WVBI

The Island underwent big change yesterday as paving work got underway. Work on Freesoil Road and Lake Drive was completed, and there is now pavement stretching from the Four Corners to the Low Flying Aircraft Duck sign on East Side. The work on East Side will continue today.
 
Paving at Four Corners on East Side Drive…

…and on Freesoil. Photos by Kevin Boyle

In other work along the roads, the B-I-robot B-I-C-S team was out yesterday finishing up removal of the above ground fiber optic cable that served the school before installation of the buried fiber last summer. The cable ran from the Font Lake tower to the back of the school.

The bIrobot team finishes up is cable removal project with the last coil of material gathered ready to be hauled away. Photo by Kevin Boyle

Since Beaver Island became Michigan’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary, local advocates have urged mainland communities to reduce the light pollution that creates bright domes on the Island’s horizon. Now Petoskey has taken a major step, becoming the first city in the nation to adopt a DarkSky-recognized lighting ordinance. The new rules require new development to use shielded fixtures, limit brightness, and turn many outdoor lights off by 11 p.m. City officials say the changes will help preserve views of the night sky while reducing unnecessary light pollution.

The Island’s Lilacs and Lyrics Festival gets underway this weekend. The Beachcomber has music this evening from Lucky Penny and Leaving Lifted. They’ll be there Saturday evening as well. There are special dishes at Island restaurants including some special drinks at the Beaver Lodge Bar, raffles and deals at stores around town and, of course, Lilac Tours.

As part of our look at where Michigan’s gubernatorial candidates stand on key issues, today we turn to the issue of the Great Lakes. Democrats Jocelyn Benson and Chris Swanson point to pollution, aging water systems, toxic runoff, and the Line 5 pipeline, calling for stronger enforcement against polluters and major infrastructure upgrades. Republicans John James, Mike Cox, and Aric Nesbitt support moving Line 5 into a tunnel beneath the Straits and say the state should focus on modernizing sewers, protecting fisheries, and fighting invasive species. Candidates from both parties also agree that Great Lakes water must be protected from diversion outside the basin. There’s a link to the full Bridge Michigan report on candidate positions on this and other issues in today’s script online.

https://www.interlochenpublicradio.org/2026-05-31/bridge-listens-what-michigans-next-governor-plans-for-data-centers-clean-energy

Want to go to the circus…one that isn’t a political race.  There’s real circus up at Sault Ste. Marie this Sunday with two shows, one at 3:00 and another at 7:00. Visit spectacular circus com for more info.

Or maybe you’d like to tag along on a dive to the deepest point in the deepest of the Great Lakes. Researchers and filmmakers are preparing a livestreamed expedition to the deepest point in Lake Superior, known as Superior Maximus. Using a remotely operated underwater vehicle equipped with high-resolution cameras, the team hopes to capture images from one of the Great Lakes’ least-explored locations. The dive is planned for Saturday afternoon, weather permitting, with backup dates through June 9th if conditions on Lake Superior prove challenging. There’s a link to get to signup for the livestream in today’s script online.
https://inspiredplanet.ca/hidden-below-live/

The latest episode of The Tides That Tie podcast is out. It tells the story of Patrick Bonner and the Donegal tunes he kept alive on Beaver Island. It’s a story of memory, migration, and music – a cultural bridge spanning an ocean and more than a century of history. There’s a link to it in today’s script online.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4YVoiSbqZZTNZXoG0cLjhc?si=35d1cd9b0bb04ee2&nd=1&dlsi=ad126db4e2ca4e96

And, as a reminder about how much our Islands have in common, a new poster for Arranmore Island in Donegal lists the following things to do there: Scenic walks, cycling, fishing, kayaking, lighthouse, beaches, wildlife spotting (they have dolphins and seals; we have beavers and deer), Ceol [KEE-yohl] & Craic [KRACK], sunsets and island life. You can check out the poster and a version for Beaver In today’s script online.

The list of things to do on Arranmore looks pretty familiar. Poster from Owen’s of Arranmore Bed & Breakfast

And, a Beaver Island version. Graphic created by ChatGPT

In our signs of Summer Department, the Harbour Market is now open seven days a week from 8:00 until 7:00.

Finally in our news, a reminder that the Beaver Island Retreat and the Beaver Island Archipelago Trails Association are looking for volunteers for Step Up for the Trails, now through next Wednesday.. Participants will spend a few hours helping maintain and protect Beaver Island’s trail system while enjoying a complimentary breakfast, trail snacks and drinks, and a free three-month AllTrails Plus membership. To sign up or learn more, visit Beaver Island Retreat dot com and click on Promotions and Events.

Now here’s a look at other upcoming events on your Emerald Isle…

First your meeting planner…

A-A meets this evening and Saturday at 6:00. Locations and more details are in the calendar entries online.

On the fun front…

Friday, the Island’s Lilacs and Lyrics weekend gets underway. There’ll be music, an Irish Currach Workshop, restaurant specials, guided lilac tours and raffle prizes at local gift shops. Also on Friday, there’s Senior and Vets Coffee and Donuts from 9:00 to 11:00 in the Welcome Center at the BIC Center, plus Chair Strength Training up in the Hangout at 9:30.  And, the library has afterschool board game fun starting at 3:30.

[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.]

Saturday, is Graduation for the B-I-C-S Class of 2026. There’ll be a graduation parade down Main Street starting at 12:30 followed by graduation ceremonies on the lawn behind school at 1:00, unless it rains ich which case no parade and the ceremony will be in the gym. Right now, though, the weather looks perfect. Also Saturday, the Artisan’s Market is on at the Point starting at 10:00. Fiero Code Club is at the library at 1:00. It’s 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 Missiojn at 9:00 and at the Christian Church at 10:00. Mass is at Holy Cross at 12:15.  

Highlights for next week include…

Monday, Open Hands has breakfast at the GFC from 8:00 to 11:00. B-I-C-S has a half day for students with final exams. COA has Cardio Drumming at 10:00 and Art Therapy at 11:00 at Peaine Township Hall. The Beachcomber has All You Can Eat Pizza and Salad night. In our Dark Skies, tonight might be a good night to check what is perhaps the most famous asterism, a group of stars in Ursa Major called the Big Dipper. You’ll find it high over head tonight with the two outer stars in its bowl pointing to Polaris, the North Star, which is the endpoint of the handle of the Little Dipper. There’s more about it at Dark Sky Island dot org.

