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March 12, 2026 | Issue #75 | Past issues

Opening weekend for high school musical

It’s opening weekend for the Boyne City High School Drama Department’s spring musical, “Nice Work If You Can Get It.” In this scene, wealthy playboy Jimmy Winter’s chorus girls dance to the song "Lady Be Good" to open Act 2. The high school production is a new take on the 1920s musical farce featuring the iconic music of George and Ira Gershwin. We’ve got a sneak preview of the plot and the students who play major roles, plus three more pictures with our story below. 

Inside this issue:

• City delays decision on old EMS debt
• Kaila Kuhn celebration and parade on Monday
• Leadership class rallies support for greenhouse
• Boyne Citizen is founding partner for Local News Day
• Which students are starring in BCHS musical?
• Char-Em career tech millage on May ballot
• County Board approves park projects
• Challenge Mountain purchases new facility
• Air & Après returns to Boyne Mountain
• "Voices of the Land" celebrates Aldo Leopold
• Project Connect set for Wednesday at NCMC
• Boyne City Taproom is ready for 10th anniversary
• Boyne Falls preschoolers ride snow groomers
• Barnard church group donates to Birthing Center
• Patrick McCleary history: Bay Springs Post Office
• News briefs, Obituaries & Municipal News
• Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
• Music and entertainment listings

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www.charlevoixstatebank.com | 231-582-1144

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Boyne City delays decision on old EMS debt, approves new cost-sharing formula

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com

Boyne City commissioners took two major but separate steps Tuesday as they wrestled with the city’s long-running ambulance funding problems. They postponed a decision on whether to forgive hundreds of thousands of dollars in past-due township EMS shortfall charges, but approved a new formula intended to divide future costs more equitably.

The discussion laid bare the depth of the city’s ongoing EMS financial strain, as commissioners, staff and residents debated who should bear the cost of past billing failures and how the city should avoid repeating them.

At issue in the first agenda item was a staff recommendation to withdraw EMS shortfall assessment adjustments for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 fiscal years.

According to a memo from City Manager Sam Demel, the city did not invoice participating townships for their share of those service shortfalls until June 25, 2025. By then, township officials said their fiscal years had already closed and their budgets had been finalized.

Staff told commissioners that participating townships have since agreed to bring their accounts current by paying outstanding contribution allocations, including the shortfall assessment for the 2024-25 fiscal year, if the city agrees to drop the earlier shortfall adjustments.

The amount proposed for forgiveness was at least $337,645.50, though officials said that figure did not include Boyne Valley Township because that number was not yet available. Staff also said $768,710.45 in more recent outstanding EMS charges remains unpaid but has been committed by the townships.

EMS Director Brenda Wilson said the dispute stems in part from years of billing practices that did not follow the contract’s timeline for annual January budget meetings and quarterly invoicing.

“We want to do best practice for 2025 EMS, not 2012 EMS,” Wilson told commissioners. “The only way that we can move forward is if we can close all of this and move forward with an adequate contract, adequate funding and a sustainable plan.”

But commissioners and residents pushed back hard on the idea of writing off old debt and placing that burden on Boyne City taxpayers.

City resident and Charlevoix County Commissioner Chris Christensen told the commission the money has already been spent and forgiving the debt would effectively shift the cost onto city taxpayers.

“You’re hanging that on every taxpayer in this community,” Christensen said. “The money has already been spent.”

Another resident, Cindy Banner, called full forgiveness “unacceptable” and questioned why city taxpayers should absorb the cost of past mistakes while the city continues asking residents to support additional spending on EMS.

Commissioner Sandy Pritchard also voiced strong opposition, saying she was not prepared to approve a write-off without more information and legal guidance.

“As a fiduciary for the city, I don’t know that we’ve exhausted” all options, Pritchard said, later adding that she would support postponing the matter until the commission receives input from the city attorney and a full accounting of the total assessment.

The commission ultimately agreed, voting to table the item pending further information from legal counsel.

Commissioners then turned to the second EMS agenda item: a proposed new expense allocation formula for billing the surrounding townships going forward.

That formula places greater weight on service usage and less on population size. Under the proposal, Boyne City would cover 51% of the unreimbursed EMS cost, with the remaining 49% divided among the participating townships based on a blend of population and three-year average call volume. A memo from Demel said the revised formula is intended as an interim solution while staff and township officials continue working toward a longer-term funding arrangement.

In an example chart presented to commissioners showing a hypothetical unreimbursed EMS cost of $1,048,210, with Boyne City’s 51% share totaling $534,587.10 and the township share totaling $513,622.90.

Under the proposed township allocation, Boyne Valley Township would bear the largest share at $191,555.75 annually, followed by Melrose Township at $100,631.97. The Bay Township share would be $57,004.32, Wilson Township $54,186.25, Evangeline Township $34,823.29, Hudson Township $33,244.42, Eveline Township $32,244.42 and Chandler Township $9,680.82.

Wilson said the new formula is cleaner and more defensible than the previous one, and better reflects the reality of how the service is used.

“The participating townships reviewed the proposed formula and have agreed to its implementation,” she said, calling it one of the few points where consensus had been reached.

Commissioner Becky Houser supported the change, saying the new approach better aligns township charges with actual use of the ambulance service.

Commissioner Becky Houser supported the change, saying the new approach would base township charges on usage rather than population, meaning communities would pay more closely in line with how often they rely on the ambulance service.

Even commissioners who supported the formula said broader concerns remain unresolved, including the lack of a new signed contract and the need for outside legal review.

Pritchard said she would have preferred to see the formula tied to a clearer written agreement or memorandum of understanding with the participating townships.

Still, the commission voted to approve the new EMS expense allocation formula for use during the 2026-27 fiscal year, giving staff a basis for budget planning and future contract discussions.

