NMC Extended Ed: Who’s Still Going To Class?
By Bill O'Brien | Aug. 30, 2026
Tom Obrecht has taken more than 100 classes at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) over the past 16 years.
The retired steel and auto industry executive has studied everything from cooking and foreign languages to bicycle repair through NMC’s Extended Education & Training program.
“I’m the old student poster child,” Obrecht says. “I’ve told many people that whenever the catalog comes out, it reminds me of a child when the Sears Christmas catalog comes out – I just pore over that thing.”
Obrecht is one of thousands who each year take advantage of a remarkably broad collection of non-credit classes offered through NMC – from local history and international travel to …
Read More >>Traverse City Design Week Returns In October
Traverse City Design Week returns for its second year October 4–10, inviting Northern Michigan to look at …
Read More >>Peninsula Drive Speed Tables Create "Significant Reduction" in Speeding, Says City
Last week’s installation of temporary speed tables along Peninsula Drive between Garfield Avenue and East Front Street …
Read More >>
Northern Michigan’s Willy Wonka?
Bentley Biallas wants to be an engineer, but he’d sure have a bright future in sales.
The …
Read More >>Decrease in Parking Rates Coming After Labor Day
With the summer season winding down, the City of Traverse City will begin transitioning downtown parking rates …
Read More >>Today Sunday, August 30, 2026
9:00 AM
"Taking Flight"
Invitational group exhibition featuring the works of Shanny Brooke (paintings), Cynthia Marks (ceramic vessels) & Michelle Tock York … More Info >>9:30 AM
"For the Birds" Art Exhibition
Featuring local & international artists whose work explores diversity among birds, & their importance to our shared ecosystem. … More Info >>10:00 AM
Cedar Polka Festival
Aug. 27-30. Today includes live music by The Diddle Styx, Sunday Mass Under The Big Tent, & The … More Info >>10:00 AM
My Michigan
Michigan artists Rick Koehler & Stan Myers capture that Up North feeling with contemporary works in oil & … More Info >>10:00 AM
Suttons Bay Cars & Coffee
Held the last Sun. of every month. More Info >>12:00 PM
2026 - Harbor of Creativity Invitational
The Northport Arts Association presents the 2026 Northport Harbor of Creativity Invitational Exhibit, launching Aug. 15 with a … More Info >>2:00 PM
Blues at Alden Depot with Nick Veine
Nick presents a musical & historical survey of the acoustic blues from the turn of the 20th century … More Info >>4:00 PM
The Cherry Capital Men's Chorus Celebrates 60 Years
"From zero to sixty in the blink of an eye!" Featuring Forefront & The Four Man Fishin' Tackle … More Info >>7:30 PM
The Rock Orchestra: Arena of Fire
This band of 14 classical musicians combines classical music & metal. More Info >>Downtown Fall Art Fair Will Focus on Fine Art, Take Place in Clinch Park
Read More >>David Sedaris, Jodi Picoult Top Fall NWS Lineup
Read More >>TVC Pushes For Public Meeting Videos, Airline Summit
Read More >>NMC Looking for Outstanding Alumni Nominations
Read More >>
Health Dept Lifts Boardman Advisory Except Near Logan's Landing
Read More >>TCAPS Selected For First-Of-Its-Kind AI In Education Grant
Read More >>Applications Now Open for Expanded Michigan Reconnect Program
Read More >>What’s Next for South Airport Road?
Read More >>No Body Contact Advisory Issued for Boardman River/Lake
Read More >>South Airport Road Closed Near Logan's Landing, Likely Sewer Break
Read More >>
