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April 23, 2026 | Issue #81 | Past issues

BCHS grad returns for city job, 23 years later

Joshua Bernthal, Boyne City’s newest public servant didn’t just take a job — he came home. After 23 years in the Army, multiple deployments and moves that took his family across the country and overseas, he has returned to Boyne City. A 1999 Boyne City High School graduate, Bernthal is the city’s new parks and marina supervisor — a newly created position.

Inside this issue:

• Melrose, Chandler Township fire department to split
• New parks, marina supervisor brings leadership home
• City passes $19 million budget with millage unchanged
• Kiwanis hosts their 21st Eddie Essay contest
• C3F awards grants for the environment, arts & culture
• Kaila Kuhn to visit Farmers Market on Saturday
• Groups to give away trees on Arbor Day, Friday
• Dust & Blush Bookshop plans grand opening 
• Cancer Crusaders fundraiser dance is Saturday
• Arts Center invites proposals for donor recognition
• NLEA Symposium focuses on regional industry
• Middle School presents “Annie Jr.” April 30-May 2
• Boyne Arts Center announces Kids’ Art Camp
• North Central plans May 8 commencement
• Local gas prices drop 30 cents to $3.79
• Patrick McCleary history: 1918 White's Mill fire
• News briefs, Obituaries & Municipal News
• Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
• Music and entertainment listings

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www.CharlevoixStateBank.com * 231-582-1144

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By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com 

A decades-long fire service partnership between Chandler and Melrose townships is heading toward a split, leaving officials and residents in Melrose scrambling to determine how fire protection will be maintained.

The joint department, in place since the 1970s, remains operational for now. But Chandler Township has begun the process of forming its own fire department, a move both sides say stems from a breakdown in communication many years in the making and Chandler’s desire for independence.

While neither township is offering details as the reason for the separation, the split is expected to leave Melrose with far fewer firefighters at a time when rural departments are already struggling to maintain volunteer staffing levels.

The potential impact is significant for Melrose, a township of roughly 1,400 residents that includes the Village of Walloon Lake, compared to Chandler’s much smaller population of about 280. Despite its size, Chandler has supplied much of the department’s volunteer base, even as much of its land — about 75% — is state-owned.

“It’s the crew members,” said Melrose Township Supervisor Robin Berry.

Berry said the fire department currently has 19 active members, with 10 from Chandler and nine from Melrose. Chandler Township Supervisor Dennis Howard offered a slightly different estimate but agreed most of the department’s volunteers are from Chandler, including current Fire Chief Andrew Marihugh, who is expected to join Chandler’s department once the split is finalized.

Chandler voted last October to begin forming its own department and has since received a state fire department identification number. However, it cannot fully operate independently until it establishes its own radio communication system — a costly and time-consuming step.

“Without the radio communication, there is no way to contact them,” Howard said.

He said Chandler’s firefighters — about a dozen volunteers, according to Howard — have offered to serve without pay if the township operates its own department, citing a strong sense of duty to their community and a frustration with Melrose Township operations.

That strength for Chandler could become a challenge for Melrose.

Once the split occurs, Melrose could be left with only a handful of volunteers, according to township officials. 

A newly formed five-member fire committee is now working to identify both short- and long-term solutions for Melrose.

“We want people to be aware,” said committee member and concerned Melrose Township citizen Susan Gilmette. “We want people to acknowledge that this is happening.”

Among the options being explored are potential contracts with neighboring departments, including Boyne City and the Resort-Bear Creek Fire Department. Both departments have indicated a willingness to discuss coverage, though any agreement would require approval from local governing bodies.

Boyne City Fire Chief Dennis Amesbury said discussions have been limited so far.

“If they want us to be involved, we’ve got to know what the plan is,” Amesbury said. “We’ve got to come up with a contract, and that has to be approved.”

Berry emphasized that Melrose still has fire coverage in place and mutual aid agreements with surrounding departments. “We do have coverage,” she said.

Still, she acknowledged the challenge ahead. Recruiting volunteers will be critical, but it is a problem facing fire departments across the region.

“We’re going to have to recruit more volunteers,” Berry said. “But that’s every place.”

Training requirements are also a barrier. Officials said becoming a certified firefighter can take around 280 hours, a significant commitment for volunteers balancing work and family responsibilities.

At the same time, departments across Northern Michigan are seeing fewer applicants and increased competition for trained personnel.

Amesbury said Boyne City faces similar challenges.

“If I have a daytime fire, I’m lucky if I get seven guys here,” he said, noting many of his 21 paid on-call volunteers work outside the area.

Even if Chandler becomes independent, both townships will continue to rely on mutual aid agreements, meaning neighboring departments respond to major incidents regardless of jurisdiction.

The timeline for the split remains unclear. The original agreement between the townships requires a 90-day notice, but that may be difficult to meet given the remaining logistical hurdles, particularly communication systems.

In the meantime, officials say the focus is on planning for the transition and ensuring coverage remains in place.

For Melrose, that could ultimately mean a combination of recruiting, restructuring or contracting services.

