Our first issue - September 3, 2024

Inside this issue:

• City moves ahead with marina & housing
• Profile of new elementary principal & new teachers
• BC Education Center opens with remodeled classrooms
• McCleary to present Boyne River history program 
• Thanks to the donors who helped get us started
• Music and entertainment listings
• Obituaries from July and August

Jamie and Jim Baumann

Boyne Citizen is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a board of directors that includes former mayor and Citizen editor/publisher Hugh Conklin and former Harbor House Publishers owner Michelle Cortright, who also used to work for the Charlevoix County Press. To find out more about us click here.

So far, this is an all-volunteer effort, but our goal is to create a sustainable news source with paid staff. Our subscriptions are free, and we are encouraged and very grateful that more than 30 people have already made donations, mostly $100 or less, to support our efforts. 

The best way you can help us grow is to subscribe for free and consider making a donation. It would also be great if you could help us spread the word by forwarding this newsletter to your friends and family and encouraging them to subscribe. Please follow us on Facebook. We invite Boyne area businesses and organizations to send us press releases about their news and events. Businesses can promote themselves by advertising in the newsletter (details here.) We won’t be covering sports on a regular basis, since that is the only category of local news that is covered extensively. We will be publishing weekly and when news happens, but the day of the week will vary, especially at first.

What are your thoughts? Feel free to email our editor at jim@boynecitizen.com with story idea suggestions and your thoughts about the new Boyne Citizen. We’d also like to hear from writers and editors who would like to become involved.

Mike Morphey, project engineer for marina design firm Abonmarche, speaks at the City Commission meeting.

City moves ahead with marina dock replacement; Bids for electrical improvements are 30% over budget

The Boyne City City Commission met on Tuesday, August 27, and approved a $683,021 contract to Flotation Docking Systems to rebuild D Dock by May 23, 2025. The dock was damaged by storms over the past winter.

This project came in under budget, but the bad news from the meeting was that bids to replace the landside electrical system at the marina were approximately 30% over budget, which amounts to $500,000.

The Commission discussed a number of options with Mike Morphey, project engineer for marina design firm Abonmarche. Morphey presented a “Value Engineered Plan” that eliminated any items that were not needed to make D Dock “completed and fully functional.” He recommended that the city award a contract to Molon Excavating for $663,015, a reduction from the $1.165 million bid for the full scope of the project. That would be within $41,000 of the budgeted amount.

Morphey said that based on conversations with the state Waterways Commission he is hopeful the agency would approve using $603,000 in already approved grants for the project, even though the scope would be reduced due to the higher bid. City Commission members said they want to wait until they get that state approval in writing before proceeding, possibly at their next meeting on Sept. 10th.

Commissioner Marty Moody commented: “The problem is that we are locked into a crappy contract with the state” that determines rates the city can charge marina users. Those rates have not provided sufficient funds for ongoing maintenance, Moody said. “They wouldn’t allow a rate increase because of the condition it’s in, and it’s in that condition because we didn’t raise rates in the past.”

> The City Commission meeting is 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10. The agenda will be posted here around 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6th.

City advances rezoning for possible new housing, prepares for Daifuku property tax appeal

Boyne City moved one step closer to making city-owned property available for housing development last week. The City Commission approved the first reading of a zoning change for North Boyne property along Court and Robinson Streets. The change was approved by the Planning Commission after a public hearing on August 19th. Final approval could come at the City Commission’s October 8th meeting.

Over the past several years the City Commission has been focused on addressing the housing shortage in the city and has been initiating actions to help address the issue. As part of this process a review of all city-owned land was completed and this property was identified as one of the most suitable to be used for residential development.

The proposal would change the zoning from Community Service District to Multi-Family Residential District. Mayor Tim Nemecek noted that "It's zoned as a community district right now and you can't build housing on that zoning." He said the new zoning would “allow an opportunity” for various types of housing, including multi-family but also single-family residential. When and if a site plan is proposed, the city would have final approval at that point.

DAIFUKU TAX APPEAL - In other action last Tuesday, the City Commission hired Colliers of Grand Rapids to help prepare for and handle a Michigan Tax Tribunal appeal by Daifuku Airport America Corporation. Colliers will be paid $5,500 plus $350 per hour for necessary additional services.

