September 18, 2025 | Issue #52 | Past issues

Witchy women paddle

The Petoskey Ladies SUP Group is conjuring up some spooky fun on Lake Charlevoix with their annual “Witchy Women Paddle” in celebration of the Autumn Equinox on Monday, Sept. 22. The group will depart Boyne City’s Peninsula Beach around 6:30 p.m. and make their way over to the shores of downtown around 6:45. They invite everyone to “Come on out to witness this eerie spectacle!”

Inside this issue...

Sheriff's corrections officer fired, faces felony charges
Trail development stalls over cost questions
Shared optimism from State of Community speakers
Week of fun leads up to BCHS Homecoming
Librarian Aaron Nemec celebrates NYC art gallery show
Harvest Festival will be 'bigger and better than ever'
BCHS offers students ways to earn college credit
Schools reviewing how social media affects young people
All 5 candidates confirm for Candidates Forum Sept. 29
John Haggard dies hours after beating false elector charges
Stiggtoberfest auction benefits two causes on Sept. 27
Bay Township Board Sept. 11 meeting highlights
Rubbish Pick-Up is Saturday, even if your road is closed
Patrick McCleary history: Boyne was the county seat
News briefs, Obituaries, and Municipal News
Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
Music and entertainment listings

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At left, Aaron Nemec at his New York City gallery opening surrounded by his action figures. At right, Nemec’s sons Abe and Sam explore the gallery show in New York City.

Aaron Nemec, local librarian, celebrates NYC art gallery show with his family

By Kalynn Huffman Brower, kalynn.brower@gmail.com

Aaron Nemec can often be found in the Boyne District Library on East Main Street, where he has worked since 2018.

Nemec is also a multi-disciplinary artist who has worked in a variety of media. For the last five years he has built figures using hot glue and enamel paint. Using these basic materials, Nemec creates unique action characters like Heaven Helper and Gravel Man.

A collection of Nemec’s sculptures are now on display through Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Little Lightning Gallery in Brooklyn, New York. The show is called Boxer Glue and Nemec is one of two featured artists. The gallery announcement takes you to a snappy animation featuring Nemec’s characters.

Gallery curator Hiroshi Shafer describes Boxer Glue as “bold … a lively exploration of contrasts - joy and melancholy, movement and stillness, intimacy and distance, transforming these emotions into vibrant, tangible forms. … the show invites you to dive into a world where feelings come alive in unexpected and delightful ways.”

When asked what inspired the series, Nemec said, “Well, like a lot of people I had more time at home during the 2020 pandemic, so that is when I started making batches of small figures. It was an idea I was kind of sitting on. I wanted to combine figurative painting with the scale of action figures. It kind of grew from there.”

Aaron and his family live in Petoskey, where his son Abe is a freshman and Sam Nemec is a senior. Along with Nemec’s wife, Liz Erlewine, they all flew to New York to support Aaron with all the excitement of a gallery opening night. The family also enjoyed touristy activities, like visiting Central Park and Rockefeller Center, riding the subway, and seeing the musical “Hamilton.”

Nemec reflects about the gallery show and the opportunity to talk with other artists in-person, saying, “It was very valuable to meet new people and have conversations that forced me to think about my artwork.”

Nemec studied drawing at the University of Michigan, and at Purdue University’s graduate program in Electronic and Time-Based art.

You can find more about local artist Aaron Nemec and his work at www.defmess.com. He has 5,000 followers on Instagram.

Nemec creates unique action characters like these, using hot glue and enamel paint. From left are "Heaven Helper," "Mickey Pet T-Rex," and "Mickey Pet Doggie." See more on his website.

'Bigger and better than ever' - Boyne City set to celebrate fall at Sept. 27 Harvest Festival

Downtown Boyne City will transform into a celebration of the season during the annual Harvest Festival on the last Saturday in September.

The event, hosted by Boyne City Main Street, runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will close portions of Water and Lake streets to make room for vendors, live music, and family activities.

A centerpiece of the day is the Boyne City Farmers Market, featuring fall staples like apples, pumpkins, squash and carrots, alongside local goods such as honey, apple butter and cider. Shoppers can also explore artisan and craft vendors offering handmade products.

This year’s festival will be larger than in years past, according to Boyne City Main Street Director Ingrid Day. “We have more vendors than we’ve had in years past, a slightly different layout that’s easier to navigate, and some new attractions,” Day said. “Visitors can look forward to wood-carving demonstrations, a pumpkin patch, a flower bar and the always-popular free axe throwing.”

