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June 25, 2026 | Issue #92 | Past issues

Fundraiser nets $21,000 for trail

More than 400 trail enthusiasts showed up at the Veterans Park Pavilion last Thursday to enjoy a meal and bid on dozens of silent auction items, raising over $21,000 towards completing the last six miles of the Boyne City to Charlevoix Trail. The full story and more pictures are included below.

Inside this issue:

• City approves Avalanche Preserve trail plan
• Boyne City seeks input on bubbler ordinance
• Fireworks are allowed June 29-July 4
• Pasta dinner and auction nets $21,000 for trail
• Pink Nightmare trail and changing station dedicated
• Gazebo concert features Katherine Ryan Band
• "Best 4th in the North" coming soon
• Rotary taking orders for 4th of July Chicken BBQ
• Horton Bay’s iconic 4th of July Parade returns
• History Open House in Horton Bay on July 4
• The secret life of mushroom hunter Tony Williams
• Girl Scouts tour historic Pearl Street district
• People Fund awards $161k in grants to nonprofits
• Health Department launches beach monitoring
• NCMC opens campaign for dental hygiene program
• Boyne City regular gas prices are up and down
• Patrick McCleary history: Coach Earl Brotherston
• News briefs, Obituaries & Municipal News
• Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
• Music and entertainment listings

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Stone Cottage details and more photos

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City Commission approves Avalanche Preserve trail plan, STR software contract

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com 

The Boyne City Commission approved several parks, planning and administrative items during its June 23 meeting, including a new winter recreation proposal for Avalanche Preserve, a short-term rental monitoring contract and a memorial plaque program at Ridge Run Dog Park. All action items were approved unanimously.

Commissioners approved a request from the Michigan Backcountry Alliance to develop and utilize designated alpine touring corridors within Avalanche Preserve during the 2026-27 winter season. The proposal, recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission, will allow designated 30 to 60-ft. wide corridors routes for back-country downhill skiing and snowboarding. The program will be reviewed after one year.

The commission also approved a one-year, $8,992.49 contract renewal with Granicus for short-term rental address identification services. The software helps the city identify and monitor short-term rental properties.

Commissioners authorized creation of a memorial plaque program at Ridge Run Dog Park, allowing residents to purchase donor plaques for $75 each. The city also approved the purchase of up to 50 plaques from Stonefly Signs at a cost not to exceed $525.

Another item approved unanimously was a Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative METRO Act request, authorizing city staff to complete and return necessary paperwork.

The commission also received its monthly financial report and accepted correspondence including the city's 2025 Water Quality Report, notice of a Government Finance Officers Association award and Consumers Energy hearing notices.

At the conclusion of regular business, commissioners approved requests to enter closed session to consult with legal counsel regarding pending litigation in the Michigan Tax Tribunal case Daifuku v. City of Boyne City and to conduct a periodic personnel evaluation of a public officer. The results of those closed-session discussions were not available at press time.

Later in the day, the commission participated in a joint meeting with the Evangeline Township Board regarding planning and zoning services provided by the city. The two boards reached a compromise on disputed 2025-26 planning and zoning service charges, agreeing to a 30 percent reduction in the township's bill. Township officials had requested a 45 percent reduction, while the city had previously offered 15 percent.

Officials also reviewed a proposed update to the planning and zoning services agreement between the two municipalities. No action was taken on the revised agreement, which will return for further discussion after review by city staff and legal counsel.

> The commission's next regular meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 14.

ROAD WORK ALERT - Elmer's has notified the City that paving operations will resume Thursday afternoon (June 25) and continue through Friday in the following areas:

• High Street
• Main Street
• Roosevelt Street driveway approaches
• Patches on East Street and Main Street

Motorists should expect temporary traffic delays and are encouraged to use caution when traveling through active work zones. Please follow all posted signage and directions from construction personnel. Thank you for your patience as these improvements are completed.

Mayor Bob Farrell, at right, was one of four city commissioners attending the bubbler ordinance meeting.

Boyne City seeks input on bubbler ordinance

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com 

Boyne City officials are gathering public input as they consider whether changes are needed to the city's bubbler ordinance, less than three years after the regulations were adopted.

About 25 residents attended a June 18 community meeting at City Hall to discuss concerns surrounding bubblers, also known as de-icers, which are used to keep water open around docks during winter and protect them from ice damage.

Mayor Bob Farrell, City Manager Sam Demel and city commissioners Bridget Foltz, Becky Houser and Aaron Place attended the meeting, which focused on identifying questions and concerns rather than proposing specific changes.

According to a city presentation, the current ordinance was adopted in October 2023 after years of discussion. Staff reported that five bubbler permits have been issued under the ordinance but acknowledged the city lacks definitive information regarding the environmental, shoreline and public safety impacts of bubbler use.

Residents raised concerns about open water created by bubblers, questioning whether it poses risks to children, pets, wildlife, ice anglers and others who use the frozen lake during winter. Several attendees also questioned who would be liable if someone were injured after falling through weakened ice.

Others raised concerns about possible impacts on fish habitat, shoreline conditions and near-shore ecosystems, while several urged the city to research how other waterfront communities regulate bubblers and whether alternative technologies are available.

Questions about enforcement also surfaced. Some residents asked whether citations have ever been issued under the ordinance and how violations are investigated.

