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McLaren Northern Michigan is partnering with Grand Traverse Women’s Clinic to maintain obstetric and gynecological care in Petoskey following the announced closure of Bay View OB/GYN. Inpatient coverage began Sunday. Outpatient services will start Monday, August 24th, at a temporary clinic in the Burns Medical Office Building. McLaren also plans to establish its own permanent Northern OB/GYN clinic and says it has extended offers to several physicians.
A proposed constitutional amendment tightening Michigan voter ID and registration requirements has hit a roadblock. State election staff say a sample of petition signatures fell 17 short of the number needed to qualify for the November ballot. The proposal would require proof of citizenship when registering and photo ID to have a ballot counted. The campaign will challenge the findings before the Board of State Canvassers Monday. #Election2026
Michigan appears to have won a dispute with Wisconsin over management of the Montreal River along the U-P border. Federal regulators agreed Michigan must approve new licenses for two hydroelectric dams, rather than relying solely on Wisconsin’s approval. Michigan is now proposing stricter protections for the Saxon Falls and Superior Falls projects, including cold-water temperature standards, minimum river flows and limits on storing and releasing water to meet peak electric demand. The rules would also require monitoring of water quality and fish contamination. Public comments are due September 11th. #Environment
In T-C, FishPass crews have started removing the temporary sheet pile used to hold back the Boardman River during construction. Its removal by the end of September will mark completion of in-water work on the $30 million project. Crews will then focus on landscaping, park improvements and the research building, with all FishPass targeted for completion late next spring or early summer.
Here’s something to check out if you’re across this weekend: the Tunnel of Trees Art Trail is Saturday from 10:00 to 5:00 along M-119 between Harbor Springs and Cross Village. More than 80 artists will be featured at 32 stops, with exhibits, demonstrations and family activities. All of the events are free. #Art |
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Now here’s a look at upcoming events on your Emerald Isle…
First your meeting planner…
Airport Commission meets today at noon. Thursday, the Library Board and J-TAC both meet at 4:30. A-A meets Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 6:00.
…and that is it for the week. Locations and more details are in the calendar entries online.
On the fun front today…
Wednesday, there’s Summer Restorative Yoga BIC Center at 9:30. 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. At 4:00 the Amik Cultural Preservation Center will be open. In our Dark Skies, tonight is the first quarter moon, the third phase of the Lunar cycle. Despite the name, you’ll see about half the moon when it comes up over Lake Michigan.
Thursday, C-M-U has a Family Days event called Common Critters. Meet at C-M-U at 8:15 and be prepared to travel to Miller’s Marsh to survey reptiles, amphibians, birds, plants, and aquatic insects while exploring forests, wetlands, and other unique natural areas. Afterwards, you’ll come back to the station for lunch and discussion. Sign up is $20, which include lunch. Info on signing up is in the calendar entry online or call the station at 2325. Also Thursday, there’s Pickleball at Peaine Township Park at 9:00. There’s COA Cardio Drumming at 10:00 and Art Therapy at 11:00, both at Peaine Township Hall. 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. The Weekly Bocce Ball roll is on at 4:00 on the courts at the Peaine Township Park. At 6:00, there’s a session on cybersecurity and A-I for small businesses at the library. Greg Doig will help you plot a safe path through cyber risks. And, Thursday evenings are Burger and a Beer Night at the Shamrock, and there’s music at the Circle M. The Abridged Trio of Liverty’s Children will play starting at 8:00. There’s no admission fee.
The Circle M has announced a night of music for Thursday. The Abridged Trio of Liberty’s Children starts playing at 8:00. No admission charge. Graphic from Circle M
Highlights for the rest of the week include…
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. At 1:00, the Stepping Stones Retreat kicks off at Tara’s Meadow. Check the calendar entry for sign-up information.
