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April 2, 2026 | Issue #78 | Past issues

“The Place We Call Home”

Alex Childress Media nicely captured the spirit of the community in “A Video Tribute to the Place We Call Home” presented at the Boyne Area Chamber’s recent Awards Celebration. We thought it was worth showing to those who may not have attended the event, so you can click here to watch it in less than two minutes.

Inside this issue:

• Boyne City backs EMS overhaul in emotional hearing
• Zach Sompels hired to fill planning director role
• Check out these Easter events and egg hunts
• Churches join for Community Good Friday Service
• Join the Boyne Citizen April 9 for coffee, pastries
• April Foolish fun from “Boing Citizen” and others
• Boyne City gas prices remain at $3.99
• Binkley highlights Stiggs via American Dream TV
• Great Lakes Energy hires VP of communications
• Get outdoors with Little Traverse Conservancy
• Patrick McCleary history: The East Street bridge
• News briefs, Obituaries & Municipal News
• Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
• Music and entertainment listings

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> The Boyne Citizen is committed to being a free resource for in-depth local news you can trust. Will you join more than 490 donating members who believe the Boyne area needs a high-quality news source? Donate here or send a check to Boyne Citizen, P.O. Box 83, Boyne City MI 49712.

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In an effort to preserve local control and avoid privatization, EMS Director Brenda Willson said she reduced costs across the board — including overtime, insurance and even her own salary — to present a workable plan.

Boyne City backs EMS overhaul, approves $2.48M budget proposal after emotional hearing

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com 

Boyne City commissioners signaled a major shift in how emergency medical services will operate moving forward, backing a $2.48 million EMS budget proposal following a packed and emotional March 26 budget session.

Roughly 25 people attended the meeting — enough to move it from the Park View Room into the City Commission Chambers — with much of the discussion centered on the future of the city’s EMS system and growing concerns that its long-standing paid-on-call model is no longer sustainable.

After extended discussion and public comment, commissioners unanimously supported what was known as “Option 1,” a revised budget proposal presented by EMS Director Brenda Willson and recommended by City Manager Sam Demel.

What the approved plan includes

The Option 1 proposal outlines a transition toward increased full-time staffing while maintaining a smaller paid-on-call workforce.

The plan includes:

• Seven full-time positions, including the EMS director and six paramedics working 48- and 60-hour schedules, plus one support staff paramedic
• Continued use of paid-on-call staff to cover approximately 1,460 remaining shifts annually
• A total estimated wage cost of about $859,000

Paid-on-call compensation remains a key component, with shift stipends and hourly rates based on certification levels:

• Paramedics: $225 per shift plus $27/hour
• Advanced EMTs: $200 per shift plus $20/hour
• EMTs: $175 per shift plus $17/hour

The plan also includes a small weekend incentive increase of 50 cents per hour.

Overall, the full EMS budget totals $2,479,380, reduced by roughly $107,000 from the department’s original proposal.

Major cost drivers include:

• $220,000 in ambulance overtime
• $170,000 for medical insurance
• $81,000 in Social Security costs
• $79,600 in pension obligations
• $150,000 in uncollectible patient billing
• $260,000 in contractual insurance adjustments tied to Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers
• $350,000 in capital outlay, including funding toward a new ambulance

The proposal also outlines updated service fees, including $760 for basic life support transport and $1,020 for advanced life support.

“We are tired”

Willson told commissioners the changes are necessary to prevent the collapse of the current system, which she said relies heavily on overextended staff.

“I have said every single commission meeting — I am tired,” Willson said. “And they are tired.”

She described a workforce balancing multiple jobs, long hours and inconsistent coverage, noting she nearly missed her son’s high school graduation due to staffing demands.

In an effort to preserve local control and avoid privatization, Willson said she reduced costs across the board — including overtime, insurance and even her own salary — to present a workable plan.

Strong public support

The meeting drew a large show of support from EMS staff, families and community members.

Willson’s 16-year-old son told commissioners the job has taken a toll on his family.

“She constantly gives everything to you guys,” he said. “I ask you to give her a chance.”

Commissioner Bridget Foltz acknowledged the strain on staff.

“Our people are already working full time with no benefits — they have gone above and beyond,” she said.

