January 30, 2025 | Issue #20 | Past issues

Police badge pinning ceremony for two new officers

Boyne City’s two newest police officers were honored in a badge-pinning ceremony at the beginning of Tuesday’s City Commission meeting.

Police Chief Kevin Spate, at right, pins a badge on new officer Gerald Boron. He comes to the city from the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Department. Prior to that, he was a police sergeant at Dodge City and Ford County in Kansas.

Pinning the badge on new officer Kyle Wagenschutz was his mother, Belle. Kyle graduated from the Grand Valley State University Police Academy last summer.

Inside this issue

• City acts on Brownfield Authority, child care zoning
• New boynecity.gov website will debut on Monday
• Kecia Freed’s designs seem to be everywhere
• BC Public Schools fund balance decreases
• McLane Blatchford CPAs merge with Ralph Gillett
• Boyne Citizen progress report and reader survey
• Students host Job Shadow Dinner Feb. 4 at Cafe Sante
• Patrick McCleary history: Boyne's skating Olympians
• Obituaries
• Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
• Music and entertainment listings

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Samantha Mariuz explains new laws making the formation of a Brownfield Authority helpful to communities that want to develop more housing.

City Commission acts on Brownfield Authority, child care zoning, master plan

By Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com

The Boyne City Commission discussed a variety of issues in a four-hour meeting on Tuesday, including the possibility of forming a Brownfield Authority to facilitate more housing, a zoning amendment to expand childcare options, park funding requests, the city master plan, Main Street board appointments, a preview of the new city website that will debut on Monday, and a closed session for a personnel evaluation of the city manager. And all of that came after a badge-pinning ceremony for two new members of the Police Department, as seen in the photos above.

BROWNFIELD AUTHORITY - The Commission directed City Manager Mike Cain to have the city attorney draft an ordinance that would create a Brownfield Authority to be considered at a future meeting. In 2023 the State of Michigan changed the laws governing Brownfield TIFs to create new criteria to better allow them to be used for housing projects. 

The Commission’s action came after hearing a presentation on new opportunities from Samantha Mariuz of the firm of Fleis & Vandenbrink, who commissioners had heard speak at a Housing Summit last fall. Her presentation is included in the agenda packet for Tuesday’s meeting.

Brownfield captures have been used most recently in the city to reimburse developers for specific and approved costs with the additional costs to redevelop projects in the downtown, like the Lake Street Pub building. 

County Commissioner Chris Christensen pointed out to the City Commission that the County of Charlevoix already has a Brownfield Authority and a Land Bank that have been used almost exclusively by the City of Boyne City. Given that, he wondered why the city would want to create its own authority.

City Commissioner Marty Moody agreed with Christensen, who is his business partner at Lynda’s Real Estate Service, saying he thought it would be a “complete redundancy” for the city to create a Brownfield Authority.

Commissioner Sandy Pritchard said “I see a lot of plusses” to creating a city Brownfield Authority. “I like the idea of having control at the local level,” she said, adding that a 10% administrative fee would also go to the city rather than the county.

In the end, Mayor Tim Nemecek asked which commissioners supported the idea of creating a city Brownfield Authority, and the tally was Nemecek, Pritchard and Bob Farrell in favor, with Moody and George Lasater opposed.

CHILD CARE ZONING - The Commission unanimously approved the first reading of a proposed zoning ordinance text amendment that would allow child care centers and day care centers to be allowed as a conditional use in the Rural Estate District. The second reading will be tentatively scheduled for March 1. 

The commission learned of a proposal to use the Community of Christ Church building at 777 Vogel Street as a child-care center for children ages 3 and under. During the “Citizen Comments on Non-agenda Items” part of a previous meeting, local resident Lee Rainey told the commission that his wife Keagan Rainey would like to expand her Little Ducklings Childcare business in the church building, but it does not meet zoning requirements. Commissioners and city staff all agreed that this site seemed ideal for such a use, and that more child care services were badly needed in the community. The matter was then referred to and approved by the Planning Commission for rezoning consideration. 

CITY MASTER PLAN - The Commission reviewed a draft of the proposed new Master Plan that has been approved by the Planning Commission. Next step in the process is for the document to be made available to the public and is provided to all adjacent townships, the county planning commission, the regional planning agency, utility providers, the county and state road agencies. As the purpose of the comment period is to thoroughly review the plan and provide comments back, the comment period must be at least 63 days.