The discussion included questions about the city's marina, which sustained winter damage after its bubbler system was not operating for several weeks while electrical work was underway. Some attendees pointed to the incident as evidence that bubblers play an important role in protecting docks and waterfront infrastructure.

Under the current ordinance, waterfront property owners must obtain a permit before operating a bubbler. The ordinance limits open water to no more than five feet beyond the protected structure and requires warning signs and rescue equipment near operating systems.

As the meeting concluded, Demel said the city hopes to determine whether revisions are needed but emphasized that any future ordinance must be practical and enforceable.

No decisions were made during the meeting. Information gathered from residents will be reviewed before any proposed ordinance changes are brought before the City Commission.

A display created by resident Jacki Malloy opposing bubbler use on Lake Charlevoix was displayed during Boyne City's June 18 community meeting.

Corrections

In last week’s June 18 edition of the Boyne Citizen:

> Our County Board of Commissioners report stated that the fundraising goal of the effort to finish the Boyne City to Charlevoix Trail is $40,000. The goal is actually $240,000.

> Our story on Bay Township switching its EMS provider from Boyne City to the Lake Charlevoix EMS left out Hudson Township as one of the six townships currently served by Boyne City EMS. 

> We misspelled Mayor Bob Farrell’s last name in our report on a short-term rental survey.

Here is a printable PDF of the lineup of all performers for the full season.

Fireworks are allowed June 29-July 4

The City of Boyne City has issued a reminder on fireworks use in the city. For the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, fireworks may be used on private property within city limits from Monday, June 29 through Saturday, July 4 during the hours of 11 a.m. until 11:45 p.m.

Fireworks are also restricted to these days and hours for other areas of Charlevoix County and the State of Michigan, by state law.

Note that fireworks may not be used:

• On any public property (roads, sidewalks, parks)
• On private property without the owner’s permission

You must be at least 18 years old to purchase or ignite consumer fireworks. 

Pasta dinner and auction fundraiser nets $21,000 for Boyne City to Charlevoix Trail

More than 400 trail enthusiasts showed up last Thursday to enjoy a meal and bid on dozens of silent auction items - all in efforts to complete the last six miles of the Boyne City to Charlevoix Trail. The event was hosted by the Charlevoix County Trail Team and Top of Michigan Trails Council.

The "Let's Finish the Trail" pasta supper and silent auction fundraiser took place under blue skies at Boyne City's Veterans Memorial Park Pavilion. The event raised over $21,000 and included donated auction items from individuals, merchants, and other businesses all over Charlevoix and Emmet counties.

Trail lovers of all ages converged on the pavilion for Chef Michael Sader's donated Italian pasta bonanza, which included salad and breadsticks donated by B.C. Pizza, and donated desserts by Mo Shipley, Becky Goral, and Scott Southwell.

Event organizers Bob McLain and Becky Goral, along with Steve Van Dam, all Charlevoix County Trail Team members, were on hand to answer questions and share new information about the ongoing effort to finish the trail's six remaining miles.

"The turnout for our event clearly illustrated the community's enthusiasm for this trail and its completion," McLain said. "We can't thank our sponsors and donors and volunteers enough for helping us. But, the hundreds of supporters who showed up to eat and bid really stole the show. We're sincerely grateful."

Van Dam said an initial fundraising goal ($50k for trail conceptual design and engineering) has already been achieved. "Now we're working toward a $240,000 goal, which will finance final trail design and related engineering," he said. "Our recent fundraiser put a nice dent in that goal, and we're excited to see so much support for this project."

The Veterans Park Pavilion made a fine setting for this dining event, thanks to its modern commercial kitchen and ample seating. A range of ages attended the fundraiser and tables were filled with young families, laughing friends, and smiling elders - all united in support of finishing the trail.

To date, over $4 million has been invested in the Boyne City to Charlevoix Trail, and that's far too big of a commitment to abandon now, according to Van Dam.

"Finishing the trail fulfills a promise to the community," Van Dam said. "And it avoids wasting what we've already invested. Our area needs more economic support, and residents want a safe place to run, walk, or bike. This trail makes sense in so many ways."

> More pictures from Facebook. If you'd like to contribute to this project, click this link.

Trail Committee chairman Steve Van Dam chats with people waiting in line, discussing the effort to finish the last six miles of the trail.

City officials and Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association members pose in front of the Pink Nightmare trail sign at the Boyne Forest Trail.

New trail and changing station dedicated

The Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association (TOMMBA) and City of Boyne City officials dedicated two new additions to the Boyne Forest Trail System on Saturday, June 20. The trail system is on Old Horton Bay Road, north of Boyne City.

Pink Nightmare, a new professionally built advanced 1.5-mile trail, originates and returns to the hub. It was built inside of the Double Dog trail and has varied terrain not found in any of the other trails in the system. It is suitable for intermediate and advanced riders only and features wall rides, a rock garden, drops, steep downhills, and jumps.

A new changing station has been professionally built adjacent to the parking lot, with two private changing rooms and a covered pavilion for gathering with other bikers before or after your ride. No more tricky changing clothes in your car.

TRAILS AND TIPS - Mountain biking organizations share their favorite trails and expert tips in this feature story by Todd  VanSickle in the June 20 edition of the Northern Express. Two Boyne area trails - Avalanche Mountain Preserve and the Boyne Forest Trails - are included in their recommendations.

