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Today is Election Day. Polls are open now through 8:00 this evening. There’s a summary of our look at what’s on the ballot…the candidates in the primaries and the millage proposals… available online under the news menu at W-V-B-I dot net. A few notes. Remember that some of the candidates in the primaries have dropped out of the race even though their names are still on the ballot. On the Democrat side of the ticket, Mallory McMorrow, a candidate for Senate, has withdrawn, but is still on the ballot. She has not endorsed either of the remaining candidates. Republicans Aric Nessbitt and Mike Cox have both withdrawn for the race for nominee in the race for governor. They both endorsed John James, but their names also remain on the ballot. — And a couple of notes on the millage proposals. The “Separate Tax Limitation Proposal” that appears for both townships is not about changing anything…not lowering or raising taxes. It’s to maintain the current allocation and limits on millage for the County. Peaine township votes will see to proposals for roads. One is to restore the existing millage to its non-Headly-reduced limit, a very small increase back to one mil. The other is to add an additional mil to help cover the rising costs of maintaining the townships roads. It does not have anything to do with the paving of East Side Drive. The cost for that was covered with County funds that did not come from township coffers. — There’s a link to the sample ballot for both townships in today’s script online. #Election2026
The question on today’s ballot on which Islanders voting the Democratic side of the ticket have a say — and that the entire nation is watching — is Michigan’s U.S. Senate primary. Congresswoman Haley Stevens and former Detroit Health Director Abdul El-Sayed made their final pushes yesterday after a fiercely contested campaign that has drawn tens of millions of dollars and national attention. — The race is being viewed as a test of the direction Democratic voters want their party to take. El-Sayed, backed by Bernie Sanders and other progressives, has campaigned against much of the party establishment. Stevens, backed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Senator Gary Peters and other leading Michigan Democrats, has emphasized her experience and ability to win in November. The winner faces Republican Mike Rogers in November for the open Senate seat — a race expected to be critical in determining control of the U.S. Senate. #Election2026
Two people have died in Michigan’s outbreak of cyclosporiasis [SY-kloh-spor-EYE-uh-sis], the first U.S. deaths linked to the illness. State health officials say both had underlying conditions. More than 11,200 Michigan cases have been reported, with nearly 200 hospitalizations. The illness is caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora [SY-kloh-SPOR-uh]. #Health
Despite fires burning out west, our skies have remained mostly clear of haze from them with air quality levels in the normal range for summer. We might see some haze this afternoon in to early evening, so increased levels over night and a repeat tomorrow, but all at low levels. #Environment
Tickets are slipping away for the BIC Center W-V-B-I Havana Nights Gala with just 31 left this morning. Tickets are also available for the Ultimate Mackinac Getaway prize package. The winner will be drawn at the Gala Thursday night. The package includes round trip air transport from the Island or Charlevoix to Mackinac for eight, hotel accommodations for four at the Inn at Stonecliffe, dinner there and gift certificates for The Pink Pony, golf, a sip & sail cruise, and a carriage tour. Tickets are $100 each and only 200 will be sold. #Events |
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Now here’s a look at upcoming events on your Emerald Isle… First your meeting planner… Election Day is today with the important opportunity to have your say in where we head now until 8:00 this evening. Tomorrow, the St. James Finance Advisory Committee meets at 1:30. A-A meets Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 6:00. That’s it through the end of the week. Locations and details are in the calendar entries online… On the fun front today… Tuesday, 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 3;30, there’s Taste the World for kids at the library. Learn about a country through food and fun. Tonight, in our Dark Skies, you should be able to see Comet 10P/Tempel 2 with binoculars. It is now at its peak through the 12th. There are details on how to spot it at Dark Sky Island dot org.
Wednesday, there’s Summer Restorative Yoga BIC Center at 9:30. Also at 10:00, there’s American Mah Jongg at the BIC Center in the Hangout, and at 1:00 there is Afternoon Bingo. Protar’s House will be open from 1:00 to 4:00, and at 4:00 the Amik Cultural Preservation Center will be open. Highlights for the rest of the week include… Thursday, there’s Pickleball at Peaine Township Park at 9:00. The COA’s normal Cardio Drumming and Art Therapy is off today on vacation. Those sessions return mid-August. 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. Weekly Bocce Ball rolls start at 4:00 on the courts at the Peaine Township Park. The BIC Center/WVBI Havana Nights Summer Gala is on at the Holy Cross Hall starting at 5:30. Step into the vibrant spirit of old Havana for an unforgettable evening of celebration, community, and giving with lively music and delicious food to raffle, silent and live auction items. Al proceeds go to support the BIC Center and WVBI. Tickets are $75 at tickets dot bic center dot org. There are just 31 left. And, Thursday evenings are 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. At 9:00 A-M Pickleball Outdoors on the Peaine Township courts. Back at the BIC Center at 9:30, there’s Summer Yoga in the Theater plus Chair Strength Training up in the Hangout. Homecoming events get underway at 12:45 with the national anthem and first pitch of the Annual Bud McDonough Memorial Softball Tournament. The start of men’s tournament will fill Friday afternoon, with the women taking to the field Friday evening. Also Friday evening, there’s a Save Gull Harbor Gathering from 5:00 to 10:00. There’ll be D-J music with D-J Butch. Bring lawn chairs plus snacks and refreshments to enjoy while rallying to save access to Gul Harbor Drive.
