WVBI

Yesterday afternoon at school saw a bevy of well-deserved, hard-earned awards presented to secondary students there. There were academic honors for individual students and school-wide awards including citizen of the year which went to Jamison Abbo for Middle School and Izzy De Laat for Highschool. The class of 2026 was also honored as they were presented their decorations that will be worn at their graduation coming up on June 6th.

Senior Izzy De Laat being congratulated by Superintendent/Principal Wil Cwikiel as the high school Citizen of the Year. Her fellow  nominees are alongside.  Photo by Kevin Boyle

And, speaking of B-I-C-S graduates, 2021 Island grad Quintan De Laat is raising the final funds needed to film his feature-length movie “Emerald Muse” on the Island this August. He recently finished his degree at the University of Michigan and has already earned awards for several short films, some of which were included in last year’s Island Film Festival. The film he plans to shoot is a romantic dramedy that follows an aspiring actor returning to Beaver Island to sell his mentor’s vacation home and finds romance. There’s a link to his Go Fund Me page in today’s script online: https://gofund.me/39851b8af

In other news of the arts, the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra will make its Carnegie Hall debut June eighth in New York City. The Northern Michigan-based orchestra, founded twenty-five years ago, includes musicians from communities across the region including Petoskey, Charlevoix, Gaylord, Traverse City and the Soo. Meantime, The Crooked Tree Arts Center School of Ballet is celebrating the one-hundredth anniversary of modern dance pioneer Martha Graham with a special performance series this summer. The Graham100 celebration features dances, exhibits and lectures, including performances this week in Petoskey and later this summer in Bay View led by former Graham dancer Peter Sparling.  And here on the Island, Baroque on Beaver has announced its schedule for their 2026 Festival that will feature performances by Martha Guth, the Festival Orchestra, woodwind and brass ensembles and jazz. Tickets are expected to go on sale soon.

In sporting news, Michigan’s longtime muzzleloader deer season is getting a new name and a shorter schedule. Beginning this year, the season becomes the December Firearm Deer Season and shrinks from ten days to just three. State regulators also approved expanded firearm rules across the Lower Peninsula as part of broader deer hunting changes taking effect in 2026 and 2027. Updated regulations will be available soon at Michigan got gov forward slash deer.

Said one deer to the other, “Wait, they are changing the rules again?” Photo from Michigan DNR

And we wrap up our news segment today with a look at what’s happening at the Mackinac Policy Conference now underway up on Mackinac Island. Michigan governor candidates outlined competing visions for the state’s economy. Republicans focused on tax cuts, while Democrats Jocelyn Benson and Chris Swanson proposed broader economic changes. Benson suggested creating a new state department focused on arts, culture, tourism and sports to help attract filmmakers, musicians and major events to Michigan. Governor Whitmer opened the conference and welcomed former Vice President Mike Pence who delivered the keynote address.  Also appearing were former transportation secretary and no Michigan resident Pete Buttigieg and actor Gary Sinise.

The annual Mackinac Policy Conference sponsored by the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce is underway now up on Mackinac Island. Graphic from Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce

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

First your meeting planner…

A-A meets tonight and Saturday at 6:00. Joint Telecommunications Advisory Committee meets Thursday at 4:30. 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, 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.  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.]

Highlights for the rest of the week include…

Saturday, 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.

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.

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 585 B.C., a solar eclipse suddenly darkens the sky during a battle between the Medes [MEEDS] and Lydians [LID-ee-unz] in what is now Turkey. According to the Greek historian Herodotus [huh-ROD-uh-tus], philosopher Thales of Miletus [my-LEE-tus] predicts the eclipse. The frightened armies stop fighting and agree to a truce, creating one of the earliest historical events that can be precisely dated.

A diagram showing the eclipse of Thales as reproduced in the publication “Historical eclipses.” Image from Wikimedia Commons

Our Merriam Webster Word of the Day is ingratiate (verb) [in-GRAY-shee-ayt]. To ingratiate yourself with someone is to deliberately do or say things to gain their favor or approval. It is often used disapprovingly when motives for seeking favor are questioned. The word comes from the Latin gratia, meaning “grace” or “favor,” and is related to words like grace and congratulate.

Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Thursday…

Here’s a thought for this Memorial Day from the eclipse predicting philosopher Thales: “A multitude of words is no proof of a prudent mind.”

On a lighter note…
I Asked my dad to explain what a solar eclipse is.  He said no sun.

That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Thursday, May 28th, 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 60 by the lake and 72 inland. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 46. West wind around 5 mph.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 63/75. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming east after midnight.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 61/74. East wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 47.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 61/72.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 49.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 64/74.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 51.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 63/74.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 51.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 65/72.

Air Quality Index at 6:30 was 1, down from 10 yesterday.

Out on the Big Drink…

Today

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

Friday

WSW wind around 10 kt. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less.

Saturday

E wind around 10 kt becoming NE in the afternoon. Sunny. Waves around 1 ft.

Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org

Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…

Beaver Island Community School students received a long list of honors yesterday afternoon, including Citizen of the Year awards for Tyler Bousquet and Izzy DeLaat. Meanwhile, 2021 Island graduate Quintan DeLaat is raising funds to film his feature movie “Emerald Muse” right here on Beaver Island this August. Plus, arts groups from Northern Michigan are headed to Carnegie Hall and celebrating Martha Graham’s dance legacy, and Michigan hunters will soon see big changes to deer season rules. We’ll also have a look at what’s happeing at the Mackinac Policy Conference now underway on that other 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: The BICS Class of 2026 receives their graduation gown decorations at yesterday’s secondary awards ceremony at school. This year’s valedictorian is Sophie McDonough. The salutatorian is Lysander McGinnity. Graduation is May 6. 

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a bill allowing Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula schools to forgive up to four additional weather-related closure days from this spring’s severe storms. Supporters, including our representative Parker Fairbairn, say the move will help districts avoid extending the school year deeper into summer after heavy March snowfall, flooding, and impassable roads forced multiple cancellations.

