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September 3, 2026 | Issue #101 | Past issues

The future of the theater

Boyne City Main Street will meet again to consider selling the Boyne Theater at 8:30 a.m. today, Thursday, at City Hall, and this time there are two offers. See our story below for details.

Inside this issue:

• Cannabis store to open soon in Boyne Falls
• Main Street to consider two proposals for Boyne Theater
• Labor Day weekend arrives with nice weather, fun events
• Volunteers keep working to complete BC-Charlevoix Trail
• Celebrate Boyne Citizen's second anniversary on Sept. 10
• Special Assessment District advances for Six Mile Lake
• Stroll the Streets Summer Season Finale lineup
• Irish concert to benefit Boyne Heritage Center on Sept. 19
• Help us identify this old local photograph
• New exec director for Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau
• WLAC plans guided wildlife viewing paddle
• Unleaded gas price drops 20 cents, diesel rises
• Our Night Sky: Two eclipses in one month
• Patrick McCleary history: Multi-talented early citizen
• News briefs, Obituaries & Municipal News
• Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
• Music and entertainment listings

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Details and more photos



Sponsored post

Canna Klub plans to open cannabis store in Boyne Falls in mid-September

By Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com 

The Canna Klub cannabis/marijuana store in Boyne Falls plans to open in mid-September and has purchased an advertisement in the Boyne Citizen asking Boyne Falls voters to vote no in a November 3 referendum that would prohibit marijuana stores in the village. 

Perry L. Benson, president of B+B Corporation, doing business as Canna Klub, emailed the Boyne Citizen Wednesday, saying, “We are targeting on or before the week ending September 19th,” to open the store in the former Premier Hobbies location at 2055 Hwy 131 South.

Their ad in the Boyne Citizen doesn’t promote the opening of the store. Rather, it is in the form of a letter to residents and voters, saying, “On November 3, 2026, you will vote on a ballot proposal: ‘The Village of Boyne Falls Prohibition of Marihuana Establishments’ to permanently prohibit adult-use retail marijuana establishments in the Village. This letter encourages a vote of no.’”

The ad also states, “By voting no, we keep business local and capture an estimated $105,000 per year in average marijuana tax revenue for the Village of Boyne Falls. A no vote is a vote for our Village's economic future. Prohibiting a legal state-licensed dispensary means our village walks away from thousands of dollars in state tax revenue - money that could fund our local roads, public safety, and parks without raising your property taxes.”

Canna Klub owns marijuana dispensaries in Luzerne and Rose City in addition to Boyne Falls.

With a crowd of more than 20 people attending, the Boyne Falls Village Council approved two licenses for retail marijuana stores at its monthly meeting on April 14. The other dispensary, The Woods, will be located in the former Great Lakes Seamless Gutters building at 2055 U.S. 131.

However, village resident Brandi Rincon, who opposes the ordinance allowing the stores, presented a petition to rescind the ordinance, putting the issue up for a vote in November. 

The licenses were approved by a vote of 4-2. Voting in favor were Village President Marilyn Cousineau, Doug Weis, Larry Organek and Raphael Zara. Voting against the licenses were Joann Bell and William Carson. Brandy Marvin was absent. 

Council members who are in favor of the dispensary licenses noted that this was an issue that they ran on in the 2024 election. Since they made their positions clear and were elected, they feel that indicates the majority of citizens in the village are also in favor of the new ordinance, which was voted on and approved in October of 2025. 

Main Street Board to consider two proposals for Boyne Theater purchase

By Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com

Boyne City Main Street will meet again to consider selling the Boyne Theater at 8:30 a.m. today, Thursday, at City Hall, and this time there are two purchase offers. 

The newly formed nonprofit organization Boyne Community Theater & Event Venue again made an offer of $100,000, while a somewhat mysterious entity called Sisu Group LLC made an offer of $225,000.

No names were disclosed as owners of the Sisu Group, which is not a nonprofit, and the offer was not signed by anyone - just “Sisu Group.” The selling office on the purchase contract is Lynda’s Real Estate Service with Marty Moody listed as the agent, although Moody is not listed as being involved in the Sisu Group. Their proposal included a deposit of $11,250 and is contingent on approval of conventional mortgage financing.

The Sisu Group proposal states that “The Buyer is looking to leave the Original Marquee in place for Boyne City and its residents for good. The Buyer will look to restore the Theater to a functioning theater in the small existing Theater, and the larger area would become a Wedding/Event center, which the town could definitely benefit from. The Buyer plans to make a "Teen Center" out of parts of the property, and is in the process of conversations with a couple of other cool options for the rest.”

Although no Sisu Group owners are named, the group’s proposal states that “The Buyer is not new to Boyne City, and understands the unique character and charm that Boyne City offers, and will continue to offer for years to come. The Buyer is excited to revitalize this beautiful old building and in turn put this property back where it belongs....back onto the City Tax Rolls.”

