| Michigan voters have set the matchups for November following yesterday’s primary election and in what many are calling a shock to the Democratic party establishment, Abdul El-Sayed has won the nomination on that party’s ticket for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat. The Associated Press called the race for El-Sayed at 9:56 this morning, with 99 percent of ballots counted and El-Sayed leading Congresswoman Haley Stevens by about one percentage point. Stevens called El-Sayed this morning to concede and endorsed him for the general election. Mallory McMorrow, who withdrew from the race but remained on the ballot and received about four percent of the vote, also endorsed El-Sayed. He’ll face Republican Mike Rogers, who was unopposed in the primary, in November.
— In the race for governor, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson easily won the Democratic nomination, taking more than 83 percent of the vote over Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. On the Republican side, Congressman John James won with about 50 percent. Perry Johnson finished second with about 35 percent, followed by Mike Cox at about 13 percent and Aric Nesbitt with less than two percent. Cox and Nesbitt had withdrawn from the race but remained on the ballot. Benson and James will face each other in November. — In the First Congressional District, the November race will be a rematch between Republican Congressman Jack Bergman and Democrat Callie Barr. With nearly all of the vote counted, Bergman took about three-quarters of the Republican vote. Barr won the Democratic primary with about 58 percent, ahead of Kyle Blomquist at about 36 percent and Wayne Stiles at about six percent. — In the 37th State Senate District, Democrat Kate Gallup won decisively over Mitchell Treadwell. Gallup had 32,258 votes, or 78 percent, to 9,035 for Treadwell. She’ll face incumbent Republican Senator John Damoose, who was unopposed, in November. — And in the 107th State House District, Melissa Perron won the Democratic nomination over Brendan Ryan. Perron had 7,694 votes, or 62 percent, to 4,653 for Ryan. She’ll face incumbent Republican Representative Parker Fairbairn, who was unopposed in his primary, in November. — Here on Beaver Island, the Democratic U.S. Senate race was about as close as it could get. Abdul El-Sayed edged Haley Stevens by a single vote island-wide, 73 to 72, with six votes going to Mallory McMorrow, who had withdrawn but remained on the ballot. In Peaine Township, Stevens led El-Sayed 37 to 36, while in St. James Township, El-Sayed led Stevens 37 to 35. McMorrow received one vote in Peaine and five in St. James. — In the Democratic primary for the First Congressional District, Callie Barr led island-wide with 67 votes, followed by Kyle Blomquist with 44 and Wayne Stiles with 31. In Peaine, it was Barr 28, Blomquist 26 and Stiles 15. In St. James, Barr had 39, Blomquist 18 and Stiles 16. On the Republican side, Jack Bergman received 81 Island votes, Justin Michal 11 and Matthew DenOtter eight. In Peaine, Bergman had 48, DenOtter eight and Michal six; in St. James, Bergman had 33 and Michal five, with no votes for DenOtter. — In the Democratic primary for the 37th State Senate District, Kate Gallup beat Mitchell Treadwell 105 to 23 island-wide. Gallup won Peaine 51 to 12 and St. James 54 to 11. In the Democratic 107th State House primary, Melissa Perron led Brendan Ryan 84 to 44 across the Island. Perron won Peaine 41 to 22 and St. James 43 to 22. — In the governor’s races, Jocelyn Benson received 131 Democratic votes island-wide to 18 for Chris Swanson. Benson won Peaine 65 to nine and St. James 66 to nine. On the Republican side, John James led the Island with 58 votes, followed by Mike Cox with 24, Perry Johnson with 19 and Aric Nesbitt with two. In Peaine, it was James 39, Cox 12, Johnson 11 and Nesbitt one. In St. James, James had 19, Cox 12, Johnson eight and Nesbitt one. — All of the ballot proposals appearing on Beaver Island ballots passed in both townships and county-wide.