[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, at 9:00 there’s Mass at Holy Cross to celebrate The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. the Artisan’s Market is on at the Point starting at 10:00. Protar’s House will be open for tours from 1:00 to 3:00. 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, 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. C-O-A has COA Cardio Drumming at 10:00 and Art Therapy at 11:00 at Peaine Township Hall. Also, at 10:00, Babes & Toddlers mix it up at the library. At 5:00, the 2026 Islander Volleyball season gets underway as the squad takes on Munising Bapost in a home game. First service is at 5:00. And at 6:00, it’s trivia time at the BIC Center. Let’s Get quizzical starts at 6:00 in the Hangout. Sign your team up at tickets dot bic center dot org. |
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Those are the highlights. Find a full listing of events at calendar dot W-V-B-I dot net. |
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Today’s BIC Center Name of the Day is Erin. If that’s your name, come on down to the BIC Center today to pick out a free drink of your choice. |
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On our Birthday List: Chad Crandall, Jenna Wilk and Max Kolinski are celebrating today. Happy Birthday to Jenna, Max and Chad, 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. But, it is busy in town when the ferries arrive and there are lots of folks out hiking and biking. So, let’s be careful out there. |
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On this date in 1839, the French government presents Louis Daguerre [loo-EE dah-GAIR] and his photographic process to the world as a gift “free to the world.” The daguerreotype [duh-GAIR-oh-type] creates remarkably detailed images on silver-coated copper plates and becomes the first practical photographic process to gain widespread use. The announcement helps launch photography into public life, changing forever how people record history, places and one another. A daguerreotype portrait of Louis Daguerre, who invented the daguerreotype process. Photo by Jean-Baptiste Sabatier-Blot from the George Eastman Museum collection via Wikimedia |
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Our Merriam Webster Word of the Day is balmy [BAH-mee], an adjective that most often describes weather that is pleasantly warm, mild and comfortable. A balmy summer evening might be just right for sitting outside or taking a walk. Balmy can also describe something soothing or refreshing, a meaning connected to the word “balm.” And, especially in British English, balmy can informally mean foolish or eccentric. So whether you’re enjoying a warm breeze or questioning someone’s crazy idea, the word is balmy. |
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Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Wednesday… |
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Here’s a thought for the day from Leonardo DaVinci: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” |
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On a lighter note… |
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That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Wednesday, August 19th, 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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WEATHER |
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[Current Condition Report, then…] |
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Today Sunny, with a high near 74 at the shore and 79 inland. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 62. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east after midnight. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 75/80. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Thursday Night A 50 percent chance of showers after 2am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 65. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Friday A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8am. High near 74/80. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Friday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Saturday A 30 percent chance of showers before 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 73/78. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 58. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 71/74. Breezy. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 73/76. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 74/78. |
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Air Quality Index at 7:45 was 74. |
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Fire Danger: High |
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Out on the Big Drink…
Photo from the North Lake Michigan Buoy. Provided by the National Data Buoy Center |
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Today W wind 5 to 10 kt. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less. Thursday SSE wind 5 to 10 kt becoming WSW in the afternoon. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less. Friday S wind around 15 kt, with gusts as high as 25 kt. Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 10am, then showers likely between 10am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Waves around 2 ft. Saturday NW wind 10 to 15 kt. A chance of showers before 1pm. Waves around 1 ft. Sunday NNW wind 15 to 20 kt, with gusts as high as 30 kt. Mostly sunny. Waves around 2 ft. |
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Water Temps: 70 at the mid-lake buoy southwest of Gull Island. 71 at Sleeping Bear. 72 in Little Traverse Bay and 70 in the Straits. |
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Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org |
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Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…
Coming up on WVBI: McLaren moves to preserve OB/GYN care in Petoskey, a voter ID proposal hits a ballot roadblock, and Michigan wins a say in protecting a U-P border river. Plus, a milestone for FishPass in T-C and an art-filled weekend along the Tunnel of Trees.
Those stories along with more local news, a run down of local events, birthdays, this date in history and more are up after this global and national news… [Time check.] |
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Today’s featured image: The Carpenter Ants and John Ellison played at the BIC Center last eveing. The set list included Ellison’s hit Some Kind of Wonderful, including the story of how it was writtien on a lunch bag traveling between gigs. The house was full (though not as full as some stops on their just complete tour in Europe where the crowd was soemtimes18,000) and a wonderful time was had by all. Photo by Kevin Boyle |
