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March 19, 2026 | Issue #76 | Past issues

Boyne City's Olympian parades through town

Kaila Kuhn shows her Olympic gold medal to crowds lining the sidewalks during a parade through downtown Boyne City on Wednesday afternoon. The parade followed a big Gold Medal Celebration in the high school gym. Our story below has the details.

Inside this issue:

• Kaila tells Boyne City students: “Pick something you love"
• City proposes $19.9M budget with similar millage rate
• BCHS graduate celebrates dental practice anniversary
• Groups partner for 36-acre addition to Boyne Forest Trail
• Greetings from Boyne Valley, Ireland
• BCHS Gershwin musical wraps up this weekend
• Students will be building recreational boards in career tech
• Boyne Citizen readers have plenty of suggestions
• Join us for coffee on Local News Day, April 9
• Walloon Conservancy plans spring events
• Lavender Hill Farm announces summer concerts
• Chamber announces 2026 BAH schedule
• "Shred the Stigma" Mental Health Weekend
• NCMC announces CMU partnership, job fair
• Patrick McCleary history: James R. Dean’s rental cabins
• News briefs, Obituaries & Municipal News
• Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
• Music and entertainment listings

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Kaila Kuhn came home and wowed the crowd during the Gold Medal Celebration at Boyne City High School Wednesday afternoon.

> Photos courtesy of Brandon Kish of kishba media. Visit kishba.com for more photos of this event.

Gold Medal Celebration

Kaila Kuhn tells Boyne City students: “Pick something you love and enjoy the journey”

By Kalynn Huffman Brower, kalynn.brower@gmail.com

It was an all-school assembly and the Boyne City High School Gymnasium bleachers were full of students, elementary through high school. The court floor was full of folding chairs, and they were full of people, too. The band noodled around a show tune, and a growing tech crew, with sound boards and multiple cameras including one on tracks, waited to capture images to share with the world via the Rambler Sports Network.

Kaila Kuhn had come home. After two snow days had delayed the celebration, the gym was filled with anticipation.

While we waited for the program to begin, this Boyne Citizen reporter spoke with Mindy Giem, middle school and high school high jump coach, who remembers coaching Kaila. 

“She just showed up for track one day, and was a natural jumper. Flexible and had fun. My daughter jumped also, and they had each other. … She was fearless and always smiling. A lot of fun.”

Then the band started playing the Olympic Theme, and when Kuhn entered, the crowd erupted enthusiastically. She circled the gym giving high-fives all around. 

Kuhn joined Andy Bryant, science teacher and Rambler Sports Network host, on the stage. On a set reminiscent of a late night talk show, with the host at his desk and guests sitting on black leatherette to his side. Kaila sat in the center flanked by her proud dad and mother, Chris and Tammy. 

She was unabashedly choked up at the full throated hometown welcome. As the applause died down, Bryant appreciated how often Kuhn mentioned Boyne City during the Olympic games, waving home from the other side of the planet. “You guys are my peeps. I gotta shout you out!” she said.

Bryant interviewed Kuhn about her training, in particular how during the off season skiers cross train and test new aerial tricks using an Olympic pool. Kuhn explained that one of the first things the athletes learn is how to swim with skis on.

“We’re actually jumping in with life vests on so we can float.,” she said. “And we’re taught to put our skis up behind our back and then doggy paddle. It’s not an attractive way to get out of the pool,” she laughed. On the upside, wearing wet ski boots up the stairs to the diving platforms is a great workout for the glutes and thighs.

The program continued with an eclectic mix of interviews, music, old movie reels of Kaila learning to ski here in Boyne, and some comedy bits made by students and faculty. 

Official recognition also came from Stephen Kircher, CEO of Boyne Resorts, who gave a recorded congratulations to Kaila and the Kuhn family. 

City Manager Sam Demel and Mayor Pro Tem Bridget Foltz read a proclamation and gave Kuhn a key to the city.

After a couple of hours of fielding media and sportscaster questions, Kaila faced some heartfelt questions from students.

Reese Monroe asked, “Was it hard leaving home for training?”

“My immediate thought was I was going to miss out on football games, and my best friends, and prom, and homecoming, and boys,” Kaila said, remembering her feelings at age 13. Everyone in the gymnasium laughed.

“Like you guys get it. But I realized this was not an opportunity that a lot of kids my age got, so I took that chance. And about two months into it, I knew this was the right path for me.”

Milo Van Dam asked, “What advice would you give to kids from small towns who dream of something really big?” 

