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Marina progress
This gangway was ready to be placed on the City Marina by a giant crane on Thursday. The City Commission discussed possible policy changes for the marina in their meeting on Tuesday.
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Inside this issue
- Mayor gets another chance to make city ballot
- City Commission approves sewer expansion
- Full schedule for Morel Mushroom Festival Weekend
- School board is developing "Portrait of a Graduate"
- Manna asks Room 156 leader to speak at gala
- Salmon in the Classroom students release their fish
- March will honor veterans on Armed Forces Day
- Veterans Memorial Committee raising funds
- Northern Michigan businesses concerned about tariffs
- Evangeline and Bay Township board highlights
- Patrick McCleary on Schaub family history
- News briefs, Municipal News, Obituaries
- Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
- Music and entertainment listings
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Mayor gets another chance to make City Commission ballot with new July 22 deadline
By Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com
Mayor Tim Nemecek is getting another chance to be listed on the ballot for this November’s Boyne City Commission election.
As reported last week, Nemecek hired legal counsel that raised questions regarding the filing deadline for nominating petitions, stating that “the true legal deadline” for turning in petitions should have been July 22, not April 22, the date previously communicated by City Clerk Jessica Puroll.
Extending the deadline gives Nemecek another chance, since the petition he turned in on April 22 was disqualified due to problems with 11 of the 28 signatures, dropping him below the minimum of 20 needed to qualify for the ballot.
Nemecek hired the Lansing area law firm of Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes to appeal his disqualification, and their challenge was successful.
On Tuesday afternoon, May 13, the city posted this statement on their Facebook page:
“Following further review of our City Charter - and after consulting with the City Attorney and the Michigan Bureau of Elections - we have determined that while Boyne City has historically administered odd-year, nonpartisan primary elections in the past when more candidates filed than vacancies to elect, our charter does not mandate a primary election process. Instead, it calls for nominating candidates by petition, where all candidates who meet petition requirements appear on the odd-year general election ballot, regardless of the number of candidates.
“This distinction is significant. Because our City Charter does not provide for holding a primary as a nominating method, the filing deadline should have followed the State Statute, MCL 168.644e, which allows nominating petitions to be filed as late as 4 p.m. on the 15th Tuesday preceding the odd-year general election. In light of this, the previous April 22 deadline - while well-intentioned and based on prior practice - was in error.
“To correct this and ensure fairness for all candidates and voters, we are now reopening the filing period, with a new deadline of July 22, 2025, by 4 p.m. This adjustment aligns fully with our charter’s requirements.
“We have already begun notifying affected candidates of this change, and we are inviting any other interested candidates to submit their petitions before the new deadline.
“This correction does not reflect a failure of diligence but rather a reassessment of long-standing procedures in light of a closer legal review. Upholding election integrity means not just applying the law, but also being willing to correct course when new facts come to light.
“Our team remains committed to administering an election process that is fair, accessible, and faithful to both the law and the trust you place in us. I thank the public for their patience and understanding as we make this important adjustment.”
> Read the challenge submitted by Nemecek’s attorneys, which the Boyne Citizen acquired by making a Freedom of Information Act request. The Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes website says “Our Municipal Law division represents more than 150 municipal entities.”
> Will the four candidates whose petitions were previously certified by the city clerk have to turn in new petitions with new signatures? City Clerk Puroll has asked the Michigan Bureau of Elections for a ruling on that question, and as of Thursday afternoon she had not heard their decision. Those candidates are incumbent Commissioner Marty Moody and newcomers Bridget Foltz, Becky Houser, and Jennifer (Beano) Hamilton.
> Any new candidates who would like to run for City Commission can get details on the city’s Election web page. Required documents are an Affidavit of Identity and the Nominating Petition.
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Here's a close-up of the gangway that is ready to be placed at the City Marina.
City Commission approves sewer expansion, four more interim manager interviews
By Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com
The Boyne City Commission decided to interview more interim city manager candidates, authorized a $5.7 million sewer expansion, and spent a considerable amount of time discussing the city marina in a nearly three-hour meeting on Tuesday night.
The commission had narrowed their interim manager search to considering Chris Brown, a former city manager in Pentwater, but some questions arose after conducting a background check.
With a June 9 deadline looming, Commissioner Sandy Pritchard spoke in favor of hiring Brown right away, saying, “We’re not getting married,” meaning that this will only be an interim appointment for a term of about four months.
However, another candidate expressed interest via email the morning of the meeting, and Commissioner Marty Moody suggested two additional unnamed candidates. That convinced the commission to schedule a special meeting for 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, to interview the three new candidates and to re-interview Brown.
The Commission did take action to finalize hiring Pivot Group Municipal Services, an executive recruiting firm to lead the effort to find a permanent city manager. The other finalist considered was the Michigan Municipal League. Commissioners said they favored Pivot because it was less expensive, the estimated timeline was shorter, and its process was “more customizable.”
City Marina issues
The Commission considered a proposed $27,000 change order for the City Marina, but tabled the issue until the next meeting after detailed discussions with Abonmarche, the consulting firm that designed the current marina project.
A separate agenda item was discussion of the City Marina waitlist, which had come up during budget sessions in March. Executive Assistant Jen Eads conducted a survey of other marinas to explore possible policy changes on issues such as time limits on seasonal slips, fees charged for being placed on the waitlist, and annual fees to stay on the list.
Eads’ agenda memo included a list of 74 people on the large dock waitlist, some dating back to 2011, and nine people on the small dock list.
