, and in 90 days by the county commission. Dunham says the ridership has been about evenly split between medical and personal needs, such as shopping. “It’s improved the quality of life,” she says.