We start with an updated look at island road conditions. At last report yesterday afternoon from Peaine Township Supervisor Maria Dal Pra East Side Drive was still passable, but problems are worsening in spots. Washouts remain at Nomad’s Corner, with deeper water and damage reported north of Kilty’s Point, where a culvert is now exposed. […]

The melting snow and rain continue to present problems for East Side Drive near the south end. Peaine Township Supervisor Maria Dal Pra took a survey drive and found the road passable as of yesterday, but is some places only the drown of the road is visible, and there are places near Nomad’s corner where […]

The Emerald Isle’s first official roundtrip of the season leaves Charlevoix this morning at 8:30, and she heads back across at 11:20, her new earlier departure time from the Island. She headed out yesterday from the Island on a repositioning cruise to get ready for today’s trip. The 11:20 Island Departures are Monday, Wednesday and […]

First some news…   With the start of its season set for tomorrow, the Emerald Isle headed out headed out for a test run yesterday, taking advantage of the area cleared by the Bristol Bay last Friday.  The first departure is set for 11:20 tomorrow.   One year after the devastating northern Michigan ice storm […]

The first ferry trip of the season is scheduled for Wednesday with a departure at 11:20. That looked in doubt last week with Paradise Bay still covered in ice, but the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay came to the rescue on Friday clearing a path for the Emerald Isle to sail. WVBI’s […]

First some news… To stay up to date on boat cancellations, delays, and schedule changes, sign up for text alerts by texting “BIBCO” to 844-661-0033 Photo from WVBI Webcam   Last week, a judge overturned the approval of an 810-acre solar farm project in Cheboygan County, Michigan, after a lawsuit filed by 19 residents. The […]

  First, some news… The first ferry trips are scheduled for next week, but the harbor still has a fair bit of ice. I heard buzz yesterday that the Coast Guard ice breakers are busy further North and  We’ll just have to wait and see how things develop. To stay up to date on boat […]

  First some news… The first ferry trips are set for a week from now, but the harbor still has a fair bit of ice. We’ll just have to wait and see how things develop. Photo from WVBI Webcam   Story from UpNorth Live – James Itani, 41, was sentenced to 25-40 years in prison […]

Community Calendar Report for Tuesday, March 31st, 2026.   First, some news… Community members in Traverse City are supporting Coast Guard families facing potential pay disruption due to the federal funding fight. Efforts include collecting donations, stocking a pantry with essentials, and organizing events like an Easter breakfast. Final Four: Michigan v Arizona, UConn v […]

Community Calendar Report for Monday, March 30th, 2026.   First, some news… Munson Medical Center nurses in Traverse City are planning a practice strike on Thursday, April 9, from 4:30 to 6:15 p.m. The nurses report concerns about staffing levels, mandatory overtime, and working without a contract. Munson Medical Center reports negotiations are ongoing, and […]