View as Webpage

September 17, 2026 | Issue #103 | Past issues

Reflecting on our local treescape

This stately old poplar (or cottonwood) tree was removed from the Harborage on Monday after standing proudly for 124 years. History columnist Patrick McCleary points out that generations of Boyne citizenry have witnessed similar losses, which he reflects on in his “Through the Historian’s Lens” column below.

Inside this issue:

• Lawsuit seeks to stop Boyne Falls pot ban proposal
• Three play areas sidelined as city works on fixes
• BC school board candidates to meet voters Oct. 4
• 10 candidates seek six Boyne Falls Village trustee seats
• Lake Charlevoix EMS asks voters to OK reduced millage
• Free Clinic and Food Pantry launch $500,000 campaign
• Place retires, Webborn takes over Walloon, BF libraries
• Boyne Citizen celebrates second anniversary
• Fun and produce for all ages at Sept. 26 Harvest Festival
• Who are these 10 guys? A Boyne City photo mystery
• Boyne Chamber Business After Hours is tonight
• BCHS Homecoming court & Rambler Sports Network
• Expanded township coverage continues:
• Wilson Twp. considers data center language, truck traffic
• Bay Township OK’s fire contract, new EMS millage
• Boyne Valley hears updates on EMS service change
• Eveline Twp. discusses dock issues, bike lane, cemetery
• Girl Scouts hold bridging ceremony on bridge
• WLAC urges all to inspect and pump septic systems
• BC unleaded gas jumps 20 cents, diesel hits new high
• Patrick McCleary history: Our local treescape
• News briefs, Obituaries & Municipal News
• Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
• Music and entertainment listings

> Like this newsletter? Forward to a friend and help us grow!

If they like it, they can subscribe here. We just hit 2,560 subscribers this week. You can reach those local subscribers with a display ad for $100; email jim@boynecitizen.com for details.

> The Boyne Citizen is committed to being a free resource for in-depth local news you can trust. If you support that goal, you can join 530+ donors 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.

Details and more photos



Sponsored post

Lawsuit seeks to remove Boyne Falls marijuana proposal from Nov. 3 ballot

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com

A legal challenge filed just weeks before the Nov. 3 general election is seeking to remove a Boyne Falls ballot proposal that would prohibit marijuana establishments within the village.

A hearing on the challenge is scheduled for 2 p.m. today, Thursday, Sept. 17 in Charlevoix County’s 90th Circuit Court before Judge Roy C. Hayes, two days before the deadline for ballots to be sent to military and overseas voters.

Invest Boyne Falls - describing themselves as a “ballot question committee” - filed an emergency request asking the court to prevent the proposal from appearing on the November ballot, arguing that petitions used to place the measure before voters failed to comply with multiple requirements of Michigan election law.

The case names the Village of Boyne Falls, Boyne Valley Township Clerk Dave Skop and Charlevoix County Clerk Julia Drost as defendants. The filing seeks a declaratory judgment, writ of mandamus and/or injunctive relief directing election officials to remove the proposal.

As of publication, the proposal remains on the Nov. 3 ballot, asking voters whether to approve the “Village of Boyne Falls Prohibition of Marihuana Establishments Ordinance,” which states that “marihuana establishments, as defined by MCL 333.27953(1), are prohibited within the boundaries of the Village of Boyne Falls.”

The referendum grew out of a months-long dispute over the village’s decision to allow recreational marijuana retailers.

In April, the Boyne Falls Village Council approved licenses for two proposed marijuana stores following a 4-2 vote. At the same meeting, village resident Brandi Rincon presented a petition seeking to overturn the village’s marijuana ordinance and put the question before voters.

The two proposed businesses were Canna Klub, planned for the former Premier Hobbies location at 2055 U.S. 131, and The Woods, planned for the former Great Lakes Seamless Gutters building, according to previous Boyne Citizen reporting.

Supporters of the licenses said during the April meeting that marijuana businesses had been an issue in the 2024 village election and argued that voters had elected candidates who had openly supported allowing the businesses. Opponents, including Rincon, raised concerns that the small, largely residential village was not an appropriate location for marijuana retailers.

At the time, village officials estimated the two businesses could generate between $50,000 and $60,000 annually in fees and tax revenue.

According to the current lawsuit, Rincon later submitted petitions containing approximately 40 signatures to Skop, who determined there were enough valid signatures to qualify the proposal for the ballot.

Invest Boyne Falls is not primarily challenging the number of signatures. Instead, it argues the petitions themselves were legally defective.

The lawsuit contends the petitions did not contain the full text of an ordinance and failed to meet several technical requirements under Michigan election law. It alleges deficiencies involving required petition language, warnings and the certificate of circulator.

Attorneys for Invest Boyne Falls argue those requirements are mandatory and that the petitions therefore should not have been certified.

The timing of the court challenge leaves little room before ballots are printed. According to the filing, ballots for military and overseas voters must be finalized, printed and distributed by Sept. 19. Invest Boyne Falls argues immediate court action is necessary to prevent the proposal from appearing on those ballots while its legality remains in dispute.

Work is underway at Veterans Park, where the city closed the community-built wooden playground beginning Sept. 14, but it may reopen by the end of the month.

Playground problems: Three Boyne City play areas sidelined as city works on fixes

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com

For generations of Boyne City families, the wooden play structures at Veterans Park and Peninsula Beach have been familiar places for children to climb, swing and play.

Right now, neither is available. Neither is the splash pad at Peninsula Beach.

Three of the city’s major recreational play features are simultaneously out of operation as Boyne City confronts a mix of aging equipment, safety concerns and maintenance problems — while beginning to plan for what will replace or repair them.

At Veterans Park, crews are already working on a recently approved remediation project that could allow the playground to reopen within weeks. At Peninsula Beach, a wooden playground dating to before 1994 is headed for demolition. Nearby, a three-year-old splash pad needs major underground plumbing repairs.

For Parks and Marina Supervisor Joshua Bernthal, who stepped into the newly created city position in April, the problems have highlighted something larger: playgrounds and other recreational amenities require maintenance throughout their lives — and eventually replacement.

“It’s just like a car,” Bernthal said. “These things age and they need to be maintained, and the better you maintain them, the longer they last. But eventually they’ll reach their service life.”

Veterans Park could reopen soon

The most immediate work is underway at Veterans Park, where the city closed the community-built wooden playground beginning Sept. 14 and taped off the structure while crews complete the initial remediation project.

Constructed in 2001 using chromated copper arsenate-treated lumber, the playground has a long history of environmental and safety concerns. Testing in 2015 found arsenic levels above state residential standards, leading to a remediation plan that included sealing the wood and maintaining protective ground cover.

After Bernthal arrived this spring, he identified maintenance requirements that had fallen behind under the city’s agreement with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and began working to bring the site back into compliance.

The City Commission last month approved up to $26,000 to seal the playground and remediate the surface beneath it.

Rainey’s Landscape is scheduled to complete the ground remediation with a target date of Friday, Sept. 18. Lake Charlevoix Paint and Stain is expected to begin applying sealant Sept. 21, with completion targeted for Sept. 24. New engineered wood fiber from Penchura LLC is scheduled for delivery Sept. 23 or 24.

