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The Health Department of Northwest Michigan has announced it is taking direct control of nine Dental Clinics North locations after ending its management agreement with the nonprofit that operated them. Officials say the move is intended to improve efficiency, strengthen staffing and reduce patient wait times. No clinic closures are planned. That includes the Beaver Island dental clinic at the Beaver Island Rural Health Center, where visiting dentists and hygienists provide care twice a month. Officials say services there will continue without interruption during the transition.
State health officials are continuing their investigation of a growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis [sigh-kloh-spuh-RYE-uh-sis], an intestinal illness. More than 700 cases have been reported across 33 counties, with 36 hospitalizations. So far, one case has been reported in Charlevoix County. Officials believe contaminated fresh produce is the likely source but have not yet identified a specific food. They say all produce should be washed, or better yet cooked, before eating and that anyone with severe or persistent diarrhea should contact a health care provider.
Data from the MDHHS on the Cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan. Graphic by WVBI using ChatGPT and MDHHS data Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senate candidates squared off yesterday in their first debate since Mallory McMorrow left the race. Abdul El-Sayed criticized Haley Stevens over corporate and A-I PAC-backed campaign spending, while Stevens questioned El-Sayed’s financial disclosures and called herself a workhorse, not a celebrity. The winner of the August 4 primary will face Mike Rogers in November.
Up north, Pellston is moving ahead with a $44 million municipal water system that will provide a permanent drinking water supply outside the village’s PFAS contamination zone. Officials hope construction will begin later this year or next spring, with the system expected to be online by 2030. Residents will continue receiving bottled water until the new system is complete.
A follow-up on last week’s flood-related road closures on the mainland in Emmet and Antrim Counties: State transportation officials say there’s still no timeline for reopening several washed-out stretches of M-119, M-88 and M-66. Engineers are evaluating the damage and designing permanent repairs. However, MDOT says one washout on M-88 nearest U.S. 31 in Antrim County has now been stabilized and reopened to one lane of traffic.
In T-C, city commissioners have approved a five-year agreement allowing Studio Anatomy to operate the Bijou by the Bay as a performing arts venue. The deal calls for more than 100 events a year with half of them free. The nonprofit will pay the city to lease the space, cover operating costs, and plans to renovate the theater with the goal of opening this fall.
On the Island, the Irish Heritage Group Tides That Tie podcast has announced a new series on artists that will perform at the Feile this fall. The first episode features Altan, a widely traveled band at the forefront of traditional Irish music, blending the raw energy of their native Donegal fiddle style with a rare melodic sensibility. There’s a link to the episode in today’s script online. https://www.biihg.com/podcast-the-tides-that-tie/
TUNES Music Makers and the Northwoods Music Collaborative are hosting a week of free music workshops on Beaver Island Monday through Friday, July 13th through 17th. Internationally recognized artists will lead sessions in traditional tunes, singing, guitar and percussive dance for all ages and skill levels. Registration is required with workshops at the BIC Center and the Brother’s Place. The week concludes with a free concert Friday evening in Gene Masta’s Garden. Check the Community Calendar for full details and registration information.
And road work continues today on East Side Drive today with entrances and shoulder work. Expect occasional delays, and continue to watch for heavy truck traffic including on West Side Drive headed to the gravel pit at Frenches Bay. |
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Now here’s a look at other upcoming events on your Emerald Isle…
First your meeting planner…
St. James Township board meets tonight at 5:30. A-A meets Thursday and Saturday at 6 PM at the Christian Church. That’s it on the meeting front through the end of the week.
On the fun front today…
Wednesday, there’s Summer Restorative Yoga BIC Center at 9:30, Seniors BINGO at 1:00 also at the BIC Center. Also at 1:00, the library invites you to join Ms. Tara at the public beach for Books on the Loose! With your help she’ll be unearthing dino eggs. At 4:00 the Amik Cultural Preservation Center will be open to the public with a member of the Amik Circle Society present for tours and discussions. The Historical Society has cancelled the session they had planned Wednesday evening on the Life and Leadership of James Strang. No word if it will be rescheduled. In our dark Skies Wednesday morning, the moon will be shining near Saturn. They’ll rise after midnight Tuesday evening, so you can see them all night. And Wednesdays we have the Story Teller’s Night Sky. This week, Venus Ascends the Throne of Love and Asks: Is This the Path of Love? There’s more info at Dark Sky Island dot org.