TOMMBA members and city officials dedicated the new changing station last week.

You may donate online or mail a check to

Boyne Citizen, P.O. Box 83, Boyne City MI 49712

Thank you!

Katherine Ryan Band to perform in Evenings at the Gazebo concert on Wednesday

The Boyne Area Chamber Evenings at the Gazebo concert series continues at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, in Old City Park. This year’s concerts also include Maker’s Row featuring local artisans and creators, B.C. Pizza of Boyne on site, beverage trucks, and family-friendly activities.

Here is the entertainment schedule for the remainder of the summer:

• July 1 - Katherine Ryan Band
• July 8 - Wyatt and Shari Knapp
• July 15 - Dags Und Timmah!
• July 22 - Billy McAllister
• July 29 - Laura Crowe
• August 5 - Melissa and Jake
• August 12 - Hazel James Band
• August 19 - David Lawston
• August 26 - Nick Veine

The chamber has reserved the Veterans Park Pavilion in case of rain, so the concerts can continue as scheduled. Band sponsorships are still available, and there are still spots available for Maker’s Row and beverage trucks. To participate, contact Chamber Executive Director Jen Clasman via email at director@boynechamber.com. 

"Best 4th in the North" coming soon

The Boyne City 4th of July organizers are gearing up to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. Boyne City bills their event as “The Best 4th in the North,” and committee chair Jessica White says “This year's parade is going to be epic! It falls on a Saturday and the 250th birthday of America the Beautiful.” 

The 4th of July Committee has announced that Olympic gold medal winner Kaila Kuhn will be grand marshal of the parade, which begins at 10 a.m. in downtown Boyne City. Local organizations and businesses can enter the parade for free by filling out this application form.

The parade will also recognise two Honored Citizens - Lloyd Kelsey, a 100-year-old Boyne City native and World War II veteran; and Tammy Remsberg, Boyne City native and longtime 4th of July volunteer who is a recent Gold Medalist World Champion for Women's Power Lifting​.

Registration is also open for the 50th Annual Independence Day Run, which begins and ends at Peninsula Park, and typically attracts 1,000 or more runners and walkers. Choose from a 2-mile or 5-mile course that runs along Lake Charlevoix by filling out this application.

In addition to the parade and race, the full schedule of activities for July 3 and 4 includes Stroll the Streets, an arts and craft fair, bounce houses and water slides for the kids, breakfast at the Eagles Hall, a patriotic mural unveiling, Kiwanis Club kids games and pie eating contest, Rotary Chicken Barbecue, Boyne Valley Garden Club Pie Sale, Boyne River Raft Race, Chamber Duck Race, live music in Veterans Park, and fireworks to end the day at 10:30 p.m.

Rotary taking orders for 4th of July Chicken BBQ

The Boyne City Rotary Club has fired up online ticket sales for its famous annual Rotary Chicken Barbecue. Use this link to order. The club will be grilling 750 chicken halves along the Lake Charlevoix waterfront this 4th of July, served alongside fresh coleslaw and their legendary Rotary beans.

Due to high demand, community members are encouraged to lock in their dinners early. Only 600 pre-sale dinners are available for this holiday favorite. Rotary officials expressed their thanks to Preston Feather-Boyne City for a major sponsor donation that allowed the club to keep the barbecue at the same $20 price as last year. The online ordering deadline is 3 p.m. Friday, July 3. For those who miss the online ordering window, a limited number of dinners will be available for walk-up purchase in person at Veterans Park starting at 11 a.m. on July 4, while supplies last.

GARDEN CLUB PIE SALE - The Boyne Valley Garden Club will hold its annual July 4th pie sale at Veterans Memorial Park Pavilion in Boyne City. Pies may be purchased on the 4th or pre-ordered between from now through June 27. To pre-order, visit www.boynevalleygardenclub.com. On July 4, stop by the pavilion between 9-11:30 a.m., and your order will be ready for pickup.

As the sign says, the parade "ain't over til the fat lady sings."

Horton Bay’s iconic 4th of July Parade returns to celebrate 150th anniversary, the Sesquicentennial

The countdown has officially begun for the highly anticipated, potentially blink-and-you-miss-it, Horton Bay 4th of July Parade. Kicking off at exactly 1 p.m. on the shores of Northern Michigan, organizers invite locals, tourists, and anyone not wanting to stand in the blazing sun for three hours to attend.

While traditional parades in larger towns require hours of hydration and folding chairs, the Horton Bay parade prides itself on extreme brevity. Festivities will kick off at 12 noon with live music by the Horton Creek Bluegrass Band on the front porch of the historic Horton Bay General Store, followed by the legendary rolling spectacle at 1 p.m. 

This year, Horton Bay officially turns 150 years old. Parade organizer Sue Cooper said, “It's our Sesquicentennial...we're not going to make you say it, but we sure hope you come out and celebrate with us!” Spectators can expect the usual crowd-pleasing chaos, including the iconic Dancing American Flag, homemade floats, and, of course, the obligatory closing act because the event is never over until the fat lady sings. Hot dogs, brats, and cold beverages will be available on the general store's patio.

The parade committee is actively calling for more entries to join the festivities. "Your float doesn’t have to be elaborate," Cooper said. "It doesn’t even have to be a float. Just bring your friends, an old lawnmower, or a leashed hamster. (Almost) anything goes in Horton Bay!”

