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Democrat Abdul El-Sayed holds a narrow polling advantage over Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s U-S Senate race. Monday’s RealClearPolling average puts him ahead by about three points. But polls aren’t guarantees: one late-July survey showed El-Sayed leading his primary by ten points. He ultimately beat Haley Stevens by less than one.
#Election2026
In the governor’s race, polling shows a wider gap. Bridge Michigan reports four polling-based models put Democrat Jocelyn Benson seven to eight points ahead of Republican John James. Benson is preparing a potential administration and campaigning to help Democrats win both legislative chambers. James says he’s relying on grassroots outreach as national Republican advertising support shrinks. Benson says she’s taking no votes for granted. The candidates debate again Thursday.
#Election2026
Meantime, the U-S Senate candidates continue to spar on issues. For example, on A-I El-Sayed wants to pause development of the most powerful systems until safety rules are in place, ban recursive training, require emergency shutoffs and create a cabinet-level A-I safety agency. Republican Mike Rogers now calls for slowing development to establish safeguards, after previously backing faster innovation. Rogers also supports a moratorium on data center development and says those projects should be local decisions. Election Day is November third.
#Election2026
A Monroe father and his teenage daughter are suing Monroe Public Schools, district officials and the Michigan High School Athletic Association over a transgender volleyball player’s participation in a 2025 match. They allege Title Nine violations involving competition and shared locker rooms and restrooms. The association calls the claims legally unsound and says its policy complies with state and federal law.
#Sports
Down in T-C, the North Sky Raptor Sanctuary is a step closer to a new home at Camp Greilick. Grand Traverse County commissioners will review a proposed 50-year lease today, with an approval vote expected later. Rent would be one dollar annually, plus a share of admissions. Public operations are planned for summer 2029.
#Environment
And, speaking of one dollar payments, the Peaine Township Board voted at their meeting last evening to proceed with an offer to purchase the lighthouse and former lighthouse school properties from the county and Networks Northwest for $1. Community members in attendance applauded the decision.
#IslandGovernance
Lake Michigan Farms and the Transfer Station are teaming up to keep clear plastic clamshell containers out of the landfill. Drop yours in the designated blue recycling bin at the Transfer Station, and enter for a chance to win organic produce and microgreens.
#Environment
A new episode of The Tides That Tie explores our twinned Island Arranmore’s fishing heritage and efforts to keep it alive. Host Kevin Green talks with four islanders about family traditions and changing livelihoods. There’s a link to the new release in today’s script online, plus you can find it on major podcast platforms.
#IrishHeritage
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Now here’s a look at upcoming events on your Emerald Isle…
First, your meeting planner for the coming week…
Today, the Beaver Island Transportation Authority Board meets at noon. The St. James Board had a meeting set for 5:30, but it has been cancelled. Tomorrow, the District Library Board and the Telecommunications Advisory Committee both meet at 4:30. A-A meets Thursday, Saturday and next Tuesday at 6:00 at the Christian Church.
Next Tuesday, the Waste Management Committee meets at 1:30, the Beaver Island Association Board at 4:00, and the Waste Management Committee at 1:30. Next Wednesday, the Beaver Island Airport Commission meets at noon.
That’s your meeting lineup. Locations and more details are in the calendar entries online.
On the fun front today…
American Mah Jongg starts at 10:00 in the BIC Center Hangout. All skill levels are welcome; bring your 2026 Mah Jongg card if you have one. Afternoon Bingo follows at 1:00. At 5:00, Time for Art at the BIC Center features Pendant Necklaces with Cindy Ricksgers. Bring a special stone, bead or shell if you’d like to use it in your pendant. Materials are also available at the class. No experience is necessary.
Thursday, pickleball starts at 10:00 at Peaine Township Park. Women’s Bible Study meets at 10:00 at the Christian Church. Chair Yoga is at 11:00 in the BIC Center auditorium. It’s Burger and a Beer Night at the Shamrock, and Euchre is on at Whiskey Point Brewing Company. Cards hit the table at 7:00.
Looking ahead to highlights for the rest of the week…
Friday, Senior and Veterans Coffee and Donuts runs from 8:30 to 10:30 in the BIC Center lobby. Pickleball starts at 10:00 at Peaine Township Park, followed by Chair Strength Training at 10:30 in the BIC Center Hangout. After school, Board Game Fridays brings game fun to the library at 3:30.
