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After a spectacular smoke enhanced sunset last evening, the Island woke up this morning under a thick smoke haze. Some meteorologists are saying it’s the worst smoke event they’ve ever seen. W-V-B-I’s air quality sensor is reporting one of the worst air quality index readings ever at 170, and if the models we are seeing are correct it is likely to get worse before it gets better. PurpleAir, which made our sensor, says at the current level some members of the general public may experience health effects with 24 hours of exposure. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. The National Weather service advises that those in air quality sensitive groups remain inside with the A-C on. Air Quality sensor map from PurpleAir shows the poor air quality spreading downwind from the fires in Canada. Image from WVBI PurpleAIr Sensor report
Supporters of keeping the Gull Harbor Road open to motor vehicles are urging Beaver Island residents to speak out as discussions continue over the future of the Gull Harbor Natural Area. At recent St. James Township meetings, residents called for greater transparency in planning and asked the Township Board to adopt a resolution supporting continued motorized access. Township officials say they’re reviewing a recent letter from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, or EGLE, with their attorney before taking further action.
Federal health officials say Michigan’s outbreak of cyclospora appears to be linked to similar outbreaks in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky, suggesting a common source. Investigators have not yet identified what’s causing the illnesses. More than 1,600 confirmed cases have been reported nationwide, but the CDC says the true number is likely much higher because many people never seek testing.
A bill allowing Lower Peninsula residents to feed deer in their backyards is awaiting Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s signature. Supporters say it’s intended for wildlife viewing near homes, while opponents warn it could increase the spread of chronic wasting disease. If signed, the Department of Natural Resources says feeding could still be restricted in some areas because of existing disease-control agreements. The governor has 14 days to sign or veto the measure.
St. James Parish is welcoming a new priest to Beaver Island. Father Doug Mayer has retired and will now make the Island his home, assisting Father Peter with Masses and the sacraments. Father Doug will celebrate weekday Masses and fill in whenever Father Peter is away.
The Beaver Head Lighthouse volunteer crew has finished power washing the inside of the tower, removing years of dirt and spider webs. The annual Lighthouse Picnic is set for Saturday, August 22nd at 1 p.m. Bring a dish to pass. Hot dogs, plates, and utensils will be provided. |
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Now here’s a look at upcoming events on your Emerald Isle…
First your meeting planner…
A-A meets Thursday and Saturday, at 6:00 at the Christian Church. Emergency Services Authority meets at 2:00 on Thursday. And, the J-TAC and library board both have meetings set for Thursday afternoon at 4:30. Locations and more details are in the calendar entries online. 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. At, 10:00 there’s American Mah Jongg at the BIC Center. The Museum Week Art Show opens at 11:00 and runs to 4:00 at the G-F-C. Also starting at 11:00 is an open house at the CMU Biological Station. That runs until 4:00 as well. Protar’s House will be open from 1:00 to 4:00. The library’s Books on the Loose program will be at the Public Beach at 1:00. Kids can create C-D wind spinners and receive their own copy of See Marcus Grow. At 2:00, a Tie Dye Happy Hour starts at the Wild Strawberry Café. Materials will be provided with a drink purchase or bring along your own shirt to tie dye. At 3:00 the Book Club meet sat the library to discuss The Correspondent by Virginia Evans and at 4:00 Anne Pritchett will be there to talk about her new book called Pickleball Wars! Also 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 its next session on Incredible Islanders. This one will focus on Native American Fishermen. It starts at 7:00 at the Print Shop Museum. Also at 7:00 tomorrow evening, Caleb Christopher Edwards plays at the Donegal Bay Pavillion. Stop by to enjoy some original folk songs, traditional Gospel melodies and heartfelt storytelling. And at 7:30 on stage at the BIC Center, it’s Edye & Mike, back by popular demand after their near full house show last year. John them for an evening of cool jazz and light pop. Tickets are at tickets dot bic center dot org.
Eyde & Mike play this evening at the BIC Center. Showtime is 7:30. Image from edyeandmike.com
Thursday, there’s Pickleball at Peaine Township Park at 9:00. 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. At 11:00, the Museum Week Art Show opens up at the G-F-C. It runs to 4:00. At noon in-town Music Festival mini concerts start with Chris Winelman at the Wild Strawberry Café. At 1:00, Gooseberry will play upstairs in the Hangout at the BIC Center with the performance broadcast live on W-V-B-I. At 2:00, Dave & Krisit play at Dady Franks. At 5:00 the main stage comes alive at the Music Festival Grounds with The Legal Immigrants with non-stop music until midnight with Hymn for Her wrapping up the night. At 7:00, the Historical Society has another Incredible Islanders Night with a look at Native American Fisherman on the Island, part 2. And, Thursday evenings are Burger and a Beer Night at the Shamrock.
Friday, kicks off early with Omelette on the air from the Wild Strawberry on WKLT with Music Festival coverage. 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. At noon. Music Festival mini-concerts continue with Charlsee & Cam at the Wild Strawberry and Sweet Megg up in the Hangout a the BIC Center live on W-V-B-I. At 2:00, Chris Winkleman plays at Whiskey Point Brewing Company. At 4:00, the Music Festival Stage comes alive on the Festival Grounds with The Legal Immigrants again kicking off the fun that will run non-stop until Midnight with Aqua Cherry last to the stage. There’s a full schedule for the Festival in today’s script online.