City Manager Mike Cain stated in his agenda memo that “We have been advised by Daifuku that they have appealed the property value of their new factory at 300 M-75 South to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. To ensure we have the most accurate information possible, we are considering hiring a certified appraiser who specializes in industrial property appraisals.” The Tax Tribunal website states that the city has set the State Equalized Value at $12,503,500, and Daifuku contends that the SEV should be $2,500,000. 

Mike Amabile says leading an elementary school will be a "refreshing change."

New elementary school principal Amabile returns to Michigan from a high school in Florida

Mike Amabile, Boyne City Elementary School's new principal, makes people feel instantly at ease as he greets them with an easy smile, an extended hand and a slight Southern drawl. It is instantly apparent that he loves working with students of any age. He has come from a principal position at 1,500-student Estero High School in Estero, Florida, located between Ft. Myers and Naples. 

Amabile is excited and animated about the new challenge of working with elementary students. "It's good to change it up a bit," he said. "The younger kids are so much more motivated to be in school. My own fourth grade son Ethan (age 9) is excited about everything, whereas, my high school son Owen (14) tends to not show much enthusiasm about school. If I ask Ethan about school, he starts talking on and on about everything that happened in the day. From Owen, like most teenagers, I get something like, "It was fine."

Though Amabile enjoyed his time as a high school principal, he said that being at Boyne City Elementary School will be a "refreshing change." Working with elementary students isn't totally new for Amabile. Over his 18 years in education, for the first five he taught physical education at a K-8 school and then at a middle school. He has been an administrator for 13 years at both the middle school and high school levels.

His personal leadership goal for this year is to do a lot of observing and learning. "The school is high-performing, so it is up to me to adapt to Boyne City rather than them to me. I want to learn about all the great things they already have in place."

Amabile noted that the staff is extremely stable, as there was only one staff vacancy for this school year. "They are also super dedicated,” he said. "I was pleasantly surprised when I opened it up to any teacher on staff to make appointments to meet me this summer. Every single one of them gave up their own vacation time to meet with me. I never had to even send out a memo to remind them that our school start was fast approaching. About two weeks ago, the teachers started setting up their rooms to make sure everything was in place for the kids. They care about kids and want to do what's best for them."

Caring for kids and "wanting to do right by them" is something Amabile emphasizes. He is also a “systems person,” coming from a big high school, so he will be looking at things like the dismissal process and other safety and security issues to see if there are things that might be tweaked. "Otherwise, I'm a high school guy changing grade levels and coming to a new state, so I need to do a lot of observing and learning."

Amabile and his wife Kellie both grew up in Michigan, and spent summers in northern Michigan. They loved the Boyne City area. Since relocating on July 1, the Amabiles have spent more quality time with Kellie 's family from Saginaw and his own family from Irons, just outside of Ludington, than they had in the last nine years.

"We wanted to move back near family, and this was the perfect time to make the move. We didn't want to move Owen in the middle of high school, so the decision was whether to do it now or wait another four years, and our parents are getting older. The Boyne City opening was the only job I applied for," he said. 

The Amabiles were fortunate to find a house within walking distance of downtown Boyne City. Owen runs cross-country and is an accomplished guitarist who performed with a band back in Florida. When he saw Stroll the Streets with musicians playing all over town, Owen wanted to take his guitar to a corner and start playing. "I said, 'Whoa, you may have to talk to someone before you do that,’" Amabile said.

Kellie has a master's degree in social work and much experience working with the elderly. 

"I'm an open book," Amabile concluded.

> Amabile is replacing Lisa King, who resigned in July 2023 after serving for eight years. Erin Bybee-Wilcox served as the interim principal for the past year and has returned to her  previous position as middle school assistant principal. We are sad to report that Lisa King passed away on May 28, 2024.

Boyne City Public Schools welcome new teachers and staff

Ondrea Eaton is the new third grade teacher. She is a Boyne City native who graduated from Boyne City High School. She earned her Bachelor of Elementary Education degree from Northern Michigan University. For the past two years, she taught at Concord Academy - Petoskey.