Throughout the day, live music will provide a festive soundtrack for the downtown streets, while children’s activities ensure family fun for all ages.

The Harvest Festival has become a seasonal tradition in Boyne City, celebrating local farms, makers and community spirit at the height of autumn. For more information visit https://boynecitymainstreet.com/.

FARMERS MARKET - Sept. 24 will be the final Wednesday session of the Boyne City Farmers Market until spring. The market will then continue in Veterans Park on Saturdays, after moving downtown for the Harvest Festival on Sept. 27. The market will move indoors to the Veterans Park Pavilion starting Saturday, Oct. 18, and winter hours of 9 a.m. to 12 noon will begin. If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the indoor market, here are the rules and an application.

High school counselor Mary Jane Grunch says the Early College Program isn’t for everyone, but it is a great option for students who want to go to community college and then transfer to a four-year university.

Boyne City offers high school students ways to earn college credit

By Jamie Baumann, jamie@boynecitizen.com

Boyne City High School students planning to go to college have a unique opportunity that other schools in Charlevoix County don't offer - Early College. Students earn both their high school diplomas and a North Central Michigan College associate's degree in a total of five years.

Interested high school sophomores apply in November and are accepted in the program by the end of first semester. During spring semester at BCHS, they take a Student Success class that counts toward an associate's degree, as well as a high school graduation elective. They must maintain a C average in the college classes to remain in the program.

Students then take college classes, taught right on the high school campus during the school day, primarily by Boyne City High School teaching staff, that count both toward graduation and their associate's degrees. For example, juniors will take college classes including two semesters of English, an anthropology class and an interpersonal communications class. Senior year, students will take two semesters of English, completing the associate's degree English requirement, as well as four semesters of college electives, which may be offered at the high school, online, or at North Central.

At the end of their senior year, students go through the graduation ceremony with their class, but they are not awarded their diplomas until after they take a fifth year at North Central and have completed all high school graduation requirements, and also earn their associate's degree. Students have the options of earning Associate's of Science, Associate's of Arts, or Associate's of General Studies degrees.

Thus, instead of graduating from high school in four years, and then paying tuition and taking four semesters of community college to get an associate's degree, these students finish both their high school diplomas and an associate's degree in five years.

The entire program is tuition-free for students and parents. Through their senior years, even the textbook costs are covered by the high school. In the fifth year, students pay only for their books.

"I like the Early College Program, because if students take and pass the classes, they are guaranteed to earn college credit,” Superintendent Patrick Little said. “We also offer some Advanced Placement (AP) classes, but AP is not a sure thing for college credit. Students could do all the work in the class, yet they might not pass the external exams. Or they might pass the exams, but maybe their majors at the university require higher scores on the exams to count for credit. If students complete an Early College class, they know they have earned college credit."

The Early College program isn't for every college-bound student, according to high school counselor Mary Jane Grunch. Some students are ready and have the financial means to go on to a four-year school right from high school. However, it is a great option for students who want to go to community college and then transfer to a four-year university.

"When the Early College students transfer to a college, they are considered college freshmen and are eligible for most scholarships that would be given to freshmen. However, they enter with 60 semester credits having been completed, which saves tuition for all those credits," Grunch said.

Both Grunch and Stefanski pointed out that North Central assigns a counselor to the students, who will then map out the elective credits students need that will transfer into their preferred majors at their preferred schools, whether it be going to a university or further training in a tech school. For those who plan to go to work right after earning the degree, the North Central counselor can steer the students to take their electives in one of the vocational programs they offer.

There is a selection process for those wishing to participate in Early College which includes recommendations from two high school teachers, PSAT score of 420 in English Reading and Writing, as well as minimum scores on reading tests. Students must also write an application essay. The number of Early College students at the high school this year are: 15 fifth-year students, 13 seniors, and 14 juniors.

Principal Adam Stefanik said, "I look at it as a scholarship program where the students get an associate's degree, as well as a high school diploma in five years - tuition-free."

Funds from the Regional Enhancement Millage cover any costs beyond what the state provides in the per-pupil foundation grant for dual enrollment costs of the Early College program.

