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April 17, 2025 | Issue #31 | Past issues

After the storm

Regular Avalanche Preserve hiker and biker Hugh Conklin took this picture from the top of the hill on April 8. Broken limbs hang from the huge oak that shades the overlook, while ice on Lake Charlevoix is breaking up.

Inside this issue

• County board to buy generator for Shirley Roloff Center
• We rode the Ironton Ferry for free on opening day
• K-3 literacy curriculum adopted after two years of research
• It’s almost morel season! Tony tells how to find them
• Restaurant Weeks in Boyne and Walloon Village
• Boyne Citizen board asks for housing help
• Easter events and egg hunts
• Free tree seedlings for Arbor Day on April 25
• No candidates yet as city petition deadline nears
• Patrick McCleary on more history of BC Ramblers
• News briefs, Municipal News, Obituaries
• Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
• Music and entertainment listings

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County board lauds storm efforts, plans to buy a generator for Shirley Roloff Center

By Carole Shane, cjshane@charter.net

The historic ice storm of 2025 dominated much of the discussion at the Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, April 9.

Members of the public, county staff and board members were uniformly positive and expressed praise and gratitude for first responders, line workers, the Road Commission and Emergency Management staff.

Board Chair Scott Hankins directed specific kudos to Emergency Management Coordinator Sienna Wenz, stating, “This is what we get paid for, this is what we train for.”

Citizens and board members expressed regret that the county’s Shirley Roloff Center was offline and therefore not available for use as an emergency warming center during the widespread power outage.

The board entered into discussion of the possibility of installing a generator at the Roloff Center with input from Terry Amick, facilities manager. Amick recalled that the cost of a generator alone was estimated at $500,000 in 2022.

Further discussion between the board and Amick led to a ballpark estimate of $800,000+ for the purchase, engineering and installation of a generator for the Roloff Center. The board unanimously approved a motion directing the Building and Grounds Department to initiate the process to equip the building with a generator. The timeline for completion was estimated to be 1 to 1.5 years.

County Electrical Inspector Kevin Schlickau updated the board on the large number of electrical permits and inspections that will be required in the coming weeks as repairs to property owners’ systems are completed. Schlickau suggested waiving fees for permits for those property owners restoring systems damaged by the ice storm. The board unanimously passed a motion to waive emergency permit fees through October 1, only for permits related to the ice storm. Permits for new service, upgrades and planned modifications to electric systems will continue to be charged the usual $85 permit fee.

Planning Director Kiersten Stark gave a report on the status of Phase 3 of the Boyne City-Charlevoix Trail project. Defects in the construction staking of the trail’s retaining walls will require Team Elmer’s, the excavating contractor of record, to demolish and repair retaining walls and repave parts of the trail. There will be no additional charge to the county for the proposed work. Stark estimated the trail would be repaired and open by early June.

In other business the board approved resolutions regarding the 2025 Equalization Report, Earned Sick Leave Act as well as various grants and the Appropriation of Parks Millage Funds (park project grant details were reported in last week's Boyne Citizen).

"I love this job," says Ferry Captain Art Halloran. “Every day is different."

We rode the Ironton Ferry with Captain Halloran on opening day; It’s free all this month

By Jamie Baumann, jamie@boynecitizen.com

Tuesday was a blustery opening day for the Ironton Ferry that crosses the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix. By noon, Captain Art Halloran counted 30 cars that had ridden the ferry with most coming early in the morning as people traveled to work. 

"I love this job," Halloran said. “Every day is different. I meet all kinds of interesting people. Some bring their children to ride because they have fond memories of riding when they were young." Halloran has piloted the ferry for 19 years and is the Ironton Ferry Assistant Manager. 

Bonnie Kaminski and Dave and Kate Smith brought their friend Karen Russell on the ferry for opening day as part of her birthday celebration. After the ferry ride, they headed to Northwoods restaurant in Conway to eat.

Ron Pool from Northern Green Lawn was all business as he was out and about giving service estimates. He had a client in Advance, and then he searched for the next client's address. "I Googled and, oh sweet! I saw it was the ferry's opening day!" Pool said. The ferry saved him time and mileage. After speaking with this reporter, he gave Boyne Citizen a $20 donation. 