The Boyne Community Theater & Event Venue proposes restoring the former Bellamy Opera House as a community theater and event venue offering movies, concerts, live performances, educational programming, private rentals and other events. This nonprofit organization has paid a deposit of $17,500.

The nonprofit board of directors includes Scott MacKenzie, president; Michelle Cortright, secretary; Ralph Gillett, treasurer; and trustees Bob Earl, Robin Berry, Tom Neidhamer, and Michele Nickel-Frasz.

The nonprofit’s proposal says, “Revitalization of the Boyne Theater represents far more than the restoration of a historic building - it is an investment in the long-term economic vitality of downtown Boyne City.”

The manager of the Harbor Springs Lyric Theater is assisting the Boyne City nonprofit, and their proposal states that “Experience from comparable northern Michigan communities demonstrates that a thriving downtown theater serves as a year-round destination, increasing foot traffic that directly benefits nearby restaurants, bars, coffee shops, retailers, lodging, gas stations and service businesses.” 

The nonprofit’s proposal says, “The theater will be a multi-dimensional, family-friendly event center, involving all generations and many artforms.” The proposal says uses may include first-run and classic movies, Saturday kids’ matinees, live performances, concerts, lectures, educational programs, Main Street and Chamber of Commerce functions, and more. 

> Here is the Main Street agenda packet, which includes details on the competing purchase proposals. The Boyne Community Theater & Event Venue proposal begins on page 16, and the Sisu Group proposal begins on page 28.

> You can watch the meeting live or later on the city's Facebook page.

An IMPORTANT & URGENT Message

to Our Boyne Falls Neighbors

Dear Residents and Registered Voter of Boyne Falls,

On November 3, 2026, you will vote on a ballot proposal: "The Village of Boyne Falls Prohibition of Marihuana Establishments" to permanently prohibit adult-use retail marijuana establishments in the Village. This letter encourages a VOTE of NO.

We urge you to VOTE NO on this proposal.

A NO VOTE protects our local economy and secures critical funding for our Village. Right now, the closest dispensary for residents is approximately 20 miles away - a 30-minute drive each way - meaning our local dollars are leaving Boyne Falls to benefit other towns. By VOTING NO, we keep business local and capture an estimated $105,000 per year in average marijuana tax revenue for the Village of Boyne Falls.

A NO VOTE is a vote for our Village's economic future. Prohibiting a legal state-licensed dispensary means our village walks away from thousands of dollars in state tax revenue - money that could fund our local roads, public safety, and parks without raising your property taxes.

Please VOTE NO on the prohibition proposal on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and keep the Village moving forward into the future.

Make your voice heard this November:

• REGISTER TO VOTE: If you are not registered to vote, please visit Boyne Valley Township Hall's office at 2849 Railroad Street to ensure you participate.

• VOTE ABSENTEE: If you need an absentee ballot, please contact the Boyne Valley Township Hall office for information on how to request one.

Please participate and VOTE NO.

> Paid political advertisement by Canna Klub family-owned dispensary since 2020.

Sponsored post - paid political ad

Labor Day weekend arrives with nice weather and fun events on tap

Labor Day weekend is here with nice weather and some fun events, including Stroll the Streets on Friday; the Kiwanis Car Show, Farmers Market, and Horton Creek performing at Lavender Hill Farm on Saturday; the Boyne City Airport Drag Races on Sunday; and finishing up with the Horton Bay Bridgewalk on Monday night.

Here are the details:



THE WEATHER looks good, as you can see from the above chart from Weather.com - high temperatures around 81, sunny days, and a little rain early Friday.

STROLL THE STREETS finishes its summer season from 6-9 p.m. Friday with musicians and other performers all over downtown Boyne City. Here’s the lineup:

• Sunshine String Band at Charlevoix State Bank
• Terry Coveyou at Lake and Ray corner
• Jelly Roll Blues Band at Pat O’Brien 
• Northern Michigan Freedom Band at Freshwater Art Gallery
• Nelson Olstrom at Stiggs Kitchen & Brewery
• Derailed at Coldwell Banker 
• Lou Thumser at Muskrat Distilling
• Strings Attached at Boyne River Grill 
• Jerry Douglas Face Painter at Gilda’s Bakery 
• Twister Joe & Popper at I Love Boyne City 
• Pooch the Magician at Robert Banner PC 
• Project 60 at Kidd & Leavy Real Estate

BOYNE CITY FARMERS MARKET is open from 8 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday in Veterans Park, with sweet corn, berries and other produce at their summer peak - plus Rhett DuCouer performing for all the shoppers.

KIWANIS CAR SHOW starts with a preview on the 100 and 200 blocks of East Water Street during Stroll the Streets on Friday night, followed by the car show in Veterans Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Food will be available from BC Pizza and the Charlevoix Kiwanis Kielbasa Truck. Car show vehicle registration is $20 starting at 8 a.m.. Car show voting ends at 1 p.m. and awards will be presented at 2 p.m. Call 231-622-3876 for further information. Register online here.

