First some news…
Michigan’s House budget committee—controlled by Republicans—has canceled nearly $645 million in state project funding for 2026, accusing departments of stashing money in “slush funds.” Using a little-known provision, the committee acted without Senate approval, prompting fierce criticism from Democrats. The cuts hit programs ranging from RxKids cash grants for new mothers to arts funding and economic development projects. GOP leaders say the move forces a broader debate on government spending, while Democrats call it reckless and harmful, especially just days before the holidays.
The first-ever pitch competition for Indigenous-led startups in Michigan wrapped up last week at the Odawa Casino near Petoskey, and the top prize went to Nokomis Everstory. The Charlevoix-based company creates high-quality video interviews to preserve family stories, inspired by Indigenous storytelling traditions. Founder Joshua Paul told Interlochen Public Radio that the idea grew from losing his grandfather without a single recording of his voice. Paul, a member of the Grand Traverse Band, won $7,000 to upgrade his camera gear. In all, judges awarded more than $14,500 to four Indigenous entrepreneurs from across the state.
Weather forecasters are starting to look at the question of a white Christmas. And, after a cold end to November with snow covering almost all of the state, it looks like a warming trend could bring bare ground to a good portion of the southern half of the L-P. Warmer weather arrives next week with temps down there expected to get to the upper 40s. We’ll see warmer temps here, too, above freezing and into the high 30s, but back below freezing in the night. Forecasters say our snow cover should last through Christmas, but time will tell.
Amount of snow on the ground forecast for after the warm spell next week. Graphic from NOAA
One of the Upper Peninsula’s strangest sagas may finally be ending. A Russian Ilyushin cargo jet that’s been grounded near Marquette for 16 years—tied up in lawsuits, visa issues, and ownership disputes—may soon fly again. Its value has surged to $50 million because wars in Gaza and Ukraine have boosted demand for cargo aircraft. The plane now has a clean title and buyers lined up. Once Ukrainian engineers finish inspections, it could be airworthy within months, ending a long chapter for the jet locals dubbed “Boris the Tanker.”
The Manton community is rallying to support the two young children of Rebecca Park, the 22-year-old pregnant mother murdered in late November. A spaghetti dinner fundraiser is set for Saturday, December 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 at Manton Schools. Organizers hope to create a trust for the children, with support pouring in from across Michigan and beyond.
TUNES has announced a holiday give-away to thank the community with a little holiday cheer. One winner will get two round-trip Boat Company tickets, a Boat Company ornament, and a handmade Christmas stocking by Nean Smith. No cost to enter to win. Just like, comment, and share their Facebook post to enter. The giveaway closes Sunday at 7, and they’ll announce the winner right after. There’s a link to their post in today’s script online.
https://www.facebook.com/TUNESMUSICMAKERS
Wild Strawberry is taking a Holiday Break. They’ll be closed from the 14th through January 20th. So Saturday is their last day for a bit.
Wild Strawberry takes a holiday break. Image from their Facebook post
Finally, a reminder that the deadline for the Toy Drive is fast approaching. It’s next Monday. You can drop off new, unwrapped toys at Welke Airport or get them to Connie or Neal at there house or in their cars.
Now, here’s a look at events happening on your Emerald Isle…
First your meeting planner…
A-A meets Saturday at 6:00 and next week Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday same time. Also next week, Waste Management Committee meets Tuesday at 1:30. Peaine Township Board meets that evening at 5:30. Library Board and JTAC meet Thursday at 4:30. That’s it on the meeting front through the end of next week and, for that matter, through end of the year save for A-A.
On the fun front today…
Friday gets underway with Senior + Vets Coffee + Donuts is on at the BIC Center from 9:00 to 11:00. Pickleball is at 10:00 in the Theater and Chair Strength Training is up in the Hangout at 10:30. And, over at school, the annual Great Lakes Islands Basketball Tournament gets underway at noon with teams from our fellow islands all headed here for action that will run through Saturday.
[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.]
On Saturday, the Fiero Code Club is on at the library at 1:00 with a new program alongside it called Girls that Code for girls in grades 3-12. At the BIC Center Saturday, movies are back as part of the library’s Big Read survival series. The 3:00 show is Lost on a Mountain in Maine. A boy gets separated from his family and fights to survive in the face of a fierce storm. Rated PG. Then at 6:00, it’s Arctic, the story of a plane crash, tough decisions and a trek to survive. It’s rated PG-13. Of course, both movies are based on books. You can check them out at the library.
[On the radio, tune in for Country Classics at 5:00 Saturday evening with host Sheri Timsak. At 7:00, Jackson Smith and Steve Girbach are in with Songs from the Trail. 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 Christian Church at 10:00 and mass at Holy Cross at 12:15. Also, Sunday afternoon from 3:00 to 7:00 there’s a pasta potluck dinner to raise money for Laura Green as she battles cancer. That’s at the Elks Lodge.
Looking ahead to highlights for next week…
Monday is all you can eat pizza and salad night at the Shamrock.
Tuesday, there’s Pickleball at the BIC Center at 10:00, and Babes and Toddlers mix it up over at the library at 10:00. And in the Hang Out at the BIC Center, there’s Chair Strength Training at 10:30.