This item was also tabled for future consideration, but commission members expressed a desire to implement a time limit on seasonal slips. They also want to explore the possibility of giving preference to city residents over non-residents, although previous discussions have indicated that that may not be allowed by the state Waterways Commission, which exerts some control over policy since the city has accepted state grant funds.
“I don’t think it’s a fair system,” said Commissioner Moody.
Mayor Tim Nemecek pointed out that management and expansion of the marina has been a highly controversial issue in the past. “I got elected because of the marina,” he said. “All five of us got elected because of the marina.”
Sewer expansion
The expansion of city sewer service was finally put to bed after months of discussion and consideration. The difficulty was that the $5.7 million funding from a 2% state loan was contingent on getting agreements from 50% of the property owners in the affected area. Earlier attempts fell far short of that number, but a last-minute effort made it happen.
The city sent a letter to non-responsive property owners with a form that could be mailed back and a QR code to complete the form online. Then Pritchard, DPW Director Doug Varney, and C2AE Engineer Bill Kimble all made door-to-door visits to some of the addresses. Pritchard said they made the 50% figure, with at least 20 more properties to canvas.
Even though this issue was not on the agenda, the commission added it and approved the authorization for C2AE and Team Elmer’s, contingent on acceptance by EGLE, the state agency providing the loan.
“For reasons unknown at this time, Team Elmer’s was poised to begin the project on April 21,” Pritchard said in a memo to the commission. The city issued a stop order since they had not reached the 50% approval from property owners, but it is assumed that Team Elmer’s will now be able to start construction.
In other action Tuesday, the commission:
> Approved the purchase of six street lights and pole assemblies for a total of $21,748 from Standard Electric of Petoskey to replace two that have been damaged and to have four extra sets for future use.
> Discussed the possibility of retaining city resident Richard Wright to serve as an unpaid interim airport manager until a permanent city manager is hired. Wright is a member of the Airport Advisory Board. The commission tabled the issue pending confirmation that Wright has the proper license to serve in that capacity.
> Approved EMS Director Brenda Willson’s request to apply for paramedic tuition/wages scholarships.
> Announced that the next regular City Commission meeting is scheduled for 12 noon Thursday (not the normal Tuesday), May 29.
> Accepted a Staff Report with updates from Main Street, the City Clerk, the Sewer and Water Department and the Department of Public Works.
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The festival carnival as viewed from above at sunset in a photo from the past.
It's Morel Mushroom Festival Weekend!
Each spring hundreds of morel mushroom lovers from around the state, country and globe travel to small-town Boyne City, seeking and celebrating the marvelous morel at the National Morel Mushroom Festival. Found in the woods of beautiful northern Michigan, the elusive morel mushroom is savored by those lucky enough to find this delectable treat. The festival is held the weekend after Mother’s Day, and features morel tastings, a competitive hunt, morel hunting seminar, arts & crafts show, concert, carnival, and more. Here is the full schedule. Click here for schedule updates and here are the festival sponsors. All events are in Veterans Memorial Park unless stated otherwise.
FRIDAY, MAY 16:
SATURDAY, MAY 17:
- 7:30 - 8:40am: Registration for 65th Annual National Competitive Morel Mushroom Hunt, Boyne City High School.
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Online Pre-Registration (Recommended)
- Competitive Hunt Rules & Information
- 8 am - Noon: Farmers Market
- 9 -11am: 65th Annual National Competitive Morel Mushroom Hunt sponsored by Boyne City Kiwanis, buses leave from Boyne City High School.
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Online Pre-Registration (Recommended)
- 10am - 6pm: Arts & Crafts Show + Food Trucks, Veterans Memorial Park
- Craft Show Vendor Application
- Food Truck Vendor Application
- 10am - 6pm: Painting in the Park with Dan: Kids (and adults) can paint their own one-of-a-kind morel masterpiece alongside Daniel Duncan of Duncan Studios. Donations appreciated to cover the cost of materials. Veterans Memorial Park behind Duncan Studios' booth in the Arts & Crafts Show.
- 10am - 6pm: Boyne Area Skate Park Fundraiser: Mini skateboard lessons on basics and tricks by donation benefiting the construction of the future Boyne Area Skate Park.
- 11am - 10pm: Schmidt Amusements Carnival sponsored by Boyne Valley Lions.
- 12 - 2:30pm: TASTE OF MORELS, our Premiere Event: Largest concentration of morel mushroom cooking in the WORLD. Local Chefs prepare morel-infused delicacies and compete for the top three winning dishes as voted on by a panel of Celebrity Judges. Cash bar available. $10 admission with tasting tickets for purchase. Heated tent.
- 4 - 5pm: Great Morel Giveaway: Enter to win a pound of morels or a $50 gift certificate at multiple participating downtown businesses. Entries are free and can be made in advance at as many businesses you like. Drawings begin at 4pm at Freshwater Art Gallery and travel through downtown with the "Morel Mob" until drawings are done. Must be present to win.
- 7 - 11pm: 65th MOTHERLOAD BASH, presented by Boyne City Hardware & Boyne Mountain Resort: Rock out to The Family Tradition Band, voted "Best Band" by Hour Detroit Magazine specializing in classic country rock; 21+ older with cash bar. $10 admission. Heated tent.
SUNDAY, MAY 18:
- 12 - 3pm: Paint & Sip with Duncan Studios: Create a one-of-a-kind Michigan Morel painting with detailed instruction by artist Dan Duncan, complimentary glass of wine or beer (cash bar afterwards), $60 per person, Heated tent.