Interlochen Public Radio is continuing its investigation into the placement of Northern Michigan youth in out-of-state treatment facilities. I-P-R reports today that a Kingsley mother repeatedly warned Grand Traverse County court officials about abuse allegations tied to Missouri’s Lakeland Behavioral Health facility before her fifteen-year-old son was sent there anyway. The mother says her son later reported threats from staff and access to marijuana while at the facility. Lakeland’s parent company declined comment. There’s a link to I-P-R’s coverage in today’s script online.
https://www.interlochenpublicradio.org/ipr-news/2026-05-27/mother-says-grand-traverse-court-sent-son-to-missouri-facility-despite-abuse-concerns

Meanwhile, Interlochen Center for the Arts says it will tear down their Green Lake Lodge, a guest housing facility once named for Jeffery Epstein who was summer camper at the storied academy. Interlochen says there is no evidence that Epstein committed any crimes in his visits back as an adult.  

A new Northern Michigan economic report says staffing shortages, affordable housing, and childcare remain the biggest barriers to business growth. Employers say they could add more than three-hundred-twenty jobs over the next two years if more workers were available. The report was released at the recent Northern Lakes Economic Alliance annual meeting.

Island staff of Charlevoix State Bank are calling for those on the Island stamping 8647 on paper money to knock it off. It makes the currency unusable for the bank and it violates laws against defacing currency.

The County Road Commission is working on getting dust control on the roads. Donegal Bay Road will be treated today midday and Sloptown’s turn is Thursday about the same time. The dry conditions creating the dust have also notched up the fire hazard on the Island.  It is now set at Very High, which means no outdoor fires.

Boyne Mountain Resort wrapped up its latest ski season ever on Memorial Day, keeping one run open for skiers into late May. Resort officials say upgraded snowmaking and a snowy winter helped make the record-breaking season possible. Perhaps we can now finally close the book on winter.

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

First your meeting planner…

A-A meets Thursday and Saturday same time. Joint Telecommunications Advisory Committee meets Thursday at 4:30. 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. And at 2:00, there’s an awards ceremony for secondary students at school.

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, 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.  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, 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.

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.

Today’s BIC Center Name of the Day is Wesley.  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: John Runberg III is celebrating today.  Happy Birthday to John 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 1937, after four years of construction, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge officially debuts. About 200,000 people walk across the 4,200-foot-long suspension bridge to celebrate. It will open to vehicles the following day.

The Golden Gate Bridge and historic Fort Point as seen in the last golden rays of a December 2006 evening sunset. Photo by David Ball from Wikimedia Commons

Our Merriam Webster Word of the Day is benevolent (adjective) [buh-NEV-uh-lunt]. Benevolent describes someone who is kind and generous and genuinely wishes others well. The word comes from Latin roots belle meaning  “good” and velle meaning “to wish.” Its opposite is malevolent — meaning harmful or wishing ill toward others.

Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Wednesday…

Here’s a thought for this Memorial Day from architect Frank Gehry: “The Golden Gate Bridge is a living example of the extraordinary things we can achieve when we dream big.”

On a lighter note…
I just watched a documentary on how they made the Golden Gate Bridge. It was riveting.

That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Wednesday, May 27th, 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 lake and 78 in the woods. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming northeast in the morning.

Tonight

Clear, with a low around 47. North wind around 15 mph.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 61/73. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. West wind around 5 mph.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 62/73. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 47.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 63/75.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 49.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 61/70.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 49.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 63/73.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 50.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 62/72.

Air Quality Index at 6:30 was 10, down from 48 yesterday.

Out on the Big Drink…

Today

Variable winds 5 kt or less. Mostly sunny. Waves 1 ft or less.

Thursday

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

Friday

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…

Northern Michigan schools are getting extra snow day forgiveness after Governor Whitmer signed a bill backed by Representative Parker Fairbairn. Interlochen Public Radio continues investigating abuse allegations tied to out-of-state youth treatment facilities. On the Island, Charlevoix State Bank wants people to stop stamping “8647” on currency, and plus word dust control work and a very high fire danger. And yes, winter is officialkly over — with Boyne Mountain finally wrapped up ski season on Memorial Day.

…details on those stories plus more local and regional news, a run-down of local events, birthdays and more after global and national news from F-S-N. [Time check.]

Today’s featured image: The Mighty Macs glows in the morning sun on this anniversary of the opening of its almost as lovely forerunner, the Golden Gate in San Francisco. Photo from Mackinac Bridge Authority webcam

Islanders turned out in force yesterday for the AMVETS Memorial Day Ceremony. After post-leader Greg Doig read the Gettysburg address, the names of veterans with Island connections who have passed away in the last year were read followed by the names of Islanders who gave their lives in service to our country. There’s a recording of the ceremony on the WVBI podcast feed.

Islanders gathered for the AMVETs Memorial Day ceremony. Photo by Kevin Boyle

The Island town of St. James is on Travel + Leisure’s new list of best small towns in Michigan. The Marine Museum, the Island’s Dark Sky Sanctuary, the Wild Strawberry Café and the Beaver Island Retreat are all mentioned. There’s a link to the article in today’s script online.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas-best-small-towns-in-michigan-11926419

The Petoskey City Marina will undergo ice damage repairs beginning in mid-June. City council approved a ninety-four-thousand-dollar contract with a Charlevoix company to repair docks damaged by heavy ice and fluctuating water levels. Officials say boaters may need to temporarily move slips during the week-long project. The city is also planning a major dredging project later this year to address shallow areas in the marina.

Michigan cherry growers are watching this year’s crop closely after weeks of wild temperature swings and repeated frost events. Michigan State University Extension says cold snaps, rain, and high winds have made pollination difficult for bees. Some orchards in Northern Michigan have used frost fans night after night to protect blossoms, while growers farther south may already be seeing significant crop losses.

In T-C, county leaders are forming a steering committee to develop long-term solutions for South Airport Road. That after April flooding nearly caused a major collapse near Logan’s Landing. Ideas include raising the roadway to better handle Boardman River flooding while also creating safer crossings for trails and wildlife. Officials hope to deliver a final plan within a year.