Other ways to earn college credit while attending BCHS

Early College isn't the only way to earn college credits while still attending Boyne City High School. Advanced Placement (AP) World History and AP Calculus A/B are taught on campus during the school day by high school staff. Through Michigan Virtual, students have access to a myriad of online Advanced Placement and other college-level courses.

"We had a student who needed AP Calculus B/C. We scheduled him for a period in the library to work on it virtually with a teacher's help when needed," Stefanik said. "We have had students enroll in AP Physics through Michigan Virtual, also."

Another way to earn college credit is called "dual enrollment," where a student enrolls in both college and high school classes. An option for students who don't want to make the commitment to the five-year Early College program, this lets students earn some college credits for classes while still in high school.

High school students can enroll in any of the college classes offered on campus for the Early College students, as well as for classes on college campuses or online classes that are offered through colleges. In 2024-2025, the state allocated $800 per student per semester per class period a student is dual-enrolled. For 2025-2026, the state hasn't passed the budget, so the district leaders don't know how the program will be funded.

"Nearly all of our students are enrolled in Dual Enrollment courses through North Central Michigan College. If the cost of their course, which includes textbook costs, is over the state-allocated amount, they would pay the difference. Most classes are three credits, but some classes could be two or four credits," Superintendent Little said.

Neighboring school districts

Charlevoix Middle/High School offers five AP classes on campus this year. They are: AP US History, AP Literature, AP Statistics, AP U.S. Government, and AP Calculus A/B. AP Psychology is on an every-other-year rotation. Students can also take AP classes online through Michigan Virtual. They do not offer Early College through North Central, but they offer regular dual enrollment classes through North Central for college credit, according to Alisa Sauer, counseling office administrative assistant.

East Jordan High School, for comparison, does not offer the Early College option for students. Instead, they offer AP Chemistry, AP Spanish Literature, AP Spanish Language, AP Drawing and AP 2-D Design taught on campus by their staff. In order to receive college credit for the classes, students who complete the courses then need to pass the external exams with scores high enough to be accepted by the college of their choice.

"We also have one of our teachers teaching Microsoft Office For Windows through North Central and Intro to Business as well. We utilize NCMC and Ferris State for our Dual Enrollment courses," East Jordan School Counselor Kristyn Lynch said.

> North Central Michigan College invites high school juniors, seniors, and their families, along with current NCMC students considering transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree, to attend College Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 1. The free event will take place on the Petoskey campus in the NCMC Athletics Center from 6-7:30 p.m. Students are encouraged to pre-register online.

Greta Brock: "I personally think cell phone policies should be decided at a local level. Each district is different.”

Dakota Kintigh: "Social media use is strongly connected to the decline in mental health among adolescents.”

School staff reviewing “Anxious Generation” book on how social media affects young people

By Jamie Baumann, jamie@boynecitizen.com

Some Boyne City Public Schools teachers, staff and health department representatives are reviewing data on how children's excessive use of social media, combined with a lack of independent, free play time, have contributed to a rise in mental illness and social maladjustment.

Their book study group is reading “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness" by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt.

The voluntary group, co-chaired by teachers Greta Brock and Dakotah Kintigh, and is meeting four times this fall to discuss their findings. Brock has participated in book studies over her entire career, but this is the first one that has been offered to staff and run by staff in this format. Kintigh just started participating in book studies as a professional in the last year. Both have been in previous groups focused on educational topics like grading and behavioral issues, changing pedagogy to better serve students, or using artificial intelligence in an educational setting. This is the first group they have chaired and participated in regarding anxiety in students and social media use.

Haidt writes, "My central claim in this book is that these two trends - overprotection in the real world and underprotection to the virtual world - are the major reasons why children born after 1995 became the anxious generation." In other words there has been little to no supervision to children's online use at the same time parents have become overprotective of letting children experience life in the real world. The result is young people who are suffering from online addictive behaviors, while they struggle to handle the challenges and setbacks that are part of everyday life.

Haidt contends that social media use in childhood and adolescence doesn't just correlate with mental illness, but it actually causes mental illness. He provides data that too much social media use causes failure of adolescents to transition successfully to adulthood, particularly in boys.

He points out that today’s teenagers spend an average of six to eight hours per day on screen-based leisure activities, not for schoolwork or homework. A third of teenagers say they’re on a social media site “almost constantly.” For the generation Haidt writes about, this media use has coincided with sharp spikes in anxiety and depression, higher rates of eating disorders and self-harm, plummeting self-esteem, and increased feelings of isolation despite more around-the-clock, on-demand connection than ever. There are also lost opportunities resulting from a phone-based childhood. Haidt documents that these children have less (and worse) sleep, do less reading, engage in less in-person socializing, spend less time outside, and have less independence. The ability to think critically and focus attention are diminished by too much screen time.

