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October 1, 2026 | Issue #105 | Past issues

Locals visit Trim Castle in Ireland

The group of 40 Boyne Valley Michigan residents’ tour of Ireland has started and included a visit to Trim Castle in the Boyne Valley of Ireland on Wednesday. VIP tour guides included Meath County Councillor and renowned historian Noel French and Mick Hughes of Trim Tourism Network, who outlined the story of the twinning project to the group at the plaque commemorating the Twin Boyne Valleys project at the wall of Trim castle.

Inside this issue:

• Boyne City seeks another path for housing project 
• Melrose Township supervisor resigns amid board conflict
• Housing Commission suspends Earl/Morgan project
• It’s homecoming weekend at BC High School
• Boyne Falls School hosts Community Expo Oct. 8
• Boyne City seeks input on 10-year strategic plan
• BC school board candidates to meet voters Sunday
• School Board candidates share their views on issues
• County Board changes health insurance provider
• County seeks parks and rec plan input with survey
• Cafe Sante’s famous $5 pizzas get a little price bump
• Student musicians to perform with orchestra Saturday
• It’s Skitoberfest weekend at Boyne Mountain
• First Autumn Festival comes to Walloon this weekend
• Local leaders to speak at Chamber luncheon
• History mystery: Seven men and a child with an axe
• League of Women Voters to explore universal health care
• Gas prices drop a little from all-time highs
• Night Sky: Telescopes bring complementary discoveries
• Patrick McCleary history: The disappearing depot
• News briefs, Obituaries & Municipal News
• Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
• Music and entertainment listings

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After county rejection, Boyne City seeks another path for housing project

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com 

The proposed Flats on Court housing development is not dead, despite Charlevoix County commissioners’ rejection last week of a brownfield financing plan considered critical to the project, according to Boyne City Mayor Bob Farrell.

City officials and the developer are now reviewing other options for financing the 96-unit workforce housing development planned for 508 Court St., Farrell said.

“We’re reviewing alternatives, and one has not been selected yet, but that will hopefully be coming soon,” Farrell said.

Farrell said he does not yet know whether a proposal will be ready for the Boyne City Commission’s next meeting on Oct. 13. However, city officials are working to get the “pieces and parts” of potential alternatives in place.

The search for another path comes after the Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners voted 4-2 on Sept. 23 to reject the brownfield plan for Flats on Court.

The plan would have used tax increment financing to capture a portion of the increased property tax revenue generated by the development and reimburse eligible project costs over time.

Boyne City commissioners had unanimously concurred with the brownfield plan Sept. 8. The proposal before the city contemplated up to 20 years of tax capture, estimated at about $7.9 million.

Farrell said city officials were disappointed by the county’s decision.

“I understand the rationale they gave for the decision, but it seems short-sighted to me that we’re going to not develop housing, which, from my standpoint, is an infrastructure issue,” Farrell said. “We don’t have the staff and the housing necessary for people to live and work in our communities.”

Farrell said he remains confident another financing approach can be found.

“I’m trusting that we’ll be coming through with a Plan B or a Plan C to move forward,” he said.

Perhaps most importantly for the future of the development, Farrell said he spoke briefly with the developer following the county meeting and came away believing the rejection did not end the project.

“From their perspective, it’s not a death blow to the project,” Farrell said.

One possibility that has previously been discussed is Boyne City establishing its own brownfield redevelopment authority rather than relying on the county authority.

Farrell pointed to East Jordan, which has its own brownfield authority, and said creating a city authority was among the possibilities discussed even before the county vote. 

The Boyne City Commission discussed establishing its own brownfield authority in January 2025 but did not move forward at the time. County officials, including Commissioner Chris Christensen, said a separate city authority was unnecessary because Charlevoix County already had a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Land Bank that had been used primarily for projects in Boyne City. 

“I know it’s one of the items or one of the discussion points that we had before the county commission declined to move forward on it, just in terms of possible options,” Farrell said.

He cautioned, however, that no decision has been made to pursue that route and said he could not yet say how a city brownfield authority might affect the amount or types of taxes that could be captured for the project.

The proposed Flats on Court development calls for four three-story buildings with 96 apartments, including 80 two-bedroom units and 16 one-bedroom units. Seventy-two units would be reserved for households earning no more than 120% of area median income.

The development represents an estimated private investment of about $14 million.

The brownfield financing had emerged as an important component of the project as other potential funding sources changed or became unavailable during the lengthy effort to develop housing on the city-owned Court Street property.

Farrell said the county brownfield plan should be viewed as one potential financing mechanism rather than the only way the development could move forward.

“That’s only one vehicle to obtain that additional funding,” Farrell said.

For now, exactly what replaces it remains under discussion.

“We’ll see what transpires,” Farrell said.

Melrose Township supervisor Robin H. Berry resigns amid board conflict

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com

After nearly 18 years in Melrose Township government, Supervisor Robin Hissong Berry is resigning, saying persistent conflict among township officials has made it increasingly difficult for the board to work together.

Berry submitted her resignation Sept. 23, effective Oct. 1. The township board has scheduled a special meeting for 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5 to discuss the resignation, Trustee Tim LaGasse confirmed.

LaGasse declined to comment further. Clerk Becky Jenkins did not respond to a request for comment.

In her resignation letter, Berry said “circumstances beyond my control” had left her unable to continue serving as supervisor and a member of the board of trustees.

In an interview with the Boyne Citizen, Berry was more specific.

“Anybody that's attended our meetings has observed the discontent,” Berry said. “The board has not been able to work together and coordinate and focus on goals. So for two years it's been an uphill struggle.”

Berry has served as an elected township official since 2008, first as clerk for 16 years before being elected supervisor in November 2024.

She said disagreements on the board have increasingly become personal, describing “attacks and criticisms and threats and name calling.” At times, she said, she felt proposals were opposed simply because she brought them forward.

“It's like if Robin wants it, it's not good,” she said. “We will go against it.”

Trustee Mary Pat Goldich, who has also submitted her resignation, acknowledged the difficult atmosphere surrounding the board.

“It is an environment that is extraordinarily difficult to function in, to get to decisions when personal agendas may be entering into the discussion,” Goldich said.

But Goldich stressed that the board's conflicts did not factor into her decision to resign.

Instead, she said the increasing time commitment required by township government has become difficult to balance with family, work and other community service responsibilities. Meetings have become more frequent and often last three to three-and-a-half hours, she said.

“The scheduling demands have changed,” Goldich said.

Her resignation takes effect Nov. 10, two years before her term expires.

The leadership changes come as Melrose Township is also dealing with the breakup of its longstanding joint fire department arrangement with Chandler Township.