- Pre-registration is required, plus a picture of the painting.
- 12 - 3pm: Arts & Crafts Show, Veterans Memorial Park
- Craft Show Vendor Application
- Food Truck Vendor Application
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12 - 5pm: Schmidt Amusements Carnival sponsored by Boyne Valley Lions.
REMINDERS:
- Veterans Memorial Park and all city parks are tobacco, drug and weapon free.
- Dogs are not allowed in city parks during special events and festivals.
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School board develops “Portrait of a Graduate”
By Jamie Baumann, jamie@boynecitizen.com
Planning was a focus of the Boyne City School Board meeting on Monday night. The board has been in the process of revising the strategic plan since fall and will have a final version for approval at the June meeting. The plan will be approved for the 2025-2026 school year only.
In addition, consultant Lisa Sitkins, president and CEO of LSS Connections and Consulting, who was representing Michigan Virtual, will be working with the district on a process involving school and community stakeholders to define a “Portrait of a Graduate.”
Through community surveys and community and staff meetings, the goal will be to articulate a list of five or six competencies that all Boyne City High School graduates should possess in order to succeed in life beyond high school, whether that be working in the community, working in a technical career, or studying at a university.
According to Sitkins, the Portrait of a Graduate establishes a shared mission for a community, which is important when tough issues and decisions are to be made. Board members can look back at the mission to guide their thinking. It builds essential skills and competencies like collaboration skills or critical thinking into the curriculum, looking at necessary competencies beyond passing standardized tests.
The Portrait of a Graduate creates a baseline for what every student should be able to do. The process provides a platform for engaging businesses, organizations, and other stakeholders in meaningful conversations about the future of education in Boyne City and creates community buy-in for the school district's goals. Along with the strategic plan, Portrait of a Graduate supports continuous improvement. It gives a framework to help with strategic planning and allocation of resources.
Once the competencies that the board and community decide are most important have been defined, then the district will embed them at appropriate times throughout the Pre-K through 12 curricula. This will ensure that graduates have practiced and possess these competencies. The timeline for the Portrait of a Graduate process should be completed by January 2026.
Superintendent Patrick Little said that he has met with the Boyne City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Trisha Wilcox and Boyne City Main Street Director Ingrid Day to enlist their help in distributing surveys to the community and finding those who might like to be more involved in the Portrait of a Graduate process.
"The Portrait of a Graduate will reconfirm your vision and mission, have you adapt it, or redefine it to support strategic planning and allocation of resources," Sitkins said.
After completing the Portrait of a Graduate, the board will revisit the strategic plan and make any modifications necessary based on that work. It will then become a multi-year strategic plan.
Celebratory board items
The board congratulated former football coach Dave Hills, who will be inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame at a banquet on June 20. Click here for ticket information; the deadline is June 13.
They also congratulated Boyne City Booster Foundation Rambler Impact Award winners Roger Coates, 4th grade teacher; Megan Burgess, 6th grade teacher; Sharon Willson, special education instructional aide, for their outstanding support of students. Parents nominate deserving individuals and the Booster Foundation makes the final award selections.
In other action, the board:
- Authorized the issuance of $14.5 million in Series 1 bonds approved in the May 6 election.
- Accepted a $250 donation to the Girls Soccer Program from Rebecca Plaines.
- Accepted $14,706 from the Boyne City Booster Foundation to be distributed to the fourth grade economics lesson, the high school Spanish trip to Panama, the senior class activity of 2026, girls soccer parka jackets, boys and girls soccer backpacks, football three-man sled for pads, second grade aquaponics, third grade Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island field trip, Rambler Wellness healthy snacks for students, and second grade interactive globes.
- Accepted several donations totaling $2,050 for Room 156.
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Transportation Supervisor Lea Howie coordinates Room 156 at Boyne City Middle School.
Room 156 leader Lea Howie will be the keynote speaker for Manna Food Project Gala
By Jamie Baumann, jamie@boynecitizen.com
Lea Howie, Boyne City Public Schools transportation supervisor, will be the keynote speaker at this year's Manna Food Project Gala at Bay Harbor Yacht Club. She will be showcasing her Room 156 Program that serves middle and high school students. The upscale gala will take place on Thursday, June 19, from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Room 156 is a student store located in Boyne City Middle School that provides food, clothing, toiletries, and school supplies to students in need. "It was over a decade ago when the pantry literally started in a closet," Howie said. We started distributing food to students, and Manna was and continues to be a huge contributor of food donations.” After the passage of a school bond election, she said, “We were able to have our own store space, and the program grew to what it is today."
"It has grown beyond food for needy students," Howie said. "Students drop by to shop. Or a teacher may send a student down for something. Or, say, a student falls in a mud puddle and needs a quick change of clothes. We serve all different needs for students from every walk of life." The program serves about 100 students a week and is run by volunteers coordinated by Howie.
What do students think of Room 156? Rusty Carpenter won this year's Kiwanis Eddie Essay Competition with his essay about Room 156 and what it has meant to him and his family. He describes what he saw when he first went to the food pantry. "There were shelves full of food and, as someone who had been living on ramen, rice and oatmeal, it was heaven on earth. I asked the person running the program if I was able to take what I needed, and I was able to leave the pantry that day with four bags of food. That day, my family had an amazing home-cooked meal for the first time in a long time."
