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Willow tree to be removed
The City Commission Thursday approved a recommendation by Department of Public Works Director Doug Varney to cut down this large willow tree in Veterans Park. The tree is more than 50 years old, since it was planted in memory of 14-year-old Aaron MacNaughton in 1974. Varney said the tree is “compromised on both the south and north sides and in my personal opinion is too much of a risk to attempt to save. If this tree were to have a failure it could be catastrophic.” Full story below.
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Inside this issue
- John Matthews hired as interim city manager
- City approves better retirement benefits for police
- Compromised memorial willow tree will be cut down
- BCHS announces honor students for Class of 2025
- BC-Charlevoix trail costs keep rising
- Boyne City resident Kristin Bates found dead in Ohio
- Kujawski honored for 50 years as high school sports official
- School district wants input for ‘Portrait of a Graduate’
- Lake Charlevoix Mariners celebrates 40 years of sailing
- Taco Tuesday is back for mountain bikers
- Garden Club will soon be planting all over town
- Melrose Township Board meeting report
- Patrick McCleary on "lumbermen lingo"
- News briefs, Municipal News, Obituaries
- Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
- Music and entertainment listings
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John Matthews answers questions at Thursday's City Commission meeting.
City Commission hires John Matthews of Elk Rapids as interim manager
By Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com
The Boyne City Commission hired John Matthews, former village manager of Elk Rapids, as their interim city manager Thursday. Matthews said he would start work on Monday, June 2.
Matthews resigned Feb. 20 after serving 8 months as Elk Rapids village manager. He had previously served as interim village treasurer in Elk Rapids. His LinkedIn profile shows extensive experience as a corporate business executive and consultant.
He was hired on a 3-1 vote, supported by Commissioners Marty Moody, George Lasater and Bob Farrell with Commissioner Sandy Pritchard opposed and Mayor Tim Nemecek absent.
Pritchard said she supported hiring Chris Brown, who served as village manager in the community of Pentwater for seven years. Other commissioners did not support hiring Brown after a background report revealed personal financial problems from his past, although Pritchard pointed out that those issues were from 15 or more years ago.
Matthews will be paid $3,200 per week as interim city manager. The City Commission has interviewed several other candidates since they terminated long-time manager Michael Cain on March 12. The Commission hired Pivot Group Municipal Services, an executive recruiting firm, to lead the effort to find a permanent city manager, a process that is expected to take at least eight weeks.
Matthews said he is interested in serving as the permanent manager if the commission so desires.
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City approves better retirement benefits for police;
Compromised memorial willow tree will be cut down
By Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com
In a four-hour meeting on Tuesday afternoon, the Boyne City Commission changed the police officers’ retirement system in an effort to improve retention, learned that the city marina opening will be delayed, and decided to cut down a potentially dangerous 50-year-old willow tree in Veterans Park.
Police Chief Kevin Spate said the city needs to change its retirement system for police officers or face the prospect of losing them to neighboring communities. “To retain current officers and attract good candidates when positions arise, we need to go back to the defined benefit retirement system that Assistant Chief Mercer and I still have,” Spate said.
“Securing a stable retirement system that is in line with neighboring agencies will strengthen our ability to retain and hire quality officers. A revolving door of local officers is not what we should want in our police department.”
The main takeaway from the proposed change, Spate said, is that the city is currently paying 12% for retirement, and will pay 11.14% with the new plan. “This change makes financial sense and is paramount in maintaining our outstanding department. I have
attached a letter of support from the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council which represents our officers.”
WILLOW TREE
The Commission approved a recommendation by Department of Public Works Director Doug Varney to cut down a large willow tree in Veterans Park. The tree is more than 50 years old, since it was planted in memory of 14-year-old Aaron MacNaughton in 1974.
Varney said the tree is “compromised on both the south and north sides, and in my personal opinion, is too much of a risk to attempt to save. If this tree were to have a failure it could be catastrophic, and due to its location it is that much more of a liability,” especially with the 4th of July and other major summer events planned in the park.
The cost of removing the tree by All Aspects Forestry is estimated to be $3,500 to $4,000, including stump grinding.
MARINA DELAY
The Commission approved three change orders on the marina construction project amounting to a total of $27,515, and in the process learned that expected delayed delivery of electrical parts may delay the opening of the marina by at least a week from its projected start date of June 1. Marina staff will communicate with Consumers Energy to confirm the opening date, and then will notify affected boat owners.
IN OTHER ACTION, the commission:
> Accepted a recommendation from the North Boyne Housing Advisory Board that the city proceed with negotiations for Moxie Real Estate and Development to build a 101-unit, four-building project.
> Approved a two-year agreement with Up North Assessing to continue providing property assessing services. City Clerk Treasurer Jessica Puroll’s memo said, “Given the high quality of service provided by Up North Assessing and their familiarity with our community’s needs, staff recommend renewing the contract. The proposed renewal includes an increase in the annual fee from $63,600 to $69,600, which will continue to be paid in monthly installments.”
> Approved a gravel road dust control contract with D&J Bowen Dust Control for an amount not to exceed $12,672.