Berry said the fire department dispute was not the reason for her resignation but was an example of the broader conflict she believes has affected township government.

Chandler has been working to establish its own fire operation. The former chief and deputy chief resigned from the Melrose department while continuing their involvement with Chandler, according to Berry.

Goldich said she intentionally delayed her departure until November so she could help complete ongoing matters, including revisions to the township's short-term rental ordinance and work surrounding the fire department reorganization.

The departures of Berry and Goldich will leave two positions to fill on the five-member board.

The township is already seeking Goldich's replacement, with letters of interest due to the township clerk by Oct. 5. The board is expected to consider applicants at its Oct. 13 regular meeting.

Berry's term as supervisor otherwise would have continued through November 2028.

In her resignation letter, Berry said she hopes the township's future includes “cooperation and collaboration,” greater community participation and employees who are “valued and respected.”

Berry said leaving after nearly two decades in township government was ultimately a decision about her own peace of mind.

“I had to choose what was good for my well-being,” she said.

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Boyne City Housing Commission suspends Earl & Morgan St. housing project 

The Boyne City Housing Commission has suspended its current funding application for a proposed 32-unit housing development near Earl and Morgan streets, citing rising construction costs, interest rates and a significant decline in tax credit pricing.

The Housing Commission announced the decision this week, saying it will not move forward with the funding application that had been anticipated for Oct. 2.

“Due to recent increases in construction costs and interest rates, along with a significant reduction in tax credit pricing, the Boyne City Housing Commission has made the decision to suspend our current funding application,” the commission said in its announcement.

However, the project itself has not been abandoned. The Housing Commission said it intends to resubmit the development when the Michigan State Housing Development Authority releases its Notice of Funding Availability for Round 21 Gap Funds.

The proposal calls for 16 two-family residential buildings, creating 32 homes on an 8.99-acre vacant parcel north of Division Street, south of Morgan Street and west of Earl Street. The Boyne City Planning Commission unanimously approved the project's site plan in June.

The project has drawn opposition from some neighboring residents, who have raised concerns about density, traffic, infrastructure and the potential impact on the character of the neighborhood.

The Housing Commission's announcement attributed the decision to financing conditions and indicated it intends to continue pursuing the project.

“While the current funding application that was anticipated for October 2 is being suspended, our commitment to our mission has not changed,” the commission said. “We remain committed to expanding housing opportunities and will continue working to secure the funding necessary to bring much-needed housing to Boyne City.”

The Housing Commission said it will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available. No new timeline for the funding application was announced.

Congratulations to the 2026 Homecoming Court at Boyne City High School. These 10 members of the senior class were elected by their peers. From left are Addy Parks, Monte Eaton, Mya Van Horn, Brayden Joyce, Rayah Williams, Will Manthei, Addy Burns, Lakota Barber, Eeva Rintala, and Hyker McKenney. 

It’s homecoming weekend at BC High School; You can watch the game on Rambler Sports Network

It’s homecoming weekend at Boyne City High School with the Ramblers football team hosting Elk Rapids in the homecoming game at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct 2. The homecoming king and queen will be crowned at halftime, and the homecoming dance will be from 8-11 p.m. Saturday, with doors closing at 9 p.m. 

Before the game, the annual homecoming parade starts at 2:40 p.m. and runs from the high school through downtown Boyne City. 

The Rambler Sports Network will broadcast its first football production of the season for this game, and it can be viewed on Facebook by following the link on the school district’s website home page.

Boyne Falls School to host Community Expo during Oct. 8 parent-teacher conferences

Boyne Falls Public School will host its annual Community Expo from 3-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, during parent-teacher conferences. The event is sponsored by the Boyne Falls Public School Wellness Committee, which is dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and connection throughout the school community.

“We want to create an opportunity for families to discover what our community has to offer, meet local organizations, and build connections with the people and resources around them,” said school nurse and event organizer Tracy Tonsor.

The free Community Expo will bring together local organizations, businesses, agencies, and community resources in one location. Families will have the opportunity to learn about programs and services available in the area, talk directly with community members, participate in hands-on activities, and discover resources they may not have known were available to them. Organizers say the goal is to create a welcoming environment where families can learn, ask questions, have fun, and make meaningful connections.

The event will offer something for everyone. There will be free haircuts for children, free food, family-friendly activities, a prize drawing for participants, and more. The popular blender bike will also be back, giving families the chance to make their own smoothies while learning about healthy choices.

Community organizations and businesses are invited to participate at no cost. Booth space and tables are provided, making the expo an opportunity for local groups to share information, promote their services, meet families, and become more connected with the Boyne Falls community.

“It’s a great chance for families to get involved, have some fun, and learn more about the people, programs, and resources available right here in our community,” Tonsor said. “We are fortunate to have so many organizations and individuals willing to support our students and families, and this event gives everyone an opportunity to connect.”

The Community Expo is held during parent-teacher conferences to make it easier for families to attend. Parents can stop by before or after their conferences, and community members are welcome to attend even if they do not have a student at BFPS.

Prize donors for the event are Alaina Plans Adventures, Grain Train, BC Lanes, Three Bears Honey, Korthase Syrup, Raven Hill Discovery Center, and Movement Therapy. Apples are from Dionne Farms and pumpkins from Bolt's Farm.

For more information about the Community Expo or to participate as an exhibitor, contact Tracy Tonsor, RN, School Nurse, at ttonsor@boynefalls.org or (231) 549-2211 ext. 30072.

> Print a flyer for this Expo. 

Here is a list of Expo exhibitors as of Sept. 29, including the Boyne Citizen. Please stop at our booth to meet our editor, talk about our newsletter, and sign up for a free subscription. 

• Aligned Pilates
• American Tae Kwon-Do Academy
• Bear River Health
• Boyne Citizen
• C.A.P.E. Council
• Char-Em Intermediate School District
• Charlevoix County Sheriff's Department
• Community Mental Health
• Crooked Tree Library District
• Dr Martina - Monarch Family Chiropractic
• Fitness for Life
• Foster Care Regional Resource Team
• Great Start Collaborative & Family Coalition
• Habitat for Humanity
• Jordan Valley EMS
• Kiersten's Ride
• McLaren Northern Michigan Stroke Program
• Mental Health Professional BFPS
• Meredith Clemens and Korey LaTourneau - free haircuts for kids
• OK2SAY - Michigan's Student Safety Program
• Oral Health Assessments - Health Department of NW Michigan
• Raise Hope and Foster Dreams-MDHHS
• SAFE in Northern Michigan
• Surf the Earth

Boyne City seeks input on 10-year strategic plan

Boyne City is asking residents and visitors to weigh in on the community’s future through a new survey that will help shape the city’s strategic plan for the next 10 years.