"This program has changed the lives of many students, and I pray it may continue to grow and help those who are in need during desperate times," Carpenter wrote. Click here to read Rusty's full essay.
At the school board meeting on Monday, Room 156 received donations from Donna Erber, Kiwanis retiree Nancy Visser, Vicki Welch, and the Rotary Club of Boyne City totalling $2,050.
"We are always looking for donations, so we are grateful for the publicity. Every donation helps," Howie said.
| Room 156 provides food, clothing, toiletries and school supplies to middle and high school students. | |
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Eighth graders Halie Pickles, at left, and Kenzee Couturier get ready to transfer the salmon parr in the red bucket to the small clear cups to be handed to each pair of students for release.
Salmon in the Classroom students raise their fish and release them into Boyne River
By Jamie Baumann, jamie@boynecitizen.com
Boyne City sixth and eighth graders released young salmon “parr” into the Boyne River last Thursday at Old City Park as a part of the Salmon in the Classroom (SIC) Program spearheaded by science teachers Kelsey Bricker and Dakohta Kintigh.
"I love being a part of the SIC program because working with live resources is very unique for students,” Bricker said. “They are able to raise the salmon and are ultimately responsible for their survival and release. This program helps build a connection between students and natural resources found around them. The lessons we use as part of the program are very engaging and I love seeing the students' reactions when they find out it's a 'SIC day',” she said.
The school receives the eggs from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Lake Manistee River Weir in mid-November, and students raise the fish for about six months until they are large enough to release. The salmon go from eggs, to sac fry, to parr when they are released in May. The next stage will be smolt, which will happen during the spring/summer as the fish swim to Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan.
About 22 of the eighth graders were responsible for the daily tasks of taking care of the fish. These tasks included: feeding four times a day, and checking the water quality (pH, temperature, GH, KH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels) of the tank.
"Throughout the year students learn about the history of salmon in the Great Lakes, the salmon life cycle, the role of salmon in the Great Lakes ecosystem, the importance of maintaining a healthy watershed, how human activities can impact salmon habitat, the importance of conserving water resources, factors affecting salmon survival in the wild, how to use a dichotomous key to identify fish in the Great Lakes, and practice the traditional Japanese art of Gyotaku (fish printing)," Bricker said.
Eighth grader Alayna Soltis learned that "Salmon are important to the Great Lakes, because they help control invasive alewive populations."
Thursday’s event involved several community groups that helped with the release and taught seminars for the students. This year's presenters were:
- Eli Baker from Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, who taught about aquatic invasive species.
- Wade Foster from Charlevoix, Antrim, Kalkaska, and Emmet Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CAKE CISMA), who taught about native plants and how they help with salmon survival.
- Taylor Skiles from the DNR Fisheries Research Station-Charlevoix, who taught history of salmon in the Great Lakes.
- Adam Kennedy and Brian Kozminski from Friends of the Boyne River, who taught about the importance of macroinvertebrates in local rivers,
- Conservation Officers Chad Baldwin and Jack Gorno, who taught about mammals in our local watersheds.
| | Eighth grader Levi Bradley releases his salmon parr into the Boyne River. | | Salmon in the Classroom science teachers Kelsey Bricker, at left, and Dakohta Kintigh. | | |
March will honor veterans on Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day is Saturday, May 17, and a group of local citizens will hold a march “to honor veterans, active service members and their families, and to uphold the Constitution of this nation.” They will gather around the Gazebo in Old City Park, beginning around 12:30 p.m. and proceed at 1 in a march to Lake Street, going through downtown and returning to the Gazebo.
Organizer Penny Hardy said those attending should “Please bring your flags, bells and voices in honor of these heroes.” Organizers are also asking that signs for this march have positive messages about Armed Forces Day and the Constitution. Following the walk through town, there will be an opportunity to share and honor past and present armed services members at the Gazebo.
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Memorial Day services planned for May 26; Veterans Memorial Committee raising funds
Boyne area veterans will hold memorial services at local cemeteries from 8 to 11 a.m. Monday, May 26. At 11:45 a.m. the Veterans Memorial Day Procession will leave the American Legion Post at 302 S. Lake St., proceeding north on Lake Street to Veterans Memorial Park for services beginning at 12 noon.
The Boyne City High School Band will perform, Asuka Barden will sing the National Anthem, and all area veterans are invited to participate. Flyers with details on the morning cemetery services will be available soon.
The Boyne Area Veterans Memorial Committee has announced that the Veterans Memorial in Veterans Park (photo above) will be closed for construction for a period of time in June to make repairs. The large slate star that is embedded into concrete in the middle of the memorial needs to be redone at a cost of about $30,000. Committee member Ron Crozier said the Veterans Memorial Committee will finance the repairs, which will be made before the 4th of July, and the committee will be seeking donations to help pay for the project.
DONATIONS - Checks can be made out to Boyne Area Veterans Memorial and dropped at Chase Bank. You may also contact Crozier at 231-675-6415 or Brian Kennedy at 517-204-3263 to make a donation.
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Tariffs worry Northern Michigan businesses
Reprinted from the Boyne Area Chamber newsletter:
The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance conducted a survey of 214 small- and medium-sized businesses across various sectors (retail, manufacturing, construction, professional services) to assess the impact of tariffs and shifting trade policies. The results revealed widespread concern about the negative economic effects of rising tariffs and global trade instability.