The paired votes left Boyne City with a partial path forward: a new framework for allocating future ambulance costs, but no final decision yet on whether the city will forgive disputed shortfalls from past years.

Kaila Kuhn and her gold medal are coming to Boyne City on Monday.

Boyne City to celebrate Olympic gold medalist Kaila Kuhn with Monday ceremony and parade

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com

Boyne City will celebrate hometown Olympic gold medalist Kaila Kuhn on Monday, March 16 with a school-hosted celebration at Boyne City High School, followed by a downtown parade in her honor.

Boyne City Public Schools will host a “Gold Medal Celebration Show” for Boyne City alumna and Olympic gold medalist Kaila Kuhn from 2-3 p.m. Monday, March 16, in the high school gymnasium. The City of Boyne City will also host a meet and greet session for photos and autographs from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

The school event will feature live interviews with Kuhn and her family, as well as Kuhn recounting her Olympic journey and experience. The program will also include a student question-and-answer session, presentations from the City of Boyne City and performances by the Boyne City High School band, along with additional special elements throughout the program.

The celebration will be produced and streamed by the student-run Rambler Sports Network.

Following the school program, Kuhn will be led through downtown Boyne City to kick off a community parade honoring the hometown Olympian.

Seating for the gymnasium event will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with overflow seating details to be shared if necessary. Community members are asked to park at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1303 Boyne Ave., where a Boyne City Public Schools shuttle will run from 1:15 to 2 p.m.

For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed live on the Boyne City Public Schools Facebook page and the Rambler Sports Network YouTube channel.

> Kuhn will also be available in a meet and greet session during the Air and Après event at Boyne Mountain from 1-3 p.m. this Saturday, March 14. See story below for details.

Call 269-365-6014

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Leadership Charlevoix County participants are working to raise funds, recruit volunteers and prepare the space for the upcoming growing season.

Leadership class rallies support for Boyne Valley Community Greenhouse

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com

A community greenhouse in Boyne City is getting new life this spring with help from local volunteers and members of the Leadership Charlevoix County Class of 2026.

The group has adopted the Boyne Valley Community Greenhouse as its class service project, working to raise funds, recruit volunteers and prepare the space for the upcoming growing season. Organizers say the effort is about more than gardening — it’s about improving access to fresh food and teaching families skills that have largely faded over time.

Jennifer White, a member of the leadership class helping coordinate the project, said one of the group’s biggest goals is simply making people aware the resource exists.

“At this point it’s really just bringing awareness to the greenhouse,” White said. “We’re finding that a lot of people didn’t know this resource existed in Charlevoix County. The big thing is that people can get access to fresh food.”

Located on Del-Max Lane off Addis Road east of Boyne City, the greenhouse is operated by Ruth Milks. Families who need assistance can reach out and receive fresh produce grown at the greenhouse.

“There are sometimes a lot of hoops to jump through to qualify for different services,” White said. “This is one where she just trusts that if you need it, you’ll come get it.”

The greenhouse also aims to help families learn how to grow and preserve their own food. Plans include developing a classroom space where visitors can learn gardening skills, food preservation techniques such as freeze drying and canning, and other traditional kitchen skills.

White said the class is working to help Milks complete the classroom space after progress stalled following a fire at her home.

“We’re raising funds to redo the classroom and get it up and running,” White said. “The goal is to help families come out and learn how to grow their own produce.”

The project also includes building a small farm stand at the end of the greenhouse driveway so visitors can pick up fresh produce privately if they choose.

“There’s still sometimes a stigma about asking for help,” White said. “This would allow families to come and get fresh produce without having to interact with anybody.”

Members of the leadership class will also be volunteering directly at the greenhouse this spring. Work days are scheduled for April 11, 18 and 25 to help prepare the greenhouse for planting.

“Our class will be getting boots on the ground to help prepare the greenhouse for the growing season,” White wrote in a follow-up email. “Cleaning, organizing and getting the space ready for planting.”

White said the project was selected after class members learned more about food insecurity within Charlevoix County.

“I think sometimes when we’re blessed, we live in our bubble and assume everyone else is as blessed as we are,” she said. “When we learned how many families struggle with food insecurity, it really opened our eyes.”

While food pantries play an important role, White said access to fresh produce can make an important difference.

“Food banks are wonderful and they definitely serve a need,” she said. “But being able to go get fresh peppers and fresh produce helps with health and well-being.”

To help support the project, the class is also hosting several fundraising events in Boyne City.

A “Canvas for a Cause” paint-and-sip fundraiser is scheduled for 4-6 p.m. Saturday, March 21 at the Veterans Park Pavilion. Another fundraiser, “Growing Hope: One Bite at a Time,” will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 25 at Stiggs Brewery & Kitchen, where 15% of customer bills will be donated to the greenhouse effort.

White said the group hopes the project will inspire broader community involvement.

“The greenhouse has the potential to be a valuable community resource,” she wrote. “It can provide fresh produce, hands-on learning opportunities and a place where people can come together to grow and share food.”

The Leadership Charlevoix County Class of 2026, from left, back row: Sam Bowman, Christopher Mason, Nate Granata, Bekah Rutz, Lucas Michna, Nathan Minnaar, Theresa Ingalls, and Aaron Sarff. Front row, from left: Nicole Thompson, Jennifer White, Shannon Rossman, Rachel Pott, Laura Kelly, and Huston Mayer. Missing from the photo is Becky Pennington.

Local News Day launches — and we’re celebrating with coffee and pastries on April 9

The Boyne Citizen is proud to be one of the founding newsrooms launching Local News Day, a new nationwide day of action dedicated to connecting communities with trusted local news and information. 