All of the proposals on the ballot passed. Results remain unofficial. Graphic by WVBI — An interesting take-away about the Island results is how closely they matched results on the state-wide races. St. James Results: https://wvbi.biccenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/St.-James-Twp-Aug-26.pdf Peaine Results: https://wvbi.biccenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Peaine-Twp-Aug-26.pdf #Election 2026 Elsewhere in northern Michigan, a Benzie County operating millage failed by just nine votes. Fife Lake voters rejected dissolving their village, while operating millages passed in the Buckley, Manton and Kingsley school districts. Meantime, a recall effort against Antrim County Clerk Victoria Bishop is moving forward again. A revised petition alleges Bishop improperly changed voter records. State canvassers have 20 days to hold a hearing. #Election 2026 On the Island, folks from the U-S Fish and Wildlife Service were here yesterday checking on the Michigan Monkey Flower, Dwarf Lake Iris and pollinators and the Peninsula Fiber Network landing sites. And speaking of those sites, on the north shore at the township campground and on the east side at the C-M-U camp ground…lots of folks have been asking about them. The sites were cleared for the lateral drilling equipment that will bore out into the like to put in conduit for the fiber optic lines headed to the U-P and over to Charlevoix. The site on the north shore is larger because the bore there will run farther out into the lake. So more drilling supplies have to be stored on the site. Both sites had to be leveled out to allow the heavy equipment and supply vehicles in to the sites. When the drilling work is done and the fiber installed, very little will remain above ground. Just some small access portals. Both sites will be replanted to some extent with plans being discussed that may make use of some of the open space. — You can learn more about what’s happening with the under-lake fiber project and what it will mean for broadband on the Island at a Community Forum on Broadband next Monday at 5:00 at the BIC Center. #Environment #Broadband
Equipment and supplies at the north shore lateral drilling site for the fiber optic link to the U.P. Photo by Kevin Boyle
The crops have started to come in at Bob Evans farm. You’ll find pickling cucumbers, along with kale, zucchini, and tomatoes on the tables there. The farm is just south of the car wash and storage on Kings Highway. #Events
Fires continue in the northwest U-S, but the impact on the Island remains limited. Once again we’ll see some smoke haze this afternoon and again tomorrow evening, but nothing significant. #Environment
Tickets are slipping away for the BIC Center W-V-B-I Havana Nights Gala with 15 or so more out the door yesterday. 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… 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. 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. All proceeds go to support the BIC Center and WVBI. Tickets are $75 at tickets dot bic center dot org. And, Thursday evenings are Burger and a Beer Night at the Shamrock. Highlights for the rest of the week include… 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.
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. At11:30, there’s drop-off and set-up for the Quilt Show at the Beaver Island Gallery. At 7:00 TUNES has a Traditional Tune Workshop at the Brother’s Place. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Email tunes@tunesmusicmakers.org to register.
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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 Rita. 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 Mary Scholl, Julie Martin and Nancy Darling. Happy Birthday to Nancy, Julie and Mary, 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 1963, the United States, Soviet Union and Great Britain sign the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in Moscow. Coming less than a year after the Cuban Missile Crisis, it bans nuclear tests in the atmosphere, underwater and in outer space. Underground testing remains permitted. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan fires more than 11,000 striking air traffic controllers after they ignore his order to return to work.
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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 Wednesday… |
| Here’s a thought for the day from Dean Rusk, Secretary of State when the Limite Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was signed: “The best way to persuade people is with your ears – by listening to them.” |
| On a lighter note…
What do they say during election season in Transylvania? Every Count Votes. |
| That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Wednesday, August 5th, 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 A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, then a chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72 at the beach and 79 in the woods. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. There was some lingering smoke haze this moorning. We’ll see it again this afternoon starting around 1:00 until 4:00 or 5:00. Tonight Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 64. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 74/82. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 66. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Smoke haze my start to appear around 8:00, but will fade by 11:00…so just in time for sunset. Friday Sunny, with a high near 74/82. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Friday Night A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 74/81. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 75/78. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Monday A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 74/77. Monday Night A chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 75/78. |
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| Air Quality Index at 6:39am was 77. |
| Fire Danger: Moderate |
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Out on the Big Drink…
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| Today
E wind 5 to 10 kt becoming N in the afternoon. Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 4pm, then isolated showers between 4pm and 5pm. Patchy fog before 7am. Waves 1 ft or less. Thursday Variable winds 5 kt or less. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less. Friday SW wind around 10 kt. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less. Sunday WSW wind around 10 kt. Mostly sunny. Waves around 1 ft. |
| Water Temps: 66 at the mid-lake buoy southwest of Gull Island. 71 at Sleeping Bear and in Little Traverse Bay. 70 in the Straits. |
  Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org |
| Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…
The statewide Democratic Senate primary is still too close to call this morning—and here on Beaver Island, El-Sayed and Stevens were separated by just one vote. We’ll have complete Island election results, word on the county-wide outcomes and a look at some interesting results nearby. Plus an update on the under-lake fiber project, fresh produce at Bob Evans Farm, and Havana Nights tickets going fast.
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: Election results are in for all but the nominee for U.S Senate for the Democrats. Image from WVBI
NOTE: This report has been updated to reflect the AP call in the race for Democrat nominee for the U.S. Senate. |
Community Calendar Report for Wednesday, August 5th, 2026
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