Bernthal said the objective is to have the remediation and sealing completed by Sept. 25, although the project deadline extends through Oct. 31. The playground can reopen once that work is complete.

But reopening will not resolve all of the Veterans Park playground’s problems.

A 2026 assessment identified seven “Priority 1” hazards involving the playground, and the city must still determine how to address aging and worn components. Bernthal plans to meet Sept. 30 with representatives from Leathers, the playground’s original manufacturer, to begin developing a longer-term plan.

Whatever happens next, Bernthal said the city recognizes the strong sentimental attachment residents have to the Veterans Park playground, which was built through a major community effort and contains donated and personalized pieces.

Future improvements, he said, will aim to preserve those elements where possible and maintain the character of the existing playground.

Peninsula Beach playground coming down

Across town, there will be no similar reprieve for the main playground at Peninsula Beach.

The aging wooden structure is scheduled to be removed before Oct. 31.

Exactly how old is it? Even the city doesn’t know.

Bernthal said records show it was installed sometime before 1994. One clue is the swings incorporated into the structure, a design that was prohibited beginning in 1993.

Two much newer features — a Cozy Dome and saddle spinner installed in 2019 — will remain.

Planning for a replacement has already started, with Bernthal working with playground contractors and aiming to begin a new project in spring 2027.

It won’t be inexpensive. Bernthal said a playground of comparable size could cost anywhere from about $50,000 to $150,000.

But replacing an aging playground also gives the city an opportunity to address something its current parks lack.

“Currently, the city has no ADA-accessible play sites,” Bernthal said.

Making the new Peninsula Beach playground more accessible is one of his primary goals, and he plans to pursue grants to help create a play area usable by children with a wider range of abilities.

A three-year-old splash pad with major problems

The oldest equipment isn't the only concern at Peninsula Beach.

The splash pad, installed by volunteers just three years ago, is also out of operation — and repairing it could require digging into much of the system.

Bernthal said the splash pad has experienced problems almost from the beginning. It was built with the understanding that it would require little maintenance, but some of the plumbing underneath was assembled using off-the-shelf components rather than products designed for a commercial splash pad.

Cracks in the underground plumbing now cause the system to lose pressure.

Last year, the splash pad operated only partially - this year not at all. The city also discovered that water pressure and a valve in the system were causing problems with plumbing in the nearby restrooms. A replacement valve addressed that issue, Bernthal said, but not the leaks underground.

Fixing those will require exposing the plumbing, repairing it and putting the area back together.

There is no firm price or timeline yet. Bernthal hopes the work can be coordinated with construction of the new Peninsula Beach playground.

Planning beyond the repairs

With three play features sidelined at once, Bernthal said his work goes beyond getting individual pieces of equipment functioning again.

He is conducting an inventory and assessment of the city's parks and developing a broader maintenance plan intended to identify problems earlier and extend the life of what the city already owns.

The current situation, he said, illustrates why that matters.

“Nothing lasts forever,” Bernthal said.

For Peninsula Beach in particular, that means replacing what has reached the end of its useful life with something designed to serve the community for years to come.

And with potentially significant costs ahead at both parks, Bernthal said the city welcomes community support.

“Any and all donations are appreciated for the playground projects,” he said.

Paid Political Advertisement

Sponsored post - Paid political advertisement

by Canna Klub family-owned dispensary since 2020.

BC school board candidates to meet voters Oct. 4

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

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

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

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

The Boyne Citizen will also publish a Q&A with the four candidates in its Sept. 24 edition, giving voters an opportunity to learn more about their backgrounds, reasons for running and priorities for the school district.

More information about the Boyne City Board of Education and its current members is available on the district’s website at boyne.k12.mi.us/page/board-of-education.

Boyne Falls resident Brandi Rincon spoke against the marijuana store licenses when the new ordinance was apaproved in April. She later circulated a petition that would call for a vote on the issue in November.

Brandi Rincon challenges village president Cousineau in November; 10 candidates seek six Boyne Falls Village trustee seats

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com 

Boyne Falls voters will have plenty of choices in the Nov. 3 general election, with 10 candidates seeking six seats on the Village Council. But the most interesting contest looks to be Brandi Rincon challenging Village President Marilyn Cousineau for leadership of the council.

Rincon is the village resident who circulated a petition seeking to overturn the village’s marijuana ordinance and put the question before voters. (See separate story on a challenge to this ballot issue.)

All six trustee positions are up for election at the same time, with each carrying a two-year term. The race is particularly significant in the small village, where Charlevoix County Clerk Julia Drost said there are 301 registered voters.

Boyne Falls is the only incorporated village in Charlevoix County and is located within Boyne Valley Township. While village residents also live within the township, the village operates its own government and elects a president and six trustees.

All six incumbent trustees are seeking reelection: Gladys Joann Bell, Brandy L. Marvin, Larry Organek, Douglas Weiss, Raphael E. Zara and William Carson. All six were elected in 2024.

They are being challenged by Mike Kondrat Sr., Mike Kondrat Jr., Fernando D. Gamez and Lisa R. Peterson, according to the county's unofficial candidate list. Village President Marilyn Cousineau is also on the ballot and is unopposed.

The Kondrats, a father-and-son duo, are making another bid for the board after both previously served on the board but were not reelected in 2024. Nine candidates competed for the same six trustee seats that year, with Bell, Marvin, Organek, Weiss, Zara and Carson winning.

The election comes as the village has been at the center of several local issues, including discussions surrounding marijuana establishments and emergency medical services.

The Boyne Citizen will publish a Q&A and background information on the trustee candidates in an upcoming edition, giving voters an opportunity to learn more about their backgrounds, reasons for running and priorities for the village.

More information about the Village of Boyne Falls is available through the Village of Boyne Falls website

Click here to donate or mail your check to

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

Lake Charlevoix EMS asks voters to approve reduced millage on November ballot

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com 

Three months after approving a higher tax rate to support ambulance service, Lake Charlevoix EMS Authority voters will return to the polls Nov. 3 — this time to consider lowering it.

The new proposal on the Tuesday, Nov. 3 general election ballot would allow the authority to levy up to 1.75 mills for ambulance operations, replacing the 1.9239 mills voters approved in the Aug. 4 primary election.

The change comes after Bay Township joined the Lake Charlevoix EMS Authority, following its June decision to leave the Boyne City EMS system amid ongoing disputes over funding and governance.

Adding Bay Township brings another community — and its taxable property — into the Lake Charlevoix EMS Authority, spreading the cost of operating the ambulance service across a larger tax base.

Although serving Bay Township will increase the authority’s costs somewhat, Lake Charlevoix EMS Authority Board President Roy Griffitts said the additional tax revenue generated by the larger tax base will exceed those added costs, allowing the authority to reduce the millage rate it is asking residents to pay.

“How often does government lower your taxes?” Griffitts said.

Griffitts said the authority does not want to collect more from taxpayers than it believes is necessary to operate the service.

“We’re trying to be prudent managers of taxpayers’ money,” he said.

In August, voters approved a three-year millage of up to 1.9239 mills for 2026 through 2028. The proposal renewed the authority’s existing 1.4239-mill operating levy — originally approved at 1.5 mills before being reduced through required constitutional rollbacks — and added 0.5 mill.