For both communities, the situation underscores a broader issue facing rural emergency services: without volunteers, even long-standing systems can quickly become unsustainable.

The next Melrose Township Board meeting is scheduled for May 12.

New parks, marina supervisor Josh Bernthal brings military leadership home

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com

Boyne City’s newest public servant didn’t just take a job — he came home.

After 23 years in the Army, multiple deployments and moves that took his family across the country and overseas, Joshua Bernthal has returned to Boyne City, where his life story first took shape.

Bernthal, a 1999 Boyne City High School graduate, was sworn in April 15 as the city’s new parks and marina supervisor — a newly created position that combines oversight of the marina with responsibility for nearly 500 acres of parkland.

For Bernthal, the role is rooted in both leadership and personal history.

He was born in Colorado, moved to Boyne City as a young child and grew up here. It was in Boyne City schools that he met his wife, Devon Maat — his high school sweetheart — before the two began a life that would take them around the world.

That journey eventually led them back.

“When we decided to retire out of the military after multiple deployments and multiple moves, I told my wife that she had to choose where we ended up,” Bernthal said. “She wanted to come back here to Boyne City.”

The family most recently returned from Germany, with Bernthal moving his wife and daughters back in August, so they could start school. He followed in December, arriving home just before Christmas.

The couple have three daughters. Two are now enrolled in Boyne City Public Schools — one in middle school and one in high school — while their oldest remains in New York.

After years of constant movement, Bernthal said the chance to be part of a stable community again was a major draw.

“One of the things you kind of miss is having a stable community,” he said. “To be able to be part of the same community, get to know people and serve the people we live with — that’s something we’re really happy about.”

Bernthal retired from the Army as a Command Sergeant Major, bringing with him more than two decades of leadership experience. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a master’s degree in leadership studies.

“My most developed skill is leading people and building teams,” he said. “That’s what I’ve been doing for the past 23 years.”

That experience will be tested in a role that spans a wide range of responsibilities, from day-to-day park maintenance to marina operations, safety enforcement and long-term planning.

The position includes oversight of the F. Grant Moore Municipal Marina — along with boat launches and waterfront facilities — as well as managing staff, enforcing marina rules and coordinating with city leadership on improvements. It also requires close collaboration with the Parks and Recreation Commission on long-range planning, capital improvements, conservation efforts and community programming aligned with the city’s broader goals.

Bernthal said the leadership component is central to the job, which includes supervising and training both full-time and seasonal staff, setting priorities and building a team capable of maintaining and improving the city’s parks and waterfront.

“With it being a new position, it provides leadership oversight to help the community achieve some of their goals,” he said. “I’m really excited to improve the marina operations and all the parks that we have.”

He said one early priority is helping residents better understand just how much outdoor space the city offers.

“Raising awareness of the almost 500 acres of park areas we have and getting people out into these spaces — that’s important,” he said.

At the same time, he’s stepping into the job during a busy transition period, with summer approaching and seasonal hiring underway. The city relies on a mix of full-time and seasonal workers to maintain parks and operate the marina, and Bernthal said those roles are critical.

“The summer hires are essential to maintaining the quality of our parks and our marina,” he said.

Even in his first week, Bernthal said he is still learning the details of the system he now oversees, including recent marina damage from winter ice. Repairs, he said, are already in progress.

But while the learning curve is steep, his approach is straightforward.

“I’m a public servant,” he said. “I’m here to serve and bring the community what they want.”

That mindset, shaped by years in the military, is something he now brings back to the place where it all began.

“I truly feel honored to have this position,” Bernthal said. “That’s all I’m here to do — help make the parks and the marina what the community wants them to be.”

And for those wondering where to find him, the answer will likely be outside.

“If I’m not in an office, I’ll be out in the parks or at the marina,” he said. “I want to be available to the community.”

> Boyne City is accepting applications for seasonal parks and marina positions, including dockhands and seasonal laborers, with starting pay at $17 per hour. Applicants must be at least 17 years old. Positions require outdoor work, including weekends and holidays. Apply online.

Corrections

In last week's Boyne Citizen story about the Village of Boyne Falls approving two new licenses for marijuana stores, we listed an incorrect address for one of the stores. The Woods Boyne Falls dispensary will be located in the former Great Lakes Seamless Gutters building at 2500 U.S. 131.

In our April 26 story about Aaron Place being appointed as a Boyne City Commission member, we mistakenly said he was a former member of the Little Traverse Conservancy Board of Directors. He was actually a former board member of the Little Traverse Civic Theater.

Summer Education Instructor

Raven Hill Discovery Center is seeking an enthusiastic and reliable individual to serve as a Summer Education Instructor for our summer programs. Details.

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City Commission passes $19 million budget with millage unchanged

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com 

After months of review, Boyne City commissioners unanimously approved a $19 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, keeping the overall millage rate flat while increasing some fees and expanding emergency services staffing.

At their April 14 meeting, the commission set the general operating millage at 14.45 mills, projected to generate about $3.8 million in property tax revenue, along with a voter-approved 1.40 mills for city facilities expected to bring in roughly $442,000 annually. The combined rate of 15.85 mills remains unchanged from last year.