Haidt recommends age verifications be placed on social media platforms and delaying smartphone access until kids are older. He also recommends creating more engaging playgrounds that encourage reasonable risk-taking, establishing phone-free zones in schools, and helping young people rediscover the joy of in-person interaction.

From her study, Brock learned that "social media has affected boys and girls differently, and it can have a lasting impact. The author suggests that parents wait until the age of 16 to expose their children to social media and the first phone that children should have is a flip phone. In addition, children need more free play."

Kintigh said, "Social media use is strongly connected to the decline in mental health among many adolescents. The book offers suggestions that have resonated with me. both as a parent and as an educator. It has helped me set healthier boundaries for my child at home. It also inspired our sixth grade team (of teachers) to pilot the Let Grow program. This program encourages young students to safely try new things on their own such as, but not limited to, walking to the store, cooking dinner, doing laundry, or going to the park with friends, with the goal of building independence and confidence when faced with challenges."

Brock said that staff are reviewing the amount of recess time children have access to in school. They are brainstorming various "unplugged activities that students can do besides being on a device, when they are all done with their school work.”

U.S. Representative Angie Craig from Minnesota recently introduced legislation to require social media companies to block access to their platforms on K-12 campuses during school hours. Her No Social Media at School Act would put the onus on social media companies to keep kids off their platforms while at school.

Brock wouldn't support going as far as requiring big tech to put geo zones around schools and shut down all social media access during the school day. "I, personally, think cell phone policies should be decided at a local level. Each district is different. With the climate in schools now, where school shootings are happening all around our country, parents want to be able to reach their children at all times. I think the policies we have in place in our district are working at the present time, but may need to be adjusted as time goes on."

Here is a sample ballot for the Nov. 4 City Commission election.

All 5 candidates confirm for Candidates Forum Sept. 29

All five candidates have confirmed that they will attend the City Commission Candidates Forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29, at Boyne City Hall, 319 N. Lake Street. The forum is cosponsored by the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce, the Boyne Citizen and The League of Women Voters Northern Lower Michigan.

The forum will be livestreamed on the City of Boyne City Facebook Page, and will be recorded and available for later viewing. Here are the five candidates who will be on the November 4 ballot for three open seats on the City Commission:

Bridget Foltz, 1007 Hull St.
Jennifer (Beano) Hampton, 429 Lewis St.
Rebecca (Becky) Houser, 442 High St.
Brian Kennedy, 648 State St.
Tim Nemecek, 327 Bailey St.

Moderators will be Jim Baumann of the Boyne Citizen, Tricia Wilcox of the Boyne Chamber, and Janet VanAlstine of the League of Women Voters. Candidates will give opening and closing statements. They will answer questions from the moderators and written questions submitted in advance, and that evening from the audience.

Voters are invited to submit questions for the candidates by emailing jim@boynecitizen.com or director@boynechamber.com. The same questions will be asked of each candidate.

> The City of Boyne City started mailing absentee ballots on Sept. 12. Here is a sample ballot.

Charlevoix Republican dies hours after beating false elector charges. Case took a ‘toll’

From Bridge Michigan, Sept. 10, 2025:

LANSING — Hours before his death, John Haggard celebrated two milestones Tuesday: His 58th wedding anniversary, and dismissal of felony charges he’d battled for two years as a defendant in Michigan’s “false electors” case.

The celebrations were short-lived.

Haggard, a longtime Michigan Republican Party activist from Charlevoix, died overnight after suffering a stroke related to lingering heart problems, according to his wife. He was 84. In an interview with Bridge Michigan, Phyllis Haggard said her husband was “a good father, good friend and a hard worker” who was “very generous with everything in his life.”

John Haggard lived long enough to know that a judge on Tuesday dismissed eight felony charges he had faced in the false electors case, along with charges against 14 other Republicans accused of signing a document falsely claiming Donald Trump had won Michigans’ 2020 election.

> Full story. John Haggard’s obituary.