The August millage was estimated to raise up to $2,166,352 in its first year.

The November proposal would reduce the maximum levy by 0.1739 mill, from $1.9239 to $1.75 for every $1,000 of taxable value.

At the new maximum rate, a property with a taxable value of $100,000 would pay $175 annually, compared with $192.39 under the August millage — a reduction of $17.39 per year.

Despite the lower tax rate, the November proposal is estimated to raise approximately $2.43 million in its first year because the millage would be collected across the authority’s expanded territory, including Bay Township.

The money would continue to be used for the same purpose: operating, equipping and maintaining ambulance services within the Lake Charlevoix EMS Authority. The three-year duration also remains unchanged, covering 2026 through 2028.

The Lake Charlevoix EMS Authority was established in 2021 by the City of Charlevoix and Charlevoix, Hayes, Marion and Norwood townships. Bay Township’s addition expands the authority to six member municipalities.

Lake Charlevoix EMS also serves a portion of Eveline Township, but Griffitts said Eveline is not an incorporating member of the authority. Instead, Eveline Township collects its own millage and also contracts with Boyne City EMS and Jordan Valley EMS Authority to serve different portions of the township. Eveline voters therefore will not vote on the Lake Charlevoix EMS Authority proposal.

If the proposal does not pass, the 1.9239-mill measure approved in August will remain in effect, according to the November ballot language.

Free Clinic and Food Pantry launch $500,000 campaign to repair shared building

> $400,000 is pledged; New donations will be matched

The Boyne Area Free Clinic (BAFC) and Good Neighbors Food Pantry of Boyne City (GNFP) have launched a $500,000 campaign to repair their shared building and support the growing needs of their local community.

Within their shared building on State Street in Boyne City, the clinic and food pantry work independently to support community members in need. Currently serving more than 1,200 patients each year, the volunteer medical team at the Free Clinic provides primary healthcare to all individuals regardless of their ability to pay; no one is denied a medical evaluation, and medications and medical supplies are provided at no cost.

Good Neighbors Food Pantry provides healthy food and other resources to neighbors in need, feeding an average of 65 households per week – representing food for more than 200 adults and children – completely free of charge. The food pantry’s volunteers prioritize good nutrition by offering fresh produce, protein options, and dairy products.

Now the two organizations are announcing a campaign to repair their shared building and ensure a safe and secure space to continue serving their community. The campaign will support much-needed repairs to the building’s exterior, including replacing the roof, siding, doors, and windows, updating the parking lot, exterior lighting, and HVAC system, as well as interior renovations and accessibility upgrades to help the building become fully ADA-compliant.

The campaign, which has a fundraising goal of $500,000, has $400,000 pledged and is seeking donations to help the two organizations reach their final goal.

“We are so thankful to the donors who have already given, their early support has brought this campaign to life,” said Susan Conklin, Food Pantry board president.

“Many local donors like Jim and Sharon White and others stepped up early to ensure this campaign would be kicked off with success.” 

Lead donor Jim White commented, “Boyne City has always been a compassionate community that wants to help those in need. I’m glad the building will become a permanent debt-free building in Boyne City for many years to come.”

“These physical improvements are essential repairs that must be completed for us to remain open, feeding and healing our community,” said Conklin.

With winter coming soon, the two organizations have recently begun the exterior repair work to ensure the roof can be replaced before the cold weather arrives. Both organizations will remain open and will continue serving those in need during construction.

The two organizations have also received a generous grant from the Herrick Foundation, which will match all donations up to $100,000 to help close out the campaign.

“This is an incredible opportunity to double your impact,” said Julie Schmittdiel, Boyne Area Free Clinic board secretary. “If you have been thinking about supporting this project, now is the time to give. Every donation will be doubled, helping us to reach our goal, complete renovations, and keep our clinic and pantry open for our community’s most vulnerable.”

Donations to the campaign can be made online through the Charlevoix County Community Foundation by visiting C3F.org and selecting the Boyne Area Free Clinic/Good Neighbors Food Pantry Special Project Fund. 

You can also call Julie Schmittdiel at 312-286-4101 or Susan Conklin at 231-675-0742 to learn more about the campaign or make a pledge over the phone.

Cindi Place, at left, and Sascha Webborn, pictured at a state library conference.

Assistant Director Sascha Webborn takes over Crooked Tree Library post from retiring Cindi Place

By Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com

The Crooked Tree Library District has announced a leadership change with Cindi Place retiring as library director and Assistant Director Sascha Webborn appointed to replace her. The district operates libraries in Walloon Lake and Boyne Falls.

Place announced her retirement in the library’s Sept. 1 newsletter, saying, “With not a little ‘bittersweet,’ this will be my last ‘From the Director’ from CTDL. I have enjoyed both of my tenures here at Crooked Tree and want to thank the library board for their trust in me, the Friends of the Library for their support, and each of the wonderful CTDL staff members who have been supportive, enthusiastic and made coming to work a pleasure! A new Library Director will be named soon and I know CTDL will be in good hands all around.”

Place, who has also worked for the Boyne District Library and the Bellaire Public Library, said her retirement will include some occasional substitute teaching in Boyne City and Boyne Falls. 

Place said Webborn is highly qualified to take over as the head librarian, having served in the assistant position for more than a year. “She had to earn it; we didn’t just give it to her. We interviewed her and others, and Sascha was the best candidate.”

Webborn has handled all of the library programming, including the popular and successful summer reading program for both children and adults.

“Sascha has done a great job. She has had multiple things going on,” Place said. “Raven Hill came here, the Ann Arbor Children's Museum came to each library in Walloon and Boyne Falls. She has organized adult journaling/creative writing, a charcuterie class, a Trivia Night,n Olympics programs in the winter, a Star Wars event on May the 4th. She facilitated a Walloon Lake Art Club reunion. So many creative programs.”

> Read our story from August, 2025, when Webborn was hired as the assistant library director. 

Boyne Citizen celebration

A nice crowd of Boyne Citizen subscribers and donors turned out to help us celebrate our second anniversary on Sept. 10. The event included an informative presentation from Press Forward Northern Michigan, tasty baked goods, Starbucks coffee, and a visit from Irish dignitaries from the original Boyne Valley, and some great conversation. More anniversary party pictures from Facebook.

Boyne City Harvest Festival, Saturday, Sept. 26

Fun and produce for all ages at Harvest Festival

All-day music, kids' games, pumpkin painting and more will be featured at the Harvest Festival in downtown Boyne City next Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. More than 75 booths and vendors, including the Farmers Market and Octoberfest food vendors, will be located on Water and Lake Streets, which will be closed off for the event. 

Chainsaw carving, Antique Flywheelers tractors, line dancing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and a farm animals petting zoo will all be featured. Eta Nu will have pumpkins for painting, and kids' games will be available in a couple of areas. And don’t miss the creative scarecrow contest entries all over downtown.

The Harvest Festival is organized by Boyne City Main Street and Farmers Market Director Julie McBee. 

> Click here for an enlarged version of the above graphic. 