Claire Audia is the new eighth grade math teacher. She grew up in Petoskey, graduating from Petoskey High School. She earned a  Bachelor of Mathematics degree from the University of Michigan - Dearborn. She taught math in Fort Worth, Texas for six years before returning to northern Michigan to teach at Boyne City Elementary School.

Chad Longstreet is the new middle and high school industrial arts teacher. He graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Secondary Education degree with a concentration in Industrial Technologies Education. Chad did his student teaching in wood shop and drafting at Marquette Middle School. He has worked for a custom cabinetry shop and a home builder.

Shian Erickson is a new Early Learners Program teacher in the classroom for 3-year-olds. She grew up in Boyne City and went through the Early Learners Program herself as a preschooler. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from North Central Michigan College and plans to pursue her Bachelor of Elementary Education degree online starting in October.

Tyla Coates will be student teaching in fifth grade. Tyla grew up in Boyne City and graduated from Boyne City High School. She earned an Associate Degree of General Studies from North Central Michigan College. She is earning her Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education, specializing in grades 3-6, from Lake Superior State University. She has been coaching volleyball at Boyne City High School since 2020.

Jessica Sutherland is the new Early Learners Secretary. Jessica was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. Her husband Nick served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years, and the family traveled all over the United States and Japan. They look forward to finally putting down roots in Boyne City.

Three generations in this building

This photo from the Boyne City Early Learners Program Open House on August 27th has a unique story behind it. From left, Superintendent Patrick Little and Early Learners Program Director Laurel Jewitt chat with Mary-Ann Steiber, her daughter Jane Amato, her son-in-law Tony Amato and grandson Leo Amato. Four-year-old Leo will be attending the preschool program for the first time this year. His grandmother Mary-Ann Steiber founded the preschool program in January, 2004. Parents Tony and Jane Amato both attended middle school in that same building. They were all admiring the new construction and how the BCEC/former middle school building had changed.

Kara, Alice, and Jordan Fair were impressed by Alice's new classroom at the Early Learning open hHouse.

Superintendent Pat Little poses with a new sign at the Boyne City Education Center.

Families visit newly-remodeled preschool classrooms in BC Education Center

Families who attended the Boyne City Education Center (BCEC) Early Learners Program Open House on August 27th had a sneak peek at its newly-remodeled classrooms. The $1.8 million renovation was paid for with a combination of 2020 bond funds, Enhancement Millage funds set aside for capital improvements, and state funds for safety enhancements.

The preschool currently has 10 classrooms, expanded from seven. A director's office/reception area, child and adult bathrooms, as well as a new sensory classroom, designed for preschool special education students, were added. Each classroom got new flooring, floor to ceiling built-in storage, new sinks and fresh paint, according to Laurel Jewett, the Early Learners Program director. Children ages 3 and 4 are served by the Early Learners Program. The preschool entrance is on the north side of the building on Pine Street.

Barton Malow Builders completed the project before school started with only punch list items left to complete. A week ago, the gym was filled to the ceiling with all of the classroom contents. Staff worked hard with "great attitudes moving everything back to their classrooms in a short amount of time," Superintendent Patrick Little said. 

Among those attending the open house were three generations of one family who all have ties to the BCEC building. 

In addition to the preschool, the BCEC first floor houses Head Start, operated by Northwest Michigan Community Action Network; the Culinary Arts Program for grades 9-12, and Boyne City Public Schools administrative offices. The newly-renovated administrative offices have moved to the south side of the building in space that had previously housed locker rooms. The new entrance for the administrative offices is across from the library on East Main Street.

The second floor of the BCEC houses Morgan Shaw Alternative High School, Community Christmas, Head Start and Char-Em ISD offices, Technology Department offices, and the Women Infants and Children (WIC) program. The construction project also included painting second floor rooms, adding outdoor signage and enhancing entrance safety.

Inside one of the newly remodeled classrooms for the Early Learners Program.



Marty Dearing made a special trip to familiarize her daughter Toni Mercier with the preschool by playing with dominoes and other learning toys.

Early pioneers rerouted the river’s original path to better suit their needs.

