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Today we continue our look at what voters will see on their ballots tomorrow. Friday, we covered the millage proposals that will be on ballots in both townships. In addition to those, Peaine Township voters have four township-only millage questions on tomorrow’s ballot—three renewals and one request for additional funding for roads. — The airport proposal renews three-quarters of a mill for three years, with the money going to the Beaver Island Airport Commission for airport operations and maintenance. Last year, Peaine levied .7311 mill for the airport. The renewal would restore authorization to the full .75 mill after reductions required by Michigan’s Headlee Amendment. If fully levied, it’s expected to raise about $69,000 in its first year. — The EMS proposal similarly renews authorization for up to three mills for the Beaver Island Emergency Services Authority. Peaine actually levied 2.9 mills last year. If the full three mills are levied, the ballot estimates it would raise about $276,000 in its first year. — Roads are a little more complicated because there are two questions. The first renews Peaine’s existing one-mill road tax for another three years. Peaine levied .9748 mill last year. The proposal restores authorization to a full mill, which, if fully levied, is expected to raise about $92,000 in its first year. — The second road question asks voters to authorize an additional mill. If both pass, Peaine would have authority to levy up to two mills for road construction and maintenance. — One mill costs $100 a year for every $100,000 of taxable value. So, if fully levied, the new road mill would add $100 a year on property with $100,000 of taxable value. Peaine Supervisor Maria Dal Pra, in a post on Facebook and the Beaver Island Forum, points out that voter approval doesn’t necessarily mean the township will levy the entire authorized amount. The Township Board determines the actual levy through its budgeting process and can levy less. She says the Township Board is requesting the additional road millage because the existing mill isn’t keeping up with the township’s road expenses. Peaine is financially responsible for just over 58 miles of local and seasonal roads. Dal Pra says that over six budget years, including estimates for the coming year, the road fund will have taken in about $423,000. During the same period, gravel and dust control alone will have cost about $576,000—a gap of more than $153,000, or about $25,000 a year. — No road improvement projects have been funded from the road fund during that period. The East Side Drive paving project that was just finished was not paid for with Peaine’s road millage. Because it is a county primary road, the entire project was funded at the county level, with money from the countywide road millage. Were East Side not a county primary road, Peaine would have incurred, and continue to incur, additional road expenses of about $28,000 a year…just for dust control. So, while voters face four Peaine millage questions tomorrow, only one asks for a new mill—the additional road proposal. The other three renew existing taxes for another three years. Our coverage of the county and island wide proposals along with our look at all of the candidates on the ballot is available in the news section of our website at W-V-B-I dot net. Go there and click on news in the menu. We covered the primary candidates and proposals over the course of several days in the past two weeks, but to make it easy to review we’ve gathered up that coverage in a consolidated election guide that includes copies of the sample ballots. — Polls are open tomorrow from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Michigan officials say nine community water systems were targeted in recent cyberattacks, but all continued operating safely with no known threat to public health. The incidents follow similar attacks in Minnesota and come after a federal warning that hackers are targeting water and wastewater systems. The FBI is investigating, and no source has been officially identified. The Michigan Supreme Court has thrown out a key state permit for Enbridge’s proposed Line 5 tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. In a 6-to-1 decision Friday, the court ruled the Michigan Public Service Commission failed to fully consider the tunnel’s environmental impacts, including effects on public trust rights in the Great Lakes and whether Line 5 would continue operating without the tunnel. The case now goes back to the commission for a new review. The ruling delays—but does not stop—the proposed tunnel project. Baroque wrapped up its 2026 Festival with Brass on the Bay Sunday afternoon. It was a perfect day for music in the dunes around the Donegal Bay Pavillion and the music lovers turned out in force to enjoy the show. It marked the last event under the direction of long-time Baroque Music Director Robert Nordling. “I’m delighted with how the festival has grown,” he said, “but the best is yet to come.” Nathan Beiber now takes the reins as the music director and principal conductor for the festival.
The Coast Guard cutter that rescued the only two survivors of the SS Carl D. Bradley sinking near Beaver Island in 1958 will be honored Wednesday in Rogers City. The USCGC Sundew searched storm-tossed waters after the Bradley broke apart and rescued First Mate Elmer Fleming and deck watchman Frank Mays—the only survivors of the 35-man crew. During Wednesday’s ceremony, the Bradley’s salvaged bell will be rung once for each of the 33 men who lost their lives. While fires continue to burn west and north west of us, now with the heaviest concentration in Washington state, our skies have remained mostly clear, with the smoke haze coming and going. The fire smoke models say we’ll see a slight increase around 1:00 this afternoon. That will clear overnight and then return midafternoon tomorrow.
Tickets continue to dwindle for the BIC Center W-V-B-I Havana Nights Gala. There were just 46 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 air transport from the Island to Mackinac for eight, hotel accommodations for four, dinner and bar gift certificates, a carriage tour and more. Tickets are $100 each and only 200 will be sold.
