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The U.S. Supreme Court has unanimously sided with Dana Nessel in the ongoing dispute over the Line 5 pipeline. Justices ruled Enbridge missed a key deadline to move the case to federal court, meaning it will stay in Michigan’s state court system. The decision doesn’t determine whether Line 5 will shut down, but it’s a significant step in a years-long legal battle over the aging pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac and puts the dispute in a forum that many will be more friendly to the State’s point of view.
Meantime, the Michigan House has passed a nearly $76 billion state budget proposal, about $5 billion less than current spending, with major cuts to departments like health, labor, and environmental programs. Republicans say the plan reflects more realistic spending levels, while Democrats argue the cuts go too far and could hurt services and long-term growth. The proposal also assumes reduced Medicaid costs and comes amid a projected $1.8 billion shortfall. This is just an early step in the process, with major changes expected before a final budget is approved by the Senate and Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Even as we continue to dry and thaw out here on the Island, the impacts from record snowfall and heavy spring rains continue to plague mainlanders. And now, it’s not just high water, but ice. Along Black Lake in Cheboygan county large sheets of ice have been pushed into homes, breaking windows and flooding living spaces. At the Cheboygan Lock and Dam, water levels remain just inches below the top, with crews working around the clock to increase flow and reduce pressure. In Bellaire, conditions have stabilized but officials remain on alert with evacuation plans in place. And in Traverse City, the Boardman River is slowly receding, but revealing plenty of damage.
Lingering ice in the Straits of Mackinac is delaying the start of the summer ferry season to Mackinac Island. Both Arnold Transit Company and Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry have postponed their planned April 21 launch dates, citing unsafe conditions near docks—especially in Mackinaw City. Limited winter service continues for now, with no confirmed start date for full operations. Officials say crews and vessels are ready, but service won’t expand until ice clears and safe passage is possible.
With Warblers on the Water coming up quickly…it’s Memorial Day Weekend and that’s just weeks away…word from experts is that the spring bird migration is underway. BirdCast radar estimates more than 317 million birds moved overnight across the U.S., marking the start of a major four-day surge. They said last night could be the nationwide peak, with the Great Lakes region seeing its biggest migration night Thursday. Numbers are expected to taper off into the weekend and early next week. So, there will plenty to see when the Warblers festival arrives. There are still some excursions available for signup. You can check them out at tickets dot bic center dot org. https://store.biccenter.org/product/warblers-on-the-water-2026/
A BirdCast migration graphic depicts birds on the move. Graphic from CornellLab Birdcast from Facebook post
The Beaver Island Commission will begin offering free fresh produce and shelf-stable items on Fridays starting tomorrow. The distribution will be from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at its Donegal Bay Road office. The program runs Fridays through September for Charlevoix County residents age 60 and over, with up to five items available each week on a first-come, first-served basis.
The COA Free produce program starts tomorrow. Graphic from Charlevois County Commission on Aging Facebook post
Finally, a few reminders:
It’s been two years since Dickie McEvoy passed away, whose voice you can still hear on W-V-B-I. If there’s time today, drive your classic car out to Whiskey Point and hoist a glass to his memory.
The Wildlife Club’s spring tree and shrub giveaway and distribution is coming up Sunday. They’ll have 350 plants available. Pick-up is at Levi’s on Paid Een Ogs Road and runs until they’re gone.
The Beaver Island Players are working on Beaver Tales II planning. They’ll meet at the library at 11:00 on May 2nd.
And, remember that the Boat Company has added a second run for this Friday. It will leave Charlevoix at 2:30 and head back to the mainland at 5:20. |
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Now here’s a look at events happening on your Emerald Isle…
First your meeting planner…
A-A meets Thursday and Saturday at 6:00. St. James Township Board has called a special meeting for tomorrow at noon. Locations and more details are in the calendar entries online.
On the fun front today…
Thursday Women’s Bible Study is on at 10:00 at the Christian Church. There’s Pickleball at the BIC Center at 10:00 in the Theater. At 10:30 up in the Hangout there’s Senior Tai Chi. Thursday evening, there’s Pickleball at 5:00 in the Theater at the BIC Center. Afterwards, you can grab the burger & a beer special at the Shamrock starting at 5:00, and its Euchre Night down at Whiskey Point Brewing. Cards hit the table at 7:00.
[Thursday evening on the radio, drop in for W-V-B-I’s newest music show. It’s The Underground with Leila Freijy. It’s the underground sound of grunge and more from the 80s and 90s with special features every week. Tune in at 7:00 for two hours Underground.]
Friday, Senior + Vets Coffee & Donuts is at the BIC Center from 9:00 to 11:00. There’s Pickleball at 10:00 and Chair Strength Training at 10:30.
[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.]