Stiggtoberfest auction benefits two causes on Sept. 27

Stiggtoberfest '25 will be held in the parking lot of Stiggs Kitchen and Brewery during the Boyne City Harvest Festival all day Saturday, Sept. 27, rain or shine. The event includes an auction that is being billed as “One community, two causes - neighbors helping kids and critters,” since proceeds benefit the Charlevoix Area Humane Society and the Stiggs Feed A Friend fund. Stiggs is located at 112 S.Park St.

Pre-register for the auction starting at 8 a.m, and pick up your bidder number before the event starts. Stiggs is accepting items for the auction through Sept. 25. To donate or get more information, contact Natasha Hizelberger at 231-881-5605 Scott MacKenzie at 231-420-0903.

Stiggtoberfest will also feature a Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar, Plow to Pint Beer Competition, seasonal brews from the Stiggs Beer Truck, Smokin' BBQ, family fun games and activities, and live music.

Bay Township Board Sept. 11 meeting highlights

Highlights of the Bay Township Board of Trustees meeting held on September 11:

Acknowledged the 24th anniversary of 9/11 and, since Fire Chief Al Welshiemer was in attendance, thanked him for his service.
Bay Township hosted the Walloon Lake Collaborative meeting of township supervisors on the morning of Thursday, Sept. 11. Topics discussed included fireworks ordinances and septic systems.
Supervisor Gaudard will contact the Charlevoix County Road Commission regarding an issue with Valley Brook Road.
The board welcomed Al Welshiemer, Resort Bear Creek Fire Department Chief as he presented his Annual 2024 Fire and Emergency Report.
The Planning Commission will change its meeting to the first Tuesday of each month beginning in October.
Discussion expressed disappointment that the Charlevoix County Commissioners voted not to approve the engineering proposal for the last two sections of the non-motorized bike trail. Board members Van Dam and Simmons attended the meeting in support of the non-motorized trail.
The board discussed next steps to pursue regarding the invoice from the City of Boyne City EMS. The township supervisor will contact the other townships to inquire as to what they are doing regarding payment and contact our attorney regarding legality of the contract.
Board discussed the concern of a neighbor regarding a privacy fence.
Lavender Hill Farm will present a request for a tasting room license at the October board meeting.
Supervisor will contact the Road Commission about placing no parking signs at the Sumner Road boat launch.

Editor’s note: The Boyne Citizen has contacted Boyne area townships and asked them to provide similar summaries of their board meetings and other news. Contact Editor Jim Baumann with questions or news items - jim@boynecitizen.com or 231-675-8793.

Boyne Area News Briefs

GENEALOGY WITH PATRICK - Long-time local historian and Certified Genealogist Patrick McCleary will lead a group discussion on genealogy from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Boyne District Library. Participants are asked to bring their laptops if they have them, or register if you would like to borrow one from the library.

LAKE COLOR CRUISES - The Little Traverse Bay Ferry’s Harbor Princess will be offering color tours around Round Lake and Lake Charlevoix from Sept. 26-Oct. 12, weather permitting, from 2-3:45 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $37, and children 3 and under are free. Cruises start at Bridge Park Drive in Charlevoix.

FRESHWATER CONCERT SERIES will start Saturday, Oct. 25, with the return of Steve Poltz. Tickets are $45. Call Freshwater Art Gallery and Concert Venue at 231-582-2588 to reserve tickets for $45.

CHAMBER GOLF OUTING will be held at the Boyne Mountain Alpine Course on Thursday, Sept. 25. Details and registration.

PEOPLE FUND - The Great Lakes Energy People Fund is accepting letters of interest and grant applications from non-profit organizations throughout its service area for the fall grant cycle. Letters of interest are due by Oct. 1. If the letter of interest is approved, the applicant can then submit a grant application by Oct. 15. All letters and applications are accepted through an online grant application portal. With the purpose of bettering local communities, the People Fund is supported solely by Great Lakes Energy members who agree to have their electric cooperative round their monthly electric bill to the next whole dollar amount.

RECYCLING/TRASH SURVEY - Do you throw away trash, recycle plastics, or compost food waste? Your input matters. Officials are asking the public to “Help us understand and improve materials management (think of trash, recycling, organics,etc.) in Northwest Michigan. Your feedback in this survey is vital for improved efficiency, reduced waste, and smarter resource use.” The Northwest Lower Michigan Materials Management Planning Survey is a confidential 25 question survey that is now open for response. It will take 8-10 minutes to complete, and will run through the end of September. Completed surveys may enter to win one of five $50 gift cards. Click here to take the survey.