Taking place on Thursday, April 9, Local News Day will bring together hundreds of local newsrooms across the country to celebrate the essential role local news and information plays in our everyday lives — from helping people make informed decisions to strengthening community connection and accountability.

Readers are invited to celebrate Local News Day by joining the Boyne Citizen for free coffee and pastries from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room of the Boyne District Library. Meet our board members, our editors, and some of our freelance writers. We’ll even give everyone who attends an “I’m a Boyne Citizen” sticker to stick on your car, shirt, or computer.

It’s been 18 months of community-supported nonprofit independent local news coverage since the Boyne Citizen published its first edition on Sept. 3, 2024. We now have more than 2,000 subscribers with a 75% open rate. Most amazingly, 480 readers have made a voluntary donation to support our work - even though subscriptions are free.

We can't thank you enough! Our readers and donors have made this possible, so we hope many of you can join us on April 9.

> Make a donation to help keep the Boyne Citizen coming.

You may donate online or mail a check to

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

Thank you!

"Lady Be Good" features a select group of dancers, including Zachary Ivie, Evan Biskner and Case Reinhardt.

Here's the lowdown on which students are starring in BCHS musical this weekend

Tickets are now on sale for the Boyne City High School Drama Department’s spring musical, “Nice Work If You Can Get It.” Showtimes are 7 p.m. the next two weekends, Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14, and March 20 and 21 at the high school Performing Arts Center. Reserved seating tickets are $10 or $15, available online at boynehs.tix.com. 

The high school production is a new take on the 1920s musical farce featuring the iconic music of George and Ira Gershwin, and we’ve got a sneak preview of the plot and the students playing major roles.

Billie Bendix (played by student Mallory Morgan), a tough-as-nails bootlegger, and wealthy playboy Jimmy Winter (Gabriel Houser), meet on the weekend of his impending wedding. Jimmy has a habit of marrying chorus girls, but needs to settle down with a respectable woman before his mother will hand over the family business. He has gotten engaged to Eileen Evergreen (Chlesey Hertel), the self-proclaimed finest interpreter of modern dance, hoping that this will be a better choice than his usual chorus dancer. 

Needing somewhere to stash 400 bottles of gin, Billie swipes Jimmy’s wallet and hides her stash in his empty Long Island beach house. However, when the wedding party arrives at the beach house, the bootleggers must juggle the guests and their business. 

Other main characters are Senator Evergreen (Cameron Little), his sister Duchess Estonia Dulworth (Anna Zucker), Billie's bootlegging partners Cookie McGee (LaKota Barber) and Duke Mahoney (Will Christensen), head showgirl Jeannie Muldoon (Emma Patten), prohibitionist Chief Berry (Ricky Bristol) and Jimmy's mother Millicent (Josie LaCombe). 

Music Director Erin Zucker said, “All of these characters, along with an incredibly talented 45 member cast, will dance and sing to the audience's delight, while leaving you laughing and wanting more.”

This Tony Award-winning musical from 2012 uses the music of Gershwin to tell a new story taking place during the roaring 20s. “This screwball comedy is a surefire crowd-pleaser, with classic Gershwin tunes, romance, exuberant production numbers, and a hilarious script poking fun at class snobbery in the Prohibition era of the 1920s,” Zucker said.

“The storyline might be new to you,” but Zucker said audiences will recognize classic songs such as “Fascinating Rhythm," “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “S'wonderful,” “I've Got a Crush on You,” “Let's Call the Whole Thing Off,” and “Lady Be Good.”

Zucker pointed out that all four shows sold out last year, so those wanting to see this musical shouldn’t wait too long to reserve their seats. Online ticket sales close at 5 p.m. each night, and remaining tickets, if available, will be sold at the door beginning at 6 p.m.

Jimmy, Chief Berry, and Billie perform "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off."



Jimmy entices some of the vice squad to try to help him smooth things over with Billie.

Students Ava Hissong and Natalie Mastin from DECA, a global student organization that prepares high school students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management, made a presentation to the Boyne City Board on Monday, March 9.

Char-Em ISD career tech millage proposal headed to May ballot

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com

Voters across Charlevoix and Emmet counties will decide this spring whether to continue funding a regional career and technical education program that school leaders say prepares students for both college and the workforce.

The Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District will ask voters on May 5 to approve a one-mill Career and Technical Education (CTE) millage that supports vocational programs offered across the region’s 11 public school districts. Absentee ballots for the special election are expected to begin going out later this month.

The proposal would continue funding that has supported CTE programs in the region for roughly three decades. According to the district’s information sheet, the millage was first approved by voters in 1996 and the current authorization expired with the 2025 tax levy.

If approved, the measure would allow the ISD to levy one mill — or $1 per $1,000 of taxable value — for four years from 2026 through 2029, generating an estimated $8.17 million in 2026 to support career and technical education programs.

Discussing the millage at Monday’s Boyne City School Board meeting, Superintendent Pat Little said the proposal is part of a regular cycle in which schools return to voters to continue funding specific programs.

“A millage is different than a bond vote,” Little said. “A bond creates brick-and-mortar funding — buildings and facilities. The millage is operating funds to help run programs.”

In the case of career and technical education, those operating dollars help pay for instructors and program costs.

“That’s where most of our funds go — to the people,” Little said. “Teachers, support staff and the folks who are actually running the programs.”

The funding supports 23 different career-focused programs and more than 50 classes available to students across the Char-Em region. Offerings range from agriculture, aviation science and automotive technology to welding, culinary arts, machine tool technology, TV and film production and public safety training.

Students from any Char-Em district can enroll in programs offered throughout the region.

According to the ISD, 80% of high school students in the Char-Em district take at least one CTE course before graduating, and about 80% of those students go on to attend a post-secondary institution, including four-year colleges or technical schools.