[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, Homecoming activities continue with the annual Golf Tournament teeing off at 9:00. There’s still time to sign up or sponsor a hole. Call the pro shop at 2301 for details. The Artisan’s Market is on at the Point starting at 10:00. Also, at 10:00, the Softball Tournament resumes. At 11:00, there’s a Peace Pole celebration at the library that will honor peace in all four languages of the Island. Protar’s House will be open for tours from 1:00 to 3:00. A celebration of the life of James Allan Cull is set for 2 p.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery. There’ll be a memorial ride to the Point, a graveside service, and a final toast at Angeline’s Bluff. 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. And, it’s the annual Homecoming Chicken Dinner at Holy Cross Hall. That starts at 4:30 and runs until the food is gone.
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 11:00, there’s Summer Therapeutic Chair Yoga at the BIC Center and over at the library, it’s the Senior Digital Café. At 5:00, there’s Community Broadband Meeting at the BIC Center. Learn about the fiber connections to the mainland now under construction and the opportunity for Island-wide fiber. Ask questions. Have your say. And, don’t forget, Monday evenings are All You Can Eat Pizza and Salad night at the Beachcomber, so you can go next door to grab dinner before or after the show.
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| Those are the highlights. Find a full listing of events at calendar dot W-V-B-I dot net. |
| Our BIC Center Name of the Day is Jack. If that’s your name, head on in to the BIC Center today to select a free drink of your choice. |
| On our Birthday List today are Brandon Maudrie, Keith Teauge, Tracy Paquin and Mary Delamater. Happy Birthday to Mary, Tracy, Keith and Brandon, and if we missed you on the list, Happy Birthday to you too from everyone at the BIC Center and WVBI. |
| TRAFFIC: No delays inbound or outbound to the airports. The Island Beltway is running smoothly with no bridge delays. It is still busy in town when the ferries arrive, and lots of bikers, hikers and musicians hurrying to practices or performances, so let’s be careful out there. |
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On this date in 1790, President George Washington signs legislation establishing the Revenue Marine, an armed fleet of small, fast boats charged with enforcing customs laws and protecting the young nation’s maritime trade. Its cutters patrol the coast, fight smuggling and later take on lifesaving and other duties. In 1915, the service merges with the U.S. Life-Saving Service to form what we know today as the United States Coast Guard.
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| Our Merriam Webster Word of the Day is élan (noun) [ay-LAHN]. It means enthusiastic vigor, confidence, or distinctive style and flair. It comes to English from French, where it originally referred to a sudden rush or burst of energy. Here’s an example: She tackled the difficult assignment with remarkable élan. |
| Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Tuesday… |
| Here’s a thought for the day from George Washington: “Nothing can preserve their freedom but frequent elections and the right of the people to vote.” |
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On a lighter note… I got a voting booth to decorate my house today It really polls the room together. |
| That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Election Day, Tuesday, August 4th, 2026. I’m Kevin Boyle reporting from W-V-B-I’s Langford Family Studios wishing you a great day and asking you: why not go ahead and make today the best day ever? And thanks for listening. |
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| WEATHER |
| [Current Condition Report, then…] |
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Today Increasing clouds, with a high near 75 at the beach, 82 inland. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. According to the fire smoke C-A models, a period of increased haze from smoke from 3pm to 7pm this afternoon and again in the early morning hours tomorrow. Tonight A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 8pm and 2am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 62. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Wednesday A 30 percent chance of showers before 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 73/80. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Another afternoon of haze from smoke from 3pm to 7pm. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. West wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 74/82. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Friday Sunny, with a high near 74/82. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 75/79. Saturday Night A chance of showers after 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Sunday A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 76/80. Sunday Night A chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 75/79. |
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| Air Quality Index at 7:03am was 61. |
| Fire Danger: Moderate |
| Out on the Big Drink…
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Today SSW wind 5 to 15 kt, with gusts as high as 25 kt. Increasing clouds. Waves 2 to 3 ft. Tonight W wind around 10 kt becoming NE after midnight. Showers and thunderstorms likely before 3am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 3am and 4am, then a chance of showers after 4am. Patchy fog after midnight. Waves 1 to 3 ft. Wednesday Variable winds 5 kt or less. A chance of showers, mainly before 8am. Patchy fog before 10am. Waves 1 ft or less. Wednesday Night Variable winds 5 kt or less. Partly cloudy. Waves 1 ft or less. Thursday Variable winds 5 kt or less. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less. Thursday Night SSW wind 5 to 10 kt. Mostly clear. Waves 1 ft or less. Friday SSW wind 10 to 15 kt. Sunny. Waves 1 to 2 ft. Friday Night SSW wind 10 to 15 kt. Mostly clear. Waves around 2 ft. Saturday SW wind 10 to 15 kt. Mostly sunny. Waves around 2 ft. |
| Water Temps: 66 at the mid-lake buoy southwest of Gull Island. 67 at Sleeping Bear. 70 in the Straits. 71 in Little Traverse Bay. |
  Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org |
| Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…
Today is Election Day. We have a look at a few things that might be confusing on your ballot—and a look at the race where Islanders have a say with the entire nation watching. Plus, Michigan records the nation’s first deaths in the cyclospora outbreak, and tickets are getting scarce for Thursday’s Havana Nights Gala.
More local stories, a run down of Island events plus, our word of the day, this day in history, birthdays, some inspitation and a bad joke are all coming up after a global and national news check from F-S-N. [Time check.] |
| Today’s featured image: Today is Election Day with the polls open until 8:00 this evening. Check wvbi.net under the news menu for a collection of our coverage of the candidates and the ballot proposals along with a sample ballot. Image from WVBI |
Community Calendar Report for, Election Day, Tuesday, August 4th, 2026