Mayor Bob Farrell, a longtime paramedic who also serves in the department, said the system’s value lies in its people.

“My fear is that if you dismantle this system, you will not recover it,” Farrell said. “But it needs to be supported by a sustainable model.”

Outside perspective, same warning

Representatives from Lake Charlevoix EMS attended the meeting and shared their own transition away from a paid-on-call model to a millage-supported system.

They emphasized that relying on on-call staffing makes it difficult to guarantee consistent 911 response.

“Right now you have a loyal group making it work,” Lake Charlevoix EMS Director Jesse Silva. “But it’s not sustainable.”

Funding questions unresolved

While commissioners agreed on the direction of the EMS budget, questions remain about how the system will be funded — particularly the role of surrounding townships.

Mayor Farrell raised concerns about inconsistent payments from township partners, calling participation “unstable.”

Township representatives pushed back, saying they are willing to continue discussions but feel they have not been included in recent planning conversations.

“We will pay our bills — we just want to be part of the deal,” said Eveline Township Treasurer Ron Chapman.

The exchange highlighted ongoing confusion over billing practices, a long-standing cost-sharing agreement and gaps in communication between the city and townships.

Not final yet

The March 26 vote does not formally adopt the budget. A public hearing is still required before final approval, which must happen before the end of the fiscal year on April 30.

Still, the decision makes one thing clear: Boyne City intends to keep its EMS service in-house — but acknowledges the current model cannot continue as is.

As Willson and others warned, the system has held together through dedication.

Whether this new plan is enough to sustain it remains the next question.

> EMS providers battle money, staffing woes in rural Michigan’s ambulance ‘deserts’ - Details from Bridge Michigan

City hires Zach Sompels to fill planning director role after 15-month vacancy

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com 

Boyne City has hired a new planning director, filling a position that has been vacant since the end of 2024.

Zachery Sompels was sworn in Monday as the city’s planning director, stepping into a role left open following the retirement of longtime director Scott McPherson.

Since McPherson’s departure, the city had operated without a full-time planning director, relying instead on assistant planning staff to manage planning responsibilities. Earlier this year, commissioners approved a contract to bring McPherson back on a limited basis to help address ongoing needs, including administration of short-term rentals and review of new housing developments on the city’s north side.

Sompels brings a background in regional housing and municipal planning to the position. He most recently served on the staff of Housing North, a regional organization focused on addressing housing challenges across northern Michigan. He was also the Housing Ready Program coordinator for Charlevoix County. Prior to that, Sompels worked as a planner for the cities of Petoskey and Manistee, as well as Genesee County.

He holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s degree in natural resources management and policy from Grand Valley State University.

City officials have pointed to housing, short-term rental oversight and development pressures as key planning priorities in recent months — issues that will now fall under Sompels’ direction as he takes on the role.

C3F Boyne City Enrichment Fund

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Boyne Mountain Resort welcomes the Easter Bunny to their egg hunt.

Check out these Easter events and egg hunts

BOYNE CITY EAGLES will host a party with the Easter Bunny handing out candy, free hot dogs and chips for kids and adults from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 2 at 106 River Street. Children can enter a drawing to win an Easter basket.

YOUNG STATE PARK will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt in the Beach Parking Area at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 4, rain or shine. Children ages 12 and under are welcome to join the hunt while parents and visitors can enjoy a bonfire, hot cocoa, and cookies. This is a free event, but all vehicles are required to have a recreation passport which can be obtained at the park for $19. For additional information contact the park staff at 231-582-7523.

PARK OF THE PINES will host an Easter egg hunt with the opportunity to paint your own egg from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, April 4 at 4094 Springwater Beach Road in Boyne City. 

BOYNE MOUNTAIN RESORT invites you to “make memories while dancing, brunching and celebrating at the Mountain. Our traditional Easter Brunch is returning at Stein Eriksen's. We go big at our annual Easter Egg Hunt with prizes that will make your peeps melt, plus wagon rides and s'mores, and much more.” The Easter Egg Hunt starts at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 5 at the Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa Lawn. Prior to that, on Friday and Saturday, there will be a coloring contest, a Guess the Jelly Bean Competition, bonfire and s’mores from 5-8 p.m., and family movies in the Grand Mountain Lodge at 8 p.m. Details.