LAVENDER HILL FARM will host the Horton Creek Bluegrass Band on Saturday night. Picnicking begins Saturday afternoon at 5:30 p.m. Showtime is 7:30. Tickets available here.

COME FROM AWAY - Saturday and Sunday. Musical based on the true story of the time when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on September 11, 2001. Tickets from the Great Lakes Center for the Arts.

AIRPORT DRAG RACES - Held annually on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend since 2003, the Boyne City Drag Races will again roar down the runway from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Boyne City Municipal Airport, 1040 E Main St. Gates open at 8:30 a.. for registration and tech inspections. Spectator fees are cash only: $10 for everyone 13 and older, free for 12 and under, and $15 for a pit pass.  Want to race? Registration form and $30 payment will be accepted in person, cash only on Race Day. Want to help? You can volunteer here. Race proceeds continue to support the community with 50% to the Boyne City Airport, 25% to the Boyne Valley Lions Club, and 25% to other local groups, which change annually.

HORTON BAY BRIDGEWALK - The 2026 Horton Bay Candlelight Bridgewalk starts with music from Patrick Ryan at 7 p.m. Monday. The walk begins at dusk, 8:15 p.m. Afterward, there will be free ice cream at Horton Bay General Store. Everyone is invited, and dogs are allowed on a leash For further information contact the Horton Bay Bridge Authority at 231-330-3896.

The Horton Creek bluegrass band will perform Saturday night at Lavender Hill Farm.

Dotted line show the six mile section of the trail that is yet to be completed.

Volunteers keep working to complete BC-Charlevoix Trail

Charlevoix County Trail Team (CCTT) volunteers and Top of Michigan Trails Council continue to pursue fundraising opportunities in efforts to complete the last six miles of the Boyne City to Charlevoix Trail, now about 60 percent complete.

After securing a $50,000 fundraising goal earlier this year, the trail team hired Gaylord engineering firm Wade Trim Inc. to begin initial surveying and grant research work. While that work is underway, organizers are now pushing toward a new, $240,000 fundraising goal, the first $70,000 of which will finance full surveying of the remaining trail.

According to CCTT Project Leader and Trails Council volunteer Steve Van Dam, that work could begin as early as this fall.

“Survey crews are working, and there is a lot going on behind the scenes of this trail project,” Van Dam said. “Our engineering firm is also doing title searches, initial surveying, locating existing survey markers, and doing visual field reviews of driveways and road crossings, along with GPS mapping.”

Project leaders originally planned to complete the last six trail miles in two phases, but later combined them to cut engineering costs. Construction may still be in two-phases, according to Van Dam. This fourth and final phase will link Boyne City and Charlevoix, as well as connect to both the Boyne Valley Trailway and Little Traverse Wheelway.

Van Dam said Wade Trim is working up two construction cost estimates, one for each side of Boyne City to Charlevoix Road. “We want to see which side of the road is more advantageous for the trail, in terms of both cost and safety,” he said.

This paved recreational trail has been in the works since Phase 1, a 3.2-mile stretch from Boyne City to N. Springwater Beach Road, was completed in 2016 for $1,182,566. Phase 2 cost $1,323,950 and was completed in 2017. It includes 2.97 trail miles from Charlevoix to Quarterline Road. Phase 3’s 2.86 miles was completed last year with a $1,648,569 price tag. That section extends from N. Springwater Beach Road to Horton Bay.

Van Dam pointed out that, to date, donations and grants have financed 93 percent of the entire project. “Of the nearly $4.2 million spent thus far on the trail,” he said, “Charlevoix County’s investment has only been about 7 percent, around $282,000.”

A June pasta supper fundraiser in Boyne City netted over $21,000 for their new $240,000 goal. Since then, they’ve raised another $22,000, bringing their new total to $43,000. Van Dam said Charlevoix County Trail Team volunteers have been busy writing grant proposals and encouraging community members to support the trail’s completion.

"Finishing the trail will connect the two largest cities in our county, and it will fulfill a promise to the community," Van Dam said. "We can’t abandon what we’ve already invested. A connected trail will support our economy and provide residents with a safe place to run, walk, or bike. Let’s finish the trail!"

> Anyone wanting to contribute towards completion of the trail may donate here.

Everyone attending our two-year anniversary celebration can take home an "I'm a Boyne Citizen" sticker.

Celebrate Boyne Citizen's second anniversary on Sept. 10 with free coffee, pastries and a sticker

> Press Forward survey results will be revealed

Readers are invited to save the date to “Celebrate the End of the News Desert” and join the Boyne Citizen for free coffee and pastries in honor of our second anniversary. Please join us from 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, in the Community Room of the Boyne District Library. We’ll even give everyone who attends an “I’m a Boyne Citizen” sticker for you to stick on your car, shirt, or computer.