Tuesday at 9:30, there’s Chair Strength Training up in the Hangout at the BIC Center. B-I-C-S has another half day for students with final exams—and it is the last day for the 2025-26 school year. At 10:00, Babes & Toddlers mix it up at the library and there is Pickleball outside on the township courts. At 2:15 there’s a Home School Meet-up at the library.

Wednesday, the Open Hands Café: Breakfast Club runs 8:00 until 10:00 a.m. at Gregg Fellowship Center. At 1:00, there’s Seniors BINGO at the BIC Center. In our Dark Skies just before dawn today you might catch some Arietids meteor shower activity. The shower is most active during the day and not visible then, but you might catch it just as it peaks this morning in the north east sky just above the horizon. There’s more about it at Dark Sky Island dot org.

Thursday, 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. And, Thursday evening is Burger and a Beer Night at the Shamrock.

[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.]

Today’s BIC Center Name of the Day is Olga.  If that’s your name, come on down to the BIC Center today to pick out a free drink of your choice.

On our Birthday List: Mary Kay McPherson and Sally Stebbins are celebrating today. Happy Birthday to Sally and Mary Kay and, if we missed you on the list, Happy Birthday to you too from everyone at WVBI and your Beaver Island Community Center!

TRAFFIC: As road building work continues, you’ll find occasional delays in and out to both airports with some closures on East Side drive requiring the long way around from town to Welke Airport. Seasonal traffic is picking up as well, and the kids will soon be out of school for the summer. Visitors are biking and deer are crossing. So, let’s be careful out there.

On this day in 1968, Presidential candidate Robert Kennedy is shot three times as he departs the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles after giving a victory speech following his California Democratic Primary win. He will die the next day from his wounds, almost five years after his brother John was assassinated.

Robert Kennedy speaking to reporters just before he was shot.
Photo by Sven Walnum, The Sven Walnum Photograph Collection. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston from Wikipedia

Our Merriam Webster Word of the Day is interloper (noun) [in-ter-LOH-per]. An interloper is someone who intrudes where they’re not wanted or welcome. The word comes from roots meaning “to run” or “leap,” so an interloper is literally someone who jumps in among others without an invitation. You might call an uninvited guest—or a coyote wandering into a chicken coop—an interloper.

Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Friday…

Here’s a thought for the day Robert Kennedy: “The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.”

On a lighter note…
What did the fisherman say to the magician? Pick a cod, any cod!

That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Friday, June 5th, 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. 

###

WEATHER

[Current Condition Report, then…]

Today

A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63 by the water and 76 inland. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph becoming southwest in the morning.

Tonight

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 8pm and 2am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 51. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 67/80. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 70/86. East wind around 5 mph.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 71/87.

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.

Tuesday

A chance of showers after 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70/81.

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70/81.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.

Thursday

Partly sunny, with a high near 71/82.

Air Quality Index at 6:30 was 47 up from 23.

Fire Danger Level: Very High

Out on the Big Drink…

Today

SSW wind around 10 kt. Showers likely, mainly before 11am. Waves around 1 ft.

Saturday

WSW wind 5 to 10 kt. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am. Waves 1 ft or less.

Sunday

NE wind 5 to 10 kt. Mostly sunny. Waves 1 ft or less.

Monday

ESE wind 5 to 10 kt becoming NE in the afternoon. Mostly sunny. Waves 1 ft or less.

Tuesday

SE wind 5 to 10 kt becoming ENE in the afternoon. A chance of showers. Waves 1 ft or less.

Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org

Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…

Coming up on WVBI News, paving is underway on East Side Drive with fresh pavement now stretching from Four Corners toward the Low Flying Aircraft Duck sign. Petoskey takes a major step to protect dark skies, the Lilacs and Lyrics Festival gets underway this weekend, and we’ll look at where Michigan’s gubernatorial candidates stand on Great Lakes issues. Plus, a livestream dive to the deepest point in Lake Superior.

…those stories and more regional news plus a run-down of local events, birthdays, this dat ein history, a word of the day  and more are coming up after this global and national news from F-S-N. [Time check.]

Today’s featured image: New asphalt is going down on Island roads. Pavement now stretches over the old dirt road from the Four Corners to the Low Flying Aircraft Duck sign on East Side. Work continues today. Photo by Kevin Boyle

The pace of truck traffic on the Island’s paving projects picked up quite a bit yesterday with a parade of 18-wheeler’s hauling underlayment material for the East Side Drive project. After the material was dumped, graders spread it and rollers rolled it getting ready for paving to begin next week.

Meantime, the Chamber released additional details about this weekend’s Lilacs and Lyrics Festival with details on prize give aways at the Beaver Island Gift Shop and the Art of Scenery. Both stores have put together of Island themed gifts that you can enter to win when you drop by this weekend. Also on tap are specials at local eateries including pan seared wild sable mushroom spring onion risotto and lilac infuse white chocolate mousse at the Beaver Island Lodge. The Beachcomber will have music Friday and Saturday night from Lucky Penny and Leaving Lifted.

Interlochen Public Radio reports today that nurses at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City have reached a tentative contract agreement after months of negotiations. One key issue was the growing use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Union leaders say they support technology that helps patients and reduces paperwork, but wanted safeguards to ensure AI does not replace nursing judgment or lead to unsafe decisions. Details of the agreement will be released after union members vote, but the Michigan Nurses Association told I-P-R that it includes wage increases and new guardrails governing the use of AI and other technology.

Looking to buy a theater? There’s one on the market in Boyne City. Bidding is now open for the historic Boyne Theater, a downtown landmark that began life as the Bellamy Opera House more than a century ago. Boyne City Main Street is seeking proposals from developers or community-minded investors interested in restoring the building and putting it back into use. The group says it would like to see the property remain a theater or event space. Proposals are due by July 15th.

The Boyne Theater bears a city historical marker. Phot by Joel Seewald from The Historical Market Database (HMdb.org)

Down in T-C, commissioners there are considering new limits on short-term rentals as part of the city’s strategic action plan. The Traverse Ticker reports that a proposal on the table would significantly reduce the number of vacation rentals allowed in several zoning districts, including eliminating them entirely in some industrial areas. City leaders told the Ticker that residents have made housing availability a priority and want stronger action on short-term rentals. Commissioners are also exploring other regulatory and enforcement options while working with other Michigan tourism communities to seek changes in state law. There’s a link to the full Ticker story in today’s script online.

www.traverseticker.com/news/city-commissioners-to-tackle-childcare-housing-short-term-rentals-among-goals/

As part of our look at where Michigan’s gubernatorial candidates stand on key issues, today we turn to the issue of climate change. Democratic candidate Jocelyn Benson says Michigan should lead the nation in clean energy manufacturing, climate resilience, and pollution reduction. Democrat Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson also supports a broad approach involving government, businesses, and environmental groups. Among Republicans, John James and Aric Nesbitt say the state should focus on adapting to changing weather patterns, strengthening infrastructure, supporting agriculture, and expanding nuclear power. Republican candidates Ralph Rebandt and Tudor Dixon ally Anthony Cox reject the scientific consensus that human activity is driving climate change.