“That’s a great question,” Kuhn answered graciously. “The first thing I’ll say is that I think there’s a stigma around coming from small towns. But despite coming from a small town, I was able to do big things.”

“My advice is to pick something you love. Because seeing me now with the gold medal is the tip of the iceberg. I mean, I worked hard every day to get here, and I was able to keep doing that because I love it.”

“So whatever you choose to do, do something you love to do every single day, that makes you excited to get out the door and go do something incredible. Whether it’s getting a degree or a job that you want, or a result in a sport - just make sure you’re enjoying the journey, because the outcome is just a tiny percentage of it.”

Wise words from a poised 22-year-old Olympian athlete wearing gold.

> Visit kishba.com for more photos of this event.

> Here is the RSN video of the Gold Medal Celebration at the high school.

> Check out this Boyne Chamber video of Kaila’s meet-and-greet autograph session at City Hall, held after the big celebration at the high school.

> Kaila stopped into the Early Learners Program before the big celebration. The students enjoyed getting to meet her and ask questions. See the pictures here.

Kids reach out for a hand slap from Kaila, carrying the key to the city.



Retired teacher Dave Bricker gives a hug to his former student, Kaila Kuhn.



Kaila holds the key to the city high over her head after Mayor Pro Tem Bridget Foltz, at right, presented it to her.

Boyne City High School's gymnasium was packed with an enthusiastic, star-spangled crowd.

City of Boyne City millage comparison by year

City proposes $19.9M budget with similar millage rate and major infrastructure spending

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com 

Boyne City officials have introduced a proposed $19.9 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year that maintains the city’s current operating millage rate while drawing on reserves to support infrastructure projects and expanded emergency services.

City Clerk/Treasurer Jessica Puroll outlined the proposed budget in a March 6 letter to Mayor Bob Farrell and the city commission detailing the city’s financial outlook, revenue projections and major spending priorities for the fiscal year that begins May 1. Here is a link to the full budget proposal.

The proposed budget includes approximately $19,975,690 in expenditures.

The operating millage rate is proposed at 14.45 mills, projected to generate about $3,843,229 in operating property tax collections. An additional 1.4 mills for the voter-approved City Facilities Debt Millage would generate about $442,163 to repay bonds used to fund city facility projects.

Combined, the city’s total proposed millage for the upcoming fiscal year would remain at about 15.85 mills, continuing a downward trend in recent years. City records show the combined rate has declined from 17.81 mills in 2019 to 15.90 mills in 2026 and is projected to remain at 15.85 mills in 2027.

Puroll noted that while the operating millage is proposed at 14.45 mills, state Headlee Amendment calculations indicate the city could levy up to 14.75 mills. Setting the rate at that higher level could generate approximately $87,550 in additional general fund revenue, though commissioners would have to take action to do so.

Property taxes remain the city’s largest source of revenue, accounting for about 74.6% of General Fund revenues.

Infrastructure and capital projects

The proposed budget reflects several significant infrastructure investments currently underway.

One of the largest projects is ongoing sewer and wastewater system improvements funded in part through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The budget includes $1,108,498 in general fund balance associated with the non-participating local street portion of that project.

The city is also nearing completion of the Boyne City marina reconstruction project, which has included major dock and infrastructure upgrades. During the 2025-26 fiscal year, the city allocated about $1,358,903 in general fund balance toward the project. 

The marina is expected to generate roughly $201,523 in operating revenue during the current fiscal year and received a Michigan Waterways Grant totaling $543,158 to support construction costs.

Final project completion and closeout expenses are expected during the upcoming fiscal year.

EMS staffing proposal

The budget also anticipates using approximately $681,615 from the general fund balance to support operational needs within the city’s Emergency Medical Services Department.

Part of that proposal includes the potential addition of five new EMS positions intended to strengthen staffing levels and maintain reliable emergency response capacity within the community.

Increased interest income

City officials also project a significant increase in investment earnings across city funds.



Interest income is expected to rise about 31%, generating an estimated $343,000 increase in revenue compared with the current fiscal year. Officials attribute the increase to favorable market conditions and careful cash management.

Impact on reserves

While the city enters the budget cycle in what officials describe as a financially stable position, the proposed spending plan would draw significantly on city reserves.

Boyne City began the current fiscal year with approximately $6,278,126 in general fund balance. Under the proposed budget, the fund balance is projected to decline to about $2,754,259 by the end of fiscal year 2026-27 as the city completes several large infrastructure projects and expands operations.