As a special feature of the anniversary event at 9 a.m., Elizabeth Jensen, co-chair of Press Forward Northern Michigan, will present highlights of a survey conducted earlier this year. The survey asked residents of the region about their local news and information habits, and what they need to feel better informed about their communities.

Press Forward Northern Michigan is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition working to strengthen the Up North region by supporting sustainable models for local news and closing gaps where information is lacking.

Jensen, a longtime journalist and former NPR ombudsman, was a 2025-26 Knight-Wallace Great Lakes Local News Fellow at the University of Michigan, where she researched strategies for strengthening Northern Michigan's local news ecosystem.

Those attending the celebration can also meet our board members, editors and some of our freelance writers. 

It’s been two full years of community-supported nonprofit independent local news coverage since the Boyne Citizen published its first edition on Sept. 3, 2024. Now in August 2026 we are up over 2,500 subscribers, and our 75% open rate is holding steady. 

Most amazingly, more than 500 readers have made a voluntary donation to support our work - even though subscriptions are free.

We can't thank you enough! Our readers and donors have made this possible, so we hope many of you can join us on Sept. 10.

> Make a donation to help keep the Boyne Citizen coming.

Email jim@boynecitizen.com for info or ad reservations

County Board advances Special Assessment District for Six Mile Lake area

By Carole Shane, cjshane@charter.net 

Residents from the Six Mile Lake area of Charlevoix and Antrim counties were pleased when the Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners appointed Commissioner Josh Chamberlain to a committee tasked with exploring and developing the parameters of a possible Special Assessment District (SAD).

The Six Mile Lake area has been plagued by the effects of high water and aged, inadequate infrastructure for years with this year’s flooding being most severe. Roads and homes in the area are threatened and residents are hoping the creation of a Special Assessment District would provide the necessary funding to improve drainage infrastructure there.

Chamberlain will represent the interests of Charlevoix County as the SAD plan is developed.

Commissioners heard a presentation from Mark Holmes of the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget describing a proposed new consolidated agreement involving shared GIS data.

Commissioners had many questions about the rationale and possible effects of the agreement, which was outlined in a 49-page document. No action was taken, with the board requesting additional time and input from civil counsel before considering the matter further.

In other business, the board:

• Approved the Northern Michigan Regional Entity Grant renewal, which provides funding for substance abuse treatment
• Approved a public hearing notice regarding the FY2027 general fund budget. The hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 9.
• Authorized a transfer of $370,000 from the general fund for repair of the boardwalk section of the Little Traverse Wheelway.
• Approved several budget amendments for 2026 in the following areas: Register of Deeds recording equipment, District Court sobriety program, Michigan Justice Training, and Sheriff’s Department federal grants.

Stroll the Streets Summer 'Season Finale!

Lavender Hill Farm Irish concert to benefit Boyne Heritage Center on Sept. 19

An unforgettable evening of traditional Irish music, community gathering, and local history awaits on Saturday, Sept. 19 as Lavender Hill Farm hosts a special benefit concert for the Boyne Heritage Center.

The headline performance features Sionainn Laoi (pronounced "Shannon Lee"), a captivating southeast Michigan-based Irish traditional music duo comprised of Hannah Harris on fiddle and voice, and Alberto “Bear” Whitmer on guitar and bodhrán.

The duo’s clever name carries a meaningful backstory rooted in their formative musical journeys abroad. Sionainn Laoi reflects their time studying and immersing themselves in Ireland. Harris studied at University College Cork along the River Lee, while Whitmer honed his craft at the University of Limerick, situated across the River Shannon. 

After eventually crossing paths at a local traditional session in Michigan, the two realized their distinct musical styles meshed into a rich, authentic sound. 

The evening promises plenty of local charm and entertainment from start to finish. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to picnic on the scenic farm grounds, enjoy pre-show music by the local Full Moon Jazz Band, and browse a special silent auction.

All proceeds from the event directly support the Boyne Heritage Center, helping fund the preservation and continued development of our shared local history and regional "Boyne Before Us" exhibit.

Kecia Freed, vice president of the Heritage Center board, commented, “Gather your family and friends for a wonderful night under the late-summer sky, surrounded by music, community, and the beauty of the farm.” 

> Tickets and additional details are available at lavenderhillfarm.com. Ticket prices range from $18 to $40.

Scooby Doo, where are you?

Here’s another trip down memory lane in the Mystery Van — and we’re counting on our readers to help us figure out who’s who.

This week’s photograph comes to us from the community’s past, but the names and details have been lost to time. Perhaps you recognize someone in the picture, know where it was taken, or remember the occasion.

Sometimes, the smallest clue can solve the biggest mystery. A first name, a family connection, a business they worked at, or even a guess about the year could help us piece together the story.

Take a look and let us know what you remember. Len’s out of town this week, contact Scooby at Ljd49712@gmail.com.  The Boyne Heritage Center appreciates your input!

Zoinks!  Who knows? You might be the person who finally solves this week’s mystery! 