PAGES, PASTRIES, AND PUMPKINS - The Friends of the Boyne District Library are hosting a Pages, Pastries, and Pumpkins harvest celebration on Saturday, Sept. 26. They invite the community to join them for “a cozy day of gently used book sales, delicious baked goods, and free pumpkins.” To make this event a success, the Friends say they need your help. They are looking for donations of homemade baked treats, including: pies, brownies and bars, breads and muffins, cookies, and other favorite specialty baked goods. Here is the online entry form with details. All proceeds directly benefit the library, and donations are tax-deductible. Items should be dropped off at the library on Friday, Sept. 25 on a non-returnable plate, dish, or other container. Donors are asked to include the ingredient list for allergy purposes. If you have questions, contact Emily Beyne at 702-635-1192 or email at emily.a.ellibee@gmail.com.

Who are these guys? A Boyne City mystery

Ten men. One mysterious building. Plenty of hats. Absolutely no names. And naturally the back of the photograph is completely blank – as if these gentlemen know we’d be trying to figure this out 80-ish years later.

We believe this photograph was taken in or around Boyne City, Michigan, probably sometime in the 1930s or 1940s. But who are they? Where are they standing? What were they up to? A logging crew (a little late for that, since most of the logging ended years before, but you never know)? Campers? Men on a retreat? Businessmen on a very serious hat day? And one’s wearing a bowtie! Local characters gathered for a reunion?

We need your help!

Do you recognize a face, the building, the location, the hats, or the general vibe? Maybe you’ve seen this crew in an old family album — or perhaps you know exactly where that staircase leads.

Any clue, no matter how small, could help crack the case, and put names to these gents!

Have a theory? Step right up, Sherlock. Contact Len DiLaura at Ljd49712@gmail.com so we can add this information to the digital files at the Boyne Heritage Center. 

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

Chamber Business After Hours is tonight, Thursday

The Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce and Bay Area Management are inviting members and the public to “Dance into Fall” for their extended Business After Hours celebration from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17. The Bay Area Management Complex is located at 437 Boyne Avenue in Boyne City. The complex includes Bay Area Management, Forest Ave. Ventures, Custom Build Design & Remodeling, Salon Lumière, and Exercise Revolution. 

The evening will include live music by the Rick Lieder Band, food from Custom Build Design & Remodeling, a cash bar by Mike's Bar Catering, door prizes, giveaways from 106 KHQ, and Chamber favorites, including the coveted Red Mesa Red Cards.

> YOUNG PROFESSIONALS - The newly formed Lake Charlevoix Young Professionals will hold their second event, inviting YPs to “Net-Walk with Us!” at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6. The “Net-Walk” will be an evening walk at the Don and Eileen Klein Nature Trail on Elmer Green Drive in East Jordan. The group is sponsored by the chambers of commerce from Boyne City, Charlevoix and East Jordan. Admission is free but the organizers encourage you to register here. 

> CHAMBER GOLF OUTING - Wednesday, Sept. 23. Details.

> STATE OF THE COMMUNITY - Friday, Oct. 9. Featured speakers include Payton Heins, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance; Chuck Vondra, Charlevoix County; Sam Demel, City of Boyne City; Chelsea Platte, North Central Michigan College Foundation; and Dakota Baker, Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance. Details.

BCHS Homecoming court

Congratulations to our 2026 Homecoming Court at Boyne City High School. These 10 members of the senior class were elected by their peers and announced last Friday. From left are Addy Parks, Monte Eaton, Mya Van Horn, Brayden Joyce, Rayah Williams, Will Manthei, Addy Burns, Lakota Barber, Eeva Rintala, and Hyker McKenney. This year's Homecoming game will be against Elk Rapids on Friday, Oct. 2, and the Homecoming dance will be Saturday, Oct. 3.

Rambler Sports Network broadcasts coming soon

From the Boyne City Public Schools Facebook page:

The 2026-27 Rambler Sports Network crew has been doing a great job working very hard learning everything that is involved in setting up and running a Rambler Sports Network broadcast.

RSN's first broadcast of the season will be Volleyball vs. Elk Rapids on Tuesday, Sept 22. The first football production of the season will be the Ramber Homecoming Game on Friday, Oct 2.

The crew is excited to bring you some new improvements such as our brand new “Hero Cam” and a brand new wireless cam that now is mounted to a gimbal to bring you even better shots. These major upgrades will make a big difference in our end product, but also have a steep learning curve. 

A HUGE thank you to our sponsors who make these upgrades possible!

If that is not enough, they are the first crew in RSN history to start a season without one returning veteran - and they are learning their roles, learning new gear and getting everything set up and cabled in our brand new press box. Phew!

Expanded township coverage continues

The Boyne Citizen continues its expanded township news coverage with reports on four board meetings below. This coverage is made possible by funding provided by Press Forward Northern Michigan and the Charlevoix County Community Foundation Community Priorities grants.

Landscaping work was completed recently at Fall Park. The crew is filling in low, swampy patches in the park lawn.

Wilson Township discusses data center language, truck traffic and Fall Park upgrades 

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

To stay proactive about an issue facing planning commissions statewide, Wilson Township Planner Scott McPherson last week recommended that the Wilson Township Board review and amend their data center model ordinance drafted by the Michigan Townships Association.

At the trustees’ monthly meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 9, Planner McPherson recommended taking no action on the previous data center language zoning amendment, and proceeding instead with reviewing and amending the new model ordinance drafted by the Michigan Townships Association. His recommendation was accepted by the trustees.

To put this recommendation in context, McPherson has worked with the Wilson Township lawyers in recent months to craft zoning ordinance amendment language that includes a “data center” definition and use categorization. 

When the Charlevoix County Planning Commission reviewed the proposed amendment, they recommended the township wait and address the issue more thoroughly by customizing a model amendment crafted by the Michigan Townships Association. This model amendment goes deeper into the potential scope and impact of data centers and is designed to be customized by local townships.

McPherson explained that Michigan law does not allow “exclusionary zoning” that would prohibit any one industry or activity. However, there are ways to amend the Wilson Township Zoning Ordinance to regulate any aspects that could adversely affect the people and property of the township. The model amendment covers technical and financial details relevant to data center regulations, such as limiting sound decibels and establishing an escrow policy that would cover costs that the township could incur during the approval process, such as testing noise levels, water usage, and electrical consumption.

In other planning news, Scott McPherson reported on a rezone amendment application for 4970 Sloop Road, requesting a zoning change for one section of the property, currently zoned R1 to RDA, which would allow gravel mining. A larger adjacent parcel on Sloop, also owned by Steve and Debra Bartlett, is already zoned RDA. Both portions of the property are grandfathered as a gravel pit along with the county gravel pit. McPherson explained, “The change in zoning to RDA would make the use a legal conforming use.” The rezone amendment request is waiting for County Planning Commission comments.

EMS contract updates

The trustees continue to evaluate their current EMS contract and other potential options.

The Boyne City EMS relationship with the township is still under a cloud of billing issues. Since 2022 the township was regularly underbilled, leading to the Boyne City EMS now claiming a significant shortfall. The township, however, wants an adjustment for the billing errors that were not invoiced in a timely manner. Boyne City EMS wants some payment, and now lawyers are exploring the best way forward.

In late August Supervisor Ray Guzniciak met with Boyne City EMS, and he is still waiting for an updated budget. As the trustees continue to consider service options, he said that the Jordan Valley EMS is “barely getting by.” He said he has studied the JVEMS financial reports, and he feels they are not financially strong enough to provide emergency medical services for the township. 