Little said the programs provide opportunities for students interested in skilled trades as well as careers in business, teaching and other professional fields.

“DECA is one of our CTE programs that’s funded through the millage,” he said, referring to the business and marketing student organization. “It’s a good example of how, as kids get older, they’re ready for career training — whether that’s in the trades, the business field like DECA or in teaching through our future educators program.”

The regional programs are coordinated through the Char-Em ISD, which helps districts plan career pathways and provides support services such as job coaching, mentoring, work-based learning opportunities and college and industry tours.

Because the funding is collected through the intermediate school district, voters across all participating districts — including Boyne City, Boyne Falls, Charlevoix, East Jordan, Petoskey, Harbor Springs and others — vote together on the proposal.

Little said returning to voters every few years also provides an opportunity for the public to review how the funding is being used.

“Voters should want us to go back to them for these renewals,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for us to explain where their money is going, and it’s an opportunity for them to evaluate whether they support career and technical education.”

Without the millage, school officials say the cost of operating many career tech programs would fall back on local school districts.

In addition to high school programs, the millage also supports a range of K-12 initiatives, including career exploration events, summer STEM camps, work-based learning placements, and job coaching programs for students.

The proposal will appear on ballots across the Char-Em ISD region for the May 5 special election.

County Board approves 12 park projects, hears audit and NLEA reports

By Carole Shane, cjshane@charter.net 

The Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners met Wednesday, March 11, approving parks millage projects and hearing reports from their auditor and the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance. 

Jordan Smith from the Maner Costerisan accounting firm presented a draft report of their audit of the county’s financial information for the fiscal year that ended on September 30, 2025. Smith noted that earnings from the county’s investments decreased overall from fiscal year 2024. The county earned money on their investments but at a reduced amount.

The report indicated that Charlevoix County ended the year with a fund balance of more than $15 million and that the fund balance decreased by approximately $1.6 million over the fiscal year. A fund balance functions as a financial cushion for unexpected costs or to bridge cash flow gaps.

Jessica Lovay from the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) presented the agency’s annual report. The NLEA is a non-profit economic development organization that serves Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties. Lovay highlighted that the agency was successful in obtaining over $656,000 in new funding for projects in Charlevoix County.

The NLEA report also contained recent numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics confirming that Charlevoix County’s population is aging while the number of individuals within the prime working years (25-54 years of age) is decreasing at a rate double that of the state average.

Commissioners adopted a resolution detailing the allocation of funds from the parks millage. Twelve projects within the county were approved for a total of $98,770.47. They are:

• $10,000 for improvements to Boyne City’s aging boat ramp
• $10,000 for maintenance and improvement to trails at Avalanche Overlook in Boyne City
• $2,500 to install a handrail at Tannery Beach in Boyne City
• $1,713 for a fence topper at the east and west T-Ball fields in Boyne City
• $10,000 for roll-up pavilion panels in Wilson Township
• $10,000 for an ADA compliant Bill Wagner vault toilet in Peaine Township
• $10,000 for an ADA compliant Geneserath vault toilet in Peaine Township
• $10,000 for replacement tables and benches at Shanahan Field, Charlevoix Township
• $10,000 for East Jordan Community Park. Four popular ball fields need replacement of 200 tons of diamond dust
• $6,831 to add electrical service at the trailhead on Dam Road in Boyne Valley Township
• $8,645.00 for Murphy Field in East Jordan to replace the ballfield scoreboard and audio system
• $9,081.47 for benches and receptacles in Melrose Township at the riverbank

In other business, the commissioners:

• Appointed Julia Drost to the Transit Advisory Committee
• Tabled further discussion of approving a logo for the county’s Parks Department
• Accepted a donation of $3,200 from Boehm Services to be used for raw food costs

Four of the six commissioners attended the meeting. Commissioners Anne Marie Conway and Tim Kenney were absent.

Linda Armstrong, Challenge Mountain programming director, assists participants in a craft project, one of many activities to be offered at the new facility.

Linda Armstrong rides alongside participants during an adaptive biking excursion.

Challenge Mountain announces purchase of new facility to house indoor programming 

After thoughtful planning following the sale of their lodge property in late 2024, Challenge Mountain has purchased a facility for indoor adaptive programs. Formerly the North Country Enrichment Center, the property is located at 615 Beardsley St. in Boyne City.

Challenge Mountain’s experienced programming staff, along with a professional architect and contractor, will be designing the interior to accommodate Challenge Mountain’s programming population of children, youth and adults with cognitive, developmental and physical disabilities. 

“As everyone can imagine, we are very excited to start offering programs at the new facility,” said Executive Director Elizabeth Gertz, “and we will be taking the appropriate time to design and build interior modifications before scheduling programs.”

The new facility will provide opportunities for Challenge Mountain participants, including area students and adults, to enjoy more indoor programs and fun social events throughout the year.

“We are thrilled that this facility will meet many Challenge Mountain needs, and it reflects the thoughtful input we garnered from our latest programming survey,” said Linda Armstrong, Challenge Mountain programming director. The survey results conveyed the importance of inclusive, engaging environments in a place where participants can build connections and feel welcome. “This new space allows us to move forward with those priorities front and center.”

In addition to a successful adaptive skiing partnership with Boyne Mountain, Challenge Mountain will continue programming activities with “valued regional partners” including Crooked Tree Arts Center, Northern Michigan Equine Therapy, Big Water Arts Collective and Camp Daggett. And, outdoor adaptive biking, kayaking, boating and SPIRIT Day Camp will be offered this spring and summer as planned. 

Those interested can follow the progress on the Challenge Mountain blog at challengemtn.org/news and on Facebook at facebook.com/challengemtn. For more information about Challenge Mountain, its year-round adaptive recreational programs, Resale Store shopping and donating, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support the organization, visit www.challengemtn.org or call 231-582-1186.