History Open House in Horton Bay on July 4

The Bay Township Cemetery Committee was recently awarded funding through the America250MI History Grant Program for their project, “Memorial Monuments for Bay Township’s Historic Cemeteries to Honor the Unknown.”

As part of the grant project, there will be a History Open House at the Bay Township Hall. This free exhibit, “Celebrating Milestones” and a “Kids Corner” with “hands-on history” is being held in conjunction with the Horton Bay 4th of July Parade, which is celebrating the 150th birthday of Horton Bay. The exhibit will be open to the public from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and closed only during the parade. Girl Scout Troop 8689 will be giving free America250 flags to the first 150 attendees. 

> Print a flyer for this event. 

The secret life of mushroom hunter Tony Williams

From Interlochen Public Radio, host Dan Wanschura and producer Maxwell Howard: 

Anthony Williams is a bit of a celebrity. But probably not the kind you think. His fame comes from fungi.

Back in the 1970s, the morel mushroom was becoming popular in the gourmet restaurant scene in the U.S., and Tony knew where to find them. He was an expert hunter and picker. When Tony won national mushroom competitions, places like Sports Illustrated wrote that he “galloped the ridges like a maddened bull.” The Petoskey News Review said he "hunts morels like a bird dog stalked birds."

Today, Tony gives talks across the Midwest, openly sharing what he knows about morels — how to look for them and how to collect and store them. But there’s one thing he absolutely will not share: his spots. These are places in the woods he returns to year after year where he finds morels regularly.

So, why won't Tony show anyone his spots except his closest family?

The interview includes some fun stories mentioning things like floating bordellos and details about how Tony makes grunting noises to scare people out of the woods if he finds them at one of his secret spots. 

> Click here to read the transcript of the interview or to hear the interview. 

Girl Scouts tour Boyne's historic Pearl Street

Members of Girl Scout Troop 8689 met with local historian Patrick McCleary on June 10 to learn more about several of Boyne City’s historic locations. As part of earning their “Heritage Hunt Badge,” the girls visited some of the historic homes and other locations in their hometown, learning more about the people who built and resided in them.

The tour began on the front porch of the Wolverine-Dilworth Hotel and then proceeded down both sides of Pearl Street, discussing each home’s dates of completion, original and early residents, as well as oral histories affiliated with them. The girls were very attentive and asked many questions, including several regarding various architectural styles. The last stop on the tour was on the banks of the Boyne River at Gow Litzenberger’s home. 

The historic walk was a continuation of the girls’ previous delve into family history and genealogy when they attended a class with McCleary in March.

> See McCleary's weekly history column below in this week's Boyne Citizen.

Great Lakes Energy’s People Fund awards $161k in grants to nonprofit groups

In its first round of 2026 grants, Great Lakes Energy’s People Fund has awarded 47 grants totaling more than $161,000 to local nonprofit organizations across the cooperative’s 26-county service area, which stretches from Kalamazoo to the Mackinac Straits. The north region board awarded 26 grants totaling $93,542.

Since its inception in 1999, the People Fund has awarded more than $5.2 million in grants. The program's funding comes from electric cooperative members who agree to have their monthly bills rounded up to the next whole dollar. Every dollar collected is used to fund the program’s grants.

Volunteer board members representing the cooperative’s north, central, and south regions award grants twice each year.

North area grant awards for Charlevoix County included:

• Boyne Area Gymnastics Inc., Boyne City: $2,500 for equipment upgrades.
• Boyne Arts Collective, Boyne City: $5,000 for office and classroom equipment.
• Boyne City Community Greenhouse, Boyne City: $4,000 for a freeze dryer replacement, contingent on raising the rest of the funding.
• Challenge Mountain, Boyne City: $5,000 for kitchen updates in the Adaptive Recreation Center.
• Charlevoix Historical Society, Charlevoix: $4,000 for a historic train depot exhibit and air conditioner replacement.
• Lake Charlevoix Mariners, Inc., Charlevoix: $1,500 for safety rescue equipment.
• Little Traverse Conservancy, Harbor Springs: $4,740 for signage, trees, shrubs, and tubing.
• Patron of the Arts in Rural Communities, Beaver Island: $4,500 for lighting and electrical work.
• Raven Hill Discovery Center, East Jordan: $5,000 for a new furnace and a lean-to roof.
• Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association, Boyne City: $2,500 for construction and maintenance equipment.
• Training Wheels Childcare Center, East Jordan: $540 for activity and sensory tables.
• Wagbo Peace Center, East Jordan: $2,300 for building and furnace updates.

> The full list of grants awarded to organizations in GLE’s service area is available at gtlakes.com/people-fund/.

Health Department launches weekly beach monitoring program

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) began its annual beach monitoring program on June 22, helping to ensure safe recreational water conditions throughout the summer season. 

“HDNW’s beach monitoring program helps protect public health by providing timely information about water quality at beaches throughout our region,” says Jeremy Fruk, HDNW’s Environmental Health Director. “When elevated bacteria levels are detected, advisory signs will be posted at the beach entrance to help visitors make informed decisions about water activities.”

As part of the program, HDNW’s Environmental Health staff will collect and test water samples weekly from 50 public beaches across Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties. Water samples are tested for E. coli bacteria, an indicator of water quality contamination that may pose a health risk to swimmers.