Commissioners discussed the proposed plan via Zoom with master plan consultant John lacoangeli of Beckett and Raeder. They were somewhat critical of the process, feeling that the next public hearing should be held fairly soon, and that action plans should include more attention to economic development and other issues in addition to housing.

COUNTY RECREATIONAL MILLAGE - The Commission approved application requests for Charlevoix County Recreational Millage grants, in priority order, as recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission, as follows:

1. John Street Public Access Stairway

2. Bay Street Public Access Stairway

3. Boyne Forest Trail Changing Station 

4. Waterfront Field of Dreams Commemorative Scoreboard

In past years, the city has received approval for three and sometimes four grants.

MAIN STREET BOARD - The Commission approved a recommendation from Mayor Nemecek to appoint Chris Christensen and Samantha Geirersbach to the Main Street Board for four-year terms ending Jan. 31, 2029. The Commission also decided to keep the Main Street Board at nine members, rejecting a possible expansion based on the number of persons residing in the district. 

SPECIAL MEETINGS - The City Commission scheduled two special meetings for next week:

> 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5 - Joint Boards and Commission work session, as nearly every city board will make short presentations on their activities in a joint meeting with the City Commission. These meetings in the past have included representatives from the City Commission, Airport Advisory Board, Economic Development Corporation, Housing Commission, Main Street Board, Parks & Recreation Board, Planning Commission and others.

> 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6 - A housing Request for Qualifications work session in the Parkview Room with two firms that have made proposals to develop two city-owned properties in the Court Street/Robinson Street area of North Boyne. The city’s goal is to find a development partner to create “a project that meets the housing needs of the community, especially the needs of the people who work in the city.” While the city will consider a wide variety of housing proposals, preferred development options for this site would be maximizing the number of residential units that can be supported by the site, creating long-term housing options, and creating housing that is attainable for households that are at 50% to 120% of the average median income for the Charlevoix County.

Screenshot of the home page of the new city website as previewed during Tuesday's City Commission meeting.

City to unveil new boynecity.gov website Monday

The City of Boyne City will unveil its long-awaited new website on Monday, Feb. 3, and it will be in a new location - www.boynecity.gov, instead of www.cityofboynecity.com. 

The City Commission got a sneak preview of the new site at its meeting on Tuesday with a guided tour from Deputy Clerk Treasurer Jacob Duncan, and they loved what they saw. Duncan spearheaded the redesign, which is intended to be more user-friendly and easier to navigate. 

Duncan notes that “It could take anywhere from 2-12 hours on Monday for the new site to be accessible from the old domain, www.cityofboynecity.com. The new primary domain, www.boynecity.gov should lead to the new site earlier in the day as we expect to update the DNS records on Sunday night. Fingers crossed,” he said.

City emails, which used to be to someone@boynecity.com will also change to someone@boynecity.gov - but if you email someone at their old email, it will automatically forward to the new address. 

Kecia Freed’s designs seem to be everywhere

By Jamie Baumann, jamie@boynecitizen.com

Clients who work with local designer Kecia Freed of Kecia Freed Design describe her as modest, collaborative, a good listener, talented, inspiring, and creative.

Freed doesn't like to talk about herself, but ask her about her passion project, the Boyne Heritage Center (BHC), and her eyes sparkle as she becomes animated with enthusiasm. She tells how she collaborated with the Heritage Center board and museum designer Joe Hines of Project Arts and Ideas to create the plans for a new interpretive center.

"The goal is for visitors to feel transported through time entering the exhibit,” Freed explained. “Eight sections will tell the stories of how the natural resources have attracted people to the Boyne region for centuries, and how those resources were cherished, exploited and now protected once again," Freed said.

 Until funds are raised to build the exhibits as designed, the public can learn more about the plans by visiting an interim exhibit in the space that features Freed's designs of concepts for the eight sections. 

The first permanent section of the exhibit is now complete — the Glass Room featuring the LaFrance fire engine and the Old Town Clock. Freed has collaborated with Hines on design of the graphics and audio elements in the Glass Room. She laughed when she talked about adding audio design skills to her portfolio by recording fire background noises on her Mac computer. She used those sounds in the new exhibit to simulate a multi-sensory experience for visitors who must walk through a simulated burning building to enter the Glass Room exhibit area. 