Even with that reduction, the projected balance would remain above the minimum levels required under the city’s fund balance policy, which is designed to ensure adequate reserves during economic downturns or unexpected emergencies.

Next steps

Under the city charter, the Boyne City Commission has authority to review, amend and adopt the annual budget. Commissioners are expected to examine the proposal during upcoming budget work sessions before taking final action later this spring. The next city commission budget review session is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday, March 26. 

Jane Stieber Amato at her pediatric dentistry office.

Boyne City High School graduate celebrating 10-year anniversary of Petoskey dental practice

By Eric Cox, ericmcox329@gmail.com 

A Boyne City native who still lives here is celebrating the 10th anniversary of her Petoskey pediatric dental practice this week. Jane Stieber Amato, a 2002 Boyne City High School graduate, marked the milestone on Tuesday.

Located at 2266 Mitchell Park Drive, Petoskey Pediatric Dentistry offers a variety of children’s dental services, including dental crowns, exams, X-rays and cleanings, emergency dental care, composite fillings, sedation and hospital dentistry, dental sealants, and more.

Inside the practice, the waiting room and examination rooms glow with child-friendly décor that features local artists, and TV screens look down on patients, offering gentle entertainment and distraction.

Amato welcomed the first young patients to her office on March 17, 2016. Ten years on, she said she loves her occupation more than ever, and has embraced her dual roles as dentist and business owner.

Clearly, working with kids on their dental health is what drives Amato. Her underpinning philosophy regarding patients is eloquently described on the dental practice website:

“Our compassionate team knows how important it is to establish trust right from the start, so we prioritize comfort and education in that first appointment. During your child’s exam at their first dental visit, we inspire their confidence by tailoring our approach to their unique temperament, personality, and abilities.”

With patients all over northern Michigan and the eastern U.P., Amato’s professionalism, knowledge, and empathy seem to be a winning combination.

“We see a patient as a person, not a number,” she explained. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. I really appreciate that trust is earned and not given. I totally stand behind that. You have to work to maintain it.”

And work she has.

Amato has an impressive array of academic achievements, starting with winning the all-school Boyne City Middle School spelling bee three out of four years (including beating all the eighth graders as a fifth grader!); graduating as a co-valedictorian from Boyne City High School, and a full-ride academic scholarship to Northern Michigan University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in 2006 and the Outstanding Female Graduating Senior Award for the entire university.

In 2011, she got her Doctor of Dental Surgery at University of Michigan.

After that, a quartet of accomplishments at the University of Washington resulted in two master’s degrees (science of dentistry and public health), and certifications in maternal and child health and pediatric dentistry.

But, her education didn’t stop there. While constantly staying abreast  of pediatric dentistry’s latest techniques and technology, Amato has also taken a deep dive into business administration – a sometimes begrudging task for those whose passions lie elsewhere.

“There’s always lots of learning,” she said. “I’ve never taken any business classes, let alone owned a business. None of my family members or friends were in business, so I had no one to learn from.

“It’s been a steep learning curve. I guess in any trade or profession you go to school and learn it, but you don’t really know what it’s about until you get in there. Owning a business and managing employees has been completely different” than the practice of dentistry. “It’s two jobs, essentially,” she said.

Amato said she recently hired a coach to help her manage the business and leadership aspects of the practice.

Her endurance in learning and progress may stem from an early-blooming athletic prowess.

She joined the Boyne City Middle School track team as a sixth grader. Two years later, as an eighth grader, she broke the school’s 400-meter dash record, a record she said had stood since the 1970s.

But, that wasn’t all she had in store for Rambler records. As a 13-year-old freshman at Boyne City High School, after 300 miles of summer training, she competed in her first state cross country meet. During her freshman-year track season, she crushed the mile record. Amato qualified for the state cross country meet in each of her four BCHS years.

Her talent resulted in a partial athletic scholarship at Northern Michigan University and led to a lifelong love of fitness. A veteran of a few Boston Marathons, Amato is still running, though she is more of a crossfit enthusiast now.

She grew up on what is now the Farm at Frog Hollow, an event venue. She said her parents moved from Detroit to northern Michigan in the 1970s, settling on the 40-acre farm northeast of town, where her family lived from 1980-1998.

After her extensive schooling, Amato worked for a number of area dentists, the most notable being Dr. Kerry Brantly of Petoskey Family Dental Care. Brantly was pivotal for Amato because he let her practice pediatric dentistry out of his office on Fridays.