> Approved the purchase of an International HV 507 Series Single Axle – Heavy Duty Plow Truck from Zaremba Equipment Incorporated of Gaylord for an amount not-to-exceed $113,566.20 (possibly $3,900 less if tariffs are not included).
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Boyne City High School announces honor students for Class of 2025
With less than .03 difference in grade point average, Valedictorian Ethan McQueen and Salutatorian Ellie Clausen received the highest academic honors at Boyne City High School. They will address their classmates, family and friends at graduation on Sunday, June 1.
"Don't turn down an experience that could change your life. You don't know what you might miss," Ethan advises. Ethan had a final cumulative GPA of 4.083. 4 points is an A. Some honors classes are weighted more than 4 points as incentive for students to challenge themselves. His proud parents are Ryan and Bretta McQueen.
Ethan is involved in robotics, drama, tech crew, National Honor Society, and Rambler Sports Network. He is also a Big Brothers/Big Sisters mentor. He plays in the jazz band, competes in the Quiz Bowl, and takes CAD (Computer Aided Design) classes. He plans to attend the University of Michigan to study mechanical engineering.
"High school is not just about textbooks; it is about discovering yourself and those around you," Ellie said. She graduates with a final cumulative grade point average of 4.057. Her parents are Steven and Sandra Clausen. She has been involved in student council, National Honor Society, softball, cross country and basketball. She has been a mentor, a class officer and involved in People's Choice. She plans to go to North Central Michigan College to earn a degree in business management.
Other honor students with grade point averages above a 4.0 in the class were:
Lauren LaBute, daughter of Robert and Cheryl LaBute, with a GPA of 4.027; and Katie Hunt, daughter of Tim and Cari Hunt, with a GPA of 4.021.
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BC-Charlevoix trail costs keep rising;
'Something here that doesn’t add up'
By Carole Shane, cjshane@charter.net
Phase 3 of the Boyne City to Charlevoix Non-Motorized Trail was on the agenda once again at the Wednesday, May 28 meeting of the Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners.
In a 4-2 vote, the board approved two modifications to the contract with the engineering firm Gosling Czubak. Commissioners Chris Christensen, Anne Marie Conway, Tim Kenney and Robert Jess voted yes, with Commissioners Scott Hankins and Josh Chamberlain opposed.
Planning Director Kiersten Stark explained the first modification involves installation of a 300-foot long stone trench drain adjacent to a section of the trail near Villa De Charlevoix. Storm water is pooling in this area whenever there is significant rain.
Engineers have offered three options for installing the stone trench drain. Stark recommended the least expensive option, which has an estimated cost of $10,941.
The second modification involves the construction of asphalt approaches at gravel/grass driveway crossings or private gravel roads. Stark explained that asphalt approaches are a design feature important for public safety as well as long-term maintenance of the trail. They minimize the amount of gravel that ends up on the trail surface from vehicles and facilitates storm runoff.
Asphalt approaches were used in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the trail, but were somehow not included in the plan for Phase 3. Modification of the contract to include the approaches on one private road and seven gravel/grass driveway crossings would cost approximately $10,060.
Martin Graf from Gosling Czubak engineers estimated that approximately $35,000 in cost savings could ultimately be realized by the county by the time Phase 3 is complete. If the savings were realized, the cost of the two modifications (approximately $20,000) would be deducted from the $35,000, thereby requiring no additional outlay from county funds.
Stark and Graf also gave cost estimates related to possible safety upgrades at the crosswalk where the trail will cross Boyne City-Charlevoix Road near Horton Bay. Commissioners were taken aback when confronted with a price tag that could be as high as $200,000.
Commissioner Christensen issued strongly worded concerns. “I’m more interested in consulting an attorney than in hearing about alternatives that will cost over $200,000. I think there’s some gross negligence here. Call it misfeasance, malfeasance, or non-feasance. There’s something here that doesn’t add up.”
Commissioner Kenney offered, “I don’t think the general public would look kindly on this constant hemorrhaging of funds.”
Commissioner Hankins stated, “At this point I’d like to talk to our attorney to figure out where we’re at. (We need to) “discuss the legalities of what we’re dealing with.”
According to Commissioner Chamberlain, residents in South Arm Township “are bummed” about the extra cost of the bike trail when roads such as Rogers Road are not yet paved.
No action was taken on the issue of safety upgrades to the crosswalk. The commissioners did, however, unanimously agree to schedule a special meeting with their attorney to discuss whether the board would have cause to pursue litigation against Gosling Czubak.
In other business, the board appointed Sherman Chamberlain of Charlevoix to a vacancy on the County Planning Commission.
The Board unanimously approved a resolution to urgently call on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Legislature, and the Governor to address a public mental health funding shortfall.
Other resolutions passed include:
- Transit Oxygen and Respiratory Policy
- Transit Service Animal Policy
- Transit ADA Complaint and Reasonable Modification Policy
- Charlevoix County Transit Title VI Plan
Correction
It was stated in last week’s coverage of the May 14 Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners meeting that an engineer named Gosling Czubak reported on issues related to the Boyne City to Charlevoix Non-Motorized Trail. The individual’s name is actually Martin Graf, who works for the engineering firm Gosling Czubak.