Finally in our news, a reminder that the Beaver Island Retreat and the Beaver Island Archipelago Trails Association are looking for volunteers for Step Up for the Trails, which gets underway tomorrow and runs through the 10th. Participants will spend a few hours helping maintain and protect Beaver Island’s trail system while enjoying a complimentary breakfast, trail snacks and drinks, and a free three-month AllTrails Plus membership. You don’t have to be staying at the Retreat to take part. Breakfast begins at 7:30 each morning, with volunteer crews heading out at 9. To sign up or learn more, visit Beaver Island Retreat dot com and click on Promotions and Events.

Now here’s a look at other upcoming events on your Emerald Isle…

First your meeting planner…

A-A meets this evening and Saturday at 6:00. Locations and more details are in the calendar entries online.

On the fun front…

Thursday, 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. And, Thursday evening is Burger and a Beer Night at the Shamrock.

[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, the Island’s Lilacs and Lyrics weekend gets underway. There’ll be music, an Irish Currach Workshop, restaurant specials, guided lilac tours and raffle prizes at local gift shops. Also on Friday, there’s Senior and Vets Coffee and Donuts from 9:00 to 11:00 in the Welcome Center at the BIC Center, plus Chair Strength Training up in the Hangout at 9:30.  And, the library has afterschool board game fun starting at 3:30.

[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.]

Highlights for the rest of the week include…

Saturday, is Graduation for the B-I-C-S Class of 2026. There’ll be a graduation parade down Main Street starting at 12:30 followed by graduation ceremonies on the lawn behind school at 1:00, unless it rains ich which case no parade and the ceremony will be in the gym. Right now, though, the weather looks perfect. Also Saturday, the Artisan’s Market is on at the Point starting at 10:00. Fiero Code Club is at the library at 1:00. It’s 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 Missiojn at 9:00 and at the Christian Church at 10:00. Mass is at Holy Cross at 12:15.  

Highlights for next week include…

Monday, Open Hands has breakfast at the GFC from 8:00 to 11:00. B-I-C-S has a half day for students with final exams. COA has Cardio Drumming at 10:00 and Art Therapy at 11:00 at Peaine Township Hall. The Beachcomber has All You Can Eat Pizza and Salad night. In our Dark Skies, tonight might be a good night to check what is perhaps the most famous asterism, a group of stars in Ursa Major called the Big Dipper. You’ll find it high over head tonight with the two outer stars in its bowl pointing to Polaris, the North Star, which is the endpoint of the handle of the Little Dipper. There’s more about it at Dark Sky Island dot org.

Tuesday at 9:30, there’s Chair Strength Training up in the Hangout at the BIC Center. B-I-C-S has another half day for students with final exams—and it is the last day for the 2025-26 school year. At 10:00, Babes & Toddlers mix it up at the library and there is Pickleball outside on the township courts. At 2:15 there’s a Home School Meet-up at the library.

Wednesday, the Open Hands Café: Breakfast Club runs 8:00 until 10:00 a.m. at Gregg Fellowship Center. At 1:00, there’s Seniors BINGO at the BIC Center. In our Dark Skies just before dawn today you might catch some Arietids meteor shower activity. The shower is most active during the day and not visible then, but you might catch it just as it peaks this morning in the north east sky just above the horizon. There’s more about it at Dark Sky Island dot org.

Today’s BIC Center Name of the Day is Olga.  If that’s your name, come on down to the BIC Center today to pick out a free drink of your choice.

On our Birthday List: Richie Gillespie, Jack Hallahan, Hadly McCafferty, Ben Mach and Carsten Dabakey are celebrating today.  Happy Birthday to Carsten, Ben, Hadly, Jack and Richie, and if we missed you on the list, Happy Birthday to you too from everyone at the BIC Center and WVBI.

TRAFFIC: As construction traffic picks up, you’ll find occasional delays in and out to both airports with some closures on East Side drive requiring the long way around from town to Welke Airport. Seasonal traffic is picking up as well, and the kids will soon be out of school for the summer. Fawns are dropping and tutles are crossing. So, let’s be careful out there.

On this day in 1896, Henry Ford test drives the Quadricycle, his first gasoline-powered automobile, on the streets of Detroit. The success of the little vehicle led to the founding of the Detroit Automobile Company in 1899, followed by the Henry Ford Company in 1901 and then later the Ford Motor Company in 1903.

Henry Ford sits in his first automobile, the Ford Quadricycle, in 1896.

Image from wikippedia.org

Our Merriam Webster Word of the Day is redolent (adjective) [RED-uh-lunt]. Something that is redolent is filled with a particular scent or aroma. You might describe a room as redolent of fresh-baked bread or a garden as redolent with the fragrance of roses. The word can also mean suggestive or evocative of something, especially a memory or a past time. A song might be redolent of the 1980s, or the smell of campfire smoke might be redolent of childhood summers. Redolent comes from a Latin word meaning “to smell” and is related to the word olfactory, which has to do with the sense of smell.

Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Thursday…

Here’s a thought for the day from Henry Ford: “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”

On a lighter note…
Why do graduation ceremonies get so hot?

There are so many degrees.

That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Thursday, June 4th, 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. 

###

WEATHER

[Current Condition Report, then…]

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 65 by the water and 81 inland. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tonight

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2pm, then a slight chance of showers between 2pm and 5pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Cloudy, with a high near 62/75. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 2am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 51. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8am, then a slight chance of showers between 8am and 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 67/81. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 69/84.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 70/78.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Tuesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 69/78.

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Wednesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 69/78.

Air Quality Index at 6:30 was 23.

Fire Danger Level: Very High

Out on the Big Drink…

Today

SSW wind around 10 kt. Mostly sunny. Waves 1 to 2 ft.

Friday

SW wind around 10 kt. A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am, then a chance of showers between 10am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Waves 1 to 2 ft.

Saturday

Variable winds 5 kt or less. A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am, then a chance of showers between 7am and 1pm. Waves 1 ft or less.

Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org

Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…

Paving work on East Side Drive shifts into high gear, final details for this weekend’s Lilacs and Lyrics Festival are out, Traverse City nurses reach a tentative contract with new safeguards on artificial intelligence, and a historic Northern Michigan theater is looking for a new owner. Plus, Traverse City considers new limits on short-term rentals, we continue our look at where Michigan’s governor candidates stand on the issues.

…those stories and more regional news plus a run-down of local events, birthdays, this dat ein history, a word of the day  and more are coming up after this global and national news from F-S-N. [Time check.]

Today’s featured image: As we begin to celebrate Lilacs, the Island’s annual display of Trillium is starting fade. Photo by Kevin Boyle

The Charlevoix County Road Commission has announced several road projects for this week on Beaver Island. Chloride will be applied to Barney’s Lake Road on Friday and Allen’s Lakeview Drive on Saturday. Meanwhile, paving work is about to get underway with work scheduled on Freesoil Avenue and Maple Street next Wednesday, followed by the start of paving on East Side Drive Thursday. East Side Drive will be closed at times between the Four Corners and Welke Airport.  When that happens, you can reach the airport via McCauley Road off Kings Highway. Hangar Road cannot be used because it crosses an active runway.

The U.S. Coast Guard and dozens of partner agencies recently met in Traverse City to discuss maritime readiness across the Great Lakes. About forty-two federal, state, tribal, local, academic, industry, and Canadian Coast Guard representatives took part, focusing on new technologies, marine firefighting, and emergency response. A major Coast Guard and Enbridge deployment drill is planned near the Straits of Mackinac this August.

In our continuing look at where Michigan’s candidates for governor stand on key issues, today’s topic is energy. Republicans are united in opposing the state’s clean energy law requiring utilities to reach one hundred percent clean energy by 2040. John James says repealing the mandate would be his first priority and supports an all-of-the-above approach including natural gas, nuclear, hydro, and renewables. Democrats Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson support the clean energy transition. However, Swanson joins Republicans in calling for a review of the law that allows the state to approve large wind and solar projects over local objections.

M-Live reports today that Google is awarding a quarter-million-dollar grant to the Huron River Watershed Council as it prepares to build a major data center in southeast Michigan. The funding will expand projects that capture and manage stormwater using natural infrastructure. Google says the investment is part of its commitment to responsible water use. The company’s planned Van Buren Township data center is expected to use between two and nearly four million gallons of water per day.

In Big Rapids, a Chinese-owned electric vehicle battery company is seeking damages from the township after local officials blocked plans for a proposed two-point-four-billion-dollar factory. Gotion says Green Charter Township unlawfully rescinded approvals after new township leaders took office. The project had already lost state support, and Michigan is now seeking to recover millions of dollars in incentives previously awarded to the company.

The National Weather Service in Gaylord has released its snowfall season map. The Island racked up 97 inches, which is just over eight feet of snow. Petoskey had 171 inches and Whitefish Point in the U-P had the most in the region with 241 inches.

The Island racked up just over eight feet of snow this winter with some of it lingering through Memorial Day. Graphic from NWS Gaylord Office

Island Energies has extended their opening times. You can fill up from 7:30 in the morning to 7:30 at night Monday through Saturday and 8:00 to 6:00 on Sunday.

The Beaver Island Retreat and the Beaver Island Archipelago Trails Association are looking for volunteers for Step Up for the Trails, coming up June 5th through the 10th. Participants will spend a few hours helping maintain and protect Beaver Island’s trail system while enjoying a complimentary breakfast, trail snacks and drinks, and a free three-month AllTrails Plus membership. You don’t have to be staying at the Retreat to take part. Breakfast begins at 7:30 each morning, with volunteer crews heading out at 9. To sign up or learn more, visit Beaver Island Retreat dot com and click on Promotions and Events.

A full outdoor breakfast awaits volunteers in Beaver Island Retreat’s and the Archipelago Trails Association’s Step Up for Trails project. Graphic from Beaver Island Archipelago Trail Association

Now here’s a look at other upcoming events on your Emerald Isle…

First your meeting planner…

A-A meets this evening, Thursday and Saturday at 6:00. B-I-C-S Committee of the Whole meets Wednesday at 5:30. Locations and more details are in the calendar entries online.

On the fun front…

Wednesday, the Open Hands Café: Breakfast Club runs 8:00 until 10:00 a.m. at Gregg Fellowship Center. At 1:00, there’s Seniors BINGO at the BIC Center.

Highlights for the rest of the week include…

Thursday, 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. And, Thursday evening is Burger and a Beer Night at the Shamrock.

[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, the Island’s Lilacs and Lyrics weekend gets underway. There’ll be music, an Irish Currach Workshop, restaurant specials, guided lilac tours and raffle prizes at local gift shops. Also on Friday, there’s Senior and Vets Coffee and Donuts from 9:00 to 11:00 in the Welcome Center at the BIC Center, plus Chair Strength Training up in the Hangout at 9:30.  And, the library has afterschool board game fun starting at 3:30.

[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.]

Saturday, is Graduation for the B-I-C-S Class of 2026. There’ll be a graduation parade down Main Street starting at 12:30 followed by graduation ceremonies on the lawn behind school at 1:00, unless it rains ich which case no parade and the ceremony will be in the gym. Right now, though, the weather looks perfect. Also Saturday, the Artisan’s Market is on at the Point starting at 10:00. Fiero Code Club is at the library at 1:00. It’s 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 Missiojn at 9:00 and at the Christian Church at 10:00. Mass is at Holy Cross at 12:15.  

Highlights for next week include…

Monday, Open Hands has breakfast at the GFC from 8:00 to 11:00. B-I-C-S has a half day for students with final exams. COA has Cardio Drumming at 10:00 and Art Therapy at 11:00 at Peaine Township Hall. The Beachcomber has All You Can Eat Pizza and Salad night.

Tuesday at 9:30, there’s Chair Strength Training up in the Hangout at the BIC Center. B-I-C-S has another half day for students with final exams—and it is the last day for the 2025-26 school year. At 10:00, Babes & Toddlers mix it up at the library and there is Pickleball outside on the township courts. At 2:15 there’s a Home School Meet-up at the library.

On our Birthday List: Gary Morgan and Annika Anderson are celebrating today.  Happy Birthday to Annika and Gary, 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 save for occasional culvert digging delays on East Side Drive. There are no bridge delays. But, hey, let’s be careful out there as traffic increases with seasonal residents returning every day and the kids and all out enjoying the warmer weather.

On this date in 1989, Chinese troops move into Tiananmen Square and surrounding streets, and open fire on pro-democracy demonstrators who had gathered for weeks calling for political reform. The exact death toll remains unknown, but the crackdown shocked the world and remains a defining moment in modern Chinese history.