Halloran chuckled as he relayed the story of a customer who excitedly jumped out of her car to inform him that he was off course. The ferry runs on cables, and on windy days, there is some drift when one gets to the middle of the route. However, it can't really go off course, because the cables steer it right to the proper spot every time. He explained this to her, and she just looked down, turned around and returned to her car. He was quick to point out that she is not the only one who has ever tried to warn him when it appeared that the ferry wasn’t lined up properly. 

Charlevoix County Transit is offering all ferry rides for free for the rest of April. Regular pricing will start May 1 - $5 per ride for cars, trucks and motorcycles and $1 for bicycles. Twenty-ride tickets cost $50, or a 31-day pass costs $75 for cars and motorcycles. An annual unlimited pass costs $500. Pedestrians always ride for free. The ferry operates seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. 

The current ferry, named Charlevoix, was commissioned on December 15, 1926. Click here for some ferry history from Destination Michigan and here for more information from the Restless Viking. 

Bonnie Kaminski and David Russell rode the ferry with their friends...

... in the back seat are Birthday girl Karen Russel and Kate Smith.

KYLE MAGINITY, technology teacher and curriculum specialist: "This is the most important curriculum adoption, the most involved, as it is the basis for teaching students to read."

School board adopts K-3 literacy curriculum after two years of staff research

By Jamie Baumann, jamie@boynecitizen.com

The Boyne City Public Schools Board adopted its first fully-aligned K-3 English Language Arts (ELA)/Literacy curriculum in more than 20 years on Monday. The district had bought literacy materials over the years for individual teachers or grade levels. But the adoption of the K-3 English Language Arts/Literacy curriculum was the fruition of nearly two years of work researching the best ways to teach literacy and reaching consensus on aligned multi-grade level ELA curricular materials.

Kyle Maginity, technology teacher and curriculum specialist, explained that the staff started looking for the ELA curriculum last fall. "This is the most important curriculum adoption, the most involved, as it is the basis for teaching students to read," she said. 

She explained the process that staff went through to reach consensus on the recommendations of Bookworms and Fundations - two different sets of curricular materials that will complement one another.

Last school year, the teachers reviewed several curricula, but there wasn't enough consensus to make a recommendation to the school board for such a major expenditure in this important area. 

They requested some assistance from Char-Em ISD experts, who led them through a process of defining exactly what they felt was important in a literacy curriculum. The Boyne City Elementary staff is experienced at teaching reading, and have developed their own materials over the years, so there was a lot of expertise in the group, as they reviewed current research on the science of teaching literacy and shared what they knew worked. 

At first, they worked as a K-5 group, but as they started developing the framework, they could see the emphasis change as students moved to higher grades, so they divided into a K-3 group and a 4-6 group. Representatives from preschool and upper grades were included in the K-3 process, so there will be good articulation with the new K-3 curriculum. 

Once the K-3 group had their framework that described what they agreed was important in a literacy curriculum, they went back and reviewed various curricular materials. They decided that foundational skills like phonological awareness, decoding, encoding and grammar were important. Engaged reading or shared/interactive reading with read-alouds with easier texts to build fluency and more challenging texts to focus on vocabulary, higher order discussions and story elements were important. They decided that writing, spelling, and handwriting conventions were all important parts of a literacy curriculum where writing is connected to reading. 

The framework calls for daily small group reading, and whole class shared reading. Differentiated skills instruction (meeting different students' needs) was important as well as daily independent reading. In addition, the chosen curriculum must have materials and strategies to help students who need more intervention to progress in their reading. 

Once they had the framework, then they looked at various curricula. They liked Bookworms, but thought it fell a bit short in the foundational skills areas, so they plan to use the more in-depth word study in Fundations. The two curricula together will provide an aligned, comprehensive literacy curriculum for Boyne City K-3 students.

The curriculum in K-3 is extremely "off line." The consensus of the teachers was they wanted real books in the students' hands, and “real pencil and paper” for writing. They wanted students to have conversations about books and write down their thoughts. Bookworms provided a good match because it includes 250 books in K-5. There are also consumable materials that the students write in.

Literacy will be taught in three different 45-minute blocks every day. One block will be devoted to shared reading focused on reading fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. A second block will focus on English Language Arts skills like grammar, writing, vocabulary, comprehension and discussion. A third block will be designated for differentiated diagnostically-driven instruction that targets foundational skills.