In the main room of the Heritage Center, Freed has designed panels representing planned future exhibits, as shown above.

Leading a museum tour of her work, Freed comes to life when describing facing and solving creative challenges that come her way.

Freed has been the driving force behind the Boyne Heritage Center since 2014 when the Boyne City Commission decided to include space for the Boyne City Heritage Center within the plans for the new City Hall. Freed, as BHC board president, requested that the city leave the interior of the space unfinished, so it would be a blank canvas upon which to build immersive exhibits. Since then, she has educated herself by reading and researching how to make good exhibits, as well as visiting museums in the area and downstate. 

She met with Mary Cunningham from the Harbor Springs Historical Society to learn more about the process of putting together historical exhibits. She is proud that the first exhibit area is finished and will have an official grand opening and ribbon cutting from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27.

Freed designed Preston Feather's trucks to be rolling billboards.

"Boyne City is fortunate to have many highly-skilled professionals in this small town, and Kecia is one of the very best," Preston Feather Building Centers co-owner and Boyne City resident Kirk Jabara said.

When Jabara’s family purchased Preston Feather in 2015, he needed to refresh branding for the 100-year-old company, building on its strong reputation and culture of service but looking for ways to connect with future generations of customers. 

He hired Freed to take his vision and marketing ideas and translate them into imagery, language, color and design, touching all areas of the business. Jabara and Freed created a fresh version of the familiar brand that employees and customers connect with across Preston Feather’s Northwest Michigan service area.

Freed collaborated with Jabara, synthesizing his ideas into realities. She helped with decisions on showroom design, interior and exterior building colors, logo design, graphics for all communications, billboards and even graphics on trucks, which are treated as rolling billboards. Apparel, awards, events, newsletter, website - Freed has been an integral creative partner for it all.

"Sitting with Kecia, you can sketch some ideas out, and she brings them to life through the right graphics and messaging," Jabara said.

Freed has also worked with Jabara's daughter, Rachel Huntman, who now runs the company as president and majority owner. A lot of Freed’s branding work was featured last year when Preston Feather was named building materials 2024 Dealer of the Year by a leading industry trade journal.

Kecia Freed poses with some of her large-scale designs at Raven Hill.

Cheri Leach of Raven Hill Discovery Center, another of Freed's clients said, "Kecia Freed’s creative vision has played a transformative role in shaping recent exhibits at Raven Hill Discovery Center, bringing science, history, and the arts to life through thoughtful and engaging design. Her ability to work with others to translate complex concepts into visually captivating displays has enhanced the visitor experience, making learning more accessible and immersive for all ages. From the current 'Under Michigan and Beyond' exhibit to other key installations both indoors and outside, Kecia’s designs have provided a seamless blend of aesthetics and education, helping to tell compelling stories that resonate with our community. Her contributions continue to enrich Raven Hill’s mission, inspiring curiosity and discovery in every corner of the Center."

Freed began her career as an art director of various ad agencies in Fargo, North Dakota. She then became the packaging designer for a firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that designed packages for Hasbro, General Mills, Cracker Jack and other clients. In 1994, while still in Minnesota, she started Kecia Freed Design. 

Since moving to Boyne City in 1996, she has done design work with nonprofit organizations like Boyne City Main Street, Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce, the Boyne Heritage Center, Raven Hill, and the Boyne City High School Drama Department, as well as business clients. She volunteered for many years designing costumes for the dramatic productions. Click here to see a portfolio of Freed’s work.

Whether it is volunteering for nonprofits that enhance community life, or working with local businesses to improve their branding and images, Freed has contributed greatly to Northern Michigan’s charm through her creative designs.

Here's a Cracker Jack lunchbox designed by Kecia Freed.

Freed designed the Main Street banners seen on lampposts all over downtown Boyne City.

BC Public Schools fund balance decreases

The fund balance for Boyne City Public Schools was projected to decrease from 37.98% to 32.50%, down 5.48% from the audited 2023-24 fund balance during a mid-year budget review by the school board Finance Committee meeting on Monday, Jan. 27. Board members Mary Towne, Savannah Hrenko, and Sara Ward attended. The fund balance decrease had been planned as external, one-time COVID money ended and the general fund needed to pick up more expenditures.