 Air & Après returns to Boyne Mtn with Olympic and X-Game athletes, including Kaila Kuhn

Boyne Mountain Resort announces the return of Air & Après, the Midwest's biggest ski and snowboarding show, for a two-day event on Friday and Saturday, March 13-14. This year’s event brings big air action to the slopes for a weekend of high-energy competition, film, and fan experiences.

The weekend kicks off Friday with a preview evening featuring the Midwest premiere of Pressure Drop — the latest film from Teton Gravity Research — in the Vienna Ballroom at 7:30 p.m., followed by a practice demo at the base of McLouth at 8 p.m., with the film projected live on the jump slope.

Saturday's action begins at noon with a practice demo, giving spectators an early look at the athletes before the main event lights up the mountain at 7:45 p.m. Olympic, X Games, and professional athletes take to a custom-sculpted jump on McLouth, launching massive aerial tricks as the mountain transforms into a jumbo screen of motion graphics.

The headlining athlete roster delivers world-class talent to northern Michigan: Luca Harrington of New Zealand — current FIS Big Air World Champion and Big Air Bronze Medalist at the 2026 Winter Games — joins his brother Benni Harrington, a Freeski Halfpipe Finalist at the 2026 Winter Games. Rounding out the lineup is American halfpipe legend Scotty Lago, a Halfpipe Bronze Medalist at the 2010 Winter Games. 

The weekend also welcomes a special guest appearance from hometown hero Kaila Kuhn of Boyne City, who claimed gold in freestyle skiing mixed team aerials at the 2026 Winter Games. Fans can meet Kuhn in person at a dedicated meet and greet from 1-3 p.m. Saturday afternoon, with additional autograph and photo opportunities during the post-show VIP athlete signing.

"Sun Cruiser Air & Après is the can't-miss night of the winter," said Kari Roder, director of marketing at Boyne Mountain Resort. "The energy, the crowd, the motion graphics lighting up the mountain — it's a full-on spectacle. On top of that, having a gold medalist from Boyne City show up in her own backyard to meet fans? That's something pretty special. We're so excited for this event and to welcome Kaila home."

Sun Cruiser Air & Après Schedule:

Friday, March 13

• 7:30 p.m. - Film Premiere: Pressure Drop by TGR | Vienna Ballroom
• 8:00 p.m. - Air & Après Practice Demo at the base of McLouth

Saturday, March 14

• Noon - Air & Après Practice Demo
• 1:00–3:00 p.m. - Kaila Kuhn Meet & Greet | Autographs & Photo Opportunities| Mountain Grand Lodge Lobby
• 7:45 p.m. – Sun Cruiser Air & Après Main Event
• 8:30-9:30 p.m. – VIP Athlete Meet & Greet | Autographs & Photos

Sun Cruiser Air & Après is free and open to the public. Spectators can watch the high-flying action from the base of the slopes. Complete event information.

Tom Bailey was one of 25 community leaders and volunteers to read passages from "A Sand County Almanac."

"Voices of the Land" celebrates Aldo Leopold

Conservation groups and community leaders from throughout Charlevoix County and Northern Michigan, plus many special guests, showed up Saturday afternoon to celebrate American author, founder of wildlife management, wilderness advocate, writer, philosopher, hunter and all around pioneer of conservation - Aldo Leopold - and his influential book, “A Sand County Almanac.” Two dozen participants from various parts of the community read their favorite excerpts from “A Sand County Almanac,” or parts relevant to the work they do. The evening closed out with inspirational words from Tom Bailey, long-time local conservation advocate, retired executive director of the Little Traverse Conservancy and author of “A North Country Almanac: Reflections of an Old-School Conservationist in a Modern World.” The "Voices of the Land" event was made possible by a grant provided by the Aldo Leopold Foundation, organized by the Charlevoix County Conservation District and Executive Director Alison Adams. 

Adam Kennedy of the Friends of the Boyne River was one of the readers.

Frances Paris of the Master Gardener Association of Northwest Michigan.

Project Connect set for Wednesday at NCMC

Project Connect, a day of service for those in need in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, at North Central Michigan College’s Student and Community Resource Center. 

“If you or someone you know is struggling with financial problems, housing issues, employment challenges or health concerns please join us for a day of FREE services and get connected to people who can help!” said Dana Lorian, the Boyne City area resident who serves as Project Connect co-chair.

Free services will be provided by over 70 local non-profit agencies and other businesses. Guests can receive a free haircut and a hot snack while learning about the many resources available in the area.

“The idea behind this special event is to help individuals and families gain access to the services they need, all under one roof, on one day,” said Lorian. “Understanding the complicated social services system can be a challenge and at Project Connect we will help direct you to agencies that can offer assistance while you're there. And, if you are a veteran or part of a veteran's family, we have a special spot just for you, our Veterans Corner, where you can meet with representatives from state and county offices.”

No pre-registration is required; however, in order to register for assistance, agencies recommend that you bring certain documents. For more details or to download a brochure, go to www.ProjectConnect231.com. Volunteers are also needed to ensure the success of this event; you can register to volunteer on the event website.

Project Connect is a project of the Charlevoix-Emmet Human Services Coordinating Body.

Boyne City Taproom is ready for its 10th anniversary

Reprinted from the Northern Express, March 7, 2026

By Eric Cox

Over the decades, a number of businesses have occupied the two-story structure at 220 S. Lake St. in Boyne City. Located in the heart of downtown and a stone’s throw from Lake Charlevoix’s sparkling blue water, the Boyne City Taproom is the latest in a long line of occupants at that address, established way back in 1905.