EASTER IN WALLOON - Businesses in the Village of Walloon invite you to spend Saturday, April 4 hopping from stop to stop to celebrate the start of spring. They have planned a fun-filled day of Easter celebrations including an egg hunt, brunch, sweet treats, and activities for all ages, even the older kids:

• Egg Hunt - Legacy Pro Shop at 10:30 a.m., while supplies last.
• Brunch with the Easter Bunny - Barrel Back Restaurant, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Reservations available but not required: Barrel-Back.com. 
• Cookie Decorating - Walloon Village General Store at 12 p.m., while supplies last.
• Crafts for Littles at Legacy Pro Shop. Hands-on Easter crafts perfect for youngest guests.
• Family Games & Activities - The Talcott from 12-3 p.m. Games and activities for older kids who might be “too cool” for an egg hunt.
• Jellybean Count Contest - Guess how many jellybeans are in the jar for a chance to win a half-day Tahoe Tri Toon boat rental from Legacy Water Sports.

CAFE SANTÉ - Kids of all ages can meet and greet the Easter Bunny at Cafe Santé in Boyne City from 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Easter Sunday. Poster with details.

LAVENDER HILL FARM is offering an Easter Brunch at 11 a.m. Easter Sunday.

RAINEY'S LANDSCAPE will host a Community Easter Egg Hunt from 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at their business location, 1490 M75, Boyne City. Kids of all ages are invited for an egg hunt, a visit from the Easter Bunny, finger foods and drinks. 

Boyne area churches join together for Community Good Friday Service

Boyne area congregations invite you to join them on April 3 for a Community Good Friday Service dinner and worship at the Boyne City Free Methodist Church, 839 State St. A soup and bread supper is at 5:30 p.m. with worship at 6:30. All are welcome. 

BOYNE VALLEY CATHOLIC Community has announced its Holy Week schedule leading up to Easter Sunday for St. Matthew Church in Boyne City and St. Augustine Church in Boyne Falls. There will be services on Palm Sunday, March 28-29; Holy Thursday, April 2; Good Friday, April 3; Holy Saturday, April 4; Easter Vigil on April 4. Easter Sunday Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. at St. Augustine and 11 a.m. at St. Matthew on April 5. Here is a PDF of the full schedule.

COMPASS COMMUNITY CHURCH and Horton Bay Community Church invite everyone to join them for Maundy Thursday service at Compass Community Church. There will be a soup supper at 5 p.m. with worship at 6. Compass Community Church’s Easter Sunday service will be held at 9:30 a.m. at 324 S. Park St. in Boyne City. 

RE-ENACTMENT OF THE LAST SUPPER will be held at the Pleasant Valley Free Methodist Church on Thursday, April 2 at 7 p.m. The church is located at 3055 W, Old State Road, East Jordan.

BOYNE CITY FREE METHODIST Church is having an Easter Sunrise service at 9 a.m., Sunday, April 5, at 839 State St. Breakfast will be served after the service. The regular Easter service will be at 11 a.m.

> Other churches are invited to send their Easter week services to jim@boynecitizen.com.

Come for coffee and get an "I'm a Boyne Citizen" sticker next Thursday.

Join the Boyne Citizen for coffee, pastries and a sticker on Local News Day, April 9th

The Boyne Citizen is proud to be one of the founding newsrooms launching Local News Day, a new nationwide day of action dedicated to connecting communities with trusted local news and information. 

Readers are invited to celebrate Local News Day on Thursday, April 9, by joining the Boyne Citizen for free coffee and pastries from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room of the Boyne District Library. Meet our board members, our editors, and some of our freelance writers. We’ll even give everyone who attends an “I’m a Boyne Citizen” sticker to stick on your car, shirt, or computer.

We can't thank you enough! Our readers and donors have made this possible, so we hope many of you can join us on April 9.

> Pictures from our first anniversary party, also featuring free coffee, pastries and stickers.

You may donate online or mail a check to

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

Thank you!

Danish flags were reportedly seen flying over Boyne City and Petoskey on Wednesday.