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Now here’s a look at upcoming events on your Emerald Isle…
First your meeting planner…
Peaine Township Planning Commission meets on this evening at 5:00. Election Day is Tuesday with the polls open 7 am to 8 pm. Wednesday, 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…
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. Monday is Funday at the BIC Center with movies on this Monday. The 3:00 show is Hoppers. A young animal lover uses technology that places her consciousness into a robotic beaver to uncover mysteries within the animal world beyond her imagination. It’s the latest from Pixar, rated PG. At 6:00 it’s Remarkably Bright Creatures, based on the best-selling book, telling the story of an Octopus and its relationship with two caregivers at an aquarium. Sally Field stars. Rated PG-13. 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. In our Dark Skies, you might be able to see Comet 10P/Tempel 2 with binoculars. Here’s when to look, what to expect, and how to find 10P/Tempel 2 in the sky. To check the comet’s position and visibility for your exact location, you can use an app linked in our script online. It will continue to grow in brightness until it reaches its peak from August 3rd through the 12th.
Highlights for the rest of the week include…
Wednesday, there’s Summer Restorative Yoga BIC Center at 9:30. At 10:00 at the library kids can make clay fossils. 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. Al proceeds go to support the BIC Center and WVBI. Tickets are $75 at tickets dot bic center dot org. And, did I mention that there are just 46 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… |
| Those are the highlights. Find a full listing of events at calendar dot W-V-B-I dot net. |
| 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 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed from Palos, Spain, with three ships—the Niña, Pinta, and Santa María—hoping to find a western route to Asia. Instead, his expedition reached the Americas that October, beginning sustained contact between Europe and the Western Hemisphere and changing the course of world history. And in 1958, the U.S. Navy submarine USS Nautilus became the first vessel to reach the North Pole beneath the Arctic ice. Powered by a nuclear reactor, Nautilus completed the historic voyage without surfacing, proving that submarines could operate for extended periods under the polar ice cap.
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| Our Merriam Webster Word of the Day is mitigate (verb) [MIT-uh-gayt]. Mitigate is a verb that means to make something less severe, less harmful, or less painful. The word comes from the Latin mitigare (mee-tee-GAH-ray), meaning “to soften” or “to make gentle,” from the Latin mitis (MEE-tess), meaning “mild” or “gentle.” That original idea of softening something is still reflected in how we use the word today. You’ll often hear mitigate in discussions about weather, emergencies, health care, environmental issues, and public policy—any time people are trying to reduce the effects of a problem rather than eliminate it entirely. |
| Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Monday… |
| Here’s a thought for the day from Albert Einstein about discovery: “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” |
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On a lighter note… What do you call a dog on a submarine? A subwoofer. |
| That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Monday, August 3rd, 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…] |
| Today
Sunny, with a high near 74 at the shore and 81 inland. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 65. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 74/81. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Tuesday Night Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 62. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Wednesday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8am, then a slight chance of showers between 8am and 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 73/80. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 74/81. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 65. Friday Sunny, with a high near 75/79. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 65. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 75/79. Saturday Night A chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Sunday A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 75/79. |
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| Air Quality Index at 7:03am was 46. |
| Fire Danger: Moderate |
| Out on the Big Drink…
Photo from the North Lake Michigan Buoy. Provided by the National Data Buoy Center |
| Today
NNE wind 5 to 10 kt becoming WSW in the afternoon. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less. Tuesday SSW wind 15 to 20 kt, with gusts as high as 30 kt. Mostly sunny. Waves 1 to 3 ft. Wednesday Variable winds 5 kt or less. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Waves 1 ft or less. Thursday E wind 5 to 10 kt becoming SW in the afternoon. Mostly sunny. Waves 1 ft or less. Friday SW wind around 10 kt. Sunny. Waves 1 to 2 ft. |
| Water Temps: 63 at the mid-lake buoy southwest of Gull Island. 70 at Sleeping Bear and in the Straits. 71 in Little Traverse Bay. |
  Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org |
| Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…
Election Day is tomorrow. We’ll wrap up our look at the ballot with a closer look at the four Peaine Township millage proposals—including the one question that would authorize a new tax for township roads. We’ll explain what each proposal would do, what it could cost, and why township officials say the additional funding is needed. Also, the Michigan Supreme Court throws out a key permit for the proposed Line 5 tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac, Michigan reports cyberattacks targeting nine community water systems. State officials say all continued operating safely and there was no known threat to public health. And if you’re planning to buy tickets ti attend Thursday’s BIC Center WVBI Havanah Nights Gala, don’t wait too long. Tickets are almost gone.
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: A robust gathered at the Donegal Bay Pavillion Sunday afternoon to enjoy the last event of Baroque on Beaver 2026. The Festival returns next year with Nathan Beiber taking the baton from Robert Nordling. Screen captures from video by Tony Miller |
Community Calendar Report for Monday, August 3rd, 2026