According to Rich Bergmann, who along with Aaron Hagen owns the taproom, the building’s first occupant was Boyne City Hardware, which operated through the 1940s. The outdoor deck on the structure’s south side was once home to Shaw-Naylor Coal & Ice Co.

But while Boyne City Hardware (est. 1975) still operates nearby, the coal and ice company, along with several other bars and restaurants that inhabited the high-ceilinged space from the 1960s on, are long gone. Some of those defunct businesses included Northern Table, The Tannery, Cooper’s, 220 Lake Street, and The Thirsty Goat.

Bergmann and Hagen, who also own the Bridge Street Taproom in Charlevoix, planted their brewery here in 2016, and they’re now preparing to celebrate the Boyne City Taproom’s 10th anniversary.

Serving mostly Michigan based beers and a satisfyingly broad array of shareables, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and salads, this taproom has a little something for everyone…and the long L-shaped bar is softly lit and welcoming on a cold winter night.

> Full story from the Northern Express.

Andy, Jenn, McKinley, and Levi Smith enjoyed their ride.

Nikki Little and Romina Martinez are all smiles after their ride.

Boyne Falls preschoolers ride snow groomers

Boyne Falls Preschool students and their families recently had their annual opportunity to ride in Sno-Cat groomers at Boyne Mountain Resort. The experience gave children a close-up look at the machines that prepare the ski slopes while creating a fun and memorable outing for everyone involved.

“Creating opportunities for our students to connect with the community is a key part of what we do,” said preschool teacher Mitchell Klooster. “We look forward to this trip every year. It’s one of our favorite days.”

Boyne Falls Preschool is now enrolling for the 2026–2027 school year. Located within Boyne Falls Public School, the program offers two classrooms for children who turn four by December 1. Tuition is free for four-year-olds through Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program. The program consistently receives the highest ratings for quality in early childhood education. Limited enrollment for three-year-olds may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

For more information, call Klooster at 231-549-2211 ext. 30058 or email mklooster@boynefalls.org. Follow Boyne Falls Preschool on Instagram @boynefallspreschool.

Sno-Cat operators Bruce Farr, Victor Hart, Alex Crawford, and Chase Jackson.

Barnard church group donates to Birthing Center

Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital Birthing Center has received a generous donation from the Barnard Women’s Fellowship of Barnard Methodist Church - marking the third year the group has supported local mothers and newborns with an annual “community baby shower.”

The donation effort has been led once again by Brianna Matchett, a Charlevoix community member who welcomed all four of her children at Charlevoix Hospital. Inspired by the compassionate care she received, Matchett began organizing the yearly donation drive with her church fellowship to give back to new families receiving care at the hospital. This year’s donations included diapers, wipes, clothing, sleep sacks, blankets, and more.

“Brianna and the entire Barnard Women’s Fellowship continue to show extraordinary kindness and generosity,” said Emily Veldboom, Birthing Center manager. “Their ongoing commitment directly supports mothers and babies in our community and helps ensure that every family we serve feels supported from the moment they arrive.”

News Briefs

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES will be sold by Boyne City Girl Scout Troop 8689 at Family Fare three times in the next few days. It’s Girl Scout Week, so the local scouts are celebrating with cookie booths from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 12 and 13, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14. “It’s time to stock up for the year,” said scout leader Tami Whitley. “They freeze well too.” 

BOYNE SOCCER CLUB registration for boys and girls 6-14 years of age is available for youth in the greater Boyne Valley area, including Boyne City, Boyne Falls and East Jordan. Registration is open through March 13 with a $105 fee for the spring season. There are multi-player discounts for families with more than one player, and the club is committed to keeping soccer accessible for all with their "No Barrier to Participate.” Additional details and registration link at www.boynesoccer.com. First week of practice begins April 6, weather permitting. Email executive@boynesoccer.com with any questions.

BOYNE FALLS PRESCHOOL - Registration is now open for Boyne Falls Preschool for the 2026-2027 school year. Located within Boyne Falls Public School, the program offers two classrooms for children who turn four by December 1. Tuition is free for four-year-olds through Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program. The program consistently receives the highest ratings for quality in early childhood education. Limited enrollment for three-year-olds may be considered on a case-by-case basis. For more information, call Mitchell Klooster at 231-549-2211 ext. 30058 or email mklooster@boynefalls.org. Follow Boyne Falls Preschool on Instagram @boynefallspreschool.

EARLY LEARNERS - Registration is now open for the Boyne City Public Schools Early Learners Program for fall of 2026. Four-year-olds qualify for free tuition Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the school year. There is a tuition-based program for before and after school weekdays and Fridays. Three-year-olds qualify for a tuition-based program from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday with after-school care available until 5:30 p.m. for an additional fee. For more information or questions, call 231-439-8178. Flyer with details and QR codes for summer and fall registration.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS - The Boyne Area Chamber’s next Business After Hours event will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at Pat O’Brien Real Estate in Boyne City. The chamber invites everyone to “Enjoy a relaxed evening of conversation and networking, complemented by appetizers and beverages."

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

• Boyne Mountain - 12:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 25
• Boyne Falls High School - 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, April 16

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

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

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Regional News

From Bridge Michigan

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City of Boyne City Municipal News

City seeks parks/marina supervisor

Love working outdoors? Passionate about leadership, waterfront operations, and serving the community? The City of Boyne City is seeking a full-time Parks / Marina Supervisor to lead operations at our beautiful parks and the Boyne City Marina.

This management-level position will:

• Supervise full-time and seasonal staff
• Oversee marina slip rentals, docks, and boat launches
• Enforce marine ordinances and marina rules
• Manage budgets and operational planning
• Work closely with the Parks & Recreation Commission
• Support community events and waterfront initiatives

We’re looking for a strong leader with marina, parks, or municipal operations experience who values safety, teamwork, and public service. Position includes evening/weekend work during peak marina season. Resumes are due by March 23, 2026, but resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. Submit resume to City Clerk/Treasurer Jessica Puroll at jpuroll@boynecity.gov. Full job details.