The mission of the Boyne Heritage Center is to be the expressive living voice and collective memory of those who came before and those who will come after us, stewards of artifacts and an engaged, collaborative historical hub for our region.

New exec director for Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau 

The Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau (PAVB) has announced the appointment of Whitney Waara, CDME as the new Executive Director for the organization. Waara will assume the position currently held by Jim Powell, who is retiring at the end of the calendar year. 

Powell joined the bureau in January of 2022, and during his tenure oversaw the expansion / modernization of the organization and the launch of a new branding identity and brand campaign in April 2026.

Waara, a northern Michigan native, brings over 25 years of experience, including tourism, technology, and strategy working for a variety of associations and non-profit organizations. For the last seven years she has served as chief operating officer for Traverse City Tourism. Prior to that, she was the executive director for the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. Waara graduated from Kalamazoo College with a degree in Business and Economics and attended graduate school at Kent State University, where she received her Master of Business Administration – Marketing Management. 

She will officially take over the executive director role in early October and plans to relocate to the Petoskey Area in the coming months. The Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau promotes tourism in Boyne City and Boyne Falls in addition to Petoskey, Bay Harbor, Harbor Springs and Alanson.

WLAC plans guided wildlife viewing paddle

The Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy (WLAC) has announced its fall 2026 community engagement and education events schedule, Here are the next two events:

Wander Walloon: Guided Wildlife Viewing Paddle -  Saturday, Sept. 12 | 9-11 a.m. | Jones Landing Township Park. Participants will explore Walloon Lake by kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard during a guided wildlife viewing paddle near WLAC's Schoof's Creek Nature Area. The program will highlight birds, mammals, and other wildlife that depend on the lake and surrounding watershed.

WLAC Summer Speaker Series: The Walloon Lake Fishery -  Tuesday, Sept. 15. 5:30-7 p.m. at the Talcott Event Venue. WLAC will welcome Heather Hettinger, fish biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, for a presentation on the Walloon Lake fishery. The program will cover fish populations, habitat conditions, and current fisheries management efforts.

> Here is the full schedule. Visit www.walloon.org/events for additional information.

BC unleaded gas price drops 20 cents, diesel rises

Prices for regular unleaded gas dropped 20 cents per gallon to $4.19 at the Marathon station at 470 N. Lake Street, while diesel increased jumped 50 cents to $5.99. 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
• July 1 - $4.099
• July 8 - $3.999
• July 15 - $3.999
• July 22 - $4.299
• July 29 - $4.279
• August 5 - $4.299
• August 12 - $4.299/$5.299
• August 19 - $4.299/$5.499
• August 26 - $4.399/$5.499
• Sept. 2 - $4.199/$5.999

> Michigan gas price average (AAA) is $4.2098. The national average is $4.086.

News Briefs

FIREFIGHTERS CONCERT - The Boyne City Firefighters Association is inviting everyone to an evening of live music and community support as CeCe performs live at the Boyne City Performing Arts Center at Boyne City High School on Saturday, Sept. 19. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Fire Department Equipment and Operations Fund. Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7. Tickets are $35 for general admission, available online and at the Boyne Area Chamber office.

BIRDS OF PREY - Explore the fascinating connection between humans and birds of prey during Talons Through Time at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 at Raven Hill Discovery Center, 4737 Fuller Road, East Jordan. Presented with North Sky Raptor Sanctuary, the program combines history with live birds to explore how hawks, falcons, owls and eagles have influenced cultures, mythology, hunting traditions and spiritual beliefs around the world. Click here to download a flyer.

GENEALOGY MEETING - Charlevoix County Genealogical Society will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, September 3 in the Community Room of the Boyne City District Library. The program/topic is “Bring a family treasure or oddity” and be prepared to talk about it. Guests are welcome. Call Christine Brown, 231-838-3449 or email a cmjbrown@live.com with questions.

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 Walloon Lake Boyne City and Boyne Falls:

• Friday, Sept. 18 - Boyne City EMS at City Hall,11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 23 - Boyne Mountain Resort, 12:30 - 5 p.m.

> 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 September lunch menu and September activity calendar.

LAKE CHARLEVOIX TEMPERATURE is 72°F as of Wednesday, Sept. 2, according to LakeMonster.com.

Local news is made possible by you!

The Boyne Citizen is committed to being a free resource for in-depth local news and information you can trust. Will you join more than 500 donating members who believe the Boyne area needs high-quality news and information?

Regional News

From Bridge Michigan and Interlochen Public Radio

• 6 weeks after Blissfest injury, police warn against misinformation spreading - Story
• Farmers in northern Michigan face a lot of pressure to sell, including to developers of renewable energy projects - Story
• With fewer people drinking these days, Michigan wineries turn to goats - Story
• Michigan houses are old and getting older. It’s a ‘huge problem’ for state - Story

> This reporting is made possible by the Northern Michigan Journalism Collaborative, led by Bridge Michigan and Interlochen Public Radio, and funded by Press Forward Northern Michigan.