Board President Zareena Koch asked if the standardized testing (NWEA and MSTEP) is done on computers or on paper. The testing is done on computers. Elementary students are online with other curricula throughout the day. The teachers show students how to take the standardized tests and how to write for the testing formats on computers, but they didn't want the literacy curriculum done on computer screens and keyboards. Maginity assured the board that students would have the technology skills necessary for standardized testing. 

The new K-3 materials will cost $152,400 as an initial investment and an annual recurring investment of $13,900 to refresh student materials. Superintendent Patrick Little explained that the district was in line to possibly receive state grant money to defray a good portion of the cost of the new curriculum.  

There is a good chance that Bookworms and Fundations will be on the state’s approved materials list, but there is no guarantee, so the funding will be taken from the general fund and possibly reimbursed by grants. Included in the expense is teacher training and, again, the district is working with other area districts who are making similar adoptions and there may be grant funding available to defray some of the training costs. 

Here is a link to the PowerPoint presentation made to the Board on the ELA curriculum.

The teachers in grades 4-6 are in the process of finalizing their framework and expect to have their curricular materials recommendations to the board by December to be implemented in fall of 2026.

In the meantime, the middle school implemented one section of the Read 180 program targeting students who are reading at least one grade level behind. Read 180 has both a whole class model and a more individualized model. Beginning in the fall of 2025, they plan to offer a section for fifth and sixth graders and a section for seventh and eighth graders. Read 180 automatically pulls in NWEA test results, and students work on their targeted areas for 20 minutes. They read from high interest books at their reading levels for 20 minutes, and they work in a small group with the teacher for 20 minutes. They rotate among the three groups. 

The K-3 English Language Arts curriculum is the third fully-aligned curriculum that the elementary school has adopted over the past six years, joining fully-aligned math and science curricula. 

Tony Williams, a five-time winner of the National Morel Mushroom Festival’s hunt in Boyne City, poses with a basket full of morels.

It’s almost morel season! Tony Williams tells how to find them — and how to cook them

Reprinted from Bridge Michigan.

By Laura Herberg, lherberg@bridgemi.com

Soon, the ground will warm to around 55 degrees and wild, edible morel mushrooms will begin popping up in Michigan.

The season to find the coveted, nutty-flavored fungus usually starts in mid-April in the southern part of the state and lasts until mid-June in the Upper Peninsula.

Morels can be found across the world, in places like Europe, China, India and Australia. In the US, they are concentrated in the Northeast, Midwest and along the west coast.

To help Michiganders find morels, the state provides a map of places they might be found.

If you already have your spot, great, you’re probably all set! But if you don’t know where to find those treasured mushrooms, don’t expect someone else to tell you exactly where to go. 

Morels grow out of an underground network of cells that are connected to roots, soil and rotting material. Mushrooms often pop up in areas that have experienced a fire. Also, once morels appear somewhere, it’s a good bet they’ll reappear there the following year, which means successful hunters are typically very secretive about where they find them. They don’t want someone else robbing their bounty in the future.

Tony Williams, a five-time winner of the National Morel Mushroom Festival’s hunt in Boyne City, learned his lesson the hard way. He once took a girlfriend to a trusty spot where they found a bunch of morels. Later, he and the girl broke up.

“She started dating a guy I knew,” Williams said. “She left him. He got married and had two kids. And I ran into him and his two kids and his wife 10 or 12 years later in that spot!”

While Williams, who grew up morel hunting with his family, now keeps his lucky spots to himself, he does have tips on how to find morels that he’s willing to share with the public.

> Full story, including Tony’s mushroom hunting tips.

Boyne Appétit Restaurant Week continues

Boyne Appétit Restaurant Week in Downtown Boyne City continues through Sunday, April 20 with 10 establishments participating. Specials are listed below and event organizer Boyne City Main Street will be updating the list on its Facebook page. 

Main Street Executive Director Ingrid Day commented, “Given the events of the past two weeks, we appreciate the specials we do have. We appreciate our community supporting local, and this is an opportunity to simply support local as well.”

Day pointed out that Sunday, April 20th is Easter, so she advises diners to double check which businesses are open that day.

Here are the participating restaurants and businesses:

Boyne City Taproom, 220 S Lake St.