April Foolish news from the “Boing Citizen” and others entertain Facebookers on Wednesday

Wednesday was April Foolish News time again, so some imposters calling themselves the “Boing Citizen” put out a newsletter claiming that Charlevoix and Emmet Counties are now part of Denmark (traded for Greenland), citizens are petitioning to change the name of Boyne City, and restaurants will be pushing us to hurry up and eat this summer. Read this fake news. 

Here are some other April Foolish photos from Facebook:

The Boyne Area Chamber posted: “Big news: we’ve officially added a state-of-the-art waterslide to the cabin, because stairs to the lake are so last season. Opening day is… never. Just kidding. Happy April Fools Day!



Bob Mathers captured new "White Castle" signage on the former Kilwins building in downtown Boyne City on Wednesday. No opening date has been announced.

This picture of the Charlevoix channel was posted by the Charlevoix Cam Facebook page on Wednesday, saying, “Due to the severely dry winter, summer 2026 may look a little different in Charlevoix this year.”

NOT an April Fools Day joke - gas prices are up 29% in a month.

Boyne City gas prices remain at $3.99

Prices for regular unleaded gas have stayed at $3.99 over the past week. Prices had increased from $3.09 to $3.99 per gallon in less than three weeks at the Marathon station at 470 N. Lake Street, but they have now leveled off. Other stations in town were also at $3.99 this week. That is an increase of 90 cents per gallon, a 29% increase since the Iran war bombing began on Feb. 28.

Here are recent prices spot checked by the Boyne Citizen:

• March 3 - $3.099
• March 6 - $3.409
• March 12 - $3.669
• March 21 - $3.999
• March 26 - $4.199 for one day only
• March 27 - $3.999

This video features Bret Binkley interviewing Mike Castiglione shortly after Stiggs Brewery's ninth anniversary.

Realtor Bret Binkley highlights Stiggs and Northern Michigan life via American Dream TV

Boyne City Realtor Brett Binkley has joined the American Dream Network TV, and his second featured program highlights Mike Castiglione of Stiggs Brewery and Kitchen. Binkley hosted a watch party with about 25 friends for the debut of the new program last week at Stiggs’ Boyne City location.

Here is the 6-minute video featuring Binkley interviewing Castiglione shortly after Stiggs’ ninth anniversary, with videography from Alex Childress. They discussed how he discovered brewing beer, his path to where he is today, and his vision for the future. 

Binkley’s first program featured Gypsy Distillery of Petoskey, and his third program in mid-May will feature the Terrace Inn and 1911 Restaurant in the Bay View area of Petoskey. 

The American Dream TV website explains that the series highlights “real stories of lifestyles, neighborhoods and real estate through the lens of top media-savvy professionals across the country. Each episode features uplifting, community-driven storytelling designed to inspire and inform audiences nationwide.”

The series airs nationally on major platforms, including HGTV, The Travel Channel, and leading streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Roku, and Tubi, while also generating millions of views on social media.

Binkley is the owner and managing broker of North Prime Real Estate. He has worked in real estate sales since 2006 and received his broker’s license in 2016. 

Bret Binkley, second from left, hosted a watch party for the new video at Stiggs Brewery last week.

Great Lakes Energy hires VP of communications

Kari Crouse has joined Great Lakes Energy as the new vice president of communications & member experience. Crouse will be leading how GLE shares information and connects with members.

She brings a great deal of experience in communications and member engagement, most recently serving as VP of Communications and Business Strategy at Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative in Tennessee. Before that, she spent 10 years with the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association working in member services and engagement.

Crouse has an MBA from Liberty University, a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Tennessee, and she is a graduate of the NRECA Robert I. Management Internship Program.

The conservancy will be hosting an Apple Pruning Workshop on April 11 at the Elizabeth B. Hoffmann Nature Preserve south of Charlevoix.

Get outdoors with Little Traverse Conservancy

The Little Traverse Conservancy invites everyone to get outdoors and join them for these April events and programs:

Wild Wednesday: Vernal Pools - Charlevoix Public Library. Wednesday, April 8 from 6:30-7:30pm. Join LTC at the Charlevoix Library to learn all about Vernal Pools. Every spring in the forests of northern Michigan, nature’s secret nursery quietly but vitally blooms with life. Small seasonal ponds, called vernal pools, often go overlooked, but their role in our ecosystems is dramatic. This month, we will explore these vernal pools and what they provide to our ecosystems for a short period each spring. Register.