City of Boyne City Municipal News

Fall rubbish collection set for Sept. 19

The City of Boyne City’s Fall Rubbish Collection is coming up on Saturday, Sept. 19. This special collection service is available to all residential properties within city limits with three units or fewer. Commercial properties or private communities are not eligible for this program.

This collection is in addition to your regular household garbage service, it does not replace your normal weekly pickup by your service provider. Each household may place up to two cubic yards of materials out for pickup. Materials should not be set out earlier than 5 p.m. the day before collection. Materials must be out by 7 a.m. on the day of pickup. Click here for a full list of acceptable and non-acceptable items. 

WATER SERVICE INTERRUPTION ON AUGUST 28

At approximately 12:30 p.m. today, a water main was struck by Surf Internet, resulting in a water service interruption affecting a significant portion of the City.

As of approximately 1:45 p.m., the Water Department has successfully isolated the affected 12-inch water main. The main maintained pressure throughout the incident, and crews are actively working to restore service.

At this time, we anticipate water service will be restored before 5:00 p.m. today.

Because the affected main did not lose pressure, a boil-water advisory has not been issued at this time. However, residents who would like to take additional precautions may choose to boil water used for drinking or cooking for the first few hours following restoration of service.

We appreciate everyone’s patience as our Water Department works to get service fully restored as quickly as possible. We will provide additional updates if circumstances change.

SIGN UP FOR CITY ALERTS - The City of Boyne City has 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.

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

> City Commission's next regular meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8. Agenda page.

> The Boyne City Main Street Board will consider two proposals to purchase the Boyne Theater at its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3. Meeting agenda.



Obituaries

We are not aware of any Boyne area obituaries this week.

These two images of a partial solar (at right) and lunar eclipse (at left) were taken on August 10 and August 27, respectively, at the author’s observatory located one mile north of Boyne City.

OUR NIGHT SKY

Two eclipses in one month

By Rod Cortright, cortrigh@msu.edu

Last month, we had the opportunity to observe a partial solar eclipse, and last week we could see a lunar eclipse – all in the month of August.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking some or all of the Sun’s light. This can happen only during the new moon phase, when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are closely aligned. If the Moon completely covers the Sun, observers within a narrow path on Earth experience a total solar eclipse. Outside that path, people may see a partial eclipse. Because the Moon’s orbit is tilted slightly compared with Earth’s orbit around the Sun, solar eclipses do not occur every month.

A lunar eclipse, by contrast, occurs when Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall across the Moon. Lunar eclipses can occur only during the full moon phase. During a lunar eclipse, the Moon often turns a reddish or copper color because some sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere and is bent toward the Moon. Earth’s atmosphere scatters much of the blue light, while allowing more red and orange wavelengths to reach the lunar surface, producing the familiar appearance sometimes called a “blood moon.”

One important difference between the two types of eclipses is where they can be seen. A total solar eclipse is visible only from a relatively narrow strip of Earth’s surface because the Moon casts a small shadow on Earth. In contrast, a lunar eclipse can be seen from anywhere on the night-time side of Earth where the Moon is above the horizon. As a result, many more people can usually observe a lunar eclipse at the same time. Lunar eclipses also typically last much longer than the total phase of a solar eclipse.

Solar and lunar eclipses also differ in how safely you can observe them. A lunar eclipse is completely safe to watch with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope. A solar eclipse requires proper eye protection because looking directly at the Sun can permanently damage our eyes. Only during the period of totality, when the Sun is completely covered, is it safe to look directly at a total solar eclipse without solar filters.

In simple terms, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon’s shadow falls on Earth, while a lunar eclipse occurs when Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon.

“Our Night Sky” is a monthly column by Rod Cortright, an amateur astronomer and astrophotographer who lives north of Boyne City. He is also a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador who does educational outreach for the agency. In the summer, Rod is a presenter at the Headlands International Dark Sky Park.

An early view of the Beulah Home for Boys in North Boyne, attributed to the work of famed photographer, Edward Beebe. Photo courtesy of the Patrick McCleary Collection.

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

What a multi-talented early citizen: Carpenter, educator, photographer, Ernest P. Peaslee

By Patrick McCleary, Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com 

It has been more than 40 years since I sat in a high school classroom or college lecture hall. There are days when I wonder just how much of that acquired knowledge I have retained over the years. However, the word “synthesis” came to mind when preparing this article. It dawned on me that synthesis (the act of combining separate ideas, facts and sources to form a coherent whole) was exactly what was taking place within this and my other weekly columns. 

I have said on many occasions that no single collection can tell a story and no single source should be the end-all-be-all of our research efforts. Case in point - the image above. I have chosen to use a scan of the photograph found in my own personal collection. I obtained it many, many years ago from a postcard vendor in the Flint area. My photograph has no notations on the reverse; no photographer’s mark; and nothing to indicate that it is even an early Boyne City image beyond that fact that I would recognize the Beulah Home for Boys anywhere. The photo would have been taken after Chapman completed his hotel, failed at the venture, and sold it to Herman Swift for use as a home for wayward and homeless boys. 