The spending plan includes pay increases for police, fire and EMS personnel, along with the addition of two full-time EMS positions.

Commissioners also approved an updated fee schedule. While many city rates remain the same, several increases were adopted. Emergency service fees saw some changes, with basic life support rising from $600 to $760 and advanced life support services increasing by up to $150. Fire equipment rates also increased, including tanker and vehicle use, and fire personnel hourly rates rose from $30 to $35.

Some additional adjustments included a $50 increase for burial plots at Maple Lawn Cemetery and modest increases to water and sewer rates, with water rising by $0.09 per 1,000 gallons and sewer by $0.16.

During a required public hearing prior to the vote, two residents and former public officials raised concerns. Former mayor Tim Nemecek and former city commissioner Sandy Pritchard both questioned whether the city’s Capital Improvement Plan had been adequately reviewed during budget discussions. Pritchard also raised concerns about EMS spending, noting the department’s operating budget increased from about $1.1 million to $1.4 million.

The full budget and fee schedule are available online. 

> More detailed coverage of the budget is available in the Boyne Citizen’s March 19 and April 2 editions. 

Kiwanis of Boyne City President Scott MacKenzie, Boyne City Middle School fifth grade English teacher Chris Baxter, essay winner Sawyer Olivier, and Lois Cook of Northern Michigan Cancer Crusaders.

Kiwanis hosts their 21st Eddie Essay contest, teaching writing, research, public speaking

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

The Kiwanis Club of Boyne City hosted their 21st annual awards ceremony for the Eddie Essay Competition: Writing for a Cause last Thursday, April 16. The club will hear from and honor 10th grade essay winners today, April 23.

Scott MacKenzie, current president of Kiwanis, led the annual awards ceremony, which included each of the students reading their winning essay. They accepted checks for their chosen charities and handed those checks to the winning organization.

Long-time Kiwanis member Syrina Dawson commented, “Not only does the essay competition ask that the children practice writing skills, they are tasked with public speaking and charitable giving. It hits on a lot of different skills.” 

One of the first things the young writers did to complete their “Writing for a Cause” assignment was to choose a nonprofit organization that serves community needs. All the winning essays present a strong emotional connection between writer and organization. The students made this project personal. Here are two examples: 

“Because of my personal connection to my mom, I want to share more about skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society’s website, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S.”

> Mari Snider (Her teacher is Mrs. Bednar, Boyne City Middle School)

“My personal connection to the library is that I am friends with one of the librarians, and they almost always have the book I am looking for.”

> Ophelia Britton, (Mrs. Baxter, BCMS)

“If I had $100 I would donate it to Camp Daggett. It provides a safe and affordable environment for kids to challenge themselves, connect with nature, and develop lifelong memories.”

> Landon Sutherland (Mrs. Bednar, BCMS)

Chris Baxter, Boyne City Middle School English teacher and her students have participated in the Eddie Essay writing contest for 14 years. Baxter explained that there are many elements that go into writing, and they require a constellation of skills. There is “a lot of front-loading with research, pre-writing, rough drafts, conferencing, reading past winning essays.”

“I remind writers to ask themselves what they like when reading. A hook? A question? Examples? Sensory details? What pulls them into a text?” All of these steps invite students to explore beyond their daily experiences.  

One essayist wanted to champion an organization that includes animals, so she chose the Walloon Equestrian Center.

“Some people can’t walk, run, climb, play, ski, swim, or play sports. But equine (horse) therapy gives people the enjoyment of activities, freedom, and happiness. According to a student there, they ‘can ride through forest trails to see the fox and rabbit trails … astride the broad back of a horse.’

> Claudia Ernst (Mrs. Baxter, BCMS)

The Petoskey Northmen Den provides “food, mentoring, and tutoring to economically disadvantaged middle and high school students. … They have been an organization for nearly nine years, which is about how old I am. … My family doesn’t have to worry about food and clothes but knowing that other families have to worry about their next meal … makes me feel really sad.”

> Petrik MacKenzie (Ms. Stephanie Betz, Concord Academy)

Dawson described the history of the program. “The Eddie Essay is the brainchild of Scott MacKenzie and one of our former members, Bernie Byers,” she said. “They were at a state convention and heard somebody talking about an essay contest that they did. So on their drive home they were brainstorming and came up with the whole concept of the donation to a charity and giving back to the community. If you had a $100 to give to your favorite local charity, which one would it be and why? They brought it back to the club and decided to move forward with it. The first year we just did fifth grade, and it was well received. So the following year we added the 10th grade.”

“The Eddie Essay name came about in honor of Bernie Byer’s brother, who was a huge supporter of children and did a lot of giving back in the Chicago area. At the time Bernie and Scott came up with this idea, Eddie was going through a lot of health issues, so they named it in honor of him. Bernie has moved out of the area, but the club decided to keep the name.”

The essay competition gives students the opportunity to practice confidence-building skills, like primary research, as well as the opportunity to develop deeper connections to local organizations. When researching the Women’s Resource Center, one young essayist described part of her multi-step process:

“I interviewed Gail Kloss, the executive director: I asked her how long have you been involved with this organization?”