Key findings:
- 52% expect significant negative impacts from tariffs
- 44% anticipate a notable drop in revenue over the next year
- 14% expect to cut employment, while only 1.4% foresee growth
- Rising costs of materials, packaging, and imported goods are major challenges
Business leader perspectives:
- Bill Myers (Promethient): Domestic sourcing is not a short-term fix; tariffs have doubled costs despite using U.S.-made components.
- Andy Hyde (Nolan’s Cigar Bar): Tariffs raise consumer prices for products like handmade cigars that rely on tropical imports.
- Stephanie Baldwin (Edgewater Design): Tariffs worsen construction material costs, exacerbating housing affordability and project feasibility.
- Matthew Bondy (Bondy Physical Therapy): Healthcare margins are under strain due to rising costs from imported medical supplies and other policy shifts.
Policy Message: The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance urges federal and state lawmakers to prioritize economic stability and consider the compounding effects of tariff policies on rural and small businesses.
> More info and the full survey: nmchamberalliance.com.
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DNR's online tool tracks ice storm cleanup progress
From the Top of Michigan Trails Council: The Michigan DNR is providing an online tool to track ice storm recovery progress at state parks and facilities, state managed trails, and roads. This application is updated at least daily, offering the public a view of recovery efforts in real time.
Very little state managed rail-trail is officially open, as the map indicates. However, the Little Traverse Wheelway is open, as are the Boyne Valley Trailway, the Burt Lake Trail, and the Young State Park to Boyne City segment of the Boyne City to Charlevoix Trail.
Those interested in volunteering with the DNR to work on those trails can sign up here.
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Evangeline Township Board May 12 meeting summary
The Evangeline Township Board held its regular board meeting on May 12. Here is a summary provided by the township:
- Clean-up from the ice storm at the cemetery and township parks is estimated at $5,200 to date, with more work done. Expenses will continue to be tracked in the event that an emergency declaration is approved by the President, and then FEMA can reimburse the township for damages.
- Consumers Energy and Great Lakes Energy will be conducting low-volume herbicide application on power line right-of-ways in May and June. Property owners will be notified if a line crosses their property.
- A mailbox has been installed at the Town Hall for incoming mail. The PO Box at the Post Office will be closed August 1. Township mail should be sent to 02746 Wildwood Harbor Road instead of P.O. Box 396.
- Annual Park and Pack Clean-up will be held at the Town Hall Saturday, June 7, from 7:30 a.m. – noon. Residents need to present the postcard mailed to them for entry.
- A crack in the parking lot asphalt will be sealed this month.
- A structural analysis of the towers in the township is being conducted.
- The Road Commission will be performing dust control soon, after road grading has been completed. It is later this year due to ice storm clean-up.
- The May 6 school millage election had 194 voters, 140 of which were by absentee ballot.
- The next Township Board meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 10.
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Township website.
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Bay Township Board May 8 meeting summary
- Heard reports from the Zoning Administrator and Cemetery Committee.
- Reviewed the successful grant application from the Charlevoix County parks millage.
- Approved representative to the Library Board of Trustee.
- Discussed details of Clean Up Day to be held on Saturday, June 21 from 8-12. Details are posted on our website.
- Determined a format to easily share highlights of our meetings with the Boyne Citizen.
- Received the Charlevoix County Hazard Mitigation Plan for adoption.
- ·Approved minutes from all meetings of the Board of Trustees are posted on our website at www.baytownshipmi.org.
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ROTARY PAVILION - The Rotary Club of Boyne City will host a celebration and dedication ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 19, at the pavilion the club built at Peninsula Beach Park in honor of the club's 100th anniversary. Keynote speaker for the ceremony will be Mark Andresky, Rotary District 6290 Governor Elect for 2025-26, who is a member of the Charlevoix Rotary Club. “We invite everyone to join us at this historical event,” said Club President-Elect Lynn Amato. Light refreshments will be served, and the club will also honor two long-standing Rotarians, John DiMartino and John Polinski.
COUNTY-WIDE BAH - The Boyne, Charlevoix and East Jordan chambers of commerce are teaming up to sponsor the annual County-Wide Business After Hours from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at The Boathouse on Lake Charlevoix, 204 Water Street, East Jordan. The event announcement says, “Join business owners and their team members from across Charlevoix County for an evening of great networking, food, and fun at East Jordan's lakeside event facility, The Boathouse on Lake Charlevoix.”
BOYNE AREA SENIOR CENTER is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and serves daily lunches from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For seniors ages 60+, the donation is $3, for ages 59 and under, $8, and for children 12 and under, $6. Here is the May lunch menu, and the May activity calendar.
4TH OF JULY - The Boyne City 4th of July Committee is accepting nominations for their parade grand marshal. You are invited to email nomination letters to Committee Chair Jessica White, jessicaboyneace@gmail.com. The committee also invites everyone to enter floats (at no cost) for “The Best 4th in the North.” Here is the registration form.
| | City of Boyne City Municipal News | | |
SPRING RUBBISH PICK-UP is scheduled for Saturday, May 17. Households within the city limits can set out a two-yard maximum of rubbish at their street curb to be picked up during the spring pick-up. It is recommended to set it out the night before, as pick up begins at 7 a.m. on May 17. Fall Rubbish Pick-up is scheduled for Sept. 20.