"By design, the fund balance is sloping down without external funding from the state and federal governments related to COVID expenses. Fund balance percentage, which is calculated by dividing revenue by expense, is a common way to look at the general fund health," Superintendent Patrick Little explained.

"The State’s final budget was far from typical. We had budgeted on typical budget projections so some adjustments were required. The State gave no per-pupil increase this year. Instead, they changed the amount local districts pay in employee retirement costs. Overall, it resulted in less revenue for BCPS," Little said.

The mid-year budget review is standard practice since the budget annually passed by the board in June often changes as the school year progresses.

This budget revision is based on projections when the budget was approved last June. The budget year ends on June 30. The following key adjustments from the General Fund Budget had been passed in June 2024.

The adjustments to revenues included:

• Decreased revenue of $124,904 because actual student numbers were 13 total students below what was projected in June. Funding per student remained $9,608 with no increase from the previous year's funding.
• The Early Learners Program obtained nine additional preschool slots funded by the Great Start Readiness Program.
• $1.05 million was transferred from the Capitol Improvement account to the General Fund for the Boyne City Education Center mrenovations. This concluded the spending from the 2020 bond and incorporated some funding from the Regional Enhancement Millage.

Adjustments to expenses included:

• Increasing custodial/grounds staffing over what was budgeted in June.
• Addressing continuing HVAC/Plumbing issues needing contractor support.
• Increased health insurance costs as more staff made increased elections per contract.
• Covering support staff and administrative contract wage and benefit changes per contract(s).
• Adding one preschool classroom and increasing preschool special education teacher services based on student needs.

The entire board will pass the finalized budget at the regular meeting on Feb. 10.

New owners Adam Blatchford and Jamie McLane, at left, with receptionist Kelly Bellant and Ralph Gillett.

McLane Blatchford CPAs merge with Ralph Gillett

McLane Blatchford CPA Firm, a leading tax and accounting services firm, is proud to announce its expansion into Boyne City, as a merger with Ralph W. Gillett, CPA. As of January 28, they began conducting business under the name McLane Blatchford CPA Firm and will operate the practices collectively. Gillett will continue in a limited role for the next nine months before retiring.

Gillett has operated his CPA firm since 1980 and has worked from the office at 5 W. Main Street, Suite #7, since buying the building in 1980. He has been active in the community as a 40-year member of the Boyne Valley Lions and has served on the boards of directors of the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce, Boyne City Booster Foundation and the Boyne City Economic Development Corporation/LDFA.  

This marks a significant milestone in McLane Blatchford’s growth, offering its comprehensive suite of services - including tax preparation, bookkeeping, and consulting - to businesses and individuals in the area.

McLane Blatchford CPA Firm has built a reputation for providing reliable, high-quality financial solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. With decades of combined experience, the firm’s team of certified public accountants is excited to bring their expertise to the Boyne City market.

“We’re thrilled to expand our reach and to continue Ralph’s tradition of providing local businesses and individuals with the financial guidance they need to succeed,” said Jamie McLane, partner at McLane Blatchford CPA Firm. “Our commitment to personalized, results-driven service will ensure that our new clients in Boyne City receive the same level of excellence that our current clients have come to expect.”

“We know we have big shoes to fill, as Ralph has earned the trust and respect of his clients over many years,” said Adam Blatchford, partner at McLane Blatchford. “Our goal is to continue providing the exceptional service that Ralph’s clients have come to expect. We are committed to building on his legacy of excellence and further strengthening our position as a leading provider of accounting services in the region.”

For more information, visit www.mbchx.cpa or call (231) 582-6421.

Citizen progress report and reader survey

The Boyne Citizen passed the three-month mark at the beginning of the year, and we’re ready to ask for your input on a brief reader survey. First we’d like to give you an update on our progress:

• We have added more than 1,300 subscribers since our first issue on September 3.
• Our email open rate is a healthy 80%.
• Subscriptions are free, with more than 200 readers making optional donations to our 501c3 nonprofit organization.
• The Charlevoix County Community Foundation donated more than $12,000 to help us along.

> Click here to take our brief reader survey.