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Boyne City resident Kristin Bates found dead in Ohio
Reprinted from the Crescent-News in Defiance, Ohio
Defiance police are investigating the cause of death of a Michigan woman found in Defiance Tuesday evening, May 27. The body of Kristin Bates, 57, Boyne City, was recovered Monday morning on an island in the Auglaize River near Defiance’s Riverside Park.
The investigation began at about 10:41 a.m. Monday when city police responded to a complaint about an unattended dog in a vehicle at 925 S. Clinton St., a business parking lot. The vehicle belonged to a missing/endangered person out of Boyne City, Mich., according to a media release issued by police. Officers then issued a BOLO for the missing person and opened an investigation to assist with locating her.
They received additional information at about 8 p.m. Tuesday when the Defiance County 911 Center received a call from a fisherman who reported a body on an island in the Auglaize River near Riverside Park.
The body was recovered by city police, the Defiance County Sheriff’s Office, the Defiance Fire Department and the Defiance County Coroner’s Office, and identified as Bates, the missing person. The cause of death is under investigation pending an autopsy by the Lucas County Coroner’s Office, according to the media release.
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Public Notice - Meeting Date Change
The Library Board for Crooked Tree District Library will meet Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 6pm at the Walloon Lake branch library. This is a date change from previously posted.
Crooked Tree District Library will hold a Public Hearing at 6pm on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at the Walloon Lake Library at 2203 Walloon St., Walloon Lake, for the purpose of hearing oral comments and considering written comments from the public concerning the proposed Annual Budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 (July 1, 2025 – June 30,2026). Prior to the hearing the public can view the proposed budget at the Library’s business office, 2203 Walloon St., Walloon Lake. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing.
Sponsored post
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Mark Uyl, executive director of MHSAA presents Kirk Kujawski with his 50-year award at the recent Milestone banquet in East Lansing.
Kirk Kujawski honored for 50 years as high school sports official
By Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com
Boyne City native Kirk Kujawski was recently honored for his 50 years serving as a high school sports official at the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Officials Milestone Banquet at Kellogg Center in East Lansing.
Kujawski graduated from Boyne City High School in 1970 and began officiating high school sports in 1974.
All in all, he has officiated more than 2,100 football games, ranging from Pop Warner, middle school, junior varsity and varsity. His varsity football experience included three state finals (two at the Pontiac Silverdome and one at Ford Field), 14 semifinals, and 103 first, second and third round playoff games.
Coaches rate officials after every game and the MHSAA compiles those ratings. Kujawski said he always got high ratings - and that’s how he ended up officiating so many playoff games and state finals.
He also officiated high school basketball for 35 years until he had hip replacements in 2009 and 2010. “Running on hardwood floors was too hard on the prosthetic parts,” he said.
Earl “Moose” Brotherston and Kujawski are the only past Boyne City Public Schools employees that were ever registered as a coach or official with the MHSAA for 50 years or more. Brotherston had reached 51 years when he retired, which is the level where Kujawski will be at the end of this year.
Kujawski will be 73 in September. Is he planning to retire? “I really can’t, because there is such a lack of officials,” he said. “I wasn’t going to anyway, yet. So I’ll just keep going.”
Kujawski apparently inherited the officiating gene from his father John, who returned from World War II and worked as a high school sports official from 1947 to 1963.
When Kirk was in school, he participated in all three sports that Boyne City High School offered - football, basketball and track for boys only - from 1966 through graduating in 1970. Title IX was signed into law in 1972, which opened the door for girls to participate in school sports, starting in 1973.
Kirk attended North Central Michigan College and earned a bachelor’s degree in management and organizational development from Spring Arbor University. Kirk’s “day job” was owning a general contracting company for 20 years, and then he was hired by Boyne City Public Schools in 1996 as supervisor of support staff and assistant athletic director. His duties changed over the years, retiring in 2017, having worked 14 years in the Athletic Department as assistant athletic director and high school and middle school athletic director.
He started officiating in 1974, and his first crew of football officials included Bill Korthase, Roy Bruneel, and John Juday. When crews expanded to five, they added Randy Hollecheck of Charlevoix. Kirk’s first game ever was a varsity game at East Jordan. His original basketball officiating partner was Dave Rasch, and later Bob Drenth.
His routine has been to officiate four or five days a week - middle school games on Tuesdays, freshman or junior varsity games on Wednesdays, junior varsity on Thursdays, varsity on Fridays, and Pop Warner youth games on Saturdays. Pop Warner is an all-day commitment usually including four to six games, and Kirk has been calling those games for 31 years.
One advantage of getting older is that Kirk has been able to officiate games (starting with Pop Warner) for two of his grandchildren, Toby and Ricky Bristol, the sons of Kirk’s daughter Katie and Rick Bristol. Both grandsons play football, and Toby will be a sophomore and Ricky will be a junior next year. There are also two granddaughters, Tori and Juliet, who play basketball, volleyball and softball, and although Grandpa doesn’t officiate their games, Kirk and his wife Cindy do spend a lot of time watching and chauffeuring the girls to and from their games as well.
All of this officiating requires that Kirk stay in good physical condition. He has turned his garage into a home gym, and cycling plays a big part in his conditioning. In warm weather, you will see Kirk - and often Cindy - riding 60 to 80 miles a week on their bikes on the Boyne Valley Trail between Boyne City and Boyne Falls. In the winter, they go to Florida, where they also ride the same amount and take step aerobics classes.