Many years later, during my tenure on the board of directors for the Boyne Heritage Center, I came across this same photograph (yes, they are very seldom “one of a kind”). On the reverse of their image was a notation, “Ernest Peaslee, teacher, on the front steps." Well, I have never heard of Ernest Peaslee, so down the rabbit hole I went. 

> At left: An inset taken from the above photograph showing Ernest Peaslee as he stood on the front steps of the Beulah Home. 

> At right: Ernest Peaslee in later years. Photograph provided by the Charlevoix Historical Society.

Through newspaper information, vital records and Federal Census material, I learned that Ernest Palmer Peaslee was born on April 18, 1873 in rural Benton Harbor, Michigan, the son of Charles L. and Nancy M. (Wood) Peaslee. When he was 10 years old, the family came to Northern Michigan and settled in Hayes Township, where they farmed. Another tidbit that I picked up from a random newspaper article was that Ernest graduated from Charlevoix High School in 1894 - an all-girl class except for three boys - Ernest, Frank Metcalf and W.C. Strip.

He worked with his father, a carpenter, during his youth and the two of them are said to have designed and built the First Baptist Church in Charlevoix. His father was also involved in several barn raisings in the area, and young Ernest is also listed as being a barn builder in his younger years. In 1898 he married the former Mary Truman in Charlevoix. The couple never had children, but by 1910, they had adopted two girls, Bessie and Della. The girls were raised on the Peaslee farm in Hayes Township. 

Apparently, carpentry was not to be Mr. Peaslee’s lasting occupation. From 1909 to 1920, he served as a rural school teacher, and from all accounts a very successful one as evidenced in this 1915 article about the Advance school. 

Charlevoix County Herald

Saturday, July 3, 1915 - Page 1 Column 4

STANDARD SCHOOL AT ADVANCE

The honor of being the first Standard School in Charlevoix County goes to the Advance school in Eveline Township. The people of this district have awakened to the fact that pleasant surroundings are as necessary for the proper development of growing boys and girls as to produce milk in the dairy herd.

The teacher, Mr. Ernest Peaslee, started the movement and was ably seconded by the Lady’s Improvement Society and during the year they raised and expended over $70.00 aside from what the board expended. They have a new organ, a drinking fountain, a ventilating system, a splendid library, new adjustable seats, plenty of good slate blackboards, five extra windows with splendid blinds for controlling the light, and other necessary equipment. The ground has been plowed and will be cultivated and seeded this summer. 

To Mr. Peaslee, more than to any other particular individual, belongs the credit. He directed all the work and did a goodly portion of it himself, for he is a workman as well as a teacher. The Three Bells school has secured the services of Mr. Peaslee for next year and they are planning to make that school standard. 

In 1920, he left the teaching profession and became a bookkeeper and purchasing agent for the Charlevoix County Road Commission. He remained in this position until his retirement in 1947. His story doesn’t end there, however. It only gets more interesting.

It seems that Mr. Peaslee is also credited as being an early Charlevoix County photographer. As the story goes, “Ernest took four photographs in 1890 from the cupola of the Upright home at the northwest corner of State Street and Hurlbut Avenue in Charlevoix. Taken looking northwest, north, northeast and east-northeast, they make up a panoramic overview of the town.” These images were each stamped on the reverse, “E. Peaslee, Photos & Views, Walloon Lake, Mich.” He was said to be a “maker of time and instantaneous views.” Given the latter notation, it seems that Peaslee must have been a photographer of some degree, as it would be difficult to “fake” taking a “timed or instantaneous view.” Was he the same photographer who took the 1890 and other very early views of the area, however? 

Well, in 1957, local Charlevoix photographer Bob Miles was given 350 glass plate negatives of scenes and people from in and around Charlevoix said to have been taken by Ernest Peaslee, “a photographer active in the area in the first decade of the 20th century.” Mr. Miles printed and displayed many of these over the years and continued to gather thousands more to add to what would eventually become the photographic collection of the Charlevoix Historical Society.

Learning of this, I next placed a call to the folks at the Charlevoix Historical Society and spoke with my friend, Ole Lyngklip, one of the most knowledgeable guys I know about early Charlevoix County photography and photographers. What I learned is that, only a few years back, Ole worked with these original glass plate negatives attributed to Ernest Peaslee. In doing so, he discovered that many of them were the work of other early Charlevoix photographers such as Daniel S. Way and Edward E. Bowman. This brings up the question, did Ernest Peaslee acquire their negatives and simply reprint and turn them into a marketable commodity for himself? He obviously had the skill to reproduce images if he was actively taking “timed and instantaneous views” for clients on-site. Whichever the case, his efforts resulted in the preservation of local history and we remain forever indebted to his efforts. 