The survey seeks public input that will be considered along with existing city plans, discussions by the Strategic Plan Stakeholder Committee and feedback from a community engagement event.

The planning process follows a February strategic visioning session where city commissioners identified priorities including housing, community engagement, infrastructure, marina and lake access and fiscal transparency.

The city will also host a community engagement drop-in session from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, in the Commission Chambers at Boyne City Hall. Participants can provide additional feedback and speak with the planning team.

The survey is available online here from Networks Northwest.

Click here to donate or mail your check to

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

BC school board candidates to meet voters Sunday

Boyne City voters will have an opportunity to meet the four candidates seeking three seats on the Boyne City Public Schools Board of Education ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

The district will host a school board candidate meet-and-greet from 7-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4 in the Hospitality Room at the Boyne City Education Center, 321 S. Park St. Attendees should use the entrance across from the Boyne District Library.

Four candidates are seeking the three open seats: incumbents Joel Schraw and Mary Towne and challengers Lindsay Verwys and Clyde Payton. Each seat carries a six-year term on the seven-member Board of Education.

The event will not include a formal forum or debate. Instead, each candidate will have an individual table, allowing community members to meet candidates one-on-one, ask questions and discuss issues important to them.

> For more information on each candidate, visit the BCPS website at https://www.boyne.k12.mi.us/o/bcps/page/board-candidates.

Boyne City School Board candidates share their views on issues

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com

The four candidates seeking seats on the Boyne City Public Schools Board of Education were asked to share their backgrounds, reasons for running and views on the most important issues facing the district in the coming years.

The Boyne Citizen also asked candidates to weigh in on what the district is doing well, where improvements are needed, and the role the school board should play in addressing those challenges.

Incumbents Joel Schraw and Mary Towne and candidates Clyde Payton and Lindsay Verwys are seeking three six-year terms in the Nov. 3 election.

Each candidate was sent the same four questions. Their responses are published below verbatim.

Clyde Payton

Please provide a brief biography, including your age, occupation, how long you have lived in the Boyne City area, your connection to Boyne City Public Schools and any family information you would like to share.

Hello, my name is Clyde Payton. I am 46 years old and a graduate of Boyne City High School. For the past 22 years, I have served as a Law Enforcement Officer, spending 11 of those years as a School Liaison Officer (6 years in East Jordan and 5 years serving Charlevoix County). Currently, I am a Detective with the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office and live just outside the Boyne City limits. I have been married for nearly 21 years to Staci Payton, and we have two children: Timothy, a recent Boyne City High School graduate attending Alpena Community College, and Lily, a junior at Boyne City High School. Timothy completed BCPS’s Lineman CTE program and is actively pursuing a career in the field; our family is deeply grateful for the education he received from BCPS to set him on a successful path. In my spare time, I volunteer with the Boyne City Varsity Football Team keeping statistics on Friday nights, attend my daughter's volleyball and softball games, and have spent many years coaching local youth sports teams.

Why are you running for the Boyne City Board of Education, and what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

My time as a School Liaison Officer was exceptionally rewarding, and it was a true privilege to serve as the bridge between our schools and law enforcement. I am proud of what we accomplished together, including the installation of Night Lock security devices across all Charlevoix County schools, including Boyne City Public Schools. That experience reinforced my decision to run for the Boyne City School Board. My familiarity with the school system will allow me to hit the ground running as an effective board member from day one. Furthermore, my background in law enforcement and school safety will help ensure BCPS remains a safe, secure learning environment for all students. I look forward to once again serving as a bridge between our community and our schools. If elected, my goal is to listen to community members and school staff alike, setting attainable goals to keep Boyne City Schools a positive place where students thrive both academically and athletically, while ensuring local tax dollars are spent effectively and efficiently.

What do you believe are the most important issues facing Boyne City Public Schools over the next several years?

At any Boyne City school event, you hear familiar names called over the speakers and see local faces filling the crowd. Even as our community and school system expand each year, we have successfully preserved that close-knit, small-town sense of community. As our student body grows, my primary focus will be ensuring we maintain the financial stability required to preserve these positive relationships and support the strong programs that attract new families while retaining our local roots.

What is the district doing well, where does it need to improve and what role should the school board play in addressing those challenges?

No response provided.

Joel Schraw

Please provide a brief biography, including your age, occupation, how long you have lived in the Boyne City area, your connection to Boyne City Public Schools and any family information you would like to share.

I’ve lived in Boyne City since 1992, save for the years that I was pursuing higher education. I moved back to Boyne City with my wife in 2008 and we began our careers as attorneys at the law firm established by my father in downtown Boyne City. We now have three boys in the Boyne City Public Schools, two in high school and one in middle school.

Why are you running for the Boyne City Board of Education, and what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

I am rerunning for BOE because I have three children in the schools and because my family is friends with many of the other local families that have children in the school. Being a part of the BOE allows me to keep my finger on the pulse of schools. It also affords me the opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to me.

What do you believe are the most important issues facing Boyne City Public Schools over the next several years?

We will be focusing on several significant capital improvements over the next few years, which requires a greater degree of fiscal attention and responsibility. I also believe that it is very important for BCPS to continue in the pursuit of its goal that every student feels welcome at and connected to the school, their peer groups and their instructors, administrators and coaches.

What is the district doing well, where does it need to improve and what role should the school board play in addressing those challenges?

BCPS does so much very well. This is one of the reasons that we draw students from various other local school districts. I’m very proud of this fact and of all school staff that have worked, and continue to work, so hard to make it happen. While I can’t point to any specific areas requiring improvement, I know that the members of the BCPS staff are always seeking improvement and I trust that this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.

Mary Towne

Please provide a brief biography, including your age, occupation, how long you have lived in the Boyne City area, your connection to Boyne City Public Schools and any family information you would like to share.

My name is Mary A. Towne, and I have been honored to serve on the Boyne City School Board of Directors for the past six years. I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our students, families, schools, and community.

I was born in Petoskey and raised in Boyne City, the community I still call home. I married my high school sweetheart, Rob Towne, and we are raising our two sons, Aidan and Jack, here. My children’s positive experiences in the district inspired me to give back to the schools and community I love.

Professionally, I work for a local title insurance company, where I finalize documents, balance and disburse files, submit documents for recording, and prepare policies for real estate transactions. This experience has been valuable in my role on the board.

Why are you running for the Boyne City Board of Education, and what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

No response provided.

What do you believe are the most important issues facing Boyne City Public Schools over the next several years?