Up in Mackinac City, the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum in Mackinaw City is celebrating twenty years as a museum attraction this summer. Festivities begin June twentieth with ceremonies, fireworks, and visits from former crew members of the historic World War Two-era icebreaker.

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

First your meeting planner…

A-A meets tonight, Thursday and Saturday same time. Joint Telecommunications Advisory Committee meets Thursday at 4:30. 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.

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. And at 2:00, there’s an awards ceremony for secondary students at school.

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, 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, 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.

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.

Today’s BIC Center Name of the Day is Terry.  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: Aedan Cole, Lysander McGinnity, Alicia Rosema and Paul Dreffs are celebrating today.  Happy Birthday to Alicia, Paul, Lysander and Aedan 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. B-I-C-S kids are out doing Island clean-up, the construction crews need room, and the start of summer busyness is upon us.

On this date in history, four firsts:  in  1896, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is published for the first time. It becomes the leading indicator of the performance of the U-S stock market. In 1923 the 24 hours of LeMans race is run for the first time. Success there becomes an indicator of an auto makers ability to build durable vehicles. And, in 1970 the Tupolev-144 is the world’s first commercial passenger transport to exceed Mach 2 in flight. But, after years of development, it is 1977 before its first passenger flight and the type flies only 55 times with passengers on board, showin that being first doesn’t always spell long-term success. And, connected to all of those events and still driving things today, a fourth first. On this date in 1908, engineers make the first major oil find in the Middle East. The find is in Masjed Soleyman…in Iran.

The TU-144 in a test flight in 1969. Photo provided by Russian International News Agency (RIA Novosti) via Wikimedia Commons

Our Merriam Webster Word of the Day is Gordian knot (noun) [GOR-dee-un-NAHT]. A Gordian knot is a very complicated and difficult problem. The phrase “cut the Gordian knot” means solving a tough problem in a bold and direct way. The term comes from an ancient legend in what is now Türkiye, where King Gordius tied an impossibly complex knot. Alexander the Great famously solved the challenge not by untying it—but by slicing it in half with his sword.

Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Tuesday…

Here’s a thought for this Memorial Day from Alexander the Great: “I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.”

On a lighter note…
What do LeMans racers eat for breakfast? Fast food!

That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Memorial Day, Tuesday, May 26th, 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 58 by the water, 72 inland. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tonight

Increasing clouds, with a low around 47. West wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 65/78. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Clear, with a low around 47. North wind around 15 mph.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 61/72. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 45.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 62/73.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 47.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 60/69.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 47.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 64/69.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 49.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 67/72.

Air Quality Index at 6:30 was 48, down from 64 yestrday.

Out on the Big Drink…

Today

WSW wind 15 to 20 kt decreasing to 10 to 15 kt in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 kt. Sunny. Waves 5 ft subsiding to 2 ft.

Tonight

Variable winds 5 kt or less. Mostly cloudy. Waves 1 ft or less.

Wednesday

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

Wednesday Night

N wind 10 to 15 kt. Mostly clear. Waves around 1 ft.

Thursday

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

Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org

Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…

Islanders gathered in large numbers yesterday for the AMVETS Memorial Day ceremony. St. James has landed on a new Travel + Leisure list of Michigan’s best small towns. Plus, Michigan cherry growers are worried about this year’s crop after frost and wild weather disrupted pollination.

…details on those stories plus more local and regional news, a run-down of local events, birthdays and more after global and national news from F-S-N. [Time check.]

Today’s featured image: Flags snap in the breeze over the monuments at yesterday’s AMVETS Memorial Day Ceremony. Islanders turned out in force to honor

Two days of gray weather didn’t stop birders from getting out for Warblers on the Water filed trips yesterday and Saturday…at least not for trips on land.  The blow on Saturday did result in the cancelation of planed trips to Garden Island and out in kayaks on Lake G. Warblers lead Cheryl Kern says that folks stuck with the trips on the Island even thought it was chilly and breezy for most of them. Plans are already underway for next year.

Meantime, the BIC Center Golf Tournament drew good participation as well, again despite less-than-ideal weather on the course. Nine teams competed for the bragging rights (and some neat cutting board trophies) with the team of Chuck Pop, Rob McPhersen, Tim Gerace, Steve Catchman, and Jeff Humphries winning the day. Tournament master Kevin Stipp thanks everyone who supported the BIC Center through their play, sponsorship or both.

And, there was a full house crowd Saturday night for the Is Everyone Happy Party at the Hall. The evening featured music from TUNES students, great food provided by the community, dancing and a good time for all.

In other island news, the Michigan House has approved legislation giving Mackinac Island authority over ferry service rates to the Island, including ticket prices, parking, and baggage fees. The bill now heads to Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Supporters say the move is needed to regulate what the Island calls a ferry monopoly, while opponents in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City argue it gives Mackinac Island too much control over businesses in their communities.

The Lake Carriers’ Association says inadequate icebreaking by the United States Coast Guard caused Great Lakes shipping companies to lose nearly a third of this year’s shipping season. Industry leaders say delayed icebreaking stranded vessels for days and disrupted delivery of iron ore and other cargo critical to the national economy. Federal lawmakers in Washington continue pushing for funding for a new heavy icebreaker for the Great Lakes.

In our signs of summer department, the Toy Museum & Store will be open today from 11 to 4. Regular hours will be 1 to 4 through the end of June and the 11 to 4 starting July1. 

Don’t forget about the ceremony this morning at Veterans Memorial Park.  It starts at 11:00 with vets treated to lunch at the Elks Lodge afterwards.

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

First your meeting planner…

A-A meets Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday same time. Joint Telecommunications Advisory Committee meets Thursday at 4:30. Locations and more details are in the calendar entries online.

On the fun front…

Today is Memorial Day. 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 AMVETS will hold a memorial ceremony at 11:00 at Veterans Memorial Park. The Beachcomber has All You Can Eat Pizza and Salad night. The BIC Center is closed for the holiday.

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. And at 2:00, there’s an awards ceremony for secondary students at school.