And what of synthesis? Well, hopefully you now better understand the value of access to multiple photograph collections; access to original records and historic materials; utilizing accounts of past preservation efforts done on the parts of others; and the ability to glean bits and pieces from both local and online resources; synthesizing them all into a more detailed look at our shared local history. 

> 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.

> Youth Bowling League starts Sept. 15. Details.

> Welcome Back Tournament - 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. For information call Steve at 231-944-5260, Kim at 231-675-6076, or Mark at 231-675-6633.

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.
• Colorful Figures: Expressive Mixed Media | September 10 & 11, 10 am - 4 pm
• Fall Artists Retreat | September 14–18
• Book a Private Art Party
• BAC Kids Morning Makers Class - Sept 19, 10am - Noon
• Alcohol Ink Continue The Flow - Sept 21 & 22, 10 am - 4 pm
• Demo Night- Douglas Barron - Thursday, Sept 24, 6-8 pm
• Watercolor Dreamy Lilacs and more - Sept 28, 10 am - 12:30 pm

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, Sept. 5 - Rhett DuCouer
• Wednesday, Sept. 9 - Full Moon Jam Band (Final Wednesday outside)
• Saturday, Sept. 12 - Terry Coveyou
• Wednesday, Sept. 19 - Melissa Welke
• Saturday, Sept. 26 - Harvest Festival (Downtown)
• Wednesday, October 2 - Terry Coveyou
• Saturday, Oct. 10 - Rhett DuCouer (Final Saturday outside)

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

• Mondays - Trivia, 7 p.m.
• Thursdays - Adam and The Cabana Boys, 7-10 p.m.
• Fridays - Josh Raber and Patrick Ryan, 7-10 p.m.
• Saturdays - Adam and The Cabana Boys, 7-10 p.m.

BOYNE DISTRICT LIBRARY - 201 East Main St., Boyne City, 231-582-7861. Newsletter with September 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.

> Oct. 2 & 3 - 17th annual Skitoberbest brings together Oktoberfest tradition, mountain community, and a dose of pre-season winter spirit against the backdrop of northern Michigan fall foliage. Details.

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

> +LIVE MUSIC:

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

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

> LIVE MUSIC:

• Friday, Sept. 4 - Michelle Chenard (4-7:30)
• Saturday, Sept. 5 - Michelle Chenard (2-6)
• Sunday, Sept. 6 - Chris Calleja (1:30-5)
• Friday, Sept. 11 - Jelly Roll Blues Band (4-7:30)
• Saturday, Sept. 12 - Chris Calleja (2-6)
• Friday, Sept. 18 - Chris Calleja (4-7:30)
• Saturday, Sept. 19 - Two Track Mind (2-6)
• Friday, Sept. 25 - Mike Ridley (4-7:30)
• Saturday, Sept. 26 - Nelson Olstrom (2-6)

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

> LIVE MUSIC, 7-10 p.m.:

• Friday, Sept. 4 - Lavender Lions Duo
• Saturday, Sept. 5 - Sean Bielby
• Friday, Sept. 11 - Brett Mitchell
• Saturday, Sept. 12 - Pete Kehoe
• Friday, Sept. 18 - Sean Bielby
• Saturday, Sept. 19 - Pete Kehoe
• Friday, Sept. 25 - Chris Calleja
• Saturday, Sept. 26 - Chris Calleja

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

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

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

• September 5-13 - Come From Away. The remarkable true story of when the world came together. 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:

• Sept. 5 - Horton Creek Bluegrass - Tickets
• Sept. 19 - Sionainn Laoi for the Boyne Heritage Center - Tickets

> Pre-show Local Ground concerts line-up.

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

> Karaoke Night - every Wednesday, 9-11:59 p.m.

> Live music and events:

• Friday, Sept. 4 - Live Music with Lou Thumser, 6-9 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 11 - Dragon Rider Block Party, 6-11 p.m. with live music by the Lavender Lions Duo from 7-10 p.m.
• Monday, Sept. 21 - Lit with Literature: Heat Of The Everflame By Penn Cole, 7-9 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. 

> Check their Facebook page for schedule.

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

> Sept. 17 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, Sept. 4 Friday - Nelson Olstrom
• Saturday, Sept. 5 Friday - Andy Kline
• Friday, Sept. 11 - Sean Miller
• Saturday, Sept. 12 - Sean Miller
• Friday, Sept. 25 - Keith Scott
• Saturday, Sept. 26 - Andy Kline

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

Live music:

• Tuesdays - Laura Crowe, 6-9 p.m. except Sept. 8, when we are closed. 
• Wednesdays - Pete Kehoe, 6-9 p.m.except Sept. 9, when we are closed.
• Sunday, Sept. 6 - Nick Visconti, 1-4 p.m.

The Boyne Citizen

Jim Baumann, Editor

About our nonprofit organization

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

Email: jim@boynecitizen.com

Phone: 231-675-8793

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