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President Trump returned to Michigan yesterday, using a speech at General Motors’ Milford Proving Ground to defend his economic policies and promote tariffs he says are bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. The president also campaigned for Republican candidates he has endorsed ahead of next week’s Michigan primary.
Election day is next Tuesday. We took a quick look at everything on our local ballots yesterday. For the rest of the week, we’ll take a look at the individual candidates and the ballot proposals. Today, the three candidates for the 107th Michigan House District, which includes Beaver Island: Incumbent Republican Parker Fairbairn is unopposed in his party’s primary. During his first term, he’s focused on expanding housing, reducing business regulations, supporting agriculture, forestry and tourism, improving broadband access, and promoting economic development in rural northern Michigan. Democrats will choose between Brendan Ryan, a civil engineer from Petoskey, and Melissa Perron, a community advocate from Sault Ste. Marie. Ryan says his campaign centers on strengthening infrastructure, expanding access to affordable housing and health care, protecting constitutional rights, and supporting working families through investments in education and skilled trades.
Perron says her campaign is about what she calls “bridging” Northern Michigan by improving accountability in Lansing, strengthening connections between rural and tribal communities, expanding access to education and health care, protecting constitutional rights, and bringing more local voices into state government.
Tomorrow, we’ll profile the candidates seeking Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, Thursday we’ll take a look at the race for governor and Friday we’ll look at the ballot proposals.
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Polls are open next Tuesday from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. There are sample ballots for both townships linked in today’s script online. Note that they include some candidates who have dropped out of the race since the proof ballots were printed in June.
https://wvbi.biccenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Charlevoix-August-2026-Peaine-St.-James-Sample-Ballots.pdf
#Election 2026
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is finally open to traffic, creating a new link between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. The six-lane span saw its first traffic yesterday after months of politically driven delay. It gives commercial traffic an alternative to the Ambassador Bridge and is expected to speed trade between the U.S. and Canada. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to use the bridge beginning August 5th.
#Economy
More than 9,000 military personnel from across the U.S. and five allied nations will train in Northern Michigan next month during Northern Strike 26-2. The annual exercise runs August 3rd through the 14th at Camp Grayling, Alpena and other sites, with training on land, in the air and on Lakes Michigan and Huron. Officials say the exercise will focus on joint combat operations, cyber defense, logistics and homeland security while testing new technologies. Motorists can expect increased military traffic beginning Friday as troops and equipment move into the region, along with more military aircraft in the skies during the exercise.
#Mainland Events #NationalDefense
A B-2 Bomber takes off as part of prior of prior exercises at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center (previously known as Camp Grayling). Screen capture form video produced by SGT Brayden Stephan, Michigan National Guard
Consumers Energy says it may temporarily reduce or even stop water flowing below Hodenpyl [HOE-den-pile] Dam next month to inspect flood damage from this spring. The dam is about 15 miles west of Cadillac. State fisheries officials are concerned the move could harm fish and wildlife, including about 50,000 trout stocked this year, and are urging the company to find another solution. Consumers says it’s exploring alternatives and will notify the public before any changes are made.
#Environment
On the Island, conservationists are reminding boaters to help protect Beaver Island’s inland lakes from invasive zebra and quagga mussels. The tiny larvae are invisible to the naked eye and can survive in less than a teaspoon of water. Once introduced, they can’t be eradicated. Before moving a boat from Lake Michigan to an inland lake, experts say to drain all water, remove mud and plants, and let the boat dry completely for at least five days—or have it professionally decontaminated. Prevention, they say, is the only effective defense.
#Environment
The Beaver Island Archipelago Trail Association is looking for a new president. Current President Gina Mangra has announced she’s stepping down after leading the organization through a period of growth, thanking volunteers, landowners and supporters for their dedication. The Association will accept nominations for a new president through the end of September. Anyone interested in serving or nominating someone is encouraged to contact the Trail Association.
#Environment
A Beaver Island Archipelago Trails Association trail crew with tools in hand heads out to work. Current president Gina Mangra is at the center of the front row. Photo from Beaver Island Archipelago Trails Association post on Facebook
Homecoming Weekend is just a few weeks away, and volunteers are needed for the annual Homecoming Chicken Dinner on Saturday, August 9th. Help is needed with food preparation, serving, cleanup and desserts. To volunteer, call Rosemarie at 517-290-0345.
#LocalEvents
Homecoming is coming. Can you help with the dinner? Volunteers are needed. Call Rosemarie at 517-290-0345 if you can help out. Photo of the long, long serving Homecoming Dinner Sign from Facebook
Finally, a reminder that the Wild Strawberry Café’s new hours: they are open Monday to Thursday 8:00 to 2:00 and Friday to Sunday 7:00 to 2:00 with a Happy Hour all days from 2:00 to 4:00.
#Local News
Now here’s a look at upcoming events on your Emerald Isle…
First your meeting planner…
A-A meets Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 6:00 at the Christian Church. No other meetings on the schedule this week.
On the fun front today…
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. Baroque on Beaver continues with Chamber Music Waterside at the C-M-U Biological Station. Tickets are at tickets dot bic center dot org.