The “Goddess of Democracy” Statue in Washington DC, also known as the “Victims of Communism Memorial” by Thomas Marsh, based on the Tiananmen Square “Goddess of Democracy” that was destroyed in the crackdown on Tiananmen Square. Photo of sculpture by Thomas Marsh from Wikimedia Commons

Our Merriam Webster Word of the Day is engender (verb) [in-JEN-der]. It’s a verb that means “to cause,” “to create,” or “to give rise to.” A thoughtful conversation can engender trust, while a shared challenge can engender teamwork. The word comes from a Latin root meaning “to beget” or “to produce,” and it’s related to words like generate, generation, and generic

Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Wednesday…

Here’s a thought for the day from Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo [LEE-oh SHYOW-boh]: “The crux of the matter, is that people don’t understand the true nature of money. It is meant to circulate, not be wrapped up in a stocking.”

On a lighter note…
I’m working on a joke about road construction.

Give me a few months to lay it all out.

That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Wednesday, June 3rd, 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. 

###

WEATHER

[Current Condition Report, then…]

Today

Increasing clouds, with a high near 63 at the shore and 76 inland. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday

Partly sunny, with a high near 64/78. Southwest wind around 15 mph.

Thursday Night

A slight chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday

Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62/75. Southwest wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday Night

Showers likely, mainly after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday

Showers likely, mainly before 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 67/81. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 53.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 69/78.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 69/79.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 69/77.

Air Quality Index at 6:30 was 16.

Fire Danger Level: Very High

Out on the Big Drink…

Today

Variable winds 5 kt or less. Increasing clouds. Waves 1 ft or less.

Thursday

SSW wind 10 to 15 kt. Partly sunny. Waves 1 to 3 ft.

Friday

SW wind around 15 kt. Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Waves around 2 ft.

Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org

Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…

Road paving is about to begin with periodic closures planned for East Side Drive. We’ll also look at where Michigan’s candidates for governor stand on energy policy, find out how much snow fell on the Island this winter, and learn how you can help maintain Island trails while enjoying a free breakfast.

…those stories and more regional news plus a run-down of local events, birthdays, this dat ein history, a word of the day  and more are coming up after this global and national news from F-S-N. [Time check.]

Today’s featured image: The “Goddess of Democracy” Statue in Washington DC based on the Tiananmen Square “Goddess of Democracy” that was destroyed in the crackdown on Tiananmen Square that began on this day in 1989. Photo of sculpture by Thomas Marsh from Wikimedia Commons

St. James Township is seeking applicants to fill two vacancies on its Board of Trustees. Candidates must be registered electors of the township and will be appointed by the Township Board. Trustees help oversee township finances, approve contracts and ordinances, represent residents, and vote on township business. The appointments will run through November of 2028. Anyone interested should submit an application to the Township Clerk by June 15th. Additional information and applications are available from St. James Township.

Despite recent action in Lansing granting Mackinac Island more control of ferry operations there, the parties say the current court battle will go on. The existing ferry contract, which runs through June of 2027, so even with the legislation it won’t have any impact until then. So issues under the current contract will be resolved in court or by settlement.

Northern Michigan leaders are continuing to look for solutions to the region’s housing shortage. During a recent roundtable hosted by U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin, local officials, business leaders, and tribal representatives discussed ideas ranging from federal grants and housing assistance programs to zoning changes that could encourage more housing development. Officials say high housing costs are making it difficult to attract and retain workers, including teachers, nurses, and public safety personnel.

Today in our series on issues in Michigan’s race for governor, we look at the issue of aging dams. Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says she would strengthen inspections and create a dam safety fund, while Democratic Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson opposes Consumers Energy’s plan to sell 13 dams to a private company. Republican Congressman John James says any sale should proceed only if a buyer can demonstrate the resources and expertise to operate the dams safely. Other Republican candidates generally place more blame on government regulation and oversight failures. There’s a complete rundown of candidate positions on this and other issues in a Bridge Michigan article linked in today’s script online.

https://www.interlochenpublicradio.org/2026-05-31/bridge-listens-what-michigans-next-governor-plans-for-data-centers-clean-energy

In Island News, after a great turnout for its grand opening event on Sunday, the Amik Cultural Preservation Center has announced its opening times.  For June they will be open on Sunday afternoons from 1:00 to 3:00 and Wednesdays from 4:00 to 7:00 with an Oral Tradition Hour at 6:00.

The Amik Cultural Preservation Center will be open for regular times. Graphic from Amik Cultural Preservation Center

The Beaver Island Retreat and the Beaver Island Archipelago Trails Association are looking for volunteers for Step Up for the Trails, coming up June 5th through the 10th. Participants will spend a few hours helping maintain and protect Beaver Island’s trail system while enjoying a complimentary breakfast, trail snacks and drinks, and a free three-month AllTrails Plus membership. You don’t have to be staying at the Retreat to take part. Breakfast begins at 7:30 each morning, with volunteer crews heading out at 9. To sign up or learn more, visit Beaver Island Retreat dot com and click on Promotions and Events.

A full outdoor breakfast awaits volunteers in Beaver Island Retreat’s and the Archipelago Trails Association’s Step Up for Trails project. Photo from Beaver Island Retreat

The Music Festival is looking for volunteers to drive shuttles between town and the festival grounds on West Side Drive. Give Carol Burton a call if you are interested.

And here’s a tip of the hat to our fellow up north public radio station in Interlochen. I-P-R has won four Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards. The honors recognize excellence in broadcast journalism and advance I-P-R’s winning stories and podcast to the national competition, with winners to be announced in August.

Now here’s a look at other upcoming events on your Emerald Isle…

First your meeting planner…

A-A meets this evening, Thursday and Saturday at 6:00. B-I-C-S Committee of the Whole meets Wednesday at 5:30. Locations and more details are in the calendar entries online.

On the fun front…

Tuesday 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 and there is Pickleball outside on the township courts. At 2:15 there’s a Home School Meet-up at the library.

Highlights for the rest of the week include…

Wednesday, the Open Hands Café: Breakfast Club runs 8:00 until 10:00 a.m. at Gregg Fellowship Center. At 1:00, there’s Seniors BINGO at the BIC Center.

Thursday, 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. And, Thursday evening is Burger and a Beer Night at the Shamrock.