What is the secret to being a good official? “I believe that I'm a good listener on the field,” he said. “Management 101 states that anyone - head coaches in particular - that has an opinion or dispute about anything - wants to be heard.”
“You have to look and act like you care and want to listen. I approach a coach that's complaining with a smile, then I stop and listen. It usually takes 30 seconds for them to burn out and stop. Offer to him - ‘Coach, on the next dead ball, I'm going to get my crew together, go over areas of coverage, reading keys, then make sure that we have at least three sets of eyes from three different angles on every play, then trust our judgment to make the right call. Coach, I appreciate your concern, we're going to keep working hard and giving our best.’ This will work 19 out of 20 times.”
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Kirk Kujawski with grandsons Toby and Ricky Bristol.
Excerpts from Kujawski’s speech at Milestone Banquet
Here are some excerpts from Kirk Kujawski’s speech at the MHSAA Officials Milestone Banquet at Kellogg Center in East Lansing on April 26, 2025:
HIGH POINTS
“If you ask officials what they think is the pinnacle of their career, most will say officiating a state final. It is an honor and a thrill to do so but, after doing my first one, I found that the friendships developed with players, coaches, and fellow officials is far more rewarding.”
“I look forward each fall to renewing these relationships. I'm realizing that I'm now officiating third generation coaches, where I'm working with a coach whose father and his father I've worked with.”
“I get to officiate my two grandsons’ games. I got to work all of their Pop Warner games, most of their middle school games, some of their junior varsity games, and some of their varsity games. Both of these athletes got to be part of the Rambler varsity team that lost in the 2024 state semifinal.”
LOW POINTS
“In 1989 I lost my then basketball officiating partner and his wife, Bob and Maxine Drenth. They were returning from an evening church service when an approaching vehicle crossed the centerline and struck their car head on, killing both. In the fall of 2019, our son Isaiah went to be with the Lord, succumbing to cancer. Both losses were tragic, but with the grace of God, our parish family, friends, and my fellow officials, we keep on living.”
FOUNDATION OF SUCCESS
“Relationship with Jesus Christ. Support and backing from my wife Cindy of 53 years, my immediate family, my parish family, MHSAA and six like-thinking men who also have set their bar high and put on the striped shirt and join me four to five days or nights a week to officiate.”
CLOSING COMMENT
"My entire career, I've set my bar very high and have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of the climb to the top of the mountain, now being recognized by my peers for a ‘job well done,’ as I savor my mountaintop experience."
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Kirk Kujawski, center, with his officiating crew at the 1995 Class C State Final game at the Pontiac Silverdome.
| | Kirk Kujawski officiates four to six Pop Warner football games on a typical fall Saturday. | |
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School district wants input for ‘Portrait of a Graduate’
Boyne City Public Schools would like your input as they start a process called “Portrait of a Graduate.” The goal is to create a shared vision of what the Boyne City community thinks are the skills and experiences every student should have when they enter the workforce or pursue higher education.
The school district would like your perspective on the qualities, knowledge, and abilities that are essential for Boyne City graduates to thrive. This is a chance for community members to directly influence the educational foundation of Boyne City's future employees and community members.
Once they have the survey results, school officials will prioritize the information and then align curriculum for grades Pre K-12 to the desired outcomes.
Please use this link to complete the brief survey (four questions).
As a thank you for participating, survey respondents will be entered into a drawing for one of three Boyne Chamber Gift Certificates redeemable at many local businesses.
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Lake Charlevoix Mariners celebrates 40 years of sailing excellence with new leadership team
The Lake Charlevoix Mariners is preparing to launch its 40th season of sailing instruction on Lake Charlevoix, marking four decades of creating sailors and fostering community connections on the water. The 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which operates the popular Sail Charlevoix Adult and Junior Sailing Program, will begin summer programs on June 16 in Boyne City and June 23 in Charlevoix.
"Forty years of creating sailors, and we're just getting started," said Dan Tosch, president of Lake Charlevoix Mariners and Boyne City resident. "The smiles say it all – that's why we do this, for the pure joy of introducing our sailors to the beauty and wonder of sailing, and that we get to do this on our beautiful Lake Charlevoix is such a privilege. Reaching 40 years has been possible thanks to generations of sailors and supporters who have believed in our mission. As a local Boyne City resident, I'm honored to be part of an organization that has become such an integral part of our Lake Charlevoix community."
The organization has announced dynamic new leadership for 2025, welcoming back two program alumni who have risen through the ranks to lead the next generation of sailors.
Sophia Pilling returns as director of sailing operations, bringing her lifelong passion back to where it all began. "I started sailing with this program when I was just 8 years old, and I've been hooked ever since," Pilling said. "I'm passionate about helping young sailors find their confidence on the water and can't wait for another amazing summer on Lake Charlevoix."
Joining her is Samantha Hope as director of community outreach and development. "I learned to sail in this program when I was 10 years old and have not been able to stay away since," Hope said. "After completing my master's degree in recreational therapy, I'm super excited to return and contribute to the program that shaped my life."