Highlights for the rest of the week include…
Thursday, the COA has a double feature at Peaine Twp Hall — Cardio Drumming at 10:00 and Art Therapy at 11:00. Meanwhile, there’s Women’s Bible Study at 10:00 a.m. at the BI Christian Church and at 10:30, there’s Senior Tai Chi at the BIC Center. And, this evening is Burger and a Beer Night at the Shamrock.
Friday, there’s Senior and Vets Coffee and Donuts from 8:30 to 10:30 in the Welcome Center at the BIC Center, plus Chair Strength Training up in the Hangout at 9:30. Also at 9:30, there’s Summer Yoga in the Theater. And at 10:00 A-M Pickleball Outdoors on the Peaine Township courts. And Friday evening at the BIC Center, Duke Tumatoe takes to the stage at 7:30 with high-energy blues, rock, and R&B in a style all his own. Tickets are at tickets dot bic center dot org.
Duke Tuumatoe lights up the BIC Center stage Friday at 7:30. Image from BIC Center via WVBI Community Calendar
[On the radio, Kick off your weekend with our fantastic Friday lineup! After the 6:00pm news, enjoy “That Thing with Rich Appel” featuring top forty hits from the 70s. At 9:00pm, tune into “The Titus Jennings Experience” offering music from all genres, followed by “The Midnight Special” with Marilyn Rea Beyer at 11:00pm for music, farce comedy, and late-night escape.]
Saturday, the Artisan’s Market is on at the Point starting at 10:00. And Saturday nights are Prime Rib Night at the Shamrock. At 7:30, its time for the Glen McDonough Memorial Concert. Music in the pines starting at 7:30 at Reddeer, the little cabin on the woods as you head south out of town on Kings Highway.
[On the radio, tune in for Country Classics at 5:00 Saturday evening with host Sheri Timsak. At 7:00, take a trip back to the best of the 80s and 90s with the Mix Tape show (that’s a 120-minute TDK cassette tape for those in the know) hosted by WVBI’s Adam Pettigrew. Mark Beltaire takes over at 9:00 with Rockin’ the Boat and continues at 10:00 with the Blues Cruise. Cousin Dan wraps up the evening with the Too Good Radio Show starting at 11:00.]
Sunday, there are services at the Episcopal Mission at 9:00 and at the Christian Church at 10:00. Mass is at Holy Cross at 12:15. And the Amik Cultural Center is open 1 to 3 PM. Sunday evening, there’s Redeer Unplugged with Shawn McDonough playing at 9:00. Come back Monday evening same time to hear John McCafferty.
The Glenn McDonough Concerts are coming up this weekend. Image from The Red Deer Folk Society via Facebook
Looking ahead to highlights for next week…
Monday, at 9:30, summer yoga is on at the BIC Center. It’ll be a session on Basic Flow. COA has Cardio Drumming at 10:00 and Art Therapy at 11:00 at Peaine Township Hall. At the library, the Senior Digital Social Café with Greg Doig is at 11:00. Also, at 11:00, there’s Summer Therapeutic Chair Yoga at the BIC Center. And Monday Funday at the BIC Center is a movie day this week. The 3:00 show is Hoppers. A young animal lover uses technology that places her consciousness into a robotic beaver to uncover mysteries within the animal world beyond her imagination. It’s the latest from Pixar, rated PG. At 6:00 it’s Remarkably Bright Creatures, based on the best-selling book, telling the story of an Octopus and its relationship with two caregivers at an aquarium. Sally Field stars. Rated PG-13. And, don’t forget, Monday evenings are All You Can Eat Pizza and Salad night at the Beachcomber.