The district will continue to face several important issues. First, state funding remains uncertain, making it difficult to predict how much support our district will receive. Second, student enrollment remains a concern as school-of-choice changes and the closure of Concord Academy have created uncertainty for families. Third, every student’s mental health and well-being must remain a priority.

What is the district doing well, where does it need to improve and what role should the school board play in addressing those challenges?

Our school system has passed bonds that support improvements at the elementary school and in the culinary, construction, and lineman programs. Through Room 156, the district also assists families in need, benefiting many students and making a positive impact.

Areas for improvement include strengthening communication with parents and students and maintaining transparency. The school board can help identify these needs and, through thoughtful collaboration, determine the best course of action.

Lindsay Verwys

Please provide a brief biography, including your age, occupation, how long you have lived in the Boyne City area, your connection to Boyne City Public Schools and any family information you would like to share.

I’m Lindsay Verwys, I’m 43, and I’m the owner of Boyneland Vacation Rentals. My husband and I moved to Boyne City in 2010 when I took a teaching position at Concord Academy. I taught Social Studies there for three years and I became a stay at home mom when I had my children. During that time I served three years on Concord’s school board. We now have four children in Boyne City Public Schools, two in elementary and two in middle school. I am proud to be a Rambler and feel it is the right time to serve on the BCPS Board of Education.

Why are you running for the Boyne City Board of Education, and what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

I am running because I feel this is my season to serve. Our four children are in the district, and I already know what it means to sit on a school board from my years at Concord. I think the school and the board are both currently running well, and Boyne City Public Schools is an amazing district to be part of. We have felt welcomed here and we are proud to be Ramblers. If elected, I want to help keep that strength, supporting the work already underway and helping the district continue welcoming new families the way it welcomed ours.

What do you believe are the most important issues facing Boyne City Public Schools over the next several years?

One issue the board will keep facing is finding and keeping strong teachers and support staff. We are a rural district with a higher cost of living, so recruiting here is harder than it is in many other places.

Another is carrying out the 2025 bond voters approved for CTE space, elementary upgrades, buses, technology, and athletics. The board needs to keep those projects on time and on budget, and make sure the new spaces are used to give students more opportunity.

We also need to keep strengthening student pathways. Dual enrollment and CTE are already working. We should support options for college, the trades, and local jobs, not treat them as competing choices.

What is the district doing well, where does it need to improve and what role should the school board play in addressing those challenges?

The district does a great job integrating new families and making people proud to be Ramblers. That warm welcome should stay a priority. Where we need to stay focused is teacher recruitment and finishing the bond projects so they can get utilized.

I see the board’s role as advising the superintendent, setting direction and providing oversight, not running the schools day to day. The board should support a district that is already strong and help it stay that way.

County Board changes health insurance provider

By Carole Shane, cjshane@charter.net 

Several Charlevoix County retirees may receive reimbursement for out of pocket costs they incurred when they were involuntarily switched from one healthcare plan to another. At the Sept. 23 meeting of the Board of Commissioners, county staff were directed to prepare a resolution that will be considered at the Oct. 14 meeting. The resolution would allow seven retirees and two spouses to receive up to $3,000 each to cover the increased costs they experienced. 

If approved, the resolution will also allow the county to change providers of retiree healthcare insurance from the current United Healthcare to Humana. According to Human Resources Director Sherry Marek, the switch to Humana will provide better coverage and improved customer service at decreased cost to the county. Marek estimated the county will save more than $18,000 yearly, which could then be used to offset the cost of reimbursements owed to the eligible retirees.

The board also approved initiating a memorandum of understanding for the Upper Chain of Lakes project. The non-binding memorandum outlines Charlevoix County’s intent to cooperate with Antrim County in an attempt to update the normal lake levels, define the corresponding special assessment district and to conduct necessary repairs to related infrastructure.

Included in the memorandum is the appointment of District 4 Commissioner (currently Josh Chamberlain) as Charlevoix County’s delegated authority. It also describes the duties and parameters of the delegated authority’s role and could allow for expenditures of over $10,000 per year toward the project. It is expected that monies expended will eventually be reimbursed with funds generated by a Special Assessment District (SAD). 

Residents of the Six Mile Lake area of Antrim and Charlevoix Counties have initiated the process of establishing a SAD to address high water levels and infrastructure problems that have led to flooding in that area.

In other business, the commissioners unanimously passed resolutions pertaining to:

• 2027 Emergency Management grant work agreement
• Beaver Island Shamrock meal agreement
• Beaver Island School meal agreement
• Beaver Island Beachcomber meal agreement
• Beaver Island Harbour Market meal agreement
• FY2027 MSU Extension services
• General and Subsidiary Fund budget deficits
• Opt-out for the upcoming benefit year, exempting the county from the medical benefit funding limitations for the 2027 benefit year.

County seeks parks and rec plan input with survey

Charlevoix County is in the process of updating its five-year Parks & Recreation Plan, and officials are looking for public input. Charlevoix County will use the feedback received from this survey to prioritize Parks & Recreation projects for the next five to 10 years. Take the survey here by Oct. 16.

The county is also hosting two open house information sessions: 

• Monday, Oct. 5, from 4-6 p.m. at Whiting Park Log Cabin, 5820 Lake Shore Road, Boyne City.
• Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 4-6 p.m. at Charlevoix Public Library Community Rooms A & B, 220 Clinton St., Charlevoix. 

After 14 years, Cafe Sante’s famous $5 pizzas get a little price bump

We all knew it couldn’t last forever, and after 14 years of offering $5 wood-fired pizzas on Mondays, Cafe Sante has finally raised the price to $6. The off season special will debut for 2026 next Monday, Oct. 5. 

The Boyne Citizen had to ask Cafe Sante chef and general manager Kyle Marshall how long it had lasted and why it took so long. He couldn’t even remember for sure when it started.

“Well, it’s been awhile… it started back in either 2011 or 2012 - probably 2012,” Marshall said. “I dragged my feet last year on the increase just because I hoped we could make ends meet at the end of day by upselling drinks and add-ons.” 

“This year with labor doubling down and with the tip credit being reduced, I could not make the math work. Honestly, at $6 the math doesn't work, but it's a damn fun night for the locals and I think we would all miss the promotion if it went away!”

 As in the past, the pizza special will run until just before Memorial Day of 2027 with a holiday blackout on Dec. 28.

Cafe Sante’s $10 Thursday pasta special will make its fall debut tonight, Thursday, Oct. 1 - and that price is unchanged over the past several years. This special also runs until late May of 2027 with a New Year’s Eve blackout this December.

Blaise Sytsma-Reed of Charlevoix, at left, and Eeva Rintala of Boyne City will be performing with the orchestra on Saturday.