Lunch: Our favorite Meatball Subs and Italian Sandwiches

Dinner: 

• Appetizers - Caprese Stuffed Portabella Mushroom Caps or Grilled Marinated Butterflied Shrimp
• Entrees - Shrimp Alfredo with Garlic Bread or Shrimp & Steak with Baby Potatoes and Sauteed Green Beans, both served with a side salad
• Dessert - Homemade Tiramisu

Boyne River Grill, 201 Water St. - Philly Cheesesteak sandwich special all week.

Boyne River Inn, 229 Water St. (Newly added)

> Thursday - The Brick Layer Sandwich $16.99. House-made Italian sausage, sauteed with pepperoncini and onions, with ham, salami, in a chewy ciabatta, covered in mozzarella and baked in our brick oven for that perfect melty finish, served with fries.

> Friday and Saturday - The Alexander the Great Mixed Grill $39.99. A taste of Eastern Europe with enough food to feed the table and a great way to share the evening with friends. Includes a bacon-wrapped, seasoned chicken kabob, one bacon-wrapped, seasoned pork kabob, two grilled vegetable kabobs, two pieces of grilled chicken, a grilled piece of thick sliced bacon, cut right from the slab, a Macedonian style burger, stuffed with chopped bacon and stretchy, melty mozzarella cheese, comes with Macedonian Aviar and olive spread, served over a bed of fries on a hardwood plank.

> Sunday - Pizza Special. Come in and get any two 10" pizzas from our regular menu for only $20, or take-out one 14" pizza for $12.99.

Cafe Santé, One Water St., Suite 100 - Dinner for two Prix Fixe meal - three courses served family style for $59:

• First course - choice of soup du jour or Sante salad.
• Shared Entree - London Broil - Marinated CAB flank steak, broccoli, roasted Yukon potato, au jus & fried onion.
• Shared Dessert - Choice of Tiramisu or Chocolate Hazelnut Crepe Cake. 

Kilwins, 102 Water St. 5 slices of fudge for $30 and spend $50 or more on Easter items, get 15% off Easter items.

Lake Street Pub, 202 S Lake St. - Our famous two dozen Peel N’ Eat Shrimp Boil tossed in garlic butter, Old Bay or a combo of both, with mashed potatoes and broccoli for $24.99. 

Muskrat Distilling, 121 Water St. - $5 OGs from 4-6 p.m. every day.

Provisions Lounge, 123 Water St.

• Thursday, 4/17 - "Moo and Brew" Feature Wasabi Soy Burger w/Shitake mushrooms and Asian Slaw.
• Friday, 4/18 - Rock Lobster Flatbread with a Panna Cotta Sweet Berry Coulis dessert.
• Saturday 4/19 - Wagyu Steak with root vegetable puree and roasted rainbow beets with red wine reduction sauce also with a Panna Cotta Sweet Berry Coulis dessert.

Red Mesa Grill, 117 Water St. - Please stop by Thursday, Friday and Saturday for all your favorites.

Stiggs Brewery and Kitchen, 112 S. Park St. - Free pint with our $35 Mixed Meat Platter.

Walloon Village hosts first Restaurant Week

Walloon Lake Village will be hosting their first-ever restaurant week, from Sunday, April 20, through Saturday, April 26. This special week-long event invites locals and visitors to experience “the vibrant culinary scene of this charming lakeside village.”

Guests can explore a variety of dining experiences from upscale fine dining to casual, family-friendly meals, all within walking distance in the heart of Walloon Lake. Participating restaurants include Walloon Lake Inn, Barrel Back Restaurant, Walloon Lake Watershed, and Walloon Junction Bar & Grill. Check out the Restaurant Week Facebook page for details and updates.

Each restaurant will offer exclusive menus with special dishes for the event. Walloon Lake Inn will feature a three-course meal of Caesar Salad, Whitefish, and Creme Brulee for $45. Barrel Back Restaurant will have a choice of any sandwich, pizza, salad, or burger plus a choice of Brisket Chili, Caesar Salad, or the day's featured soup, all for $25. Here are the specials from Walloon Lake Watershed.  

Special offers will also be available from Walloon Lake businesses such as Iron Goat Coffee, Sweetwater Floral, Walloon Village Store, Vilah Bloom, and more.

This event is a celebration of the incredible food and hospitality that Walloon Lake Village has to offer. Follow participating restaurants and businesses on social media for sneak peeks, daily specials, and behind-the-scenes stories throughout the week.

Letter from the board:

Good news and a request for housing help

Greetings!