Wednesday, there’s bingo at the BIC Center at 1:00 in the Hangout. Wednesday evening it’s a Candlelit Christmas with the NoMi String Collective at the BIC Center. There’s no charge for admission, but you do need to reserve a seat at tickets dot bic center dot org. Showtime is 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, at 10:00, there’s pickleball in the theater and Tai Chi is in the Hangout both at the BIC Center and there is Women’s Bible Study at the Christian Church. Thursday evenings are Burger & a Beer Night at the Shamrock, plus Thursday Night is time for Euchre at Whiskey Point Brewery. Cards hit the table at 7:00. Also Thursday evening, the TUNES Holiday Recital is at the BIC Center at 7:00 p.m.
And, next Friday is the last boat of the season.
NAME OF DAY: Today’s BIC Center Name of the Day is Tessa. If that’s your name, come into the BIC Center to pick out a free drink of your choice, courtesy of your friends at the BIC Center and WVBI.
BIRTHDAYS: Sheldon Anderson, Doug Gillespie, Betty Scoggins and Debby Hall Waskiewicz are on our list today. Happy Birthday to Debby, Betty, Doug and Sheldon and, if we missed you on the list, Happy Birthday to you too from everyone at WVBI and your Beaver Island Community Center.
TRAFFIC: No delays inbound or outbound to the airports. The Island Beltway is running smoothly and there are no bridge delays. But, the roads are super slick with yet another fresh coat of snow so, let’s be careful out there, especially in the school zone.
On this day in 2000, General Motors announces it will phase out production of Oldsmobile, the nation’s oldest automotive brand name. The first Oldsmobile was built by Ransom Eli Olds in 1897. Also on this date in 1980, Apple Computer completes its I-P-O with an initial market value of one point seven billion. In 1970 Smokey Robinson tops the charts with Tears of a Clown and in 1925 the world’s first motor hotel, or motel, opens in San Luis Obispo, California.
The first Oldsmobile in the woods. Image from Library of Congress
The last Olds rolls off the line in Lansing. Image by KnightHood from Pintrest
Our Merriam Webster Word of the Day is waggish (adjective) [WAG-ish]. It describes someone who’s playful, silly, and fond of mischievous humor. A waggish person acts like a “wag,” meaning a clever joker—not a dog’s tail. The term likely comes from an old English word for someone fit for the gallows, but today it’s all about lighthearted fun. A class clown, for example, might be known for waggish antics or a waggish disposition.
Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Friday…
Here’s a thought for the day from Smokey Robinson: “The one thing about God that’s so beautiful is He is omnipotent, and He is the Almighty. But He’s not a dictator.”
On a lighter note…
What did one cranberry say to the other at Christmas?
‘Tis the season to be jelly.
That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Friday, December 12th, 2025. 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 it the best day ever? And thanks for listening.
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Today
Snow showers likely, mainly after 4pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 31. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Tonight
Snow showers, mainly before 1am. Patchy blowing snow between 9pm and 1am. Low around 12. Wind chill values as low as -3. Breezy, with a west wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Saturday
Partly sunny, with a high near 17. Wind chill values as low as -6. Breezy, with a west wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Saturday Night
A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 11. Wind chill values as low as -5. Blustery, with a northwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Sunday
A 20 percent chance of snow showers before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 25. Blustery, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Sunday Night
Cloudy, with a low around 17. Breezy.
Monday
A 50 percent chance of snow showers before 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 26. Breezy.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.
Tuesday
Cloudy, with a high near 37. Breezy.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Breezy.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39.
Wednesday Night
A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Breezy.
Thursday
A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. Breezy.
Air Quality Index this morning was 0.
Out on the Big Drink…
Today
W wind 10 to 20 kt becoming SW in the afternoon. Snow showers likely, mainly after 4pm. Waves 1 ft building to 5 ft.
Saturday-Heavy Freezing Spray Warning
WNW wind 20 to 25 kt. Mostly cloudy. Waves around 4 ft.
Sunday
N wind 10 to 20 kt, with gusts as high as 25 kt. A chance of snow showers before noon. Waves around 4 ft.
Monday
SW wind 20 to 25 kt becoming WNW 15 to 20 kt in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 kt. Snow likely, mainly before noon. Widespread freezing spray before 1pm. Waves 8 ft subsiding to 5 ft.
Tuesday
SSW wind 10 to 15 kt increasing to 20 to 25 kt in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 kt. Cloudy. Waves 1 ft building to 7 ft.
Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org
Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…
Michigan’s House budget committee cancels more than $600 million in state project funding, sparking a fierce political fight in Lansing. We’ll have details. An Indigenous-led startup from Charlevoix takes top honors at a statewide pitch event. Will warmer weather threaten hopes for a white Christmas? Plus, a 16-year saga in the U.P. may be ending as “Boris the Tanker” gets ready to fly again. And we’ll tell you about a fundraiser in Manton, a holiday giveaway from TUNES, Wild Strawberry’s winter break, and the fast-approaching deadline for the Island Toy Drive.
All of those stories plus a run-down of local events, birthdays and more all after this global and national news update from F-S-N. It’s [timecheck].
Today’s featured image: Amount of snow on the ground forecast for after the warm spell next week. Graphic from NOAA