Fall Park upgrades

As various gatherings have used Fall Park, Guzniciak has received thumbs up approval for the newly upgraded fishing platforms and the bridge. Folks have especially appreciated the sturdy railings, he said.

Future improvements were discussed. Long term, trustees want to investigate retro-fitting the other fishing platforms. Trustee Lee Rainey plans to extend a small section of the concrete pad outside the pavilion to allow room for the trash can. Guzniciak wants to add a park bench to overlook the lake, and he wants to remove a couple of dead trees.

Trucks cause safety concerns

During the public comment period, local resident John Hildebrand asked the trustees for help with a traffic situation. He says there are five dump trucks exceeding the 35 mph speed limit, and then hitting their Jake brakes. These trucks are working on a project from 7am-4pm, originating from a location on Boyne City/East Jordan Road and delivering gravel to St. Mary’s Cement Plant in Charlevoix.

Four other people also spoke on this same issue. John Twitchell of East Jordan suggested a truck route, rather than residential roads. All acknowledged the trucks have had their mufflers replaced, and their hours of operation have been narrowed, so the noise level is better. However, this has been an ongoing safety and noise issue, and clearly local residents want to see the end of the project.

Supervisor Guzniciak and the other trustees listened sympathetically. However, the township trustees have no authority to enforce traffic laws. The complaint needs to be directed to the County Sheriff or Michigan Department of Transportation for appropriate enforcement.

According to local complainants, both enforcement entities, the Sheriff and MDOT say they are understaffed and will likely fail to catch every case of speeding.

In other business, the trustees appointed Eric Forbes to a vacancy on the township Zoning Board of Appeals.

Bay Township OK’s fire contract, proposes new EMS millage for ballot

By Noah Hausmann, noahhausmannwriter@gmail.com 

The Bay Township Board of Trustees approved a $89,788.89 payment for the township’s annual service contract with Resort Bear Creek Fire Department during its regular meeting Sept. 10 at the township hall.

The board members in attendance unanimously approved this yearly lump sum payment for fire and emergency medical services. However, Township Supervisor Xavier “X” Gaudard did comment that the board moving forward should evaluate all of its different options for fire and EMS providers. 

“It’s a lot of money,” Gaudard said, noting the department’s service area only covers approximately half of Bay Township. (The township contracts with Boyne City Fire Department to cover the remaining service area.)

Resort Bear Creek Fire Chief Al Welsheimer presented his 2025 annual report, in which he updated the board on the department’s ongoing projects and new expenses anticipated in the years ahead. This included the completed Resort Township Hall expansion; the newly constructed Bear Creek Township Fire Station, which is nearly done; upgrading the chassis of a brush truck; and buying two sets of firefighting gear, which was grant-funded by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. 

The fire department has also ordered a new water pumper truck, expected spring 2028, for about $1.1 million, Welsheimer said, adding that both tax dollars and loan financing will be needed to pay for it. He said the department is also looking into the financing needed for the construction of a $2.2-million 100-foot tower in the future.

In discussion after the report, Gaudard said he expects some of the fire department’s more urban service area improvements close to the stations will offer little direct help to the more rural needs of Bay Township.

“Some of those things don’t affect us,” Gaudard said. “We don’t need a hundred-foot tower.” Gaudard said he understands that more commercial plazas like the area around Walmart do need that new infrastructure built, but not Bay Township specifically. “We don’t need that stuff, but we’re paying for it,” Gaudard said.

Welsheimer said the department’s average response time within their jurisdiction was 10.28 minutes. His report stated the recommended response time for a volunteer agency is 8 minutes, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Resort Bear Creek’s total number of responses for fire and EMS was significantly higher than the previous year, responding to 468 calls received in 2025 compared to the 334 requests in 2024. Welsheimer credited the weather as a notable factor in that call volume increase. “Some of that was related to the snow storm and the downed powerlines associated with that,” he said.

NEW EMS MILLAGE PROPOSAL



A proposal will also be on the ballot for the Nov. 3 election for Bay Township voters to consider passing a new millage to fund emergency medical services for the community. The proposal is for 1.75 mills for three years, with the tax dollars funding the township’s new contract with Lake Charlevoix Emergency Medical Services Authority starting in 2027. (The current contract with Boyne City EMS will terminate at the end of 2026.)

For example, for a property worth $100,000 in taxable value, this millage would levy $175 per year from the taxpayer.

The board has a letter being mailed to inform voters, and the proposal language is also posted on the township’s website baytownshipmi.org. An informational presentation and question and answer time regarding the proposed millage will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 before the Board of Trustees’ regular meeting begins at 6 p.m. at Bay Township Hall, 5045 Boyne City Road in Horton Bay.

BOAT RAMP, CEMETERIES UPDATE

The township board also approved a payment of $1,774.69 to the construction company Groundworks Michigan as a contract signing deposit for concrete repaving at the Walloon Lake boat launch at Sumner Road. The board is expected to pay the remaining $5,324.09 of this $7,098.78 contract upon Groundworks’ completion of the project.

The board also approved the Bay Township Cemetery Committee’s request for up to $600 to build an informational kiosk at the Dyer Cemetery building. The kiosk would be a weatherproof, exterior wall-mounted unit for posting notices, grave descriptions, and other details.

Bay Township was also recently deeded the title for North Bay Cemetery from Horton Bay Community Church. The church has agreed to continue its lawn maintenance of the cemetery through the remainder of the 2026 open season, which concludes at the end of October. After that, the cemetery will be fully in the care of the township’s cemetery committee. North Bay Cemetery is typically closed November to May, so no snowplowing will be expected.

Boyne Valley hears updates on EMS service change

By Sharmai Wheaton, sharmai.wheaton@gmail.com

The Boyne Valley Township Board met Monday, Sept. 14 and heard updates on their change of EMS service providers from Boyne City to Jordan Valley EMS. Trustees approved the minutes from the August 10 regular meeting and a special meeting of Sept. 9, which addressed the change in service providers to take effect at 6 p.m. on Sept.10. Boyne City EMS was scheduled to vacate the Boyne Valley station and return the equipment to township officials at 12 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15.

According to the minutes of the Sept. 9 meeting, Jordan Valley EMS has accepted the township’s proposed contract changes.

• The cost to Boyne Valley Township for the current year will be $402,000, equal to 1.75 mills.
• Boyne City reported that Boyne Valley’s obligation for 2021-2026 underbilling totals $338,980, with an additional $445,000 attributed to Boyne City’s budget deficit.
• For fiscal year 2027, Boyne Valley is projected to owe $209,237.

The board cited several reasons for transitioning service providers, including concerns about cost transparency, lack of reporting, communication issues, and response times. Since Sept. 10, all calls have been handled by Jordan Valley EMS, which was operating temporarily from Boyne Mountain.

Jordan Valley EMS representatives attended the Sept. 14 township board meeting and reported smooth operations. Bill Cousineau noted a four‑minute response time on a recent call.

In other business:

• The Fire and Rescue Department announced updated leadership roles with Cameron Wise named assistant chief, and Donnie Towns named captain.
• Trustee Russ Koeman updated the board after consulting with the township attorney regarding enforcement of rubbish violations in residential yards.