The Lake Charlevoix Mariners offers programs for both youth and adults, making sailing accessible to all skill levels and ages. Registration for summer sessions is filling quickly.
New for 2025: Northern Student Program
The organization is proud to announce its new Northern Student Program, offering local youth ages 8-18 who live and attend school in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, or Otsego County a special rate of just $175. Families can use code Local25 during registration and provide proof of residency afterward. "This program embodies our commitment to making sailing accessible to everyone in our community," Tosch noted.
The Lake Charlevoix Mariners welcomes volunteers and sponsors to support their mission. Individuals interested in volunteering can contact Samantha Hope at samantha.hope@sailcharlevoix.org. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsorship opportunities can explore various levels at sailcharlevoix.org/support-us.
For registration and more information, visit sailcharlevoix.org or email info@sailcharlevoix.org.
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The Trim Castle on the River Boyne.
Learn about Heritage Center’s tour of Ireland
Join the Boyne Heritage Center at 6 p.m. tonight, Friday, to learn about their personalized cultural tour of Ireland’s River Boyne Region. This Irish adventure features the enchanting River Boyne and the warm community of Trim, Boyne City’s Irish twin city.
Departing in September 2026, this unique guided tour from Dublin to Dublin offers travelers a deep connection to Ireland’s history, landscapes, and people.
This nine-day journey takes guests through some of Ireland’s most iconic sites: the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, the Giant’s Causeway, and the stunning Dingle Peninsula. Along the way, travelers will experience vibrant cities including Dublin, Belfast, and Galway, plus charming towns like Killarney, Kilkenny, and Waterford.
A highlight of the trip is a visit to Trim, where participants can engage with the local community and enjoy options like canoeing or fly fishing on the River Boyne - famously featured in the movie Braveheart.
This all-inclusive package features:
- Hand-selected accommodations
- Expert tour guides
- Seamless transportation in a first-class motorcoach with wi-fi
- Unforgettable cultural and natural experiences
Boyne City residents Richard and Robin Wright will present photos from their trip to Trim.
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A typical Taco Tuesday includes 60 riders with a mixture of ages and abilities.
Taco Tuesday is back for mountain bikers
Taco Tuesday is back. The first one for the season is June 3, featuring your favorite tacos made from scratch - except for growing the corn and wheat for the tortillas, we buy those.
- Who: You! And all your riding buddies.
- What: Ride bikes, eat delicious tacos, feel good.
- Where: Boyne Forest Trail - Old Horton Bay Road lot.
- When: June 3, wheels rolling 6:30, tacos served 7:30ish.
- Why: Hang out with your buddies, meet new people, and raise funds for future trail development.
If you haven’t been to a Taco Tuesday yet, this is your invitation. On average 60 riders show up with a great mixture of ages and abilities. Everyone is welcome. It’s a great way to meet new people in the community or run into old friends. “Taco Tips” are donated back into the trails for future trail development. Taco Tuesdays helped raise $2,000 last year.
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Residents recall ice storm at meeting; ‘The pictures and videos don’t do it justice’
Reprinted from Interlochen Public Radio newsletter
About 70 people affected by the March ice storms gathered in Gaylord on May 21 to share their stories with the Michigan Public Service Commission.
The three-member board is in charge of regulating many of the utility companies whose customers lost power during the storms. Residents from Otsego County and beyond called for better communication, more reimbursement and improved infrastructure.
As the storm swept across northern-lower Michigan, more than an inch and a half of ice collected on tree branches, power lines, homes and vehicles.
“I have huge trees that were right next to my house, and they were crashing down on top,” said Otsego County resident Kim Young, recalling the destruction. “In the night, when it was pitch black, you don't know where it’s coming from. You just hear it, crack, crack, smash!”
Young told the commission she had to shelter at a local church after it dropped to below freezing temperatures in her home. She said the fallen trees left 13 holes in her roof. “I’m still fighting with insurance companies about it,” she said.
The storm also caused catastrophic damage to power grids, leaving almost all customers in the affected area without power — over 100,000 people.
> Full story.
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Garden Club will soon be planting all over town; They’re taking pre-orders for 4th of July Pie Sale
The Boyne Valley Garden Club is at work now cleaning and planting 16 city planter boxes, the Eagles planter box and 11 gardens throughout the city.
You will see club members all over town on the morning of June 3 planting the gardens. The planning and support for these projects is year round. The club has over 100 gardeners dedicated to keeping Boyne beautiful. The club welcomes community support, and donations are graciously accepted by mail to Boyne Valley Garden Club, P. O. Box 387, Boyne City, MI 49712-0387.
PIE SALE PRE-ORDERS - The Garden Club holds a pie sale on July 4 at the Pavilion in Veterans Memorial Park. New this year, pies can be pre-ordered between June 1-22. Visit the Garden Club's website, www.boynevalleygardenclub.com, to place your order. On July 4, you can simply visit the Pavilion between 9 am-noon and your order will be ready for pickup. Email boynevalleygardenclub@gmail.com with any questions.
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Spring plant sale set for June 7 at fairgrounds
Locally-grown plants at reasonable prices will fill the T-barn at the Emmet County Fairgrounds for the annual Spring Plant Sale, hosted by the Northern Michigan Master Gardener Association. The event begins at 9 a.m. sharp on Saturday, June 7, at the fairgrounds on Charlevoix Avenue in Petoskey.