> Cora Monroe (Mrs. Baxter, BCMS)

To develop strong writing skills, it is no surprise that English teachers encourage more reading. “I try to have them remember books we have read in class and/or books they have read independently. Reading compelling, brave, insightful genres will create amazing writers,” said Baxter. “Reading and writing go hand in hand.”

The Michigan Dyslexia Institute helps “people who usually can’t read, read! I also know people who have dyslexia. They aren’t real, but they are to me. Percy Jackson is my favorite. He is a character from a book. His dyslexia was actually the power to read ancient Greek! The thing that you think is a curse to yourself could actually be a blessing in disguise. … I really hope to win this essay, so those people who originally couldn’t, can experience the magic of reading too!”

> Rosemary Jane Sweet (Ms. Gross, Boyne Falls Public Schools)

“My family loves coming down to the library. We can play Nintendo Switch, we can do their activities, we can do puppet shows, we can read books, we can play on computers, there’s a lot of stuff we can do.”

> Ginny Verwys (Mrs. Bednar, BCMS)

Using the Eddie Essay project, local teachers are supporting their students as they gain confidence in their place within our community. “I also strongly encourage family support.” Baxter creates a sense of safety with “positive relationships from the start of each school year. Writing is an extension of that trust.” That is how some students are able to share very tender situations.

“Not only did my mom have cancer, my cousin also got it a few years ago. He died too and I miss them both a lot.”

> Omnikai Young (Ms. Stephanie Betz, Concord Academy)

“Northern Michigan Cancer Crusaders helped support my best friend in the universe past a very challenging time in her life. When the judges are reading this, don’t think about me, I want them to think about my sister. Truly, she is the reason I wake up in the morning and go to bed at night. She is the peanut butter to my jelly, she is the moon to my stars. If my essay is chosen, I would be so grateful to be able to provide money to Cancer Crusaders so another family can have a gas card to help with traveling to treatments.”

> Sawyer Olivier (Mrs. Baxter BCMS)

Huntington Bank, represented by manager Cathy Goforth, is the cosponsor of this year’s essay competition.

Eddie Essay winners

Honorable Mention Awards - $100

• Cora Monroe - Women’s Resource Center
• Claudia Ernst - Walloon Equestrian Center
• Landon Sutherland - Camp Daggett
• Virginia Verwys - Boyne District Library

School Awards - $150

• Boyne City Award - Mari Snider - Northern Michigan Cancer Crusaders
• Concord Academy Award - Petrik MacKenzie - Northmen Den
• Boyne Falls Award - Rosemary Sweet

Grand Prize Awards

• Bronze ($200) Ophelia Britton - Boyne District Library
• Silver ($250) Omnikai Young - Northern Michigan Cancer Crusaders
• Gold ($500) Sawyer Olivier - Northern Michigan Cancer Crusaders

Scott MacKenzie hands an award certificate to Cora Monroe for her essay about the Women's Resource Center.

You may donate online or mail a check to

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

Thank you!

Foundation awards grants for the environment and arts & culture

The Charlevoix County Community Foundation hosted two grant cycles in March, responding to requests from local nonprofit organizations working to address environmental needs as well as needs in arts, music, history, and culture. Thanks to donors who participated with the Community Foundation to make a difference close to home, a total of $186,293 in grants were awarded to nonprofits between the two cycles.

Environment and land use grants were awarded to seven local organizations totaling $106,545 and include projects that will create and restore natural habitats, protect the land, improve outdoor facilities and recreation opportunities, provide stream restoration, and build capacity for organizations doing this work. Grants include:

• Camp Daggett – To install a stormwater retention basin and retaining wall that will prevent erosion on the swimming beach - $7,000
• Conservation Resource Alliance – To replace two road-stream crossings on Marvon Creek to allow full aquatic passage and natural stream flow - $30,000  
• Little Traverse Conservancy - To make improvements to four Charlevoix County nature preserves - $11,000
• Raven Hill Discovery Center - To support arts, culture, and environment themed tours - $5,745
• St. James Township – For a coordinated management plan at the Gull Harbor Nature Area and Stanhope Nature Preserve on Beaver Island - $9,000  
• Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council – To replace two road-stream crossings on Spring Brook - $35,757
• Wagbo Peace Center – to support environmental education programs & promotions - $3,988   

Arts & and culture grants were awarded to 15 local organizations totaling $79,748 and include projects that will offer music lessons, improvements to facilities, educational programming, live performances, cultural exhibits, arts instruction and education, and build capacity for organizations doing this work. Grants include:

• Beaver Island Community Center - To support their new Senior Art Program - $6,960
• Beaver Island Historical Society – To support the design and fabrication of a permanent, museum-grade exhibit case to showcase fishing history in the archipelago - $5,000
• Beaver Island Irish Heritage Group – To bring the world-renowned traditional Irish ensemble Altan (based in Donegal, Ireland) to the Irish Feile this September - $5,000
• Boyne Arts Collective – To support a series of four-week introductory adult art classes - $5,000   
• Charlevoix Circle of Arts – To support the juried art exhibit “Heart of a Tree, Soul of a Storm,” reflecting on last year’s ice storm through art - $2,500
• City of Boyne City - To support the 2026 summer music at the Farmers Market - $1,000
• Crooked Tree Arts Center – To support programming in tribute to the Martha Graham Dance Company centennial - $3,000
• Great Lakes Center for the Arts - To support the Dorothy Gerber Strings Program - $4,055
• Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra - To support their “Violins of Hope” and “Carnegie Homecoming” performances - $4,055
• Jordan River Arts Council - For engineered blueprints to address accessibility barriers in their building- $18,000
• Raven Hill Discovery Center - To support arts, culture, and environment themed tours - $4,055
• Tara's Meadow Education & Retreat Center – To support storytellers, musicians, and presenters for the “Braiding Cultures” events in June - $4,478  
• The New People Foundation – To support the booklet "The Seven Fires Prophecy: The Story of the Anishinaabe People in Michigan” - $1,000
• Tunes Music Makers - To support fiddle lessons for elementary students on Beaver Island - $6,500
• Wagbo Peace Center - To support several arts and culture events - $3,400

For more information about the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, contact the Foundation office at (231) 536-2440 or visit the organization’s website at www.c3f.org.

Groups to give away trees on Arbor Day, Friday

The City of Boyne City, the Friends of the Boyne River and the Boyne Valley Garden Club are joining to celebrate Arbor Day by giving away free, small evergreen and deciduous trees on Friday, April 24.

Tree giveaways will take place in the pavilion in Veterans Park from 10 a.m. to noon. Boyne City is giving away 18 to 20-inch white pine, red pine, blue and Norway spruce. The Garden Club and the Friends of the Boyne River have joined to give away red maple, red oak, American basswood and American mountain ash. 

Members of both groups will be available to talk about planting and caring for the baby trees. Also present will be Master Gardeners who are “Smart Gardeners” with MSU Extension, members of CAKE/cisma with information about invasive plants, and Skylar MacNaughton with information about monarch butterflies.

The City of Boyne City has been a part of the Tree City USA program for more than 20 years. 

TREE SALE - The Charlevoix Conservation District Spring Tree Sale pick-up day is Saturday, April 25, and if you missed their order deadline, they are having an Extra Tree Sale two days later. Everyone who pre-ordered for the Tree Sale is asked to stop by the district office at 303 North Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25 to pick up your order. FIf you didn’t place an order, the Extra Tree Sale will be held Monday, April 27, from 4-6 p.m. or until sold out. All leftover trees will be packaged in bundles of five or more and sold as is, first come, first served. 

Dust & Blush Romance Bookshop celebrates grand opening Saturday

A new chapter is beginning in downtown Boyne City as Dust & Blush Bookshop officially opens its doors with a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting on Saturday, April 25. The ribbon cutting is set for 11 a.m. followed by a day of activities for the grand opening celebration at 116 S. Lake St.

Owner Rachael Hilliard says Dust & Blush is “more than a bookstore. It’s a one-of-a-kind destination dedicated entirely to the romance genre, created to celebrate readers, authors, and the growing book-loving community in Northern Michigan.”

“Guests will find thoughtfully curated romance titles, bookish gifts, and a welcoming atmosphere designed for connection, discovery, and a little bit of magic,” Hilliard said.

What truly sets Dust & Blush apart is its “immersive experience,” including an in-store mocktail lounge, where guests can sip handcrafted, book-inspired beverages while browsing or reading. “It’s a space designed to slow down, stay awhile, and savor both stories and moments,” Hilliard said. Here is the shop’s website.

“This is exactly the kind of business that strengthens the fabric of our downtown,” said Jennifer Clasman, executive director of the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce. “Dust & Blush brings something truly unique to Boyne City; an experience that invites people to gather, connect, and stay awhile. It’s thoughtful, immersive, and perfectly aligned with the vibrant, creative energy we’re continuing to build here.”

Cancer Crusaders will "Dance through the Decades"

The Northern Michigan Cancer Crusaders are inviting everyone to “Take a step back in time and dance the night away - all for a great cause” this Saturday, April 25. The group will be hosting their annual fundraising event, Dancing through the Decades, at the Eagles Hall, 106 River St. in Boyne City from 6-11 p.m. 

Dance to the music of The Crusaders (formerly Northern Nites) and Tim Nixon’s DJ Service. There will be prizes for the best costumes plus a silent auction, raffles, a cash bar, and food will be available for purchase.

Admission is a $6 donation, and all of the money raised stays local to help those battling cancer in Northern Michigan. This past year, the Cancer Crusaders distributed $35,000 to $40,000 to people in Northern Michigan in the form of:

• Gas cards to get to treatments
• Assistance with lodging
• Prosthetics and wigs
• Assistance with medical expenses

> Event flyer.