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, 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, 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.

Looking ahead to highlights for next week…

No name of the day today because the BIC Center is closed in observance of Memorial Day.

On our Birthday List: Mathew Cull is celebrating today.  Hasppy Birthday to Mathew 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. B-I-C-S kids are out doing Island clean-up, the construction crews need room, and the start of summer busyness is upon us.

On this date in history in 1868, on May 30th   the first national observance of what will become Memorial Day begins. Communities gather to place flowers and flags on the graves of fallen soldiers on what they then call Decoration Day. Over time, the holiday expanded to honor all Americans lost in military service. In 1971, Congress officially renamed it Memorial Day and set its observance as the last Monday in May. Also, on this day in 1977, what will come to be known as Star Wars Episode IV is released in just 32 theaters. It goes on to do fairly well.

Beaver Island’s Veterans Memorial Park helps mark Memorial Day on the Island. Photo by Kevin Boyle

Our Merriam Webster Word of the Day is sacrosanct (adjective) [SAK-roh-sankt]. Something described as sacrosanct is considered too important or respected to be changed or criticized. The word comes from Latin roots meaning “made holy.” Over time, its meaning broadened from something literally sacred to anything treated as untouchable or beyond debate.

Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Memorial Day…

Here’s a thought for this Memorial Day from President Abraham Lincoln’s remarks at Gettysburg: “It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.”

On a lighter note…
Why did the chicken go to the Memorial Day cookout? To see the other side of the grill!

That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th, 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…]

Memorial Day

A 10 percent chance of showers after 5pm. Areas of dense fog before 11am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 60/72. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

A 10 percent chance of showers before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 61/73. Southwest wind around 15 mph.

Tuesday Night

Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 47. West wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 66/79. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 47.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 63/75.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 46.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 58/67.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 46.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 63/68.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 48.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 66/71.

Air Quality Index at 6:30 was 64.

Out on the Big Drink…

Memorial Day

SW wind around 10 kt. A slight chance of showers after 4pm. Widespread dense fog, mainly before 8am. Waves 1 ft or less.

SW wind 10 to 15 kt. Sunny. Waves 2 to 4 ft.

Wednesday

N 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…

Despite chilly weather, Islanders packed the weekend with activity — from Warblers on the Water and the BIC Center Golf Tournament to a full house at Saturday night’s Is Everyone Happy Party. We’ll also have the latest on Mackinac Island’s ferry fight, Great Lakes shipping delays, and today’s Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park.

…details on those stories plus a run-down of local events, birthdays and more after global and national news from F-S-N. [Time check.]

Today’s featured image: Beaver Island’s Veterans Memorial Park helps mark Memorial Day on the Island. Photo by Kevin Boyle

Boyne City is investigating a cybersecurity incident that has affected limited parts of its computer network and digital systems. City officials state that emergency services and critical infrastructure remain operational. IT professionals and cybersecurity specialists have been engaged to assess the damage, secure the systems, and determine if any data was compromised while the scope of the breach is still under investigation.

On Friday the 22^nd Warblers on the Water 2026 kicks off with a meet and greet at the Print Shop Museum.  All are invited to enjoy snacks and beverages with the event field guides. Field Trips for the B-I-A sponsored event start Saturday Morning and run through Sunday with sojourns to Garden Island and kayak tours on Lake G among the offerings. You can sign up for field trips at tickets dot bic center dot org.

Warblers on the Water has added Lake Geneserath Kayak outings to this year’s lineup of Field Trips. Register at tickets.biccenter.org Photo provided by Warblers on the Water

Saturday evening on the 23rd, there’s the annual “Is Everybody Happy” Party honoring Ed Palmer and the tradition of music on the Island. The event will feature performances by TUNES students and teachers, including fiddlers, a rock band, Irish music, and special family performances. There’ll also be raffles and prizes throughout the night, including a three-thousand-dollar grand prize, concert tickets, casino getaway packages, food, dancing, and outdoor seating. More info and raffle tickets are available at tunes music makers dot org.

Memorial Day weekend events are just around the corner.  Is everybody happy? Graphic from Tunes Music Makers

And, while we are on the topic of birds and music, Island bird tracker Pam Grassmick reports that humming birds have arrived on the Island for the season. Time to get the feeders out, she says.

And, another sign of spring is the Annual Flower Sale at McDonough’s.  Tomorrow the 16th.

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

First your meeting planner…

A-A meets Saturday at 6:00.

On the fun front today…

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.

BICS 5^th and 6^th grade students present See Law & Order: Nursery Rhymes Unit at the BIC Center.
Crime tape drops at 7:00 p.m.

[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…

Open Hands Café: Breakfast Club
Gregg Fellowship Center | Freewill Donation

8 to 10 AM

1:00 p.m. Fiero Code Club BIDL

BICS Banquet Bash will take place at the Community School 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 the Beachcomber has All You Can Eat Pizza and Salad night.

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.

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

Wednesday, there’s BINGO at 1:00 at the BIC Center. At 3:00, C-O-A has Art Therapy & Games at Peaine Township Hall. And at 3:30 the library has an after-school Lego club event. Drop in and build something cool.

Thursday Women’s Bible Study is on at 10:00 at the Christian Church. Pickleball is now 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 the last Euchre Night of the season 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.]

Today’s BIC Center Name of the Day is Paul and Saturday is Marianne. If that’s your name, come on it to the BIC Center to pick out a free drink of your choice.

On our Birthday List today: Darrell Butler Jr., Ashley Runberg, and Eileen Wooolford-Ballard. Saturday Danny LaFreniere, Aurora Randall and Cory Randall. Sunday Megan Heller. They are celebrating this weekend. Happy Birthday to Darrell, Ashley, Eileen, Danny, Aurora, Cody and Megan, and if we missed you 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. There are no bridge delays. Still, let’s be careful out there, especially in the school zone.

On this date in 1940 Richard and Maurice McDonald open the first McDonald’s restaurant in San Bernardino, California

Our Merriam-Webster Word of the Day is Tortuous describes something that has many literal or figurative twists and turns.