Local Master Gardeners have been busy digging up and dividing their favorite perennials, herbs, groundcovers and shrubs in preparation for the sale. These home-grown plants are acclimated to Northern Michigan so there is no need to harden them off before planting.
A new offering this year will be free packets of native plant seeds for those attending the plant sale. Members of the Northern Michigan Master Gardener Association collected seeds last fall and spent the winter cleaning, separating, packaging and labeling a wide variety of native plant seeds to share with area gardeners.
In addition to outdoor plants, a selection of houseplants will be for sale and The Garden Marketplace will offer a variety of garden supplies and tools.
Gardeners will find helpful tips at various informational tables. Further information.
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Boyne Arts Center extends its summer hours
From June 1 through August 31, the Boyne Arts Center will have extended summer hours:
- Sunday: 12-4pm
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday - Thursday: 10am-6pm
- Friday: 10am-9pm
- Saturday: 10am-6pm
Stop by the Gallery and Gift Shop above Cafe Sante at One Water Street, Suite 203, Boyne City. For information call (231) 622-2073 or go to boynearts.org.
KID’S CAMP DEADLINE - The June 1 deadline is fast approaching. Five sessions of Kid's Camp are available this summer for second through eighth grade students. The week-long camps give kids the opportunity to explore different mediums and do their own projects. Classes will be held at the Boyne Arts Center with stories at the library. Sign up at boynearts.org. Flyer with details.
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Melrose Township Board meeting summary
Here is the Melrose Township Board meeting summary from May 13:
- Approved the following road projects for 2025 (both funded from Melrose Township Road Millage):
- New gravel on Springbrook Road ($198,000).
- Completion of North Shore Drive ($532,000).
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Short Term Rental Ordinance continues to be a large focus of discussion. We encourage any township residents who are interested in knowing more or want to provide feedback to reach out to us at melrose@melrosetwp.org. Highlights from this month’s discussion:
- This month, the board saw a demo of software that is leveraged in the community to manage and administer the Short Term Rental program.
- Ongoing discussion and adjustments made to the language of the ordinance.
- Discussion on program costs.
- Sewer expansion – the board is just beginning to plan for the next phase of sewer services for residents in Melrose Township.
- The Board unanimously voted to support the Walloon Lake Collaborative, joining four other townships that share Walloon Lake.
- Approved a mass gathering permit for Flywheelers event July 24-25.
- The next board meeting will be held June 10.
-
Township website.
Editor’s note: The Boyne Citizen has contacted other 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.
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STROLL KICKOFF - The Friends of the Boyne District Library will again be hosting a big Stroll the Streets Kickoff event from 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 13, in the parking lot north of the library. The Friends of the Library host this outdoor event to ring in summer with carnival games and prizes, plus Summer Reading Program information, face painting, crafts, a used book sale, free popcorn, ice cream, sno-cones, and cotton candy. It’s “free and fun stuff for all ages.”
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS - The Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to join them for an evening of networking and connection at Business After Hours with Boyne Mountain from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 19, at the Beach House Restaurant on Deer Lake. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, the Tiki Bar (don't forget it is cashless), connect with fellow professionals and community members, and hear the latest updates from Boyne Mountain representatives.
FIREFIGHTER BENEFIT - Join us this Saturday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to Noon for a community breakfast fundraiser at the Fire Hall to support retired Boyne City Firefighter Chuck Witte as he recovers from a recent accident. Entrance is by donation, and every dollar raised will go directly toward helping Chuck with recovery expenses.
FISH FRY - The last Eagles fish fry until September will be held Friday, May 30, from 5-7 p.m. Parking and entrance are on River Street due to parking lot replacement.
4TH OF JULY - The Boyne City 4th of July Committee is accepting nominations for their parade grand marshal. You are invited to email nomination letters to Committee Chair Jessica White, jessicaboyneace@gmail.com.
> PARADE - The committee also invites everyone to enter floats (at no cost) for “The Best 4th in the North.” Here is the registration form.
> INDEPENDENCE DAY RUN - Registration is now live for the 49th Annual Independence Day Run, This year we are offering a five-mile or two-mile run. Details and registration.
| | City of Boyne City Municipal News | | |
November General Election Update
Following recent clarification regarding the filing deadline for the upcoming City Commission election, the City Clerk/Treasurer, in consultation with the City Attorney, has conducted a thorough review of already submitted petition materials.
The City Clerk/Treasurer has determined that the nominating petitions and affidavits of identity previously submitted for the November general election must be rejected. This is because the original petition forms incorrectly stated that the filing was for a “primary election.” However, according to our City Charter, Boyne City holds nonpartisan general elections in odd-numbered years and does not allow for a primary election process. To ensure the election remains clear, fair, and legally sound, the incorrect forms can’t be accepted.
The verbiage and election date on the official petition forms has been corrected to meet the requirements of our City Charter. They are now available at City Hall for anyone interested in running for City Commission in the November 4, 2025 election. Those who previously filed, and anyone else who is interested in running are encouraged to pick up the updated forms and file before the deadline.