Students host Job Shadow Dinner Feb. 4 at Cafe Sante

The Boyne City High School Culinary Arts Program invites the community to attend their annual Job Shadow Dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Cafe Sante. The students have selected Denmark as the theme this year, and organizers said, “We have been working really hard to make you some delicious Scandinavian cuisine.” 

The price for this culinary adventure is $27 for a three-course prix fixe meal of traditional Danish food or $19 a la carte for the entree, or $7 for the a la carte starter or dessert. All dinner proceeds and 100% of Northwoods Soda sales go to a student fund for their year-end culinary trip. 

> Here is a flyer with details and the menu.

Fat & Flurrious bike race donates to trail building

Fat & Flurrious fat bike race organizers have announced that $1,100 in proceeds from the January 11 event at Avalanche Mountain are being donated to the Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association (TOMMBA) for trail building at the Boyne Forest Trail System. 

This annual event, now in its seventh year, was founded and run by North Country Cycle. Some 80 racers from throughout Michigan and the Midwest enjoyed good snow conditions for this year’s event, which is a part of the Northern Michigan Fat Bike Race Series.

Sponsors for 2025 Fat & Flurrious were Flow Track, North Country Cycle Suspension, Industrial Magnetics, Pat O’Brien & Associates Real Estate, SRAM, Stiggs Brewery & Kitchen, and the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau.  

Boosters plan Paint the Town Red on April 26

The Boyne City Booster Foundation has announced Saturday, April 26 as the date for this year’s Paint the Town Red, their major fundraising event held at the Boyne Mountain Civic Center.

Through their last 11 events, the foundation has raised more than $250,000. Organizers say that support “drives the success of our school programs.” Proceeds from this event will provide funding for arts, athletics, and academics. Every year the funding requests have been greater than the year before. 

Tickets are $85 and go on sale March 7th, available at Mark Patrick State Farm office, 

219 S. Lake St., phone (231) 582-6829.

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.

The 2025 Challenge Mountain Board of Directors, from left: Dave Gracy (Vice President), Karen Mann (President), Carole Melvin, Devin Wise, Joseph Schodde, Elizabeth Gertz (Executive Director), Mike Eberhart, Ralph Dubey, Bill Aten (Secretary), Dave Coen, Skip Simms (Treasurer).

Challenge Mountain welcomes 4 new board members

Challenge Mountain has announced four additions to its board of directors who will serve for the next three years as they continue with the organization’s mission to bring adaptive recreational opportunities to children, youth and adults living with disabilities.  

Together they bring professional skills in business, leadership, finance and special education, and collectively they are active in skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, hiking, mountain biking, and golfing. 

The four new members are: David Coen of Charlevoix, Devin Wise of Boyne City, Bentley Laser II of Petoskey, and Mike Eberhart of Walloon Lake.

• “I’m not doing this for me,” says David Coen, longtime Challenge Mountain volunteer, who measures progress in the smiles of participants. He is excited to expand his role and to help the board fulfill its goals, both long and short-term.
• Devin Wise knows firsthand the satisfaction that comes from helping her students live their best lives. Her daily professional experiences and her advocacy for adaptive activities strengthens and supports the mission of the Board of Directors.
• Bentley Laser “love[s] that Challenge Mountain is actively finding ways…” to lower the financial barriers for adaptive sports, and his professional ties should help the board achieve that goal.
• Mike Eberhart is “passionate” about fitness, and that energy, coupled with his professional skills, are sure to help the board as it moves forward.

Board members serve three-year terms with a maximum of two terms, on a rotational basis, so that the board is always a mix of newcomers and seasoned members. “We have an unbelievable talent pool on our board of directors,” said Board President Karen Mann. “We look forward to working together to further the Challenge Mountain mission. Their interest in serving their communities and their dedication as volunteers helps us fulfill our goals now and into the future.”

For more information about Challenge Mountain and its board of directors, visit challengemtn.org or call 231-582-1186.

Winter festivals set for Feb. 22 in Boyne, Walloon

Organizers of the 2025 Boyne City Winter Festival are hoping for more cold weather for their event on Saturday, Feb. 22, in Veterans Park in downtown Boyne City. It’s a benefit for the Waterfront Field of Dreams project - “a family-friendly event that also supports a great cause.”