Interested in getting more involved in our community?

The City of Boyne City currently has openings on several Boards and Commissions, including the Board of Review, Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Commission, and the Airport Board. The Boyne City Housing Commission has an opening as well. These volunteer roles help shape the future of our community. To learn more about each position and how to apply, visit: www.boynecity.gov/serve

Each city board is unique in its number of members, roles, duties, and extent of decision-making and authority. Click here to review all of the board descriptions.

TO APPLY, complete the application Board/Commission Member Application, and return to City Hall, attention Jessica Puroll, or email to jpuroll@boynecity.gov.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. If you’re interested or have questions, please contact City Hall at 231-582-6597.

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

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

> City Commission's next regular meeting is at 12 p.m. Tuesday, March 24. Agenda page.

> The City Commission will also hold two special budget work sessions:

• Thursday, March 12, at 9 a.m.
• Thursday, March 26, at 9 a.m.

Obituaries

Elizabeth "Betty" Susan Spencer

September 2, 1945 ~ March 9, 2026 (age 80)

Shelby Elizabeth Parks

February 6, 1991 ~ March 6, 2026 (age 35)

Richard Rolison

February 21, 1947 - March 4, 2026 (age 79)

David Morris Hunt, first postmaster at Bay Springs (now North Boyne). Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary Collection.

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

Some history surrounding the Bay Springs Post Office in North Boyne

By Patrick McCleary

The Charlevoix County History Preservation Society

There is great historical value in not only gathering collections, but in researching the items within these collections once acquired. At times, what seems to be an insignificant portion of one collection may turn out to be the key to opening a wealth of information through another collection’s content. One family’s “trash” can quickly become a “treasure” to historians, so to speak. This is the story of how items from five completely unrelated collections came together to tell a remarkable pioneering and local history tale. 

It is a well-documented fact that John and Harriet Miller arrived on the shores of Pine Lake (today’s Lake Charlevoix) in 1856. In 1869, when a post office was established in Boyne (not Boyne City, but simply Boyne), Mr. Miller was appointed its postmaster. The office was kept at his home - the mail route at that time extending from Traverse City to Cheboygan. 

A lesser-known tale, which has mostly escaped the annals of Boyne City history, is the story of David Morris Hunt - the first postmaster at Bay Springs. Bay Springs (what we now refer to as North Boyne) was a settlement located atop the hill at the head of Lake Charlevoix. It was settled as a resort colony in 1882 when a Mr. Chapman built an immense hotel and began advertising throughout the state and country that this location was a destination not to be missed by travelers. His hotel venture soon fell short of expectations and later became the Beulah Home for Boys - a story better left for another telling. 

The former Chapman Hotel, taken shortly after becoming the Beulah Home for Boys. Located in Bay Springs (now North Boyne). Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary Collection. 

As you travel on the main road through this section of town, take note of Court Street. When named, it was the intention of Bay Springs residents to establish the county courthouse in that location, thus bringing the status of county seat to their little neck of the woods. Needless to say, that plan did not come to fruition, either. 

Bay Springs did establish its own post office on October 3, 1884, and it operated until July 15, 1905. David Morris Hunt was assigned as the settlement’s first Postmaster - operating out of his own home, similar to what John Miller was doing for Boyne. Oddly enough, the homes of the two men were not located too far from one another, which must have seemed odd to those wanting to post a letter. 

Mr. Hunt’s life story is an interesting one, filled with pioneering adventures. David M. Hunt was born in 1816. He married his first wife, Hannah Jackson Holbrook, in 1841. She would pass away in 1851, and in 1854 David and his family crossed the Plains and started for Oregon Territory in the company of over 100 wagons and 100 cows. It was a long journey and somewhere along the trail, he would marry a second time. This second wife would later die in childbirth somewhere near Twin Falls, Idaho. Both mother and child were buried alongside the trail. 

Only one of the 100 cows was left at the end of their journey. The eldest daughter in later years told of how, for the lack of food on the Oregon trip, they boiled their shoes and chewed on the leather to sustain their hunger from one day to the next. They did not find the western landscape to their liking, however, so Mr. Hunt taught school in Olympia, Washington to earn sufficient money to pay for the trip home via the Isthmus of Panama. David now had three children, a son aged 14, and two daughters, aged 12 and 10. The little family passed through San Francisco and returned to Northern Michigan via the Isthmus of Panama. 

David would marry a third and final time to Miss Eliza Swaim in 1857, after his return from his journey across the country. They settled in what would become the little “village” of Bay Springs. Apparently, not having gotten traveling out of his system, David and his son, now age 17, made the arduous trip to Pike’s Peak in 1860 in the hope of striking it rich. After gold was found near Denver, Colorado, more than 100,000 prospectors made their goal of “Pikes Peak or Bust!” The Hunts do not appear to have struck it rich. 

There were no children from this third marriage, but it just so happened that Eliza had a sister, Mary (Swaim) Esty, who had given birth to a daughter prior to her early demise. David and Eliza adopted Mary Eliza “Lyda” Esty and raised her as their own. Lyda first married a Mr. Gridley, and after his death married a second time in 1891 to Thomas Dake. Through his connections to his father-in-law, Thomas Dake became involved with the post office and mail service at Bay Springs. When David M. Hunt passed away in 1894, Thomas took the reins and became the acting postmaster in this location until it ceased to exist in 1905. 

First Post Office at Bay Springs - Previously the home of Postmaster David M. Hunt, later located in the home of Tom & Lyda Dake at Bay Springs (now North Boyne). Pictured here are Tom and Lyda Dake with their children John, Minnie, Edith, Hattie and Grace.