BC, Charlevoix student musicians to perform with Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra Saturday

The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra (GLCO) will present “Pietà: Sacred Works,” a concert featuring Los Angeles-based countertenor Stephen Pitters, a world premiere composition, and regional student musicians, on Saturday, Oct. 3.

The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m at St. Francis Xavier Church in Petoskey.

The evening will highlight youth performers from Northern Michigan. Blaise Sytsma-Reed of Charlevoix and Eeva Rintala of Boyne City, co-winners of GLCO’s 19th Annual Young Artist Competition, who will take the stage with the orchestra to perform the first movement of J.S. Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins.

Seating is general admission with Premium ($65) and Regular ($40) tiers available at glcorchestra.org/concerts/. Complimentary tickets are available to veterans, active-duty military, and students/children 18 and under - call the GLCO office to reserve at 231-487-0010.

It's Skitoberfest weekend at Boyne Mountain

Boyne Mountain Resort will toast the season Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2-3 with the 17th annual Skitoberfest, a fall tradition that mixes Oktoberfest flair with a mountain-town celebration of winter’s return.

Skitoberfest is Oktoberfest with a mountain accent: brews pouring straight from the keg trailer, Bavarian plates in the food tent, and live music from noon until the lights go down. Then there are competitions - stein hoisting, keg throwing, pie eating, and spouse carrying. It all ends at the Pray for Snow Bonfire, where they ask Ullr for a winter full of powder days. 

The event announcement says, “It started as an excuse to celebrate fall and beg for an early winter. Seventeen years later, it's the tradition that fills this mountain every October. Skitoberfest isn't just a party. It's how Boyne Mountain says winter is coming.” 

> Schedule and details.

First Autumn Festival comes to Walloon this weekend

Hotel Walloon invites the public to celebrate the beauty of the season during the inaugural Walloon Lake Autumn Festival, taking place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4 in the heart of the Village of Walloon Lake.

Designed to capture the charm and traditions of fall in Northern Michigan, the Autumn Festival will bring together the Walloon Lake community for a weekend filled with live entertainment, seasonal flavors, hands-on activities, and family-friendly experiences. 

Enjoy live music from The Blitz and Jelly Roll Blues Band, watch live wood and pumpkin carvings, explore the Autumn Market in the Talcott, and savor Oktoberfest specials throughout the weekend. On Sunday, experience the Taste of Autumn cook-off benefiting Manna Food Project, featuring seasonal flavors and local culinary talent.

Attendees can also enjoy Oktoberfest-inspired specials at the Walloon Village General Store and other merchants in the village.

Festival hours are 12-6:30 p.m. Oct. 3 and 12-4 p.m. Oct. 4.

Chamber State of the Community Luncheon features five local leaders as speakers

Five speakers will provide updates on “the issues, projects and opportunities shaping our region” during the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce annual State of the Community Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 9. The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Vienna Room at Boyne Mountain Resort. 

Here are the speakers:

• Payton Heins - president and CEO of Northern Lakes Economic Alliance
• Chuck Vondra - Charlevoix County sheriff and Interim county administrator
• Sam Demel - city manager of the City of Boyne City
• Chelsea Platte - vice president for advancement and executive director of the North Central Michigan College Foundation
• Dakota Baker - director of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance

Chamber Executive Director Jen Clasman said the luncheon “is an opportunity to hear directly from leaders across our region, gain a better understanding of the issues affecting our communities and businesses, and learn more about the challenges and opportunities ahead. We hope you’ll join us for this important conversation and be part of the discussion about the future of our community.”

Details and registration - $35 for chamber members and $40 for future members. Registration closes Wednesday, Oct. 7.

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

> Oct. 6 - Lake Charlevoix Young Professionals: Net-Walk with Us! Details and registration.

> Oct. 15 - “Falling for Fiction,” Business After Hours hosted by Dust & Blush Bookshop from 5:30-8:30 p.m. 

Seven men and a child with an axe, a big saw, and a mystery in the Michigan snow

Can you help us put names to the faces in this remarkable logging post card that’s part of the Boyne Heritage Center collection?

In the photo above we have a group of lumbermen standing proudly in the snow, apparently ready to demonstrate that they were perfectly comfortable doing extremely difficult work while wearing wool, suspenders and remarkably serious expressions.

And right in the middle of it all? A child with an axe, and one very large saw.

We know almost nothing about the people in this photograph. According to the letter below, Wilma Pflasterer of Nebraska states that her grandparents, William and Viola Covert lived and worked in a logging camp in 1910, where her mother was born. 

The back of the postcard is blank, giving us no information about these men. That's what we're hoping local historians and some exceptionally observant genealogists can help us discover. Contact Len DiLaura at ljd49712@gmail.com if you can help solve the 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.”

League of Women Voters to explore universal health care

“Universal Health Care – What is It? What does it mean for me?” is the topic of the next public forum planned by the League of Women Voters of Northern Lower Michigan (LWVNLM). It will be held Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Charlevoix Public Library conference room.  

Speakers are: Laura Ford, PhD, RN, CNP, Professional Senior Instructor at Western Michigan University; and William Wadland, MD, MS, Professor Emeritus Past Chair Department of Family Medicine Michigan State University Associate Dean.

Drs. Ford and Wadland will discuss the basics of Universal Health Care and compare other global health systems to those of the US.

• What are the anticipated outcomes?
• What are the common misperceptions?
• Will this be a cost savings?
• Will our health improve?

“Interest in expanding health care coverage has become a public focus over the past several years, with many proposals being discussed,” said Pat Fralick, co-chair of the LWVNLM’s Health Care Committee. “Our committee wants to provide an opportunity for the public to learn about this important issue.”

Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity for participants to ask questions. Light refreshments will be served.

Register for the forum at  https://www.lwvnlm.org/october-2026-forum. Attendees can participate in person or by Zoom. The forum will be recorded for future viewing.

Gas prices drop a little from all-time highs

Prices for regular unleaded gas and diesel dropped slightly from last week's all-time high levels this week at the Marathon station at 470 N. Lake Street. Unleaded gas fell 20 cents per gallon to $4.79, while diesel dropped 10 cents to $6.69. 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
• Sept. 9 - $4.399/$5.999
• Sept. 16 - $4.599/$6.499
• Sept. 23 - $4.999/$6.799
• Sept. 30 - $4.799/$6.699

> Michigan gas price average (AAA) is $4.578. The national average is $4.434.