[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, starts off with the Dave & Kristi performing for the Breakfast Club on the Festival Grounds. The Artisan’s Market is on at the Point starting at 10:00. Tyler Gitchel plays at the Beachcomber at noon. South for the Winter is at Dady Franks at 1:00 and Hymn for Her is in the Hangout at the BIC Center live on W-V-B-I at 1:00 as well. The Festival Main Stage comes alive at 2:00 with an hour of Open Mic and non-top music starts at 3:00 with Dave & Kristi. Gooseberry is last up at 11:00 Saturday night. And Saturday nights are Prime Rib Night at the Shamrock.
[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, Dave & Kristi play at the Beachcomber at 8:00.
The Beaver Island Music Festival has a bursting schedule of music you can hear at many locations on the Island. Image from Beaver Island Music Festival at bimf.net
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 10:00, the first day of the Historical Society Kids Camp kicks off with a day of Tie Dyeing. 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 an evening of magic. Trino and Aerial Ashley will be on stage for a Magic Night Out. Tickets are at tickets dot bic center dot org. And, don’t forget, Monday evenings are All You Can Eat Pizza and Salad night at the Beachcomber.
Tuesday, the Historical Society Kid’s Camp continues with Team Day. Campers compete with human tic-tac-toe or checkers. Camp starts at 10:00. At 9:00 there is Pickleball on the Peaine Township Courts. 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. At 5:00, there’s a National Security Seminar with Tom Ehrhard at the BIC Center. There’s lots going on in the world. Here’s a chance to talk with an expert about what might be next. |
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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 Marie LaFreniere and Michael Hoernke. Happy Birthday to Marie and Michael, 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 airports. The Island Beltway is running smoothly with no bridge delays. Still some heavy truck traffic coming up and down West Side Drive, and there is some project paving still ongoing with heavy equipment moving around. So, let’s be careful out there especially in town when the ferries arrive. |
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On this date in 1776, the Continental Congress receives word that New York has officially endorsed independence, meaning all 13 colonies now stand united behind the break with Great Britain. Congress also authorizes temporary “flying camps” of militia to strengthen the defense of the young nation as British forces gather around New York.
Also on this date: In 1799, French soldiers in Egypt discover the Rosetta Stone, the artifact that eventually unlocks the mystery of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and transforms our understanding of one of history’s greatest civilizations.
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Our Merriam Webster Word of the Day is loquacious (adjective) [loh-KWAY-shus]. If someone is loquacious, they love to talk and do it easily and at length. The word comes from the Latin loquī, meaning “to speak,” and it’s the root of words like eloquent, colloquial, soliloquy, and ventriloquism. So if a friend always has one more story to tell, you can say they’re loquacious. |
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Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Wednesday… |
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Here’s a thought for the day John Lubbock: “[T]o lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” |
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On a lighter note… What’s Forrest Gump’s computer password? 1forrest1 |
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That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Wednesday, July 15th, 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 Widespread smoke, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 77 at water’s edge, 84 inland. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Tonight Widespread smoke, mainly before 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Thursday Widespread smoke. Partly sunny, with a high near 76/82. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Thursday Night Widespread smoke before 9pm. Increasing clouds, with a low around 66. North wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight. Friday A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 85/83. East wind around 10 mph. Friday Night Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2am. Low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Saturday Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8am and 2pm. High near 77/80. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 79/83. Sunday Night A chance of showers after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Monday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 77/81. Breezy. Monday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Breezy. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 73/75. Breezy. |
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Air Quality Index at 7:13am was 166. |
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Fire Danger: High |
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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 NNW wind 5 to 10 kt becoming W in the morning. Widespread smoke. Waves 1 ft or less. Tonight NNW wind 5 to 10 kt. Widespread smoke. Waves 1 ft or less. Thursday W wind 5 to 10 kt. Widespread smoke, mainly after 7am. Waves 1 ft or less. Thursday Night Variable winds 5 kt or less. Mostly cloudy. Waves 1 ft or less. Friday E wind 5 to 10 kt. A chance of showers. Waves 1 ft or less. Friday Night E wind 5 to 10 kt becoming SSW after midnight. Showers likely. Waves 1 ft or less. Saturday SW wind around 15 kt becoming N in the afternoon. A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm. Waves 1 to 2 ft. Saturday Night N wind 5 to 15 kt. Partly cloudy. Waves 1 to 2 ft. Sunday Variable winds 5 kt or less. Mostly sunny. Waves 1 ft or less. |
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Water Temps: 71 at the mid-lake buoy southwest of Gull Island and in the Straits. 72 at Sleeping Bear and in Little Traverse Bay. |
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Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is making for very poor air on Beaver Island today, with one of the worst air quality readings we’ve ever recorded. We’ll have the latest and what health officials recommend. Also, the debate over Gull Harbor Road continues, a new priest is joining St. James Parish, and we’ll tell you about getting the Beaver Head Lighthouse ready for the annual picnic.
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: Air Quality sensor map from PurpleAir shows the poor air quality spreading downwind from the fires in Canada. Image from WVBI PurpleAIr Sensor report |