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. For seniors ages 60+, the donation is $3, for ages 59 and under, $8, and for children 12 and under, $6. Here is the September lunch menu, and the September activity calendar.

City of Boyne City Municipal News

Fall Rubbish Pick-Up is Saturday, even if your road is closed

The City of Boyne City’s Fall Rubbish Collection is coming up this Saturday, Sept. 20. City officials note that residents impacted by road closures throughout town can leave their rubbish at the curb as normal for rubbish pick-up. 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 program 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.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS - The City of Boyne City has received the ballots for the November 4, 2025 City Commission Election. On Sept. 12, staff began mailing absentee ballots to voters on the Permanent Absentee Ballot List. Absentee ballots can also be issued to voters wishing to vote absentee through Monday, November 3, at 4 p.m. All absentee ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM on Election Day to be counted. Find important dates and a sample ballot online.

The City of Boyne City’s Draft Parks & Recreation Master Plan is now open for a 30-day public review period. We invite all community members to share feedback, suggest changes, and provide input on improvements you’d like to see. Your ideas play a key role in shaping the future of our parks and recreation opportunities. The draft plan is available for review online. Feedback, input and suggested changes may be submitted via email by emailing Jen Eads at jeads@boynecity.gov prior to the deadline with the subject line "Parks & Recreation Master Plan Input." Help us make Boyne City’s parks and recreation the best they can be. Your voice matters!

SIGN UP FOR CITY ALERTS - The City of Boyne City has launched a new Alerts feature on our website to help you stay up-to-date on projects, notices, and other important things happening around town. It’s a work in progress (we’re still ironing out a few wrinkles), but 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.

We currently have alerts available for:

- Sanitary Sewer Project Updates (CWSRF).

- Boyne City Marina Project Updates.

- City Commission Agendas, Packets, and Minutes Postings.

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

> City Commission's next regular meeting is at 12 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23. Agenda page.

Obituaries

Russell Yardley

May 10, 1960 ~ May 20, 2025 (age 65)

Daniel Anthony Tosch

July 10, 1941 ~ September 10, 2025 (age 84)

Arlene Delores (Bachman) Skop

June 14, 1929 ~ September 11, 2025 (age 96)

Genevieve “Genny” Jane Whittaker

1935 – 2025

Ronald Jay Wright

January 13, 1936 ~ September 10, 2025 (age 89)

Murray Northup Jr.

1938 ~ September 8, 2025

Here is Boyne City’s LaFrance fire engine on the day it arrived in Boyne City. This week, our focus is less on the engine and more on the fire hall building that can be seen in the background. These doors faced South Park Street, and the train depot (then freight office) can be seen in the background to the right. Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary Collection.

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

When Boyne City held the county seat

By Patrick McCleary, Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com

The Charlevoix County History Preservation Society

Today, if we have to conduct county business, a trip to Charlevoix comes to mind. “Charlevoix County?” “City of Charlevoix?” Makes sense, right? Back in the early days, however, this was not the case. The county seat location had not yet been determined, and the issue was placed before the voting public. Charlevoix, East Jordan, and Boyne City, all made attempts to snag the coveted title. In those early days, county seat locations were originally chosen for their accessibility by county residents. The general rule being, “the ability to travel back and forth by horse and buggy in one day.” That being said, both Boyne City and East Jordan were more centrally located than Charlevoix.

Holding the title of County Seat meant a great deal to early communities. Compared to the average village, town, or city, county seats secured more funds for railroads, roads, schools, and public services. This, in turn, attracted new and varied businesses. Community events and activities would be held in this location, again drawing in visitors who might later seek jobs and other amenities. Of course, the biggest advantage was easy access to legal advice, courts and government offices.

In the spring of 1885, the voting public approved East Jordan as the county seat. That victory was short-lived, however, and in October of that same year, Boyne City gained the two-thirds vote needed to bring the county seat to Boyne. The decision was not well received by many, and complaints were raised from every direction, both orally and in writing.

Once secured, Boyne needed to provide a county building to house records and for court matters to take place. There has been controversy over the exact location of this first courthouse. However, among historians, it is generally believed to have sat on the northeast corner of North and North Lake Streets. Sadly, no photographs of the building have ever surfaced. The Evening Journal newspaper provides the only known description:

“It is a neat and substantial building, 34 feet by 48 feet, with a large, light, and well-arranged courtroom upstairs. The county offices are convenient and commodious. The jail occupies the east end and contains a corridor and three cells.”