McCleary to present Boyne River history program

Long-time local historian, genealogist and archivist Patrick McCleary will present “Healing Waters - A History Of The Boyne River,” sponsored by the Friends of the Boyne River in the Commission Chambers of Boyne City Hall at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11th. McCleary, board president of the Charlevoix County History Preservation Society, will draw references from his own studies as well as original photographs from his and others’ collections that might otherwise not be seen by the general public. This presentation is free to anyone with an interest in our “remarkable Boyne River,” and all are encouraged to attend.

The Boyne River was named for Ireland’s River Boyne. Today it is known for its beauty, its wildlife, and the fantastic fishing opportunities it offers anglers of all ages. There are, however, other notable details about the river that some may not be aware of. Through the use of early photographs and historic detail, we will take a look back at how early pioneers put the river to practical use, harnessed the energy that the falls provided, and even rerouted the river’s original path to better suit their needs.

> Note: Patrick McCleary will be a regular contributor to future issues of the Boyne Citizen with historic photos and a column called “Through the Historian’s Lens.” Anyone with additional information or inquiries about other local history topics can contact Patrick by email - throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com.

Boyne Area News Briefs

NEW MOTEL - Integrity Construction Services is now accepting sub-trade bids for the Boyne City Comfort Inn/MainStay Suites. There are 28 different bid packages. Their website has more information and documents. Bids are due September 24th.

NEW EVENT SPACE - From Facebook: Jill Valliere plans to renovate the former Friggy’s SOBO Pub space. “The plan is to make it an event space to rent for anyone in the community looking to celebrate but don't have the space. It will be an open space, so individuals can create the setting they want and rent tables/chairs for their event.” She hopes to open in November and encourages anyone interested to contact her via Facebook Messenger. 

ELECTRONICS AND HAZARDOUS WASTE collection will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Road Commission garage on M-75 South in Boyne City. Acceptable electronics and hazardous waste items include computers, TVs, appliances, tires, fluorescent light bulbs, oil-based paints, chemicals and lawn fertilizers. Call 231-547-7221 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sept. 3-6 for reservations and collection location information. Schedule an appointment online. Details from county website.

CITY RUBBISH PICKUP - Collection day is scheduled for Saturday, September 21st. Pick-up will begin at 7a.m. Details and list of permitted items.

Thank you to donors who helped start the Boyne Citizen

MUSIC, ARTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

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

BARREL BACK. 4069 M-75, Walloon Lake, (231) 535-6000.

> Starting Sept. 16th, a new menu and live music Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays with trivia on Thursdays.

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

> Open bowling 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 3-10 p.m. Fridays, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays.

>Live music resumes Saturday, Oct. 26.

BOYNE CITY FARMERS MARKET. Veterans Park, 207 N. Lake Street, Boyne City. (231) 582-9009.

> Open Wednesdays and Saturdays 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

> Harvest Festival, Sat., Sept. 28, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., four blocks in downtown Boyne City are closed for the annual event.

> LIVE MUSIC

Wed., Sept 4 - Chris Michels 

Sat., Sept 7 - Rhett & John 

Wed., Sept 11 - Katherine Ryan 

Sat., Sept 14 - LeJet 

Sat., September 21 - Sydni K

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

> LIVE MUSIC

Thurs., Sept. 5 - Adam and the Cabana Boys 

Fri., Sept. 6 - Patrick Ryan and Josh Raber

Thurs., Sept. 12 - Adam and the Cabana Boys

Fri., Sept. 13 - Patrick Ryan and Josh Raber

Thurs., Sept.19 - Adam and the Cabana Boys

Fri., Sept. 20 - Patrick Ryan and Josh Raber

Thurs., Sept. 26 - Adam and the Cabana Boys

Fri., Sept. 27 - Patrick Ryan and Josh Raber

BOYNE MOUNTAIN. 1 Boyne Mountain Rd., Boyne Falls, 

(855) 688-7024

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

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

> LIVE MUSIC - Fridays 4-7:30 p.m.; Saturdays 2-6 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 6 - Jelly Roll Blues Band