News Briefs

POLICE CHIEF RETIREMENT PARTY - Everyone is invited to attend Police Chief Kevin Spate’s retirement party from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Lake Street Pub at 202 S. Lake St. The City of Boyne City invites the community to stop by, share your well wishes, and help recognize Chief Spate for his 27 years of dedicated service to the Police Department, the last 6½ years as chief. Read the Boyne Citizen feature on Chief Spate from Aug. 7, 2026.

BOYNE AREA FREE CLINIC will be the beneficiary of a fundraising dinner from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 at the Veterans Park Pavilion in Boyne City. Well known area chef Mike Sader will prepare the pasta dinner, with a suggested donation of $12 per person. A silent auction will also be held to benefit the Free Clinic, whose mission is “to provide high quality, patient-centered healthcare to all individuals, ensuring compassionate care regardless of ability to pay.”

> Here is a Boyne Citizen story from Sept. 14 about the Free Clinic and Good Neighbors Food Pantry of Boyne City launching a $500,000 campaign to repair their shared building and support the growing needs of their local community.

NEED A CAMPAIGN SIGN? The Charlevoix County Republican and Democratic parties have opened offices next door to each other in the shopping center at 5 W. Main Street in Boyne City. The Republicans’ office is open Tuesday and Thursdays from 3-7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The office entrance is on the lake side of the building. Here is their Facebook page. The Democrats’ office on the back side of the building is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2-6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-12 noon. Here is the Domocrats’ Facebook page. Both parties say that their office hours depend on volunteer availability.

EARLY VOTING - Charlevoix County residents can vote in person at the Charlevoix County Building, 301 State St. in Charlevoix from Saturday, Oct. 24, until Sunday, Nov.  1 from 8:30 a.m.‐4:30 p.m. Voters are reminded to bring a picture ID.

WALLOON JUNCTION Bar & Grill new owners were hoping to reopen Oct. 6, but a Facebook post says their anticipated opening is now mid-October. Here’s what they said: “As we prepare to welcome everyone back, we’ve been busy making upgrades to our kitchen, working through permits and inspections, training our amazing team, and handling all the little (and big!) things that come with taking ownership of a new business. We’re also patiently waiting for one of our new owners to officially hang up his UPS uniform for the last time and begin this exciting new chapter with us!” The business is owned by NMPI Group LLC, which is Natasha and Matt Hizelberger and Matt’s parents, Paul and Irene Hizelberger.

IRONTON FERRY is now operating from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. instead of 10:30 p.m. for the remainder of the fall. The ferry normally closes for the season on the day before Thanksgiving.

BLESSING OF THE PETS - The Episcopal Church of the Nativity invites everyone to join them for their Blessing of Pets service at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4. at 10:00 AM at 209 E. Main St. in Boyne City. 

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:

• Monday, Oct. 12 - Boyne District Library, 12:30-5:30 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 20 - Boyne City High School, 9 a.m.-2:30 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 $5, for ages 59 and under, $10; and for children 12 and under, $8.

> Here is the October lunch menu and October activity calendar.



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Regional News

From Traverse Ticker, Bridge Michigan and Interlochen Public Radio

> United Way of Northwest Michigan Ending Operations After 50 Years - Story

> Michigan got $173M to transform rural health. Where is it going?m - Story

> 'Outdoors with Coggin Heeringa': Chickadees try to remember - Story

City of Boyne City Municipal News

Your voice matters; Give your input on city's future

Provide your input for Boyne City's future! Take the strategic plan survey here: bit.ly/BoyneCityStrategy. Your voice matters! The public is also invited to join the Community Drop-in Session happening Tuesday, October 6, 4-7pm in the Boyne City Hall Commission Chambers. For additional information on the Boyne City strategic planning process, please visit nwm.org/boynecity.

Hemlock Street paving update

Reith-Riley has confirmed that crews are planning to complete the top course of pavement on Hemlock Street this Saturday, along with miscellaneous paving patches, driveway approaches, and spillways throughout the project area. Please use caution around crews and equipment and expect temporary traffic impacts while this work is underway. Thank you for your continued patience as we move closer to completing this project!

Avalanche Erosion Control Project under way this week

Work on the Avalanche Preserve Erosion Control Project was scheduled to begin this week near the top of the hill at Avalanche Preserve. The project is intended to address erosion concerns at the summit area of Avalanche. The City Commission awarded the project to G & J Site Solutions, Inc. earlier this year.

Work is expected to continue through October, with the exact completion date dependent on construction progress and site conditions. Visitors to Avalanche should be aware of construction activity in the area and use caution around crews and equipment. We appreciate everyone’s patience while this important work is completed to help protect and maintain the Preserve.

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, Oct. 13. Agenda page.



Obituaries

Wayne M. LaForest

December 9, 1952 ~ September 22, 2026 (age 73)

Telescope mages from left to right: James B. Webb, Nancy Grace Roman, and Vera C. Rubin.

Webb, Roman and Rubin telescopes bring complementary discoveries of the cosmos

By Rod Cortright, cortrigh@msu.edu 

The James Webb Space Telescope, Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, and Vera

C. Rubin Observatory are three of the most important astronomical facilities of this decade, and they were designed to do quite different jobs.

The James Webb Space Telescope is best suited for examining individual objects in detail. Its 6.5-meter segmented mirror and infrared instruments let it detect extremely faint, distant galaxies, study stars and planets forming inside dusty clouds, and analyze the atmospheres of some exoplanets. Because Webb observes mainly in infrared wavelengths, it can see objects that are hidden or difficult to observe in visible light. Its relatively small field of view, however, means that Webb is not primarily intended to survey huge areas of the sky. Instead, it can be thought of as a cosmic microscope, concentrating its remarkable sensitivity on carefully selected targets.

The ground-based Vera C. Rubin Observatory, located in Chile, takes almost the opposite approach. Its 8.4-meter telescope and enormous 3.2-billion-pixel camera are designed to photograph very large areas of the sky again and again over many years. This repeated imaging allows astronomers to detect changes in the universe, including supernovae, variable stars, asteroids, comets, and other objects that move or change in brightness. Rubin is especially valuable for discovering transient events and tracking how objects change with time.

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope occupies a middle ground between Webb and Rubin. Roman will observe from space, primarily at visible and near-infrared wavelengths, and will produce, in a single observation, high-resolution images over areas of sky far larger than Webb can cover.

The greatest scientific value of these three observatories will come from using them together. Rubin can discover unusual or changing objects across enormous areas of the sky; Roman can study large populations of galaxies and stars with sharp space-based imaging; and Webb can examine particularly interesting targets in much greater detail.