We want to share with you first some very good news about the future of the Boyne Citizen. We are set to hire a talented Michigan State University Journalism graduate to become our full-time summer intern – and, if it works out, to stay on as a Boyne Citizen staff writer. This was our plan all along, to build support to help this 74-year-old part-time editor who took on this role to get the publication started. I would continue part-time to provide guidance and continuity should our summer intern work out for the long-term.

“Getting started” has worked out better than we ever dreamed it would. We have over 1,600 subscribers! More than 270 people, as well as the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, have generously donated to give us the funding our non-profit needed to end the news desert in our area.

The biggest challenge we have in attempting to hire our intern is finding housing. That is the purpose of this email - to see if our subscriber support network can help us find a place for our intern to live.

Do you have access to (or know someone who has) some form of low-cost or no-cost housing that might work for a young journalist? It could be a granny flat, a cabin, a basement apartment, or perhaps a spare room. Or do you know someone with housing who needs a roommate to share the cost?

Please reply to jim@boynecitizen.com or call 231-675-8793 if you have any ideas to help us with housing.

Thank you for your continuing support!

Sincerely,

Jim Baumann, Editor

The Boyne Citizen

Hugh Conklin

Board President

Michelle Cortright

Board Secretary

Jamie Baumann

Board Member

Josephine Roberts

Board Member

Steve Schnell

Board Member

The Easter Bunny joins the egg hunt at Boyne Mountain.

Check out these Easter events and egg hunts

Boyne City Eagles will host a party with the Easter Bunning handing out candy, free hot dogs and chips for kids and adults from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 17 at 106 River Street. Children can enter a drawing to win an Easter basket.

Young State Park will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt in the Beach Parking Area at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 19, rain or shine. Children ages 12 and under are welcome to join the hunt while parents and visitors can enjoy a bonfire, hot cocoa, and cookies. This is a free event, but all vehicles are required to have a recreation passport which can be obtained at the park for $19. For additional information contact the park dtaff at 231-582-7523.

Boyne Mountain Resort invites you to “make memories while dancing, brunching and celebrating at the Mountain. Our traditional Easter Brunch is returning at Stein Eriksen's. We go big at our annual Easter Egg Hunt with prizes that will make your PEEPS melt, plus wagon rides and s'mores, and much more.” The Easter Egg Hunt starts at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 20 at the Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa Lawn. 

Prior to that, on Friday and Saturday, there will be a coloring contest, a Guess the Jelly Bean Competition, bonfire and S’mores from 5-8 p.m., and family movies in the Grand Mountain Lodge at 8 p.m. Details.

Cafe Santé - Kids of all ages can meet and greet the Easter Bunny at Cafe Santé in Boyne City on Easter Sunday. 

> Boyne Valley Catholic Community Holy Week Schedule.

Sharon Wade poses with her first-place pastel painting, "Amplitude."

Arts Center Spring Exhibit continues thru May 26

The Boyne Arts Center hosted an overflow crowd for their Spring Art Exhibit opening night party on Friday, and the exhibit will continue Tuesdays through Sundays until May 26. The Boyne Arts Center is located above Cafe Sante in Suite 203 at One Water Street in Boyne City. 

The theme “Unfolding” invited artists “to explore the multifaceted aspects of springtime – a season marked by rejuvenation, transformation, and hope,” according to the Arts Center’s website. 

These three artists were honored at the exhibit: 

• First Place: Sharon Wade for "Amplitude" in pastel
• Second Place: Nancy Blandford for "May Melt" in pastel
• Third Place: Patty Clark for "Spring Awakening" in fiber felting

Boyne Arts Center, along with the Boyne District Library, is providing a Kid's Art Camp this summer for students grades 2-8. Scholarships are available by way of a grant from the Charlevoix County Community Foundation. Sign-up deadline is June 1 for all sessions. Flyer. Details and registration. 

The center is also offering upcoming classes on Fused Glass Pendants on May 6, and Create Better Smartphone Photos on May 10.

Free tree seedlings and information offered for Arbor Day on April 25 in Veterans Park Pavilion

For Arbor Day on Friday, April 25, the Friends of the Boyne River and the Boyne Valley Garden Club have joined with the City of Boyne City to give away seedling trees. The giveaway will be located in the pavilion in Veterans Park on Arbor Day morning from 10 a.m. until the seedlings are gone. 