Key Steps for the Nomination Process:
- Petitions must include no fewer than 20 and no more than 40 signatures of registered voters within the City of Boyne City.
- Candidates must submit an Affidavit of Identity along with their petitions.
- The filing deadline is Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
We understand this may be frustrating for those who already submitted or signed petitions, but our goal is to set candidates up for success. We want to ensure every petition submitted meets legal standards and reflects the correct election process outlined in our Charter.
City Hall is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and staff are available to assist candidates with any questions they may have throughout the process.
Thank you for your understanding,
Jessica Puroll
City Clerk/Treasurer
Find more information on running for City Commission, the nominating process, and more online - https://www.boynecity.gov/services/clerk/elections/index.php
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Sewer construction equipment was ready to start work on Lincoln Street in this photo taken on Thursday.
Sewer expansion project
Letters are being mailed this week to property owners in the CWSRF Sewer Expansion Project areas. If you receive one, it includes a Septic System Sketch form to help us plan the location of sewer leads for your future sewer connection.
Important Notes:
- The City secured the required 50% commitment from residents in the impacted areas.
- City Commission approved the project to move forward on May 13.
- State of Michigan EGLE has approved the project to move forward on May 20.
- Construction begins Tuesday, May 27, 2025 on Lincoln Street by Team Elmer’s.
Please return your sketch by June 6 - drop it off or mail it to City Hall with the postage-paid envelope that will be included.
Find the example letter, sketch form, and impacted areas map online here.
Questions? Reach out to dvarney@boynecity.gov or talk to a C2AE field rep on-site during construction.
HOUSING VOUCHERS - The waiting list for the Housing Choice Voucher Program administered by the Boyne City Housing Commission will be opening at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, June 2. Applications will be available at that time. Contact the Housing Commission for further information at 231-582-6203 or visit www.boynecityhc.org for more information.
CITY MEETINGS – Click here for board information, agendas, and minutes.
> City Commission's next regular meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 10. Agenda page.
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Do you have photos like this as part of your family history?
Library hosts Genealogy With Patrick on Saturday
Boyne Citizen history columnist Patrick McCleary will lead a Genealogy With Patrick session from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 31, in the Community Room of the Boyne District Library, 201 E Main Street, Boyne City.
McCleary, a certified genealogist and long-time local historian, will focus on “missed research opportunities” and discovering methods for locating and documenting them. For those new to the hobby, an overview of “the basics” will be reviewed. For those with already established research, McCleary will be looking at subject matter and topics to further leaf-out your family story.
Participants may wish to bring along their laptops, if they have them, or sign up for use of those available through the library using their registration link. Computers are not necessary, however, and this program is free and open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. No pre-registration is required. Sign up only if you need to borrow one of the library's laptop computers.
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Early lumbermen at camp. Photograph courtesy of the Bob Morgridge Collection.
THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS
Lumbering lingo – an introduction
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By Patrick McCleary, Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com
The Charlevoix County History Preservation Society
At the turn of the last century, Charlevoix County was overrun with lumbermen. Villages and towns catered to the men (and women) involved in the numerous lumber camps and mills. Those of us today may have had trouble understanding many of their conversations, as these fine folks had a language all their own.
“Lumbering lingo,” also known as “lumberjack lingo” or “logging lingo,” was a unique vocabulary used by those involved in the logging and timber industry. It encompassed terms related to their equipment, jobs, and the work itself, as well as slang and colorful expressions developed within the logging camps.
Here's a glimpse into this specialized language. Notice that some of their expressions still exist today in one form or another:
Bark Blazer – A sharp axe or hatchet that was used to cleave a portion of bark from a tree.
Bark Peeler – A cant hook that did not function properly for rolling logs. These would put a crease in the back of the log instead of taking a firm hold, due to the point of the hook being dull.
Cant Hook - A logging tool used to roll, lift, and move logs. It typically consisted of a long handle with a hinged iron hook at one end. The hook is designed to grip the log, allowing the operator to apply leverage and move it easily
Canada Peaker – A system of arranging logs on a load in the form of a triangle. The load was built by placing certain logs into the notches of other logs.
Choker – A cable wrapped around logs for hauling.
Fly Net – A loosely woven linen or leather string coverlet to keep flies and insects off of horses.
Gandy Dancer – Pick-and-shovel men, especially around railroads.
Knot Bumper – The person who cuts knots off the logs.
Knot Sawing – Cutting off knotty edges at the shingle mill.
Land Looker – Man who seeks out acreage and estimates the timber value in that location.
Lacing Hook – A small metal hook used to reweave linen horse fly nets.
Widow Maker - A dead limb above you on a tree.
| | > 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!
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2025 Donors
This week's new donors are listed in bold.
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The Hill Donors
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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 at 8.
BARREL BACK. 4069 M-75, Walloon Lake, (231) 535-6000.
> Live music 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays with music and trivia on Thursdays.
Mondays - Sean Bielby
Tuesdays - Lara Fullford
Wednesdays - Pete Kehoe
Thursdays - Holly Keller
BC LANES/THE VENUE BAR & GRILL. 1199 M-75 S, Boyne City, (231) 582-6353.