Understanding beach advisories

Beach advisories are issued according to water quality standards established by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). An advisory is a temporary recommendation issued when E. coli levels exceed state guidelines.

When an advisory is in effect:

• Signs will be posted at the affected beach(es).
• Results and updates will be shared on HDNW’s website and social media channels.
• The beach will be retested daily until bacteria levels return to a safe range.

Advisory signs are color-coded to indicate recommended water use:

• Orange sign: Partial body contact is recommended
• Red sign: No water contact is recommended

Once testing confirms that bacteria levels have returned to safe levels, advisory signs will be removed, and the public will be notified.

> Residents and visitors can view current beach monitoring results, advisories, and closures throughout Michigan on EGLE’s Beach Guard website.

NCMC announces capital campaign for planned dental hygiene program

North Central Michigan College (NCMC) made the first in a series of announcements for the start of a $10 million capital campaign for its planned dental hygiene program on June 18 at the new clinic site on Charlevoix Avenue in Bay Shore. Local dentists, donors, and community members attended the presentation and tour of the facility.

Funds raised during the campaign will support the clinic building, renovations, equipment purchases, and initial startup costs for the program, which is slated to begin in Fall 2028. Once launched, North Central will be the only provider of dental hygiene education north of Big Rapids.

North Central’s Board of Trustees approved the creation of the new program in December 2025 in response to the critical shortage of dental hygienists in Northern Michigan. Michigan schools graduate approximately 350 dental hygienists each year, while an estimated 545 are needed to meet demand, resulting in an annual shortage of almost 200 professionals.

> Full press release.

Boyne City regular gas prices are up and down

Prices for regular unleaded gas were up and down in the past week, briefly dropping from $4.05 to $3.99, then rising to $4.29 - up 24 cents from a week ago at the Marathon station at 470 N. Lake Street. Diesel dropped 50 cents to 4.99. Here are recent prices spot checked by the Boyne Citizen since the Iran war started on Feb. 28:

• March 3 - $3.099
• March 6 - $3.409
• March 12 - $3.669
• March 21 - $3.999
• March 26 - $4.199
• March 27 - $3.999
• April 6 - $3.899
• April 7 - $4.199
• April 13 - $4.159
• April 15 - $4.099
• April 22 - $3.799
• April 24 -$3.999
• April 29 - $4.299
• May 6 - $4.799
• May 13 - $4.999
• May 20 - $4.919
• May 27 - $4.759
• June 3 - $4.459
• June 10 - $4.459
• June 17 - $4.059
• June 18 - $3.999
• June 25 - $4.299

> Michigan gas prices (AAA)

News Briefs

NATURE IN THE PARK Charlevoix Conservation District will begin its Nature in the Park youth environmental education program series starting June 24 and continuing on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. at Old City Park in Boyne City. Here is the schedule:

• June 24th - River Explorers, in collaboration with Friends of the Boyne River and the Boyne District Library
• July 8th - Bugs in Your Backyard
• July 15th - Fairy Houses and Gnome Homes
• July 22nd - Journey Stick Crafting
• July 29th - Nature Scavenger Hunt

All programs are free, and materials are provided but may be limited. These prgrams are geared towards ages 3+. Parents and caregivers are required to stay for the duration of the program. Call 231-582-6193 for more information. Print a flyer for this event.

BLOOD DRIVES - Several local organizations are sponsoring blood drives in the coming weeks. Versiti Blood Center says, “The need for blood is urgent and constant. One in seven patients entering a hospital requires the availability of blood for various medical reasons.” Here are the upcoming blood drives in Boyne City and Boyne Falls:

• Bulmann Dock & Lift, 175 Magnet Dr., Boyne City - 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Monday, July 27.
• Boyne Mountain Resort - 1-5 p.m. Tuesday, July 28.
• Walloon Lake Community Church - 1:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13.

> To register, click here and enter your zip code for nearby locations.

BOYNE AREA SENIOR CENTER is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and serves daily lunches from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m at 411 E Division St, Boyne City. For seniors ages 60+, the lunch donation is $3, for ages 59 and under, $10; and for children 12 and under, $8. Here is the June lunch menu, the June activity calendar, and the June Senior Hi-Lites newsletter.



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Regional News

From Bridge Michigan and Interlochen Public Radio

University of Michigan professor Lei Zuo works stands by an early prototype of a wave energy converter in 2024. (Courtesy of Marcin Szczepanski/University of Michigan)

> Beaver Island needs reliable power. Can Great Lakes waves provide it? Story

> How easily could a big data center be set up in northern Michigan? Story

> Want to earn a bachelor’s degree? This Michigan college has an app for that - Story



City of Boyne City Municipal News

Fire hall mural

The City of Boyne City would like to extend our sincere thank you to the Duncan family and Duncan Studios for their outstanding work on the newest addition to the Boyne City Fire Hall. The mural beautifully captures the spirit of service, dedication, and pride that has defined the Boyne City Fire Department throughout its history. The piece honors both past and present firefighters while adding something truly special to the Fire Hall. Thank you, Daniel Duncan and the entire Duncan Studios team for helping bring this vision to life and for creating a lasting tribute that our firefighters and community can be proud of for years to come!

CITY HALL HOLIDAY - City Hall offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.