“He let me use his physical space, and I got to keep the patients I recruited,” Amato said. “That was really nice, and it meant that on the day I opened my own practice in 2016, I had a full schedule of patients.”

With 10 years under her belt, Amato acknowledges it’s been a long but satisfying road. “I was almost 30 by the time I had a career job,” she said. “There’s been a lot of learning along the way, but my interest in the things that brought me to this job haven’t changed. I’ve always liked the idea of being a healthcare provider with autonomy.”

As for the next 10 years, Amato said she’s comfortable with the size of her practice and she isn’t looking to grow the physical space of the office.

“My plan is to continue practicing excellent pediatric dentistry in a sustainable manner,” she said. “There’s a lot of emotions that come with this - just learning how to sort through all that and be empathic. I’m learning how to maximize and optimize skill sets in team members. And I’m always learning new tech that could provide a better patient experience.

“This is my business and my way of making a living,” she continued. “I’m trying to make this better for everyone, never settling for the status quo and always trying to figure out the next best thing. How can this be the best experience for this child, this parent, this team member who’s spending a lot of time in this business that I own? I feel really strongly about it. It’s my name.”

Amato, her husband Tony, and their 5-year-old son Leo, reside in Boyne City.

To learn more, visit www.petoskeypediatricdentistry.com.

Red boundary on this map shows the location of proposed addition to the Boyne Forest Trail.

Conservancy and Bike Association partner for 36-acre addition to Boyne Forest Trail

Little Traverse Conservancy is once again partnering with Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association (TOMMBA) on an exciting new conservation and recreation project.

The two organizations seek to purchase and permanently protect 36 acres of rolling hardwood forest adjacent to TOMMBA’s most popular and beloved trail system, the Boyne Forest Trails just outside Boyne City. This expansion will ensure that this exceptional multi-use trail experience will continue, and grow, for generations to come.

The shared goal is to raise $300,000 to secure the property, carefully plan for a trail extension, and equip TOMMBA with a needed excavator for trail building. “These are all investments that will benefit the entire community of users who enjoy this highly popular trail system,” said Emily Hughes, the Conservancy’s chief development officer.

“We’ve just completed our latest strategic plan and asked our communities how they want TOMMBA to show up in the years ahead,” said Lynn Wolf, president of TOMMBA. “The answer was clear and resounding: go back to our roots and build more trails. Having an excavator that actually works is key to that!”

Following the Conservancy’s Ecological Conditions and Response (ECAR) protocol, Conservancy staff will carefully inventory the property’s natural features and ecological qualities before determining how best to integrate new trails.

If you would like to support this effort, visit www.landtrust.org/boyneforest.

The new trail will feature jumps like these at the existing Boyne Forest Trail. Photo courtesy of the Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association (TOMMBA).

Greetings from Boyne Valley, Ireland

The Twin Boyne Valleys Facebook page published this St. Patrick’s Day greeting from Senator Linda Nelson Murray in the Boyne Valley of Ireland to everyone in Boyne City and the Boyne Valley of Michigan. 

You may donate online or mail a check to

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

Thank you!

 A Gershwin standard, "Fascinating Rhythm," with tap dancing and singing, will be performed by the entire cast.

BCHS Gershwin musical wraps up with Friday and Saturday performances

The Boyne City High School Drama Department will present the final two performances of their spring musical, “Nice Work If You Can Get It” this Friday and Saturday. Showtimes are 7 p.m.

Reserved seating tickets are $10 or $15, available online at boynehs.tix.com. Online ticket sales close at 5 p.m. each performance night, and remaining tickets, if available, will be sold at the door beginning at 6 p.m.

The high school production is a new take on the 1920s musical farce featuring the iconic music of George and Ira Gershwin, and here's a 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 (Chelsey 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). 

Jimmy's mother, Millicent, arrives to set things straight.



Here's the full cast and crew that produced this year's high school musical.

On board!

Char-Em ISD receives $50,000 to have students building recreational boards in career tech

Many teenagers surely would get on board with being able to design and build ready-to-ride skateboards, longboards, snowboards and paddle boards during the school day. With the help of a new $50,000 grant, students in Char-Em ISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs will be able to start doing just that.

“‘Gone Boarding’ is a national program with curricular resources to provide students with a real-world project and get them active in outdoor sports,” said Linnea Gibson, K-12 Science Consultant for Char-Em ISD and the Northern Michigan Learning Consortium. 