Eveline Township discusses dock issues, bike lane, new cemetery and more   

By Christine Brown, cmjbrown@live.com

Eveline Township Board members discussed dock issues, a bike lane on Lakeshore Road, details on a new cemetery and several other issues in their Sept. 9 monthly meeting.

Zoning Administrator Will Trute will work with Lighthouse Title to do title searches concerning dock issues. He asked for a dollar limit, to which the board approved “using his discretion.” Trute again emphasized that the township ordinance limits docks to one per 100 feet of shoreline. Property owner Jeff Dean attended the meeting and said he plans to go to court if the matter is not resolved in a “reasonable timeframe.” 

Trustee Rob Reynolds continues to work on creating a bike lane on Lakeshore Road. He is working with GFA Engineering of Traverse City and the Michigan Department of Transportation, who suggest that the township retain a civil engineering firm to update the plan. Reynolds is still researching grant possibilities, and said he needs to get an application to MDOT within 3-6 months. He hopes to get the City of Boyne City on board for the project. 

Trustee Reyolds is waiting for a firm quote for the aluminum split rail fence planned for the new cemetery. About $5,000 is the expected fee to install the straight-line fence.  Reynold also consulted with Eschenburg Tree Farm, who suggested 50 Winterberry Holly bushes to be installed at a cost of $2,000 in early October. Clerk Sandi Whitehead will contact the school to see if the National Honor Society and the Shoe Club would help with this project

Clerk Whitehead reported that she has been getting calls from absentee voters worried about the current state of the voting process. She has assured them that this year’s process will be the same as in the past.  

A request by the clerk to purchase seven new chairs for the board’s use was approved. The current chairs are 20 years old and noisy.

Trustees Rob Reynolds and Eric Beishlag will attend the next East Jordan School Board meeting to ask about Eveline Township losing representation on the Jordan Valley Library board. The new school superintendent has implemented a policy whereby he appoints four board members, and none are representing Eveline Township, which is reportedly the largest contributor to the library. 

A Sequanota resident who is working on the 11 signs to be erected at their beach spoke during public comment and said she was advised by their attorney not to put them up until after Labor Day. Three signs will say “Swimming not advised,” with the remaining signs saying “Private, No Trespassing.” They hope to discourage trespassers for their own safety, as well as the property owners’ liability. They say there are dangers that trespassers would not know about, such as springs that could pull them in, especially children.

Other reports included:

• Charlevoix County is still planning its bus tour of Eveline Township in October, with the date to be determined. Interested citizens should check with the township for updates.
• The Advance Board of Commerce held a 75th anniversary get-together on Sept. 12 to highlight its membership offerings and a new shuffleboard court donated by the Shaler family. 
• The Ironton Ferry is now closing at 9:30 p.m. instead of 10:30 p.m. for the remainder of the fall until it closes the day before Thanksgiving
• The Ironton Ferry held a celebration on Sept. 12  at the Landing Restaurant to celebrate 150 years in operation, 100 continuously. The celebration included book signings and refreshments.

The next township board meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13. Here is the township website.

Bridging ceremony

The new bridge at Fall Park worked perfectly for Local Girl Scout troop 8689 as they held their bridging ceremony Wednesday evening, Sept. 9. This is the ceremony when the Scouts voice their pledges and heartfelt wishes, as they cross the bridge from Cadette to Senior Scouts. Pictured from left are Alexis Jaskowski, Amelia Cameron, Vivienne Ziegler, Sadie Suttle, Cassidy LaBeth, and Madi Wangeman. Behind the scenes are Tami Whitley, troop leader; Diana Wise, co-leader; and Madison Skop and Emily Pentecost, assistant leaders. Photo by Emily Pentecost.

Conservancy urges Walloon Lake property owners to inspect and pump septic systems

The Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy (WLAC) is urging property owners around Walloon Lake to inspect their septic systems regularly and pump their septic tanks every three years as an important step toward protecting water quality throughout the Walloon Lake watershed.

Septic systems are an essential part of many homes and properties around Walloon Lake. When properly maintained, they effectively treat household wastewater. However, aging, overloaded, or poorly maintained systems can allow nutrients, bacteria, and other pollutants to enter groundwater and surface water, potentially impacting the health of the lake and its surrounding watershed.

"Protecting Walloon Lake starts with the actions we take on our own properties," said Jon Breithaupt, Executive Director of WLAC. "A properly maintained septic system is one of the simplest and most important ways property owners can help protect groundwater, shoreline areas, and the health of the entire watershed."



For more information about septic system maintenance and watershed protection, contact the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy or visit their website: https://bit.ly/WLACseptic.

BC unleaded gas jumps 20 cents, diesel hits new high

Prices for regular unleaded gas jumped 20 cents per gallon to $4.59 at the Marathon station at 470 N. Lake Street, while diesel jumped 50 cents to a new high of $6.49. These are the highest prices since May 13, when unleaded was $4.99, and diesel was $6.159. Here are recent prices spot checked by the Boyne Citizen since the Iran war started on Feb. 28:

• March 3 - $3.099
• March 6 - $3.409
• March 12 - $3.669
• March 21 - $3.999
• March 26 - $4.199
• March 27 - $3.999
• April 6 - $3.899
• April 7 - $4.199
• April 13 - $4.159
• April 15 - $4.099
• April 22 - $3.799
• April 24 -$3.999
• April 29 - $4.299
• May 6 - $4.799
• May 13 - $4.999
• May 20 - $4.919
• May 27 - $4.759
• June 3 - $4.459
• June 10 - $4.459
• June 17 - $4.059
• June 18 - $3.999
• June 25 - $4.299
• July 1 - $4.099
• July 8 - $3.999
• July 15 - $3.999
• July 22 - $4.299
• July 29 - $4.279
• August 5 - $4.299
• August 12 - $4.299/$5.299
• August 19 - $4.299/$5.499
• August 26 - $4.399/$5.499
• Sept. 2 - $4.199/$5.999
• Sept. 9 - $4.399/$5.999
• Sept. 16 - $4.599/$6.499

> Michigan gas price average (AAA) is $4.5434. The national average is $4.3672.

News Briefs

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

HERITAGE CENTER CONCERT - An evening of traditional Irish music, community gathering, and local history awaits on Saturday, Sept. 19 as Lavender Hill Farm hosts a special benefit concert for the Boyne Heritage Center. The headline performance features Sionainn Laoi (pronounced "Shannon Lee"), a southeast Michigan-based Irish traditional music duo comprised of Hannah Harris on fiddle and voice, and Alberto “Bear” Whitmer on guitar and bodhrán. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to picnic on the scenic farm grounds, enjoy pre-show music by the local Full Moon Jazz Band, and browse a special silent auction. Proceeds from the event directly support the Boyne Heritage Center, helping fund the preservation and continued development of our shared local history and regional "Boyne Before Us" exhibit. Tickets and additional details are available at lavenderhillfarm.com. Ticket prices range from $18 to $40.