BALLOTS IN THE MAIL - All 846 absentee ballots for voters on the permanent absentee voter ballot list have been mailed out as of June 22, for the upcoming August 4 Primary Election. Did you know? Five members of the City of Boyne City administration team are qualified election officials. Together, they are committed to ensuring elections are conducted accurately, securely, transparently, and in full compliance with Michigan election law. Find more Election info at: www.boynecity.gov/vote.

NOW HIRING PARAMEDICS - The City of Boyne City is seeking applications from dedicated individuals interested in joining our EMS team as a Paramedic.

Apply today - email your resume to jpuroll@boynecity.gov. Find the full job description online at www.boynecity.gov/career.

SIGN UP FOR CITY ALERTS - The City of Boyne City has launched an Alerts feature on our website to help you stay up-to-date on projects, notices, and other important things happening around town. It’s designed to be a quick, easy way to get real-time updates, as they become available, directly to your email or phone. Sign up at: https://www.boynecity.gov/enotify/index.php.

LAKE CHARLEVOIX TEMPERATURE was 68°F as of Wednesday, June 24 at the Boyne City Marina.

CITY MEETINGS – Click here for board information, agendas, and minutes.

> City Commission's next regular meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 14. Agenda page.



Obituaries

Michael Buttigieg Celebration of Life will be held

at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at Frog Hollow Farm. Michael's obituary.

Janet Fay Pearson

Jan 21, 1938 ~ Jun 21, 2026 (age 88)

Ashley (Carson) Brong

October 27, 1983 ~ June 14, 2026 (age 42)

Carol J. Marvin

May 30, 1930 — Jun 17, 2026 (age 96)

Coach J. Earl Brotherston (1903-1984), a legacy to Boyne City sports and education. Photograph courtesy of the Brotherston Family Collection. 

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

A tribute to the lasting memory of “Coach” Brotherston

By Patrick McCleary

With the recent passing of long-time Boyne citizen Kathleen "Kitty" (Brotherston) Truman, we bid farewell to the last of a Boyne City sports family’s legacy. Many may recall Kitty’s love of Boyne City sports. She rarely missed a Rambler ball game and when the weather was good, she would even travel to games on her motorized wheelchair. She was a Rambler fan through and through. 

What many may not know, or recall is that Kitty’s affiliation with Boyne City sports began at a young age. Born in 1943, Kitty was the only child of Coach J. Earl Brotherston and Bernice L. (Gould) Brotherston. She attended Boyne City Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1962 amid the ongoing sports legacy that her father had set in the annals of Rambler history. 

Joseph Earl Brotherston was born in 1903 in Jackson, Michigan. He moved to Hillsdale with his family, where he attended and graduated from Hillsdale High School. He then attended Hillsdale College and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Michigan University, graduating in 1927.

The veteran school official, coac and civic leader had come onto the Boyne City scene in 1927. As the story goes, when Brotherston first laid eyes on Boyne from the old road at North Boyne, he almost turned his Model T back toward Kalamazoo. He later confided that had he done so, it would have been the biggest mistake of his life. 

Teaching history for 41 years at Boyne City High School, he became a legend as a football, basketball, track and baseball coach for more than two decades. In addition to handling the junior varsity program for years, he was also coach of the track and tennis teams. 

Between the years 1927 and 1944, “Coach,” as he was known to his players and local sports fans, won nine championships and was runners-up twice. In 12 of his years at Boyne City, he lost two games or fewer in football. As basketball coach, his various teams won 236 and lost only 125.

In 1949, Coach Brotherston retired as football and basketball coach, but continued to coach baseball until 1952. Petoskey Evening News, Monday, December 8, 1952, Page 5 Columns 2-3.

Coach Brotherston resigned as Rambler coach in the spring of 1949 after coaching for 22 years. Coach Art Gillespie would step in as football coach and Coach Maurice Dixon, a veteran assistant coach to Brotherston, took on the Rambler basketball team. Gillespie only filled this role until the spring of 1952, when he took over grid duties in South Haven the following fall. Dixon went on to coach football, basketball, and skiing - being the first instructor for Boyne’s ski school and Boyne City’s first driver’s education instructor. 

An early photograph of Kitty Brotherston and her father, Coach. 

Courtesy of the Brotherston Family Collection.

In 1966, a year before his official retirement, Coach J. Earl Brotherston began to eye the final last date of a perfect 40-year career. In an undated interview from that year, it was shared by school officials that in “39 years, [he] has never been absent, tardy, or lost a single day on the job due to ill health, thus compiling a record few teachers can equal - in a single school system. He says that such a record is easy to achieve when one is happy with the job, as well as the surroundings.”

The 62-year-old instructor shared that he was a native of Hillsdale and attended Hillsdale College for a year, and then decided it was time to move on when a movement started to make the college an all girls seminary. He then played football and baseball for Slippery Rock Teachers College, Pennsylvania, briefly, until he received a better offer from Western Michigan College. The latter offered him room and board, tuition, plus $30 per month. Since this was what high-priced farm hands were getting at that time, he wound up his career in Michigan. 

After a 25-year career of coaching, he had compiled a record of winning 67% of everything, earning him the title “Dean of northern Michigan coaches,” which he never much cared for. 

In March 1967, Coach Brotherston was inducted into the Michigan Athletic Association Coaches Hall of Fame. The following year the Boyne City Rotary Club honored him, when he was named Boyne City’s Outstanding Citizen.