Weekday Woodcock Walk - Sally and Art Hailand, Jr. Nature Preserve, Emmet County. Wednesday, April 8 from 8-8:45pm. Join Brad Von Blon in experiencing the unique “sky dance” mating ritual performed by woodcock each spring. Please meet at the Sally and Art Hailand, Jr. Nature Preserve parking area. Register.

Pints North Great Lakes Trivia - Cheboygan Brewing Company. Thursday, April 9 at 7pm. Hosted by the Interlochen Public Radio’s Points North podcast team, this popular event features three rounds of brand new questions all about the land, water, and inhabitants of the Great Lakes. This session at Cheboygan Brewing Company will include staff from Huron Pines and Little Traverse Conservancy. There will be a bunch of cool giveaways, including newly designed Points North pint glasses. Come hang out, grab a drink, and maybe even learn a thing or two about this incredible region we call home! Oh, and tell all your friends…this is a free event and open to the public. No registration needed.

Apple Pruning Workshop - Elizabeth B. Hoffmann Nature Preserve. Saturday, April 11 from 9am-Noon, in partnership with Tip of Mitt Whitetails. Through various techniques, trees can be greatly revitalized in a manner that also supports the ecosystem and landscape around them. Led by Little Traverse Conservancy’s Recreation, Access, and Maintenance Manager Nate Dionne, whose family has run an apple orchard business for many years, this workshop will feature demonstrations of pruning old and abandoned apple trees to increase their vigor, productivity, and appearance. Participants will then have the chance to put these principles and objectives to use on the trees found at the Elizabeth B. Hoffmann Nature Preserve, south of Charlevoix. Please bring your own loppers/pole saws. Limited quantities of tools, including pruners and pole saws, will be available for use during the hands-on portion of the workshop. Register or call 231.347.0991.

Weekend Woodcock Walk - Sally and Art Hailand, Jr. Nature Preserve, Emmet County. Wednesday, April 11 from 8-8:45pm. Join Brad Von Blon in experiencing the unique “sky dance” mating ritual performed by woodcock each spring. Please meet at the Sally and Art Hailand, Jr. Nature Preserve parking area. Register.

Earth Day: Icepocalypse Recovery Workday - Offield Working Forest Reserve

April 25 from 10am-2pm. Celebrate Earth Day, on a Saturday! The 2025 Icepocalypse did severe damage to the forests at Offield Family Working Forest Reserve. Especially in the pine plantations, having all that dead wood lying around creates a major risk for pine bark beetles to have a population explosion. To prevent this, LTC had the trees that would have died anyway harvested as timber. Now it is time to replant the forest. We will be planting the stand along Hathaway Rd, so park at this location. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. If you have a favorite tree planting shovel, bring it with you. If not, we will have everything you need including some snacks and drinks. 



News Briefs

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS - Spring is finally here, so the Boyne Area Chamber says they are bringing Business After Hours to the lake from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23. Barrel Back restaurant is hosting an Earth Day evening of cocktails, mocktails, conversation, and connection, celebrating Walloon Lake. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be provided, and there is no admission fee. Walloon Lake Conservancy and 106 KHQ are cosponsoring the event. Full Business After Hours schedule.

COLLEGE JOB FAIR - North Central Michigan College invites employers and job seekers to join them for their upcoming Job Fair from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 in the Athletic Center gymnasium. Employer booths are available for $50 - register here. Admission is free for job seekers. This event brings in individuals looking for full- and part-time employment, including available jobs for the summer. For questions or additional information, contact Wendy Kresnak, NCMC career services director at 231-439-6265.

CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES FORUM - Nomi Indivisible, along with Between the Covers bookstore and McLean and Eakin Booksellers, is sponsoring a First Congressional District Meet the Primary Candidates forum at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 7. The forum will be held at the Carnegie Building, 451 E. Mitchell St., Petoskey. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the candidate forum will be held from 6-7:30 p.m., followed by informal post-forum candidate chat from 7:30 to 8 p.m. You can RSVP for the event here, and those who cannot attend in person will be sent a link to watch the forum online. All major primary candidates have been invited to participate. Four candidates have confirmed their participation: Kyle Blomquist - Democrat (Iron Mountain), Justin Michal - Republican (Grayling), Zebulon Featherley - Independent (Traverse City) and Wayne Stiles - Democrat (Traverse City). The Michigan Primary Election will be held Tuesday, Aug. 4.

SHRED THE STIGMA - Surf the Earth MHC, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, will host "Shred the Stigma" Mental Health Weekend at Boyne Mountain Resort from April 11-12. The event combines winter sports, wellness activities, and mental health awareness programming to foster community connection and break down barriers surrounding mental health conversations. This year’s theme is “Many Tracks to Wellness,” highlighting the paths, both on and off the hill, that can be taken to better equip ourselves to curb stigma around mental health. Registration and complete event details, including discounted tickets and accommodations.

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

• Boyne Falls High School - 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, April 16
• Boyne District Library - 1-5:30 p.m. Monday, April 20
• Boyne City High School - 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28

> 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. For seniors ages 60+, the lunch donation is $3, for ages 59 and under, $10; and for children 12 and under, $8. Here is the April lunch menu and the April activity calendar.



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The Boyne Citizen is committed to being a free resource for in-depth local news and information you can trust. Will you join more than 400 donating members who believe the Boyne area needs high-quality news and information?

Regional News

From Bridge Michigan and Interlochen Public Radio

Electric poles and wires along M-32 near Gaylord. Resident Wanda Whiting says lines like this were down during the March 2025 ice storm. (Vivian La/IPR News)

Should Michigan bury power lines after back-to-back years of ice storms? - Details

Most Michigan counties gained population last year. See where

Opponents worry over tunnel construction as Line 5 report released - Details

Providers face ‘extreme shortage’ of paramedics, EMTs in rural Michigan - Details

City of Boyne City Municipal News

CITY COMMISSION APPOINTMENT - Anyone interested in being considered for appointment to the vacant City Commission position should fill out this application and turn it in by 4 p.m. Friday, April 10.

SOUND SYSTEM BIDS - Boyne City Main Street is seeking bids to bring sound and plenty of music to downtown. We welcome bids from all qualified providers. If you have any questions, call 231-582-9009. Details.

ELECTION COMMISSION meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 07, at 10:30am ahead of the May 5, 2026, Special Election. The agenda can be found here.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS - As of March 24, the city has mailed all ballots to voters who are on the permanent absentee ballot list for the upcoming May 5, Char-Em ISD School District Special Election. Absentee ballots can be issued to voters wishing to vote absentee through Monday, May 4, 2026 at 4 p.m. All absentee ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Find important dates and a sample ballot online. 

LITZENBURGER PLACE - The waiting list for Litzenburger Place apartments will be opening on Friday, April 10 at 9:30 am. Applications will be available at that time. Contact the Boyne City Housing Commission for more information at 231-582-6203.

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 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, April 14. Agenda page.

Obituaries

Wanda Sue Losher

October 30, 1965 ~ March 20, 2026 (age 60)

An early view of the East Street bridge in downtown Boyne City. Notice the piling supports under the bridge and the first electric company building on the upper right - complete with two floors of spacious apartments. Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary collection.

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

The East Street Bridge over the Boyne River

By Patrick McCleary

The Charlevoix County History Preservation Society

The bridge located on East Street in Boyne City has long been an important addition to Boyne, allowing for easy access between the north and south sides of the village and a dry route over the river below. 

Upkeep on the bridge, however, was a difficult task, even in the early years. Originally, large pilings had been set across the riverbed and shore, and a wooden bridge was then built across the top. The bridge received heavy traffic with the transport of timber and other heavy industrial byproducts. 

In 1918, the bridge was condemned. The bridge had been rickety for more than two years at that point, but one winter morning in January of that year, a farmer was crossing with a horse and wagon in bad weather. The horse lost its footing when it broke through the rotting structure, and while getting him free, the wagon’s back wheel went through at the opposite end.