Things ran relatively smoothly for nearly a year. Then, on an evening in October 1887, the courthouse was destroyed by a fire that occurred at 11 p.m. Court had been in session that day and it was thought that a match or ember had smoldered throughout the day amid the sawdust on the floor before bursting into flames. Sawdust on the floor? In those early days, even with spittoons positioned in public gathering spaces, men frequently spat onto the floor, making for a sticky mess. Ah, to live in the old days!

There was no fire department at that time and only the efforts of citizens managed to close the safe and save the county records. While several ledgers were scorched, only two of the earliest land deed books were fully destroyed. It was determined that the fire had been intentionally set. Rewards were offered, and a man was eventually arrested and sentenced to prison time. It wasn’t until 10 years later that Charlevoix won the public vote and that community was successful in getting the county seat returned there.

BOYNE ERECTS A NEW COURTHOUSE

After the destruction of the original courthouse, Boyne set to work building a new edifice for conducting county business. This wood-framed building was constructed on the northeast corner of East Main and South Park Streets - where the Boyne District Library sits today. It was two stories with a gallery of sorts in the center. Later, a structure was erected in the center of the roof, resembling a turret or watchtower. Although early records make no mention of it, some recalled this being used as a tower to dry fire hoses prior to the future clock tower being built. After some 30+ years, I have been unable to confirm or deny this as fact.

The former Boyne City County Courthouse, situated on its original site on the corner of East Main and South Park Streets, where the Boyne District Library now stands. Seen here is the building after it had been relegated for use as an additional educational facility. Photograph courtesy of the CCHPS and the Bob Morgridge Collection.

In 1897, the decision was made to move the county seat back to Charlevoix, much to the disappointment of the citizens of Boyne City. The former courthouse structure was turned over to the school district and was used for classroom purposes. That fact, too, came with its own set of critics. Many claimed that with two schoolhouses (both located just across the street on East Main Street, why would more classes be held in the “old courthouse building?” The late Eula (Earl) Martin, an avid researcher and historian, spoke directly with many early local residents back in 1981. Although these folks have all now passed on, Dorothy (Kelts) Leslie, Anna (Trudgeon) Sayles, Louis and Violet (Roderick) Manglos, Robert Gerrie, John Dunn, and Dr. Hylon Heaton, Jr., all recalled going to school in this building. Mr. Heaton could also recall going up into the turret-type structure when he and other students went to a second-story classroom for band practice.

Moving the former courthouse/school building from one corner to another involved a great deal of man (and horse) power. While most are unidentified, the man seated on the roof to the far left is the late Roy Earl, and the man on the top of the telephone pole is the late Leon Pratt. The two men were among several who “lifted the lines” so that they did not become snagged on the roof during the move. Mr. Earl worked for the telephone company and Mr. Pratt was the “electric light man.” Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary Collection.

OUR COURTHOUSE BECAMES A FIRE HALL

So, how did the library wind up on the site of Boyne City’s courthouse? By 1916, the courthouse building was no longer needed for educational purposes. The white-brick Morgan schoolhouse had been torn down and the red brick schoolhouse had expanded by that time, and rather than pay unnecessary taxes, the school district sold the building to the City of Boyne for the sum of $1. The decision was made to relocate the entire structure to the corner of South Park and Ray Streets - where the carwash sits today.

Even in those early days, it wasn’t uncommon to move entire structures from one location to another. Many of our present-day buildings and homes were once located in different locations throughout the town and county. What might seem an impossible task today, the courthouse building was moved across the street using horses and huge log rollers. The lower floor was adapted to include two large doors that faced South Park Street for the fire wagons to be housed in. The upper floor continued to be used for city offices and town meetings. By the following year, when the new LaFrance fire engine arrived in town, it would find its new home at this location.

> Patrick McCleary is a Certified Genealogist affiliated with the Charlevoix County History Preservation Society (CCHPS), 12555 Taylor Road, Charlevoix, MI 49720. The CCHPS promotes the understanding and appreciation of the heritage of the people of Charlevoix County and its townships by seeking out, collecting, preserving, and interpreting artifacts of historical and cultural significance. For further information, contact Patrick by email: Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com.