Some items not accepted for pick-up (full list):
- Items with freon (unless accompanied by a certificate of removal by a professional)
- Gas, oil, paint or antifreeze
- Engine or mechanical parts containing gas, oil or antifreeze fluid
- Batteries
- Tires
- Yard waste, lawn clippings, tree branches or brush
- Any combustible items
- No regular household garbage
INVITATION TO BID - The City of Boyne City is seeking bids for dust control service to be completed twice between June 1 and October 1, 2025. Full specs, maps, and bid requirements can be found online. Sealed bids are due by 1 p.m. May 23, 2025. Submit to: Boyne City Clerk’s Office, 319 N Lake St., Boyne City MI 49712.
STREET REPAIRS - From now through May 17, construction will begin on road improvement projects in Boyne City, including Vogel, First, and Main Streets. These streets will receive a chip and fog seal treatment - a preventative maintenance method that protects the road by sealing the surface, helping extend its life without needing full reconstruction. Traffic will be maintained with flaggers during the work, and no full road closures are planned. Please drive carefully and watch for workers in these areas.
CITY MEETINGS – Click here for board information, agendas, and minutes.
> City Commission's next regular meeting is at 12 p.m. Thursday, May 29. Agenda page.
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The first Schaub brothers meat market was located where Mark Patrick’s State Farm building sits today. The entrance faced Main Street in those days. The building above was situated where Klevorn’s law practice is today. Photo courtesy of the Bob Morgridge Collection.
THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS
Origins of our ancestors – the Schaub family
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By Patrick McCleary, Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com
The Charlevoix County History Preservation Society
Ancestral stories are more than just tales of the past. They are the threads that weave together our heritage and identity. These narratives, whether outlining the lives of our personal ancestors, or those who helped to shape our community, can offer insights into local history, community values, and our shared cultural heritage. Understanding the hardships and events surrounding our pioneer families serves as a bridge connecting the many generations.
Ancestral stories make for more than just interesting reading. They enhance and deepen our understanding of both local, community, and county history. One such early family to make an indelible mark on early Boyne City was that of brothers Clarence and John Schaub. Clarence, the best known of the two, operated Schaub’s Meat Market between the years 1894 and 1956. However, the story of the Schaub family’s origins in the United States, is quite a fascinating story - a precursor to the Boyne City years. My special thanks to Rev. Ken Schaub of Lodi, Wisconsin and other Schaub family descendants who I have corresponded with for more than 20 years.
The Schaub brothers of early Boyne City were the sons of Casper (1832-1887). The father was born on July 25, 1832, in Hoenebach, Hessen, Germany. Not yet 18, Casper and an older brother, Conrad Schaub, came to America in 1848. They arrived in the United States on April 24, 1848, aboard the ship "Alfred," which sailed from Bremen, Germany to New York City. Schaub family history includes the following notations pertaining to this voyage:
“We are not sure what family was left behind, or what their lot in life was. Most emigrants were poor farmers that saved for years and spent all that they had to pay for travel to the new country and all of its opportunities. The normal accommodation for these emigrants was steerage. The quality of food suffered from these lengthy voyages due to inadequate preservation. The voyage to America (an average crossing of 43 days), must have been quite treacherous and extremely cramped, as Casper vowed that if he ever got on another boat, it would mean his death.”
Family lore is that these two first-generation Schaub brothers were both trained as butchers/meat cutters in the “Old Country” and initially worked in New York City at that trade. They soon headed west to Wisconsin and settled in eastern Walworth County - between the present communities of Elkhorn and Burlington. The area was given the rather unoriginal name of “the German Settlement.” Casper was naturalized and became an American citizen in October 1854.
The Schaub brothers became farmers in Walworth County, which has good, rich farmland. Casper also became the lay preacher at the German Settlement (Methodist) Church. In those days, ordained preachers rode a large circuit, so Casper took care of Sunday worship until the next opportunity for the circuit preacher to arrive. In 1852, he married Miss Anna Catherine Swartz (1834-1857) and proceeded to have four children. The eldest son, born Johann Karl Schaub, later assumed the Americanized version of his first name and became known as “John” or “Charlie” Schaub. When the mother died, Casper married her sister (a common occurrence in those times), Miss Eva Elizabeth Schwartz (1837-1923) in 1858. The youngest child to be born of this wife was Clarence Casper Schaub - “C.C. Schaub” as he was later referred to. Both boys were trained in the butcher/meat cutting trade by their father and uncle.
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Back row, from left: Anna K. Schaub; Emma L. Schaub; Rosetta Schaub; John L. Schaub; Clarence C. Schaub. Front Row (L. to R.) Charles “John” Schaub; Father, Casper Schaub; Mother, Eva E. (Swartz) Schaub; Albert E. Schaub. Photo courtesy of the Boyne District Library.
Around the year 1880, John Schaub left Wisconsin, made his way along the shores of Lake Michigan, and came to settle in the Village of Boyne City. He opened a meat market of his own and proceeded to get a foothold within the city. The following year, 1881, he married Miss Kittie Huber, and the couple had two children, Louella (Schaub) Carmichael and a son, Ross J. Schaub. Proud of what he had accomplished and missing his family, he coaxed and encouraged his father to board a lake vessel and make the trip to Boyne. On each attempt, Casper Schaub stated that he was reluctant to make the trip and reminded his son of the harrowing voyage he had endured when immigrating from Germany to America. In 1887 however, he conceded to his son’s wishes and he boarded the fated vessel, Champlain.
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Johann Karl “John” Schaub (left) and his half-brother, Clarence Casper Schaub. Owners of the Schaub Meat Market in early Boyne City. Photographs courtesy of Schaub family historian, Rev. Ken Schaub, Lodi, Wisconsin.