Tuesday at 9:30, there’s Chair Strength Training up in the Hangout at the BIC Center. At 10:00, Babes & Toddlers mix it up at the library and there is Pickleball outside on the township courts. At 7:00, the Historical Society continues its series on Incredible Islanders with a look at Military Service of Islanders. And, at 7:30 in the Theater at the BIC Center, its Decades of Drag Trivia with Eleganza and Fierce Fun for adults. Tickets are at tickets dot bic center dot org. |
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Those are the highlights. Find a full listing of events at calendar dot W-V-B-I dot net. |
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On our Birthday List today are Sheri Timsak, Terry Mooney, Kris Bomtrager, Stacy Golden, Henrik Perdue and Bo Perdue. Happy Birthday to Stacy, Kris, Terry, Sheri, Bo and Henrik, and if we missed you on the list, Happy Birthday to you too from everyone at the BIC Center and WVBI. |
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TRAFFIC: No delays inbound or outbound to the municipal airport. Still some delays getting to Welke airport as shoulder and other finishing work continues on the East Side Drive paving work. Otherwise, the Island Beltway is running smoothly. There will continue to be heavy truck traffic on Kings Highway, McCauley and East Side Drive between them as part of the paving project. So, the Island is busier than ever with all the construction traffic, bikers and hikers, walkers and phone gawkers, fawns and turtles and traffic in town when the ferry arrives, so let’s be careful out there. |
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On this date in 1776, the newly adopted Declaration of Independence is read aloud to the public for the first time. In Philadelphia, Colonel John Nixon stands before a crowd in the State House Yard and proclaims the colonies free and independent states. Church bells ring, the crowd cheers, and word of the newly adopted Declaration of Independence spreads across the new nation.
John Nixon reading the Declaration of Independence after its passage in Philadelphia. Engraving by Croome & Brightly from New York Library |
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Our Merriam Webster Word of the Day is gambol (verb) [GAM-bul]. To gambol means to run, skip, or jump about in a lively, playful way—basically, to frolic. The word comes from a French term describing the spirited leap of a horse, but today it can describe anyone or anything full of joyful energy. You’ll often see it used for children, lambs, puppies, or other animals happily playing. So if the kids are laughing in the yard or the dogs are racing around the park, they’re not just playing—they’re gamboling. |
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Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Wednesday… |
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Here’s a thought for the day from Buddha: “We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think.” |
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On a lighter note… What do you call an Irishman who bounces off walls? |
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That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Wednesday, July 8th, 2026. I’m Kevin Boyle reporting from W-V-B-I’s Langford Family Studios wishing you a great day: why not go ahead and make today the best day ever? And thanks for listening. |
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WEATHER |
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[Current Condition Report, then…] |
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Today Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 75 by the shore, 80 inland. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Tonight Showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then showers likely. Low around 63. West wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Thursday A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8am. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 75/74. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Northwest wind around 10 mph becoming north in the evening. Friday Sunny, with a high near 79/79. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 65. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 82/81. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 78/84. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Monday Sunny, with a high near 80/87. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 79/86.
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Air Quality Index at 6:53 AM was 60. |
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Fire Danger: Moderate |
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Out on the Big Drink…
Photo from the North Lake Michigan Buoy. Provided by the National Data Buoy Center |
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Today S wind 5 to 10 kt becoming W in the afternoon. A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Waves 1 ft or less. Thursday NNE wind 5 to 10 kt becoming WNW in the afternoon. A chance of showers, mainly before 11am. Waves 1 ft or less. Friday Variable winds 5 kt or less. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less. Saturday Variable winds 5 kt or less. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less. Sunday SW wind 5 to 10 kt. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less. |
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Water Temps: 68 at the mid-lake buoy southwest of Gull Island and in Little Traverse Bay. Also 68 in the Straits and at Sleeping Bear. |
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Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…
The Beaver Island dental clinic will stay open as Northwest Michigan’s Health Department takes direct control of Dental Clinics North. We’ll also have the latest on Michigan’s growing intestinal illness outbreak, a report on a debate by the two remaining Democrat Senate primary candidates, free music workshops coming to Beaver Island, and road construction updates from East Side Drive.
…those stories, more local news, a run-down of local events, birthdays and more after this global and national news from F-S-N. [Time check.] |
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Today’s featured image: Duke Tumatoe takes the BIC Center stage on Friday with high-energy blues, rock, and R&B with cabaret seating. Grab tickets at https://store.biccenter.org/product/duke-tumatoe/ |