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

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 2026 grant cycle. Letters of interest are due by Oct. 1. If the letter of interest is approved, the applicant may submit a full grant application, which is due by Oct. 15. All letters and applications are accepted through an online grant application portal available at gtlakes.com/people-fund. To support improvements in local communities, the People Fund is funded solely by Great Lakes Energy members. Those who participate in the program allow their electric cooperative to round their monthly electric bills to the next whole dollar.

EVANGELINE MEETING CHANGE - The Evangeline Township Board has moved its regular board meetings from the second Tuesday of the month to the second Wednesday of the month. The next regular board meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Town Hall. 

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

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

> To register, click here and enter your zip code for nearby locations.

BOYNE AREA SENIOR CENTER is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and serves daily lunches from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 411 E Division St, Boyne City. For seniors ages 60+, the lunch donation is $3, for ages 59 and under, $10; and for children 12 and under, $8. Here is the September lunch menu and September activity calendar.



Local news is made possible by you!

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

Regional News

From Bridge Michigan and Interlochen Public Radio

Noah Yun, 6 months old, receives a COVID vaccine from public health nurse Christina Trevino at the Washtenaw County Health Department. (Brayan Gutierrez for Bridge Michigan) 

> Vaccination rates drop to 10-year low for Michigan’s school-age children - Story

> How many kindergarteners in your school are vaccinated? Find out here

• Boyne City - 90.9%
• Boyne Falls - 88.9%
• Charlevoix - 96.2%
• East Jordan - 90.6%

> The ballot is set for Michigan’s Nov. 3 election. Here’s what’s on it - Story

City of Boyne City Municipal News

Fall rubbish collection set for Saturday

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

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

Boyne City police officer job opening posted

Job Title: Police Officer, MCOLES certified or certifiable, position closes Oct. 2, 2026. The City of Boyne City, population 3816, is seeking qualified applicants for a community-minded and team-oriented Police Officer. Boyne City is a thriving northern Michigan community. Here is the opportunity to work where everyone wants to play. Must be proficient at written and verbal communication and have excellent problem-solving skills. Selected applicant must be able to pass a physical, psychological exam and extensive background check. Must be M.C.O.L.E.S Certified or Certifiable. Comprehensive wage and benefit package. Information about Boyne City is available at boynecity.gov. EOE. Submit letter of interest and resume to: 

Dan Mercer, Assistant Chief of Police, 319 N Lake St., Boyne City, MI. 49712, dmercer@boynecity.gov. 

City playground updates

> Veterans Park Playground was scheduled to be closed beginning Monday, September 14, for scheduled maintenance and improvements. The playground will remain closed while work is underway, and we’ll provide an update when it is ready to reopen.

> Peninsula Beach Playground is scheduled to be removed by the end of the season, no later than October 31, 2026. Please be aware that removal work may take place at any point between now and then.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while this work is completed. Please use caution around work areas and respect any posted closures or barriers.

BOYNE CITY EMS BLOOD DRIVE - Friday, Sept. 18 at City Hall,11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. To register, click here and enter your zip code. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Many children receiving cancer treatment rely on blood and platelet transfusions throughout their care. Help support our bravest local patients by scheduling your donation today. One appointment can make a life-changing difference. Appointments are appreciated, but walk-ins are always welcome.

SIGN UP FOR CITY ALERTS - The City of Boyne City has an Alerts feature on our website to help you stay up-to-date on projects, notices, and other important things happening around town. It’s designed to be a quick, easy way to get real-time updates, as they become available, directly to your email or phone. Sign up at: https://www.boynecity.gov/enotify/index.php.

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

> City Commission's next regular meeting is at 12 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22. Agenda page.



Obituaries

We are not aware of any Boyne City/Boyne Falls/Walloon Lake obituaries this week.

This stately old poplar tree (or cottonwood if you prefer that name) has certainly received a lot of publicity of late. The tree was taken down Monday afternoon after standing proudly for 124 years. Loss of any kind to our natural surroundings is difficult to see, but time marches on, as they say. Change is inevitable. Generations of Boyne citizenry have witnessed similar losses, something I would like to reflect upon this week. (Photo courtesy of Richard Wright)

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

Reflections on our urban treescape

By Patrick McCleary, Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com 

A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by Rolf Bates from the Harborage Park Association. After consulting with four area arborists, it had been decided by this group that the last of the Front Street poplar trees was to be removed from the property. Arborists' reviews were varied, but in the end, the tree came down due to safety concerns and the cost involved in maintaining an ancient tree in the public domain. It is unfortunate, but in our present economy, inevitable in many instances.

Last week, Carl VanDomelen compiled a fitting tribute to the demise of a natural feature that has outlived generations of human drama and bore witness to local history as it unfolded beneath its boughs. Although a bit older than previously noted, the Front Street poplars were planted in the late summer of 1902. An image dated 1903 in my personal collection shows the saplings in place - those closest to the tannery building with wooden surrounds to keep them straight. [To refresh your memory, see the February 6, 2025, issue of the Boyne Citizen - Through the Historian’s Lens.]

Not long after William S. Shaw completed his tannery operation in 1902, an avenue of trees was planted on both sides of Front Street - then referred to as Lake Shore Drive. They grew to a stately size in just a few short years and were an impressive addition to the Boyne City landscape. The above view (looking from north to south) shows the avenues of saplings to the right shortly after planting. Photo courtesy of the Patrick McCleary collection.

The avenue of poplar trees on Front Street weren’t the only trees that W.S. Shaw is credited with establishing. The Shaw family mansion once sat where the Harborage tennis courts are today. The ancient maple trees located there were the suggestion of Mrs. Shaw to her husband, saying, “this field out front looks too forlorn and the heat in summer will be unbearable without shade trees.” [To refresh your memory, see the January 29, 2026, issue of the Boyne Citizen - Through the Historian’s Lens.]

A LONG HISTORY OF ARBOR LOSSES

Reaching far enough back into Northern Michigan history, it is hard to imagine the destruction of millions of acres of pine and hardwood forests. I’m not talking about “big, old trees.” I am referring to the first growth trees that often took three and even four men, arms outstretched, to reach around the bases of them. Naturally, these were in the wild and untamed forests. Yet, some of these did survive within the city limits into the decades of modern memory.

It was common practice in the lumbering era for lumber mills to leave a first growth pine or other tree in place and uncut to make their location visible from the water. I suppose that this was a much cheaper and easier alternative to constructing something for the same purpose. This was the case at the Front Street sawmill that later became known as White’s Mill #2 - situated where the harbor portion of The Harborage now exists. The tree that I’m describing was situated on the corner of Front Street and Pleasant Avenue. 

Remember, the mill itself dated back to long before the Whites’ ownership of the property. White interests didn’t purchase the mill until the fall of 1866. Prior to that, the sawmill was originally operated by the Sheboygan Chair Company out of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. So, we are talking about more than 160 years ago. What became of this white pine landmark you ask?

The former Sheboygan Chair Company mill and later White’s Mill #2 was once located on Front Street where the harbor portion of The Harborage now exists. Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary collection. 

Well, it just so happens that I grew up in the home at 331 Front Street on the opposite side of the street from the old mill grounds (then, nothing but foundations). Our neighbors were Bill and Geraldine Healey, whose home was situated on the double lots that made up that corner of Front and Pleasant Avenue. My father, Roy McCleary, was Boyne City Street Commissioner prior to his death in 1971. So, sometime prior to 1965 (the year that I was born) that ancient tree was taken down… simply for being “too big.”