[On the radio, Friday’s lineup kicks off after the 6:00 news with “That Thing with Rich Appel,” featuring top forty hits from the 70s. At 9:00, “The Titus Jennings Experience” offers music from all genres, followed by “The Midnight Special” with Marilyn Rea Beyer at 11:00.]
Saturday, the B-I-C-S volleyball squad heads off for Northern Lights League tournament play. Pickleball starts at 10:00 at Peaine Township Park. Movies at the BIC Center offer a Practical Magic double feature with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. The original screens at 3:00, followed by Practical Magic Two at 6:00. Both are rated PG-13. And it’s Prime Rib Night at the Shamrock.
[On the radio, Country Classics starts at 5:00 Saturday evening with host Sheri Timsak. At 7:00, WVBI’s Adam Pettigrew takes you back to the best of the 80s and 90s with the Mix Tape show. 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, the Episcopal Mission has services at 9:00 and the Christian Church at 10:00. Mass is at Holy Cross at 12:15.
Looking into highlights for next week, Senior Tai Chi is on Monday at 10:30 in the BIC Center Hangout.
Tuesday brings the Babies and Toddlers Mix-Up at the library and pickleball at Peaine Township Park, both at 10:00. Chair Strength Training follows at 10:30 at the BIC Center. Tuesday evening, Let’s Get Quizzical trivia returns to the BIC Center at 6:00.
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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 Beau. 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: On our list today are Alvin LaFreniere, Kyle Brown, Dan McCafferty, Brian Grassmick, Doug Tilley, Eliza Foli, Sarah Avery, Robert Grosbeck, Riley Markey and Bev Cantwell. Happy Birthday to Bev, Sarah, Eliza, Rob, Doug, Brian, Dan, Kyle and Alvin, 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 ferry arrives and there are folks soon be out leaf peeping. So, let’s be careful out there.
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On this date in 1947, Air Force Captain Chuck Yeager breaks
the sound barrier over California’s desert. Flying the rocket-powered Bell X-1, he becomes the first person to officially exceed the speed of sound in level flight. The experimental aircraft helps researchers understand flight beyond Mach One, opening the
way for a new generation of supersonic airplanes.
The Bell X-1 that broke the sound barrier for the first time on display at the National Air and Space Museum. Photo by Balon Greyjoy via Wikimedia
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Our Merriam-Webster Word of the Day is deportment [dih-PORT-munt], a noun meaning the way someone behaves or carries themselves, especially in a formal setting. It traces back to a Latin word meaning “to carry,” also found in transport and import. With deportment, what we carry is ourselves. For example: “The students’ polite deportment impressed their hosts during the museum visit.”
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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 Chuck Yeager: “Never wait for trouble.”
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And on a lighter note…
With a pumpkin patch.
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That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Wednesday, October 14th, 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
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Air Quality Index this morning was 23.
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Fire Danger: Moderate
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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
NNW wind 10 to 15 kt. Mostly cloudy. Waves 1 to 2 ft.
Thursday
ESE wind 5 to 10 kt. A chance of showers after noon. Waves 1 ft or less.
Friday
NNW wind 25 to 30 kt, with gusts as high as 40 kt. Showers, mainly before 1pm. Waves 5 ft building to 8 ft.
Saturday
WNW wind 15 to 20 kt becoming WSW in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 kt. Sunny. Waves 1 ft building to 4 ft.
Sunday
SW wind 25 to 30 kt, with gusts as high as 40 kt. Sunny. Waves 8 to 9 ft.
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Water Temps: 60 at the mid-lake buoy southwest of Gull Island and Sleeping Bear. 55 in the Straits. Little Traverse Bay not reporting.
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Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org
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Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…
A narrow lead in Michigan’s Senate race, a wider gap for governor, and competing plans for artificial intelligence. Plus, a potential new home for rescued raptors, a recycling partnership on the Island, and Arranmore’s fishing future.
Those stories along with more local and state 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 Peaine Township board voted last evening to proceed with an offer to buy the Beaver Head Lighthouse and former Lighthouse School properties for $1 in response to a proposal from the Charlevoix County Board. Photo by Becca Foli from the Up North Digital Network Backgrounds Collection
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