Wednesday, there’s Summer Restorative Yoga BIC Center at 9:30. At 10:00 there’s American Mah Jongg at the BIC Center in the Hangout, and at 1:00 there is Afternoon Bingo. Also at 1:00, Baroque on Beaver continues with Music al Fresco at the Beaver Island Gallery featuring the Donegal Bay Winds. At 3:00, Whiskey Point Brewing Company comes alive with jazz with the St. James Jazz Ensemble playing there a spart of Baroque. And at 7:30 it’s the Baroque on Beaver Founders Concert at the Biological Station featuring Vox G-R. Chamber Music al Fresco is open to all with a free-will donation. Tickets are necessary for the St. James Jazz Ensemble and Vox G-R. Get them and make donations at tickets dot bic center dot org. If amidst all the music you’d like to learn about the island’s history, Protar’s House will be open from 1:00 to 4:00, and at 4:00 the Amik Cultural Preservation Center will be open.
Highlights for the rest of the week include…
Thursday, there’s Pickleball at Peaine Township Park at 9:00. The COA has a double feature at Peaine Twp Hall — Cardio Drumming at 10:00 and Art Therapy at 11:00. Meanwhile, 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. Baroque events continue Thursday evening at 7:30 with The Baroque on Beaver Orchestra taking the BIC Center stage for an evening of orchestral masterworks including Mendelssohn’s beloved Symphony No. 4 Italian, Bach’s Orchestra Suite No. 3 and Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C Major featuring Young Soloist Competition winner Bhargava Kulkarni. 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, plus Chair Strength Training up in the Hangout at 9:30. Also at 9:30, there’s Summer Yoga in the Theater. And at 10:00 A-M Pickleball Outdoors on the Peaine Township courts.
[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, the Artisan’s Market is on at the Point starting at 10:00. 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. Saturday night, Baroque on Beaver closes the festival season with an unforgettable evening of opera favorites, featuring beloved arias and dramatic scenes introduced by the Island’s own Peter Amster. Following the performance, raise a celebratory glass as to honor Maestro Robert Nordling and celebrate his passing of the baton to Nathan Bieber for the next chapter of Baroque on Beaver. Showtime is 7:30. Tickets are at tickets dot bic center dot org. 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.
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. 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.
| Those are the highlights. Find a full listing of events at calendar dot W-V-B-I dot net. |
| Today’s BIC Center Name of the Day is Malina. If that’s your name, come on in to the BIC Center today to pick out a free drink of your choice. |
| On our Birthday List today is Liam Kolinski. Happy Birthday to Liam, 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. |
| On this date in 1868, the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified. Arising out of the ashes of the Civil War, it guarantees all persons equal protection of the laws and declares that all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to its jurisdiction, are U.S. citizens. For many years, it is best known for its Equal Protection Clause, but the Citizenship Clause returns to the headlines last year after President Trump seeks to limit its scope—an action rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year. Also on this date in 1945, an Army B-25 bomber, flying in dense fog, crashes into New York City’s Empire State Building, killing 14 people but leaving the iconic skyscraper standing.
The Empire State Building on fire after being struck by a B-25. Photo published in the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph from International News Photos |
The Empire State Building on fire after being struck by a B-25. Photo published in the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph from International News Photos
| Our Merriam Webster Word of the Day is kludge (noun) [KLOOJ]. A kludge is a clumsy or makeshift solution that works, even if it’s not elegant or efficient. Kludge likely originated in American engineering slang in the 1950s. No one is quite sure where it came from, but it has become a favorite word among programmers, engineers, and tinkerers everywhere. Here’s an example: “The old radio transmitter stayed on the air thanks to a few carefully engineered kludges until the replacement parts arrived.” |
| Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Tuesday… |
| Here’s a thought for the day from Gordie Howe, the namesake of the newly opened international bridge in Detroit: “It’s not easy to retire. No one teaches you how. ” |
| On a lighter note…
Here’s another quote from Gordie Howe: “All hockey players are bilingual. They know English and profanity. |
| That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Tuesday, July 28th, 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, 80 inland. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 60. North wind around 10 mph.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 74/83. North wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 63. West wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 75/84. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Friday
Partly sunny, with a high near 76/84.
Friday Night
A chance of showers after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.
Saturday
A chance of showers before 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 76/78.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 75/78.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 64.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 76/78. |
| Air Quality Index at 8:31am was 47. |
| Fire Danger: Moderate |
| Out on the Big Drink…
Photo from the North Lake Michigan Buoy. Provided by the National Data Buoy Center |
| Today
N wind around 15 kt. Sunny. Waves 1 to 3 ft.
Wednesday
NNE wind 5 to 10 kt becoming W in the afternoon. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less.
Thursday
Variable winds 5 kt or less. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less.
Friday
S wind 5 to 10 kt becoming WNW in the afternoon. Partly sunny. Waves 1 ft or less.
Saturday
Variable winds 5 kt or less. A chance of showers. Waves 1 ft or less. |
| Water Temps: 60 at the mid-lake buoy southwest of Gull Island. 70 at Sleeping Bear and in Little Traverse Bay. 68 in the Straits |
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