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Voters in Charlevoix County approved the Career and Technical Education Millage with 62 percent of voters in favor. Peaine Township had almost 21% of its voters turn out voting in favor 55 to 16. Saint James had a 24% turnout with 67 in favor and 16 against. At this point, the results are unofficial. All other proposals on ballots around the county appear to have passed as well, including the Community School operating millage for Ellsworth by a vote of 15 to 3. There’s a link to the results in today’s script online.
Downstate election results leave Democrats holding control of the Michigan Senate. Democrat Chedrick Greene won the long-delayed special election in the 35th District, defeating Republican Jason Tunney. With most votes counted, Greene holds a lead of nearly twenty points. Republicans remain in control of the State House.
And up on our fellow Great Lakes Islands Alliance member Mackinac Island, Margaret Doud was elected for the 51st time, making her the longest serving mayor in the U-S. She faces a challenging year ahead as the Island battles with its ferry operator over service to the Island.
Margaret Doud was elected Mackinac Island’s mayor for the 51st time yesterday. Photo from mackinacisland.org
With Michigan drivers facing some of the highest gas prices in the country, Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she supports a federal gas tax holiday—but isn’t backing a pause on the state’s own fuel tax. The state average is now around 4.82 a gallon—about 34 cents higher than the national average—and in some mainland areas, including Detroit, prices are even higher. State leaders say nearly all gas tax revenue now goes toward road repairs and maintenance. While a tax break could offer short-term relief, officials warn it could come at the cost of long-term infrastructure funding—leaving lawmakers weighing immediate savings at the pump against future road needs.
A major voice in Michigan conservation is coming to an end. The Michigan United Conservation Clubs—a 90-year-old group that helped shape hunting and fishing policy—is shutting down after running out of money. Leaders say declining membership and rising costs made it impossible to sustain operations. The organization is expected to close by mid-June.
On the Island, Rieth-Riley Construction will be working on Freesoil next to the Wild Strawberry this Thursday and Friday, May seventh and eighth, preparing to replace sections of sidewalks and pavement. If you’re traveling through the area, slow down, watch for workers and equipment, and give crews plenty of room. The construction crews thank you for your patience as this work gets underway.
Down in T-C, it looks like plans for the future of the Bijou Theater in Traverse City are finally coming into focus. After sitting vacant for nearly a year and a half, city commissioners are moving into negotiations with Studio Anatomy LLC to turn the space into a new all-ages performing arts venue, tentatively called the Parkway Theater. Financial details still need to be worked out before any final approval.
Finally, this: If you have a child who dream about being a pilot, here’s a great opportunity. Kids ages eight to seventeen can take a free airplane ride at Boyne City Municipal Airport on May sixteenth. Pilots participating in the E-A-A Young Eagles program there are volunteering their time and aircraft, with flights running from nine to noon. Each child must be registered in advance and fly with a parent present. Afterward, they’ll receive a pilot logbook and a certificate—maybe the first step toward a future in aviation. |
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Now here’s a look at events happening on your Emerald Isle…
First your meeting planner…
St. James Finance Committee meets today at 1:30. B-I-C-S Committee of the Whole meets at 5:30, also today. St. James Board has a special meeting set for Friday at 1:00. A-A meets Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 6:00. Locations and more details are in the calendar entries online.
On the fun front today…
Wednesday, there’s BINGO at 1:00 at the BIC Center. At 11:00 at the BIC Center, there’ll be a Microgreens Luncheon with Tacos, Tamales, Rice, Beans and desert. Three bucks for seniors and six for others. At3:00, C-O-A has Ar Therapy & Games at Peaine Township Hall. At 5:00, there’s a Free Throw Fundraiser at school, and at 5:30 the Currach Club will meet at the Boat Shop to plan for the coming season, collect dues and have a look at new boats in progress. In our Dark Skies, the annual Eta Aquariid meteor shower will be flying. There’s more info at Dark Sky Island dot org.
The Currach Club meets this Wednesday at 5:30 at Burton’s Boat Shop. Image from Beaver Island Irish Currach Club
Highlights for the rest of the week include…
Thursday Women’s Bible Study is on at 10:00 at the Christian Church. Pickleball is moving outside for the season. Find the games on the township courts behind Peaine Township Hall starting at 10:00. Meantime at 10:00 over at Peaine Township Hall, C-O-A has Cardio Drumming. At 10:30 up in the Hangout at the BIC Center there’s Senior Tai Chi. Thursday evening, 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 on the township courts and Chair Strength Training at 10:30 up in the Hangout at the BIC Center. At 10:00, the Green Terra Sanctury is holding a meet and greet open house. Meet the owners and caretakers. They are on the south leg of Mrs. Reddings Trail by Oliver Point.