> LIVE MUSIC, Bike & Car Night, 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays on our outdoor stage
Tuesday, June 3 - Country Thunder
Tuesday, June 10 - Scarkazm
Tuesday, June 17 - Yankee Station
Tuesday, June 24 - Two Beats
Tuesday, July 1 - Spur the Moment
BOYNE ARTS CENTER. 1 Water Street, Suite 203, Boyne City. (231) 622-2073.
> Upcoming classes and exhibits:
BOYNE CITY FARMERS MARKET. Outdoors at Veterans Park, 207 N. Lake Street, Boyne City. (231) 582-9009.
> Open Wednesdays and Saturdays 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
> LIVE MUSIC:
Saturday, May 31 - Katherine Ryan
Wednesday, JUne 4 - Terry Coveyou
Saturday, June 7 - Mark Champion
Wednesday, June 11 - Melissa Welke
Saturday, June 14 - Nick Veine
Wednesday, June 18 - Melissa Welke
Saturday, June 21 - John Richard Paul
Wednesday, June 25 - Laura Thurston
Saturday, June 28 - Alex Teller
BOYNE CITY TAP ROOM. 220 S. Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 459-4487.
> MY CLUE TRIVIA - Mondays at 7 p.m.
> SINGO BINGO - Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
> LIVE MUSIC at 7 p.m.
Thursdays - Adam and the Cabana Boys
Fridays & Saturdays - Patrick Ryan
BOYNE MOUNTAIN. 1 Boyne Mountain Rd., Boyne Falls, (855) 688-7024.
> Weekly schedule of events and entertainment at all Boyne Mountain venues.
BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS. 05325 US 131 S, Petoskey, (231) 373-2090.
> LIVE MUSIC
Friday, May 30 - Chris Calleja, 4-7 p.m.
Saturday, May 31 - Michelle Chenard, 2-6 p.m.
Friday, June 6 - Elisabeth Cristi (4-7)
Saturday, June 7 - Two Track Mind (2-6)
Friday, June 13 - Chris Calleja (4-7)
Saturday, June 14 - Chase & Allie (2-6)
Friday, June 20 - Yankee Station (4-7)
Saturday, June 21 - Chris Calleja (2-6)
Friday, June 27 - Nelson Olstrom (4-7)
Saturday, June 28 - Michelle Chenard (2-6)
CAFE SANTE. 1 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 582-8800.
> LIVE MUSIC, 7-10 p.m.
Friday, May 30th - Pete Kehoe and Friends (15th anniversary party)
Saturday, May 31st - The Cabana Boys (15th anniversary party)
Friday, June 6 - The Fridays
Saturday, June 7 - Chris Calleja
Friday, June 13 - Sean Bielby
Saturday, June 14 - Peter Jensen
Friday, June 20 - Chris Calleja
Saturday, June 21 - Pete Kehoe
Friday, June 27 - Pete Kehoe
Saturday, June 28 - Keith Scott
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER. 461 E. Mitchell Street. Petoskey, (231) 347-4337.
> See website for updated entertainment, Swirl, art shows, and children's activities.
GREAT LAKES CENTER FOR THE ARTS. 800 Bay Harbor Dr., Petoskey, (231) 439 -2600.
SUMMER/FALL CONCERT SERIES:
June 13 - Deana Carter
June 21 - Get Loud Entertainment Presents: Infinity
June 27 - The Broadway Tenors
June 29 - Comedian Dustin Nickerson
July 5 - Get Loud Entertainment Presents: Lonestar
July 12 - 2025 Gala, Disco Paradise featuring KC and The Sunshine Band
July 20 - An Evening with Lyle Lovett and his Large Band
July 30 + 31 - Bay View Music Festival Presents: Bizet’s Carmen
Aug 3 - Straight No Chaser Summer: The 90s Part 2
Aug 9 - The Landsharks Band
Aug 15 - Ashes & Arrows
Aug 29-31 - Jersey Boys
Sep 14 - Grand Rapids Ballet Ballet Masterworks
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 at 7 p.m. through June.
MUSKRAT DISTILLING.121 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 268-0178.
Food service starts March 31. Hours will be Monday-Thursday 4-8 and Friday 4-9. Here is the Muskrat Munchies Menu, created by Katie Willis.
> KARAOKE - 8 to 11 p.m. every Wednesday
> LIVE MUSIC:
Friday, May 30 - Sean Bielby, 8-11 p.m.
Friday, June 6 - The Real Ingredients, 8-11 p.m.
Friday, June 13 - Timberline North, 6-9 p.m.
Friday, June 20 - SAXU4IA, , 6-9 p.m.
Friday, June 27 - Eric Jaqua, 6-9 p.m.
PROVISIONS LOUNGE. 123 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 582-2151.
LIVE MUSIC, 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays
RED MESA GRILL.117 Water St, Boyne City, (231) 582-0049.
No live music this summer; resumes in September
STIGGS BREWERY & KITCHEN. 112 S. Park St., Boyne City, (231) 497-6100
> June 4 and the first Wednesday of the month - Open Mic Nights hosted by Nelson Olstrom, 6-9 p.m.
> June 14 and the second Saturday of the month - Karaoke with DJ T-Bone Thompson from 8-11 p.m.
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