Start the day with a Pancake Breakfast, as well as a stroll at the Boyne City Farmers Market. Breakfast is by donation and you can enjoy pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, and more from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

After breakfast, get ready for the 4th Annual Waterfront Field of Dreams Polar Plunge, when participants will be plunging promptly at noon. This year, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with participants already registering from all over Michigan. Take the “Plunge for a Purpose” and you can encourage your friends, family, or co-workers to sponsor you.  

Once you've taken the plunge, warm up with the best chili in town at the Chili Cook-Off. You can be the judge and help choose the winner of the "Boyne City's Best Chili - 2025" award. The Chili Cook-Off is by donation this year. To learn more about how you can help contribute or volunteer for the Winter Festival, visit www.waterfrontfieldofdreams.com. 

WALLOON WINTERFEST is planned for the same day, Saturday, Feb. 22, in the Village of Walloon Lake. Join that festival at the Talcott Event Center for a day of family-friendly events - a free bean pot, vintage snowmobiles, local beer and wine tasting, live ice carving, raffles, and giveaways. Stay tuned for more details.

Great Lakes Energy hosts Feb. 12 Business After Hours

The Boyne Area Chamber invites the community to join them for an evening of networking at Great Lakes Energy on Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 5:30-7 p.m. Discover the programs and services provided by Great Lakes Energy, as well as Truestream, their exceptional fiber internet division. As a long-time supporter of the community, Great Lakes Energy is thrilled to co-host this event alongside Boyne City Public Schools and Char-Em ISD.

These three chamber members collaborate to offer an innovative electric lineworker education program at Boyne City High School. This program is one of many career and technical education (CTE) initiatives led by Char-Em ISD.

Food and drinks will be provided with catering by the Boyne City High School culinary arts program, which is another CTE program. Great Lakes Energy is located at 1323 Boyne Avenue in Boyne City. 

Project Connect set for March 19 at NCMC

Project Connect, a day of service for those in need in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties, has been scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 19.

“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, 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 in areas such as Education & Employment, Health & Wellness, Housing & Finance, and Kids & Parenting.”

The Veterans Corner will also return this year, offering local veterans and their families the opportunity to meet with representatives from federal, state and county offices.

Lorian added: “Project Connect believes that by helping people on the road to a more self-sufficient life, we will in turn strengthen our community as a whole.”

No pre-registration is required; however, in order to register for assistance, agencies recommend that you bring certain documents. For more details, to volunteer, or to download a brochure, go to www.ProjectConnect231.com. You can contact Dana Lorian via email at ProjectConnect231@gmail.com.

Citizen looks to expand team of writers and board members 

The Boyne Citizen is looking to expand our team of paid freelance writers. Check the information below if you’re interested.

> Freelance writer responsibilities.

> Freelance writers fillable application form.

The Boyne Citizen would like to expand its board of directors. We’d like to add some area residents who are interested in supporting and directing our new local news source. Our website lists our editor and current board members - Hugh Conklin, Michelle Cortright and Jamie Baumann. Check the information below if you’re interested.

> Board member responsibilities.

> Board member fillable application form.

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Boyne Area News Briefs

GENEALOGY EVENT - Patrick McCleary will lead a group discussion from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, in the Boyne District Library Community Room, 201 E. Main St. Participants are asked to bring along their laptops if they have them. No RSVP needed, but you may register here if you would like to borrow one from the library.

BOYNE AREA SENIOR CENTER is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and serves daily lunches from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For seniors age 60+, the donation is $3, for ages 59 and under, $8, and for children 12 and under, $6. Here is the February lunch menu, and here is the February activity calendar, and details on a Valentine’s Pop-up shop from Upsy Daisy Floral on Feb. 11th.

DIVORCE CARE - If anyone would like to participate in the next 13-week DivorceCare group, it begins on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 6:30 p.m. at the Boyne City Seventh-day Adventist Church, 228 E. Cedar St. Participants are welcome to begin participating at any time during the 13-week group's cycle. For those who want to register, click here for details on this hybrid group (simultaneously in person and online).

NLEA EVENT - Shaggy’s Copper Country Skis co-founder and engineer Jeff Thompson will be one of the featured speakers at a Northern Lake Economic Alliance Catalyst Conversations event on Tuesday, Feb. 11. The event will be hosted at the Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle ESD Building at 6065 Learning Lane, Indian River. Morning refreshments will be provided. Register online here; admission is $25. 