// The tortuous mountain path rewards climbers with a stunning view of the town below.

Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Friday…

Here’s a thought “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”
― Bill Keane

On a lighter note: A cashier looked surprised when she scanned my bag of bird seed and I asked her how long does it take for the birds to grow once I plant the seeds.

That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Friday, May 15th, 2026. I’m Greg Doig 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.

###

Today

A slight chance of showers between 11am and 2pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight

A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly between 2am and 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Breezy, with a southwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Saturday

A 10 percent chance of showers before 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 58. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.

Sunday

A 30 percent chance of showers after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 60. East wind 5 to 15 mph.

Sunday Night

A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Breezy.

Monday

Showers likely, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 60. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday Night

Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.

Tuesday

Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. Breezy.

Tuesday Night

A chance of showers before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Breezy.

Wednesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 52. Breezy.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 53

Town: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.52&lat=45.748
Mid-Island: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.531&lat=45.676

Out on the Big Drink …

Today

S wind 10 to 20 kt, with gusts as high as 25 kt. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny. Waves 1 ft building to 4 ft.

Tonight

SSW wind around 20 kt, with gusts as high as 30 kt. A chance of showers, mainly between 3am and 4am. Waves 4 to 5 ft.

Saturday

WSW wind 10 to 15 kt. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny. Waves 2 to 4 ft.

Saturday Night

Variable winds 5 kt or less. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy. Waves 1 ft or less.

Sunday

ENE wind 5 to 15 kt. A chance of showers after 1pm. Waves 1 ft or less.

Sunday Night

E wind 15 to 20 kt becoming S after midnight. A chance of showers. Waves 2 to 3 ft.

Monday

S wind 15 to 20 kt. A chance of showers. Waves around 4 ft.

Monday Night

S wind 15 to 20 kt. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then showers likely. Waves around 3 ft.

Tuesday

SSW wind 20 to 25 kt, with gusts as high as 35 kt. Showers likely. Waves 4 ft building to 7 ft.

Midway to Charlevoix: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.384&lat=45.532

Fire Danger Level on the Island is set at High.  And it is elevated across Northern Michigan. Remember, only you can prevent wild fires.

Air Quality Index at 7:05 this morning was 6.

https://map.purpleair.com/air-quality-standards-us-epa-aqi?select=231959&opt=%2F1%2Flp%2Fa10%2Fp604800%2FcC0#8.89/45.4098/-85.4576

   Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org

Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…

Today’s Featured Image: The Merald Isle heads into Paradis Bay. Photo by Greg Doig

The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled yesterday that the state can largely continue enforcing its controversial renewable energy siting law, which shifts most control of permitting for large wind, solar, and battery projects those projects from local government to the Michigan Public Service Commission. The three-judge panel upheld most of the state’s permitting rules, but sided with local governments on two narrower issues involving approval timelines and which communities qualify for compensation and project input. The ruling could affect several renewable energy projects currently awaiting state approval.

A 32-year-old Ellsworth man was killed Wednesday evening in a fiery single-vehicle crash in East Jordan. Police say the vehicle went off Water Street, struck a tree, and caught fire shortly after seven o’clock. The driver, identified as Caiden Miller, was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

The National Park Service plans two prescribed burns covering nearly twelve-hundred acres in the Platte Plains area of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore before the end of May. Officials say the controlled burns will help restore habitat, reduce wildfire risk, and manage invasive species.

A Lowell angler has landed a new Michigan state-record gizzard shad. Sedrick Neinhuis caught the four-point-four-five-pound fish while fishing the Grand River in Kent County last month. The Michigan D-N-R confirmed the catch, breaking a nearly 30-year-old state record set on Lake St. Clair back in 1996.

The record for the Michigan native fish Gizzard Shad has been upped with a 4.45 ponder pulled from the Grand River. Photo provided by Michigan DNR via MLive

Hard to believe, but Memorial Day weekend is now just two weeks away with two signature events for the Island to kick off the summer season. On Friday the 22^nd Warblers on the Water 2026 kicks off with a meet and greet at the Print Shop Museum.  All are invited to enjoy snacks and beverages with the event field guides. Field Trips for the B-I-A sponsored event start Saturday Morning and run through Sunday with sojourns to Garden Island and kayak tours on Lake G among the offerings. You can sign up for field trips at tickets dot bic center dot org.

Warblers on the Water has added Lake Geneserath Kayak outings to this year’s lineup of Field Trips. Register at tickets.biccenter.org Photo provided by Warblers on the Water

Saturday evening, there’s the annual “Is Everybody Happy” Party honoring Ed Palmer and the tradition of music on the Island. The event will feature performances by TUNES students and teachers, including fiddlers, a rock band, Irish music, and special family performances. There’ll also be raffles and prizes throughout the night, including a three-thousand-dollar grand prize, concert tickets, casino getaway packages, food, dancing, and outdoor seating. More info and raffle tickets are available at tunes music makers dot org.

Memorial Day weekend events are just around the corner.  Is everybody happy? Graphic from Tunes Music Makers

And, while we are on the topic of birds and music, Island bird tracker Pam Grassmick reports that humming birds have arrived on the Island for the season. Time to get the feeders out, she says.

And, another sign of spring is the Annual Flower Sale at McDonough’s.  That starts next Saturday the 16th.

And, while you are thinking about planting, the library is giving away free bottle gourd seeds while supplies last. They say now is the perfect time to start them indoors before transplanting them outside in mid-June. The project is inspired by the N-E-A Big Read selection “The Bear” by Andrew Krivak and is part of the Seed Library program.

Get your garden going with bottle gourd seed from the seed library. Graphic from Beaver Island District Library

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

First your meeting planner…

A-A meets tonight and Saturday at 6:00. St. James Board has a special meeting set for Friday at 1:00. Locations and more details are in the calendar entries online.

On the fun front today…

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.

Moms are invited to drop by the BIC Center tomorrow to join vets and seniors for Coffee & Donuts from 9:00 to 11:00. Graphic from the BIC Center

[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, 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, is Mother’s Day. 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 the Beachcomber has All You Can Eat Pizza and Salad night.