Arts Center invites proposals for donor recognition

The Boyne Arts Center is inviting local and regional artists to submit proposals for a unique commissioned art installation. This piece will serve as a permanent tribute to the donors who support the arts in the community and will be a centerpiece of the BAC’s new gallery location at 211 Water Street.

Artists are asked to propose designs for one of three potential locations at the new campus - an exterior courtyard, an interior window or an interior gallery.

Proposals are due May 26, winners will be announced by June 15, and the piece will be installed by Sept. 7 and the piece will be unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in October.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for an artist to leave a lasting mark on Boyne City," said Alice Schaub, curator at the nonprofit Boyne Arts Center. "We are looking for a design that is not only visually stunning but also practical for honoring individuals who make our mission possible."

Interested artists may submit up to three drawings or design images. Proposals must include a detailed budget, a list of materials, and a timeline for construction. Full submission guidelines and technical specifications can be found here. 

NLEA Economic Symposium focuses on regional industry strength 

The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) will host its annual Economic Symposium on May 15, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Boyne Mountain Resort, bringing together regional leaders, industry experts, and policymakers for a focused conversation on the economic drivers shaping Northern Michigan. 

This year’s theme, “Made, Grown, and Built in Northern Michigan,” will highlight the key industries powering the region’s economy - manufacturing, agriculture, and construction - while also exploring strategies to support future business growth and investment. 

The event will feature keynote speaker David Malpass, former President of the World Bank and current professor at Purdue University’s Mitch Daniels School of Business. Malpass will share insights on global economic trends and their implications for regional economies like Northern Michigan. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in four industry-focused breakout sessions: 

• Made in Northern Michigan: How Regional Manufacturing Is Powering a Stronger Economy - featuring Mandy Chmura (Temprel), Jim Dunn (Dayton Lamina), and Joy Korte (Moran Iron Works)  
• Grown in Northern Michigan: State of the Agriculture Sector - featuring Jimmy Spencer (Pond Hill Farm), Bob Sherman (Burnette Foods), and Todd Peterson (Maple Moon Sugarbush and Winery)  
• Built in Northern Michigan: Developing a Strong Construction Sector - featuring Rocky Beydoun (Power Construction), Dan Brown (Burdco Incorporated), Ben Brower (Stillwater Custom Cabinetry), and Travis Lake (Kokosing)  
• Open for Business: How Local Leaders Can Encourage Business and Community Investment - featuring Melyssa Lindenthal (mayor of East Jordan) and Travis Alden (SME Engineering Consultants)

The symposium will conclude with a featured policy discussion, “A Conversation with the Northern Michigan Caucus,” bringing together state lawmakers including Representative Parker Fairbairn (107th District), Representative Cam Cavitt (106th District), Representative John Roth (104th District), and Senator John Damoose (37th District). This closing panel will provide attendees with direct insight into legislative priorities and policies impacting Northern Michigan’s economic future. 

> Registration and event details.

More than 85 students are part of the "Annie Jr." cast and crew.

Middle School presents “Annie Jr.” April 30-May 2

Boyne City Middle School Drama will present “Annie Jr.” for three nights beginning April 30 at the high school Performing Arts Center. 

Performances will be at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 30 and May 1, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2. Admission is $5 at the door.

The musical features Katie Parsons as Annie, Quinn Kessler as Oliver Warbucks, Carly Traylor as Grace Farrell, Vivienne Ziegler as Ms. Hannigan, LaKaiden Barber as Rooster, and Cassidy LaBeth as Lily. 

Susanne March, the middle school drama director, reports that there are more than 85 students in the cast and crew. 

"Annie" actors Cassidy LaBeth, LaKaiden Barber, and Vivienne Ziegler rehearse for the Boyne City Middle School production.

Boyne Arts Center announces Kids’ Art Camp



Boyne Arts Center invites young artists to explore, create, and grow this summer at its Kids’ Art Camp. Designed for students entering 2nd through 8th grade in Fall 2026, the program offers hands-on experiences in color, texture, and self-expression.

Kids’ Art Camp goes beyond simple crafts. Each session is designed to build skills, encourage creativity, and give students space to explore new materials and ideas. With small class sizes capped at 12 students, campers receive individualized support in a welcoming, community-centered setting.

Sessions are tailored by age group, with different themes throughout the summer. At the end of each week, families are invited to a student art exhibit at the Boyne Arts Center gallery, celebrating the work created during camp.

Camp Dates & Times



June 15–19

2nd–3rd Grade: 9:00–11:30 AM

4th–5th Grade: 1:00–3:30 PM

July 13–17

2nd–3rd Grade: 9:00–11:30 AM

4th–5th Grade: 1:00–3:30 PM

August 10–14

2nd–5th Grade: 9:00–11:30 AM

6th–8th Grade: 1:00–3:30 PM

Tuition is $125 per student, per session. Scholarships are available thanks to the Charlevoix County Community Foundation. Registration is open now. Families are encouraged to complete the required camper form to reserve a spot.

For more information and to register, visit Boyne Arts Center at boynearts.org or contact the organization directly.

North Central to celebrate Class of 2026 graduates on May 8

North Central Michigan College will mark the end of another academic year with two important ceremonies on May 8.