City of Boyne City Municipal News

MARINA RESERVATIONS - The Boyne City Marina transient slip reservations open this Friday, Jan. 31, at 12 p.m. through the Michigan State Parks Reservation System. Reservation dates: June 1 – Oct. 15, 2025. Where to book: www.midnrreservations.com.

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

> City Commission's next regular meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11.

> 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5 - Joint Boards and Commission work session.

> 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6 - Housing Request for Qualifications work session in the Parkview Room.

NEW WEBSITE - The city will unveil its long-awaited new website on Monday, Feb. 3, and it will be in a new location - www.boynecity.gov, instead of www.cityofboynecity.com. (See story above.)

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 – 2 seats open
• Economic Development Corporation (EDC) / Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) - 1 seat open.
• Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) – 3 seats open
• Board of Review - one seat open.

HOUSING COMMISSION Volunteer Board Member Position.

The Boyne City Housing Commission is seeking a dedicated individual to fill an opening on its five-member Board of Commissioners. This is a volunteer role with a chance to make a significant impact on housing opportunities in Boyne City and Charlevoix County. The Housing Commission manages Litzenburger Place and Deer Meadows apartments, individual homes in Boyne City, as well as overseeing future developments and administering housing vouchers to support individuals and families with housing costs in the area.

Position Requirements:

Candidates must reside within the Housing Commission’s service area (Charlevoix County), preferably in Boyne City.

The commitment will be for a full 5-year term, ending January 1, 2030.

Board members typically meet once a month (currently the fourth Wednesday at 8 AM), with additional meetings as needed. Alternative dates are available upon request.

For more information about the Boyne City Housing Commission, please contact Bethany Hedgepath, Executive Director, at 231-582-6203 or via email at bethany@boynecityhc.com

To apply, download and fill out the Volunteer Board Member Application

Completed applications should be returned to Boyne City Clerk/Treasurer Jessica Puroll at Boyne City Hall, or by email at jpuroll@boynecity.com

Application Deadline: Monday, February 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM.

Obituaries

Nicholas “Pete” Russell Ratu

March 3, 1953 ~ January 23, 2025 (age 71)

John Eugene Bernadyn

October 21, 1963 ~ January 22, 2025 (age 61)

Jerome "Jerry" Albert Sulak, Jr.

July 26, 1940 ~ January 18, 2025 (age 84)

Pierre and Andrée (Joly) Brunet as they appeared in a French press release photo, taken during their Olympic reign. Photo courtesy of the Patrick McCleary collection.

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

The fabulous Brunets, Boyne City’s Olympians

By Patrick McCleary, Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com

The Charlevoix County History Preservation Society

For fans of the Olympic Games, the road to Milano Cortina 2026 picks up pace in 2025. It will soon be one year exactly until the games begin on February 6, 2026. With it being a non-Olympic year, there are world championships in almost every summer and winter sport on the Olympic program - with Olympic qualifying events in winter sports a part of this 12-month countdown. Kicking this off are the European Championships in Tallinn, Estonia, held between January 27th to February 2nd. This brings to mind a time when the Olympic Games and in particular, world-renowned Olympians resided within our very midst.

Pierre Emile Ernest Brunet (1902-1991)

Andrée Marguerite Blanche (Joly) Brunet (1901-1993)

Perhaps the most world-renowned residents of Boyne City were the French Olympians and gold medalists Pierre and Andrée (Joly) Brunet. The French figure skaters drew fame in their early years but made their name as partners - both before and after their marriage. Together they reigned supreme in pairs figure skating in the 1920s and 1930s, winning two Olympic titles and inventing several new moves that helped take their sport to a new level.

Pierre and Andrée soon became the best and most famous figure-skating pair in the world. Pioneers in their event, they took their sport to a new level, inventing, among other things, mirror skating, the one-hand lift and a variety of new spins. Together they won the world title four times in a row between 1926 and 1932. In the meantime, they produced a brilliant performance to win Olympic gold at St. Moritz in 1928 and retained their title four years later at Lake Placid, competing by this time as “Brunet and Brunet,” having married in 1929. Their popularity prompted press coverage in every form, even small advertising cards inserted into the packaging of French chocolates!  

A Brunet magazine cover as it appeared in the French publication, L'Illustration, dated January 30, 1937. Courtesy of the Patrick McCleary Collection.