The above 1967 article gives these details, shared during a testimonial dinner in which Boyne City Rotary presented “Coach” with a transistor all-band radio for his dedication to both the community and its school students, Forbes Tompkins, former Boyne City city manager, reflected on the character that Brotherston built among the students, saying that “when the kids are inclined to make the wrong turn, Earl was always on hand to get them back on the right track.”

Former City Attorney Guy Conkle stated that he knew of no other man who was the “Mr. Everything” that Brotherston was within both the school and community. “He was not only head coach of football and basketball, but handled the junior varsity program as well, coached track and tennis, and when the teams went on trips, Earl was delegated to drive the home-made school bus,” Conkle added. 

“Although setting records is nice to look back at, they never tell the real measure of a man. The product turned out in the field of sports and education count the most, and Earl never came up with a loser in these departments. Wins and losses are something to talk about, but above all, it was Earl’s ability to keep his teams and players striving to do better, and that’s what counts the most,” Conkle concluded.

Coach Brotherston’s reply? He said that he felt he had come a long way from his first $1,700 a year job at Boyne City and hoped some of the goals he had strived for had reached their peak. “But despite the records that my teams have had in the past, I have learned one thing. These records are history, so don’t look back and be satisfied. Look ahead to the future and see how you can make it better.” 

In 1996, the Boyne City sports community did just that - looking ahead to the future of local sports and how they could make it better. After long-term planning and many months of implementation, Earl Brotherston Athletic Field (above) was dedicated and remains to this day. The first game played there was held on September 13, 1996, with an official ribbon-cutting taking place (below). Cutting the ribbon that day was “Coach’s” daughter, Kathleen “Kitty” (Brotherston) Truman. Photographs courtesy of the Brotherston Family Collection. 

> Patrick McCleary is a certified genealogist who has devoted years to the ongoing research and study of Boyne City and Charlevoix County history. In addition to conducting classes on genealogy and family history, he also speaks on a variety of topics. For further information, contact Patrick by email: Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com.

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MUSIC, ARTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

Please email your special events and music information to jim@boynecitizen.com.

AMERICAN LEGION Post 228 - 302 S Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 459-4188.

Bingo every Tuesday, open to the public, refreshments provided. Doors open at 3 p.m., play starts at 5, ending around 9. The Legion also has a breakfast on the second Saturday of every month from 8-11 a.m.

BC LANES/THE VENUE BAR & GRILL - 1199 M-75 S, Boyne City, (231) 582-6353.

> Open bowling: 3-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 3-10 p.m. Fridays, 3-9 p.m. Saturdays.

> Summer car and bike concert series begins and continues every Tuesday at 6 p.m.:

• June 30 - Derailed
• July 7 - Timberline
• July 14 - Peril

BOYNE ARTS CENTER - 211 Water Street, Boyne City, (231) 622-2073.

> Upcoming events, classes and exhibits:

• Plein Art Meet-ups - Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Creating Mood Landscapes in Acrylic - July 9, 23, 30 & Aug. 6
• Beginning Alcohol Ink - July 18
• The Art of Image Transfer - July 20
• Transform a Failed Painting Workshop - July 22
• Demo Night with Carol Ross - July 23
• Book a Private Art Party

BOYNE CITY FARMERS MARKET - Outdoors at Veterans Park, 207 N. Lake Street, Boyne City, from 8 a.m.-12 noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays. (231) 582-9009.

> Live music 10 a.m. to 12 noon:

• Saturday, June 27- Terry Coveyou
• Wednesday, July 1 - Katherine Ryan
• Saturday, July 4 - Katherine Ryan (Moved to Old City Park)
• Wednesday, July 8 - Terry Coveyou
• Saturday, July 11 - Alex Teller (Moved to Old City Park)
• Wednesday, July 15 - Rhett Ducouer
• Saturday, July 18 - Jill Harris (Christmas In July, Kids In Biz)
• Wednesday, July 22 - Terry Coveyou
• Saturday, July 25 - Amanda Jane
• Wednesday, July 29 - Terry Coveyou

BOYNE CITY TAP ROOM - 220 S. Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 459-4487.

• Mondays - Trivia
• Thursday, June 25 - Adam and The Cabana Boys, 7-10 p.m.
• Friday, June 26 - The Sleeping Gypsies, 7-10 p.m.
• Saturday, June 27 - Adam and The Cabana Boys, 7-10 p.m.

BOYNE DISTRICT LIBRARY - 201 East Main St., Boyne City, 231-582-7861. Newsletter with June events and details.

BOYNE MOUNTAIN RESORT - 1 Boyne Mountain Rd., Boyne Falls, (855) 688-7024.

> Weekly schedule of events and entertainment at all Boyne Mountain venues.

BOYNE RIVER INN - 229 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 222-4053.

LIVE MUSIC:

• Thursdays through June - Nelson Olstrom performs, 7-10 p.m.

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS - 05325 US 131 S, Petoskey, (231) 373-2090.