The author’s father, Roy A. McCleary, and Front Street neighbor, Bill Healey, standing next to the vanquished white pine tree that had stood in that location since the beginning of time. It was the last of its generation from that section of Northern Michigan’s towering, first growth pine forest. Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary collection.

After that same mill structure was gone, some beautiful poplar trees sprouted up from “suckers” where the mill had once stood. They were towering trees that offered beautiful shade and helped to serve our natural bird and wildlife populations. At the time The Harborage began clearing the land for paving, the trees were removed in a two-day period… only to be replaced shortly afterward with sapling trees… in the exact some locations. Even today, it seems like such a sad waste. Not to mention that an entire population of killdeer birds were decimated that summer.

A view of the Front Street lakeshore in the early 1960s near where the street intersects with Pleasant Avenue. Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary collection. 

Here within the city limits, we were also witness to trees being planted, grown into maturity, and then taken down - often for no good reason except to clear a lot or to avoid potential upkeep issues by the city. Few today remember the avenues of maple trees that once lined both sides of South Lake Street. Stretching from the corner of East Main Street, they provided shade to the sidewalks going from town up over the hill toward Division Street. As they matured and shaded the sidewalk and street, it was remarked on by local citizens and encouraged afternoon strolls - much improvement over the dirt road and gutter that were present prior to their planting. As I understand it, most of these were taken down when electric and telephone lines were added.

An early postcard image showing the avenue of maple trees once located on both sides of South Lake Street. Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary collection.

An early postcard image showing the cluster of white birch once located in City Park near the East Street bridge. Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary collection. 

With City Park on the left and the East Street bridge on the right, the tilted cluster of white birch trees became photographer’s favorite view of the river quite early on. In fact, this cluster of white birch became nearly as iconic as the Old Town Clock and the Wolverine-Dilworth Hotel in early days. Dozens of views were created over several decades and by several photographers - all of whom seemed to be entranced by this cluster of native birch. The river current eroded its way into the bank and under the root system, causing the tree cluster to tip. They persevered for several more generations until being removed for landscaping purposes.

A 1910 photograph taken by Boyne City photographer Cook shows the newly planted maple trees in front of the old Boyne City High School building, which lined East Main and South Park Streets. Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary collection. 

The corner of East Main and South Park Street was also planted with maple saplings, spanning in each direction from the main entrance of the newly completed high school building - creating an impressive appearance. These remained in place for the next 60+ years before being taken down because their root system was lifting the sidewalk. And who can forget the public outcry at the removal of the Methodist Church maples, planted in conjunction with one of Mary Morgan’s community celebrated birthday events? All are now only memories but were fortunately captured in photographs.

An early postcard image showing the maple trees that once surrounded the Methodist Church on the corner of South Park and Pine Streets. Documented in photographs from the time, they were planted and staked off for support. Images like these are now sad reminders of years of growth removed simply for being “too old.” Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary collection. 

History can’t always be outlined in a “short and sweet” manner. That is the case with this week’s column. I will leave you with the same observation that I did last week, as it seems to aptly apply once again. As a historian and an archivist, I often must change my perspectives on things. Let go of what cannot be preserved to preserve all that can be saved for future generations to see and learn from. Or, in instances like those noted herein, to let past loss live on with reflections and dignity in a manner that allows our community to learn from and to be remembered.

The Crown Falls

Hundreds of winters held in rings of wood,

Where landmarks rose and fell, the giant stood.

Now silent dust replaces ancient shade,

A monument of centuries decayed.

The sky looks down upon an empty space,

Where time has carved away a sacred place.

~ Author Unknown

> Patrick McCleary is a certified genealogist who has devoted years to the ongoing research and study of Boyne City and Charlevoix County history. In addition to conducting classes on genealogy and family history, he also speaks on a variety of topics. For further information, contact Patrick by email: Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com.

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

> 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.

Founding Donors

$5,000 and up

Press Forward Northern Michigan, hosted by

the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

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.

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

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

> Upcoming events, classes and exhibits:

• Plein Art Meet-ups - Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• BAC Kids Morning Makers Class - Sept. 19, 10am - Noon
• Alcohol Ink Continue The Flow - Sept. 21 & 22, 10 am - 4 pm
• Demo Night- Douglas Barron - Thursday, Sept. 24, 6-8 pm
• Watercolor Dreamy Lilacs and more - Sept. 28, 10 am - 12:30 pm
• Book a Private Art Party

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

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

• Saturday, Sept. 19 - Melissa Welke
• Saturday, Sept. 26 - Harvest Festival (Downtown)
• Wednesday, October 2 - Terry Coveyou
• Saturday, Oct. 10 - Rhett DuCouer (Final Saturday outside)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

> +LIVE MUSIC:

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

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

> LIVE MUSIC:

• Friday, Sept. 18 - Chris Calleja (4-7:30)
• Saturday, Sept. 19 - Two Track Mind (2-6)
• Friday, Sept. 25 - Mike Ridley (4-7:30)
• Saturday, Sept. 26 - Nelson Olstrom (2-6)

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

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

• Friday, Sept. 18 - Sean Bielby
• Saturday, Sept. 19 - Pete Kehoe
• Friday, Sept. 25 - Chris Calleja
• Saturday, Sept. 26 - Chris Calleja

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

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

• Sunday, Sept. 20 - Downtown Sound: Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra presents Harp Trio, 4-6 p.m. Free admission. Details.

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

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

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

• Sunday, Sept. 20 - Cann Presents: Yacht Rock Revue - Primetime. Set Sail on the Smooth Sounds of the ’70s and ’80s.
• Friday, Sept. 25 - Alex Lambert. A Rising Voice with a Sound All His Own
• Thursday, Oct. 1 - Moms Unhinged Comedy. Grab your friends. Leave your worries at the door.
• Friday, Oct. 2 - The C.S. Lewis Festival Presents: Community Arts Night. Join the C.S. Lewis Festival for an evening celebrating youth art.
• Sunday, Oct. 4 - Manhattan Short Film Festival. 100,000+ film lovers in 500+ cities, six continents—watching and voting in the 29th Annual Short Film Festival.

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

> Live music concert series held in a renovated multi-use events barn:

• Sept. 19 - Sionainn Laoi for the Boyne Heritage Center - Tickets

> Pre-show Local Ground concerts line-up.

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

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

> Live music and events:

• Monday, Sept. 21 - Lit with Literature: Heat Of The Everflame By Penn Cole, 7-9 p.m.

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

> Check their Facebook page for schedule.

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

> Sept. 17 and the third Thursday of the month - Open Mic & Stand-up hosted by Peter Allen Jensen, 6-9 p.m.

> Live music 6-9pm:

• Friday, Sept. 25 - Keith Scott
• Saturday, Sept. 26 - Andy Kline

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

Live music:

• Tuesdays - Laura Crowe, 6-9 p.m. 
• Wednesdays - Pete Kehoe, 6-9 p.m.

The Boyne Citizen

Jim Baumann, Editor

About our nonprofit organization

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

Email: jim@boynecitizen.com

Phone: 231-675-8793

© Copyright 2026 Boyne Citizen, all rights reserved