Tom and Lyda (Esty-Hunt) Dake pictured in front of their home at Bay Springs (now North Boyne). The horse is the one used by Hugh Miller, son of John and Harriet Miller, to carry mail between Boyne City and Charlevoix. The colt’s name is Dolly. Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary Collection.

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

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

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

2026 Donors

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Donors from 2024 and 2025 are listed on our website.

Chicago singer-songwriter Susan Werner to perform at Freshwater Saturday

Freshwater Art Gallery & Concert Venue is hosting Chicago singer-songwriter Susan Werner in concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 14. 

Freshwater co-owner Robin Lee Berry says, “This will be a great night of storytelling, humor and music. We’ve been trying to get Susan to our stage for the past eight years. We’re excited.”

Over the course of her 25-year career, Werner has earned a reputation as “one of the most innovative songwriters working today,” according to the Chicago Tribune. With formidable chops on guitar (she began playing at age 5) and piano, along with a graduate degree in voice performance, “her shows are a one-woman master class in musicianship,” Berry said. 

Susan Werner’s website. Call 231-582-2588 for tickets. 

MUSIC, ARTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

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

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

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

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

LIVE MUSIC:

• Tuesday, March 17 - Sean Bielby, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

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

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

> LIVE MUSIC:

• Saturday, March 14 - Peril 8-11 p.m.
• Saturday, March 21 - tba
• Saturday, March 28 - Sandy& The Bandits 7-10 p.m.

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

> Upcoming classes and exhibits:

• Kids Morning Makers Class - March 14 
• Demo night with Amy Peterman - March 19 
• Nature Journaling - March 21
• "Return to Light" Exhibit - April 10 - May 25
• Kids Art Camp - June 15 - August 14. Scholarships available.
• Reviving Old Paintings - Demo Night with Julies Tibus - June 15
• Book a Private Art Party

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

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

• March 14 - Amanda Beson
• March 21 -Terry Coveyou

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

• Mondays - Trivia
• Thursdays - Adam and the Cabana Boys, 7 p.m.
• Fridays - Patrick Ryan, 7 p.m.
• Saturdays - Patrick Ryan and Josh Raber, 7 p.m. Saturday, March 14th is our annual St Patrick’s Day Party - a night of Irish Song, Irish Whiskey, and Irish Jigs.
• Saturdays and Sundays - Sports on all screens.

BOYNE DISTRICT LIBRARY - 201 East Main St., Boyne City, 231-582-7861. The library is celebrating National Reading Month with a number of free events. Full newsletter with details.

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

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

• March 13-15 - Kids Festival Weekend. Scavenger hunts, glow nights, bonfires, pizza-making, balloon artists, ski races, and more.

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

LIVE MUSIC:

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

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

> LIVE MUSIC:

• Saturday, March 14 - Michelle Chenard, 2-6 p.m.
• Saturday, March 21 - Chris Calleja, 2-6 p.m.
• Saturday, March 28 - Nelson Olstrom, 2-6 p.m.

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

> LIVE MUSIC:

• Friday, March 13 - Pete Kehoe, 7-10 p.m.
• Saturday, March 14 - Sean Bielby, 7-10 p.m.
• Monday, March 16 - The Shifties, 6-9 p.m.
• Friday, March 20 - Pete Kehoe, 7-10 p.m. 
• Saturday, March 21 - Lavender Lovers Duo, 7-10 p.m.
• Monday, March 23 - The Shifties, 6-9 p.m.
• Friday, March 27 - Nelson Olstrom, 7-10 p.m. 
• Saturday, March 28 - Brett Mitchell, 7-10 p.m.
• Monday, March 30 - The Shifties, 6-9 p.m.

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

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

FRESHWATER GALLERY & CONCERT VENUE - 217 S Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 582-2588. Call for tickets.

• Saturday, March 14 - Susan Werner, Chicago singer-songwriter.
• Saturday, April 18 - Willie Nile, New York singer-songwriter.
• May concert to be announced.

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

• See website for movies showing on the big screen.
• Thursday, March 19, 6:30 p.m. - Peppa Pig: My First Concert. From Mozart to Muddy Puddles for ages 2 and up. Details and tickets.
• Sunday, April 12, 4 p.m. - Magic Rocks! Illusionist Leon Etienne. Tickets.

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

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

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

> KARAOKE - 8 to 11 p.m. every Wednesday

> LIVE MUSIC and events:

• Friday, March 13 - Live Music by Eric Jaqua, 8-11 p.m.
• Friday, March 20 - Live Music by Two Track Mind, 8-11 p.m.
• Monday, March 23 - Lit with Literature: The War of Two Queens & a Light in the Flame By Jennifer L. Armentrout, 7-9 p.m.

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

• Fridays in March - Open Skate (all ages), 5-9 p.m.
• Saturdays in March - Open Skate (all ages), 2-6 p.m.
• Thursday, March 19 - Christian Skate, 5-8 p.m.

STIGGS BREWERY & KITCHEN - 112 S. Park St., Boyne City, (231) 497-6100. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays for the winter.

• Thursday, March 19 - Peter Allen Jenson will host Open Mic & Comedy Night, 6-9 p.m. Continues third Thursday of each month.

“Give back Nights” with 10% of the total bill donated to area non-profits:

• Wednesday, March 25; Boyne Valley Community Greenhouse 
• Wednesday, April 8; Concord Academy Boyne Senior Class 2026

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

Live music 6-9 p.m.:

• Wednesdays - Pete Kehoe
• Thursdays - Laura Crowe

The Boyne Citizen

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

Email: jim@boynecitizen.com

Phone: 231-675-8793

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