Casper Schaub’s premonitions were to be proven true. On the evening of June 16, 1887, the freight and passenger steamer Champlain, burned off Fisherman Island at the mouth of Grand Traverse Bay with the loss of his own and 21 lives. The cause of the fire was thought to be an explosion of a lamp in the oil room. The following description is from the Milwaukee Sentinel of June 18:
“Charlevoix, Mich., June 17 – The steamer CHAMPLAIN burned at midnight between Norwood and Charlevoix, at the mouth of the Grand Traverse Bay. The flames suddenly shot up from beneath the engine, driving the engineer from his post with his clothes on fire. He plunged into a tank and then returned to the engine room but was too late to stop his engine or connect the hose. The sleeping passengers were aroused, and when the life preservers had been fastened on all, they gathered on the forward deck. Two lifeboats and the life rafts were lowered, but the steamer was running so fast they got away. In ten minutes from the time the boat caught fire its passengers were all compelled to jump into the lake. There were fifty-seven on board including the crew.”
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The burnt-out hull of the vessel Champlain. Image courtesy of the Charlevoix Historical Society.
In 1894, Clarence C. Schaub, half-brother to John Schaub, relocated to Boyne City and took up work in his brother’s meat market. When brother John died in 1910 at the age of 56, Clarence bought out the meat market from his widow and continued to run the operation as Schaub’s Meat Market. An early business article describes his business dealings in further detail:
“[Schaub] keeps a choice stock of fresh and salted meats, which his experience enables him to select for his customers. His market is always plentifully stocked with the very best of all kinds of tender chops, steaks, cutlets, vegetables and game in season.”
In 1913, he married Miss Iva L. Miller. The local newspaper reported on the details of the wedding:
The Evening Journal, Page 1 column 2, Thursday, April 17, 1913
MILLER-SCHAUB
Well-Known Young Boyne City People Married Last Night.
Cupid is still busy in Boyne City as was evidenced last night by the ringing of the wedding bells at the home of the bride’s mother, Mrs. Maria Miller, 317 South Lake Street, when Miss. Iva L. Miller became the wife of Clarence C. Schaub. The nuptials were tied at 8:30 o’clock by Rev. Jay M. Gleason in the presence of only the immediate friends and relatives of the couple. Both of the young people were unattended.
The bride wore a lovely gown of pale blue satin, adorned with a charming combination of pink Noche and white lace. Her going-away costume was a smart suit of navy blue with a chic little tam of cream chiffon and French plumes.
Following the ceremony, wedding refreshments were served, and the bridal couple drove to Boyne Falls to take the midnight train south. They expect to enjoy an extended honeymoon trip, visiting Grand Rapids, Chicago, Milwaukee and different points in southern Ohio and Illinois, and will begin housekeeping immediately upon their return to this city, which is to be their future home.
The wedding is the culmination of a two-year courtship which a large number of friends have been watching with growing interest. Both Mr. and Mrs. Schaub have long been residents in this city and are known to be young people of the highest caliber and in whose marriage a host of friends and well-wishers rejoice.
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The Interior of Schaub’s Meat Market, located on South Lake Street, Boyne City. (Left to Right: unknown man; Iva L. (Miller) Schaub; Clarence C. Schaub; unknown boy; Virginia E. (Schaub) Hegerberg. Photo courtesy of the Boyne District Library.
Clarence and Ivy (Miller) Schaub were the parents of only one daughter, who many old-time Boyne City residents (myself included) may still remember. Virginia Elizabeth Schaub was born in 1917 and later married Arne O. Hegerberg. They came to reside on South Lake Street, not far from her father’s meat market. Clarence C. Schaub remained in the wholesale meat business until his retirement in October of 1956. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and had served as City Assessor for 37 consecutive terms. He was mayor of Boyne City during World War I and afterward filled all of the city offices at various points in time. C.C. Schaub was also well known as the supervisor of the Fourth Ward for 15 years and a member of the school board for many years. His wife, Ivy (Miller) Schaub died on February 24, 1957, and Clarence followed her on December 26th of that same year.
| | > Patrick McCleary is a Certified Genealogist affiliated with the Charlevoix County History Preservation Society (CCHPS), 12555 Taylor Road, Charlevoix, MI 49720. The CCHPS promotes the understanding and appreciation of the heritage of the people of Charlevoix County and its townships by seeking out, collecting, preserving, and interpreting artifacts of historical and cultural significance. For further information, contact Patrick by email: Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com. | | |
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MUSIC, ARTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT
Please email your special events and music information to jim@boynecitizen.com.
AMERICAN LEGION Post 228, 302 S Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 459-4188.
Bingo every Tuesday, open to the public, refreshments provided. Doors open at 3 p.m., play starts at 5, ending at 8.
BARREL BACK. 4069 M-75, Walloon Lake, (231) 535-6000.
> Live music 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays with music and trivia on Thursdays.
Mondays - Sean Bielby
Tuesdays - Lara Fullford
Wednesdays - Pete Kehoe
Thursdays - Holly Keller
BC LANES/THE VENUE BAR & GRILL. 1199 M-75 S, Boyne City, (231) 582-6353.
> LIVE MUSIC, Bike & Car Night, 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays on our outdoor stage
Tuesday, May 20 - Two Beats
Tuesday, May 27 - Gray Wolves
June 3 - Country Thunder
June 10 - Scarkazm
June 17 - Yankee Station
June 24 - Two Beats
July 1 - Spur the Moment
BOYNE ARTS CENTER. 1 Water Street, Suite 203, Boyne City. (231) 622-2073.