[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, the Island’s Lilacs and Lyrics weekend gets underway. There’ll be music, an Irish Currach Workshop, restaurant specials, guided lilac tours and raffle prizes at local gift shops. Also on Friday, there’s Senior and Vets Coffee and Donuts from 9:00 to 11:00 in the Welcome Center at the BIC Center, plus Chair Strength Training up in the Hangout at 9:30.  And, the library has afterschool board game fun starting at 3:30.

[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.]

Saturday, is Graduation for the B-I-C-S Class of 2026. There’ll be a graduation parade down Main Street starting at 12:30 followed by graduation ceremonies on the lawn behind school at 1:00, unless it rains ich which case no parade and the ceremony will be in the gym. Right now, though, the weather looks perfect. Also Saturday, the Artisan’s Market is on at the Point starting at 10:00. Fiero Code Club is at the library at 1:00. It’s 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 Missiojn at 9:00 and at the Christian Church at 10:00. Mass is at Holy Cross at 12:15.  

Highlights for next week include…

Monday, Open Hands has breakfast at the GFC from 8:00 to 11:00. COA has Cardio Drumming at 10:00 and Art Therapy at 11:00 at Peaine Township Hall. The Beachcomber has All You Can Eat Pizza and Salad night.

Today’s BIC Center Name of the Day is Olga.  If that’s your name, come on down to the BIC Center today to pick out a free drink of your choice.

On our Birthday List: Tammy McDonough  and Tom Whitman are celebrating today.  Happy Birthday to Tammy and Tom, 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 save for occasional culvert digging delays on East Side Drive. There are no bridge delays. But, hey, let’s be careful out there as traffic increases with seasonal residents returning every day and the kids and all out enjoying the warmer weather.

On this date in 1763, during Pontiac’s Rebellion, Ojibwe warriors capture Fort Michilimackinac at what is now Mackinaw City. They stage a lacrosse game outside the fort, then intentionally send the ball through the open gate. As players rush in after it, women waiting nearby hand them concealed weapons. The warriors quickly overwhelm the British garrison in one of the most famous military deceptions in North American history. 

A game of Native American lacrosse (then called stickball) is depicted in this lithograph by George Caitlin. Image  from Art collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum

Our Merriam Webster Word of the Day is crux

(noun) [KRUKS. A crux is the most important part of a problem, issue, argument, or puzzle. You’ll often hear the phrase “the crux of the matter,” meaning the key point that must be understood or resolved. Crux comes from Latin, where it originally referred to a cross or stake used as an instrument of torture. Over time, the word came to mean a difficult or puzzling problem. Today, it most often refers to the central issue or essential point of something.

Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Tuesday…

Here’s a thought for the day from Guglielmo Marconi, who this day in in 1896 filed the first ever patent for wireless telegraphy or radio: “The crux of the matter, is that people don’t understand the true nature of money. It is meant to circulate, not be wrapped up in a stocking.”

On a lighter note…
How did Vikings communicate over telegraph?

Norse Code.

That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Tuesday, June 2nd, 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. 

###

WEATHER

[Current Condition Report, then…]

Today

Sunny, with a high near 65 on the shore, 80 inland. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 50. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 63/76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday

Partly sunny, with a high near 63/77. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday Night

A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.

Friday

A 40 percent chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64/78.

Friday Night

A chance of showers before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Saturday

A chance of showers after 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65/73.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 67/75.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 68/77.

Air Quality Index at 6:30 was 8.

Fire Danger Level: Very High

Out on the Big Drink…

Today

Variable winds less than 5 kt becoming W 5 to 10 kt in the afternoon. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less.

Wednesday

SW wind 5 to 10 kt. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less.

Thursday

SSW wind around 15 kt, with gusts as high as 25 kt. Partly sunny. Waves 2 to 3 ft.

Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org

Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…

Could you help shape the future of St. James Township? We’ll tell you about two openings on the township board. Plus, despite new legislation in Lansing, the Mackinac Island ferry fight is still headed for court. We’ll also look at what the leading candidates for governor have to say about Michigan’s aging dams, and how volunteers can help maintain Beaver Island’s trails while earning a free breakfast and more.

…those stories plus a run-down of local events, birthdays, this dat ein history, a word of the day  and more are coming up after this global and national news from F-S-N. [Time check.]

Today’s featured image: A full outdoor breakfast awaits volunteers in Beaver Island Retreat’s and the Archipelago Trails Association’s Step Up for Trails project. Photo from Beaver Island Retreat

There was an overflow crowd for Dr. Lois Campbell’s memorial service on Saturday. There were many family members there as well as friends of Lois from near and quite far away. B-I-C-S superintendent and principal Wil Cwikiel remembered Lois in remarks that were widely praised.  He ended his comments by thanking Lois for being a great teacher to all… including himself. After the service, a lunch was served and memories were shared.

TDS service was out again early this morning from midnight until about 1:00 a.m. The outage appears to have been Island-wide and took down all services. T-D-S has not provided any information on the cause of the outage.

In Great Lakes news, research programs that monitor the Lakes could face major funding cuts under a proposed federal budget that would reduce support for NOAA by about one-third. Scientists say the affected programs provide critical information on water quality, lake conditions, harmful algal blooms, and weather that is widely used by boaters, anglers, shippers, and communities across the region.

As Michigan’s race for governor heats up, candidates are weighing in on a number of issues. We’ll cover one a day this week starting with the growing debate over data centers. Both Democrats and Republicans say new facilities should be accountable for their use of water, energy, and land, and agree they shouldn’t drive up electric rates for residents. Differences emerge over local control, with some candidates saying communities should be able to block projects entirely, while others support stricter oversight and public hearings before developments move forward. There’s a complete rundown of each candidates position in a Bridge Michigan story linked in today’s script online.

https://www.interlochenpublicradio.org/2026-05-31/bridge-listens-what-michigans-next-governor-plans-for-data-centers-clean-energy

In other Island news, the Amik Circle Society opened its Cultural Preservation Center yesterday. It’s just south of town on Kings Highway. Exhibits there provide information on the Island’s Stone Circle as well as the story of Native Americans on the Island with many well displayed artifacts and photos bringing life to the information.

First day visitors gather outside the newly opened Amik Circle Society Cultural Preservation Center. Photo from Amik Circle Society Facebook Post

Tickets for summer events at the BIC Center and Baroque on Beaver go on sale today. You’ll find them at tickets dot bic center dot org, where you’ll also find links to tickets for all other summer events on the Island including the Music Festival and the Feile.

The Beaver Island Elks have announced an open house at their lodge to celebrate Flag Day.  That will be on Sunday the 14^th.  There’ll be food and drink to enjoy.