Roman and Rubin will also make major contributions to studies of dark matter, dark energy, galaxy evolution, and the structure of the universe, while Webb excels at probing the earliest galaxies, star formation, and planetary systems. In simple terms, Rubin acts like a wide-field time-lapse camera, Roman like a panoramic space camera, and Webb like a highly sensitive cosmic microscope. Their different strengths make them complementary tools for exploring the universe.

“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.

The 1917 LaFrance fire engine is seen here parked in front of the fire department and city hall building which at that time was located on the corner of Ray and South Park Streets. Just across the street and in plain view sits the original Boyne City Railroad’s passenger depot. If you look just to the left of its roofline, you will see the rooftop of the building that we now refer to as “the depot.” Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary collection.

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

The case of the disappearing depot

By Patrick McCleary, Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com

There are times when giving accounts of local history make me a “bad guy” of sorts. As the decades pass, ideas and the conceived perception of facts become ingrained into local memory. Repeated exposure to a claim tends to make people accept that claim as true, regardless of its actual validity. Correcting these misconceptions can often become an uncomfortable task, but they generally begin with my saying, “It’s a great story, but unfortunately it isn’t quite true.” 

Such was the case recently when I was told how wonderful it was that Boyne City’s original train depot still survived. Puzzled, I commented that the Boyne City train depot had been razed a couple of generations back, and that the proof of this lies in the parking lot of the present day Stiggs Brewery & Kitchen establishment. 

“Oh no, you must be mistaken. I’ve been inside it. You can just envision the passengers buying tickets and waiting for the next train to arrive.” 

How do you explain that, while it is an original building on its original site, the present-day depot building is not the original Boyne City railroad’s passenger depot? Although this building has a long and interesting history, it was simply modified over the years to appear to be a facility to engage with the traveling populace. Let me explain.

A clear view of both the Boyne City railroad passenger and freight depot. While the passenger depot has been gone for many years, the freight depot (the more distant building) still exists. Renovated to serve multiple purposes over the years, it is the latter building that many people identify today as being the city’s railroad depot. It was a depot for freight… not for passengers and ticket sales. Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary collection. 

The arrival of railroads to the local region made a significant impact on Northern Michigan. Trains changed lives across the region. They served commercial needs for both incoming and outgoing products and merchandise. They also helped to foster and encourage the infancy and continued growth of tourism. As the various train lines expanded and grew, the landscape began to become peppered with their associated depots as well as the buildings that served as depots in the smaller burgs. 

A depot was a big deal in rural communities. When a depot was erected within a community, it brought with it a metropolitan flair or an “urban vibe,” if you will. It meant that the community had arrived - economically and socially. It had been taken from a rough, frontier-like setting where you boarded and stepped off the train from an all-weather platform to sit comfortably, waiting for your passenger car to arrive, perhaps even enjoying a cup of hot coffee or tea. 

Some of the old depots across Northern Michigan still survive. Many have been converted into local history museums or repurposed into restaurants or specialty shops. Prime examples of this can be found in both Charlevoix and Petoskey, where the city historical societies have obtained ownership and maintain these into the present day. However, every town is different, which leads me back to Boyne City and its train depot. 

The corner of Ray and South Park Streets is seen here in an image dated prior to 1911. Originally the site of the first First Presbyterian Church, pioneer pharmacist William Wallace Bailey purchased the building from the congregation and renovated it into his pharmacy building. He allowed the upstairs to be used as a school gym for several years prior to that building being burned to the ground. Across Ray Street, the former Boyne City passenger depot can be clearly seen. If you are wondering where the Stiggs building is, it had not been moved into that location at the time of this photo being taken. Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary collection. 

When William H. White arrived in Boyne City, he set out to start a business. He tried several times to partner with people, and operate businesses, but all failed. Then in the fall of 1866 he bought a sawmill from the Sheboygan Chair Company of Wisconsin for a rumored $2,000. This he owned and ran on his own sawmill until 1889 when his brother James moved into town and bought out a quarter share of his company for $1,000. Later, his brother-in-law also joined the business.

To secure an ample amount of timber to supply his mills, Mr. White realized that he needed a railroad. In 1893, the White Company organized the Boyne City and Southeastern Railroad. They built their line east toward Boyne Falls, as this was the crossing of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railway. Originally, that connection took place at the now ghost town settlement of Easton, about 1 mile north of Boyne Falls. Boyne City and Southeastern Railroad ran as far as Thumb Lake, with several branches to the south.

Once this connection had been made and travel could be made in a comfortable manner, the Boyne City depots were erected around the turn of the last century for $1,500. The passenger depot consisted of several business offices, a waiting room and a “small cargo” area. “Small cargo” typically referred to items that could be carried with passengers or of a more personal nature. Large, heavy business and shipping cargo was relegated to the freight depot, just next to the passenger depot - more toward the corner of Ray and South Lake Streets. It is this freight depot that still survives. 

An early Sanborn Fire Map clearly depicts the Boyne City railroad’s passenger depot (no longer in existence) on the corner of Ray and South Park streets and the freight depot (structurally modified and still standing) near the corner of Ray and South Lake Streets. Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary collection. 

By 1904, three trains were running daily along the Boyne City and Boyne Falls route. While much of this travel was business related, at least one train a day (more on weekends) made the trip possible for passengers to Boyne Falls and then on to more distant destinations. When and why the Boyne City Railroad’s passenger depot was razed is beyond my realm of knowledge. Perhaps some of our readers know the facts in answer to that question. Suffice it to say, the current depot is not only a historic edifice worthy of being preserved by future generations. It holds a remarkable history all its own. From a historical aspect however, it is important to understand what its origins are and that it is an original edifice that was constructed to serve a very different purpose from passenger gatherings and ticket sales.  

The fractional roofline of the freight depot, the building still standing in its original location, can be seen at the far left of this image of the railroad passenger depot. Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary Collection. 

THE SHORTEST RAILROAD LINE IN MICHIGAN?



Many early Boyne City residents still hold fast to the claim that Boyne City held this title. However, as with the old “original passenger depot” fallacy, we need to ask, “what are the facts and who really held this claim to fame?”

The Boyne City railroad ran 7.2 miles over its own railroad between Boyne City and Boyne Falls. There, it exchanged with cars from the Pennsylvania Railroad. This would carry you into Petoskey if you were heading north and over to the now ghost town settlement of Alabaster (near Tawas City) if you were heading east or south. There, you could make the exchange with other railways. 

At its peak in the 1920s, the Boyne City, Gaylord and Alpena Railroad (BCG&A), also known as the White Line after its owners, had scheduled passenger runs to and from Alpena, along with an almost continuous stream of logging trains hauling from Alpena to Gaylord. The BCG&A employed 175 men, owned 18 locomotives, maintained its own maintenance equipment and snowplows, built its own flatcars for hauling logs, and did most of its overhauling of heavy equipment in its own roundhouse and foundry down on the lakefront at the end of Water Street. 