Sat. Sept. 7 - Michelle Chenard

Fri., Sept. 13 - Nelson Olstrom

Sat., Sept. 14 - Chase & Allie

Fri., Sept. 20 - Two Track Mind

Sat. Sept. 21 - TBD

Fri., Sept. 27 - Chris Calleja

Sat., Sept. 28 - Chris Calleja

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

> LIVE MUSIC - 7-10 p.m. unless otherwise noted

Fri., Sept. 6 - Pete Kehoe

Sat., Sept. 7 - Lavender Lions Duo

Fri., Sept. 13 - Sean Bielby

Sat., Sept. 14 - Blake Elliot

Fri., Sept. 20 - The Fridays

Sat., Sept. 21 - Chris Calleja

Fri., Sept 27 - Brett Mitchell

Sat., Sept 28 - Michelle Chenard

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

> LIVE MUSIC

Thurs., Sept. 5 - Bluegrass by the Bay: Wilson Thickett, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Sun., Sept. 22 - Downtown Sound: Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra trio, 4-5:30 p.m.

FRESHWATER. 217 S Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 582-2588.

Fall/winter concert series starting soon.

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

Sat., Sept. 7 - An Evening with the Del McCoury Band

Sun., Sept. 8 - String Quartet. Brentano Quartet

Sun., Sept. 15 - Comedy & Magic. Carbonaro: Lies On Stage

Sun., Sept. 22 - Las Vegas Legend Clint Holmes, Between the Moon and New York City

Sun., Sept. 29 • Award-winning pianist Kasey Shao, 2024 Gilmore Young Artist

JUNCTION BAR AND GRILL. 4472 M-75, Walloon Lake, 

(231) 535-6006.

> The Rogue Showman - Juggling with Clark Lewis, Sat., Oct. 5, 7 p.m. 

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

> TRIVIA NIGHTS - Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

LAVENDER HILL FARM. 7354 Horton Bay Rd. North, Boyne City, (231) 582-3784

> LIVE MUSIC - The Series at 6 p.m.:

Fri., Sept. 6 - Bluegrass by the Bay with Sierra Hull

Sat., Sept. 14 - Play it Forward with Nathan and Jesse

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

> KARAOKE - 9 - 11:55 p.m. every Wednesday

> LIVE MUSIC 8-11 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 6 - Lou Thumser

Fri., Sept. 13 - The Shifties

Fri., Sept. 20 - Kevin Johnson

Fri., Sept. 27 - Blake Elliot

PROVISIONS LOUNGE. 123 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 582-2151.

LIVE MUSIC on Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.:

Sept. 3 - Nelson Olstrom

Sept. 10 - Sean Bielby

Sept. 17 - tbd

Sept. 24 - Sean Bielby

RED MESA GRILL,117 Water St, Boyne City, (231) 582-0049.

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

> Thurs., Sept. 5 - Pint & Paint, 6 p.m.

> LIVE MUSIC at 6 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 6 - Peter Allen Jensen

Sat., Sept. 7 - Crosscut Kings

Fri., Sept. 13 - Sydni K

Sat., Sept. 14 - Crosscut Kings

Fri., Sept. 20 - DJ Blossom

Sat., Sept 21 - Peter Allen Jensen

Fri., Sept. 27 - Grayson Barton

Sat., Sept. 28 - Sydni K

Obituaries from July and August

Alice Jean (Thorp) Bricker

July 6, 1937 ~ August 29, 2024 (age 87)

Christina Kay Baxter

February 18, 1969 ~ August 21, 2024 (age 55) 

Loretta Barbara Detlaff

July 21, 1937 – August 20, 2024

Richard "Rick" James Wolanin

September 16, 1945 ~ August 19, 2024 (age 78) 

James I. Burns

April 2, 1939 ~ August 16, 2024 (age 85)

Kenneth Fred Fanter

June 24, 1951 ~ August 11, 2024 (age 73)

Thomas W. Castiglione

November 23, 1986 — August 9, 2024 (age 37)

Christopher Horn

June 13, 1978 ~ August 2, 2024 (age 46)

Edward John Hara

April 17, 1945 ~ August 2, 2024 (age 79)

Larry Duane Peck

October 6, 1952 ~ August 1, 2024 (age 71)

Marlene Mae (Moyer) Groh

May 24, 1936 ~ July 29, 2024 (age 88)

Andrew Lee Bearss

August 2, 1980 ~ July 21, 2024 (age 43)

Theresa Joan (Newville) Satmary

July 26, 1943 ~ July 19, 2024 (age 80)

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