The grant funding was announced as part of a larger Michigan investment in STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math - that is bringing $800,000 to education agencies. Char-Em ISD will coordinate a regional professional learning committee for the new Gone Boarding initiative, including educators from districts in Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle ESD and Northwest Education Services in Traverse City. This committee will help provide learning opportunities for educators and students to dive into Gone Board activities and projects.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) MiSTEM Network announced the funding as the first step in its expanded $1.75 million competitive Playbook Mini Grant program.

In Northwest Michigan, Gibson said the receipt of this grant launches the Gone Boarding program within existing Career and Technical Education courses - such as woodworking, CAD, graphic design, and marketing - allowing students to design and fabricate boards while collaborating with local partners. 

“We have several local partners who are interested and willing to support this program including Little Bay Boards, Woody's Adventure Sports, Shaggy's Copper Country Skis, local skateparks, and more,” Gibson said.

> Full press release.

Boyne Citizen readers say we’re doing well but they have plenty of suggestions

By Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com 

The Boyne Citizen has been doing a good job in its first 17 months of operation, according to a reader survey - and there were lots of suggestions for story ideas and things we could do better. We published links to the online survey in our Feb. 5 and 12 editions, garnering responses from 262 people. 

The first question asked readers to rate the overall quality of the Boyne Citizen, and 77% gave us an “Excellent” rating, 23% rated our quality as “Good,” one person (less than 1%) rated us “Average,” and no one said “Poor.”

The most common suggestion was for us to expand our coverage of local townships and other communities within Charlevoix County.

• I like that you've started expanding coverage to include the county commission meetings as well as surrounding townships. Maybe keep going in those directions.
• Include a section of regional news - East Jordan, Charlevoix, etc. You have a lot of readers from outside Boyne City! I agree with keeping your focus on Boyne, but having short coverage of items from Charlevoix, East Jordan, etc. would be appreciated by me and likely others, as well as increase your readership.
• Include the Boyne Falls area too. It's where many of my relatives have lived or are now living.
• Extended coverage for areas that don't have their own news outlet - like Walloon. Or maybe township reports.
• I would like to hear more about the planning from each township. Great to see Evangeline township showing their meeting notes, but it would be great to hear more of the township planning, BC planning, etc. Future growth and any changes so we don't have the townships doing their own thing like they did with the cemetery. All townships should provide the same guidance, and if they don't it would be great to have the Citizen get more involved to find out what is going on.
• More coverage of the township administrations, their challenges and their triumphs, and their elections. That is Boyne Valley Township, Evangeline Township, and Wilson Township.

Other comments on our coverage, story ideas, and suggestions to make the Citizen better:

• Keep a strong focus on local journalism, continue to have reporters present at significant local events, and encourage people to submit stories through engaging social media campaigns... As a millennial, I would also like to suggest including content that is geared towards children.
• I would like to see the weekly police calls, it used to be done in the old Citizen, and it keeps the people of Boyne aware of what is going on. (We received several other similar responses.)
• Text it to me. It gets lost in my daily 500+ emails.
• Easy to read. Objective. Professionally written. Local news not accessible easily from other sources. Historical articles are excellent.
• Keep up the good work. Perhaps more Planning Commission and Parks Board news.
• Spotlight on library services monthly or focus on positive young people.
• Free (to locals) listings for job and housing opportunities a list or link to community resources
• Feature any businesses that offer discounts and reduced pricing/sales or happy hours. Call it something clever like The Business Scoop.
• Improve the layout of the newsletter. 
• Do stories on local organizations like Coast Guard Auxiliary, Sea Scouts, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and how you can support or get involved. Benefits to kids to participate in organizations instead of just sports.
• Social news like celebrating births and marriages.
• I would like to see more investigative reporting/digging deeper into what is really happening and why. Another idea, partner with the school to have a student do a guest article on something they care about, different students each time.
• Helping visitors coming to Boyne and the surrounding areas, non-local property owners, and local residents become more aligned. We need more good faith and vibes that make our community more welcoming for all. It would be great to see more focus on good ideas moving forward and less complaints on what isn't working.
• Keep up the coverage of local community and county level commissions. No other paper does that. Broaden coverage of county committees/agencies, other communities and townships on important issues.
• Maybe highlighting more that happens at the schools. School sports? Their student of the month or athlete of the week?
• I have reached out multiple times for deeper coverage on the sewer, water line construction in Boyne City that has been mismanaged beyond belief, but I never received follow-up. It may be a time consideration on your end, but project failures like this deserve a deeper understanding of the reasons surrounding the issues.
• Thursday morning, the first thing I read is the article on the history of Boyne City.
• I would like to see more of the small businesses or entrepreneurs highlighted with articles/photos.
• I would like to see follow-up in stories. For example in the fall you reported that the Charlevoix county road commission had said there would be a red/yellow/green signal light being installed in the summer of 2026 in Boyne Falls. I would guess that a high percentage of readers drive through that intersection each week. What is the current status and timeline?
• Thank you for covering BCPS events and honored students. Maybe a little more on co-curricular highlights (sports, robotics, band, etc). 
• More coverage on actual cost to the taxpayers of putting on special elections like the Char-Em renewals and other school elections, when they could be combined with the state and national elections. No opinions, just investigative facts. 
• I love the positive stories you all do. I remember really appreciating the story about the new school principal from a while ago. I’d love to see more “get to know your neighbor” stories where we can meet people doing interesting things in the community and remind us of the great work happening and nice people who live here.
• Keep covering the county commission and road commission. The schools and the city communicate fine so what you are doing works. But the county needs more transparency and this is the only way readers/voters can get it.
• I am amazed at how much you cover based on your staff numbers. It would be neat to have an under-18 corner of the paper - something to encourage younger readers.
• More coverage of Boyne Mountain. I think most underestimate how important Boyne Mountain is to Boyne City.
• It is long - create a system of highlights and intros in the email, then clickthroughs to a website - sometimes I don't want to click "see entire message" so I miss things.
• The layout could be a little more user-friendly. It would be nice if you could click on the story you want to read from the list of stories and be brought there instead of having to scroll all the way to it.
• Sometimes articles need more depth or background and could be more probing. Just because someone gives an answer doesn't mean it should be accepted, or not challenged, or asked for more explanation or justification. Don't always just take their word for it. Midwestern nice. Ugh!
• Nice mix of community news, but a bit heavy on city hall happenings. Would like to see more business coverage. Or some profile sketches of the town’s growing pod of luminaries. Lack of sports coverage is refreshing.
• A few mistakes here and there, but corrected when pointed out. 
• The articles are full of great content but very difficult to skim for key information. I think a punchier style might help busy readers get the essential information.

Many people thanked us

More than half of the comments said we are doing a good job and we should “Keep on keeping on." Here are a few of the positive comments from our reader survey: 

• Previously, Boyne City was a "local news" desert. I appreciate the "much-needed" current and accurate local news reporting that the Citizen provides. 
• Keep it up. Fantastic, great information. You are the only giver of local news and information.
• It is such a pleasure to read the Boyne Citizen! Comprehensive reporting done with excellent writing, and that is a real treat in an age when news writing is often done poorly. The reporting is fair-minded and positive in tone, and that, too, is a real treat. Thank you!
• Very nice to be able to read it online.
• I like the details and comprehensive coverage of things going on in Boyne City. Especially as someone who doesn’t follow the Facebook or social media pages, it’s nice to have weekly updates on things going on in our local area.
• Very informative and inclusive of all that is happening in Boyne City. I love that it is factual with no opinions - so well done!

> We thank everyone who responded, and we are always interested in reader comments, which is why we put our email addresses in the bylines of our stories. Send your comments to our editor any time - email jim@boynecitizen.com.

> Which Boyne Citizen stories and features do people read most? More survey results.

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.

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.

Walloon Conservancy plans spring events focused on conservation, community, and education

The Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy (WLAC), a local nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving Walloon Lake and its watershed, is welcoming spring with a slate of events aimed at strengthening community stewardship, expanding environmental education, and inspiring hands-on conservation efforts.

As the watershed enters a new season of growth, WLAC staff will host programs to help ready the landscape for spring, including trash clean ups and pollinator plantings, along with educational hikes that highlight local wildflowers as they emerge, and migratory birds as they return to the Walloon Lake area.



"We’re pleased to offer a diverse array of spring programs that connect folks to the land, restore ecosystems, and educate people about the importance of conserving the Walloon Lake watershed,” said Jon Breithaupt, WLAC Executive Director. “These community engagement offerings will take place at our nature preserves and indoors, and all of them will root participants in our mission, which centers on protecting and restoring the natural resources of Walloon Lake and that land that drains into it.”