Even though the Boyne City railroad trains operated no further than Boyne Falls, 7.2 miles from depot to depot, cars bearing the names of some of the largest railroads in the nation and cars from thousands of miles away would be seen coming in and out of Boyne City. 

In answer to the question above, the Ludington & Northern Railway measured only 2.79 miles and was famously known for decades as being the shortest operating common carrier railroad in Michigan. In close second, the Erie & Michigan Railway (specifically the Erie & Michigan Railway & Navigation Company) operated a line approximately 4.25 miles long (extending from the Alabaster Junction into Alabaster, Michigan), with an overall operated track length of roughly 6 miles, which included its sidings and yard tracks. In all actuality, the Boyne City railroad system honestly holds the third-place title - still a noteworthy fact for future generations to keep in mind.

> 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.

Thank you to the generous donors who are supporting local journalism and the Boyne Citizen!

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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.

> September hours: Monday & Wednesday 5-10 p.m.; Tuesday, Friday, Saturday 3-10 p.m.l Sunday 3-9 p.m. Closed Thursdays.

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

> Upcoming events, classes and exhibits:

• Book a Private Art Party for the holidays
• Demo Night- Adam VanHouten - Friday, October 9, 6-8pm.
• VanHouten's Composition for Landscape Painters - Saturday, Oct. 10, 9:30 am-4 pm.
• Abstract Realism - Watercolor and Ink - Wednesday, Oct. 14, 1-3 pm
• Oil Painting for Brave Beginners - Oct 14, 21, 28 and Nov 4, 9-11:30 am
• Floral Painting Using Pastels- Oct 15, 22, 29, and Nov 5, 9 am-12 noon
• Demo Night- Mark Mehaffey - Thursday, Oct. 22, 6-8 pm
• Mehaffey, Two Day Plein Air Class - Oct 23 & 24, 10 am - 4 pm

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

> Wednesday, Sept. 23 was our last Wednesday of the season. We will continue with Saturdays outdoors through Oct. 17 when we switch to inside the pavilion.

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

• Saturday, Oct. 3 - Terry Coveyou
• Saturday, Oct. 10 - Rhett DuCouer

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 - Patrick Ryan & Guests, 7-10 p.m.
• Saturdays - Patrick Ryan, 7-10 p.m. (No Saturday music if MSU or UM have a late game)

BOYNE DISTRICT LIBRARY - 201 East Main St., Boyne City, 231-582-7861. Newsletter with Octber 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 VALLEY VINEYARDS - 05325 US 131 S, Petoskey, (231) 373-2090.

> LIVE MUSIC:

• Friday, Oct. 2 - Michelle Chenard (4-7:30)
• Saturday, Oct. 3 - Chris Calleja (2-6)
• Sunday, Oct. 4 - Chris Calleja (1:30-5)
• Friday, Oct. 9 - Yankee Station (4-7:30)
• Saturday, Oct. 10 - Chris Calleja (2-6)
• Friday, Oct. 16 - Chris Calleja (4-7:30)
• Saturday, Oct. 17 - Chris Calleja (2-6)
• Sunday, Oct. 18 - Chris Calleja (1:30-5)
• Friday, Oct. 23 - Nelson Olstrom (4-7:30)
• Saturday, Oct. 24 - Two Track Mind (2-6)
• Saturday, Oct. 31 - Michelle Chenard (2-6)

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

> Fall specials: $10 Thursday Pasta special begins Oct. 1, and $6 Monday pizza special begins Oct. 6. (We knew $5 pizzas couldn't last forever!)

> Live music:

• Friday, Oct. 2 - Lavender Lions Duo, 7-10 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 3 - Nelson Olstrom, 7-10 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 5 - The Shifties, 6-9 pm.
• Friday, Oct. 9 - Pete Kehoe, 7-10 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 10 - Nelson Olstrom, 7-10 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 12 - The Shifties, 6-9 pm.
• Friday, Oct. 16 - Sean Bielby, 7-10 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 17 - The Fridays, 7-10 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 19 - The Shifties, 6-9 pm.
• Friday, Oct. 23 - Michelle Chenard, 7-10 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 24 - The Fridays, 7-10 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 26 - The Shifties, 6-9 pm.
• Friday, Oct. 30 - Pete Kehoe, 7-10 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 31- John Monkman, 7-10 p.m. Halloween Tomfoolery with a ghoulish cocktails and a costume contest with three winners of $75, $50, and $25 gift cards. Register between 6 and 7:30, judging at 8 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 2 - The Shifties, 6-9 pm.

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

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

• Saturday, Oct. 17 - Downtown Sound: The Proud Naturals, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10-$55. Details.

FRESHWATER GALLERY & CONCERT VENUE - 217 S Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 582-2588. Music series:

• Saturday, Nov. 28 - Henhouse Prowlers, 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 29 - Larry McCray, 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 13 - Uprooted, 8 p.m. - Featuring Rusted Root principal songwriter, lead singer, and guitarist Michael Glabicki and other former Rusted Root members, including longtime guitarist Dirk Miller.

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

• Thursday, Oct. 1 - Moms Unhinged Comedy. Grab your friends. Leave your worries at the door.
• Friday, Oct. 2 - The C.S. Lewis Festival Presents: Community Arts Night. Join the C.S. Lewis Festival for an evening celebrating youth art.
• Sunday, Oct. 4 - Manhattan Short Film Festival. 100,000+ film lovers in 500+ cities, six continents—watching and voting in the 29th Annual Short Film Festival.
• Friday-Saturday, Oct. 9-10 - October 9 - 10. Artrageous, a breathtaking fusion of music, dance, and live painting.
• Saturday, October 24 - Moxie Entertainment Presents: The Magic of Motown. The Hits. The Harmonies. The Motown Sound.

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

> Karaoke Night - every Wednesday, 8-11 p.m.

> Live music and events:

• Monday, Oct. 5 - Lit With Literature: The Tainted Cup. By Robert Jackson Bennett, 7-9 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 9 - Live music with the Tweed Tones, 8-11 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 26 - Release party for A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) Book #6. 6 p.m. check in at Dust & Blush. 7 p.m. Trivia starts at Muskrat.

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

> Oct. 15 and the third Thursday of the month - Open Mic & Stand-up hosted by Peter Allen Jensen, 6-9 p.m.

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.
• Saturday, Oct. 31 - Halloween party from 6:30-10 p.m. featuring DJ Parker Marshall and a costume contest. Tickets will be available through our website.

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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