The college will hold its 66th annual commencement exercises at 7 p.m. inside Petoskey Plastics Arena in the college’s Athletic Center. Nearly 300 graduates will participate in commencement. A reception for graduates and guests will follow the ceremony.

Frank Ettawageshik, a longtime Northern Michigan leader and former Tribal chairman of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, will deliver the commencement address. 

North Central’s nurse pinning ceremony, the annual tradition that marks the completion of students’ nursing coursework, will be held immediately prior to commencement, at 4 p.m. in Petoskey Plastics Arena. Twenty-six student-nurses will receive their pins. A reception for nurses and their families will follow the pinning ceremony.

Joseph Variot, a North Central Michigan College nursing alumnus and adjunct nursing instructor, will serve as the keynote speaker for the nurse pinning ceremony.

Both nurse pinning and commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed for those unable to attend. For more information about both events, including a list of graduates by academic program, visit North Central's Commencement webpage. 

> Full press release.

Boyne City gas prices drop 30 cents to $3.79

Prices for regular unleaded gas dropped 30 cents a gallon from $4.09 to $3.79 over the past week at the Marathon station at 470 N. Lake Street.

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

News Briefs

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

> The Boyne, Charlevoix, and East Jordan chambers of commerce will be joining to host their annual regional Business After Hours at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 14 at Charlevoix's newest event space, The Irene, located at 104 State Street. Full Business After Hours schedule.

SCHOOLS ARE HIRING - Boyne City Public Schools have announced multiple job openings for the upcoming school year. You can view all job postings and apply online. For more information about available opportunities, contact the Administration Office at 231-439-8190 or amatelski@boyneschools.org.

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

• Boyne City High School - 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28
• Boyne City EMS Department - 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Friday, May 22
• Boyne Mountain Resort - 12:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, May 27.

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

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



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Regional News

From Bridge Michigan

Public may lose access to part of ‘magical’ Lake Michigan trail near Petoskey - Details

Small grants made a big difference in rural Michigan. Then the money stopped - Details

Local governments struggle to find residents willing to run for office or serve on boards - Details

City of Boyne City Municipal News

Spring rubbish pickup set for Saturday, June 6

This service is available to residential properties within City limits (3 units or fewer).

• Limit: Up to 2 cubic yards per household
• Set items out after 5 p.m. the day before
• Have items out by 7 a.m. on pickup day

Commercial properties are not eligible.

View full details, including acceptable & non-acceptable items. 

NOW HIRING PARAMEDICS - The City of Boyne City is seeking applications from dedicated individuals interested in joining our EMS team as a Paramedic.

Apply today! Email your resume to jpuroll@boynecity.gov. First review of applications will take place on April 27, 2026. Find the full job description online at:

www.boynecity.gov/career.

HOUSING COMMISSION - The Boyne City Housing Commission is seeking a dedicated individual to fill an opening on its five-member Board of Commissioners. This is a volunteer role with a chance to make a significant impact on housing opportunities in Boyne City and Charlevoix County. The Housing Commission manages Litzenburger Place and Deer Meadows apartments, individual homes in Boyne City, as well as overseeing future developments and administering housing vouchers to support individuals and families with housing costs in the area. For more information about the Boyne City Housing Commission, contact Bethany Hedgepath, executive director, at 231-582-6203 or via email at bhedgepath@boynecityhc.com. To apply, please complete the application Board/Commission Member Application, the Conflict-of-Interest Disclosure form, and return both to City Hall, attention Jessica Puroll OR email to jpuroll@boynecity.gov. Applications due 5/2/2026.

SOUND SYSTEM BIDS - Boyne City Main Street is seeking bids to bring sound and plenty of music to downtown. We welcome bids from all qualified providers by the May 4 deadline. If you have any questions, call 231-582-9009. Details.

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

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

> City Commission's next regular meeting is at 12 p.m. Tuesday, April 28. Agenda page.

Obituaries

Linda Lee Felton

September 14, 1943 ~ April 22, 2026 (age 82)

Andre Lamont Veal

November 27, 1967 ~ April 12, 2026 (age 58)

Todd Alan Shepherd

July 1, 1964 ~ April 14, 2026 (age 61)

White’s Mill #1, located on the present-day site of Veterans Memorial Park and City Hall, suffered three devastating fires in 1908, 1918 and 1928. The third and final fire crippled the business, and the land was donated to the city for use as public grounds.

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

Shedding light on the cause of 1918 White’s Mill Fire

By Patrick McCleary

The Charlevoix County History Preservation Society

The use of personal narratives in historical research must be treated with a healthy dose of both faith and skepticism. For the account to be accepted as historical truth, we must put a certain faith in the impressions of the experience being recounted. However, first-person accounts of direct experience still provide both context and detail, even if the narratives are subjective and dependent on the author’s memory. These complications enrich historical research and invigorate the interpretation of historical perspective. 

As I continue to delve into a recently discovered cache of clipped newspaper articles, additional items of interest come to light. Although these “Letters to the Editor” are undated, all had been published in the pages of The Boyne Citizen as well as some of its predecessors. 