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$500-$999

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Lynne Ross

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(continued next column)

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Kecia Freed

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Vera Post

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Rebecca Miller

JoEllen Rudolph

Lynn Hall

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Wirt-Rivette Group & MOXIE Development

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Donate

Bryan Martin concert to benefit Fire Department

Acclaimed country music artist Bryan Martin will perform live at Boyne City High School at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25. This special event is held in support of the Boyne City Fire Department and the first responders of the Boyne City Fighters Association. Click here to purchase tickets. For more information, call 616-395-1313.

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 at 8.

BARREL BACK - 4069 M-75, Walloon Lake, (231) 535-6000.

> It’s time for Oktoberfest. Join us at the Barrel Back Dock Bar on Friday, Sept. 19 from 3 to 6 p.m. for lakeside fun with live music, seasonal brews, giveaways, and food specials. Enjoy Sean Bielby performing live, sip Sam Adams Oktoberfest on draft, and celebrate the season with friends on the shores of beautiful Walloon Lake.

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

> Open bowling: 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 3-10 p.m. Fridays, 7-10 p.m. Saturdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays.

> Live music resumes on Saturday nights starting Oct. 26 with Two Beats, 7-10 p.m.

BOYNE ARTS CENTER - 1 Water Street, Suite 203, Boyne City. (231) 622-2073.

> Upcoming classes and exhibits:

Intermediate Watercolor - Sept. 19 - Oct. 10
Goblins, Ghouls and Gourds - Oct. 11
Alcohol Ink Demo Night - Oct. 16
Design a Watercolor Journal - Oct. 17
See all upcoming classes here.

BOYNE CITY FARMERS MARKET - Veterans Park, 207 N. Lake Street, Boyne City. (231) 582-9009. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

> LIVE MUSIC from 10 a.m. to 12 noon:

Saturday, Sept. 20 - Terry Coveyou

Wednesday, Sept. 24 - TBA

Saturday, Sept. 27 - Harvest Festival downtown

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

Thursdays - Adam and the Cabana Boys, 7-10 p.m.

Fridays - Patrick Ryan, 7-10 p.m.

Saturdays - College football game day specials

Sundays - Detroit Lions game day specials

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

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

> Oct. 10-19 - Skitoberfest and SkyBridge music - details.

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

> LIVE MUSIC

Friday, Sept. 19 - Chris Calleja (4-7:30)

Saturday, Sept. 20 - Chris Calleja (2-6)

Friday, Sept. 26 - Pete Kehoe (4-7:30)

Saturday, Sept. 27 - Chris Calleja (2-6)

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

> LIVE MUSIC, 7-10 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 19 - Pete Kehoe

Saturday, Sept. 20 - Lavender Lions Duo

Friday, Sept. 26 - The Fridays

Saturday, Sept. 27 - Michelle Chenard

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

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

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

> Steve Poltz will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, to open Freshwater’s fall/winter concert series. Call to reserve tickets, which are $45.

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

SUMMER/FALL CONCERT SERIES:

Oct. 4 - Canadian Brass

Oct. 5 - Manhattan Short Film Festival

Oct. 16 & 17 - Cirque Mechanics Tilt!

Nov. 1 - Cantus

LAKE STREET PUB - 202 S. Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 497-6031.

> TRIVIA NIGHT - Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m.

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

> Sunflower Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4, plus other classes and events in their September newsletter.

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

> KARAOKE - 8 to 11 p.m. every Wednesday

> LIVE MUSIC 6-9 p.m.:

Friday, Sept. 19 - Sean Bielby

Monday, Sept. 22 - Lit With Literature: A Shadow in the Ember By Jennifer L. Armentrout, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 26 - Lou Thumser

PROVISIONS LOUNGE - 123 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 582-2151.

LIVE MUSIC, 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays.

RED MESA GRILL -117 Water St, Boyne City, (231) 582-0049.

LIVE MUSIC 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays resumes in September.

Tuesday, Sept. 23 - Lou Thumser

Tuesday, Sept. 29 - Hazel James Band

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

> Oct. 1 and the first Wednesday of the month - Open Mic Nights hosted by Nelson Olstrom, 6-9 p.m.

> Oct. 11 and the second Saturday of the month - Karaoke with DJ T-Bone Thompson from 8-11 p.m.

The Boyne Citizen

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

Email: jim@boynecitizen.com

Phone: 231-675-8793

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