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.

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

Wednesday, there’s BINGO at 1:00 at the BIC Center. At 3:00, C-O-A has Art Therapy & Games at Peaine Township Hall. And at 3:30 the library has an after-school Lego club event. Drop in and build something cool.

Thursday Women’s Bible Study is on at 10:00 at the Christian Church. Pickleball is now 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 the last Euchre Night of the season 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.]

Next Friday is the Fifth and Sixth grade play. [Dunh Dunh SFX] It’s Law & Order, Nursery Rhymes Unit. Come see the Rhyme Crimes solved. Curtain time is 7:00 p.m.

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

On our Birthday List today: Patrick Cull, Livi Dean and Chelsea Smith are celebrating today. Happy Birthday to Chelsea, Livi and Patrick, 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. There are no bridge delays. Still, let’s be careful out there, especially in the school zone.

On this date in 1886, a wounded Civil War veteran and Atlanta pharmacist named Dr. John Pemberton poured the first glass of what would become Coca-Cola. Originally sold as a patent medicine for headaches, exhaustion, and other ailments, the drink contained coca leaf extract and kola nut caffeine—and yes, early versions even included cocaine. What began as a five-cent “miracle tonic” at Jacob’s Pharmacy would grow into one of the most recognized brands in the world.

Dr. John Stith Pemberton, a local pharmacist, produced the syrup for Coca‑Cola, and carried a jug of the new product down the street to Jacobs’ Pharmacy, where it was sampled, pronounced “excellent” and placed on sale for five cents a glass as a soda fountain drink. Image from The Coca-Cola Company

Our Merriam-Webster Word of the Day is wistful (adjective) [WIST-ful]. Wistful means quietly sad or longing for something from the past—like an old memory, a place you miss, or a happier time. A wistful smile or sigh shows that feeling. The word combines ideas from “wishful” and the now obsolete  “wistly” meaning intently and “whist” meaning silent.

Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Friday…

Here’s a thought for this V-E Day from Prime Minister Winston Churchill: “The empires of the future are the empires of the mind.”

On a lighter note: Why is the letter A like a flower? Because a B comes after it!

That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Friday, May 8, 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.

###

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tonight

A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday

A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 50 by the water, 56 inland. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 47/52. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 36.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 47/52.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 36.

Tuesday

A chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 48/54.

Tuesday Night

A chance of showers before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 51/55.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 54/59.

Town: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.52&lat=45.748
Mid-Island: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.531&lat=45.676

Out on the Big Drink …

Today

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

Saturday

WSW wind 10 to 15 kt becoming WNW in the afternoon. Scattered showers before 1pm, then scattered sprinkles between 1pm and 2pm. Waves 1 to 2 ft.

Sunday

W wind around 10 kt. Mostly sunny. Waves 1 ft or less.

Monday

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

Tuesday

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

Midway to Charlevoix: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.384&lat=45.532

Fire Danger Level on the Island is set at High.  And it is elevated across Northern Michigan. Remember, only you can prevent wild fires.

Air Quality Index at 6:30 this morning was 26.

https://map.purpleair.com/air-quality-standards-us-epa-aqi?select=231959&opt=%2F1%2Flp%2Fa10%2Fp604800%2FcC0#8.89/45.4098/-85.4576

   Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org

Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…

Michigan’s controversial law shifting approval of large wind and solar projects from local governments to the state survives a major court challenge. We’ll have details on the appeals court ruling. Also ahead: a fatal crash in East Jordan, prescribed burns planned at Sleeping Bear Dunes, a new Michigan state-record fish, hummingbirds returning to the Island, and with Memorial Day weekend events just two weeks away, a look at signature events on the Island.

…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.]

Today’s Featured Image: Warblers on the Water has added Lake Geneserath Kayak outings to this year’s lineup of Field Trips. Register at tickets.biccenter.org Photo provided by Warblers on the Water

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.

https://charlevoixcountymi.documents-on-demand.com/document/ba09854a-ef48-f111-a496-f9d1c270c334/May%202026%20Election%20Summary%20Report.PDF

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 51^st 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Wednesday…

Here’s a thought for the day from Friends cast member Jennifer Aniston: “There are no regrets in life—just lessons.”

On a lighter note: What do you get when you cross a tulip with a dog? A Collie-flower.

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.

###

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.

Town: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.52&lat=45.748
Mid-Island: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.531&lat=45.676

Out on the Big Drink …

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.

Midway to Charlevoix: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.384&lat=45.532

Air Quality Index at 7:00 this morning was 0.

https://map.purpleair.com/air-quality-standards-us-epa-aqi?select=231959&opt=%2F1%2Flp%2Fa10%2Fp604800%2FcC0#8.89/45.4098/-85.4576

   Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org

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.]

Today’s Featured Image: Margaret Doud was elected Mackinac Island’s mayor for the 51^st time yesterday. Photo from mackinacisland.org

Today is election day.  There is only one thing on the ballot for Islanders: that’s the renewal of the Career and Technical Education Millage that supports programs throughout the Char-em I-S-D. On the Island those programs include business and healthcare programs as well as special programs brought to the school from the mainland like the STEM trailer. Polls are open until 8 this evening.

Meantime, another election today could have major consequences for Northern Michigan—even though it’s happening downstate. Voters in Michigan’s 35th State Senate District are heading to the polls in a race that could shift control of the State Senate. The seat has been vacant for months after the governor delayed calling the special election—waiting 238 days before setting today’s vote. Democrats currently hold a one-seat majority. A Republican win would create a tie in the Senate—potentially reshaping budget decisions and policy priorities that affect the entire state.

Yesterday’s fire hazard conditions on the mainland unfortunately lead to at least one wildfire. Residents in Oscoda County along Camp 10 Road in Mio were told to leave immediately yesterday as a fire raged there. And, since major snowfall, record rain and flooding  apparently aren’t enough fun, there was an earthquake downstate yesterday. A 2.7-magnitude tremor was reported last evening near Carleton in Monroe County, with dozens reporting they felt it. Happily, no damage was reported.