> LIVE MUSIC:

• Friday, June 26 - Chris Calleja (4-7:30)
• Saturday, June 27 - Michelle Chenard (2-6)
• Friday, July 3 - Chris Calleja (4-7:30)
• Saturday, July 4 - closed
• Sunday, July 5 - Chris Calleja (1:30-5)
• Friday, July 10 - Mike Ridley (4-7:30)
• Saturday, July 11 - Chris Calleja (2-6)
• Friday, July 17 - Yankee Station (4-7:30)
• Saturday, July 18 - Michelle Chenard (2-6)
• Friday, July 24 - Chris Calleja (4-7:30)
• Saturday, July 25 - Two Track Mind (2-6)
• Friday, July 31 - Jelly Roll Blues Band (4-7:30)

CAFE SANTE - 1 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 582-8800.

> LIVE MUSIC:

• Friday, June 26 - Jeff Joseph, 7-10 p.m.
• Saturday, June 27 - Pete Kehoe, 7-10 p.m.
• Friday, July 3 - Lavender Lions Duo
• Friday, July 10 - Brett Mitchell
• Saturday, July 11 - Pete Kehoe
• Friday, July 17 - Sean Bielby
• Saturday, July 18 - Genna & Jesse
• Friday, July 24 - Michelle Chenard
• Saturday, July 25 - Michelle Chenard
• Friday, July 31 - Sean Bielby

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER - 461 E. Mitchell Street. Petoskey, (231) 347-4337.

> See website for updated art shows, entertainment, and children's activities.

EVENINGS AT THE GAZEBO - The Boyne Area Chamber concert series is held from 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesdays in Old City Park through August 26. In addition to the music will be Maker’s Row featuring local artisans and creators, B.C. Pizza of Boyne on site, beverage trucks, and family-friendly activities each week.

> Here is the entertainment schedule:

• July 1 - Katherine Ryan Band
• July 8 - Wyatt and Shari Knapp
• July 15 - Dags Und Timmah!
• July 22 - Billy McAllister
• July 29 - Laura Crowe
• August 5 - Melissa and Jake
• August 12 - Hazel James Band
• August 19 - David Lawston
• August 26 - Nick Veine

GREAT LAKES CENTER FOR THE ARTS - 800 Bay Harbor Drive, Petoskey, (231) 439 -2600.

• June 30 - July 2 - Almost Heaven: Celebrating the Life and Music of John Denver. Tickets.
• Sunday, July 5 - Take 6, The Gold Standard of A capella Gospel. Tickets.
• Tuesday, July 7 - Westhuizen Piano Duo, Steinway Artists Pierre and Sophié van der Westhuizen. Tickets.

LAVENDER HILL FARM - 7354 Horton Bay Rd N, Boyne City. 231-582-3784.

> Live music concert series held in a renovated multi-use events barn:

• June 27 - Lemon Squeezy
• July 7 - 1964 The Tribute
• July 8 - 1964 The Tribute
• July 18 - Bobby Alu
• July 24 - Unspoken Tradition
• Aug. 7 - Lavender Goes Pink with Thornetta Davis
• Aug. 15 - West Texas Exiles
• Aug. 22 - Damn Tall Buildings
• Sept. 19 - Sionainn Laoi For The Boyne Heritage Center

> Pre-show Local Ground concerts line-up.

MUSKRAT DISTILLING - 121 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 268-0178.

> LIVE MUSIC and events:

• Friday, June 19 - Live music with The Tweed Tones, 8-11 p.m.
• Monday, June 22 - Lit With Literature: Seek the Traitors By Veronica Roth
• Friday, June 26 - Live music with Sean Bielby, 8-11 p.m.
• Friday, July 3 - Live music with Timberline, 6-9 p.m.
• Monday, July 6 - Lit With Literature: All The Colors Of The Dark by Chris Whitaker
• Friday, July 10 - Live music with Eric Jacqua, 6-9 p.m.
• Friday, July 17 - Live music with Seasonal Road, 6-9 p.m.
• Friday, July 24 - Live music with SAXU4IA, 6-9 p.m.
• Friday, July 31 - Live music with The Real Ingredients, 6-9 p.m.

PIED PIPER ROLLER RINK - 04454 M-75 N, Walloon Lake. Admission $8, skate rental $2. Candy, chips, soda/pop, and pizza available for purchase. 

• Summer skating - July 18 and August 8 from 5-9 p.m.

STIGGS BREWERY & KITCHEN - 112 S. Park St., Boyne City, (231) 497-6100

> July 16 and the third Thursday of the month - Open Mic & Stand-up hosted by Peter Allen Jensen, 6-9 p.m.

> Live music 6-9pm:

• Friday, June 26 - Peter Allen Jenson 
• Friday, July 3 - Bruce & The Originals
• Saturday, July 4 - Andy Kline
• Friday, July 11- Nelson Olstrom
• Saturday, July 17 - Bill Bice 
• Friday, July 24 - The Northern Gentlemen 
• Saturday, July 25 - Andy Kline
• Friday, July 31 - The Tweed Tones

WALLOON WATERSHED - 4128 M-75 , Walloon Lake, (231) 535-6048.

Live music:

• Tuesdays - Laura Crowe, 6-9 p.m.
• Wednesdays - Pete Kehoe, 6-9 p.m.
• Sundays, June 28, July 12 & 26 - Nick Visconti, 1-4 p.m.
• Sundays, July 5 & 19 - DJ Parker Marshall, 1-4 p.m.

The Boyne Citizen

Jim Baumann, Editor * About Us

P.O. Box 83, Boyne City, MI 49712

Email: jim@boynecitizen.com

Phone: 231-675-8793

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