In this week’s installment, I do know who the author is, who is sharing her recollections. Rosalia “Veda” Chase was born in Boyne City in 1904, the daughter of Franklin M. and Margaret (Nugent) Chase. Her father owned and operated a grocery business in Boyne City. After graduation she attended college and taught for many years at Everett High School near Lansing. She was first married to John B. Schlosser and, after a divorce, married a second time to Aurele A. Durocher. Both the Chase and Durocher family members are buried in Maple Lawn Cemetery. Following is Mrs. Durocher’s “Letter to the Editor” regarding the tragic 1918 fire at White’s Mill #1.

* * *

Dear Editor,

I have been thoroughly enjoying my Rotary Quintannual, and outside of a few errant apostrophes and one or two errors in directions under picture, I find it excellent and certainly enjoyable reading.

I wish to mention an incident brought sharply to mind in connection with a part of one article. It was on the night of what I now know was June 28, 1918. My mother and I had gone to visit someone on North Lake Street, whom or why I do not recall, except that the house had a rounded porch and a large cupola on it. A thunderstorm had been brewing over the lake and when it began to get rather close, we started for home. 

Just as we passed White’s Mill No. 1, there came a very sharp and close lightning flash, and then suddenly a man coming toward us began yelling and pointing toward the mill. We turned and saw an enormous blaze on one side of it (the mill). 

Whether or not it was ever mentioned at the time that the fire might have been touched off by lightning, possibly striking a sawdust pile, I do not recall. In any event, frightened by the suddenness and size of the blaze, we flew for home, where I remember watching “the garish light that spread a pall of crimson over the entire downtown district.” We stood at an upstairs window and wondered about all the men who would have no more work and what the end result of this fire might be. 

Incidentally, the “home” I referred to was also featured in one article, which was “home” for nearly all of my life in Boyne City. It was the house that is and has been for several years the Catholic rectory at 303 E. Cedar Street. My father was the F.M. Chase mentioned in a story about the Boyne Citizen. He learned the printing trade by helping his uncle, Dr. Alvin W. Chase, of medical book fame, put out one edition of Dr. Chase’s Receipt Book while a student in Ann Arbor, probably in the 1870s orf 1880s, my father having been 25 years older than my mother, the late Margaret N. Chase. 

You see then, of what a very special interest the Quintannual was to me. I recently read a story called, “The Long Lost, Lovely Years,” which seems to sum up my feelings about Boyne City’s past and my life there. I am sure that many others would feel the same, else why do we return faithfully for each reunion? Aren’t we perhaps all trying to relive for a little while, those “long, lost, lovely years” of our own?

Sincerely,

R. Veda (Chase) Durocher (1904-1981)

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

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

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

2026 Donors

This week's new donors are listed in bold.

Donors from 2024 and 2025 are listed on our website.

MUSIC, ARTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

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

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

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

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

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

> Summer concert series begins June 9 and continues every Tuesday at 6 p.m.

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

> Upcoming classes and exhibits:

• "Return to Light" Exhibit - Now through May 25
• Kids Art Camp - June 15 - August 14. Scholarships available. 
• Reviving Old Paintings - Demo Night with Julies Tibus - June 15
• The Art of Image Transfer - July 20
• Transform a Failed Painting Workshop - July 22
• Unveiling Trees: Collage & Contrast - August 3-4
• Colorful Figures: Expressive Mixed Media - September 10-11
• Alcohol Ink: Continue the Flow - September 21 - 22
• Book a Private Art Party
• BAC will be closed the week of May 25 to move into our new location at 211 Water Street.

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

The market moves outdoors in Veterans Park starting Saturday, May 16, with expanded hours of 8 a.m.-12 noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

> Come meet Olympic gold medalist Kaila Kuhn, “home grown and locally raised,” from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 25 at the Farmers Market inside the pavilion.

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

• May 2 - John Richard Paul
• May 23 - Terry Coveyou

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIVE MUSIC:

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

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

> LIVE MUSIC:

• Saturday, April 25 - Michelle Chenard, 2-6 p.m.

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

> LIVE MUSIC:

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

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

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

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

• Saturday, April 25 at 7 p.m. - Violins of Hope: The Story of a Violin That Survived the Holocaust - a moving, multi-sensory experience that honors the past and celebrates the enduring strength of the human spirit through music, art and story. Tickets and details.
• Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. - America’s Got Talent runner-up Chris Turner delivers jaw-dropping, no-script, freestyle comedy that leaves audiences laughing and amazed. Tickets and details.
• See website for movies showing on the big screen.

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

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

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

> KARAOKE - 8 to 11 p.m. every Wednesday, plus EMO Karaoke Night on Saturday, April 25.

> LIVE MUSIC and events:

• Friday, May 8 - The Tweed Tones, 8 p.m.

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

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

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

Live music 6-9 p.m.:

• Wednesdays - Pete Kehoe
• Thursdays - Laura Crowe

The Boyne Citizen

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

Email: jim@boynecitizen.com

Phone: 231-675-8793

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