In Lansing, Michigan lawmakers are weighing a last-ditch effort to save Great Lakes whitefish, as populations in lakes Michigan and Huron continue to decline. A proposal in the state Senate would fund a program through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to raise and stock whitefish—though right now, it includes only a placeholder amount as budget talks continue. Biologists warn some genetic stocks could disappear within years, driven largely by invasive mussels that have disrupted the food chain. Whitefish remain a cornerstone of the region’s commercial fishery—and without action soon, experts say some populations may be lost for good.

Down near T-C, a federal judge has handed Peninsula Township a small win in its ongoing legal battle with wineries on Old Mission Peninsula—denying a request that would have blocked the township from enforcing some zoning rules. But the larger fight is far from over. The case now spans multiple lawsuits, with nearly $50 million in damages already awarded to the wineries and appeals still pending.

The Michigan Department of Transportation says the U.S. 31 drawbridge in Charlevoix will be inspected and cleaned May 20, with single-lane closures and traffic shifts throughout the day. Crews will be removing sand and salt buildup to help prevent corrosion, with one lane staying open in each direction. Similar work is also scheduled on the U.S. 31 bridge in Manistee May 18 and 19, and the U.S. 23 bridge in Cheboygan May 21 and 22.

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

First your meeting planner…

Peaine Township Planning Commission meets Tuesday at 5:00. St. James Finance Committee meets at 1:30 on Wednesday and the B-I-C-S Committee of the Whole meets at 5:30. 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…

Today is election day. Polls open at 7:00 and close at 8:00. At 10:00, Babes & Toddlers mix it up at the library and there is Pickleball in the Theater at the BIC Center 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.

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 At 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. There’s Pickleball at the BIC Center at 10:00 in the Theater. At 10:30 up in the Hangout there’s Senior Tai Chi. Meantime at 10:00 over at Peaine Township Hall, C-O-A has Cardio Drumming. Thursday evening, there’s Pickleball at 5:00 in the Theater at the BIC Center. Afterwards, 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 and Chair Strength Training at 10:30. 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

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

On our Birthday List today: Pam Moxham, Heather Gillespie, Doug Meaney and Shannon Dutk are celebrating today. Happy Birthday to Shannon, Heather, Pam and Doug, 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. There are no bridge delays. Still, let’s be careful out there, especially in the school zone.

On this date in 1961, American astronaut Alan Shepard becomes the first American in space, launching aboard Freedom 7. Just weeks after Yuri Gagarin orbits Earth for the Soviet Union, Shepard’s 15-minute suborbital flight marks a major step for NASA in the Space Race. He reaches 116 miles high, tops 5,000 miles per hour—and even takes manual control in flight. Shepard would go on to walk on the moon, the only astronaut of the Mercury 7 to do so.

Alan Shepard Jr. sits in his Mercury Freedom 7 capsule during a preflight test. Photo from NASA

Our Merriam-Webster Word of the Day is augur (verb) [AW-gur]. Augur is a verb meaning to predict or foretell a future event, often based on signs or omens. It can also be used more generally to suggest that something indicates how things will turn out—good or bad.

The word comes from ancient Rome, where an augur was a religious official who interpreted the will of the gods by studying the flight of birds—literally trying to read the future in the sky.

Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Tuesday…

Here’s a thought for the day from astronaut Alan Shepard Jr.: “You may not have any extra talent, but maybe you are just paying more attention to what you are doing.”

On a lighter note: Two guys walk into a bar. Neither of them saw it coming.

That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Tuesday, May 5, 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.

###

Today

Sunny, with a high near 45 by the shore and 50 inland. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 35. West wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a steady temperature around 40/47. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. West wind around 5 mph.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 44/47. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 46/51.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 48/51.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.

Sunday

Partly sunny, with a high near 47/51.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 48/51.

Town: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.52&lat=45.748
Mid-Island: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.531&lat=45.676

Out on the Big Drink …

Today

WNW wind around 10 kt becoming WSW in the afternoon. Sunny. Waves around 1 ft.

Tonight

NW wind 5 to 10 kt becoming ESE after midnight. Partly cloudy. Waves 1 ft or less.

Wednesday

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

Wednesday Night

Variable winds 5 kt or less. Partly cloudy. Waves 1 ft or less.

Thursday

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

Midway to Charlevoix: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.384&lat=45.532

Air Quality Index at 7:00 this morning was 41.

https://map.purpleair.com/air-quality-standards-us-epa-aqi?select=231959&opt=%2F1%2Flp%2Fa10%2Fp604800%2FcC0#8.89/45.4098/-85.4576

   Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org

Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…

Today is Election Day. C-T-E is on the ballot here and control of the State Senate rests on th eoutcome of a downstate race. We’ve got details.

Fire danger turned real yesterday, with evacuations near Mio, and to add to the fun, there was even a small earthquake.

Lawmakers are weighing a last-ditch effort to save Great Lakes whitefish, while a major winery zoning case near Traverse City continues in court.

And drivers should plan ahead for delays on the mainland—bridge work is coming to Charlevoix later this month.

…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.]

Today’s Featured Image: The Beaver Island Currach Club is set to get ready for the season with a meeting tomorrow at the Boat Shop at 5:30. Photo from Beaver Island Currach Club via Facebook

Tomorrow is election day. Voters across the Charlevoix-Emmet ISD—including Beaver Island—head to the polls to decide on continuing the millage that supports career and technical education programs. The proposal would fund hands-on learning in areas like skilled trades, health care, and aviation, along with tools, robotics, and mobile STEM programs.  On the Island, health and business programs are supported with the funding as are special programs like the STEM trailer that visits each year. I-S-D leaders say without the millage, many of those opportunities could disappear. The millage is the only issue on the ballot on the Island. There’s a link to sample ballots in today’s script online. Polls will be open tomorrow from 7 a-m  to 8 in the evening.