> Upcoming classes and exhibits:
BOYNE CITY FARMERS MARKET. Indoors in the pavilion at Veterans Park, 207 N. Lake Street, Boyne City. (231) 582-9009. Vendor application for summer.
> Open Saturdays 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
> Summer season begins outdoors at Veterans Park on Saturday, May 17.
BOYNE CITY TAP ROOM. 220 S. Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 459-4487.
> MY CLUE TRIVIA - Mondays at 7 p.m.
> SINGO BINGO - Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
> LIVE MUSIC at 7 p.m.
Thursdays - Adam and the Cabana Boys
Fridays & Saturdays - Patrick Ryan
BOYNE MOUNTAIN. 1 Boyne Mountain Rd., Boyne Falls, (855) 688-7024.
> Weekly schedule of events and entertainment at all Boyne Mountain venues.
BOYNE RIVER INN. 229 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 222-4053.
LIVE MUSIC, 6-9 p.m.
Friday, May 16 - Michelle Chenard
Saturday, May 17 - Lou Thumser
BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS. 05325 US 131 S, Petoskey, (231) 373-2090.
> LIVE MUSIC - Saturdays 2-6 p.m.
Saturday, May 17 - Two Track Mind, 2-6 p.m.
Friday, May 23 - Michelle Chenard, 4-7 p.m.
Saturday, May 24 - Chris Calleja, 2-6 p.m.
Sunday, May 25 - Pete Kehoe, 1:30- 5 p.m.
Friday, May 30 - Chris Calleja, 4-7 p.m.
Saturday, May 31 - Michelle Chenard, 2-6 p.m.
CAFE SANTE. 1 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 582-8800.
> LIVE MUSIC
Mondays through May 19 - The Shifties, 6-9 p.m.
Friday, May 16th - Chris Calleja, 7-10 p.m.
Saturday, May 17th - Peter Jensen, 7-10 p.m.
Friday, May 23rd - Lavender Lions Duo, 7-10 p.m.
Saturday, May 24th - Sean Bielby, 7-10 p.m.
Friday, May 30th - Pete Kehoe and Friends (15th anniversary party), 7-10 p.m.
Saturday, May 31st - The Cabana Boys (15th anniversary party), 7-10 p.m.
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER. 461 E. Mitchell Street. Petoskey, (231) 347-4337.
> See website for updated entertainment, Swirl, art shows, and children's activities.
GREAT LAKES CENTER FOR THE ARTS. 800 Bay Harbor Dr., Petoskey, (231) 439 -2600.
SUMMER/FALL CONCERT SERIES:
May 25 - The Doo Wop Project
June 13 - Deana Carter
June 21 - Get Loud Entertainment Presents: Infinity
June 27 - The Broadway Tenors
June 29 - Comedian Dustin Nickerson
July 5 - Get Loud Entertainment Presents: Lonestar
July 12 - 2025 Gala, Disco Paradise featuring KC and The Sunshine Band
July 20 - An Evening with Lyle Lovett and his Large Band
July 30 + 31 - Bay View Music Festival Presents: Bizet’s Carmen
Aug 3 - Straight No Chaser Summer: The 90s Part 2
Aug 9 - The Landsharks Band
Aug 15 - Ashes & Arrows
Aug 29-31 - Jersey Boys
Sep 14 - Grand Rapids Ballet Ballet Masterworks
Oct 4 - Canadian Brass
Oct 5 - Manhattan Short Film Festival
Oct 16 & 17 - Cirque Mechanics Tilt!
Nov 1 - Cantus
LAKE STREET PUB. 202 S. Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 497-6031.
> TRIVIA NIGHT - Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
MUSKRAT DISTILLING.121 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 268-0178.
Food service starts March 31. Hours will be Monday-Thursday 4-8 and Friday 4-9. Here is the Muskrat Munchies Menu, created by Katie Willis.
> KARAOKE - 8 to 11 p.m. every Wednesday
> LIVE MUSIC 8 to 11 p.m.
Friday, May 16 - Eric Jaqua
Saturday, May 17 - DJ T-Bone
Friday, May 23 - Jakey T
Friday, May 30 - Sean Bielby
PENINSULA PARK EVENT CENTER, 5 W. Main Street, Boyne City, (231) 881-5192, peninsulaparkevents@gmail.com. The Event Center space is available to rent for public and private events including parties, fundraisers, entertainment, classes and meetings.
PROVISIONS LOUNGE. 123 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 582-2151.
LIVE MUSIC, 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays
RED MESA GRILL.117 Water St, Boyne City, (231) 582-0049.
LIVE MUSIC 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Tuesday, May 20 - Hazel James Band
Tuesday, May 27 - Project 6
STIGGS BREWERY & KITCHEN. 112 S. Park St., Boyne City, (231) 497-6100
> June 4 and the first Wednesday of the month - Open Mic Nights hosted by Nelson Olstrom, 6-9 p.m.
> June 14 and the second Saturday of the month - Karaoke with DJ T-Bone Thompson from 8-11 p.m.
WALLOON JUNCTION GRILL AND BAR. 4472 M-75, Walloon Lake, (231) 535-6006.
> Roller skating party 2-6 p.m. Saturday, May 17. $8 admission, $2 rentals.
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