All events are free and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged, as space may be limited for some events. For outdoor programs, participants should dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear for varying trail conditions. A full schedule, program descriptions, and registration details are available at walloon.org/get-involved/events. Here are the March and April events:

March 28: Maple Syrup Workshop -  Postle Farm Preserve | 1-3 p.m. Explore the art of maple syrup making with a guided hike through the woods to see how maple trees are tapped, followed by a close-up look at the process that transforms sap into syrup.

April 15: Stiggs Brewery & Kitchen Give Back Night - Enjoy an evening at Stiggs from 4-8 p.m. while supporting local conservation. A portion of proceeds will benefit WLAC’s ongoing work to protect the Walloon Lake watershed. Be sure to mention WLAC to your server.

April 18: Earth Week Trash Cleanup Workday - Wildwood Harbor Nature Area, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Celebrate Earth Week by helping remove litter and restore habitat at one of WLAC’s flagship preserves.

“1964 The Tribute” will perform July 7 and 8.

Lavender Hill Farm announces summer concerts

Performers have been announced for The Series at Lavender Hill Farm, a live music concert series held in a renovated multi-use events barn. Summer passes went on sale March 16, ending on March 22. Individual concert tickets for all other Series shows will be available for purchase starting at noon Thursday, March 26. Visit their website for tickets and more information about the musicians.

Organizers say, “Each season is thoughtfully curated to showcase a wide variety of musical styles, offering something familiar, something new, and something that brings people together. Guests arrive early, spread out blankets across the lawn, share picnics with friends, and soak in the energy of the farm as the sun begins to set over the lavender fields.”

Here is this year’s Series lineup:

• June 20 - Willow Avalon
• June 27 - Lemon Squeezy
• July 7 - 1964 The Tribute
• July 8 - 1964 The Tribute
• July 18 - Bobby Alu
• July 24 - Unspoken Tradition
• Aug. 7 - Lavender Goes Pink with Thornetta Davis
• Aug. 15 - West Texas Exiles
• Aug. 22 - Damn Tall Buildings
• Sept. 19 - Sionainn Laoi for the Boyne Heritage Center

> Pre-show Local Ground concerts line-up.

> Lavender Hill is offering an Easter Brunch at 11 a.m. Easter Sunday, April 5.

Chamber announces 2026 BAH schedule

The Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce has announced its Business After Hours schedule for the rest of the year. 

Here is a PDF of the schedule for the full year, and here is the list for the next few months:

• April 23 - Barrel Back and Hotel Walloon, held at Barrel Back and their outside enclosed patio, 4069 M-75, Walloon Lake.
• May 7 - Pause Breathe Proceed/Boyne Country Provisions, 500 N. Lake Street, Boyne City
• May 14 - Regional BAH at The Irene, 104 State Street, Charlevoix from 5-7 p.m.
• June 18 - Boyne City Мote, BC Pizza, BC Hardware at 110 N. East Street, Boyne City
• July - No Business After Hours this month

Video highlights of last year's "Shred the Stigma" event.

Local nonprofit hosts "Shred the Stigma" Mental Health Weekend at Boyne Mountain

Surf the Earth MHC, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, will host "Shred the Stigma" Mental Health Weekend at Boyne Mountain Resort from April 11-12. The event combines winter sports, wellness activities, and mental health awareness programming to foster community connection and break down barriers surrounding mental health conversations.

This year’s theme is “Many Tracks to Wellness,” highlighting the paths, both on and off the hill, that can be taken to better equip ourselves to curb stigma around mental health. 

"Shred the Stigma brings together both winter sports enthusiasts and non-skiers for a weekend of learning, connection, and advocacy," said Tammy Patrick, Surf the Earth MHC founder. "By combining outdoor recreation with mental wellness workshops, we create an engaging environment for important conversations about mental health."

All workshops, activities, and food offerings are free with registration. Fees apply to lift tickets, ski passes, Sky Bridge entrance, and Happy’s Taco Truck. Certain discounts are available. The event supports Surf the Earth MHC's mission of promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma in the community.

Registration and complete event details, including discounted tickets and accommodations.

NCMC announces CMU partnership, job fair, kids Learning Academy

North Central Michigan College (NCMC) students will soon have a clearer path to earning a bachelor’s degree through Central Bound, a new partnership with Central Michigan University (CMU) designed to simplify transfer and help students move efficiently from an associate degree to a four-year program.

The Central Bound program allows students to be admitted to both North Central and CMU at the same time. Students begin their studies at North Central while receiving coordinated advising and academic planning from both institutions, ensuring that coursework applies directly toward a CMU bachelor’s degree. Full story.