The City will be giving away Red Pine, White Pine, Blue Spruce and Norway Spruce seedlings. The Friends of the Boyne River and the Boyne Valley Garden Club are each paying half of the cost for Red Oak, Sugar Maple, American Mountain Ash and Basswood seedlings. All the seedlings are free.

The seedlings are about 6 to 12 inches in length, come with instructions for planting and may be picked up on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The event is to celebrate Arbor Day and that the City is a Tree City USA. Environmental groups will also participate. Charlevoix, Antrim, Kalkaska, and Emmet Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CAKE CISMA) will be there to discuss invasive plants, and Skylar MacNaughton will talk about Monarch butterflies. Master Gardeners will have a display of their "Smart Gardening" information and the Lake Charlevoix Association will have material about protecting the lake. 

Questions? Contact Nancy Cunningham at 231-459-5937 or dncunningham3738@att.net.

State of the Community Luncheon set for May 2

The Boyne Area Chamber’s State of the Community Luncheon has been scheduled for Friday, May 2. The chamber says the event will include presentations from key leaders “offering a comprehensive summary of the year, highlighting achievements, upcoming projects, and plans from major organizations in the region.”

The event runs from 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 12 noon. Admission is $35 for chamber members, $40 for non-members, including meal, soft drinks, tax and gratuity. Attendees will also receive a discounted SkyBridge ticket. Details and registration.

Speakers for the State of Community will be:

• Zach Sompels – Housing North
• Erika Van Dam – Van Dam Custom Boats
• Dr. David Roland Finley – North Central Michigan College
• Pat Little – Boyne City Public Schools
• Sara Ward – Charlevoix County Community Foundation
• Tricia Wilcox - Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce

For more information, contact the Boyne Area Chamber at 231-582-6222 or email director@boynechamber.com.

Leadership class schedules suicide prevention fundraisers

The Leadership Charlevoix County Class of 2025 has teamed up with Kiersten’s Ride to launch a powerful outreach campaign focused on suicide prevention and mental health awareness - and they need your help to make it happen. They have these upcoming fundraisers:

• April 25 - Painting for Hope with Duncan Studios, Veterans Memorial Park Pavilion, 207 N Lake St. Boyne City, starting at 5pm, a great activity to do with family and friends, paint a beautiful Michigan shaped bonfire scene with instruction by Daniel Duncan, artist and owner of Duncan Studios. Dinner and refreshments are included, tickets are $50 with 30% of the proceeds donated to Kiersten’s Ride. Sign up at duncanstudiosboynecity.com/hope. 
• May 10 – safeTALK Suicide Alertness training hosted by Kiersten’s Ride, Boyne District Library Community Room, 201 E. Main St. Boyne City, from 9am-12:30pm, registration is $25 (refunded upon completion *minus small fee). Everyone in Charlevoix County is invited and encouraged to sign up and attend. Help make our community safer by becoming more suicide alert. Learn more and register HERE.

> How to donate (please mention ‘LCC’ on all donations). Mail a check to Kiersten’s Ride, 04316 Cosier Rd, East Jordan, MI 49727. Or donate via Venmo here.

Bay Township Board meeting summary

The Bay Township Board of Trustees held its regular board meeting on April 10. Here is a summary provided by the township:

• Heard reports from Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Cemetery Committees.
• Approved Walloon Lake Association Memorandum of Understanding
• Discussed details of Clean Up Day to be held on Saturday, June 21 from 8-12. Details will be posted on our website.
• Discussed the issues of a Noise Ordinance

Approved minutes from all meetings of the Board of Trustees are posted on our website at www.baytownshipmi.org.

Editor’s note: The Boyne Citizen has contacted other Boyne area townships and asked them to provide similar summaries of their board meetings and other news. Contact Editor Jim Baumann with questions or news items - jim@boynecitizen.com or 231-675-8793.

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Boyne Area News Briefs

IS YOUR HOME DAMAGED? If you live within the Boyne City limits and your home has structural damage, the City of Boyne City is asking you to report it to the Police Department in person or by phone at (231) 582-6611. An officer will come out and assess the damage for tracking purposes and possible future relief. Township residents should contact the Charlevoix County Sheriff Department to report home damage. Send an email to kaminskin@charlevoixcounty.org with your name, address and details on your home damage. NOTE: Yard waste and fallen trees do not count; this is specifically for structural damage.