Sample Ballot Link: https://charlevoixcountymi.documents-on-demand.com/document/34ea797b-d023-f111-a48e-000c29a59557/May%205,%202026%20Special%20Election%20Sample%20Ballots.PDF

Meantime, campaign activity for the November election continues to pick up. Bernie Sanders was in Michigan yesterday campaigning for Michigan U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. At a rally in Detroit, both called for higher taxes on billionaires and a Medicare for All health system at a rally. El-Sayed is critical of Israel’s government and supports efforts to end U.S. military aid to the country. The race remains tight ahead of the August primary.

Down in T-C, recovery from the Boardman River overflow continues.  The Y-M-C-A there says the flooding damaged courts and flooring, but much of the building avoided serious harm. Crews are now working to restore the site, with hopes of reopening by mid-June—just in time for the YMCA’s popular summer camp.

Also in T-C, a child safety conference is planned at Central High School this week, with national and regional experts on hand. The free May 7 event will run from 4 to 8 covering internet safety, bullying, and abuse prevention. It is open to the public.

The National Weather Service in Gaylord is warning of elevated fire danger across much of the L-P and parts of the U-P today. Gusty southwest winds up to 35 miles per hour and low humidity as low as 20 percent could allow fires to spread quickly. The fire danger level on the Island is set to high, which means burning restrictions are in effect. The winds have a Gale Warning in effect for northern Lake Michigan and there is a small craft advisory in effect for the near shore areas of Lake Huron.

The combination of drying vegetation, low humidity, and gusty winds will result in elevated fire danger across northern Michigan today. For the latest open burning information, please visit: www.dnr.state.mi.us/burnpermits/. Caption & Graphic from NWS Gaylord Office

The shift out of off-season hours continues.  Wild Strawberry Café is now open Monday through Saturday 8 to 2 and on Sundays 8 to noon.

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

First your meeting planner…

St. James Public Works Committee meets at 10:00. St. James and Peaine Township Planning Commissions meet Tuesday at 5:00. St. James Finance Committee meets at 1:30 on Wednesday and the B-I-C-S Committee of the Whole meets at 5:30. 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…

Monday kicks off a new series of Monday Funday programs start at the BIC Center.  There’ll be afterschool crafting at 3:30, and an artist’s workshop at 5:00.  This week the workshop will be on Fairy Doors and Seed Sharing led by Christine McKenna and Monica Longlett. After fun at the BIC Center, head over to the Shamrock where Monday’s are All You Can Eat Pizza and Salad night.

Tuesday is election day. Polls open at 7:00 and close at 8:00. At 10:00, Babes & Toddlers mix it up at the library and there is Pickleball in the Theater at the BIC Center 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.

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 At 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

Thursday Women’s Bible Study is on at 10:00 at the Christian Church. There’s Pickleball at the BIC Center at 10:00 in the Theater. At 10:30 up in the Hangout there’s Senior Tai Chi. Meantime at 10:00 over at Peaine Township Hall, C-O-A has Cardio Drumming. Thursday evening, there’s Pickleball at 5:00 in the Theater at the BIC Center. Afterwards, 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 and Chair Strength Training at 10:30. 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. Friday evening the Flower Full Moon will shine over Paradise Bay. There’s more info at Dark Sky Island dot org.

[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.

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

On our Birthday List today: Turner, Brennen and Quinn Jones, David Rosema and Kathleen Wood are celebrating today. Happy Birthday to Kathleen, David, Quinn, Brennan and Turner, 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. There are no bridge delays. Still, let’s be careful out there, especially in the school zone.

On this date in 1904, the United States begins construction of the Panama Canal—a project that transforms global trade by linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. And in 1970, tragedy unfolds at Kent State University, as National Guard troops open fire amid protests over the Vietnam War. Four students die and nine are wounded.

Work on part of the Panama Canal in a photo dated 1913. Photo from Harris & Ewing Collection at the Library of Congress

Our Merriam-Webster Word of the Day is scrupulous (adjective) [SKROO-pyuh-lus]. Scrupulous is an adjective meaning very careful to do things correctly and to act with honesty and integrity. It can also describe someone who pays close attention to detail. The word comes from the Latin word pronounced the same way meaning a small sharp stone—something that causes discomfort, like a pebble in your shoe—reflecting that nagging feeling when something isn’t quite right.

Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Monday…

Here’s a thought for the day: “Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working.”

On a lighter note: Why did the Star Wars movies come out in the order 4 5 6 1 2 3 7 8 9?

In charge of the sequence, Yoda was.

That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Monday, May 4, 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—Regional Elevated Fire Risk

A slight chance of showers between 11am and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 50 the water and all the way up to 58 inland. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tonight

A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 38. West wind around 10 mph.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 44/49. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 44/47. West wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 44/47.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 45/49.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 47/51.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 48/52.

Town: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.52&lat=45.748
Mid-Island: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.531&lat=45.676

Out on the Big Drink …

Today—Gale Warning

S wind 10 to 15 kt becoming SSW 15 to 20 kt in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 kt. A slight chance of showers between 1pm and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Waves 1 ft building to 5 ft.

Tuesday

WSW wind around 10 kt. Sunny. Waves around 1 ft.

Wednesday

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

Midway to Charlevoix: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.384&lat=45.532

Air Quality Index at 7:00 this morning was 41.

https://map.purpleair.com/air-quality-standards-us-epa-aqi?select=231959&opt=%2F1%2Flp%2Fa10%2Fp604800%2FcC0#8.89/45.4098/-85.4576

   Photos from webcams at wvbi.net and mackinacbridge.org

Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…

Tomorrow is Election Day, and voters across the Charlevoix-Emmet ISD—including Beaver Island—will decide on a millage that funds career and technical education. Campaigning for the fall continues, with Bernie Sanders rallying in Detroit yesterday for Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. And in Traverse City, the YMCA is recovering from flood damage, aiming to reopen by mid-June, while a child safety conference comes to Central High School later this week. And, the National Weather Service warns of high fire danger today across with gusty winds and low humidity.

…those stories plus school news, 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.]

Today’s Featured Image: The fire danger level on the Island is set to High, and it is elevated across much of the state. Graphic from Up North Digital Network