JOB FAIR ON APRIL 8 - North Central Michigan College invites employers and job seekers to join them for their upcoming Job Fair from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 in the Athletic Center gymnasium. Employer booths are available for $50 - register here. Admission is free for job seekers. This event brings in individuals looking for full- and part-time employment, including available jobs for the summer. For questions or additional information, contact Wendy Kresnak, NCMC career services director at 231-439-6265.

KIDS LEARNING ACADEMY - North Central Michigan College’s Summer Learning Academy returns this year with an exciting lineup of hands-on, interactive programs designed to inspire young minds. Running from June 22-August 20, the nine-week academy offers engaging learning experiences for students entering grades 3-5 through 6-8. With morning (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.) and afternoon (1-4 p.m.) sessions available, children can explore topics like robotics, art, nature, music, and babysitting certification. New classes this year include French, Spanish, American Sign Language (ASL), and animation. Details and registration. 



News Briefs

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE - Boyne Valley Catholic Community has announced its Holy Week schedule leading up to Easter Sunday for St. Matthew Church in Boyne City and St. Augustine Church in Boyne Falls. There will be services on Palm Sunday, March 28-29; Holy Thursday, April 2; Good Friday, April 3; Holy Saturday, April 4; Easter Vigil on April 4. Easter Sunday Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. at St. Augustine and 11 a.m. at St. Mathew on April 5. Here is a PDF of the full schedule.

> Other churches are invited to send their Easter week services to jim@boynecitizen.com.

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.

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, Interlochen Public Radio, & WCMU Media

A massive, ice-laden tree was toppled by the weight of the ice and the power of high winds near downtown Alpena on Sunday, taking out a power line. More than 100,000 remained without power Monday. (Courtesy of Steve Schulwitz/The Alpena News)

Northern Michigan digs out of another devastating winter storm - Details

Charlevoix farm still under quarantine after testing positive for Bovine TB - Details

Making March Madness: How a Michigan firm builds Final Four courts - Details

Recycling - where does it go? When you toss a plastic container into your recycling bin, what happens to it? It might get remade into other stuff. Or it might be lit on fire to fuel a factory. We also hear from one local place that hopes the way it recycles glass can spread to the whole region.

City of Boyne City Municipal News

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. The City Commission will also hold a special budget work session at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 26. Agenda page.

Obituaries

Robert Elliott Grunow

March 15, 1936 ~ March 9, 2026 (age 89)

Rosemary F. Geist

November 12, 1928 ~ March 2, 2026 (age 97)

Judy Marie Follette-Barnes

May 17, 1946 ~ March 16, 2026 (age 79)

James R. Dean’s Rental Cabins and Gas Station. Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary Collection.

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

James R. Dean’s rental cabins and gas station

By Patrick McCleary

The Charlevoix County History Preservation Society

James R. Dean had a long history as a Boyne City businessman and citizen. Born in St. Johns, Michigan in 1882, he came to Boyne City near the turn of the last century. He was married to Miss Almeda Sneathen in 1906, and for a time ran a meat market on Water Street. Dean was a veteran of World War I and later served as Boyne City postmaster from 1921-1933. 

Prior to his appointment as postmaster and after his term in that office, he was engaged in a number of small business ventures, including a group of log cabins located just across from City Park and along the Boyne River. With the onset of the out-of-town tourist trade, the cabins proved to be lucrative revenue - many of them were booked for the entire summer and by the same travelers from year to year. 

Beginning in 1934, Dean was also engaged in the automobile business and founded Dean’s Service, located just next to his log cabins. The service station business was taken over by the B. & D. Oil Company in 1943. Later, Charles F. Dunnette operated the rental operation as Parkview Cabins.

> 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

This week's new donors are listed in bold.

Donors from 2024 and 2025 are listed on our website.

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.

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 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:

• 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 21 -Terry Coveyou
• April 4 - Rhett DuCouer
• April 18 - 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.
• 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. 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.

• Carnival Weekend 2026 from March 20-22 is a full-throttle celebration of everything that makes Boyne different: a ski season that refuses to quit, a glacier that keeps on giving, and a crowd that knows how to send it right. This year, we're taking over Stein Eriksen's Patio and the Clock Tower to honor the roots of this storied event and toast to what's still ahead. Victor Glacier runs through mid-May — and Carnival Weekend is the party that proves it. This is #BigMountainEnergy, and it runs all weekend long.

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 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 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, 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 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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