Looking ahead to highlights for the rest of the week…
Saturday, the Fiero Code Club is on at the library at 1:00. Then at 2:00 the library will treat you to an Edible Book Festival. Bring something to share if you can and, either way, come hungry. Also Saturday, There are two movies at the BIC Center. The 3:00 show is Arco, an animated sci-fi story of time travel that’s about kids and great for kids. Rated PG. At 6:00, it’s the award winning H is for Hawk. It’s the story of a daughter grieving the loss of her dad who is rescued by a stubborn hawk. Rated PG-13. And, remember, Saturdays 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 Christian Church at 10:00 and mass at Holy Cross at 12:15.
Looking ahead to highlights for next week…
Monday evening is All You Can Eat Pizza and Salad night at the Shamrock.
Tuesday at 10:00, Babes & Toddlers mix it up at the library and there is Pickleball in the Theater at the BIC Center and, at 10:30, there’s Chair Strength Training up in the Hangout. At 2:15 there’s a Home School Meet-up at the library. At 5:00 at school, student athletes will be honored at Sports Awards night. All are welcome to attend.
Wednesday, there’s BINGO at 1:00 at the BIC Center. And at 5:00 it’s Time for Art, at the BIC Center. This week the final session on creating plaster molds led by Cindy Ricksgers. Also Wednesday evening at school, the Nathinal Honor Society will induct new members. The ceremony will be in the high school commons and all are welcome to attend. |
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Today’s BIC Center Name of the Day is Paige. If that’s your name, come on it to the BIC Center to pick out a free drink of your choice. |
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On our Birthday List today: Becca Foli. Happy Birthday to Becca and if we missed you on the list Happy Birthday to you too from everyone at the BIC Center and WVBI. |
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TRAFFIC: No delays inbound or outbound to the airports. The Island Beltway is running smoothly. There are no bridge delays. Still, let’s be careful out there, especially in the school zone. |
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On this date in 2005, The first YouTube video is posted. The 18-second clip “Me at the zoo” shows co-founder Jawed Karim at the San Diego Zoo. It has been viewed more than 13 million times (2014). Want to help run up the count? There’s a link to that first video in today’s script online.
Screenshot from first Youtube video. Screen capture from YouTube post by Jawed Karim |
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Our Merriam-Webster Word of the Day is fortitude (noun) [FOR-tuh-tood]. It means the strength of mind to face danger, pain, or adversity with courage—think grit or pluck. It comes from the Latin fortis, meaning “strong,” and has long referred to mental strength. Even William Shakespeare once used it to mean physical strength, but today it’s all about courage—like in the phrase “intestinal fortitude,” which, despite the name, has nothing to do with your stomach. |
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Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Thursday… |
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Here’s a thought for the day from YouTube pioneer Jawed Karim: “That’s one of those things about being a computer science major: Valentine’s Day is just another day.” |
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On a lighter note: What disease did the Youtuber contract? Influenza. |
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That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Thursday, April 23rd, 2026. I’m Kevin Boyle reporting from W-V-B-I’s Langford Family Studios wishing you a great day and asking: why not go ahead and make it the best day ever? And thanks for listening. |
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Today Partly sunny, with a high near 49/57. East wind 10 to 15 mph. Tonight Increasing clouds, with a low around 40. Breezy, with an east wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Friday A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44/49. Breezy, with an east wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Friday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Saturday A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 45/48. North wind around 10 mph. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 48/51. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. Monday A chance of showers after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 51/54. Breezy. Monday Night Showers likely, mainly after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Breezy. Tuesday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47/50. Breezy. Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 46/49. |
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Town: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.52&lat=45.748 |
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Out on the Big Drink … |
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Today SE wind around 10 kt becoming E in the afternoon. Mostly sunny. Waves around 1 ft. Friday E wind 15 to 20 kt. A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Waves 2 to 3 ft. Saturday NNW wind around 10 kt. A slight chance of showers before 1pm. Waves 1 ft or less. Sunday Variable winds 5 kt or less. Mostly sunny. Waves 1 ft or less. Monday E wind 10 to 20 kt. A chance of showers. Waves 1 to 3 ft. |
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Midway to Charlevoix: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.384&lat=45.532 |
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Air Quality Index at 6:30 this morning was 10. |
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Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…
The U.S. Supreme Court has sided with Dana Nessel in the Line 5 case, keeping the legal fight in Michigan courts. Also, the Michigan House passes a $76 billion budget plan with major cuts—setting up a showdown with the Senate and Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Flooding impacts continue across Northern Michigan, with ice slamming into homes along Black Lake and water levels still high at area dams.
Plus, ferry season delays for Mackinac Island, a massive bird migration underway, and free food distribution starting on Beaver Island.
…those stories and more local news plus a run-down of local meetings and events, birthdays, our word of the day and more after global and national news from F-S-N. [Time check.] |
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Today’s Featured Image: With Warblers on the Water just a month away, the migration north has begun. A BirdCast graphic depicts birds on the move. Graphic from CornellLab Birdcast from Facebook post |