Having reached celebrity status, their 1929 wedding in Paris, France was a notable event. Photographs such as this one appeared in tabloids around the world. Courtesy of the Patrick McCleary Collection.

In protest over Hitler’s regime and Nazi Germany, the Brunets refused to defend their title in the 1936 Winter Olympics. The duo retired in 1936 to become coaches - summering in their home at 423 Pearl Street in Boyne City and teaching figure skating in the winter months at Madison Square Gardens in New York City. Their students included Olympic gold medalist skaters Alain Giletti, Carol Heiss, Scott Hamilton and World Champion Donald Jackson.

A perfectionist from an engineering background, Pierre Brunet was known for introducing his technical cleanness and precise style to figure skating. Andrée frequently made headlines among the French tabloids, once when she broke with figure-skating tradition and wore black skates like her partner instead of the traditional women’s white.

Joly, born in Normandy, France in 1901, married Pierre Brunet in Paris in 1929. In addition to their two Olympic gold medals and Olympic fame, the “Fabulous Brunets” were also awarded the Legion of Honor by France- the highest French Order of Merit, established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. This medal and other Olympic memorabilia are now housed within the collection of the Boyne Heritage Center.

In addition to touring the world, the Brunet’s resided in France, England, Canada and the United States. Pierre Brunet died in 1988 and Andrée passed at age 91, both her husband and her only son, predeceasing her. All three are buried in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Boyne City.  

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

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MUSIC, ARTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

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

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, Feb. 1 - Yankee Station, 8-11 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 8 - Derailed, 8-11 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 15 - Johnny & the Sundogs, 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 22 - Yankee Station, 8-11 p.m.

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

> Open Saturdays 8 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.

Saturday, Feb. 1 - Lou Thumser

Saturday, Feb. 8 - Two Track Mind

Saturday, Feb. 15 - Chris Calleja

Saturday, Feb. 22 - Michelle Chenard

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

> LIVE MUSIC

Mondays - The Shifties, 6-9 p.m.

Friday, Jan.31 - Brett Mitchell, 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 1 - Brett Mitchell, 7-10 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 7 - Pete Kehoe 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 8 - Sean Bielby, 7-10 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 14 - Lavender Lions Duo, 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 15 - Michelle Chenard, 7-10 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 21 - Chris Calleja, 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 22 - The Fridays, 7-10 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 28, - Brian McCosky, 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, March 1 - Brett Mitchell, 7-10 p.m.

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

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

The Gasoline Gypsies perform Saturday, Feb, 22 at 7:30pm. Details & tickets.

FRESHWATER Art Gallery and Concert Venue , 217 S Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 582-2588.

> LIVE MUSIC - 8 p.m. Call to reserve tickets.

Saturday, March 15 - Henhouse Prowlers. Founded two decades ago with the simple desire to play original and powerful bluegrass, this Chicago-bred quartet now finds themselves at the intersection of performance, diplomacy, and education.

Onstage, the group's enthralling performances give audiences a sense of how much they love what they do. On record – including their latest offering, 2023’s Lead and Iron, released via Dark Shadow Recording – the band explores their collective life experiences through songwriting and intricate instrumentation. While bluegrass is the undeniable foundation of the Prowlers’ music, the band bends and squeezes the traditional form into a keenly developed sound all their own.

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

> Friday, February 21 - Interlochen Arts Academy's Swan Lake, 7 p.m. Tickets.

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.

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

> LIVE MUSIC 8 to 11 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 31 - Pete Fetters

Friday, Feb. 7 - Buddha Sweet

Friday, Feb. 14 - Two Track Mind

Friday, Feb. 21 - The Shifties

Friday, Feb. 28 - Lou Thumser

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.

Feb. 4 - Sean Bielby

Feb. 11 - Dave Cisco acoustic

Feb. 18 - Buddah Sweet

Feb. 25 - Ryan Luce

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

> First Wednesday of the month - Open Mic Nights hosted by Nelson Olstrom, 6-9 p.m.

WALLOON JUNCTION GRILL AND BAR. 4472 M-75, Walloon Lake, (231) 535-6006.

> Roller skating party 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 and second Saturday of every month. $8 admission, $2 rentals.

The Boyne Citizen

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Phone: 231-459-4166

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