Munson Healthcare has donated seventy-five hundred dollars to the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan. The funding will help expand mental health counseling services and improve survivor support spaces in Petoskey. Munson employees also recently volunteered at the organization’s Safe Home, helping with outdoor cleanup and maintenance projects.

Now here’s a look at other upcoming events on your Emerald Isle…

First your meeting planner…

Peaine Township Planning Commission meets next Monday at 5:00. A-A meets Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 6:00. B-I-C-S Committee of the Whole meets Wednesday at 5:30. Locations and more details are in the calendar entries online.

On the fun front…

Monday, Open Hands has breakfast at the GFC from 8:00 to 11:00. COA has Cardio Drumming at 10:00 and Art Therapy at 11:00 at Peaine Township Hall. The Beachcomber has All You Can Eat Pizza and Salad night.

Tuesday 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 and there is Pickleball outside on the township courts. At 2:15 there’s a Home School Meet-up at the library.

Highlights for the rest of the week include…

Wednesday, the Open Hands Café: Breakfast Club runs 8:00 until 10:00 a.m. at Gregg Fellowship Center. At 1:00, there’s Seniors BINGO at the BIC Center.

Thursday, 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. And, Thursday evening is Burger and a Beer Night at the Shamrock.

[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, the Island’s Lilacs and Lyrics weekend gets underway. There’ll be music, an Irish Currach Workshop, restaurant specials, guided lilac tours and raffle prizes at local gift shops. Also on Friday, there’s Senior and Vets Coffee and Donuts from 9:00 to 11:00 in the Welcome Center at the BIC Center, plus Chair Strength Training up in the Hangout at 9:30.  And, the library has afterschool board game fun starting at 3:30.

[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.]

Saturday, is Graduation for the B-I-C-S Class of 2026. There’ll be a graduation parade down Main Street starting at 12:30 followed by graduation ceremonies on the lawn behind school at 1:00, unless it rains ich which case no parade and the ceremony will be in the gym. Right now, though, the weather looks perfect. Also Saturday, the Artisan’s Market is on at the Point starting at 10:00. Fiero Code Club is at the library at 1:00. It’s 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 Missiojn at 9:00 and at the Christian Church at 10:00. Mass is at Holy Cross at 12:15.  

On our Birthday List: Tammy McDonough  and Tom Whitman are celebrating today.  Happy Birthday to Tammy and Tom, 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 save for occasional culvert digging delays on East Side Drive. There are no bridge delays. But, hey, let’s be careful out there as traffic increases with seasonal residents returning every day and the kids and all out enjoying the warmer weather.

On this date in 1215, Mongol forces led by Genghis Khan capture and loot Peking, then one of the largest cities in the world under the Jin dynasty. This day in 1495 also marks the first recorded mention of Scotch whisky and, in 1967, The Beatles release their genre changing, story-telling  album Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. And, in 1980…[SFX: This is CNN]…CNN launches the first 24 by seven T-V news channel. 

CNN launched on this day in 1980 eventually adding the voice of James Earl Jones as part of their on-air identity. Image  from Wikimedia Commons

Our Merriam Webster Word of the Day is palatable (adjective) [PAL-uh-tuh-bul], meaning pleasant to the taste, or more broadly, acceptable or agreeable. The word comes from palate, the roof of your mouth, long associated with the sense of taste. You can describe a delicious meal as palatable, but also an idea, plan, or even bad news presented in a way that’s easier to accept. Palatable—something that goes down easy.

Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Monday…

Here’s a thought for the day from Genghis Khan: “An action committed in anger is an action doomed to failure.”

On a lighter note…
A Danish person might not be nostalgic about old Beatles songs.

But a Norwegian wood.

That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Monday, June 1st, 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. 

###

WEATHER

[Current Condition Report, then…]

Today

Sunny, with a high near 64 by the water and 79 inland. East wind 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with a low around 44. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 65/79. North wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 50. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 63/76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Thursday

Partly sunny, with a high near 63/77.

Thursday Night

A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.

Friday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66/74.

Friday Night

A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Saturday

Partly sunny, with a high near 67/77.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Sunday

Partly sunny, with a high near 70/81.

Air Quality Index at 6:30 was 5.

Fire Danger Level: Very High

Out on the Big Drink…

Today

NE wind 5 to 15 kt. Sunny. Waves 1 to 2 ft.

Tuesday

Variable winds 5 kt or less. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less.

Wednesday

SW wind 5 to 10 kt. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less.

Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org

Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…

Islanders gather to remember beloved educator Dr. Lois Campbell, Great Lakes research programs face possible federal funding cuts, and we begin a weeklong look at where Michigan’s candidates for governor stand on key issues, starting with the debate over data centers. Plus, a new cultural preservation center opens on the Island.

…all of that plus a run-down of local events, birthdays and more after this global and national news from F-S-N. [Time check.]

Today’s featured image: First day visitors gather outside the newly opened Amik Circle Society Cultural Preservation Center. Photo from Amik Circle Society Facebook Post

Will she or won’t she run for president in 2028? After telling a Detroit television station Thursday morning that she had no plans to seek the White House, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer later softened her stance, saying, “Never say never.” Speaking at the Mackinac Policy Conference, the governor said her focus remains on finishing her final term, passing a state budget, and advancing priorities including housing, education, jobs, and roads.

As for who might be the state’s next governor, it turns out that Republican gubernatorial candidate Perry Johnson has been certified for Michigan’s August primary ballot despite allegations that campaign petitions were altered after voters signed them. State election officials said Johnson submitted more than enough valid signatures, and the Board of State Canvassers unanimously approved his candidacy. Separate allegations of petition tampering are reportedly being reviewed by law enforcement.

The Michigan DNR is warning of elevated wildfire danger across much of the state this weekend. Hot temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds could allow fires to spread quickly if they start. Officials say dry pine needles, leaves, and grass are creating unusually dangerous conditions, especially in Northern Michigan, where forests damaged by last year’s ice storm could provide additional fuel. On the Island, fire chief Tim McDonough has set the fire danger to Very High.  That means no outdoor fires.

The DNR is warning of high and very high fire danger levels across much of the state. A burn ban is in effect on the Island. Graphic from DNR

Island tick watchers say the warm weather has really accelerated their activity and, as a result the danger for pets and humans. The veterinary clinic has a special going on now for treatment to protect from them, and Nurse Practitioner Kim Wysocki says you should check carefully for ticks after spending time outdoors. Ticks can transmit diseases within 24 to 48 hours of attachment, and the risk increases the longer they remain attached. If you find a tick, remove it promptly without digging into the skin. Doctors say preventive antibiotics may be an option if a tick was attached for more than a day. Permethrin-treated clothing can also help reduce tick bites.