[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 B-I-C-S Track Team is off to Pickford for a meet. Talking Threads meets at 9:00 a.m. at Peaine Township Hall. The Fiero Code Club is on at the library at 1:00. The Queen of Hearts draw is at the Elks at 7:00 with all invited. 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 kicks off a new series of Monday Funday programs start at the BIC Center. This week, it’s movies. The 3:00 show is GOAT. It’s fast paced animation about roar-ball where a small guy can beat the big boys. Rated PG. At 6:00, Leonardo DiCaprio stars in the award winning One Battle After Another. When their enemy resurfaces after 16 years, a group of ex-revolutionaries reunite to rescue the daughter of one of their own. It’s rated R. After fun at the BIC Center, head over to the Beachcomber where Monday’s are All You Can Eat Pizza and Salad night.
Pizza Night has moved back to the Beachcomber where the kitchen is open once again. Put the feed bag on from 5 to 8 on Mondays. Graphic from the Beachcomber on Facebook
Tuesday at 10:00, Babes & Toddlers mix it up at the library and there is Pickleball outside on the township courts 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. |
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Today’s BIC Center Name of the Day is Larry. 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: Cindy Albin, Adam Martin, Jessica Crandall, Erin Holmes, Lotta Garrett, Ashton Hart and Tim King are celebrating today. Happy Birthday to Lotta, Erin, Jessica, Cindy, Tim, Ashton and Adam, 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 1937, the German passenger airship LZ 129 Hindenburg bursts into flames while attempting to dock at Naval Air Station Lakehurst, ending its transatlantic voyage in catastrophe. The massive hydrogen-filled airship—once a symbol of luxury air travel—catches fire and is consumed in less than a minute as shocked onlookers watch from below. Thirty-six people are killed in the disaster. Also on this date in 2004, the last episode of the sitcom Friends airs on NBC as Ross, Rachel, Phoebe, Joey, Monica, and Chandler have their last cup of coffee together. The episode, entitle “the Last One,” ends a ten year run.
The Hindenburg (at left) prepares to land at Lakehurst a year before the disaster. Also shown are the USS Los Angeles (a U.S. Navy airship built by the same company that built the Hindenburg), a U.S. Coast Guard Doughlas RD-4 and the Hindenburg’s hangar. Photo provided by US Coast Guard available from The World History Encyclopedia |
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Our Merriam-Webster Word of the Day is flamboyant (adjective) [flam-BOY-ant]. Flamboyant describes something or someone that is very noticeable—bold, colorful, and full of flair or energy. It’s often used for people with dramatic style or behavior that really stands out. The word comes from French, where flamboyer [flahn-bwah-YAY] means “to flame” or “to blaze,” and it originally described a style of architecture with flame-like shapes and ornate details—before expanding to the lively, showy meaning we use today. |
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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 Friends cast member Jennifer Aniston: “There are no regrets in life—just lessons.” |
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On a lighter note: What do you get when you cross a tulip with a dog? A Collie-flower. |
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That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Wednesday, May 6, 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 Sunny, with a high near 43 by the water, 48 inland. West wind 5 to 15 mph. Tonight Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 34. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 44/49. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Thursday Night A chance of showers between 7pm and 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 48/54. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. Saturday A 50 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 50/57. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 49/52. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 48/51. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 50/54. |
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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 W wind 5 to 10 kt. Mostly sunny. Waves 1 ft or less. Thursday SW wind 5 to 10 kt. Mostly sunny. Waves 1 ft or less. Friday S wind 5 to 10 kt becoming WSW in the morning. Mostly sunny. Waves 1 ft or less. |
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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 7:00 this morning was 0. |
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Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…
Voters in Charlevoix County approve the Career and Technical Education millage with strong support. Downstate, Democrats keep control of the Michigan Senate after a decisive win in a special election and on Mackinac Island, longtime Mayor Margaret Doud wins again. We’ll have full election results for you.
Meantime, with gas prices high across Michigan, state leaders debate gas tax relief.
On the Island, construction work is set for Freesoil later this week. In T-C, plans for the future of the Bijou Theater are finally taking shape and, do you have a young future pilot at home? We have details on an opportunity for a first log book entry for them.
…those stories 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: Margaret Doud was elected Mackinac Island’s mayor for the 51st time yesterday. Photo from mackinacisland.org |