FISH FRY - Boyne City Eagles will be having a fish fry on Good Friday, April 18. The club is open to the public, you do not have to be a member to enjoy the dinner and beverages.

SPAGHETTI DINNER - Unity Hall will be holding a spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1303 Boyne Avenue, Boyne City. The menu from Chef Bill includes spaghetti, garlic bread, salad and dessert, and admission is by donation. Managed by the Boyne Area Alano Club, Unity Hall is located at 509 North East Street in Boyne City. It is “a safe and caring meeting place for people suffering from addictive, compulsive or other behavioral problems.” Daily group meetings are offered with times listed at www.wmaad13.org or call the information line at 231.348.5005.

PAINT THE TOWN RED - Organizers are making a final plea for support as the date draws near for the Boyne City Booster Foundation’s major annual event, Paint the Town Red, held at Boyne Mountain Resort on Saturday, April 26. Through their last 11 events, the foundation has raised over a quarter of a million dollars. Local support drives the success of many school programs and activities, including arts, athletics, and academics. Every year the funding requests have been greater than the year before. Tickets are $85 per person, available at the Mark Patrick State Farm office, 219 S Lake St., Phone 231-582-6829. Those who buy 10 tickets may have a reserved table. 

Here is the event schedule:

• 6-8 p.m. - Silent and live auctions, cash bar, appetizer stations. 
• 6:30-8 p.m. - Full dinner buffet.
• 8 p.m. - Midnight - Music performed by Jedi Mind Trip, one of Michigan’s best and longest lasting 70s, 80s & today’s rock dance bands.

WOMEN’S BIKE CLINIC - The Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association has scheduled its 5th Annual All Women’s Mountain Bike Clinic for May 16-18 in Boyne City. This is a mountain biking skills clinic designed for women riders of all skill levels. This year’s workshop will be different from past years. There will be six different workshops available, focusing on specialized skills and ability. Most of the coaches have just completed their Level 2 Bike Instructor Certification Program certification.  

Riders will be placed in the appropriate skill level group -- beginner, intermediate and technical. There will also be an introduction to jumps and drops. Contact Lynn Wolf with questions at (231) 330-1376. Sign up here. 



City of Boyne City Municipal News

No candidates yet as city petition deadline nears

The deadline is less than a week away, and as of April 16, no candidates have turned in petitions for the non-partisan Boyne City Commission election. 

There are three commission seats for four-year terms up for election this year, and incumbent commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem George Lasater has told the Boyne Citizen that he will not be seeking reelection. Mayor Tim Nemecek and Commissioner Marty Moody have not said whether they will run for reelection.

If you’ve ever thought you’d like to run for the City Commission, now’s your chance to throw your hat in the ring. The main things a prospective candidate has to do are file an Affidavit of Identity and get at least 20 signatures of city residents who are registered voters on a nominating petition and turn it in to City Hall by 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 22. 

Learn more about the candidate nomination process here. If you have further questions, you may contact City Clerk Treasurer Jessica Puroll at 231-582-0334 or jpuroll@boynecity.gov.

The Boyne Citizen encourages anyone who is planning to run for office to let us know by emailing Editor Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com.

CITY OFFICES will be closing at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 18, in observance of Good Friday.

SPRING RUBBISH PICK-UP is scheduled for Saturday, May 17. Households within 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

HELP WANTED - The City of Boyne City is hiring dock hands for the marina and seasonal summer laborers for the Department of Public Works. Applicants must be 18 years+. Details and application form.

RECREATION MASTER PLAN - Provide your input to help shape the city's Recreation Master Plan. Take a minute to weigh in by taking this survey prior to April 30.

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

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

CITY BOARD OPENINGS - Are you interested in getting involved and having a voice on what is happening in the City? Volunteer to serve on a board! For more information and to download an application, visit the City’s website. 

• Airport Board – 3 seats open
• Planning Commission

Obituaries

Mary “Darlene” (Merritt) Magee

July 16, 1947 ~ April 12, 2025 (age 77)

Kenneth J. Craig

April 14, 1939 — April 9, 2025 (age 85)

James P. VanLiew

February 14, 1970 — April 9, 2025 (age 55)

Beverly Beebe

December 23, 1938 ~ April 5, 2025 (age 86)

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

The naming of the “Ramblers” - more to the story

By Patrick McCleary, Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com

The Charlevoix County History Preservation Society

After reading last week’s story about how the Ramblers were given their name, local historian Ed May III and White family historian Roger White added some of their very interesting findings. 