After this incident and the condemnation of the bridge, Judge Ervin A. Ruegsegger appealed to the District Engineer of the State Highway Department, asking that the state replace it with a modern structure. His pleas were heard and it was agreed upon that this would be done in the spring of 1919.

> 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.

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

> We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization. You can donate online here, or mail a check to Boyne Citizen, PO Box 83, Boyne City MI 49712.

2026 Donors

This week's new donors are listed in bold.

Donors from 2024 and 2025 are listed on our website.

MUSIC, ARTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

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

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

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

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

> Open bowling: 3-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 3-10 p.m. Fridays, 12-10 p.m. Saturdays, 12-9 p.m. Sundays.

> LIVE MUSIC:

• Saturday, April 11 - Timberline, 8-11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 18 - Yankee Station, 8-11 p.m.

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

> Upcoming classes and exhibits:

• "Return to Light" Exhibit - April 10 - May 25
• Kids Makers Class / April Showers & Flowers - April 18  
• Kid Art Camp - June 15 - August 14. Scholarships available. 
• Reviving Old Paintings - Demo Night with Julies Tibus - June 15
• Book a Private Art Party

BOYNE CITY FARMERS MARKET - Indoors at the Veterans Park Pavilion, 207 N. Lake Street, Boyne City, (231) 582-9009. Open every Saturday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

• April 4 - Rhett DuCouer
• April 18 - Terry Coveyou

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

• Mondays - Trivia
• Thursdays - Adam and the Cabana Boys, 7 p.m.
• Fridays - Patrick Ryan, 7 p.m.
• Saturdays - Patrick Ryan and Josh Raber, 7 p.m.
• Saturdays and Sundays - Sports on all screens.

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

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

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

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

LIVE MUSIC:

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

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

> LIVE MUSIC:

• Saturday, April 4 - Nelson Olstrom, 2-6 p.m.
• Saturday, April 11 - Two Track Mind, 2-6 p.m.
• Saturday, April 18 - Chris Calleja, 2-6 p.m.
• Saturday, April 25 - Michelle Chenard, 2-6 p.m.

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

> Kids of all ages can meet and greet the Easter Bunny from 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Easter Sunday. Poster with details.

> LIVE MUSIC:

• Mondays in April - The Shifties, 6-9 p.m.

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

> CTAC - Petoskey will be closed for Spring Break March 30 - April 4, and will reopen to the public on Tuesday, April 7.

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

• Friday, April 10 - Jeff Haas Music in coordination with Crooked Tree Arts Center presents Sheela Bringi and Elden Kelly with special guest Nabin Shrestha. Tickets and details.

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

• Saturday, April 18 - Willie Nile, New York singer-songwriter.
• May concert to be announced.

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

• See website for movies showing on the big screen.
• Sunday, April 12, 4 p.m. - Magic Rocks! Illusionist Leon Etienne. Tickets.

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

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

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

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

> LIVE MUSIC and events:

• Monday, April 6 - Lit with Literature: "Mistborn the Final Empire" By Brandon Sanderson, 7-9 p.m.
• Saturday, April 18 - 4th Anniversary Party featuring live music by Seasonal Road, 8-11 p.m.
• Monday, April 20 - Lit with Literature: "Carl's Doomsday Scenario" & "The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook" By Matt Dinniman, 7-9 p.m.

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

• Fridays - Open Skate (all ages), 5-9 p.m.
• Saturdays - Open Skate, 2-6 p.m. April 11 includes an Easter Egg Hunt.
• Thursday, April 16 - Christian Skate, 5-8 p.m.

STIGGS BREWERY & KITCHEN - 112 S. Park St., Boyne City, (231) 497-6100. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays for the winter.

• Thursday, April 2 - Peter Allen Jenson will host Open Mic & Comedy Night, 6-9 p.m. Continues third Thursday of each month.

“Give Back Nights” with 10% of the total bill donated to area non-profits:

• Wednesday, April 8 - Concord Academy Boyne Senior Class 2026
• Wednesday, April 15 - Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy

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

Live music 6-9 p.m.:

• Wednesdays - Pete Kehoe (except April 1 and 15)
• Thursdays - Laura Crowe

The Boyne Citizen

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

Email: jim@boynecitizen.com

Phone: 231-675-8793

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