If you are on the mainland next weekend and see emergency vehicles at North Central Michigan College on June seventh, don’t be alarmed. The college is hosting a large emergency preparedness exercise involving the Michigan National Guard and local first responders. Officials say no live weapons, sirens, or flashing lights will be used, and signs will clearly mark the training area.

In our signs of summer department, the Beaver Island Studio and Gallery is opening for the season today at 11:00. Drop by to check out their new collections. They’ll be open until 4:00 with the same hours tomorrow.

In our missing pets department, Heidi Bearss and Jon are still missing their little orange cat named Phoebe. Phoebe lives on Barney’s Lake Road and was last seen Sunday night.

In our corrections department, in our report yesterday on Secondary Awards at school, we got the Middle School Student of the year mixed up and identified one of the nominees as the winner. In fact, the winner was Jamison Abbo who was lauded for his never-ending enthusiasm and always being willing to help out. Congratulations to Jamison.

Now here’s a look at other upcoming events on your Emerald Isle…

First your meeting planner…

A-A meets Saturday at 6:00 and next week Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday same time. Peaine Township Planning Commission meets next Monday at 5:00. B-I-C-S Committee of the Whole meets Wednesday at 5:30. Locations and more details are in the calendar entries online.

On the fun front…

Friday, there’s Senior and Vets Coffee and Donuts from 9:00 to 11:00 in the Welcome Center at the BIC Center, plus Chair Strength Training up in the Hangout at 9:30.  The Beaver Island Studio &* Gallery opens for the season at 11:00 and will be open until 4:00 this afternoon. Then, at 1:00, there’s a Grand Slam Ice Cream Social for seniors and vets. There’ll be a great selection of frosty treats with all the fixins’. Brought to you by the Beaver Island Senior Advisory Committee. And, the library has afterschool board game fun starting at 3:30.

[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.]

Saturday, the Artisan’s Market is on at the Point starting at 10:00. Fiero Code Club is at the library at 1:00. It’s Prime Rib night at the Shamrock. And, back at the library, it’s Teen Art Night starting at 5:00. Kids 13 and up create a painting of their own under the guidance of Island artist Lois Stipp.

 [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 Missiojn at 9:00 and at the Christian Church at 10:00. Mass is at Holy Cross at 12:15. Also, at the BIC Center there’s a Bake Sale to support Basketball Camp. There’ll be cakes, cookies, chocolates, brownies, cupcakes and donuts. It gets underway at 10:00.

Looking ahead to highlights for next week…

Monday, Open Hands has breakfast at the GFC from 8:00 to 11:00. COA has Cardio Drumming at 10:00 and Art Therapy at 11:00 at Peaine Township Hall. The Beachcomber has All You Can Eat Pizza and Salad night.

Tuesday 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 and there is Pickleball outside on the township courts. At 2:15 there’s a Home School Meet-up at the library.

Wednesday, the Open Hands Café: Breakfast Club runs 8:00 until 10:00 a.m. at Gregg Fellowship Center. At 1:00, there’s Seniors BINGO at the BIC Center.

Thursday, 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. And, Thursday evening is Burger and a Beer Night at the Shamrock.

[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.]

Next Friday, the Island’s Lilacs and Lyrics weekend gets underway. There’ll be music, an Irish Currach Workshop and a Painting Petals art class, restaurant specials, guided lilac tours and raffle prizes at local gift shops.

Today’s BIC Center Name of the Day is Sophie.  If that’s your name, come on down to the BIC Center today to pick out a free drink of your choice.

On our Birthday List: Josh Garrett, Coulter Thurston and Jared Cole are celebrating today.  Happy Birthday to Jared, Coulter and Josh, 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 save for occasional culvert digging delays on East Side Drive. There are no bridge delays. But, hey, let’s be careful out there as traffic increases with seasonal residents returning every day and the kids and all out enjoying the warmer weather.

On this date in 1848, Wisconsin became the thirtieth state in the Union after voters approved statehood. The region’s European history dates back to 1634, when French explorer Jean Nicolet arrived at Green Bay, becoming the first European known to visit the area. Following the French and Indian War, Wisconsin passed from French to British control in 1763.

In this image from a mural in the rotunda of the Brown County Courthouse, in Green Bay, in Wisconsin, Jean Nicolet is depicted  landing at the Bay of Green Bay in 1634. He wears a Chinese damask tunic strewn with flowers. Image  of mural Painted by Franz Edward Rohrbeck from Wikimedia Commons

Our Merriam Webster Word of the Day is cohort (noun) [KOH-hort]. A cohort is a group of people who share something in common, such as age, occupation, or interests. The word comes from ancient Rome, where a cohort was one of ten military units in a legion. Today, it most often refers to a group of people connected by a common characteristic or experience.

Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Friday…

Here’s a thought for the day from Edmund Hillary, who on this day in 1953 was the first to summit Mount Everest with Tenzing Norgay: “With practice and focus, you can extend yourself far more than you ever believed possible.”

On a lighter note…
Why do geese fly in the shape of a “V”? Because it is too hard to form a “G.”

That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Friday, May 29th, 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

[Current Condition Report, then…]

Today

Sunny, with a high near 64 by the shore and 76 inland. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Breezy, with a north wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east 15 to 20 mph after midnight.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 61/73. East wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 47. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 61/72. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 49.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 67/79.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 51.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 68/77.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 50.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 66/76.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 67/78.

Air Quality Index at 6:30 was 0.

Out on the Big Drink…

Today

WSW wind 5 to 15 kt. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less.

Saturday

NE wind 10 to 15 kt. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less.

Sunday

S wind 5 to 10 kt becoming WSW in the afternoon. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less.

Monday

NE wind 5 to 10 kt. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less.

Tuesday

Variable winds 5 kt or less. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less.

Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org

Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…

Will Gretchen Whitmer run for president in 2028? After saying no Thursday morning, she later changed her tune to “never say never.” We have that and more from the Mackinac Policy Conference. Plus, Perry Johnson remains on Michigan’s governor’s race ballot despite petition-tampering allegations. On the Island, a burn ban is now in effect on Beaver Island as wildfire danger reaches Very High with elevated levels statewide. And, tick activity is surging across the Island. We have some local tps on handling that.

…all of that plus a run-down of local events, birthdays and more after this global and national news from F-S-N. [Time check.]

Today’s featured image: The DNR is warning of high and very high fire danger levels across much of the state. A burn ban is in effect on the Island. Graphic from DNR