According to Roger White’s research, “The "Ramblers" name was coined in 1938 by Frank D. Thompson Jr. in a Boyne Citizen sports column. He was a cub reporter, a young person being trained by the editor to write articles for the newspaper. He was only 18 years old when given the sports beat, and he seized the moment. Midway through the 1938 football season he started calling the team "Ramblers." Up to that point in time, the Boyne City High School sports teams were simply known as the "Red and Blue.". There was no explanation of where the nickname came from. It simply just appeared in print. Frank continued to use the nickname profusely in every news article and sports tidbit for the rest of the season. The new name stuck and was used in all BCHS sports reporting thereafter.”

A LIFE WELL-LIVED

Frank David Thompson, Jr., was born in Boyne City on April 21, 1917, the son of Frank D. Thompson, Sr. and Pearl M. (Kemp) Thompson. The family resided at 601 South Lake Street, which is where Frank Jr. spent his early years and attended Boyne City High School. He was described as 6’1” tall, 160 pounds, with black hair and hazel eyes. After graduation, he took a position in the Boyne Citizen office, under the direction of Editor Guy Baker. Based on his date of birth, Frank would have been 21 years old at the time he coined the name “Ramblers.” However, that is only the beginning of his life adventure.

On December 9, 1941, (two days after the Pearl Harbor attack) with one year of college under his belt and some reporting experience with the Midland Daily News, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army at Fort Custer, Michigan. Thus began his 30-year military career, during which he served in World War II, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam. During the course of his career, he traveled throughout Europe, Germany, Japan, and Thailand. 

He was the recipient of the Legion of Merit, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Medical Badge, European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Army Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Meritorious Unit Emblem, Army Occupation Medal (Japan), Distinguished Unit Emblem, Korean Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal with One Oak Cluster, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. 

Thompson was also a former Inspector General of Army hospitals in Europe and was a decorated Army Colonel at the time of his retirement from military service. In 1972, he came to Brevard County, Florida, where he was a member of the Officers Club at Patrick Air Force Base, the Manatee Yacht Club, Retired Officers Association, and Port Malabar Rifle and Pistol Club. He enjoyed flying, sailing and skeet shooting. At the time of his death on September 29, 1999, his family remembered him in the following way: “He earned honor and respect throughout his military career and spent his free time living life to the fullest. He loved to have a good time and enjoyed all the finer things in life.” 

Frank D. Thompson, Jr., is buried in the Florida National Cemetery.

> 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



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MUSIC, ARTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

Please email your special events and music information to jamie@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 p.m.

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 - Trivia & music by Holly Keller

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 Saturday, April 26 - Sandy and the bandits. 7-10 p.m.

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

> Upcoming classes and exhibits:

• Fused Glass Pendants - May 6
• Create Better Smartphone Photos - May 10
• Spring Art Exhibit, "Unfolding," continues Tuesdays through Sundays, ending May 26.
• Kids Camp: Color our World - June 16 - August 15. Details and registration.

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 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

> MY CLUE TRIVIA - Mondays at 7 p.m.

> SINGO BINGO - Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

> LIVE MUSIC at 7 p.m.

Thursdays - Adam and the Cabana Boys

Fridays & Saturdays - Patrick Ryan

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

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

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

> LIVE MUSIC - Saturdays 2-6 p.m. Free snowshoes for customers to use.

Saturday, April 19 - Michelle Chenard

Saturday, April 26 - Chris Calleja

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

> LIVE MUSIC

Mondays - The Shifties, 6-9 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.

Saturday, April 19 - Anniversary Party with Jelly Roll Blues Band

Friday, April 25 - Two Track Mind

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, April 22 - Lou Thumser

Tuesday, April 29 - Peter Allen Jensen

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

> May 7 and the first Wednesday of the month - Open Mic Nights hosted by Nelson Olstrom, 6-9 p.m.

> May 10 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.

Walloon Junction is closed April 6-15 “to give our staff a break and revamp.”

> Roller skating party 2-6 p.m. Saturday, April 19. $8 admission, $2 rentals.

The Boyne Citizen

Email: jim@boynecitizen.com

Phone: 231-675-8793

© Copyright 2025 Boyne Citizen, all rights reserved